His Word Today

²³ “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. ²⁴ For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you beforehand.” (Matthew 24:23–25 (ESV)

The time period leading up to the great tribulation will feature many individuals predicting the Messiah’s return. These type of predictions have occurred within the last fifty years, and the last 2,000 years, only to be proven false. Many more predictions will follow. What is the believer in Christ to do regarding such false prophecies?

Jesus taught, in John 10:1–5 (ESV), “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. ² But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. ³ To him the gatekeeper opens. The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. ⁴ When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. ⁵ A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.”

Jesus predicted there would always be false teachers and pseudo messiahs trying to persuade and influence the church. The Apostle Paul warned the Ephesian church elders of the same type of individuals (Acts 20:28-31). Within the New Testament Epistles, both Paul and Peter spoke against teachers and scoffers who either predicted Jesus Christ had already come, or ridiculed the believers because He hadn’t (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2; 2 Peter 3). So too did the Apostle John (I John 4:1-6) and Jude (Jude 3-4).

Throughout the last 2,000 years, there have been numerous predictions concerning Jesus’ physical return to earth from heaven. Estimates have been made that there has been up to 3,000 such predictions since the first century and up to the present day.

“In connection with Jerusalem’s fall but certainly also with the end of the age there will be those who claim that the Christ has already arrived, and will even point to the place where he has landed. Jesus warns his disciples not to believe these deceivers. Some of them (the pseudo-Christs) pretend to be Christ; the rest (the pseudo-prophets) say that this or that other person is the Christ,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“See I-have-foretold you”—reminds us of Christ’s similar sayings in John 13:19; 14:29; 16:4. Lovingly the Master provides for his disciples. When the fiery trial arrives they must never be able to say, “How strange and unexpected! Why did not the Lord prepare us for this? Why did he not warn us?” Having been forewarned, the disciples will not be unduly disturbed when the prediction is fulfilled. In fact, their faith in Jesus will even be confirmed.”

One of the evidences the Bible is the Word of God is the accuracy by which it describes the past, present and future. May we continue to be sanctified by it each day (John 17:17).

Soli deo Gloria!

²¹ For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. ²² And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” (Matthew 24:21–22 (ESV)

Within the immediate fulfillment of the abomination of desolation (Matt. 24:15), fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D., Jesus described the actions of those living during this time. While Christ’s words pointed to the immediate future in the first century, they also apply to the greater desolation occurring in the world immediately prior to the return of the Lord (Matt. 24:29-31). It is to this greater, yet future, destruction Jesus transitioned in today’s text.

Following the Fall of Jerusalem and the prophetical description of life and living prior to the return of the Lord, Jesus then taught His disciples what would occur immediately prior to His return to earth in power, might and glory. He referred to this time as great tribulation.  

“From what immediately follows it is evident once again that for Jesus the transition from the second to the third application of Daniel’s prediction was as easy as that from the first (the tribulation experienced by God’s people during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes) to the second (the distress in connection with the fall of Jerusalem),” states Dr. William Hendriksen.

The phrase great tribulation refers to a future period of time featuring surprising and strange affliction, distress and suffering. Notice Jesus said “there will be great tribulation.” This prophetic time period will occur. Jesus said you could be certain of this truth. It will be unlike anything that has ever happened before in history.

Jesus then said this great tribulation would be sovereignly cut short, or reduced in its number of days. Otherwise, no human being would survive or rescued from its onslaught. This salvation could refer to both physical and spiritual deliverance.

“Jesus is here speaking about a tribulation that will characterize “those days,” a tribulation such as has never been and never again shall be, a very brief period of dire distress that shall occur immediately before his return (see verses 29–31). It is the period mentioned also in Rev. 11:7–9; 20:3b, 7–9a. For the sake of God’s chosen ones—see Eph. 1:4—in order that not all might have to die a violent death, the days of this final tribulation shall be cut short. Herein, too, the love of God is made manifest. It should hardly be necessary to add that justice is not done to the concept of this tribulation, which immediately precedes “the end” of the world’s history and which surpasses any other distress in its intensity, if it is referred solely to the sorrows experienced during the fall of Jerusalem,” explains Dr. Hendriksen.

The time period leading up to the great tribulation will feature many individuals predicting the Messiah’s return. These type of predictions have occurred within the last fifty years, and the last 2,000 years, only to be proven false. Many more predictions will follow. What is the believer in Christ to do regarding such false prophecies? This will be the focus when next we meet.

