False apostles appear genuine by mirroring the language and references of true apostles while lacking true doctrine.
Les Feldick teaches that false apostles are so deceptive that average church members don't recognize them (Clip 2). They use the same terms and refer to the same scriptures, but subtly change meanings to promote a counterfeit gospel (Clip 5). Their teaching is an 'adulterated product' that has a form of truth but misses the core doctrines.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15 — Directly describes false apostles transforming into apostles of Christ, explaining how they can appear genuine.
The Bible warns that false teachers are deceptive and can infiltrate the church unnoticed. Jude describes them as 'ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ' (Jude 4). They 'speak evil of those things they know not' (Jude 10). Paul also contrasts himself with those who 'corrupt the word of God' (2 Corinthians 2:17), indicating that false teachers handle the word deceitfully.
Les Feldick emphasizes that false apostles are skilled in deception, often appearing in local churches without being noticed (Clip 2). He points out that they use the same scriptural language but manipulate it to change the meaning, as seen in attempts to downplay Paul's unique apostleship (Clip 5). He also notes that they deny aspects of Christ's lordship (Clip 2) and offer an 'adulterated product' rather than the genuine gospel (Clips 1, 7).
Les Feldick shows that false apostles use the same terminology and scriptural references as genuine apostles, but they subtly alter the meaning. For example, they might claim Paul is 'just another apostle' rather than the unique apostle to the Gentiles, which changes the entire gospel message (Clip 5).
False teachers can creep into local churches unnoticed, turning grace into license and denying Christ's lordship. This deception is so effective that average church members are unaware of it (Clip 2). They appear genuine but lead people away from true doctrine.
Paul defended his apostleship by pointing to the changed lives of his converts as proof of his divine commission. Les Feldick notes that Paul said, 'If I be not an apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you' (1 Corinthians 9:2), because the Corinthians were saved out of idolatry through his ministry (Clip 6). This contrasts with false apostles who lack such evidence.
Why Paul Warned About "Another Jesus" — 2 Corinthians 11:4
you in all things. Have I committed an offense in abasing myself, that you might be exalted, because I have preached to you the gospel of God freely? I robbed..." Or he took, evidently, a certain amount of wages. "...I robbed other churches..." That is, in other areas of Greece. "...taking wages of them to do you service.
Paul's Defense Against Corrupt Teachers
Les contrasts Paul's sincere teaching with those who corrupt or 'hawk' the Word of God as a product, highlighting how false teachers present an adulterated message.
Deceptive Infiltration of the Church
Les explains that false teachers are so deceptive they 'crept in unawares' and are characterized by turning grace into lasciviousness and denying Christ's lordship.
The Weapons of Our Warfare — 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 Explained
So he said, being absent I'm bold toward you, but I beseech you that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. Now do you see what he's saying? There were people out there, probably amongst his congregations, who did not recognize his divine appointment as an apostle of Christ, because…
What Did the Ethiopian Eunuch Actually Believe? Acts 8
And always watch for that. Always watch what do they say. Not what I think they might have said, but what did they say? And we have no room to assume that they said something that the Scripture doesn't attribute to them. And so as they went up to Samaria then, and we covered old Simon, who made a pseudo-profession. It wasn't real. It was a fake and a counterfeit.
Subtle Distortion of Paul's Apostleship
Les shows how false apostles subtly change the meaning of scripture, such as attempting to reduce Paul to 'just another apostle' instead of the unique apostle to the Gentiles.
Proof of True Apostleship
Les highlights Paul's argument that the Corinthians' salvation from idolatry was evidence of his genuine apostleship, unlike false teachers.
Adulterated Teaching Rejected
Les reiterates that Paul did not come with false teaching or half-truths, implying that false apostles do, making them appear genuine but lacking substance.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15: For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
This passage directly explains how false apostles can appear genuine by transforming themselves with deceptive appearances.
Jude 4: For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Describes the deceptive infiltration of false teachers and their actions that deny Christ.
2 Corinthians 2:17: For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Contrasts Paul's sincere preaching with those who corrupt the Word, helping to identify false teachers.
They appear genuine by using familiar scripture and language, but they subtly distort the truth. Les Feldick notes they are so deceptive that many church members don't recognize them (Clip 2). They may speak of Jesus but deny His lordship (Jude 4).
The key is whether they teach the true gospel of grace through Paul's revelation. Les Feldick emphasizes that false apostles downplay Paul's unique apostleship, changing the message (Clip 5). Their teaching lacks the clear doctrine of grace.
Watch the Teaching: Why Paul Warned About "Another Jesus" — 2 Corinthians 11:4