Matthew 24:10

This poignant verse from the King James Version is part of Jesus' profound Olivet Discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives. Here, Jesus responds to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Matthew 24:10 describes a chilling consequence of the escalating tribulation and deception that will mark the last days, painting a stark picture of internal breakdown within communities.

Context

Matthew 24:10 follows Jesus' warnings about false christs and prophets, wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. He also prophesied that believers would be persecuted, hated by all nations for His name's sake, and delivered up to affliction (Matthew 24:9). Against this backdrop of external pressure, verse 10 reveals the internal spiritual and relational decay that will occur. It's a sobering prophecy about how difficult times can test and even break the bonds of faith and fellowship.

Key Themes

• Stumbling and Apostasy: The phrase "many be offended" points to a widespread spiritual falling away. It signifies that many will lose their faith, stumble, or be led astray due to the intense pressures and deceptions of the age.
• Betrayal: "Shall betray one another" speaks to a profound breakdown of trust and loyalty. In times of severe persecution, some will turn on fellow believers, family, or friends, delivering them up to authorities, perhaps to save themselves or gain favor. This echoes other prophecies about betrayal even by family members.
• Hatred: The escalation to "shall hate one another" indicates an extreme level of animosity, where love and unity are replaced by division and malice. This reflects the spiritual darkness that accompanies widespread apostasy and betrayal.
• Impact of Tribulation: The verse highlights the devastating effect that intense tribulation can have on human relationships and spiritual fortitude, leading to a chilling decline in love, as further described in Matthew 24:12.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "offended" in this context translates the Greek verb skandalizō (σκανδαλίζω). This word is much stronger than merely being irritated or annoyed. It means to cause to stumble, to put a snare or trap in the way, or to cause someone to fall away from faith or moral integrity. It implies a spiritual collapse, a defection from the truth, or a loss of commitment to Christ, often triggered by persecution, false teaching, or the difficulties of life.

Practical Application

For believers today, Matthew 24:10 serves as a powerful warning and a call to spiritual vigilance.

• Perseverance: It underscores the importance of spiritual endurance and remaining steadfast in faith, even when faced with pressure and deception.
• Discernment: It emphasizes the need to be discerning, recognizing that not all who claim faith will remain true, and that betrayal can come from unexpected sources.
• Love and Unity: In a world that may increasingly exhibit hatred and division, this verse reminds believers of the imperative to cultivate genuine love for one another (John 13:35) and to guard against the erosion of unity within the body of Christ.
• Preparation: Understanding these prophecies encourages believers to prepare spiritually for challenging times, strengthening their relationship with God and their commitment to His truth.