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DidacheAD 100
The Didache, Chapter 16
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an out-spreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Notwithstanding, by reason of the great tribulation in which men shall be cast, false prophets promising to show aid present from Christ, will falsely affirm that Christ is present in divers places, that they may draw into the service of Antichrist men discouraged and distracted.
The false prophets, of whom He had spoken above, shall say of Christ one while, Lo, He is in the desert, in order that they may cause men to wander astray; another while, Lo, He is in the secret chambers, that they may enthral men under the dominion of Antichrist. But the Lord declares Himself to be neither lurking in a remote corner, nor shut up to be visited singly, but that He shall be exhibited to the view of all, and in every place, As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall the coming of the Son of Man be.
That we might not be ignorant of the place in which He should come, He adds this, Wheresoever the carcase, &c. He calls the Saints eagles, from the spiritual flight of their bodies, and shows that their gathering shall be to the place of His passion, the Angels guiding them thither; and rightly should we look for His coming in glory there, where He wrought for us eternal glory by the suffering of His bodily humiliation.
Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
Apostolic Constitutions (Book VII), Section 2, XXXII
For in the last days false prophets shall be multiplied, and such as corrupt the word; and the sheep shall be changed into wolves, and love into hatred: for through the abounding of iniquity the love of many shall wax cold. For men shall hate, and persecute, and betray one another. And then shall appear the deceiver of the world, the enemy of the truth, the prince of lies, [2 Thessalonians 2:3-12] whom the Lord Jesus "shall destroy with the spirit of His mouth, who takes away the wicked with His lips; and many shall be offended at Him. But they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven;" [Isaiah 11:4; Matthew 24:1-51] and afterwards shall be the voice of a trumpet by the archangel; and in that interval shall be the revival of those that were asleep. And then shall the Lord come, and all His saints with Him, with a great concussion above the clouds, with the angels of His power, [Matthew 16:27] in the throne of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver of the world, and to render to every one according to his deeds. "Then shall the wicked go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous shall go into life eternal," [Matthew 25:46] to inherit those things "which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, such things as God has prepared for them that love Him;" [1 Corinthians 2:9] and they shall rejoice in the kingdom of God, which is in Christ Jesus.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 76
"Then, if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not: for there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, He is in the desert, go not forth: behold, He is in the secret chambers, believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there shall the eagles be gathered together."
Having finished what concerned Jerusalem, He passes on to His own coming, and tells the signs of it, not for their use only, but for us also, and for all that shall come after us.
"Then." When? Here, as I have often said, the word, "then," relates not to the connection in order of time with the things before mentioned. At least, when He was minded to express the connection of time, He added, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days," but here not so, but, "then," not meaning what should follow straightway after these things, but what should be in the time, when these things were to be done, of which He was about to speak.
Awhile He secures them by the place, mentioning the distinguishing marks of His second coming, and the indications of the deceivers. For not, as when at His former coming He appeared in Bethlehem, and in a small corner of the world, and no one knew Him at the beginning, so doth He say it shall be then too; but openly and with all circumstance, and so as not to need one to tell these things. And this is no small sign that He will not come secretly.
But mark how here He saith nothing of war (for He is interpreting the doctrine concerning His advent), but of them that attempt to deceive. For some in the days of the apostles deceived the multitude, "for they shall come," saith He, "and shall deceive many;" and others shall do so before His second coming, who shall also be more grievous than the former. "For they shall show," He saith, "signs and wonders, so as to deceive if possible the very elect:" here He is speaking of Antichrist, and indicates that some also shall minister to him. Of him Paul too speaks on this wise. Having called him "man of sin," and "son of perdition," He added, "Whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders; and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish."
And see how He secures them; "Go not forth into the deserts, enter not into the secret chambers." He did not say, "Go, and do not believe;" but, "Go not forth, neither depart thither." For great then will be the deceiving, because that even deceiving miracles are wrought.