Soli deo Gloria!

¹⁶… “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. ¹⁷ Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house, ¹⁸ and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak. ¹⁹ And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! ²⁰ Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.” (Matthew 24:16–20 (ESV)

Within the immediate fulfillment of the abomination of desolation (Matt. 24:15), fulfilled with the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple in 70 A.D., Jesus proscribed the actions of those living during this time. While Christ’s words point to the immediate future in the first century, they also apply to the greater desolation occurring in the world immediately prior to the return of the Lord (Matt. 24:29-31).

First, Jesus commanded those living during this time in Judea to flee to the mountains. The mountains may refer to areas southeast of Jerusalem. This would be the area near the Dead Sea and would include the hills of Moab and Edom. It was there that David hid from Saul (I Sam. 23:29). It would be here believers in Christ would find refuge from Rome.

Second, fleeing to the hills for refuge would entail an immediate departure. There would be no time to collect personal possessions from home to take on the journey. Jesus commanded His listeners to flee with the clothes on their back and nothing more. Otherwise, they faced certain persecution and death from the Roman army.

Third, the individual in the field must also immediately flee. There would no time to even go back to collect one’s cloak. Even though such a garment would provide warmth and comfort at night, there would be no time to retrieve it. Jesus commanded no one go back for personal effects.

Fourthly, this time of destruction would be particularly difficult for pregnant women and those with nursing infants. Jesus cautioned people the living conditions while fleeing the Romans would prove challenging and difficult. He displayed special concern for women and children, who the male dominated society and culture dismissed and often rejected in the first century.  

Finally, Jesus cautioned people that this devastation and time of flight from Rome could occur either on the Sabbath or during the winter. They needed to prayerfully prepare.

“Even in that climate the winter has its cold days. Moreover, it is the rainy season. Snow, especially in the hills to which Jesus had ordered his followers to flee and even lower down, could not be entirely ruled out,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“Traveling on the Sabbath was difficult. To be sure, even the rabbis permitted flight on the Sabbath when a person was in danger of losing his life. And Christ’s own teaching on the subject of Sabbath observance (Matt. 12:11; Mark 2:27) was sufficiently generous to make allowance for escape on that day. But the many man-made rules and regulations by means of which the scribes and the Pharisees had created the impression that man was indeed made for the Sabbath would have resulted in refusals on the part of many a strict observer to help those in need. So the Lord urges his disciples to pray that they may not have to flee in winter or on the Sabbath.”

“This prophecy, this warning, speaks to the fall of Jerusalem, and only the fall of Jerusalem. Its prime commands cannot possible apply to Jesus’ return,” explains commentator Daniel M. Doriani. “When He (Jesus) comes, it will be utterly pointless to flee to the mountains. Indeed, Revelation says unbelievers will wish to be buried under mountains on that day (Revelation 6:16). Why would a believer want to flee anyway? How could it be worse for mothers at Christ’s return, or worse if He came on a cold winter day? But it is imperative to flee, at once, from a vengeful army, and cold and children do compound the trouble of flight.”

Regardless of whatever happens in life, God remains in control by His purposeful sovereignty. However, this does mean believers in Christ should be prepared for tribulation and suffering. Have a faithful day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!  

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand).”(Matthew 24:15 ESV)

What did Jesus mean by the phrase abomination of desolation? Linguistically, abomination (βδέλυγμα; bdelygma) refers to what is detestable and abhorrent. It is a repugnant object or situation with no apparent redeemable value. Desolation (ἐρήμωσις; eremasis) is devastation and destruction.

Jesus taught this event and the disciples should have known about it. Daniel the prophet spoke of this detestable destruction during his ministry. The biblical texts to which Jesus referred to were Daniel 9:17, 9:27 and 11:31.

Daniel 9:17 (ESV) – “Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate.”

Daniel 9:27 (ESV) – “And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”

Daniel 11:31 (ESV) – “Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.”

While Jesus pointed to near future for His first century audience, He was also looking back to a historical event which was future for the prophet Daniel. What event in biblical and recorded history related to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:15?

