Note 28 at 2 Tim. 3:9: How were Jannes and Jambres (see note 26 at v. 8) exposed? They were only able to do some of the things Moses and Aaron did. They failed to duplicate the fourth plague and became infected with the seventh plague which was boils on man and beast. In other words, they didn't have the power. They appeared good for a brief time, but their sorcery was no match for God's power.

Paul used this method to expose false prophets on other occasions. In Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, he was defending his apostolic authority over that church. Some people had criticized his speech and physical weakness., but in 1 Corinthians 4:19-20, he said, "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." In other words, "Talk is cheap. Prove your authority by the power of God working in your life. If you don't have the power, then shut up!"

Those who cause troubles never have the power of God working in their lives. They just come in and argue over words or personalities. If they don't have the power, "turn away" (v. 5).