Truth

9/28/1523

~1523

Consider Martin Luther’s words (a “troubler of Israel”), regarding Paul’s thoughts to the Galatian Believers.........

“Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16).

Paul’s reason for praising the Galatians is to avoid giving them the impression as if he were their enemy because he had reprimanded them.

A true friend will admonish his erring brother, and if the erring brother has any sense at all he will thank his friend. In the world, truth produces hatred. Whoever speaks the truth is counted an enemy. But among friends it is not so, much less among Christians. The Apostle wants his Galatians to know that just because he had told them the truth, they are not to think that he dislikes them. “I told you the truth because I love you.”

“They zealously affect you, but not well” (Galatians 4:17).

Paul takes the false apostles to task for their flattery. Satan’s satellites soft-soap the people. Paul calls it “by good words and fair speeches to deceive the hearts of the simple” (Rom. 16:18).

They tell me that by my stubbornness in teaching Truth, I am destroying the harmony of the Church. They say it would be better if we would make some slight concession rather than cause such commotion and controversy. My reply is cursed be any love or harmony that demands for its preservation that we place the Word of God in jeopardy!

-M Luther