In Daniel’s prophecies, the abomination of desolation referred to the desecration of the Jewish temple by the Syrian ruler Antiochus IV Epiphanes. In 168 B.C. Antiochus placed a pagan altar in the temple. He also sacrificed a swine or pig. This was foreshadowing of the temple’s desecration and destruction by the Romans in 70 A.D. The Romans entered the temple with military standards, and other ceremonial insignias representing their pagan religion. The Romans removed the temple’s sacred vessels and then burned the temple to the ground.

“In accordance with that prophet’s prediction Antiochus Epiphanes (175–164 b.c.), unaware that he was indeed fulfilling prophecy, and being thoroughly responsible for his own wicked deed, erected a pagan altar over the altar of burnt-offering, thus polluting the house of God. This had happened long ago,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.  

“Nevertheless, Jesus says, “Now when you see ‘the desolating sacrilege,’ ” showing that he is telling the disciples that a divine oracle may apply to more than one historical situation: the sacrilege that results in the desolation of city and temple takes place more than once in history.”

“Let the man who reads Daniel’s prophecy understand this! Just as in the past the holy places of the Lord had been desecrated, so it will happen again. And it did indeed take place when the Roman armies, with the image of the emperor upon their standards, an image and an emperor worshipped by them laid siege to the city of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20). But just as the pagan altar and the swine offered upon it in the very temple of Jehovah in the second century b.c. pointed forward to the idolatrous legions of Rome, so these in turn foreshadowed the great and final violation by the antichrist of all that is sacred,” states Dr. Hendriksen.

The phrase, “let the reader understand,” is not necessarily just about Matthew’s Gospel, but rather Daniel’s prophecy. Antiochus’ behavior in the past prefigured the temple’s destruction by the Romans in 70 A.D. and the future abomination by the antichrist prior to Christ’s return.

Believes in Christ must always remember the past in order to live in the present and to prepare for the future. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

“So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand).”(Matthew 24:15 ESV)

With every study of a particular biblical text, it is important to ask five fundamental questions. Those inquiries are fundamental to every devotional I write. The five questions, pertinent to any portion of Scripture, certainly and significantly apply to Matthew 24-25 in general, and to today’s text in particular.

Those five questions are as follows.

• What did the biblical text mean to the original audience?
• What are the differences/similarities between the biblical audience and people today?
• What is/are the principle(s) found in the biblical text?
• Are the principles(s) found in the particular biblical text found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
• How may we apply the biblical text in our lives?

Matthew 24–25 can be divided into three parts. First, Matthew 24:4–14 describes the signs of the times that will mark the present period of history between the time of Christ’s first and second advents.

Second, Matthew 24:15–25 describes a period of “great tribulation” that will come upon Israel and includes the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

Third, Matthew 24:26–25:46, focuses especially on the coming of the Son of Man at the end of the age and includes a summons for awareness until He comes.

For the next several days the focus will be on Matthew 24:15-25. Jesus continued to speak to His disciples (Matt. 24:1-14). They remain the original audience. We must be careful to no ignore this fact in correctly interpreting the text.

What did Jesus mean by the phrase abomination of desolation? Linguistically, abomination (βδέλυγμα; bdelygma) refers to what is detestable and abhorrent. It is a repugnant object or situation with no apparent redeemable value. Desolation (ἐρήμωσις; eremasis) is devastation and destruction.

Jesus also said this event should be known by the disciples. Daniel the prophet spoke of this detestable destruction during his ministry. The biblical texts to which Jesus referred to were Daniel 9:17, 9:27 and 11:31.

Daniel 9:17 (ESV) – “Now therefore, O our God, listen to the prayer of your servant and to his pleas for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate.”

Daniel 9:27 (ESV) – “And he shall make a strong covenant with many for one week, and for half of the week he shall put an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall come one who makes desolate, until the decreed end is poured out on the desolator.”

Daniel 11:31 (ESV) – “Forces from him shall appear and profane the temple and fortress, and shall take away the regular burnt offering. And they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.”

“In the second section of the discourse (vv. 15–25), Jesus shifts His attention to the first part of the disciples’ question: When will the temple be destroyed? Although futurist (dispensational) authors maintain that Jesus’ prophecy of the temple’s destruction refers to a future event that will take place after Christ’s coming and the “rapture” of the church, the context of Jesus’ prophecy and a parallel passage in Luke 21:20 conclusively argue against this view,” states Dr. Cornelius Venema.  

