In this chapter, Peter again changes his topic. His focus is now on “false teachers” and Peter pulls no punches.
Although Peter mentions and warns about false prophets in reference to both Old and New Testament times, he seems to focus more on false teachers being a greater threat. This could be because false teachers were more plentiful than
false prophets at that time.
Now, one might ask, “What is the difference between a false prophet and false teacher?”
Let’s take a closer look at the definition of a prophet and a teacher. A true prophet is one who utters divinely inspired revelations. In other words, he or she is a person who speaks for God, about the truth of what lies ahead. A false prophet is one who also claims to speak for God about things yet to come, however, the prophecy spoken from a false prophet is not from God, but are lies.
A true teacher is a person who speaks of such things as the character of God, or His divine word and doctrine. However, a false teacher is one who teaches made up information that is not inspired by God and therefore are also lies.
The difference between a prophet and a teacher is, a prophet is one through whom revelation is given while a teacher is one who explains revelation and God’s word.
Looking at Acts 13:1 we find that there were both prophets and teachers ministering at Antioch.
Acts 13:1 Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.
Now, take note of what Paul writes in 1 Cor 12:28-29 “And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?”
It is clear here that Paul is making a distinction between a prophet and a teacher and those with other kinds of gifts.
In conclusion, Peter does not hold back when explaining the truth about the two types of teachers – true teachers of God’s word and false teachers.
Amen