Paul’s description of the false teachers needs something to compare it to. He shares a reference to an Old Testament event that most people are familiar with, although these particular names are not mentioned in that account.

You can see this week’s passage, found in 2 Timothy 3:8-9:

Paul gives Timothy a reference for comparison as he deals with the false teachers in Ephesus. He refers back to the Old Testament account of the Exodus, and Pharaoh’s unwillingness to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt. As Moses struggled to achieve freedom for his people, he was opposed by two of Pharaoh’s magicians or sorcerers, Jannes and Jambres. These two men are the magicians referred to in Exodus 7:11-12, 22, and 8:7. Although their names are not listed in the Exodus account, they are identified in ancient Jewish literature, beginning about the time between the Testaments.

Timothy was faced with false teachers who were opposed to the truth of God just as these two men were in the day of Moses and the Exodus. Simply put, seeking truth from alternative sources is always in opposition to God and his truth. There is no other means by which truth is delivered to us, outside of God, through is Son and his Word.

These men in Ephesus stood opposed to the truth. The most likely scenario is that they were teaching a form of Gnosticism, denying the material world and embracing only the spiritual. The New Testament regards such teaching as heretical, both in New Testament times and today!

Paul describes the minds of these teachers as depraved. This phrase is used in 2 Peter 2:12, and refers to wild animals in such a state that they must be destroyed. Paul’s point here is that, with Satan’s influence in the minds of these false teachers, there is little hope of a return to the truth. This is not to say that we should give up on those we know who have been influenced in such manners. No one is so far gone that there is absolutely no hope for a return to Christ. It may feel like it sometimes, and the possibilities are slim, but as long as they live, there is still opportunity. However, Timothy has been told to stay away from these men. If their minds are no longer under their own control, Timothy’s continued efforts would be in vain. There are many other areas to which he needs to direct his energy.

Besides, these false teachers won’t get very far anyway. They never do, really. God is in control, and while it may seem like they are gaining ground, the gospel will be victorious!

Jannes and Jambres were not successful in thwarting the hand of God.

Neither were the false teachers in Ephesus.

And neither will those promoting false teaching today.

Our role is to stick to the truth of the gospel, taking it in and sharing it with others.

Anything else is folly and foolishness.

What do you do to keep yourself centered in the truth of Christ and his gospel? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.