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There Will Be False Teachers - Acts 20
There Will Be False Teachers - Acts 20
God revealed his word by the Spirit through the writings of the apostles and prophets of the NT (Eph. 3:1-5). Paul stated that people could 'understand' when they read such writings. They were instructed to make sure they understood (Eph. 5:17). God provided that among His people there would be shepherds and teachers to help keep them from being deceived (Eph. 4:11-14). Paul showed how this works, telling the elders in Ephesus that he "did not shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God" and that "for three years I did not cease night or day to admonish every one with tears" (Acts 20:27, 31).
He did this because he knew that after his "departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them" (vs. 29-30). The solution to such false teaching is simply teaching the truth – continually, earnestly, and fearlessly.
This warning about false teachers was given by Jesus (Matt. 7:15-20); By Peter (2Pet. 2:1-3; 3:15f); by John (1John 4:1); and many times by Paul (1Tim. 4:1; 2Tim. 3:1-9; Titus 1:1-11; etc.).
It is sad to observe that almost every teaching of the New Testament has been perverted and twisted by someone. Even while the apostles were alive and teaching such twisting had begun. False teaching concerning the need of circumcision and keeping the law of Moses was a constant problem (cp. Acts 15; Gal. 2; etc.). Paul warns of those who would pervert the very character and being of Jesus (Col. 2). Peter spoke of those who twisted Paul's writings (2Pet. 3:16).
It is sad then that through the years many churches have had elders that don't provide the instruction needed by the people to avoid such error. Preachers have themselves left the truth to proclaim various errors. The people often are unconcerned and blindly follow any one that says "thus saith the Lord". People do need to be like the Bereans and search the scripture daily to see if such things are so (Acts 17:11-12).
The danger is real and present, what will you do about it? You must take the responsibility for yourself first of all. You must let the word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16-17). You must receive the engrafted word (James 1:21). You must become a diligent bible student to understand what you believe and why you believe it. Elders and preachers can help, but each individual must do the work of learning. The last thing Peter wrote: "take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ" (2Pet. 3:17-18).
Hugh DeLong
