Matthew 24:24

"“Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There!’ don’t believe it."

Key Reflection

In first-century Israel, the claim that someone had seen the Messiah in a particular location would have been met with deep skepticism and caution. Matthew 24:24 warns the disciples about false messiahs who might emerge, using rhetoric familiar to those who lived under Roman rule where false prophets often arose to gain followers or incite rebellion. The original audience would have understood that such claims were not uncommon, especially as tensions rose with the Roman authorities, and Jesus was cautioning them to remain vigilant and discerning in distinguishing truth from deception.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 24. False Christs. Persons claiming to be the Messiah. False prophets. Persons claiming to be the prophet spoken of by Moses, De 18:15 or persons pretending to declare the way of deliverance from the Romans, and calling the people to follow them. See Mt 24:5. Shall shew great signs and wonders. That is, shall pretend to work miracles. Shall so nearly resemble prophets in their miraculous power as to render it difficult to detect the imposture. Josephus represents the false Christs and prophets that appeared, as magicians and sorcerers. He says they led the people out into the deserts, and promised to work miracles to deliver them. Ant., book xx., chap. 8, § 6.

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