2 John 1:10

10 if any one doth come unto you, and this teaching doth not bear, receive him not into the house, and say not to him, `Hail!'

2 John 1:10 Meaning and Commentary

2 John 1:10

If there come any unto you
Under the character of a preacher;

and bring not this doctrine;
or does not preach the doctrine of Christ, as before explained, but despises it, and preaches a contrary one:

receive him not into [your] house;
neither into the house of God, suffer him not to preach there; nor into your own house, give him no entertainment there: false teachers always tried to creep into houses, where they served their own turn every way, both by feeding their bellies, and spreading their pernicious doctrines; and therefore such should: be avoided, both publicly and privately; their ministry should not be attended on in the church, or house of God; and they should not be entertained in private houses, and much less caressed:

neither bid him God speed;
or give him the usual civil form of salutation, as a good day to you, all hail, all health and prosperity attend you, the Lord be with you, and the like. The word used by the Jews was (rvya) , which signifies "happiness"; so it is said ^F9, what do they salute with? (rvya) , "God speed"; which was forbidden to say to one that was ploughing in the seventh year. The meaning is, that with such no familiar conversation should be had, lest any encouragement should be given them; or it should induce a suspicion in the minds of other saints, that they are in the same sentiments; or it should tend to make others think favourably of them, and be a snare and a stumblingblock to weak Christians.

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FOOTNOTES:

F9 T. Hieros. Sheviith, fol. 35. 2. Vid. Taanith. fol. 64. 2.

2 John 1:10 In-Context

8 See to yourselves that ye may not lose the things that we wrought, but a full reward may receive;

9 every one who is transgressing, and is not remaining in the teaching of the Christ, hath not God; he who is remaining in the teaching of the Christ, this one hath both the Father and the Son;

10 if any one doth come unto you, and this teaching doth not bear, receive him not into the house, and say not to him, `Hail!'

11 for he who is saying to him, `Hail,' hath fellowship with his evil works.

12 Many things having to write to you, I did not intend through paper and ink, but I hope to come unto you, and speak mouth to mouth, that our joy may be full;