Deceivers Yet True

The Family has a unique interpretation of the phrase “as deceivers, and yet true”, taken from 2 Cor 6:8. It is an interpretation primarily used to justify their security methods, although it has been applied in a variety of situations. This interpretation is not prominent in recent publications, but it does give the reasoning behind many current practices.

The founder of the Family taught his followers that in this verse Paul meant that it is acceptable in the sight of God to ‘deceive’ ungodly people in order to continue the true work of God. In other words, the verse reads “[We are] deceivers, and yet [we are still] true.” Paul and his companions (according to this viewpoint) were not under obligation to tell the whole truth to their enemies, especially if this might result in personal harm or hindrance to the work. In order to support this interpretation, examples were given of Paul’s escape in a basket from his enemies (Acts 9:23-25) and of Peter’s angel-assisted escape from prison (Acts 5:19). In the first example, Paul did not reveal his whereabouts to his enemies, and in the second, Peter’s jailbreak was contrary to the law of Rome. The conclusions drawn were that (a) Paul felt free to deceive his enemies so that he might continue preaching the Gospel, and (b) Family members were free to conceal certain information from outsiders, or to take other measures to ensure their own protection, even if it meant being less than completely open.

This page examines the passage from which the phrase ‘deceivers yet true’ was taken to determine if it is possible that Paul condoned a measure of dishonesty among Christians.

Second Corinthians

The Book of Second Corinthians was written by the apostle Paul to the church in Corinth and its surrounds, possibly while he was staying in Philippi. It was written in somewhere between 54 and 58 AD, probably no more than a year after First Corinthians.

Both letters to the Corinthians highlight an ongoing tension Paul had with the church in Corinth. In fact, there are four issues about which it appears that there was continuing conflict, which are addressed over both letters to the Corinthians (Fee):

Paul’s change of plans regarding visits to Corinth. He might have changed his plans several times.
The collection. He requested that the Corinthians put together a free-will offering for the poor in Jerusalem.
Paul’s own apostleship and ministry. He defends himself vigorously in several places from specific allegations and insinuations made about him.
His opposition to some Jewish Christian itinerants who had invaded the church.

In Second Corinthians, Paul shows great depth of feeling: “Human weakness, spiritual strength, the deepest tenderness of affection, wounded feeling, sternness, irony, rebuke, impassioned self-vindication, humility, a just self-respect, zeal for the welfare of the weak and suffering, as well as for the progress of the church of Christ and for the spiritual advancement of its members, are all displayed in turn in the course of his appeal” (Easton). Paul’s style “passes rapidly from the gentle, joyous, and consolatory, to stern reproof and vindication of his apostleship against his opponents” (Fausset).

Of the four matters listed above, the one that is addressed in the ‘deceivers yet true’ passage is the third one, Paul’s vindication of his own apostleship. He had been viciously attacked by “false apostles” (2 Cor 11:13) who accused him of many things. Paul’s response is not, as is the way of, say, modern politicians, to exalt himself and proclaim himself righteous. He did not, as did his opponents, boast in his achievements, pointing to them as evidence of his true apostleship. Rather, Paul startlingly boasts in his non-achievements, his lack of glory, his lowliness. This approach accomplished two things: first, it directed his readers’ attention to Christ, to whom all the glory was due, and second, it indirectly testified to his own validity as an apostle due to his conformity to the shame of the cross, the ignominy of persecution, the humility of a true disciple. Thus he boldly proclaims:

2 Cor 4:7-12

7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 10 always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you.

(NASU)

In chapter 12, Paul becomes even more explicit. He will boast in Christ, but he refuses to boast about himself, except in his own problems.

2 Cor 12:1-6

12:1 I must go on boasting. Although there is nothing to be gained, I will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a man in Christ who …

5 I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. 6 Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say.

He mentions here his physical affliction.

2 Cor 12:9-10

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

(NIV)

With biting sarcasm, Paul points out the truth, that he is actually in no way inferior to his enemies. This is not because Paul is anything great, but because God Himself has vindicated his apostleship with “signs, wonders and miracles”:

2 Cor 12:11-13

11 I have made a fool of myself, but you drove me to it. I ought to have been commended by you, for I am not in the least inferior to the “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 The things that mark an apostle — signs, wonders and miracles — were done among you with great perseverance. 13 How were you inferior to the other churches, except that I was never a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong!

