←
Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
23
Then if any man shall say to you: Lo here is Christ, or there, do not believe him.
12
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"After concluding His discourse about Jerusalem, Christ turns His attention to His return, sharing with His disciples signs that are relevant not only to them but also for us and for future generations. The term 'then' must not be understood to signify a chronological sequence concerning the preceding events. When Christ intended to clarify the order of time, He stated, ‘suddenly, after the tribulation of those days’ (Matt. 24:29). However, in this instance, He employs the term 'then' not to indicate what follows directly, but rather to signify the period when the events He describes will unfold. Therefore, when the Evangelist records, ‘in those days John the Baptist came’ (Matthew 3:1), he refers not to the immediate period that follows but to a much later time, when the events he reflects upon occurred. After discussing the birth of Jesus, the visit of the Magi, and the death of Herod, he immediately mentions, ‘in those days comes John the Baptist,’ despite the 30 years that separate these occurrences. This narrative style is frequently found in Scripture. Hence, here, bypassing the entire span from the destruction of Jerusalem to the commencement of the end times, Christ refers to a time shortly before the final days. He says, ‘Then, if any man shall say unto you, Behold, here is Christ, or there, believe it not.’ In detailing the signs of His second coming and the wonders performed by false prophets, He also cautions His disciples regarding the context of His return. Unlike His first coming in Bethlehem, which took place in a remote corner of the universe and went unnoticed, He will return in all His glory, eliminating any need for someone to announce it. This serves as a significant indication that His arrival will not be secretive."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Throughout the period of Jewish captivity, numerous leaders claimed to be the Messiah, resulting in three factions within Jerusalem during the Roman siege. This situation is more appropriately interpreted in the context of the end times."},{"author-name":"Epiphanius of Pavia","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"The Lord cautions us that, as we prepare ourselves, we must not be misled by anyone who approaches us in His name, regardless of the signs they may perform to trick even the chosen ones. Whoever constructs their foundation on the rock—meaning, those who place their trust in Christ—will stand firm against any storms. The rock represents Christ, while the rain symbolizes earthly rulers, and the wind signifies the armies of those rulers who chase after the servants of God (see Matthew 7:24-25). The Holy Gospel goes on to say: For false Christs and false prophets will emerge, performing great signs and wonders to lead astray, if it were possible, even the elect. Behold, I have informed you in advance. Therefore, dear friends, consider the immense love the Lord demonstrates towards us. He warns each of us about what is to come, so that, recognizing the signs as they unfold and being forewarned, we can have the discernment to withstand the adversary and reject anything that contradicts Christ and the universal faith. In the Acts of the Apostles, we find that Simon claimed to be the power of God (see Acts 8:9-10). Similarly, the Antichrist will proclaim himself as God in the latter days, as the apostle reveals: in the temple of God he will position himself as God, feigning divinity. Ultimately, the lawless one will be unveiled, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of His mouth (2 Thess. 2:4, 8). The day of judgment will also come upon him, and with the sword of His mouth, the Lord will bring an end to him."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"The term \\"then\\" does not always signify a chronological sequence regarding the aforementioned events; rather, it marks the beginning of what is to be discussed, similar to the expression \\"in the days of Ones,\\" found in chapter three. In this context, \\"then\\" also does not imply the timing of events, but rather denotes the period when the forthcoming matters would unfold. It appears that Christ directs these statements towards the apostles, yet they pertain to the believers who had emerged by that period."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"As the apostles raised two inquiries about the besiegement of Jerusalem and the Lord's return, the Lord, after discussing Jerusalem's destruction, begins to foretell His return and the culmination of the age. The term 'then' does not imply an immediate succession to the fall of Jerusalem; rather, it denotes the period when these events will unfold. This indicates that 'then,' which is to say at the time of the Antichrist's arrival, there will be numerous false Messiahs and deceitful prophets who will dazzle onlookers with astonishing displays of demonic power, misleading many. Even the righteous may be lulled into complacency and susceptible to deception. However, take note, for I have warned you in advance, and therefore, you have no reason to be misled; you can safeguard yourselves against such deceit."