False Teachers and the Doctrine of Christ

1. II John 1:10 NKJV - “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;” If anyone comes – present middle deponent (active) indicative Perhaps best interpreted, some are coming Which doctrine? The doctrine of Christ (v.9) which is based on truth and love. Whose house are we talking about here? Remember that the church was often in the home (Rom 16:5; Col 4:15) Who is this visitor and what should our response be to them? Won’t we be turning a lot of people away then? No not necessarily – this is not all of the unsaved who may come our way. The First Epistle of John False Teachers, Part 2 – II John 1:10-13 1 Nov 27, 2011 Bob Eckel

2. But of those who wish to be esteemed brethren, and subvert the true doctrine of truth and love. John does not refer here to entertaining strangers, i.e. Heb 13:2; 1Tim 5:10 But, how about that visit from the Gnostic propagandists of that day, or the Jehovah’s Witnesses or the Mormons today? And here in II John 1:10 John says don't even greet them (Godspeed). Rom 16:17,18 -‘Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.’ II John 1:11 - “for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.” Doesn’t this seem a bit harsh? The First Epistle of John False Teachers, Part 2 – II John 1:10-13 2 Nov 27, 2011 Bob Eckel

3. JFB – ‘By wishing a false brother or teacher "God (or 'good') speed” you imply that he is capable as such of good speed and joy (the literal meaning of the Greek), and that you wish him it while opposing Christ; so you identify yourself with “his evil deeds. The Greek of "partaker (koinōneō)" is "having communion with.” We cannot have communion with saints and with Antichrist at the same time.” - This reflects how important the truth really is! II John 1:12 - “Having many things to write to you, I did not wish [to do so] with paper and ink; but I hope to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. ” Why do you think John was reluctant to write? Paper was made of Egyptian papyrus, pens were split reeds and ink was made of soot and water, and thickened with gum. The First Epistle of John False Teachers, Part 2 – II John 1:10-13 3 Nov 27, 2011 Bob Eckel

4. Could this be equated to texting vs. a phone call, or even getting together today? John hoped to be with them and trusted that he would be. face to face is literally mouth to mouth Also used in III John 1:14 Why write when he can speak? Writing was clearly not a simple task. In that way the joy they all shared regarding the doctrine of Christ could be literally filled full (present subjunctive) - John 15:11, 16:24, 17:13, II Tim 1:4, I John 1:4. II Cor 3:3 ‘clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.’ This sentiment is often reflected elsewhere - Rom 15:24, I Cor 16:5-7, Phm 1:22, Heb 13:19,23 The First Epistle of John False Teachers, Part 2 – II John 1:10-13 4 Nov 27, 2011 Bob Eckel

5. A lesson for us today? II John 1:13 - “The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.” Who is this elect or chosen sister? Could these be the children of the same elect lady in verse 1? II John 1:1 ‘To the elect lady and her children, whom I love in truth, and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth,’ Had she now died? A close similarity to the closing verses of III John has been noted. The take-home message from II John: the doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ is central and essential. The First Epistle of John False Teachers, Part 2 – II John 1:10-13 5 Nov 27, 2011 Bob Eckel