The Bible warns about false apostles who preach a false gospel and lead people astray. The apostle Paul dealt with such false apostles in the early church, who desired to pervert the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-9). The Bible provides discernment on how to identify false apostles and protect against their deceptive teachings.
Characteristics of False Apostles
The Bible reveals key characteristics of false apostles that help discern them from true apostles of Christ:
- They preach a distorted gospel (Galatians 1:6-7)
- They disguise themselves as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13)
- They seek personal gain and exploits believers (2 Corinthians 11:20)
- They exalt themselves (2 Corinthians 11:5, 12:11)
- They do not submit to authority (2 Corinthians 11:5, 12)
- They boast and commend themselves (2 Corinthians 10:12, 18)
- They distort the word of God (2 Corinthians 4:2)
- They deceive through smooth talk (Romans 16:18)
- They bring divisions and cause obstacles (Romans 16:17)
- They secretly introduce destructive heresies (2 Peter 2:1)
In contrast, true apostles are marked by selflessness, truth, integrity, and utmost devotion to Christ. They preach the true gospel as delivered by Jesus Christ and do not seek personal glory (1 Corinthians 3:5, 2 Corinthians 4:5).
The Danger of False Apostles
False apostles pose a severe threat to the church. By masquerading as true apostles, they deceive believers and lead many astray with their false teachings. The Bible warns that false apostles are deceitful workers disguising themselves as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13). Their smooth words and appealing speeches can manipulate even mature Christians (Romans 16:18).
False apostles cause believers to stray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). They pervert the gospel of grace and distort the word of God, confusing believers regarding foundational biblical truths (Galatians 1:6-7, 2 Corinthians 4:2). False apostles also bring division within the church, promoting teachings contrary to the apostles’ doctrine (Romans 16:17).
Furthermore, false apostles exploit believers for dishonest gain (2 Corinthians 11:20). They make merchandise of God’s people for personal profit and self-exaltation (2 Peter 2:1-3). Overall, false apostles severely damage the testimony and unity of the church.
Examples of False Apostles
The New Testament describes particular false apostles who give insight into their deceptive tactics:
1. False Apostles in Corinth
Paul contended with false apostles in the Corinthian church who sought to discredit him. They arrogantly promoted themselves while accusing Paul of crafty deception and self-commendation (2 Corinthians 11:13, 12:16). These false apostles boasted of visions and revelations to exalt themselves as superior to Paul (2 Corinthians 11:5, 12:1). They exploited the Corinthians by taking advantage of them, enslaving them, and draining their resources (2 Corinthians 11:20).
Paul revealed that such men were servants of Satan, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Their teachings opposed the true gospel Paul had delivered to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:4). Paul warned the Corinthians not to tolerate these false apostles and their counterfeit gospel (2 Corinthians 11:4).
2. False Apostles in Galatia
Certain men troubled the Galatian church, insisting gentile believers be circumcised according to the Law of Moses. Paul decried these false teachers as severely distorting the gospel of Christ (Galatians 1:6-7). He sternly pronounced God’s curse on any who preach a false gospel (Galatians 1:8-9). These false apostles sought to place believers under the bondage of the law after being freed by Christ (Galatians 5:1). Paul thoroughly refuted their legalistic perversion of the gospel in his Epistle to the Galatians.
3. Hymenaeus and Philetus
Hymenaeus and Philetus caused havoc in the early church by teaching false doctrine. Paul mentioned them as examples of false apostles shipwrecking the faith through misleading teachings (1 Timothy 1:19-20, 2 Timothy 2:17-18). They strayed from biblical truth, upending the faith of some believers. Their promotion of erroneous doctrine revealed their true nature as deceitful false apostles.
Marks of a True Apostle
In contrast to false apostles, true apostles appointed by Christ possess distinctive traits that affirm their authenticity. Characteristics of a genuine apostle include:
- They are commissioned directly by Christ (Galatians 1:1)
- They teach sound doctrine conforming to Christ’s gospel (1 Timothy 1:3)
- They build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:4)
- They function in true godly authority (2 Corinthians 10:8)
- They live sacrificially, enduring hardship and persecution (1 Corinthians 4:9-13)
- They pursue humility rather than self-exaltation (1 Corinthians 3:5, 2 Corinthians 12:11)
- They seek to glorify Christ rather than themselves (2 Corinthians 4:5)
- They cultivate Christian unity (Ephesians 4:1-6)
- They display the fruit of genuine faith – love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23)
Furthermore, true apostles in the early church were accompanied by “signs, wonders and miracles” that authenticated their ministry (2 Corinthians 12:12). The Holy Spirit confirmed their apostleship through powerful displays of the Spirit’s work.
Dealing with False Apostles
When false apostles arise, the church must respond appropriately. Here are biblical principles for dealing with false apostles:
1. Test their message
Their teaching must align with the sound doctrine of Christ handed down by the apostles (1 John 4:1-6). If they stray from biblical truth, reject them.
2. Evaluate their character
False apostles display character traits contrary to what Scripture demands for church leaders (1 Timothy 3:1-7, Titus 1:5-9). Self-promotion, greed and authoritarianism often accompany false apostles.
3. Expose their deception
Clearly identify false apostles’ damaging teachings and sinful motivations using Scripture (Acts 20:28-31, 2 Timothy 4:2-4). Guard other believers from their influence.
4. Avoid false teachers
Reject and keep away from false apostles after efforts to correct them, so their errors do not spread (Romans 16:17-18, 2 Timothy 3:1-5). Withdraw fellowship.
5. Appoint godly leadership
Install biblical overseers to shepherd the church and refute false doctrines (Acts 20:17, 28-32; Titus 1:5-9). Qualified leaders will protect the flock.
6. Preach truth
Continually preach biblical truth, emphasizing core doctrines false apostles deny (2 Timothy 4:2-4). Ground believers in sound teaching.
7. Warn other churches
Notify sister churches about influential false apostles in the region (1 John 4:1; 3 John 1:9-10). Help them identify and reject false teachers.
Cultivating Discernment
Believers must cultivate discernment and biblically evaluate teachers to detect false apostles. Here are ways to grow in discernment:
- Study Scripture diligently (2 Timothy 2:15)
- Test all teachings against God’s Word (Acts 17:11)
- Pray for wisdom to distinguish truth from error (James 1:5)
- Examine teachers’ lives for Christlike character (Matthew 7:15-23)
- Reject teachings introducing doctrinal confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33)
- Avoid teachers motivated by greed or personal gain (1 Timothy 6:5-6)
- Rely on counsel of mature spiritual leaders (Proverbs 11:14)
- Trust the Holy Spirit’s inner witness to truth (1 John 2:20-21, 27)
As believers grow in biblical literacy and spiritual maturity, they will better recognize false apostles and maintain fidelity to the true gospel of Jesus Christ.
Bible Passages Addressing False Apostles
Here are key Bible verses addressing false apostles (all references from ESV):
Galatians 1:6-9
I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
2 Corinthians 11:3-4, 13-15
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes and proclaims another Jesus than the one we proclaimed, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or if you accept a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it readily enough. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds.
2 Peter 2:1-3
But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.
Romans 16:17-18
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
These key passages point to the dangerous and deceptive nature of false apostles. They encourage vigilance in the church to defend true gospel doctrine against distortion. Believers must rely on Scripture to evaluate teachers and reject false apostles attempting to lead the church away from Christ. Only through clinging to biblical truth can believers avoid deception.