THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
A deception that seeks belief typically presents itself as rooted in truth; when it lacks this foundation, it is dismissed. To illustrate this point, consider Raab the harlot, who, upon receiving the spies, was questioned, 'Have men come to you?' She replied, 'Yes,' affirming the truth at first, followed by 'but they went out,' introducing a falsehood. Had she claimed, 'they did not go out,' her dwelling would have been investigated. She spoke truthfully to gain trust and added a falsehood to mislead.
Read more (208 words)
By faith, Raab the harlot welcomed the spies and led them away another way; she did not perish with those lacking faith (Hebrews 11:31). Observe the remarkable wisdom in her actions. When the king’s men inquired, 'Have men come to see you?' she replied, 'Yes, they have.' Initially, she spoke the truth, then she incorporated a lie. A lie by itself is rarely credible unless it first aligns with the truth. Thus, those who intend to deceive convincingly will first acknowledge the truth and then introduce the false and dubious. When asked, 'Have the spies come to see you?' she responded, 'Yes.' Had her answer been 'No,' she would have prompted those seeking to search her home. Instead, she guided them, saying they had taken such and such a route; pursue them, and you will catch them. Oh, clever falsehood! Oh, beautiful deceit; one that does not betray the divine but rather upholds piety! If Raab, through her repentance, attained such salvation and is honored by the mouths of the saints—by Joshua, who proclaims, 'Let Raab the harlot live!' and also by Paul, who notes, 'By faith, Raab the harlot did not perish with the unfaithful'—then, shall we not obtain salvation all the more if we also repent?