(NIV)

How did Paul fail the Corinthian church? Only in that he was no burden to them! In First Corinthians he touched on a similar topic, saying that although he could legitimately have asked them to support his ministry financially, he refused to do so, in order to prevent his message being rejected.

1 Cor 9:15 Yet I have never asked you for one penny. And I am not writing this to hint that I would like to start now. In fact, I would rather die of hunger than lose the satisfaction I get from preaching to you without charge. (TLB)

For more on financial matters, see Tithing.

Second Corinthians Six

In 2 Cor 6, Paul wrote a lengthy paragraph vindicating his own ministry. It describes Paul’s hardships, and the integrity with which he kept himself in order that the message of the Gospel should be in no wise compromised.

He began by describing himself, and his fellow missionaries, as God’s co-workers, pleading with the Corinthians to accept His grace.

2 Cor 6:1-2

1 We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.

2 For He says:

“In an acceptable time I have heard you,

And in the day of salvation I have helped you.”

Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.

(NKJV)

Paul then gave as vindication of his integrity, an account not only of the sufferings he endured for Christ’s sake, but also of his own reaction to the troubles he faced.

2 Cor 6:3-10

3 giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4 but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, 6 in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in genuine love, 7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown yet well-known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things.

(NASU)

We could summarise the passage in point form like this:

Paul had had many troubles

Afflictions (= troubles NIV)
Hardships
Distresses (= calamities RSV)
Beatings
Imprisonments
Tumults (= riots NIV)
Labour (= hard work NIV)
Sleeplessness
Hunger
Attempts on his life
Punishments (= beatings NIV)
Sorrows
Poverty

Characteristics of Paul’s ministry

Giving no cause for offence (= give no offence NKJV; put no obstacle in anyone’s way RSV; put no stumbling block in anyone’s path NIV)
Much endurance
Purity
Knowledge (= understanding NIV)
Patience (= longsuffering NKJV; forbearance RSV)
Kindness
The Holy Spirit
Genuine love (= sincere love NKJV)
The word of truth (= truthful speech NIV, RSV)
The power of God
Using the weapons (=armour NKJV) of righteousness
Rejoicing
Possessing true wealth

Circumstances

Sometimes he had glory (= honour NKJV, RSV)
Sometimes he had dishonour
Sometimes his enemies gave an evil report of him (= ill repute RSV)
Sometimes there was a good report (= good repute RSV)
Sometimes they said he was a deceiver (= imposter NIV, RSV)
Sometimes people refused to know him (‘as unknown’)

Verses 8-10 are worth looking at in several translations:

2 Cor 6:8-10

8 through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as impostors; 9 known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet we live on; beaten, and yet not killed; 10 sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

(NIV)

2 Cor 6:8-10

8 in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute. We are treated as impostors, and yet are true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

(RSV)

2 Cor 6:8-10

8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; 9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold we live; as chastened, and yet not killed; 10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

(NKJV)

2 Cor 6:8-10

6:8 through glory and dishonor, through slander and praise; regarded as impostors, and yet true; 6:9 as unknown, and yet well-known; as dying and yet – see! – we continue to live; as those who are scourged and yet not executed; 6:10 as sorrowful, but always rejoicing, as poor, but making many rich, as having nothing, and yet possessing everything.

(NET Bible)

The NET Bible includes a footnote to verse 8, saying that ‘impostors’ may also be translated as ‘deceivers’.

2 Cor 6:8-10

8 We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us. We are honest, but they call us impostors. 9 We are well known, but we are treated as unknown. We live close to death, but here we are, still alive. We have been beaten within an inch of our lives. 10 Our hearts ache, but we always have joy. We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others. We own nothing, and yet we have everything.

(NLT)

In these three verses, Paul said that regardless of what happened to him, he would continue his work. Whether he received praise from people or was vilified, even though people called him a cheat, or ignored him or attempted to kill him or beat him or starve him, he would refuse to do anything that might hinder his witness. This passage is quite similar to another one in Philippians:

Phil 4:11-13

11 Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. 12 I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. 13 I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

(NASU)

The Greek word ‘deceiver’ has a far stronger meaning than ‘someone who misleads people’:

Deceiver NT:4108

1. planos NT:4108 is, properly, an adjective, signifying "wandering, or leading astray, seducing," 1 Tim 4:1, “seducing (spirits)”, used as a noun, it denotes an impostor of the vagabond type, and so any kind of “deceiver” or corrupter, Matt 27:63; 2 Cor 6:8; 2 John 7 (twice), in the last of which the accompanying definite article necessitates the translation “the deceiver,” RV.

