Matthew 24:24

Commentary on Matthew 24:24 (KJV)

Matthew 24:24 is a profound warning from Jesus Christ, delivered as part of His extensive discourse on the end times, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. This verse specifically highlights the intense spiritual deception that will characterize the period leading up to His return.

Context

This verse is situated within Jesus' response to His disciples' questions about the destruction of the Temple and the signs of His coming and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3). After predicting wars, famines, and earthquakes, Jesus warns about religious deception, stating that "many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many" (Matthew 24:5). Verse 24 escalates this warning, emphasizing the unparalleled nature of the deception that will arise, even involving miraculous displays.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Rise of Deception: Jesus explicitly forewarns of "false Christs" and "false prophets." These are individuals who will claim to be the Messiah or to speak on God's behalf, but who are in reality agents of spiritual falsehood. Their purpose is to mislead and draw people away from the truth.
• Power of Deceptive Signs and Wonders: A critical element of their deceit will be their ability to "shew great signs and wonders." This indicates that their claims will not merely be rhetorical but will be backed by supernatural manifestations, making their falsehood incredibly convincing to those who lack discernment. This parallels warnings found elsewhere about the adversary's power to perform "lying wonders" (2 Thessalonians 2:9).
• The Security of the Elect: The phrase "insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect" is a powerful statement about God's preservation of His chosen people. The "elect" refers to those whom God has sovereignly chosen for salvation and who truly belong to Him. While the deception will be so potent that it *could* deceive anyone, Jesus affirms that it is impossible for the truly elect to be ultimately led astray, highlighting God's faithfulness and their eternal security (John 10:28).

Linguistic Insights

The terms "false Christs" (Greek: pseudochristoi) and "false prophets" (Greek: pseudoprophētai) clearly denote those who are counterfeit or deceptive mimics of the genuine. The prefix "pseudo-" signifies falsehood or imitation. The "signs and wonders" (Greek: sēmeia kai terata) are typically used in the New Testament to describe miraculous acts, but here they are specifically attributed to deceptive figures, emphasizing that not all supernatural displays originate from God or serve His purposes. The phrase "the very elect" (Greek: tous eklektous) underscores the identity of God's chosen ones, emphasizing their unique position and divine protection.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning for believers. In an age of diverse spiritual claims and increasingly sophisticated forms of deception, it is crucial to:

• Cultivate Discernment: Believers must develop a keen ability to distinguish truth from error. This requires a deep familiarity with the true Word of God, as well as reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance.
• Test the Spirits: Do not blindly accept every spiritual manifestation or teaching. As 1 John 4:1 advises, "believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God."
• Anchor in Christ: Our security is not in our own ability to resist deception, but in God's power to preserve His elect. Remaining steadfast in Christ and His truth is our ultimate safeguard against the schemes of the enemy.