Faith and doubt
What does the Bible say about false teachers?
The New Testament warns repeatedly about teachers who twist the message, and gives tests: their fruit, their faithfulness to Scripture and their motives.
What Scripture says
2 Peter 2:1
“But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.”
Matthew 7:15-16
““Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles?”
1 John 4:1
“Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.”
Galatians 1:8
“But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any “good news” other than that which we preached to you, let him be cursed.”
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Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. See all Bible questions or verses by topic.