Who is the end-times false prophet?

from the old testament

• The end-times false prophet is only mentioned in the New Testament, but the Old Testament warns us about false prophets in general. Deuteronomy 18:20–22 warns against false prophets who speak in God’s name but deliver false messages; they will be proven false if their predictions do not come true.
• Jeremiah 23:16–17 condemns false prophets who lead people astray with deceptive visions and empty assurances, saying they speak from their own imaginations, not from God.
• Ezekiel 13:2–9 describes false prophets as those who proclaim peace when there is no peace and cover up the truth, leading the people into ruin.

from the new testament

• The New Testament also warns us about false prophets. In Matthew 7:15, Jesus warns, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves." Jesus says in Matthew 24:11 and 24, "And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray," and "For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect." Other verses warn us that false prophets will come, saying twisted things (Acts 20:29–30), that false teachers will bring destructive heresies, and that many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1–3).
• A false prophet is mentioned as a key evil leader in the end times in Revelation 13:11–18. He is also called the second beast (the Antichrist is the first beast). He will operate with the Antichrist and Satan to deceive many during the tribulation period.
• Revelation tells us that the false prophet will rise out of the earth, have two lamb's horns, and will speak like a dragon, likely meaning with deception like Satan (Revelation 13:11). It will have the Antichrist's authority and will cause people to worship the Antichrist (Revelation 13:12). The false prophet will perform signs, including fire from the sky, and will have an image of the Antichrist built (Revelation 13:13–14). He will cause the image to appear alive and will kill those who reject the Antichrist (Revelation 13:15). Further, he will cause people to take the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:16–18).
• Another activity of the false prophet will be to help assemble people for the battle of Armageddon. Revelation 16:13–14 shares, "And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty."
• The false prophet will end in judgment. Revelation 19:20 prophesies, "And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur."
• At the end of the millennial kingdom, Satan will be unbound for one final battle of God's enemies against Him. Revelation 20:10 provides the final judgment of the false prophet: "The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever." Though he may briefly escape, his doom will be eternal punishment.

implications for today

Believers need not fear this end-times false prophet now, but there are many other false prophets in existence today. Those who promote teachings that are contrary to the clear teachings of Scripture are to be rejected, knowing they will receive similar judgment in the end. As 2 Timothy 4:3–5 says: "For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry."

We can tell false prophets by knowing the truth. We are called to remain vigilant and rooted in God's Word, testing all teachings against Scripture. We can check a person’s fruit to see if their messages are true or not. A prophet who does not practice what they preach, or who is saying things for their own gain, is not a true prophet. There are many wolves in sheep’s clothing trying to deceive people. As we stand firm in the truth, we can identify and reject falsehoods. Knowing the truth for ourselves is great, but we should also care for unbelievers who do not have this assurance. We should care that unbelievers at least have the opportunity to hear the truth, so they are not led astray. We cannot force others to know the truth, but we can help them discern the truth from lies and protect ourselves from the destructive influence of false teachings.