“The obvious context for this section of the discourse is the disciples’ question regarding when the temple would be destroyed. The language that Jesus uses, including His appeal to the prophecy in Daniel 9:17 (Matt. 24:15), is too specific and graphic to be understood in any other way than as a prophetic description of what transpired at the time of the temple’s destruction in AD 70.”  

“As to the erroneous implication of that question, as if the fall of Jerusalem and its temple would be immediately followed by the end of the age, Jesus has set the disciples straight on that. He has shown that many disturbances will occur and that a lengthy period of gospel proclamation is going to intervene before the day of his coming arrives. As to the first part of the question, considered all by itself, “When shall this—destruction of Jerusalem and its temple—be?” Jesus answers it now, but in such a way that the answer suits more than one event in history,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

What other events in biblical and recorded history relate to Jesus’ statement in Matthew 24:15? This question will be answered in our next article.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9–14 (ESV)

With every study of a particular biblical text, it is important to ask five fundamental questions. Those inquiries are fundamental to every devotional I write. The five questions, pertinent to any portion of Scripture, certainly and significantly apply to Matthew 24-25 in general, and to today’s text in particular.

Those five questions are as follows.

• What did the biblical text mean to the original audience?
• What are the differences/similarities between the biblical audience and people today?
• What is/are the principle(s) found in the biblical text?
• Are the principles(s) found in the particular biblical text found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
• How may we apply the biblical text in our lives?

Matthew 24–25 can be divided into three parts: Matthew 24:4–14 describes the signs of the times that will mark the present period of history between the time of Christ’s first and second advents. We examine vs. 14 today.

In Matthew 24:4-8, Jesus proclaimed life and living, following His ascension to heaven and prior to His glorious return to the earth, would be characterized by false prophets claiming to be the Christ. It would also be a time of deception, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms rising against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes in various places. He compared these circumstances to the beginning of birth pains. Jesus continued by describing the same historical context as a time of tribulation, hatred and death for believers in Christ (Matt. 24:9).

Jesus then revealed a series of effects by this overall preceding cause. The first effect would be defection, betrayal and hatred by those who professed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but who were not truly believers in Christ. “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another” (Matt. 24:10). Jesus then stated, “¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:11-12).  

In today’s text, the Lord offered two promises to His disciples; then and now. What then are those two, precious promises (2 Peter 1:3-4)?

To begin with, Jesus said, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” The word endures (ὑπομένω; hypomeno) means to bear-up, to continue, and to persevere despite persecution and suffering.

The second promise follows. Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

The noun gospel (εὐαγγέλιον; euangelion) means good news. It is the good news that God exists, sin exists, salvation exists and one Savior and Lord exists; Jesus Christ (John 1:1-18). The good news of God’s rule and reign in the hearts and lives of His people is while sin and rebellion exist within the soul of mankind, the Lord has chosen to save His elect through the person and work of Jesus Christ (Eph.1:3-14).

Jesus promised this good news would be proclaimed (κηρύσσω; kerysso) throughout the whole world. It would be a testimony (μαρτύριον; martyrion) meaning a witness or a truthful statement. This proclamation and testimony will continue to be the church’s vision and mission until the Lord Jesus Christ returns in power, might and glory.

“What Jesus is saying, therefore, is that the concluding events of the world’s history are going to be preceded by the preaching of the kingdom gospel “to all the nations.” That, as he saw and predicted it, such worldwide gospel proclamation would not be a matter of a few weeks, months or even years, but would range over a much longer period of time, many centuries, can be regarded as certain. The essence of that gospel is summarized in such passages as 3:2; 4:17, 23; 11:28–30; 26:6, 7; John 3:16; cf. Rom. 1:17; 3:24; 2 Cor. 5:20, 21. It is definitely the gospel of “the kingdom,” that is, of the reign of God in heart and life, by grace and through faith,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

Let us continue to be faithful to the Lord in proclaiming and testifying the truth of the gospel of the kingdom. Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9–14 (ESV)

With every study of a particular biblical text, it is important to ask five fundamental questions. Those inquiries are fundamental to every devotional I write. The five questions, pertinent to any portion of Scripture, certainly and significantly apply to Matthew 24-25 in general, and to today’s text in particular.

Those five questions are as follows.