(Vine)

Deceiver NT:4108

planos; of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), i.e. (by implication) an impostor or misleader; KJV - deceiver, seducing.

(Strong)

Deceiver NT:4108

NT:4108 planos, planon,

wandering, roving;

transitively and tropically, misleading, leading into error: 1 Tim 4:1

substantively, as we say, a vagabond, “tramp,” impostor;

hence, universally, a corrupter, deceiver, (Vulgate: seductor): Matt 27:63; 2 Cor 6:8; 2 John 7.

(Thayer)

Someone who is a ‘deceiver’ is a complete fraud, his whole life is built on deceit that he may profit from others using his deceit. John uses the word in his second epistle to describe people who refuse to confess that Jesus Christ actually came in the flesh as a man, people who are ‘antichrist’.

2 John 7 Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.

(NIV)

Here then is the meaning of the phrase ‘deceivers yet true’: Although Paul’s enemies lied about him, and attempted to turn the people against him, he continued steadfast in the ministry God gave him. He was slandered publicly: not with any small accusation that he slightly misled the people, rather he was accused of being a total fraud, a complete and utter liar, a professional con man whose sole purpose was to profit from the gullible. Notwithstanding this slander, he refused to give up, and more importantly, he refused to allow himself to give his enemies any grounds for their accusation. By his actions, he proved them wrong, and thus was able to continue preaching the Gospel.

There is no suggestion in the passage that Paul referred to himself as such a ‘deceiver’. In fact, it is hard to imagine any kind of scenario when he would use this extremely strong word about himself.

There is not the slightest hint in the passage that Paul was actually using any kind of deceit himself in order to further his ministry. To the contrary, he twice vehemently proclaimed his truthfulness. Elsewhere in 2 Corinthians he noted that although opportunistic, deceitful ‘preachers’ abound, he himself was determined to remain true.

2 Cor 2:17 For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God. (NASU)

Everything about Paul’s ministry was open.

2 Cor 4:2 Rather, we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (NIV)

Paul did not use deception of any kind, neither did he condone it. The phrase “deceivers yet true” does not and cannot mean that Christians may conceal the truth from their enemies while remaining inherently true to the Lord. In a complete contrast, the context of the book and the passage, and the meaning of the word ‘deceiver’ all indicate that the phrase means that although Paul was maliciously accused of being a complete fraud, the message he taught and his own ministry were ordained by God.

On honesty and deceit

There are, of course, many verses throughout the Bible enjoining God’s people to be totally honest.

1 Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. (NIV)

1 Thess 2:3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; (NASU)

In fact, preachers who use deceit in any area may well have their entire ministry called into question.

2 Cor 11:12-15

12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.

(NASU).

The Lord just doesn’t like lying!

Prov 12:22 Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,

But those who deal faithfully are His delight. (NASU)

Jesus reiterated the Ten Commandments, adding His own authority to them:

Mark 10:19 “You know the commandments, ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ” (NASU)

Escape stories in Acts

What about the story of Paul escaping from his enemies in a basket? (Acts 9:23-25) Couldn’t that set a precedent for Christians to deceive? No, of course not! Paul was not deceiving anyone, and he was not running from the law, or from other Christians. He was escaping from a murderous band of thugs who had sworn to kill him! If this incident is to set a precedent for Christians to emulate, then it should probably only be used when a similar band of thugs is literally trying to commit murder.

What about Peter escaping from prison? (Acts 5:17-21) Didn’t he break the law on that occasion? It seems that it would be very wise for Christians who are advised elsewhere in the Bible to comply with the law to refrain from attempting such jailbreaks unless they are likewise assisted by angels! In other words, if this incident is to set a precedent, then it must be remembered that it was not Peter who came up with the idea and put it into action, it was God. The tangible proof of God’s presence was shown in the visible, audible angel who effected the rescue. Next, it must be remembered that Peter did not attempt to hide. Acting on the angel’s instructions, he returned to the temple to preach, where he was recaptured the following day.

