One who aids or accompanies someone in nefarious actions is considered a partner in crime. Another idiom uses the expression, “it takes two to tango” based upon the 1952 song by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning. Meanwhile, Theodore Edward Hook first used the saying “thick as thieves” in his 1833 book The Parson’s Daughter. Each of these slang terms suggest that when confronted, guilty parties will hide their sinful acts due to shame.
We have renounced disgraceful ways (secret thoughts, feelings, desires and underhandedness, the methods and arts that men hide through shame); we refuse to deal craftily (to practice trickery and cunning) or to adulterate or handle dishonestly the Word of God, but we state the truth openly (clearly and candidly). And so we commend ourselves in the sight and presence of God to every man’s conscience, 2 Corinthians 4:2.
During a visit to the region of Galatia, the apostle Paul was made aware of a religious sect that infiltrated the church. Perhaps unwilling to let go of their Jewish heritage, the Judaizers began to add requirements to salvation. The art of deceit involves persuasion, using former practices to form new beliefs. According to Galatians 2:11-13, the Judaizers were so convincing that even Barnabas and Peter were led astray.
You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? 8 This [evil] persuasion is not from Him Who called you [Who invited you to freedom in Christ]. 9 A little leaven (a slight inclination to error, or a few false teachers) leavens the whole lump [it perverts the whole conception of faith or misleads the whole church], Galatians 5:7-9.
Frustrated by this charade, Paul wanted to know why members of the Church at Galatia began to withdraw from Gentiles. This form of legalism was poisoning the message of the gospel. Likely referencing Deuteronomy 4:2, Judaizers added and subtracted from the apostles teaching. When caught in the act of wrong doing, most try to hide, following in the footsteps of Adam and Eve, Genesis 3:7-8. If you want to avoid a similar fate, look for the way out of temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13 to find victory; not defeat.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 