2 John 1:11 — “Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”
Explanation of the Verse
In this verse, John is following up on what he said in the previous verse. He makes it very clear: If you welcome false teachers and give them support, you are sharing in the wrong they are doing.
John is not saying that showing kindness is wrong. He is specifically talking about supporting people who deny the truth about Jesus and who are trying to spread lies about Him.
When you help them, host them, or give them resources, you are helping their false message spread. You are, in effect, participating in their harmful work.
John is telling the believers to be careful — not to become partners in sin by supporting those who are leading others away from the truth.
Historical Context
In the first-century world, traveling teachers depended on hospitality. Christians would open their homes to other Christians, offering food, shelter, and even financial help to those teaching the Gospel.
But false teachers began taking advantage of this hospitality to spread lies about Jesus.
John wanted to protect the church from accidentally helping the enemy, even out of good intentions.
He knew how dangerous false teaching was, so he told them: Do not welcome those who deny Christ. If you do, you are helping them deceive others.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that truth matters so much that supporting those who spread lies is wrong in itself.
It’s not enough to say, “I didn’t teach the lie.” If you help someone who does, you become part of the problem.
This shows that love, truth, and holiness go together.
Supporting evil is participating in evil.
God calls His people to love others, but never in a way that helps spread lies about Him or misleads others.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short but heavy.
The wording is clear and simple:
“Anyone who welcomes them shares in their wicked work.”
John is drawing a straight line between hospitality and responsibility.
There is no middle ground in his words. Helping false teachers, even indirectly, is dangerous.
This strong language is meant to shock and warn. It is not harshness — it is protection.
Cross-References
Other parts of the Bible echo this warning:
- Psalm 1:1 — “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take.”
- Ephesians 5:11 — “Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.”
- 1 Timothy 5:22 — “Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.”
- Galatians 1:8-9 — Paul warns that anyone preaching a false gospel is under God’s curse.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse reminds us to be careful about who we support, promote, or endorse.
It’s easy to think that helping someone is always good, but if that person is spreading lies about Jesus, our help becomes part of the problem.
This applies to what we watch, share, recommend, or financially support. We need to make sure we are not giving a platform to those who deny the truth about Jesus.
It’s also a call to discernment — not everything labeled “Christian” is faithful to the truth.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in this warning.
He is not trying to limit kindness — He is trying to protect His people from the harm of lies.
God knows that false teaching leads people away from life, joy, and salvation.
Because He loves His children, He tells them: Don’t help those who would lead others astray.
This is tough love, but it is still love — the love of a Father who wants to keep His family safe.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is rooted in loyalty to Jesus.
The whole letter of 2 John is about holding fast to the truth about who Jesus is.
John is clear: You cannot be loyal to Jesus and at the same time support people who oppose His teaching.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 12:30:
“Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
John’s warning is a way of saying: Stay on Jesus’ side. Don’t help those who are fighting against Him.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think John is so strong in his warning about supporting false teachers?
- How can Christians today accidentally “share in the wicked work” of false teachers?
- What practical steps can you take to make sure you are not supporting false teaching?
- How does this verse challenge our idea of love and hospitality?
- How can you balance showing kindness to people while not helping spread false teaching?