BY GREG CRUM

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” II John 1:9-11

Several months ago, on a Wednesday evening at our church, we took the time to look into the meaning and application of this passage found in the second epistle of John. It’s a rarely talked about portion of Scripture, one whose key term is rarely used in our modern culture, but a passage that conveys a truth that is just as applicable today as it was the day it was first penned down.

Just as it was true almost 2,000 years ago, it is true today: We need to be cautious in our alliances and prayerful about who and what we support.

Now, II John 1:10-11 mentions the term “God speed.” It’s a term you probably have heard before, but that is rarely used in our daily conversations. When it is used, it is usually meant as a “good luck” wish from one person to another as they venture off on a journey or undertake a difficult task. This is actually pretty close to the original meaning, which carried the idea of “fair thee well, God be with you and give you success in your journey.”