2 John 1:10 - Explained

"If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed."

The Bible speaks here about someone who would come unto you and bring some heretical doctrine. And what does it say? Do not even receive him into your house.

Now the normal interpretation I have heard of this phrase — not letting them into your house — is that if a Jehovah's Witness or a Mormon comes to your door, you should not let them inside. You can argue with them on the doorstep, but do not let them set foot in your house. Although I believe that is a wise thing, and I would not recommend letting them in your house, I do not believe that is actually the main application of this verse. I would not even recommend arguing with them at the door for more than a couple of minutes and giving them a verse or two, because I believe it is going to pretty much be a waste of time.

I believe the house here is not just the physical house where somebody lives, but is actually referring to the house of God. It is quite likely that the church at the time this was written was actually meeting in somebody's house, so it could mean both the literal house and the house of God at once. But what I believe the Bible is primarily saying is this: if there is someone with some other doctrine, a heretical doctrine, do not let them come to your church and preach behind the pulpit or present what they want to present when they are actually a heretic.

Now you might say, well, why would somebody let someone come in who is bringing some other doctrine? I have personally been in a church where I heard someone stand behind the pulpit and say that you have to repent of your sins to be saved — preaching a full-blown works salvation. And even though the pastor did not agree with it, he did not do anything about it. That is not just a minor issue. That is a major heresy. So when someone is coming in with a major heresy, if you are the pastor, do not just let them get behind the pulpit and preach it. You should not let that happen. And if it ever did happen, you should stop them.

One practical application of this involves visiting missionaries. Baptists will email a lot of churches trying to come and give their presentation and be supported as missionaries. Although some of those people are good and decent people with the right message, a lot of those people have heresy. It is not wise to let somebody preach behind your pulpit if you are not really sure about what they believe. That privilege should really be reserved for people you can trust — people whose beliefs you know and are very confident in. You certainly do not want to let someone stand behind the pulpit who is unproven.

And especially if they have heretical doctrines — do not let them in to preach. But it goes further than that. The verse also says, "neither bid him God speed." Do not say, well, we do not have any room for you to preach, but God bless you and I will be praying for your work. If they have a heresy, they are not someone we should be blessing and encouraging. The Bible is clear: do not even let them come and give their presentation inside the house of God. Do not let them teach that heresy and doctrine to other people.

Pastor Matthew Stucky