Later on in the book of Acts, he was again released from prison by an angel (Acts 12). On this occasion he left the city. Again, the circumstances were unique: James (John’s brother) had just been executed, and again it was an angel of God that acted.

Later again in the book of Acts, Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi (Acts 16). When God effected a release through an earthquake, Paul and Silas did not even run away.

The point that must be drawn from these examples in Acts is that unique incidents cannot be used to set precedents. In any case, there is little, if anything, in this series of stories to justify dishonesty of any kind.

Applications of the Family’s ‘Deceivers Yet True’ principle

In the Family, the phrase ‘deceivers yet true’ has come to signify the principle that Christians − specifically Family members − may legitimately mislead others if so doing would protect the ‘work’ or individual members in some way. As has been shown above, this is an inaccurate reading of 2 Cor 6.

However, this principle has been used to justify numerous actions in the Family’s history. For example, Family ministries frequently rename themselves to obscure their link with the Family, or with their past connections with the ‘Children of God’. Often, nondescript names like ‘Family Care Foundation’ and ‘Aurora Productions’ are used. For a list of these names, click here.

When asked directly if they are associated with “The Family” or the “Children of God”, most members will readily admit this, however, it is equally true that many, if not most members prefer a more clandestine approach. They see nothing wrong with this. For example, a common Family practice of procuring material goods for their homes and work is called “provisioning”. This involves making direct requests from business for material donations. It is completely up to the ‘provisioner’s’ discretion if he or she will make clear the connection he or she has with “the Family”. Instead, they usually proclaim the good works of the local home as if it were a small independent entity. There are several Family projects which are registered as charities or non-profit organisations, enabling Family members to solicit financial donations, usually without declaring their affiliation to the Family as a whole.

Another example of the Family’s ‘deceivers yet true’ principle can be seen in the secrecy shrouding Family leadership. Legal names and locations of almost all Family leadership are not made public, even to Family members themselves. There are even reports that many of the top leadership have legally changed their names, presumably in an attempt to avoid detection. Although ‘regular’ Family members rarely go to such extremes, it is true that many adults use ‘Bible names’ among themselves, only using their legal names when absolutely necessary.

Family members, in general, do not declare the income they receive from donations or through sales of Family-produced products, and therefore see themselves as exempt from paying income tax.

Finally, there have been many allegations of criminal abuse of both children and adults, said to have been perpetrated by some Family members. While it is not within the purposes of this web site to investigate or detail such charges, it should be said there should be in place mechanisms for legal accountability. While there are some internal rules governing some forms of wrong-doing, there is (at the time of writing) no mechanism for the Family as a whole or Family members individually to be held legally accountable for any crime committed. For example, if a woman is raped while in the Family, there are no rules for discipline of the offending person, nor is there a requirement that such a person be handed over to the police.

An organisation that prides itself on its Christianity to the extent that the Family does should not display the slightest hint that it may be attempting to cover up wrong-doing or protect those who may have committed criminal actions. Unfortunately, the Family has been giving that impression, and it would only be for the benefit of all if this was addressed.

For more on the Family’s ‘Deceivers yet true’ interpretation, this external site is quite detailed:

http://www.exfamily.org/the-family/policy-on-lying-and-deception.shtml

Conclusion

The phrase ‘deceivers yet true’ does not license any measure of deception. Second Corinthians chapter six does not in any way condone dishonesty, neither do any of the New Testament writers, or indeed, any Bible author at all:

Ps 32:1-2

1 Blessed is he

whose transgressions are forgiven,

whose sins are covered.

2 Blessed is the man

whose sin the LORD does not count against him

and in whose spirit is no deceit. (NIV)

References:

Easton: Easton’s Bible Dictionary.

Fausset: Fausset’s Bible Dictionary.

Fee: How to Read the Bible Book by Book, Gordon D Fee & Douglas Stuart, 2002, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids MI.

Strong: Biblesoft’s New Exhaustive Strong’s Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary, 2003, Biblesoft and International Bible Translators, Seattle, WA.

Thayer: Thayer’s Greek Lexicon.

Vine: Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, 1985, Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN.

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