Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

Evidently in Paul’s experience , this issue of false ministry was so great that it was a rather constant part of his warning and admonition to the disciples in nearly all of his epistles.

Types of False Ministry

False ministries are of various types in the New Testament. The New Testament speaks of false apostles, false prophets, false shepherds or hirelings, false teachers, and false Christ’s or anointed ones. Paul warns of false apostles in 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. For such are false apostles , deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 A false apostle may claim to be a true apostle and may look to some degree like a true apostle, but in reality the false apostle is a person who is not as much interested in serving and laying down his or her life for others as a true apostle. A false apostle may have a completely different agenda. Jesus commented the church at Ephesus because they were willing to test the apostles who made such claims to assay whether or not they were genuine (Rev. 2:2). I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars. Revelation 2:2 False prophets are mentioned even more often than false apostles (Mt. 7:15; 24:11, 24; Mark 13:22; Acts 13:6; 2 Pet. 2: 1; 1 John 4:1). Just like the leaders at the church at Ephesus

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