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Chrysostom, Theophylact, and several others contend that this verse marks the beginning of the Lord's response to His disciples' second inquiry regarding the conclusion of the age and His return for the impending judgment of the world. However, certain aspects of the ensuing description align more aptly with the event of Jerusalem's destruction than with the final judgment, as we will explore further. It is essential to recognize that the latter event serves as a foreshadowing of the former, with particular elements proving more relevant to one event and others to the other. In line with the central theme of the subsequent discourse, Chrysostom teaches: “The term 'then,' as I have reiterated, does not signify a chronological sequence in the previously mentioned events. When Christ intended to indicate a specific order of time, He stated: ‘suddenly after the tribulation of those days’ (Matthew 24:29). This is not the case here; the word 'then' does not refer to what follows immediately but rather to what will occur at the time when the events He intended to describe are set to unfold. Christ effectively skips over the entire interval from the destruction of Jerusalem to the onset of the end times, concentrating instead on the period just preceding the culmination of the age” (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus). “If anyone says,” etc.: this serves as a caution against false messiahs (cf. note on Matthew 24:5), who will arise alongside deceivers (cf. note on Matthew 24:11)."},{"author-name":"Jewgenij A. Popow","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Sin: The notion that specific locations, like Mount Athos, or titles such as monastic or priestly, inherently lead to salvation is misguided. \\"If anyone says to you, 'This is where Christ is,' or 'There is He,' do not believe it.\\" Indeed, Jesus Christ is present wherever He is believed in and loved. Our salvation is through His grace, which is accessible to all (Hebrews 4:16). It relies on our commitment and is not distant; it resides within our hearts. While Adam fell from grace in the Garden of Eden, Job upheld his faith in God amidst his suffering. Judas was present among the Apostles, situated close to the Savior but ultimately fell away; in contrast, Zacchaeus, a tax collector regarded as sinful, found favor with God. Thus, neither a monastery nor distant pilgrimages to sacred sites, nor extensive experiences of divine worship, nor high positions, nor a daily presence at the holy altar or the relics of the saints can, in themselves, grant salvation. Equally, no worldly state or lowly position can lead to one's destruction. It is more accurate to recognize that some locations and conditions may indeed facilitate spiritual growth and draw one nearer to salvation."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"THEN, when does this occur? The term \\"then\\" does not denote a specific chronological sequence in the previously mentioned events. For instance, at the start of the Gospel, the Evangelist recounts the birth of Jesus, the arrival of the Magi, and the death of Herod, and he subsequently states: ‘In those days John the Baptist came’ (Mt. 3:1). This expression does not refer to the immediate aftermath of those events, but rather to a time that occurred later—specifically about thirty years later. Similarly, in this context, Christ speaks of the period right preceding the end of the world, intentionally bypassing the time between the fall of Jerusalem and the ultimate conclusion of history. It is important to note that the destruction of Jerusalem serves as a foreshadowing of the end of the world, thus intertwining both occurrences; some characteristics apply more to one, while others pertain more to the other. The Lord’s references to the abomination of desolation, as well as false Christs and false prophets, pertain to both scenarios. According to the teachings of the Holy Fathers, the abomination of desolation is also expected to manifest prior to the end of time, coinciding with the coming of the Antichrist—‘the man of sin, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God’ (2 Thess. 2:3-4). The desecration of the Old Testament temple foreshadowed the profanation of God's Church by this servant of evil. The same applies to false Christs and false prophets; the Jewish people failed to grasp the significance of Jerusalem's destruction and their subsequent dispersal, continuing instead to yearn for the restoration of their homeland's capital. This longing was manipulated by false Messiahs like Barkohab and Omeritus, who claimed to be the Messiah, leading the people astray, inciting anger, and resulting in bloodshed, once again subjecting countless Jews to captivity and severe oppression. The false Christs and prophets of the end times will be even more perilous. The Lord cautions His disciples and all believers against such deceit, saying, ‘Be very careful, for the intensity of tribulation will heighten the yearning for the promised Deliverer, making it easier to believe every rumor about Him. This will create opportunities for the sons of perdition to misuse the name of the Messiah. Be mindful: IF ANYONE SAYS TO YOU, ‘HERE IS CHRIST, OR THERE,’ DO NOT BELIEVE IT.’ The authentic Messiah ‘will not arrive as He did at His first coming in Bethlehem, hidden away in a small corner of the world, unnoticed at first,’ as St. Chrysostom explains, ‘but will appear openly, in all His glory, so that no one will need to proclaim it.’"},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The trials faced will heighten the anticipation of the Messiah among the Jewish people, leading many to exploit this hope. Deceptive messiahs and prophets will emerge, performing misleading signs and miracles that closely resemble the authentic ones, causing even those who have faith in Me to potentially be misled."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The subsequent portion of the Saviour's discourse, stepping away from immediate imagery, addresses the terrifying occurrences that will transpire at the end of the age. St. John Chrysostom articulates that, “Having completed His foretelling about Jerusalem, Christ now turns to His second coming and discusses signs that are valuable not only for His disciples, but also for us and for all who will follow.” The Lord continues to reveal future occurrences, stating, “if anyone says to you, ‘Here is the Christ,’ or ‘There He is,’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will emerge, performing great signs and wonders to mislead, if that were possible, even the chosen ones. Be wary; all things have been forewarned to you.” According to the interpretation of this holy father, the term ‘then’ does not refer to the immediate aftermath but to what will transpire just before the end of the world. By bypassing the entire interval from the destruction of Jerusalem to the commencement of the end times, Christ alludes to the period immediately preceding the conclusion of the age. “If they tell you, ‘This is in the wilderness,’ do not go forth; ‘This is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it.” The deceivers who will manifest prior to Christ's second return will be distinct from those who appeared before Jerusalem's fall, as they will display significant, albeit false, signs and wonders. This pertains to the Antichrist and his followers, concerning whom the holy Apostle Paul states that his arrival, in alignment with the works of Satan, will encompass all power, signs, and wonders, and every form of deception (2 Thess. 2:9, 10)."},{"author-name":"Bogolepow D.P.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"This marks the third occasion on which Jesus Christ has cautioned against false deceivers. Initially, He alerted us to false messiahs (Mt. 4-5), then He warned of false prophets within the Christian community (Mt. 11). In this instance, He addresses both false prophets and false messiahs collectively, as the former serve the interests of the latter by misleading individuals to venture into deserted places or secret locations to supposedly encounter Christ. Following His prior mention of the events subsequent to the fall of Jerusalem (Lk. 24), and given that prior prophecies about misleaders had already been delivered ahead of Jerusalem’s destruction, this latest admonition from Christ is accompanied by a description of how He will manifest. Furthermore, in the subsequent text (Mt. 29, etc.), He outlines the concluding events of His return. This indicates that a prophecy is being presented, which aligns predominantly with the latter days of the world, and it resonates significantly with the warning imparted by the Apostle Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10. Some of these sayings can also be found in Luke 17:23-24, 37."},{"author-name":"Alexander Gorsky","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8884037c1e1c51e1332e2_Alexander%20Gorsky.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"After illustrating a series of terrifying events, the Lord focused on the imminent reality of God’s severe judgment concerning Jerusalem. He stated, “As for Jerusalem, the certainty of its destruction is imminent, when the abomination of desolation, as foretold by Daniel, shall stand in the holy place. Therefore, let those who desire to escape this calamity hurry and leave Judea. Those who choose to remain will endure a suffering unprecedented since the dawn of time. There will arise false messiahs, but do not be deceived by them. The Son of Man will come like lightning, not confined to a specific location or form, but manifesting as the judgment of God (Matthew 24:15-28). He will unveil Himself in the fullness of His glory at the close of the age (29-31)."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
