THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
A falsehood seeking acceptance often masquerades as truth, and when it lacks such a foundation, it is easily dismissed. To illustrate this, let us consider an unrelated example. Rahab the harlot, after welcoming the spies, was questioned, "Have men come to you?" She replied, "Yes," which was her honest initial response; then she continued, saying, "but they went out," introducing her deceit. Had she stated, "they did not leave," her home would have been searched without delay. She spoke truthfully to build trust and followed it with a falsehood to divert attention.
Read more (186 words)
By faith, Rahab the harlot, who welcomed the spies and guided them through another route, did not perish with the unbelievers (Hebrews 11:31). Observe the wisdom in her actions. When the king's men sought the spies and asked her, "Did they enter here?" she confirmed, "Yes, they have." First, she conveyed the truth, only to weave in a lie afterward. A deception alone lacks credibility unless it cloaks itself within the truth. Thus, those intent on crafting convincing lies typically begin with universally acknowledged truths before introducing the dubious. When asked, "Have the spies come here?" her answer was, "Yes." Had she replied "No," it would have prompted a thorough search. Instead, she directed them, indicating, "They went this way; you will find them." How clever that deception was! It did not betray divine will but rather upheld righteousness! If Rahab's repentance led to her salvation and she is celebrated by saints—by Joshua, who proclaimed, "Let Rahab the harlot live!" and by Paul, who affirmed, "By faith Rahab the harlot... did not perish with the unbelievers"—then surely, our own salvation through repentance is even more attainable.