2 John 1:10, 11 If there come any to you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:… If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, etc. Our subject divides itself into two branches. I. THE EXHORTATION OF THE APOSTLE. "If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting." Notice: 1. What the exhortation implies. (1) That the elect lady was accustomed to entertain Christian ministers (cf. 3 John 1:5, 6). We have a beautiful illustration of similar hospitality in 2 Kings 4:8-13. From that time to this very many godly persons have obtained for themselves a good report by entertaining faithful ministers of religion. In so doing they have often been richly blessed; and a gracious reward is promised unto them (Matthew 10:40-42). (2) That there were ministers of false teaching abroad who were likely to call upon this lady. "If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching;" i.e., "the teaching of Christ" (verse 9). Alford Points out that the use of ' the indicative after el shows that the case supposed actually existed; that such persons were sure to come to" her. The teachers of error were at work, etc. 2. What the exhortation enjoins. "If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting." We have already considered (in dealing with verse 8) what is a Christian's first duty in relation to false doctrines and their propagators. What is his subsequent duty? To refute such doctrines? To denounce such teachers? To oppose them? Or, to persecute them? The New Testament nowhere sanctions persecution in any form. And opposition should be left to the few who have the ability to conduct it successfully. The wise course for the great majority of those who hold the truth is, first, to look to themselves (verse 8), and next, to withhold all help and encouragement from the false teachers. St. John enjoins: (1) That we do not aid the teachers of false doctrine by our hospitality. "Receive him not into your house." The apostle is not giving directions concerning the case of an ordinary traveler seeking hospitality; but of an active agent in the propagation of error, and error as to a fact of vital importance. "Let not your house be made a base of operations against Christ." (2) That we do not aid the teachers of false doctrine by wishing them success. "Give him no greeting." Do not bid him "God-speed." Do not countenance him and his errors in any way or in any degree. "God will be no Patron of falsehood, seduction, and sin." And in this respect his people should imitate him. In our age, in some quarters, there is a great demand for liberality in the treatment of men who differ from us on religious questions. And so far as matters of opinion and of the interpretation of the Scriptures are concerned, the demand is a just one. But it is altogether different when it is a question of the acceptation or rejection of facts, or a fact, as in the case before us. The question was - Had Jesus Christ come in the flesh, or not? (verse 7). In such a case the course marked out by St. John in this letter (verses 8, 10, 11) is the only one for a Christian. How severely he characterizes the heretics (verse 7)! How sternly St. Paul writes of teachers of error (Galatians 1:7-9)! They knew that a true faith is the necessary root of Christian fruitfulness and beauty. True faith is essential to spiritual life, holy love, and hearty obedience. II. THE REASON BY WHICH THE EXHORTATION IS ENFORCED. "For he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works." To countenance a teacher of error, to wish him "God-speed," is to approve his evil works and to share his guilt. Says Matthew Henry, "We may be sharers in the iniquities of others. How judicious and how cautious should the Christian be! There are many ways of sharing the guilt of other people's transgressions; it may be done by culpable silence, indolence, unconcernedness, private contribution, public countenance and assistance, inward approbation, open apology and defense." Let us take heed that we be not "partakers of other men's sins." In matters of opinion let us cultivate the widest liberality; in matters of fact, uncompromising firmness. "In things essential, unity; in things doubtful, liberty; in all things, charity." - W.J. Parallel Verses KJV: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: |
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