Keraia
2 John 1

2 John 1:11

Beware of Deceivers · 2 John 1:7–11
Read 2 John 1

Translations

Modern
Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.
Traditional
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Literal
For the one speaking to him to greet him partakes in his evil works.
Latin
Qui enim dicit illi Ave, communicat operibus ejus malignis.

Original

Greek
English
Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

Notes

2 John 1:10–11

Christians should not invite any person who does not teach the truth about Christ into their homes. In the early church, Christians met for worship in homes (see Acts 2:46; 5:42; 8:3; 12:5, 12; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2). Because of this, John may be referring to inviting false teachers into a meeting of the church.

This instruction may also refer to giving any type of hospitality to false teachers. Showing hospitality would support their work and help their message spread. John teaches that the only way to respond to them is to refuse to welcome them into the fellowship.

2 John 1:4–11

John now applies the truth and love that he mentioned in the introduction (1:1–3) to the situation of those he is writing to. Living in truth and love means maintaining unity or fellowship with true Christians (1:4–6). It also involves recognizing false teachers and choosing not to listen to or support them (1:7–11).

Theme notes and profiles

Early Christian Heresies

Glossary

Fellowship Second Letter of John

Topics

Acceptance Alliance and Society with the Enemies of God: Involve Saints in Their Guiltiness Being Unfair Calling Names Church: Rules of Discipline In, Mosaic and Christian Company: Evil Complicity: General Scriptures Concerning Fellowship with the Wicked Forbidden Heresy: The Propagation of, Forbidden Under Severe Penalties Laying Down Life Non Believers Particeps Criminis: General Scriptures Concerning Shunning Tolerance Ungodly Parents