The Authority of Luke: Defending Paul and Exposing Hypocrisy

The writings of Luke hold significant weight within Christian theology, particularly in establishing the apostolic authority of Paul and exposing the deceptive practices of certain groups. Luke's Gospel and the Book of Acts serve as crucial witnesses to the work of the apostles and the unified doctrine of the early Church.

Luke's Testimony to Paul's Apostleship

One of the central arguments presented is that rejecting Paul as an apostle necessitates rejecting portions of the Gospel that are uniquely attributed to Luke. If one accepts Luke's accounts of Jesus's ministry and teachings, then one must also accept his testimony regarding Paul's conversion and commission. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

Luke records the Lord's direct communication with Paul (Saul) from heaven, asking, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me? I am Jesus Christ, whom thou persecutest." (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt) Furthermore, Luke documents the Lord's instructions to Ananias, stating that Paul is "a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My name among the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him, from this time, how great things he must suffer for My name's sake." (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

By rejecting Paul, these individuals are seen as despising God's election and separating themselves from the fellowship of the apostles. Luke's proclamation of the truth, delivered with diligence, stands as a testament to Paul's divinely appointed role. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

Exposing the Hypocrisy of False Teachers

Luke's writings also indirectly serve to expose the hypocrisy and deceitful tactics employed by certain groups, such as those associated with Valentinus. These individuals are accused of using deceptive language and mimicking the language of the Church to mislead and entrap simpler believers. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

They would engage in seemingly innocuous conversations, questioning why the Church distanced itself from them despite their apparent agreement in doctrine. Once they had gained the trust of their audience, they would then introduce the "unspeakable mystery of their Pleroma" in private, revealing their heretical beliefs. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

The Danger of Plausible Error

The text warns against the assumption that one can glean accurate doctrine from the Scriptural interpretations offered by heretics. Error, it argues, often presents itself plausibly, resembling the truth in order to deceive. Genuine truth, however, is presented openly and without disguise. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

For error is plausible, and bears a resemblance to the truth, but requires to be disguised; while truth is without disguise, and therefore has been entrusted to children. (Source: Document: 1739749258570-eotm94-anf01.txt)

This suggests that a simple, straightforward understanding of the Gospel message is more reliable than complex or hidden interpretations.

Conclusion

Luke's contributions to the New Testament are vital for affirming Paul's apostolic authority and for identifying and refuting deceptive teachings. By accepting Luke's witness, believers can maintain a firm foundation in the truth and avoid the pitfalls of heresy and hypocrisy. The clarity and openness of the apostolic doctrine, as presented by Luke, stand in stark contrast to the secretive and misleading practices of false teachers.