Counterfeit Christianity

WHEREVER people accept the truth of God and begin practicing it, counterfeits soon surface. That’s what Paul found at Ephesus, and what he warns Timothy about (2 Timothy 3:8-9).

He mentions two characters, Jannes and Jambres, whose names mean “he who seduces” and “he who is rebellious.” Neither name is in the Old Testament, but Jewish legend held that these were the names of two Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses’ demand of Pharaoh to free the Israelites. They tried to duplicate the miracles of Moses in an attempt to discredit him. But God showed that Moses’ authority was more powerful (Exodus 7:11-12, 22).

Paul faced a similar experience at Ephesus. For two years he taught the message of Christ there, in a culture heavily steeped in pagan idolatry and occultism. God confirmed his teaching through powerful miracles and the release of many from evil spirits. But local exorcists attempted to duplicate the miracles. Their scheme backfired, however, to the benefit of the gospel (Acts 19:8-20).

Counterfeits to the truth of Christ abound today, as Paul predicted they would. If we effectively communicate the gospel to friends and coworkers, we can virtually count on the fact that competing systems and worldviews will soon appear. That’s why we must “continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of,” basing our lives and our witness on the firm foundation of Scripture (2 Timothy 3:14-17).

Courtesy of Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Commentary
Unless otherwise noted, Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, NKJV © 1982 by Thomas Nelson.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.