A few weeks back, I had some comments about 2 Clement and 'double'. These are the passages that say something like “to yourself and your hearers”. 1Ti 4.16 uses language like this.

Well ... let's add Ignatius to the Ephesians to the list. Here's IgEph 16.1-2:

¹ Be not deceived, my brethren. Corrupters of houses shall not inherit the kingdom of God. ² If then they which do these things after the flesh are put to death, how much more if a man through evil doctrine corrupt the faith of God for which Jesus Christ was crucified. Such a man, having defiled himself, shall go into the unquenchable fire; and in like manner also shall he that hearkeneth unto him. (IEp 16)

The language in Lightfoot is somewhat archaic, it's the last bit of v. 2 I'm concerned with. Here's how Ehrman translates it: 

 ... Such a person is filthy and will depart into the unquenchable fire; so too the one who listens to him.

Of course, the logical explanation for all of this is that the listener has a responsibility to critically evaluate what he is being taught. And this is true, for what it is worth.

But still, teachers have an increased responsibility precisely because those being taught are more likely to rely on the teachings of a few. If a sincere, well-meaning person puts his trust in the snake-oil of an insincere teacher, then the insincere teacher is responsible for them both. Likewise, if a teacher is well-intentioned but misguided, that teacher is still responsbile for the content of his teaching. And if the sincere listener is caught up, then there are consequences.

I'm going to be keeping my eyes open for more of this sort of stuff.