• What did the biblical text mean to the original audience?
• What are the differences/similarities between the biblical audience and people today?
• What is/are the principle(s) found in the biblical text?
• Are the principles(s) found in the particular biblical text found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
• How may we apply the biblical text in our lives?

“Matthew 24, often called the Olivet Discourse or the Little Apocalypse, is one of the most significant passages in the Scriptures on the subject of the signs of the times and the end of the age. It is also, however, one of the most difficult passages in Scripture to interpret,” explains Dr. Cornelius P. Venema, president and professor at Mid-America Reformed Seminary, Dyer, IN.

“The discourse of Matthew 24–25 can be divided into three parts: Matthew 24:4–14 describes the signs of the times that will mark the present period of history between the time of Christ’s first and second advents.”

In Matthew 24:4-8, Jesus proclaimed life and living, following His ascension to heaven and prior to His glorious return to the earth, would be characterized by false prophets claiming to be the Christ. It would also be a time of deception, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms rising against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes in various places. He compared these circumstances to the beginning of birth pains. Jesus continued by describing the same historical context as a time of tribulation, hatred and death for believers in Christ (Matt. 24:9).

Jesus then revealed a series of effects by this overall preceding cause. The first effect would be defection, betrayal and hatred by those who professed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but who were not truly believers in Christ. “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another” (Matt. 24:10). Jesus then stated, “¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:11-12).  

In today’s text, the Lord offered two promises to His disciples; then and now. What then are those two, precious promises (2 Peter 1:3-4)?

To begin with, Jesus said, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” The word endures (ὑπομένω; hypomeno) means to bear-up, to continue, and to persevere despite persecution and suffering.

“As in Matthew 10:22 so also here the meaning is: he who, in spite of all these disturbances and persecutions, remains loyal to Christ shall enter into glory. For himself the period of persecution and trial will last until death delivers him from this earthly scene (John 16:33; 2 Tim. 3:12). For the church in general it will last until Christ’s return in glory (2 Thess. 1:7; Rev. 11:10–12),” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.

“The ones who persevere are the same ones who are saved—not the ones whose love grows cold (24:12). This does not suggest that our perseverance secures our salvation. Scripture everywhere teaches precisely the opposite: God, as part of his saving work, secures our perseverance. True believers “are being guarded through faith for a salvation” (1 Pet. 1:5). The guarantee of our perseverance is built into the New Covenant promise. God says: “I will put the fear of me in their hearts that they may not turn from me” (Jer. 32:40). Those who do fall away from Christ give conclusive proof that they were never truly believers to begin with (1 John 2:19,” states Dr. John MacArthur.

“To say that God secures our perseverance is not to say that we are passive in the process, however. He keeps us “through faith” (1 Pet. 1:5)—our faith. Scripture sometimes calls us to hold fast to our faith (Heb. 10:23; Rev. 3:11) or warns us against falling away (Heb. 10:26–29). Such admonitions do not negate the many promises that true believers will persevere (John 10:28–29; Rom. 8:38–39; 1 Cor. 1:8–9; Phil. 1:6). Rather, the warnings and pleas are among the means God uses to secure our perseverance in the faith. Notice that the warnings and the promises often appear side by side. For example, when Jude urges believers, “keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21), he immediately points them to God, “who is able to keep you from stumbling” (Jude 24).”

Believers in Christ are to persevere in our trust in, commitment to, dependence upon and worship of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. We persevere knowing God will preserve His people.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9–14 (ESV)

With every study of a particular biblical text, it is important to ask five fundamental questions. Those inquiries are fundamental to every devotional I write. The five questions, pertinent to any portion of Scripture, certainly and significantly apply to Matthew 24-25 in general, and to today’s text in particular.

Those five questions are as follows.

• What did the biblical text mean to the original audience?
• What are the differences/similarities between the biblical audience and people today?
• What is/are the principle(s) found in the biblical text?
• Are the principles(s) found in the particular biblical text found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
• How may we apply the biblical text in our lives?

In Matthew 24:5-8, Jesus proclaimed life and living, following His ascension to heaven and prior to His glorious return to the earth, would be characterized by false prophets claiming to be the Christ. It would also be a time of deception, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms rising against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes in various places. He compared these circumstances to the beginning of birth pains. Jesus continued by describing the same historical context as a time of tribulation, hatred and death for believers in Christ (Matt. 24:9).

