2 John 1:10

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does 2 John 1:10 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into [your] house, and give him no greeting:” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into [your] house, and give him no greeting:
2 John 1:10 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 John 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
10If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into [your] house, and give him no greeting:

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If there come any unto you, etc.] 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…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If there come any--as a teacher or brother. The Greek is indicative, not subjunctive; implying that such persons do actually come, and are sure to come; when any comes, as there will. True love is combined with hearty renunciation and separation from all that is false, whether persons or doctrines. receive him not . . . neither bid him God speed--This is not said of those who were always aliens from the Church, but of those who wish to be esteemed brethren, and subvert the true doctrine [GROTIUS]. The greeting salutation forbidden in the case of such a one is that usual among Christian brethren in those days, not a mere formality, but a token of Christian brotherhood.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If there come any unto you - Any professed teacher of religion. There can be no doubt that she to whom this Epistle was written was accustomed to entertain such teachers. And bring not this doctrine - This doctrine which Christ taught, or the true doctrine respecting him and his religion. Receive him not into your house - This cannot mean that no acts of kindness, in any circumstances, were to be shown to such persons; but that there was to be nothing done which could be fairly construed as encouraging or countenancing them as “religious teachers.” The true rule would seem to be, in regard to such persons, that, so far as we have contact with them as neighbors, or strangers, we are to be…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“If any came to you - Either as a teacher or a brother. And bring not this doctrine - That is, advance anything contrary to it. Receive him not into your house - As either a teacher or a brother - Neither bid him God speed - Give him no encouragement therein. 2 John 1:11”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:10-11 Believers should not invite that person, who does not teach the truth about Christ, into their homes. The early churches met in homes (see Acts 2:46; 5:42; 8:3; 12:5, 12; Col 4:15; Phlm 1:2), so this could refer to inviting false teachers to a meeting of the church. It could also refer to giving any form of hospitality to false teachers, which would help their mission. The only way to deal with them was to not accept them into the fellowship.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“come: Jo2 1:11; Rom 16:17, Rom 16:18; Co1 5:11, Co1 16:22; Gal 1:8, Gal 1:9; Ti2 3:5, Ti2 3:6; Tit 3:10 neither: Gen 24:12; Psa 129:8 2 John 1:11”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification