desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm.
    Not enough information is given to determine exactly what the false teaching was. The concern here is not so much the identity of the false teachers but their effect, which was in direct contrast to the goal of apostolic instruction. The results of false teaching were “speculations” (v. 4) and “vain discussion” (v. 6) while the result of true teaching is “love” coming from “a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith” (v. 5). The focus of false teaching led to “swerving” and wandering (v. 6) while the focus of true teaching was a steadfast “aim” or goal.(v. 5).