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BECAUSE the true apostolic and prophetic movement is a glorious and genuine outpouring of God’s power on earth, it will not escape the enemy’s attempts to counterfeit it. Every generation has its share of insidious imposters who pretend to know how to build churches but who in fact weaken them. While authentic apostolic and prophetic activity increases, Satan will endeavor to infect this movement with a counter movement of deceivers who claim true apostleship and the prophetic, but are not sent by God. Modern day Judas Iscariots, driven by malevolent spirits, will attempt to mix in with true apostles and prophets in an attempt to bring ruin.

Satan’s chief aim through these false apostles and prophets will be three fold: to dilute, to defile and to discredit the apostles and prophets and the genuine movement. Many will be bewitched into rejecting true apostles and prophets because of inevitable failures of false apostles and prophets. Critics of apostolic and prophetic ministries will likely point out the problems of the false apostles and prophets in an attempt to dismiss the validity of their activities. It is essential that the counter movement of the enemy against the genuine apostolic, prophetic movement to be properly anticipated and dealt with according to scripture. Armed with the clear understanding of the difference between true and false apostles and prophets, we will stand in the heat of the coming conflict without becoming casualties ourselves.

What is a false apostle or prophet? Scripture puts it clear in 2 Corinthians 11 vs 12-15. The Greek term for “false apostles” here is pseudapostolos, meaning those who masquerade as apostles or prophets, but are not. This word speaks of impostors who have a motive to gain by deceit, and Paul seems to want to reduce our shock at their existence. In fact he says: “Don’t be surprised if Satan sends imposters who look genuine.” False apostles and prophets, then, are hell’s attempt to imitate a true apostle or prophet for destructive purposes.

Paul spoke against those who boasted falsely in their apostleship. Paul identified men who were false prophets by drawing attention to their motives for financial gain. Paul also calls them “deceitful workers.” God has graciously provided the church with gift ministries in the form of true apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers.

Imposters will always surround the fivefold ministry. Paul speaks of true ministers, and immediately refers to their opposition by the false. We are being equipped so we will not fall prey to the false ministries that are always prowling around the body of Christ, seeking to deceive many.

Satan’s has many counterfeit ministry gifts.

For every blessing God has ever, created, Satan has presented a counterfeit. The ministry gifts of Ephesians 4 vs 11 are no exception, and in this context we must understand false apostles and prophets. Because Christ has given the church the apostle, prophet, evangelist, pastor and teacher, Satan (as a false Christ, see 2 Corinthians 11 vs 4) has created five crude and dangerous imitations to impersonate them.

Jesus warned of false prophets that would appear in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly were ravenous wolves. Matthew 7 vs 15, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.

Jesus spoke of false shepherds (or false pastors) who would come to kill, steal and destroy as hirelings. They would fail to protect the sheep, and instead would scatter and abandon them.

The Apostles Paul and Peter both warned of the existence of false teachers who would peddle fables and heresies to bring swift destruction to God’s people.

It is clear that false evangelists can be identified as those who spread a false gospel. Galatians 1 vs 9, As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.

Jesus spoke to the angel of the church at Ephesus of false apostles.

Revelation 2 vs 2, I know your works, your labour, 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; like Judas these men and women begin by having a valid experience with God, but because of internal weakness, turn away from Christ to a life marked by error. The connection of the words “apostle” (one who is sent) and “apostate” (one who is fallen) is interesting in this regard.

Days of Deception

This kind of false ministry is an increasing problem in the world today and Zimbabwe is no exception. This is exactly what Christ foretold would occur in the last days.