Peter provides a strong endorsement of Paul, calling him our beloved brother and placing his writings alongside the other Scriptures, despite acknowledging that some of Paul's teachings are hard to understand and often misunderstood by the untaught and unstable, leading to their destruction. In the previous chapter, Peter warns extensively about false teachers, yet offers no hint that Paul is among them, instead affirming that Paul's wisdom is given by God. This validation counters claims of Paul being a false apostle, as Peter's testimony, written after most of Paul's epistles, implicitly supports his authority without disputing his apostleship. If Paul were a false apostle, as some allege, then Peter's reliability would also be questioned, since he vouches for Paul and his writings. Similarly, Luke, who extensively documents Paul's work in Acts, would be deemed untrustworthy, casting doubt on his gospel and the historical accounts of the early church. Luke directly names Paul as an apostle, noting that he and Barnabas were sent forth, and records the Lord's declaration to Ananias that Paul is a chosen vessel to bear His name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. Through Paul's hands, Gentiles received the Holy Spirit, and he performed incredible miracles while preaching the Kingdom of God. John, as the last original apostle, saw the full span of the first-century church and its challenges, yet offers no warning against Paul or his teachings in his epistles, despite addressing other false teachers and doctrines. Jude, in his short letter focused on false teachers, indirectly identifies Paul as an apostle of Jesus Christ by referencing what he wrote, without any indication of deceit or falsehood. Thus, the collective witness of Peter, Luke, John, and Jude upholds Paul's authenticity, countering accusations of him being a false apostle. Removing Paul's writings, along with the support of these other figures, would radically alter the faith, as subtracting from God's Word distorts the lens through which His truth is understood.

False apostles, akin to false prophets, are individuals who falsely claim apostolic authority, positioning themselves as divinely instituted to direct and lay down doctrine within the church. These pseudo-apostles, as described, go beyond merely claiming inspiration; they assert a superior role over others, often within large religious organizations, mimicking the authority of the original twelve apostles. Their actions and teachings are marked by self-interest and a desire for recognition, leading them to promote confusion and misdirection among the faithful. Such individuals are driven by pride and personal gain, detaching themselves from the reality of God's truth, and instead, they speak words that cater to their own ambitions or the desires of their audience rather than reflecting the true Word of God. Their presence within the church poses a significant danger, as they infiltrate with deceptive appearances, often presenting themselves as genuine leaders while inwardly seeking to exploit and mislead God's people.

God, through His prophet in Ezekiel 22, exposes a conspiracy among the prophets of Israel, identifying them as the most culpable among the failing leadership. He accuses them of devouring the people, enriching themselves, making widows, plastering over problems instead of solving them, making up visions, and divining lies. They were meant to be watchmen, to correct the nation's course, to cry aloud and turn the people back to the right direction, but they failed miserably. Instead of guiding, they led the people astray with falsehoods and personal gain, becoming the main problem in Israel's spiritual decline. In the New Testament, warnings against false prophets and apostles persist with grave concern. In II Corinthians 11, they are described as deceitful workers who transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, mimicking satan who appears as an angel of light. Their end will be according to their works, revealing their true nature. Jesus Christ, in Matthew 24, warns that many false prophets will rise and deceive many, even attempting to mislead the very elect. He emphasizes the need for vigilance, as these deceivers aim to lead believers away from salvation. In Matthew 7, within the Sermon on the Mount, He cautions to beware of false prophets who come in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves, predators seeking to destroy the flock. He instructs to know them by their fruits, as their true character and the results of their teachings will eventually expose their deception. Further, in II Peter 2, false teachers are depicted as bold, willful, and speaking empty, swelling words, often driven by greed, pleasure, or sexual desires. They promise a false freedom from law and judgment, leading followers back into bondage to sin and corruption. In Revelation 13, the ultimate false prophet appears as a lamb with horns but speaks as a dragon, embodying deceit with a benign facade but harboring evil intent. Jesus Christ reiterates in Matthew 7 that their fate is clear—those who fail to produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire, signifying eternal destruction. Through these warnings, the necessity of constant vigilance and discernment is underscored, ensuring the protection of the truth and the flock from such destructive influences.

Within the church of God, there is continued upheaval as some leaders seek to draw followers to themselves rather than to God, claiming titles such as apostle and prophet. The New Testament warns of false apostles, false prophets, false teachers, and false brethren who mingle among the true members. Jesus teaches that the field contains both wheat and tares, and the Owner has decreed that the tares remain until the harvest for the sake of the wheat, preventing spiritual uprooting. God allows these false brethren to remain, using their carnality to refine and prove the true brethren, as part of His consistent pattern to purify and perfect His children. Despite such challenges, Jesus Christ remains head over the church, sanctifying and cleansing it, ensuring that He will act in the best way and time for His beloved body.