Early Christian Views on Hypocrites and False Religion

Clement of Alexandria, The Stromata (Miscellanies) Direct teaching

...e, and before the authorities, is what most people count as the only confession. This is not sound. Hypocrites also can confess with this confession. But neither will this saying be found to be spoken universally. For all the saved have confessed with the confession made by the voice, and departed. Of these are Matthew, Philip, Thomas, Levi, and many others. And confession by the lip is not universal, but partial. But what He now specifies is universal: that which is by deeds and actions corresponding to faith in Him. This confession is followed by that which is partial, that before the authorities, if necessary, and if reason directs. For he will rightly confess with his voice who has first confessed by his disposition. And with regard to those who confess, he has rightly used the words “in Me,” and for those who deny, the word “Me.” For those, though they confess Him with the voice, yet deny Him, since they do not confess Him in their conduct. But those alone confess “in Him” who live in the confession and conduct according to Him. In them He also confesses, He who is contained in them and held by them. Therefore, “He never can deny Himself.” And those deny Him who are not in

Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen Direct teaching

Again, therefore, some venomous and false hypocrites, who plotted against righteousness, He once called a brood of vipers.

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book IV Direct teaching

... he has conceived internally will. This is to prevent sin from making him his own destroyer through hypocrisy. The Lord declared: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, for you are like whitewashed tombs. The tomb looks beautiful on the outside, but inside it is full of dead bones and all uncleanness. You also appear righteous to people outwardly, but inside you are filled with wickedness and hypocrisy.” Though they offered sacrifices that seemed correct outwardly, they harbored jealousy like Cain, and therefore they killed the Just One, ignoring the counsel of the Word, just as Cain did. God told Cain, “Be calm,” but he didn't listen. “Be calm” means to abstain from intended violence. In saying similar things, God told these men, “You blind Pharisee, clean the inside of the cup so the outside may be clean too,” but they didn't heed His words. Jeremiah says, “Look, neither your eyes nor your heart are good; they turn to your greed, to shed innocent blood, to injustice, and to murder.” Isaiah says, “You have taken counsel, but not from Me; and made covenants, but not by My Spirit.” This is to show that God is blameless and does no evil, revealing what is hidden in the he

Matthew 23:25 Background

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence.

Matthew 23:27 Background

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness.

Matthew 6:5 Background

“And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.

Mark 7:6 Background

And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;

James 1:26 Background

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Isaiah 29:13 Background

Therefore the Lord said: “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men,

Matthew 23:28 Background

Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Didache, The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Direct teaching

...ot stay more than one day, or, if necessary, also the next day. But if he stays three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle leaves, let him take nothing except bread, until he finds lodging. But if he asks for money, he is a false prophet. And every prophet who speaks in the Spirit you must neither test nor judge, for every sin will be forgiven, but this sin will not be forgiven. But not everyone who speaks in the Spirit is a prophet. Only the one who has the ways of the Lord is a prophet. Therefore, the false prophet and the true prophet will be known by their ways. And every prophet who orders a meal in the Spirit does not eat from it, unless indeed he is a false prophet. And every prophet who teaches the truth, if he does not do what he teaches, is a false prophet. And every prophet, proved to be true, who works toward the mystery of the Church in the world, yet does not teach others to do what he himself does, must not be judged among you, for God is his judge. For the ancient prophets did the same. But whoever says in the Spirit, "Give me money," or asks for something else, you must not listen to him. But if he tells you to give for the sake of others who are in

Justin Martyr, Dialogue with Trypho Direct teaching

For he said, ‘Many shall come in My name, clothed outwardly in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.’ ” And, ‘There shall be schisms and heresies.’ And, ‘Beware of false prophets, who shall come to you clothed outwardly in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.’ And, ‘Many false Christs and false apostles shall arise, and shall deceive many of the faithful.’ There are, therefore, and there were many, my friends, who, coming forward in the name of Jesus, taught both to speak and act impious and blasphemous things;

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Direct teaching

Given these points, all who distort the shape of the Gospel are vain, ignorant, and also bold; those, I mean, who portray the aspects of the Gospel as being either more numerous or, alternatively, fewer than previously stated. The first group does so to appear as if they have discovered more than the truth; the latter group does this to dismiss the plans of God. Marcion, for instance, rejects the entire Gospel, indeed even cuts himself off from it, yet claims to share in the Gospel's blessings. Others (the Montanists), in order to disregard the gift of the Spirit—which, by the grace of the Father, was given to humanity in later times—do not acknowledge the aspect of the evangelical dispensation shown in John's Gospel, where the Lord promised to send the Paraclete; but dismiss both the Gospel and the prophetic Spirit. Truly wretched individuals! They wish to be false prophets, but they reject the gift of prophecy from the Church, acting like the Encratites who, due to hypocrites, distance themselves from the community of believers. We must also conclude that these men (the Montanists) cannot accept the Apostle Paul either. In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul clearly talks about p