Jesus then revealed a series of effects by this overall preceding cause. The first effect would be defection, betrayal and hatred by those who professed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but who were not truly believers in Christ. “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another” (Matt. 24:10). Jesus then stated, “¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:11-12).  

In today’s text, Jesus used the adjective many (πολύς; polys) three times. The word  means a great deal or a great number. Whenever there is a repetition of a word, it is for emphasis. When the repetition is to the third degree, it conveys an ultimate emphasis.

Jesus referred to many false prophets (ψευδοπροφήτης; pseudoprophetes) referring to those who proclaim to be a herald of God’s truth and revelation, and are not. They are liars. They will arise (ἐγείρω; egeiro) and make war against the saints.

2 Peter 2:1 (ESV) says, “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction.”

1 John 4:1 (ESV) says, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.”

These false prophets will lead many astray (πλανάω; planao). They will mislead, deceive, and cause the many to have a wrong view of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Finally, because of the resulting lawlessness because of their rejection of God and His Word, the love of many will grow cold. The self-sacrificial love for God, and for other believers in Christ, will become callous and uncaring (ψύχω; psycho). In other words, it will diminish greatly into an icy and stony detachment.

“How far and wide this evil extends every person ought to know, but there are very few who observe it. For in consequence of the superior clearness with which the light of the gospel discovers the malice of men, even good and properly regulated minds grow cool and almost lose the desire to exercise benevolence,” states John Calvin. “Christ requires from His followers, on the other hand, such courage as to persist in striving.”

Let us continue to be the many who strive for the glory of God (2 Timothy 2:5). Have a blessed day in the Lord.

Soli deo Gloria!

⁹ “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake. ¹⁰ And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. ¹² And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. ¹³ But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ¹⁴ And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:9–14 (ESV)

With every study of a particular biblical text, it is important to ask five fundamental questions. Those inquiries are fundamental to every devotional I write. The five questions, pertinent to any portion of Scripture, certainly and significantly apply to Matthew 24-25 in general, and to today’s text in particular.

Those five questions are as follows.

• What did the biblical text mean to the original audience?
• What are the differences/similarities between the biblical audience and people today?
• What is/are the principle(s) found in the biblical text?
• Are the principles(s) found in the particular biblical text found elsewhere in the Scriptures?
• How may we apply the biblical text in our lives?

In Matthew 24:5-8, Jesus proclaimed life and living, following His ascension to heaven and prior to His glorious return to the earth, would be characterized by false prophets claiming to by the Christ. It would also be a time of deception, wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nations, kingdoms rising against kingdoms, famines and earthquakes in various places. He compared these circumstances to the beginning of birth pains. Jesus continued by describing the same historical context as a time of tribulation, hatred and death for believers in Christ (Matt. 24:9).

Jesus then revealed a series of effects by this overall preceding cause. The first effect would be defection, betrayal and hatred by those who professed Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, but who were not truly believers in Christ. “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another” (Matt. 24:10).

To fall away (σκανδαλίζω; skandalizo) means to cease believing and to fall into sin.  We derive our English word scandal from this Greek word. A scandal is a disgraceful, shameful, dishonorable and humiliating behavior and act. This behavior of apostasy will be scandalous. It will be the result of a prior persecution of Christians.

Second, these many scandalous defectors will also betray their once fellow believers in Christ. To betray (παραδίδωμι; paradidomi) is handing over and delivering someone to an authority. The idea of treachery is inherent in this verb.

“Under pressure, many converts to Judaism reverted to paganism, and Jewish texts warn of many Jewish people turning from God in the end time as they had just before the rise of the Maccabees in the second century b.c. Apostasy and especially handing over friends to persecutors were considered horrible crimes,” explains commentator Craig Keener. “Thus Jewish readers would have readily understood Jesus’ warning about persecution and apostasy.”

Third, the attitude by these defectors towards those they betray will be hatred. To hate (μισέω; miseo) means to detest and to be hostile. One idiom for hate is “to spit at someone in the heart,” or “to kill in the heart.” The Lord predicted His disciples would encounter this type of response (John 15:18-27).

Have you ever encountered defectors, betrayers and haters in your Christian life? If you’re a true believer in Christ, you will. What is to be our response? Matthew 5:44-46 reminds us or our calling. Meditate upon this text today.

Soli deo Gloria!