THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
A falsehood, when it seeks acceptance, often appears rooted in truth, and without such a foundation, it is dismissed. To illustrate this point, consider an example not directly related to our current discussion. Rahab the harlot, upon receiving the spies, was questioned, “Have men come to you?” She responded, “Yes,”—this was the truth; then she added, “but they went out,”—this was the falsehood. Had she declared, “They did not leave,” a search of her house would have ensued. She conveyed the truth to build trust, then layered in a falsehood for deception.
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By faith, Rahab the harlot, having welcomed the spies and led them through a different path, did not perish with the disbelievers (Hebrews 11:31). Note the remarkable wisdom with which she blends her shrewdness. When the king’s emissaries inquired, “Have men come to see you?” her reply was, “Yes, they have.” She first affirmed the truth and subsequently included a lie. A lie lacks credibility on its own unless it first masks itself with a semblance of truth. Consequently, one wishing to deceive effectively will often begin with an acknowledgment of the truth, combined with the already suspect. “Have the spies visited you?”—“Yes,” she affirms. Had she initially said, “No,” it would have prompted a thorough investigation. Instead, she directed them with, “They went this way; pursue them, and you will catch up.” Such a captivating deceit! Such a beautiful falsehood, not betraying the divine but safeguarding her faithfulness! If Rahab, through repentance, achieved such deliverance and is celebrated by the words of the saints—by Joshua who proclaims, “Let Rahab the harlot live!” and by Paul who declares, “By faith Rahab the harlot ... did not perish with the unfaithful”—certainly, we too can receive salvation all the more readily if we repent.