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I have a question about this verse..

2 John 1:10-11
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house and do not give him any greeting, 11 because the person who gives him a greeting shares in his evil deeds.

When I became a Christian I did a couple years of intense Bible study. During that time, a couple of Jehovah's Witnesses came to the door. I chatted for a moment and they, of course, wanted to come back. We set up a weekly "appointment" for "Bible Study" and we continued to meet for almost 1 1/2 yrs. It eventually became just one of them coming back every week, I don't know why.

I was the first in my family to become a Christian (I was 36) and a lot of the family thought I was studying to become a JW. They didn't understand then why I continued to meet with her. This story has a happy ending, though. After all that time of me chipping away at what she "thought" the Bible said, she became born again and renounced the JW's.

So, my question, is about that verse- it says "do not receive him into your house.." etc, but does it mean not to let him into your house to teach you? Would you say that it doesn't mean not to let him into your house, for you to teach him, right?

I've thought about this verse alot, and just saw it here in another thread, and decided to ask about it. I hope I've explained my question right.

Thank you.

I believe that this verse is teaching us to keep our distance from teachers who do not present the true gospel or those who are living in rebellion against God. This seems to correlate to other verses such as:

2 Thessalonians 3:6 6 But we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition they received from us. Context (NET)

Romans 16:17 17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create dissensions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them! Context (NET)

For example, I encounter many Mormons on the street who try to present their version of the gospel (salvation by works) which is false. I do listen to their points and try to show what is written in the scriptures. However, I don't go to their church services or invite them into my house. Usually by the time you get more involved with these people, they're no longer really listening to you, bringing in more "artillery" (elders), totally bent on converting you to seeing things their way. At some point I find the venture totally unprofitable and I can sense in my Spirit when I should be backing off.

On the other hand there's another Mormon at my workplace who I know on more a personal level who is not adamant on preaching his beliefs. He's more receptive to hearing truth and so I would have less reservation inviting him over to my house.

Great question, look forward to your response.

awsome to see God at work in that.
I think in everything we do, even in those circumstances that we should always pray and let the Lord guide the way.
If we do that i'm sure the Lord would keep us strong against letting just anyone in our homes.
Jesus used you in a powerful way! God Bless you !

If we read John's letters in their historical context, it helps us understand what this is about.

In that time, believers met in houses, so "receive him into your house" was akin to having someone come and preach at our church today. We wouldn't want someone who has heretical views preaching in our churches. It does not mean we cannot do what you have done. It appears God has used you to free someone from heresy. Praise the Lord!

There was a story told by one of John's disciples, Polycarp, that illustrates his attitude toward false teachers:

Cerinthus denied Christ's deity - kind of like Jehovah's Witnesses, but he was considered one of the prominent leaders of a heretical movement.