The phenomenon of false prophets is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, serving as a warning to the faithful about the dangers of deception and the importance of discernment. In the context of the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem, false prophets played a significant role, as foretold by Jesus and other biblical figures.

Biblical Predictions and Warnings

The New Testament provides explicit warnings about the rise of false prophets before the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Jesus Himself cautioned His disciples about this in the Olivet Discourse. In Matthew 24:11 , Jesus states, "and many false prophets will arise and mislead many." This warning is part of a broader prophecy concerning the signs of the end times and the impending judgment on Jerusalem.

In the same discourse, Jesus further emphasizes the deceptive nature of these false prophets. Matthew 24:24 records, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders that would deceive even the elect, if that were possible." This highlights the potential for these individuals to lead believers astray through seemingly miraculous acts.

Characteristics and Influence

False prophets in this period were characterized by their ability to perform signs and wonders, which they used to validate their deceptive messages. Their influence was significant, as they often claimed divine authority and sought to lead the people away from the true teachings of Christ and the apostles.

The Apostle Peter also warned of false prophets in his epistles. In 2 Peter 2:1 , he writes, "Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves." This passage underscores the destructive nature of their teachings and the ultimate judgment they would face.

Historical Context and Impact

The historical context of these warnings is crucial. The period leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem was marked by social and political turmoil, creating fertile ground for false prophets to exploit the fears and hopes of the people. Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, provides accounts of various individuals who claimed prophetic authority during this time, leading many into rebellion and ultimately contributing to the catastrophic events of A.D. 70.

The presence of false prophets served as both a test and a trial for the early Christian community. Believers were called to exercise discernment, holding fast to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, and rejecting those who sought to lead them astray.

Conclusion

The rise of false prophets before the destruction of Jerusalem serves as a sobering reminder of the ever-present danger of deception within the spiritual realm. The biblical warnings and historical accounts highlight the need for vigilance and faithfulness to the truth of God's Word.Matthew 24:11,24
And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Jewish War and the Destruction of Jerusalem. AD 70
... Thus came to pass what our Lord had predicted: "There shall arise false
Christs, and false prophets, and shall lead many astray.". ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 38 the jewish war.htm

The Catholic Epistles.
... It had been predicted by our Lord that the effect of this would be to chill the
love of many of his visible ... And many false prophets shall arise and shall ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxi the catholic epistles.htm

The Evening of the Third Day in Passion-Week - on the Mount of ...
... to indicate a general nexus and partly after, those formerly predicted. ... and, religiously,
the pretensions and claims of false Christs or prophets at a ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter vi the evening of.htm

The Hebrew Prophecies.
... of Israel and Syria, which he predicted with great ... the rich, against corrupt judges,
false prophets, rascally traders ... comes the greatest of the prophets, Isaiah ...
/.../gladden/who wrote the bible/chapter v the hebrew prophecies.htm

The Career of the Antichrist
... is equally true of the many false prophets foretold in ... people." The first thing which
is predicted of him ... the whole period during which the false messiah will ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the career of the antichrist.htm

Additional Evidences of Christianity, and Reflections on the Whole ...
... daily, whether these things were so predicted there, as ... disguises the miracles of
Christ by false and foolish ... to king Agrippa, Believest thou the prophets [191 ...
/.../the evidences of christianity/additional evidences of christianity and.htm

And ii.
... thereby, no less than the false prophets, assisted them ... to the predictions of the
prophets"compare especially ... their whole country had been predicted to Israel ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i and ii.htm

The Sibylline Oracles.
... destruction of Rome is the predicted prosperity of ... of Jews shall once more arise
superior to ... A paragraph concerning false prophets who feign themselves Hebrews ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the sibylline oracles.htm

The Assumption of Moses
... the last four kings shall worship false gods, and ... that that chastisement which Moses
predicted has righteously ... from the imagery of the Old Testament prophets. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the assumption of moses.htm

C. The Third Period. Chs. 6:12 to 8:56
... the same manner did their fathers to the false prophets. ... command: "Young man, I say
unto thee, Arise. ... the messenger whom Malachi had predicted should prepare ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the third period chs.htm

What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.org

What are the Major Prophets and Minor Prophets? | GotQuestions.org

What was the school of prophets? | GotQuestions.org

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus