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Paul and Truth 2 John
Paul and Truth 2 John
Truth is narrow. John writes much about truth in his letters, mentioning it some 20 times. Here in 2John he writes of disciples knowing the truth (vs. 1), that such truth is eternal (vs. 2), and that we are to be walking in truth, just as we have received commandment to do from the Father.
Truth does however have a negative: those who do not believe it and practice it are living in error. For example, take Saul of Tarsus (better known as the apostle Paul).
Paul hated, persecuted, and waged war against the disciples of Jesus. What he did to the least of the saints, he did unto Jesus their Lord (cp. Acts 9:1-5). He hated the disciples because he hated Jesus.
However, to reject Jesus is to reject God (Luke 10:16). Thus, while walking in all good conscience, he was at war with God. He was trying to destroy what God had built. Thinking himself a friend of God, he was in truth an enemy of God.
YET! “YET” shows us that there is more to the story, that such was not the end. Hence Paul writes: “Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16).
Yes, there is mercy even to one who hated Jesus and persecuted the church. Paul learned the truth concerning Jesus. Paul accepted such truth and changed his whole life. He that persecuted the faith NOW goes into all the world proclaiming that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the only mediator, the only hope for sinners. Saul the persecutor becomes Paul the slave of Jesus.
Even thinking about this caused Paul to break forth in praise: “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17)
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. God’s word is truth. Are you walking in truth?
Hugh DeLong
