False Doctrine Digs Tunnels

The word anatrepo is used in the New Testament twice. It is translated once as “overthrow” (2 Tim. 2:18), and another time as “subvert” (Tit.1:11). In the first instance, the canker from Hymenaeus and Philetus said that resurrection was already past, and this was sufficient to overthrow the faith of some. In the second instance, false teachers, especially of the circumcision, were peddling some different goods that were just as destructive. The result of their doctrinal lies (for a fee) was the subversion of whole households. In both instances, it refers to the destructive effect of false teaching on wholesome Christian living.