5 “For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” (Matthew 24:5–8 (ESV)
Jesus warned His disciples of those who would lead many astray. The exact identity of these deceivers is unknown. However, three indisputable facts emerge. First, they will come. Second, they will come in saying they are the Christ. Third, they will come saying they are the Messiah in order to lead people astray, or to cause them to wander from the truth.
“Many false messianic figures arose in the first century (and subsequently); they often attracted large and devoted followings. Although Josephus, writing for Gentile readers, describes them as “false prophets” rather than as messiahs, their political aspirations are usually apparent in his descriptions,” explains commentator Craig Keener.
The reliability of Jesus’ words, and His own identity, was confirmed by an unlikely source. Following their numerous arrests (Acts 4:1-3; 5:17-18, 26-27), and future persecutions (Acts 5:40; 7:54-60; 8:1-3; 12:1-5), the Pharisee known as Gamaliel warned his fellow members of the Sanhedrin Council to take care in what they would do to the apostles (Acts 5:35).
36 For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and a number of men, about four hundred, joined him. He was killed, and all who followed him were dispersed and came to nothing. 37 After him Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the census and drew away some of the people after him. He too perished, and all who followed him were scattered. 38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” So they took his advice. (Acts 5:36-39 ESV)
“The Pharisee was Gamaliel, who is described in extra biblical Jewish literature as one of the wisest and most pious of the era’s rabbis. Gamaliel also was one of the teachers of the Apostle Paul (22:3). Using examples of other Jewish leaders whose movements had begun strong but evaporated, Gamaliel recommended that the Sanhedrin leave the Apostles alone because the movement would come to an end naturally if it were not from God. Time would reveal the truth, and if the movement were from God and they opposed it, they would be in the unenviable position of opposing the Lord (5:33–39a). The council heeded Gamaliel’s words, likely because they knew he was popular with the people, and released the Apostles after flogging them (vv. 39b–40),” explains one commentator.
John Calvin comments, “Although the wicked attempt whatsoever they can, and seek all means to destroy the Church, although they furiously strive against Christ and his Church so much as they are able, yet they shall not prevail.”
The existence of the church for close to two millennium is one evidence Jesus Christ is God and His Words are true. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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