Having told them how Antichrist cometh, as, for instance, that it will be in a place; He saith how Himself also cometh. How then doth He Himself come? "As the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of Man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there also will the eagles be gathered together."
How then shineth the lightning? It needs not one to talk of it, it needs not a herald, but even to them that sit in houses, and to them in chambers it shows itself in an instant of time throughout the whole world. So shall that coming be, showing itself at once everywhere by reason of the shining forth of His glory. But He mentions also another sign, "where the carcase is, there also shall the eagles be;" meaning the multitude of the angels, of the martyrs, of all the saints.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
When the Lord had finished all that related to Jerusalem, He came in the rest to His own coming, and gives them signs thereof, useful not for them only, but for us and for all who shall be after us. As above, the Evangelist said, In those days came John the Baptist, (Mat. 3:1.) not implying immediately after what had gone before, but thirty years after; so here, when He says Then, He passes over the whole interval of time between the taking of Jerusalem and the beginnings of the consummation of the world. Among the signs which He gives of His second coming He certifies them concerning the place, and the deceivers. For it shall not be then as at His former coming, when He appeared in Bethlehem, in a corner of the world, unknown of any; but He shall come openly so as not to need any to announce His approach, wherefore, If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe not.
He speaks here of Antichrist, and of certain his ministers, whom He calls false Christs and false prophets, such as were many in the time of the Apostles; but before Christ's second coming there shall come others more bitter than the former, And they shall show great signs and wonders. (cf. 2 Thes. 2:8.)
As He had above described in what guise Antichrist should come, so here He describes how He Himself shall come. For as the lightning needeth none to herald or announce it, but is in an instant of time visible throughout the whole world, even to those that are sitting in their chambers, so the coming of Christ shall be seen every where at once, because of the brightness of His glory. Another sign He adds of His coming, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together. The eagles denote the company of the Angels, Martyrs, and Saints.
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Wherein He shows that His second coming shall be not in lowliness as His first, but in glory; and therefore it is folly to seek in places little and obscure for Him who is the Light of the whole world. (John 8:12.)
By an instance from nature, which we daily see, we are instructed in a sacrament of Christ. Eagles and vultures are said to scent dead bodies even beyond sea, and to flock to feed upon them. If then birds, not having the gift of reason, by instinct alone find out where lays a dead body, separated by so great space of country, how much more ought the whole multitude of believers to hasten to Christ, whose lightning goeth forth out of the east, and shines even to the west? We may understand by the carcase here, or corpse, which in the Latin is more expressively 'cadaver,' an allusion to the passion of Christ's death.
They are called eagles whose youth is renewed as the eagle's, and who take to themselves wings that they may come to Christ's passion. (Ps. 103:5. Is. 40:31.)
Or otherwise; This may be understood of the false prophets. At the time of the Jewish captivity, there were many leaders who declared themselves to be Christs, (Joseph B.J. v. 1) so that while the Romans were actually besieging them, there were three factions within. But it is better taken as we expounded it above, of the end of the world. Thirdly, it may be understood of the warfare of the heretics against the Church, and of those Antichrists, who under pretext of false science, fight against Christ.
If then any one assert to you that Christ tarries in the desert of the Gentiles, or in the teaching of the Philosophers, or in the secret chambers of the heretics, who promise the hidden things of God, believe Him not, but believe that the Catholic Faith shines from east to west in the Churches.
Or by this, in the desert, or in the secret chambers, He means that in times of persecution and distress, the false Prophets always find place for deceiving.
We are invited to flock to Christ's passion wheresoever in Scripture it is read of, that through it we may be able to come to God's word.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verses 25, 26.) So if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out; 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. If someone promises you that Christ is staying in the wilderness of the Gentiles and philosophers' doctrine, or in the inner rooms of heretics who promise the secrets of God, do not go out, do not believe it; or (because during times of persecution and distress false prophets always find a place for deception) if someone wants to boast under the name of Christ, do not immediately give them your trust.