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

...st and Moses, war against Christ and Moses, and who, clothed as sheep, hide the wolf. For these are false Christs, and false prophets, and false apostles, deceivers and corrupters, parts of foxes, the destroyers of the herbs of the vineyards. Because of them, the love of many will grow cold. But he who endures steadfast to the end, the same will be saved, Matthew 24:12-13. Concerning them, so that He might make us secure, the Lord declared, saying: "There will come to you men in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. You shall know them by their fruits. Take care of them. For false Christs and false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many."

Asterius Urbanus, The Extant Writings of Asterius Urbanus Supporting witness

...m there forward in continuous succession. Among those who were present at that time and heard those false utterances, some were indignant and rebuked him as one in a frenzy, under the power of demons, possessed by a spirit of delusion, stirring up the multitude, and they kept him from speaking any more. For they were mindful of the Lord's distinction and warning, by which He warned them to be watchful and on guard against the coming of false prophets. But there were others who, as if lifted up by the Holy Spirit and the prophetic gift, and being not a little puffed up, completely forgot the Lord's distinction. They encouraged that maddening, deceitful, and seductive spirit, while they themselves were tricked and led astray by him, so that no one could silence him any longer. And so, by a kind of device, or rather by such a process of craft, the devil devised destruction against those who disobeyed the Lord's warning. Being unworthily honored by them, he secretly stirred up and inflamed the minds of those who had already departed from the faith according to truth, so that they might play the harlot with error. For he also stirred up two other women, and filled them with the false

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness

2. For this is the subterfuge of false persons, evil seducers, and hypocrites, as they act who are from Valentinus.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

For false Christs and false prophets shall arise and shall deceive many.

2 Peter 2:3 Background

And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.

Matthew 7:15 Background

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.

Jude 1:16 Background

These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

1 Timothy 4:2 Background

Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

False religious systems, therefore, were attacked by wiser men, because they saw that they were false. But the true religion was not brought in, because they did not know what it was or where it was. So they treated it as if it did not exist, because they could not find it in its truth. In this way, they fell into a much greater error than those who followed a false religion. For those who worship weak images, however foolish they may be, place heavenly things in things that are earthly and perishable. Yet they still keep some trace of wisdom and may be pardoned, because they hold to the chief duty of man, if not in reality, at least in intention. For if religion is not the only difference between men and beasts, it is certainly the greatest. But this other group, because of their greater wisdom in seeing the error of false religion, made themselves that much more foolish, because they did not think that any religion was true. And so, because it is easier to judge the affairs of others than our own, while they saw the ruin of others, they did not notice what was right before their own feet. On both sides there is very great folly, and also a certain trace of wisdom. So you may doub

Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Direct teaching

Now, since we have refuted false religion, which is found in the worship of the gods, and false wisdom, which is found among the philosophers, let us come to true religion and wisdom. In fact, we must speak of both together, because they are closely connected. For to worship the true God, and that alone, is wisdom. For God, who is supreme and the Maker of all things, made man in His own image. For this reason, He gave man alone, out of all living creatures, the gift of reason, so that man might return honor to Him as his Father and Lord, and by practicing this piety and obedience might gain the reward of immortality. This is a true and divine mystery. But among those things, because they are not true, there is no agreement. Sacred rites are not practiced in philosophy, nor is philosophy dealt with in sacred things. For this reason, their religion is false, because it does not possess wisdom. And for this reason, their wisdom is false, because it does not possess religion. But where both are joined together, the truth must necessarily be there. So if it is asked what truth itself is, it may rightly be called either wise religion or religious wisdom.

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Direct teaching

who has guided us from false superstitions to the true religion — a blessing which exceeds and transcends all His other gifts;

Arnobius, Against the Heathen Direct teaching

But someone may say, "He deserved our hatred because He drove religion out of the world, because He kept people from trying to honor the gods." Is He then called the destroyer of religion and the promoter of impiety, when He brought true religion into the world? He opened the gates of piety to people who were blind and truly living in impiety, and He showed them to whom they should bow down. Or is there any religion more true, more helpful, more powerful, and more right than this: to have learned to know the supreme God, and to know how to pray to God Most High, who alone is the source and fountain of all good? He is the creator, founder, and maker of all that continues to exist. By Him all things on earth and all things in heaven are given life and filled with the movement of life. Without Him, there would certainly be nothing that could bear any name or have any substance. But perhaps you doubt whether that ruler of whom we speak exists, and instead are more inclined to believe that Apollo, Diana, Mercury, and Mars exist. Give a true judgment. If anyone looks around at all these things that we see, he would sooner doubt whether all the other gods exist than hesitate about the God

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

They do not therefore understand how vain are their religions, even from this very fact, that they jeer at them by these follies.

Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen Supporting witness

He whom you worship is an ingrate; he accepts your reward, and after taking the gold plays false.

Clement of Alexandria, Exhortation to the Heathen Supporting witness

And, appointing to those sacrifices and vain festal assemblages, Are accustomed thus to practice religion.

Tertullian, Apology Supporting witness

and if false, they should not be fabricated among people professing a great respect for religion.

Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Supporting witness

and on this account their religion is false, because it does not possess wisdom;

Lactantius, The Epitome of the Divine Institutes Supporting witness

and on this account their wisdom is false, because it does not possess religion.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

Is it possible, then, for Jupiter to lose his kingdom, just as his father lost it? It certainly is. For when that god had spared neither virgins nor married women, he kept away from Thetis only because of an oracle. It had foretold that any son born from her would be greater than his father. First of all, this showed in him a lack of foreknowledge, which does not fit a god. For if Themis had not told him future events, he would not have known them on his own. But if he is not divine, then he is not really a god. For the name divinity comes from god, just as humanity comes from man. Then there was in him an awareness of weakness. But he who has been afraid must clearly have been afraid of someone greater than himself. And the one who does this surely knows that he is not the greatest, since something greater can exist. He also swears most solemnly by the Stygian marsh, which is presented as the one thing feared in religion by the gods above. What is this object of religious fear? And by whom is it established? Is there, then, some great power that can punish the gods if they commit perjury? What is this great fear of the infernal marsh, if they are immortal? Why should they fear wha

Origen, Against Celsus Background

...ips, speak of appearances of angels that they themselves have seen, they are considered unworthy of belief, and their words are not regarded as true! It is against sound reason to judge in this way about whether people are speaking truth or falsehood. For honest people, only after a long and careful examination of the details of a matter, slowly and cautiously give their opinion about whether this or that person is truthful or false in reporting marvelous things. For it is true that not all people show themselves worthy of belief, and not all clearly show that they are telling people nothing but fictions and fables. Moreover, about the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, we say this: it is not at all surprising if, on such an occasion, one or two angels appeared to announce that Jesus had risen from the dead, and to provide for the safety of those who believed in this event, to the advantage of their souls. Nor does it seem at all unreasonable to me that those who believe in the resurrection of Jesus, and who show, as a fruit of their faith that should not be lightly valued, that they possess a virtuous life and have turned away from the flood of evils, should not be unattended

Didache, The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles Supporting witness

Do not let your fasts be like those of the hypocrites. For they fast on the second and fifth days of the week. But you should fast on the fourth day and on the Preparation (Friday). Do not pray like the hypocrites. Instead, as the Lord commanded in His Gospel, pray like this: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our debt, as we also forgive our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (or, evil); for Yours is the power and the glory forever." Pray like this three times a day.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Direct teaching

... penitent, for this is the will of God in Christ. Instruct the catechumens in the basic elements of religion, and then baptize them. Avoid the atheistical heretics, who are past repentance. Separate them from the faithful, and excommunicate them from the Church of God. Charge the faithful to stay completely away from them, and not to take part with them either in sermons or prayers. For these are enemies of the Church, and they lay snares for it. They corrupt the flock and defile the heritage of Christ. They only pretend to wisdom, and they are the vilest of men. About them Solomon the wise said, "The wicked doers pretend to act piously." For he says, "There is a way that seems right to some, but the ends of it look to the bottom of hell." Proverbs 14:12 These are the ones about whom the Lord declared His mind with bitterness and severity, saying that they are false Christs and false teachers. Matthew 24:24 They have blasphemed the Spirit of grace, and done despite to the gift they had from Him after the grace of baptism. Forgiveness shall not be granted to them, neither in this world nor in that which is to come. Matthew 12:32 They are both more wicked than the Jews and more at

Polycarp, Epistle to the Philippians Supporting witness

Let us be zealous in the pursuit of that which is good, keeping ourselves from causes of offence, from false brethren, and from those who in hypocrisy bear the name of the Lord, and draw away vain men into error.

Alexander of Alexandria, Epistles on the Arian Heresy Supporting witness

These, therefore, who have been anathematized by the brotherhood, let no one of you receive, nor admit of those things which are either said or written by them.

