Biblical Warning Signs of False Prophets in Scripture
Biblical Warning Signs of False Prophets
The Bible provides several warning signs to identify false prophets. Jesus warns that false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect (Matthew 24:24 [2]; Mark 13:22 [1]). These false prophets will come in sheep's clothing but are inwardly ravenous wolves (Matthew 7:15 [4]).
One key characteristic of false prophets is that they are not sent or commissioned by God (Jeremiah 14:14; 23:21; 29:31 [5]). They often prophesy falsely and are driven by personal gain or ambition (Micah 3:11 [5]). The Bible also warns that false prophets may perform divination and use forbidden forms of magic to predict the future (Deuteronomy 18:10-11 [8]; Isaiah 44:25 [3]).
The prophets in the Old Testament frequently condemned false prophets, emphasizing that their messages were not from God. Ezekiel 13:2-4 describes false prophets as foolish and lacking a genuine vision from God [7]. Jeremiah 23:9-40 critiques false prophets for speaking lies in God's name and leading the people astray.
To discern false prophets, the Bible provides several tests. Deuteronomy 18:22 states that if a prophet's prediction does not come true, they are not from God. Jeremiah 27:15 warns against prophets who claim to speak in God's name but are actually speaking their own words [9].
The early Christian commentators and theologians also addressed the issue of false prophets. According to Jamieson, Fausset & Brown, false prophets are characterized by their "bland, gentle, plausible exterior" but are actually "bent on devouring the flock for their own ends" (on Matthew 7:15 [6]). Matthew Henry notes that false prophets are "false teachers" who deceive people with their pretensions (on Matthew 7:15 [10]).
The biblical warnings against false prophets remain relevant, cautioning believers to be vigilant and discerning in their assessment of spiritual leaders. By examining the characteristics and actions of those who claim to speak for God, believers can avoid being led astray by false prophets. The biblical text emphasizes the importance of testing prophetic claims against the standard of God's word and being cautious of those who prioritize personal gain or ambition over the genuine message of God.
Sources
- Mark “For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. -- Mark 13:22”
- Matthew “For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. -- Matthew 24:24”
- Isaiah “Isaiah 44:25 (BSB) — who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,”
- Matthew “Matthew 7:15 (BSB) — Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Prophets, False — Pretended to be sent by God -- Jer 23:17,18,31. Not sent or commissioned by God -- Jer 14:14; 23:21; 29:31. Made use of by God to prove Israel -- De 13:3. Described as Light and treacherous. -- Zep 3:4. Covetous. -- Mic 3:11. Crafty. -- Mt 7:15. Drunken. -- Isa 28:7. Immoral and profane. -- Jer 23:11,14. Women sometimes acted as -- Ne 6:14; Re 2:20. Called foolish prophets -- Eze 13:2. Compared to foxes in the desert -- Eze 13:4. Compared to wind -- Jer 5:13. Influenced by evil spirits -- 1Ki 22:21,22. Prophesied Falsely. -- Jer 5:31. Lies in the na”
- Matthew (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Matthew 7:15: Beware--But beware. of false prophets--that is, of teachers coming as authorized expounders of the mind of God and guides to heaven. (See Act 20:29-30; Pe2 2:1-2). which come to you in sheep's clothing--with a bland, gentle, plausible exterior; persuading you that the gate is not strait nor the way narrow, and that to teach so is illiberal and bigoted--precisely what the old prophets did (Eze 13:1-10, Eze 13:22). but inwardly they are ravening wolves--bent on devouring the flock for their own ends (Co2 11:2-3, Co2 11:13-15).”
- Ezekiel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezekiel 14:9: 14:9-10 False prophets, who sought to counteract God’s will by prophesying what God had not spoken, would do God’s will unwittingly—they and other rebels would be deceived and confirmed in their rebellion. False prophets and rebellious people alike were thus punished for their sins (see also Deut 13; 1 Kgs 22:6-23).”
- Isaiah (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Isaiah 44:25: 44:25 False prophets and fortune-tellers used forbidden forms of divination to try to predict the future. Eventually God would expose them as deluded liars (see 3:2; 9:15; 47:13; Deut 18:10-11).”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 27:15: in my name--The devil often makes God's name the plea for lies (Mat 4:6; Mat 7:22-23; Jer 27:15-20, the test whereby to know false prophets).”
- Matthew (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Matthew 7:15: We have here a caution against false prophets, to take heed that we be not deceived and imposed upon by them. Prophets are properly such as foretel things to come; there are some mentioned in the Old Testament, who pretended to that without warrant, and the event disproved their pretensions, as Zedekiah, Kg1 22:11, and another Zedekiah, Jer 29:21. But prophets did also teach the people their duty, so that false prophets here are false teachers. Christ being a Prophet and a Teacher come from God, and designing to send abroad teachers under him, gives warning to al”