Augustine of Hippo (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 430
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Lib. 83 Quæst. q. 79.) Here the Lord forewarns us that even wicked men shall do some miracles which the saints cannot do, yet are they not therefore to be thought to have a higher place in the sight of God. For the Egyptian magi were not more acceptable to God than the people of Israel, because they could do what the Israelites could not; yet did Moses, by the power of God, work greater things. This gift is not bestowed on all the saints, lest the weak should be led astray by a most destructive error, supposing such powers to be higher gifts than those works of righteousness by which eternal life is secured. And though magi do the same miracles that the saints do, yet are they done with a different end, and through a different authority; for the one do them seeking the glory of God, the others seeking their own glory; these do them by some special compact or privilege granted to the Powers, within their sphere, those by the public dispensation and the command of Him to whom all creation is subject. For it is one thing for the owner of a horse to be compelled to give it up to a soldier, another for him to hand it over to a purchaser, or to give or lend it to a friend; and as those evil soldiers, who are condemned by the imperial discipline, employ the imperial ensigns to terrify the owners of any property, and to extort from them what is not required by the public service; so some evil Christians, by means of the name of Christ, or by words or sacraments Christian, compel somewhat from the Powers; yet these, when thus at the bidding of evil men, they depart from their purpose, they depart in order to deceive men in whose wanderings they rejoice. It is one way then in which magi, another in which good Christians, another in which bad Christians, work miracles; the magi by a private compact, good Christians by the public righteousness, evil Christians by the signs of public righteousness. And we ought not to wonder at this when we believe not unreasonably that all that we see happen is wrought by the agency of the inferior powers of this air.
(de Trin. iii. 8.) Yet are we not therefore to think that this visible material world attends the nod of the disobedient angels, but rather the power is given them of God. Nor are we to suppose that such evil angels have creative power, but by their spirituality they know the seeds of things which are hidden from us, and these they secretly scatter by suitable adaptations of the elements, and so they give occasion both to the whole being, and the more rapid increase of substances. For so there are many men who know what sort of creatures use to be generated out of certain herbs, meats, juices and humours, bruised and mingled together in a certain fashion; save only that it is harder for men to do these things, inasmuch as they lack that subtlety of sense, and penetrativeness of body in their limbs dull and of earthly mould.
(Quæst. Ev. i. 38.) By the east and west, He signifies the whole world, throughout which the Church should be. In the same way as He said below, Hereafter shall ye see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, (Mat. 26:64.) so now He likens His coming to lightning, which uses to flash out of the clouds. When then the authority of the Church is set up clear and manifest throughout the whole world, He suitably warns His disciples that they should not believe schismatics and heretics. Each schism and heresy holds its own place, either occupying some important position in the earth, or ensnaring men's curiosity in obscure and remote conventicles. Lo, here is Christ, or lo, there, refers to some district or province of the earth; the secret chambers, or the desert, signify the obscure and lurking conventicles of heretics.
Gregory the Dialogist (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 604
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Mor. xv. 61.) When then Antichrist shall have wrought wonderful prodigies before the eyes of the carnal, he shall draw men after him, all such as delight in present goods, surrendering themselves irrevocably to his sway, Insomuch that if it were possible the very elect should be led astray.
(Hom. in Ev. xxxv. i.) Or, because the heart of the elect is assailed with fearful thoughts, yet their faithfulness is not shaken, the Lord comprehends both under the same sentence, for to waver in thought is to err. He adds, If it were possible, because it is not possible that the elect should be taken in error
And as darts, when foreseen, are less likely to hit, He adds, Lo, I have told you. Our Lord announces the woes which are to precede the destruction of the world, that when they come they may alarm the less from having been foreknown.
