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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
24
For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, insomuch as to deceive (if possible) even the elect.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"False prophets will emerge, claiming that Christ can be found in secluded places, deceiving many with their declarations. They may assert that Christ resides in concealed chambers, binding those who hear with fear of the supreme name. However, Christ, like a flash of lightning, illuminates the entire world with His brilliant light; He does not roam through wildernesses nor seeks solace anywhere. The Lord declares, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24). His radiant flash allows us to witness the splendor of the Resurrection on that night."},{"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":"It is important to observe that He does not mention war in this context. Instead, He separates His coming from the events that precede it and focuses on the individuals who will seek to mislead others. During the time of the apostles, some led many astray with their deceit: “false Christs and false prophets shall arise,” He declares, “and shall seduce many.” Furthermore, those who emerge prior to His return will be even more deceptive than those before: “and they shall give,” He warns, “great signs and wonders, to seduce, if possible, even the elect.” In this context, He refers to the Antichrist and his followers. The Apostle Paul also refers to this figure, describing him as ‘the man of sin, the son of perdition,’ and notes that his arrival will be ‘according to the working of Satan, with all power and signs and wonders, and with all unrighteous deception of them that perish’ (2 Thess. 2:3, 9-10)."},{"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":"As previously mentioned, this passage can be interpreted in three distinct manners: relating to the period of the Roman siege, pointing to the conclusion of the age, or reflecting the conflict between heretics and the Church, along with those Antichrists who oppose Christ while disguising themselves with deceptive wisdom."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"To mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones. He did not state: to deceive the chosen; rather, to entice. Frequently, the faithful, when they confront the hidden actions of the adversary disguised as good, fail to recognize the schemes of the foe. In such moments, they feel disoriented and tempted within themselves, questioning, ‘What is happening?’ However, they are not easily swayed to trust him, for although their human emotions may be stirred, they remain steadfast in their faith. When he mentions \\"if possible,\\" it underscores the magnitude of the signs. Indeed, how remarkable must these signs be to deceive even the chosen! Yet, they remain undeceived, for those whom God has destined to live cannot be lost. The might of God has manifested in alerting believers to such signs for their deliverance. This understanding is no less pertinent concerning heresies. False Christs represent deceptive truths of heresies, and false prophets are heralds of these misleading truths. Their signs mirror the genuine actions of believers. They, too, aspire to holiness, observe fasts, give to the poor, and adhere to all church regulations. But do you not perceive the weight of the deception when the adversary mimics the works of God?"},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"It is essential to understand that uncertainty regarding God's revelation does not stem from a lack of knowledge, but instead arises from other sources. Who among us does not recognize that the Creator of all things, who perceives everything, is fully aware of all realities? Moreover, the very Truth declares in the Gospel concerning the messengers of Antichrist that they will perform significant signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even those chosen by God. Why raise such a question of doubt when the Lord already knows what lies ahead? There are only two possibilities: if they are indeed chosen, then it is not possible for them to be led astray; and if it is possible, then they are not truly chosen. Yet it is posited, \\"How could even the elect be misled?\\" This uncertainty regarding the Lord's words serves as a test for the chosen ones, as those destined to stand firm will face temptations to falter, influenced by the signs presented by the messengers of Antichrist. Thus, when it states, \\"If it be possible,\\" it simply emphasizes that the chosen will encounter temptation in their hearts. They may waver, but they will not succumb. Hence, the assertion \\"If it be possible\\" acknowledges their fears, yet they are referred to as the elect because they shall not perish. Consequently, the uncertainty expressed in the Lord's words about the elect reflects the anxiety of their souls. He also designates them as chosen, knowing in advance their tenacity in faith and righteousness."},{"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":"Deceptive Christs and fraudulent prophets will emerge. The term \\"arise\\" better captures their coming forth than just \\"come.\\" Deceptive Christs are those who claim to embody Christ, while fraudulent prophets present themselves as authentic messengers. They will perform significant wonders and miraculous signs. Prior to the fall of Jerusalem, such deceptive Christs and prophets appeared, as the Saviour warned: Many will come in My name, declaring, I am the Christ; and similarly: many false prophets will emerge (Matthew 24:5-11). However, those who appear before His glorious return will be considerably more formidable than those who appeared before Jerusalem’s destruction, as they will execute extraordinary signs and miracles: the counterfeit Christs will showcase wonders, and the false prophets will prophesy various events. ...If it is possible, they may even lead astray the chosen ones. If it is possible for them. Among these deceivers is the figure known as the Antichrist, who will represent the culmination of such falsehoods, with his prophets aligning with the previously mentioned false prophets. The Apostle Paul also spoke of him, referring to him as the man of sin and the son of destruction, noting: his coming is in accordance with the workings of Satan, exhibiting all power and signs and wonders of deceit (2 Thess. 2:9). These events serve as indicators of the Second Coming."},{"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 disciples raised two inquiries regarding the fate of Jerusalem and the Lord's return, the Lord first spoke of Jerusalem's destruction before prophesying about His second coming and the culmination of the age. The term 'then' does not imply an immediate sequence to the fall of Jerusalem; rather, it indicates the period when these events will unfold. The implication is that 'then,' when the Antichrist appears, there will arise numerous false Christs and deceivers who will captivate the eyes of observers with astonishing displays of demonic power, leading many astray. Even the righteous, if not vigilant, may succumb to this deception. However, take note, I have forewarned you, granting you the means to evade such misleading influences."},{"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":"This period of suffering will heighten the anticipation of the Messiah among the Jewish people, leading many to exploit this hope. Numerous false Messiahs and deceitful prophets will emerge, demonstrating counterfeit signs and wonders. These forgeries will resemble the genuine miracles so closely that even My faithful followers may be misled."},{"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":"\\"Great signs and wonders\\" refers to deceptive signs and wonders that will closely resemble the genuine ones, making it challenging to discern the falsehood (as exemplified by the actions of the Egyptian magicians who emulated Moses' miracles). Through diabolical cunning, false Christs and false prophets will produce such illusions that some observers may be misled, and even the most devout, if they are not vigilant, may fall victim to deception (Theophilus). \\"If it be possible, also the elect\\": these false miracles and signs will be crafted in a manner that even the most sincere believers could be led astray and may fail to identify the impostors. Prior to the end of the age, this will manifest in the form of the Antichrist and his followers (Zlat.), as the Apostle Paul warns concerning the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:9-10), and the Apostle John discusses in Revelation (Rev. 13). Similar false messiahs and prophets arose during the period of Jerusalem's siege (cf. note on Mt. 24:5, 11)."},{"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":"False Christs and deceptive prophets will emerge, showcasing impressive signs and wonders that may appear to be genuine miracles. This powerful display will make it challenging to distinguish between truth and deception, potentially leading the chosen ones astray. Just as the magicians of Egypt mimicked the miraculous acts of Moses, these frauds will, through the cunning of the devil, present astonishing phenomena that might mislead some, risking even the most devout Christians into falling into error if they do not remain vigilant. These individuals will embody the Antichrist and his followers in the last days. The Apostle Paul warns of the Antichrist, referring to him as the man of sin, the son of destruction. He states, \\"the one whose coming, according to the work of Satan, will be with all power and signs and wonders, and with all unrighteous deception of those who perish\\" (2 Thess. 2:9-10). Similarly, the Apostle John addresses this in Revelation, chapter 13. The Church established by the Apostles remains on earth, known as the Orthodox Church, where Christ is truly present. If you encounter someone claiming, \\"Christ speaks through me,\\" but they are disconnected from the Church, unwilling to recognize its leaders, and lack participation in the Sacraments, do not place your faith in them."}]}
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