Exposing heretics and those who are working in opposition is sometimes seen as an unbiblical activity. To some, it even seems to be a very unloving thing to do, especially when names are mentioned. Yet a vital function of a true shepherd is to protect the sheep from wolves, rather than allowing them open and unrestricted access to the sheep pen.
The Apostle Paul felt it necessary to point out those he wished his readers to be made aware of and avoid. Here is a list of six people named in 2 Timothy:
1) Phygellus (2 Tim 1:15)
2) Hermogenes (2 Tim 1:15)
3) Hymenaeus (2 Tim 2:17)
4) Philetus (2 Tim 2:17)
5) Demas 4:10 (apostate) (2 Tim 4:10)
6) Alexander the Coppersmith (2 Tim 4:14)
Referring back to Old Testament times, he names the two men who most stood in opposition to the ministry of Moses:
7) Jannes (2 Tim 3:8)
8) Jambres (2 Tim 3:8)
I think that this is absolutely right and necessary. The problem, though, as I see it done among Evangelicals in Italy and on the web, everyone seems to be doing that… Liberals exposing conservatives, conservatives exposing liberals, church of the Brethren exposing “heretical” Reformed people, “True” Pentecostals exposing “false” Pentecostals. Believe me, it’s a mess and there is nothing worse than this to put off from Evangelicalism (to say the least) seekers. What to do? The “exposing business” is a risky business today. I prefer not to mention names (also for not being sued) and talk “in general” of what I consider error. Am I mistaken?