(Mor. xxxi. 53.) We may understand this, Wheresoever the carcase is, as meaning, I who incarnate sit on the throne of heaven, as soon as I shall have loosed the souls of the elect from the flesh, will exalt them to heavenly places.
Rabanus Maurus (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 856
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
He says not this because it is possible for the divine election to be defeated, but because they, who to men's judgment seemed elect, shall be led into error.
Theophylact of OhridAD 1107
Since the disciples had brought two questions to Him, one concerning the captivity of Jerusalem, and the other, the Lord’s second coming, having already spoken of the captivity of Jerusalem, here He begins to speak of His own coming, and of the end of the world. When He says, "Then if any man shall say unto you," "then" does not mean immediately after the capture of Jerusalem, but rather at that time when this shall occur. So it means, "Then," that is, when the Antichrist is about to come, there will be many false christs and false prophets who, by means of the apparitions of demons who, in order to deceive, will play tricks with the eyes of those who see the apparitions. So that if the righteous were not sober minded, even they would be deceived. But, behold, I have foretold these things to you; you have no excuse, for it is within your power not to be deceived.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Matthew 24:25 serves as a potent, concise declaration from Jesus Christ within the Olivet Discourse, reinforcing His prior explicit warnings about the pervasive deceptions that will characterize the end times. It underscores His divine omniscience and His profound pastoral care, providing His disciples with crucial advance notice to equip them for discernment and steadfastness amidst the powerful spiritual counterfeits that are prophesied to arise.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is situated within the profound and eschatological discourse delivered by Jesus on the Mount of Olives, spanning Matthew 24 and Matthew 25. This discourse directly responds to the disciples' inquiries regarding the destruction of the Temple and the signs of Jesus' coming and the end of the age, as recorded in Matthew 24:3. Immediately preceding Matthew 24:25, Jesus issues a stark and urgent warning against the emergence of "false Christs and false prophets" who will perform "great signs and wonders" with the intent to deceive, "if possible, even the elect" (Matthew 24:24). Therefore, Jesus' declaration, "Behold, I have told you before," functions as an emphatic reiteration and a solemn reminder, emphasizing that these are not new or surprising revelations, but rather deliberate, pre-emptive warnings given out of His deep concern for His followers' spiritual safety and their ability to discern truth from error.
Historical & Cultural Context: Jesus' Olivet Discourse was delivered to His disciples on the Mount of Olives, overlooking the city of Jerusalem and its magnificent Temple. This setting itself was highly symbolic, as the Temple's imminent destruction was a primary topic of their discussion. The Jewish people of that era lived under Roman occupation, a period often marked by Messianic fervor and the emergence of various revolutionary or prophetic figures. The cultural landscape was ripe for individuals claiming divine authority or offering liberation. Within this context, the disciples, steeped in Old Testament prophecies and Messianic expectations, would have been particularly susceptible to false claims, especially if accompanied by impressive signs. Jesus' warnings about false prophets and Christs would have resonated with their historical experiences and prophetic traditions, urging them to exercise extreme caution and rely solely on His authoritative teaching.
Key Themes: Matthew 24:25 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Olivet Discourse and the broader book of Matthew. First, it highlights Divine Forewarning, showcasing Jesus' omniscience as He graciously reveals future dangers to His followers, particularly the insidious nature of spiritual deception. Second, it underscores the critical importance of Spiritual Discernment, as the forewarning serves to equip believers with the necessary insight to distinguish divine truth from powerful lies and miraculous deceptions that will inevitably emerge (Matthew 24:24). Third, the phrase "I have told you before" emphasizes the Sufficiency and Reliability of Christ's Words. His teachings are presented as the ultimate, unchanging standard by which all claims, even those accompanied by signs and wonders, should be rigorously judged. Finally, this verse is integral to the theme of Preparation for the End Times, serving as a call to vigilance and steadfastness, ensuring that His disciples are not caught off guard by the intensity and deceptive power of the events leading up to His glorious second coming (Matthew 24:36-44).
