When Greeting Isn't Good
"If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works."
This is an interesting command from John. In part it seems harsh because our culture doesn't necessarily see greeting as a big deal. Why would it be a big deal to greet someone that disagrees with your theology? It's just a handshake, right? Maybe so. Maybe not.
When I look at the letters Paul wrote, and the lengths to which he went to greet everyone he knew would read or hear the letter, I suspect that greeting was probably more significant in his day than it is today. Add to that the fact that Paul commands his people to greet each other, and you see the significance of this act in the perspective of the Bible.
When we greet someone, we welcome them and all that they believe. We attest to their witness and ask them to influence us. In that case, we do want to be very careful who we invite to influence us, and we definitely do not want to welcome those who would be considered anti-Christ.
Now, I'm pretty sure - though Greek scholars are welcome to correct me - that I don't think John here is referring to unbelievers. Jesus dined with unbelievers, and doesn't want us shutting out those that need the gospel. John is speaking about those who claim to be Christians but have moved on from the teaching of Christ, the ones who are deceiver the church and enticing them to "wicked works."
Who are you publicly inviting to influence you that shouldn't be in your circle of friends?
