WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15
Acts 20:25-30
2 Corinthians 11:13

"… false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves
into the apostles of Christ."

THE SOURCES OF APOSTASY

Paul knew that after his departure "…grievous wolves enter in among you…." (Acts 20:29). The word "know" (Acts 20:29) is to perceive, notice, discern, or discover. It is like the Latin word video, which is to perceive by any of the senses. The "wolves" are strong, mighty, dangerous wolves -- so strong that the feeble flock will not be able to resist them. Their intention is to destroy the church. The term "wolves" also denote the enemies of the flock -- false, and hypocritical, and dangerous teachers. They are false teachers who will use the flock for their own purposes and benefits. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ" (2 Cor 11:13).

Not only from the outside but also of their own selves shall men arise, speaking distorted things to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:30). From within the church, men will arise to seek a private following and cause the flock to go astray. The phrase "perverse things" (Acts 20:30) means things that are able to lead others astray. They can cause others to turn away from a belief. They can mislead others. They will draw the disciples away. Literally, it is to pull or drag away; and figuratively, it is to alienate, to lure people away to follow them. Corruptions of doctrine flow from the pride of men. These ambitious men will turn away from, and corrupt, the Word of God. Calvin is right: "ambition is the mother of all heresies."

There are two sources of apostasy in churches: those from without and those from within. This shows the great danger of apostasy which the Apostle predicted. Not just from outside of the church, but even out of the present existing Christian body, there shall arise those who will destroy their own churches. Beware!

THOUGHT: Am I aware of the sources of apostasy?
PRAYER: "Why boastest thou thyself in mischief, O mighty man? the goodness of God endureth continually. Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. Thou lovest evil more than good; and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah" (Ps 52:1-3)