How to Handle False Teaching in the Church: Lessons from Acts 18
When someone teaches something incorrectly in the church, how should we respond? This question has challenged believers for centuries, and the Bible provides us with clear guidance on approaching these delicate situations with both truth and grace.
What Does False Teaching Look Like in the Church?
False teaching isn't always obvious. Sometimes it's not completely wrong but simply incomplete. In Acts 18, we meet Apollos, a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures who "spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only of the baptism of John" (Acts 18:24-25).
Apollos had most of the picture right - he understood Jesus was the Messiah and could prove it from Scripture. However, he was missing key components about baptism in Jesus' name and the gift of the Holy Spirit. His teaching wasn't heretical, just incomplete.
How Should We Respond to Incorrect Teaching?
When Priscilla and Aquila - tentmakers, not theological scholars - heard Apollos teaching, they didn't:
Send an angry email
Publicly shame him
Wait years to confront him
Post criticisms on social media
Talk about him behind his back
Instead, "they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately" (Acts 18:26). Their approach teaches us several important principles:
They created a safe space - inviting him into their home, not confronting him publicly
They approached with humility - not as superior critics but as fellow believers
They focused on building up, not tearing down - their goal was to equip him better
They recognized his value - they saw his potential and wanted to enhance his ministry
What Makes Teaching Spirit-Filled and Accurate?
From Apollos, we learn several characteristics of good teaching:
1. Accuracy
Good teaching is grounded in Scripture and presents truth accurately. Apollos was "a learned man with thorough knowledge of the Scriptures" who taught "accurately" what he knew.
2. Passion
Apollos "spoke with great fervor" - the original language suggests boiling water, indicating energy and excitement. Good teaching isn't dry or monotonous but conveys the excitement of the gospel.
3. Humility
Despite his education and eloquence, Apollos was humble enough to receive correction from tentmakers. Good teachers remain teachable, recognizing that God can speak through anyone.
4. Spirit-Filled Focus
Spirit-filled teaching always points to Jesus. If Jesus isn't central to the message, it's not Spirit-filled teaching. The Holy Spirit's role is to move people toward Jesus and build up the church.
5. Life Change
Good teaching produces fruit - changed lives and strengthened believers. After receiving correction, Apollos "was a great help to those who by grace had believed" (Acts 18:27).
When Should We Confront False Teaching?
The passage shows two different approaches:
With opponents of Jesus: Public debate is sometimes necessary (Acts 18:28)
With fellow believers: Private, gracious correction is the way (Acts 18:26)
When dealing with fellow believers who love Jesus but have incomplete understanding, we should prioritize unity while gently correcting. As Ephesians 4:2-6 reminds us: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Why Unity Matters in Doctrinal Disagreements
Jesus prayed for unity among believers "so that the world may believe that you have sent me" (John 17:21). Our unity is a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel.
When we quarrel about words, Scripture warns that it "is of no value and only ruins those who listen" (2 Timothy 2:14). Many people have walked away from faith not because of Jesus but because of how His followers treat each other.
Life Application
How can we apply these principles in our own lives?
Examine your response to disagreement: When you encounter teaching you disagree with from fellow believers, do you respond more like Priscilla and Aquila or with public criticism?
Prioritize unity in essentials: Ask yourself - does this person believe Jesus is the Son of God and the only way to salvation? If so, approach disagreements with grace, recognizing you're talking to family.
Create safe spaces for dialogue: Instead of distant criticism, invite people closer for meaningful conversation about Scripture.
Check your motives: Are you more concerned with being right or with building up the body of Christ?
Focus outward: Instead of spending energy arguing with fellow believers about minor points, redirect that passion toward reaching those who don't know Jesus at all.
Questions to Consider:
Is there a fellow believer or church I've been critical of that I need to approach with more grace?
Am I more focused on winning theological arguments or on building unity in the body of Christ?
How can I create safe spaces for honest dialogue about Scripture without damaging relationships?
In what ways might I need to be more humble and open to correction in my own understanding?
Remember, our unity as believers is not just a nice ideal—it's a powerful testimony to the world about the reality of Jesus Christ.