Should a Christian Invite Jehovah’s Witnesses Into Their Home?
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. 2 John 9-11 KJV
Some Christians may feel it is wrong to invite Jehovah’s Witnesses into their home based on 2 John 9-11, Jehovah’s Witnesses certainly fit the “abideth not in the teaching of Christ” category.
We do not want to encourage anyone to go against what they feel is right. If however, we were to make a very strict application of this scripture we may have to exclude many others from our homes, such as repairmen and others. What then is involved in receiving one into your home and bidding them God speed?
Receiving someone into your home during the first century would most likely have involved a stay of several days, not just a few minutes or hours. Bidding them God speed could have included the gift of provisions for their journey. Receiving guests for several days and providing them with provisions for their continued journey was common first-century hospitality. It seems likely “receiving him into your home” and “bidding him God speed” involved supporting an individual.
Inviting Jehovah’s Witnesses into your home to share the gospel of Jesus Christ does not seem to me to be what John had in mind when penning this inspired Scripture. This is only my personal opinion but, it is also the opinion of many other Christians.
If you believe that you should not invite Jehovah’s Witnesses into your home you can still be very effective by sharing your testimony with them at the door. See Share your testimony with them.