Did Paul Always Name Names?

Dr Paul M Elliott

Previous post : Is It Wrong to Name Names?

Did Paul Always Name Names?  

Paul frequently singled out individuals for correction, condemnation, or commendation. But in many other cases made powerful points about sound doctrine and godly living without naming names.

In response to our previous article, Is It Wrong to Name Names?, readers have mentioned a significant related point: While the Apostle Paul did name names in many cases, both for correction and commendation, there were also many other cases when he did not – but dealt with the issues at hand just as vigorously.

The Un-Named Galatian Heretics

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Is It Wrong to Name Names?

Dr Paul M Elliott

Some readers criticize us for citing, by name, individuals and institutions that promote heretical doctrines. They tell us that naming names is “unloving”. We respond that Scripture does not support this accusation. Consider the example of the Apostle Paul.

What is the Truly Loving Thing to Do?

Paul considered it vital to demonstrate his deep agape love for Christ and His church by warning believers to beware of those who would seek to “overthrow the faith of some” (2 Timothy 2:18). Paul’s consistent policy was to name names, recognizing that speaking in generalities is not always enough.

So great was Paul’s concern for the Galatian church’s departure into legalism – “another gospel, which is not another” (1:7) – that he cited the example of a fellow apostle’s temporary departure from soundness:

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