second century, warns its readers about false teachers, apostles, and prophets. The writing tells the churches to be wary of individuals who teach false doctrines, who stay more than two days, who ask for money when leaving, or whose behavior does not cohere with their own teachings.1 Although John gives no details about the false apostles at Ephesus, they were possibly connected with the people labeled “Nicolaitans” (2:6, 15). In addition to problems from false leaders within the church, the Christians