10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 1:10-11 KJV)
Do not Welcome Heretics
First, here, upon due warning concerning seducers, the apostle gives direction for how to treat them. They are not to be entertained as ministers of Christ. The Lord will distinguish them, and his disciples should do the same. The direction is negative.
- “Support them not: If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine (concerning Christ as the Son of God, the Messiah, and anointed of God for our redemption and salvation), do not receive him into your house” (2 John 10).
Possibly this lady, like Gaius in the next epistle, was a generous housekeeper and hospitable to traveling ministers and Christians. These deceivers might have expected the same reception (as the blind are often bold), but the apostle disallows it: “Do not welcome them into your family.”
Such individuals may be relieved in cases of urgent need, but they must not be encouraged in their harmful work. Deniers of the faith are destroyers of souls, and even women are assumed to have a sound understanding of religious matters.
- “Bless not their enterprises: Neither bid him God speed.” Do not support their work with your prayers and good wishes.
Bad work should not be consecrated or recommended to God’s blessing. God does not endorse falsehood, seduction, or sin. We should bid God speed to gospel ministry, but the spread of destructive error—if we cannot stop it—we must not endorse.
Second, here is the reason for this direction: “For he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 11). Favor and affection can share in guilt. Christians should be careful and discerning. There are many ways to share in other people’s sins—by silence, laziness, indifference, private contribution, public support, inward approval, or open defense. May the Lord forgive us for the guilt of others’ sins!