Many describe the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost as “Orthodoxy Sunday.” In this word we see “ortho,” which in the original Greek means “straight.” Hence, when one wants to straighten out teeth, one visits the orthodontist. From a religious standpoint, the word “orthodox” implies “following the straight truth of Scripture.” Therefore, we describe churches that faithfully hold to Scripture and teach and practice the truth of Scripture as “orthodox” church bodies.
The readings for this Sunday focus on warnings against false doctrine and practice or “heterodox” beliefs and practices. These readings encourage us to hold fast to pure doctrine and practice, as Jesus said His true disciples would do (John 8:31).
Last Sunday the word of God called us to receive God’s messengers as long as their message comes from the truth of God’s word. This Sunday our readings urge both preachers and hearers to see to it that the message is indeed from the word of God, that both preacher and hearer are faithful to the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).