Many believers are uncertain about today’s application of 2 John 1:10-11, specifically concerning cult members who knock on their front door to discuss theology. John wrote, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”
On the surface, John’s words seem to imply that believers are prohibited from greeting or inviting cult members into their homes to share the gospel with them and could even be interpreted as not allowing unsaved family and friends to visit or stay at their residences. However, the meaning and application of John’s directive are clarified by his qualifying statement a few verses prior and the cultural practice of that day.
John wrote in 2 John 1:7-9, “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son.”
John’s preceding words specified the individuals whom believers are not to receive into their homes nor greet: those who oppose and teach contrary to the fact that Jesus Christ was (and is) God manifested in human flesh. In other words, it refers to those who promote a different gospel, a different Jesus, or teach a false doctrine of salvation. It does not refer to the general population of unsaved individuals, including family and friends of believers, but precisely those whose agenda, intent, and mission are to promote a doctrine that contradicts the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Therefore, John prohibited believers from “receiving and greeting” such persons.
However, the cultural practice of “receiving and greeting” someone in Bible times did not refer to casual chats in one’s house. It involved showing individuals hospitality and providing them with aid and support. For example, when prophets or teachers came to town, people would allow them to stay in their homes and would provide them with food, lodging, and other necessities. One of these instances was recorded in 1 Kings 17:8-24 when a widow provided for Elijah by feeding him and allowing him to stay in her upper room when he came to town. Another instance is recorded in Luke 19:5, where Jesus passed through Jericho and Zacchaeus allowed Him to stay at his house. Yet another example is documented in Luke 10:38, where Jesus came to Bethany, the town of Martha and Mary, and Martha welcomed Him to stay at her home.
In light of biblical culture and John’s warning not to “receive” someone into our homes or “greet them,” 2 John 1:10-11 prohibits us from providing hospitality, support, and aid to false teachers who promote a different gospel (such as Mormons and Jehovah’s Witnesses). However, it does not prohibit us from inviting such individuals into our living rooms to share the true gospel of Jesus Christ or discuss their false doctrine in hopes of leading them to repentance and salvation. With that said, it would be wise for new believers or those without a solid grasp on Christian doctrine to refrain from such encounters, so they are not led astray or deceived by cult members’ convincing-sounding arguments.
I hope this information helps clarify any confusion you may have regarding John’s directive and its current application today.
