Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and CharacteristicsFalse prophets are individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but instead lead people away from the truth. They are often characterized by their deceptive teachings, which contradict the Word of God. The Bible warns against such individuals, emphasizing their potential to lead believers astray.
Biblical Warnings and DescriptionsThe Old and New Testaments provide numerous warnings about false prophets. In the Old Testament,
Deuteronomy 18:20-22 outlines the criteria for identifying a false prophet, stating that if a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken.
Jeremiah 23:16 cautions, "This is what the LORD of Hosts says: 'Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.'"
In the New Testament, Jesus Himself warns in
Matthew 7:15, "Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves." The Apostle Paul also warns the church in
Acts 20:29-30, "I know that after my departure, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number, men will rise up and distort the truth to draw away disciples after them."
Impact on the PeopleFalse prophets have a significant impact on the people they deceive. They lead individuals and entire communities into error, often resulting in spiritual confusion and moral decay. In
2 Peter 2:1-2, the Apostle Peter warns, "But 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. Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed."
Historical ExamplesThroughout biblical history, there are numerous examples of false prophets who led people into error. In the time of King Ahab, the prophet Micaiah stood alone against 400 false prophets who encouraged the king to go to war, falsely assuring him of victory (
1 Kings 22:6-28). Similarly, in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet Hananiah falsely prophesied peace, contradicting Jeremiah's message of impending judgment (
Jeremiah 28:1-17).
Discernment and ProtectionThe Bible encourages believers to exercise discernment to protect themselves from false prophets. In 1
John 4:1, it is written, "Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world." The Bereans are commended in
Acts 17:11 for examining the Scriptures daily to verify the teachings they received.
ConclusionWhile the Bible does not provide a conclusion on the topic of false prophets, it consistently emphasizes the importance of vigilance, discernment, and adherence to the truth of God's Word to avoid being led into error by those who falsely claim to speak for God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Jeremiah 23:13And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied in Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.
Torrey's Topical TextbookMicah 3:5
Thus said the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that puts not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Miracles
... since there are particular effects which are true, the people, who cannot ... Hananiah,
the false prophet, dies in seven months. ... Elijah with the prophets of Baal. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section xiii the miracles.htm
Of the Cause of the Incarnation of Christ.
... going astray to the impious worship of false gods, then ... with heavenly power and glory,
that the people who had ... their Lord and God, as the prophets had before ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xi of the cause of.htm
Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... The prophet Isaiah speaks of these prophets saying, "They ... the Word of God, behold
some false wind of ... vanity, almost incomprehensible to common people, and by ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm
That it was Before Predicted that the World Would Hold us in ...
... shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall ... others would be scandalized
and led into error; if they ... and of every tribe, and people, and language ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/11 that it was before.htm
He Leadeth Me in the Paths of Justice for his Name's Sake.
... for He would save His people from their ... perils: false teachers, false doctrines,
false prophets, pseudo-christs ... of these unworthy preachers and false shepherds! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/callan/the shepherd of my soul/vi he leadeth me in.htm
V. ...
... false doctors,"that is, false teachers, he says,"not false prophets or false apostles. ...
are the fountain, the streams of which are to teach the people. ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter ii v 2.htm
How to Make Use of Christ as the Truth, when Error Prevaileth, and ...
... going abroad, and truth is questioned, and many are led away with ... the ordinary way
now of God's manifesting his mind to his people. ... "Many false prophets may go ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xvi how to make.htm
Progress of Reform in Germany.
... of the Christian church, so there arose false prophets in the ... in a word, we are apostles
and prophets, and appeal ... The people were led to neglect the Bible, or ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /10 progress of reform in.htm
Progress of Reform in Germany
... of the Christian church, so there arose false prophets in the ... in a word, we are apostles
and prophets, and appeal ... The people were led to neglect the Bible or ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 10 progress of reform.htm
The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... father, came upon us with much people and strong ... money leadeth to idols; because,
when led astray through ... And there shall be false prophets like tempests, and ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about false prophets? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the Major Prophets and Minor Prophets? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was the school of prophets? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
