"Of A Truth"

Larry R. Ping II

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     The three-word phrase “of a truth” occurs 18 times in the Bible, 11 of which are in the New Testament. This phrase means something being said is “evidently the truth, without objection or protest.” Consider some of these occurrences in this article.

 

     1. “Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matt. 14:33). It is hard to believe some fail to admit Jesus being the Son of God. But He is, evident by the virgin birth (Matt. 1:23). He is, evident by the miracles He performed (Jn. 2:11). He is, evident by what He knew (Matt. 9:4). There should be no doubt concerning who Jesus is, He is the Son of God!

 

     2. “Of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God” (Lk. 9:27). Jesus was foretelling the coming of His kingdom, the Church (Matt. 16:18-19). Some to whom He was speaking would live to see the day such came to fruition in Acts 2. These words of Jesus, by the way, exterminate the false teaching the kingdom is not here yet. There were some who had been “translated…into the kingdom (Col. 1:13). John wrote he was “in the kingdom” (Rev. 1:9). How could John be in it if it did not yet exist?

 

     3. “Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all” (Lk. 21:3). This is a familiar story concerning giving. The rich gave as they normally did. However, a poor widow cast in all she had. This familiar story helps us realize that the amount we give is not all that matters to God. The attitude with which we give is looked upon by God as well. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Cor. 9:7). What sort of giver are you?

 

     4. “Of a truth this fellow also was with him: for he is a Galilaean” (Lk. 22:59). These words were spoken by an accuser of Peter, who found himself in the middle of an angry and fuming mob. It was evident, in many ways, Peter had been with Jesus. Yet, Peter denied this fact not once, or even twice, but three separate and distinct times, just as Jesus had predicted (Lk. 22:34). Upon the conclusion of the third denial, Peter “wept bitterly” (Lk. 22:62). By the way, is it evident to others you live for Jesus the Christ (Gal. 2:20)?

 

     5. “Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons” (Acts 10:34). This was Peter’s opening statement to Cornelius, who would become the first Gentile convert. Some Jews thought this to be a despicable thing, salvation being offered to the Gentiles. Even Peter himself needed reminding to see this truth (Acts 10:9-18). Without any doubt or uncertainty, the Bible makes it abundantly clear God offers salvation to “anyone” who wishes to receive it. He does not discriminate based upon social, financial or gender status. He does not care how rich or poor one may be. If you want to go to Heaven, you can, and God will not stand in your way of obeying.