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness

...bench?" "I do, sir," I said. "These," he says, "are the faithful, and he who sits on the chair is a false prophet, ruining the minds of the servants of God. It is the doubters, not the faithful, that he ruins. These doubters then go to him as to a soothsayer, and ask him what will happen to them. And he, the false prophet, not having the power of a Divine Spirit in him, answers them according to their questions and according to their wicked desires, and fills their souls with expectations according to their own wishes. For since he is empty himself, he gives empty answers to empty inquirers, for every answer is made to the emptiness of man. Some true words he does occasionally speak, for the devil fills him with his own spirit, hoping that he may be able to overcome some of the righteous. As many, then, as are strong in the faith of the Lord and are clothed with truth have no connection with such spirits, but keep away from them. But as many as are doubtful in mind and repent often turn to soothsaying, just like the heathen, and bring greater sin on themselves by their idolatry. For he who asks a false prophet about any action is an idolater, devoid of the truth, and foolish. Fo

Alexander of Alexandria, Epistles on the Arian Heresy Supporting witness

...xpelled them. Instead, they either pass over these things in silence, or cover them with a veil. By feigned words and writings, they deceive them. Therefore, by hiding their pestilent doctrine with pleasing and flattering speech, they ensnare simpler people and those who are open to fraud. Meanwhile, they do not spare our piety, but slander it to everyone. As a result, some, signing their letters, receive them into the Church, although in my opinion the greatest guilt belongs to those ministers who dare to do this. This is because not only does the apostolic rule not allow it, but by this means the working of the devil in these men against Christ is kindled even more strongly. Therefore, beloved brothers, without delay I have stirred myself up to show you the faithlessness of these men, who say that there was a time when the Son of God was not, and that He who was not before came into existence afterward, becoming such, when at last He was made, just as every man is accustomed to be born. For they say that God made all things from things that are not, including even the Son of God in the creation of all things rational and irrational. To these things they add, as a consequence,

Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Background

...rld, holding the word of life for my glory against the day of Christ, seeing that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain." We ought to understand the force and meaning of this saying. For the word may suit the leader, but the effectual work suits the king. And accordingly, just as one who looks for the arrival of his king strives to present all who are under his charge as obedient, and ready, and estimable, and lovely, and faithful, and no less also as blameless, and abounding in all that is good, so that he himself may get commendation from the king, and be deemed by him worthy of greater honors, as one who has rightly governed the province entrusted to his administration, so also does the blessed Paul give us to understand our position when he uses these words: "That you may be as lights in this world, holding the word of life for my glory against the day of Christ." For the meaning of this saying is that our Lord Jesus Christ, when He comes, will see that His doctrine has proved profitable in us. And finding that he, the apostle, has not run in vain, neither laboured in vain, He will bestow on him the crown of recompense. And again, in the same epistle, he also warn

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Background

...give than to receive," in Acts 20:35. For He also says, "Woe to those who have and yet receive with hypocrisy, or who are able to support themselves, yet still receive from others." For both of them will give an account to the Lord God on the day of judgment. But if an orphan receives alms because of his youth, or if someone receives because of the weakness of old age, or because of sickness, or because he is raising many children, such a person will not only escape blame, but will even be commended. For he will be regarded as an altar to God and honored by God because of his eager and constant prayers for those who give to him. He does not receive idly, but repays what is given to him, as much as he can, by his prayer. Therefore such a person will be blessed by God in eternal life. But he who has means and receives with hypocrisy or out of laziness, instead of working and helping others, will be liable to punishment before God, because he has snatched away the bread of the needy.

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Background

...their hearts, so that they may train themselves in His law day and night. May He strengthen them in piety, unite them to His holy flock and number them with it, grant them the laver of regeneration and the garment of incorruption, which is the true life, deliver them from all ungodliness, and give no place to the adversary against them. May He cleanse them from all filthiness of flesh and spirit, dwell in them, and walk in them, by His Christ. May He bless their going out and their coming in, and direct their affairs for their good. Let us still earnestly offer our prayers for them, that by their admission they may obtain the forgiveness of their transgressions, and so may be considered worthy of the holy mysteries and of constant communion with the saints. Rise up, you catechumens, ask for yourselves the peace of God through His Christ, a peaceful day and one free from sin, and the same for the whole time of your life, and your Christian end of it, a compassionate and merciful God, and the forgiveness of your transgressions. Dedicate yourselves to the only unbegotten God, through His Christ. Bow down your heads, and receive the blessing. But when each one is named by the deacon

2 Timothy 3:5 Background

having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

Titus 1:16 Background

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work.

Romans 16:18 Background

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.