2 John 1:11

For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

For {G1063} he that biddeth {G3004} him {G846} God speed {G5463} is partaker {G2841} of his {G846} evil {G4190} deeds {G2041}.

for the person who says, “Shalom!” to him shares in his evil deeds.

Whoever greets such a person shares in his evil deeds.

for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works.

The Second Epistle of John is a concise letter from "the elder" (likely the Apostle John) warning against false teachers who deny the true humanity and deity of Jesus Christ. Following his instruction in 2 John 1:10 not to receive such individuals into one's home or greet them, verse 1:11 explains the severe consequence of doing so.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Discernment and Separation: This verse underscores the critical importance of spiritual discernment. Believers are called to recognize and separate from those who propagate doctrines contrary to the foundational truths of Christianity, particularly concerning the person of Christ (see 1 John 4:1).
  • Complicity in Error: By offering a welcoming greeting or endorsement ("God speed" in KJV) to a false teacher, one effectively becomes a "partaker" or partner in their "evil deeds." This implies a shared responsibility for the propagation of their destructive doctrines.
  • Protecting the Gospel: The core message is a strong call to protect the integrity of the gospel and the purity of the church from corrupting influences. John emphasizes that true love for God and His people involves defending the truth.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "God speed" translates the Greek word chairein (χαίρειν), a common ancient greeting meaning "rejoice" or "hail." In this context, it signifies wishing success, prosperity, or offering a formal welcome that implies endorsement.
  • "Partaker" comes from the Greek koinōnos (κοινωνός), meaning a partner, associate, or sharer. It highlights the idea of complicity or shared responsibility. To wish a false teacher well in their ministry is to share in the negative outcome of their work.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the early church, hospitality was a vital practice, often extended to traveling missionaries and teachers. However, this also opened the door for itinerating false teachers, known as Gnostics or proto-Gnostics, who denied the full incarnation of Christ—that Jesus truly came in the flesh (1 John 4:2). John's warning was not against general hospitality but specifically against welcoming and thereby validating those who preached a different gospel, thereby compromising the faith of others.

Practical Application

While Christians are called to love all people, this verse teaches that our support and endorsement should be reserved for those who uphold biblical truth. It does not advocate for rudeness or uncharitable behavior toward individuals, but rather for a firm stand against false doctrines. Today, this principle applies to how we engage with teachings presented in media, online, or in spiritual communities. Giving a platform, financial support, or implicit endorsement to those who preach a distorted or false gospel makes one complicit in their error. This verse encourages believers to be discerning stewards of the truth and to avoid any association that would compromise the integrity of the Christian message.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Timothy 5:22

    Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

  • Ephesians 5:11

    And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [them].

  • Revelation 18:4

    And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.

  • Psalms 50:18

    When thou sawest a thief, then thou consentedst with him, and hast been partaker with adulterers.

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