How to detect false prophets and hypocrites in general (Luke 6:43-45). The gift of prophecy was widely diffused in the Apostolic Church, so that the warning against false prophets was needed, but the word is intended to include hypocritical Christian teachers of all kinds. How can they be known? Not always by their doctrine, which, when it suits their purpose, is orthodox, but by their works, especially by their covetousness, which is the unfailing characteristic of false prophets.
The 'Didache' has some interesting remarks about the false prophets of the sub-apostolic age. 'Let every apostle (itinerant missionary) that comes to you, be received as the Lord. He will remain one day, and if necessary, two. If he remains three days, he is a false prophet. And when the apostle goes forth from you, let him receive nothing but bread for his day's journey. If he asks money, he is a false prophet... A prophet who in the Spirit orders a table to be laid, shall not eat of it himself. If he does, he is a false prophet.' The modern representative of the false prophet is the minister or teacher who works for hire or popularity.