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Matthew 24:25, though brief, effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is Emphasis, achieved through the use of the Greek interjection idoú ("Behold"). This word acts as a spotlight, drawing the listener's immediate and undivided attention to the crucial warning being given. Furthermore, the very phrase "I have told you before" serves as a form of Repetition (or reiteration), reinforcing the gravity and certainty of Jesus' prior warnings about false prophets and Christs. This repetition is not redundant but rather serves to underscore the importance of remembering and heeding His words. The verse also functions as a form of Exhortation, implicitly urging the disciples to internalize His teachings and remain vigilant. Finally, it contains elements of Foreshadowing, as Jesus' words prepare His listeners for the intense spiritual warfare and deceptive tactics that will characterize the end times, ensuring they are not caught off guard by the powerful, yet counterfeit, signs and wonders that will emerge.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:25 powerfully connects to the broader biblical theme of God's character as a warning God, who, out of His infinite love and sovereignty, reveals future dangers to His people. Just as He warned Noah of the flood, Abraham of Sodom's judgment, and the prophets of Israel's impending exile, Jesus, as the ultimate Prophet, forewarns His disciples of the spiritual perils of the end times. This forewarning is not to instill fear but to cultivate discernment and steadfastness, enabling believers to stand firm in truth amidst a world increasingly susceptible to powerful deceptions. It underscores the ongoing spiritual battle and the necessity of being grounded in divine revelation, rather than being swayed by outward appearances or miraculous displays that lack the endorsement of God's unchanging Word.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' concise declaration in Matthew 24:25 carries profound implications for believers today, serving as a timeless call to vigilance and spiritual preparedness. In an age saturated with information, competing worldviews, and various spiritual claims, the necessity of discernment is paramount. Just as Jesus prepared His first disciples, He has provided us with His complete and authoritative Word, the Bible, as our ultimate guide. Our primary application must be a diligent and prayerful immersion in Scripture, allowing it to shape our understanding of truth and expose error. This verse challenges us to cultivate a robust spiritual discernment, actively seeking wisdom from the Holy Spirit to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Our security lies not in our own cleverness or ability to outsmart deception, but in our unwavering trust in Christ's words as the final authority and our reliance on His Spirit to illuminate our paths. We are called to live in a state of readiness, not fear, grounded in the Gospel, and eagerly awaiting the blessed hope of Christ's glorious return, knowing that He has already given us ample warning and guidance.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Jesus emphasize "I have told you before" in this context?
Answer: Jesus emphasizes "I have told you before" to underscore several critical points. First, it highlights His divine omniscience; He knows the future and is graciously revealing it to His disciples. Second, it serves as a powerful reminder that these warnings are not new or surprising revelations but a reiteration of truths He has already imparted, making the disciples accountable for heeding them. This removes any excuse for being deceived, as they have been adequately forewarned. Third, it reinforces the authority and sufficiency of His words as the ultimate standard against which all claims, even those accompanied by miraculous signs, must be judged. It's a pastoral act, equipping His followers to navigate the treacherous spiritual landscape of the end times by firmly grounding them in His reliable teaching. The Lord consistently warns His people, as seen in passages like Amos 3:7, where He declares that He does nothing without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:25 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus' role as the ultimate Prophet, Shepherd, and the very embodiment of Truth. His forewarning, "Behold, I have told you before," is not merely a piece of information but an act of profound pastoral care from the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11). As the "way, and the truth, and the life" (John 14:6), Jesus Himself is the antidote to all deception. His warnings are a testament to His unwavering commitment to preserve His elect, not through their own cleverness, but through their reliance on Him and His indwelling Holy Spirit, who guides believers into all truth (John 16:13). The ultimate fulfillment of these warnings culminates in His glorious second coming (Titus 2:13), when all deception will be vanquished, and His people will dwell securely with Him forever, having been preserved by His sovereign power and His faithful Word.