But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him and said, "You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy, will you not stop making crooked the straight paths of the Lord?”
Acts 13:9-10

The Apostle Paul had a run-in with a false prophet who was trying to create confusion and turn people away from faith in the Lord Jesus. He used some pretty strong language to describe this man’s character to his face.

“You son of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, full of all deceit and villainy…” we don’t often speak to people this way; it sounds harsh and unkind, but it was certainly appropriate at that moment.

To accuse someone of “making crooked the straight paths of the Lord” is serious business. It’s usually done by someone who wants to get people to follow their own teaching, join their cult following, or approve of their perverted ways.

What the Bible actually teaches is not confusing. It’s pretty straight-forward, and when we run into a teacher who makes it more complicated than what it is, standing on his head to explain that he doesn’t think the Bible actually means what it says, we’re pretty certain to have found a false prophet.

Avoid such people. The simplicity of repentance and faith, taking God at His Word in both Law and Gospel, is a good sign that you’re in the right path.

Lord, You call me to repent, to make a clean break with sin, and You assure me of Your forgiveness, healing, and restoration when I turn to You. Thank You for making it that simple. Keep me on track with this, Lord, for Your sake. Amen.

Pastor Dan Giles