[Know This] Promises of False Teachersنموونە

Characteristics of False Teachers

Peter warns believers in Jesus Christ about false teachers. In his second epistle, Peter contrasts the apostles and true prophets with false prophets and teachers. He first unfolds the characteristics of these false teachers, the consequences waiting for them, and finally, their conduct. In other words, Peter wants us to know how to spot false teachers.

He warns us, “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” (2 Peter 2:1). This warning contrasts with what he just said in chapter one. There, he spoke about the apostles’ eyewitness testimony of Jesus and about the holy Old Testament prophets who were empowered by the Holy Spirit to prophesy about Christ.

Now, Peter says, “There will be false teachers among you.” Peter uses the Greek word pseudo, which means “false,” to refer to teachers in the church who would expressly misrepresent Christ to drive believers away from God. Peter compares them to the false prophets who also arose among the nation of Israel, who were a part of God’s people.

Peter warns us about teachers among us who will intentionally lie to distract us and divert us away from Christ. They will secretly bring in destructive heresies in a malicious and underhanded way. These false teachers will deny Jesus Christ and His atoning work on our behalf, His death and resurrection. They will deny that by His work, He redeemed us.

Throughout history, different movements have tried to disclaim and discredit Jesus Christ. Peter’s warning is clear, the false teachers would even deny the Master who bought them. The Greek word for “bought,” is agorazo, which means securing someone’s rights by paying the price. Jesus paid the price for all humankind. Peter confirms that Jesus’ death and resurrection also covered false teachers’ lives, even though they deny His redemptive work.

Bible commentator Warren Wiersbe once wrote, “Jesus’ redemption is sufficient for all, but efficient only for those who believe.” This means that salvation is all-inclusive, but only those who believe are the ones who apply and receive that gift. Wiersbe added, “False teachers will use our vocabulary, but not our dictionary.” They’ll ironically deny Christ’s lordship, claiming to be His followers. Let’s be wary of false teachers.