by Steve Hale
"Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves" ( Acts 20:30, NKJV) .
The word perverse is very interesting. It comes from the Greek word diastrepho which means to distort or twist. The Ephesian elders are warned that even from among their own number, men will arise, distort the Scriptures, and draw away disciples.
Sadly, this happened as Paul writes to Timothy, and even names some of the perpetrators: Hyrnenaeus, Alexander, Phygellus, Hermogenes, and Philetus (I Tim. 1:19; 2 Tim. 1:15; 2 Tim. 2:17). Their error resulted in a religion that was made for man instead of God! The sad results are mentioned by Paul in his farewell epistle ( 2 Timothy 3:1-3).
Paul had warned the Ephesians day and night for three years with tears ( Acts 20:17.19; 19:10; 20:28-30). At least some would not listen, and hence, there was this terrible apostasy.
If we desire to preserve truth rather than pervert, there are some practical steps we can take!
First, we must become a biblically literate people ( Acts 17:10, 11; Hos. 4:6). We must be a people who study their Bibles daily, and who understand their individual discipleship demands this discipline of study. Part of loving God with our all is with our minds ( Mark 12:29-31). A biblically literate people can recognize perversion.
Second, we must be prayerful and ask for God's help ( Philippians 1:4). The knowledge comes from studying the word, and experience in using the word brings about wisdom ( Hebrews 5:12-14). Wisdom is something into which we need to grow and mature. It is also something for which we need to pray ( James 1:5).
Third, we must be alert and vigilant (I Pet. 5:8). While we don't want to go to the extreme of paranoia or schizophrenia, neither do we want to be asleep. Wolves love to devour undetected. That alertness comes from the enlightenment of the word, and heart fortified by the gospel, prayer, and spiritual exercise ( 1 Timothy 4:7, 8).
Fourth, we must confront when necessary ( 1 Corinthians 5:1; II John. 9, 10). This confrontation should be personal and direct! Sometimes, great good can be done, such as the confrontation between Aquila and Priscilla and Apollos ( Acts 18:24-28).
Do not be mislead by sweet words that "...are very much full of comfort" and yet without any biblical basis demand a "thus saith the Lord!" Preserve, don't pervert!