and many false prophets
In the biblical context, false prophets are individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but deliver messages that are contrary to His truth. The Old Testament frequently warns against false prophets (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:20-22, Jeremiah 23:16). In the New Testament, Jesus warns His disciples about the rise of false prophets as a sign of the end times. Historically, false prophets have been a recurring issue in Israel, often leading the people astray from true worship. The term "false prophets" here indicates a significant number, suggesting a widespread problem that would affect many believers.

will arise
The phrase "will arise" suggests an emergence or increase in activity. This implies that false prophets will not only exist but will become more prominent and influential. This aligns with other New Testament warnings about the end times, where deception and apostasy are expected to increase (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Peter 2:1). The use of "arise" indicates a future event, pointing to a time when these false prophets will become more visible and active in their deception.

and deceive many
Deception is a key tactic of false prophets, as they often mix truth with lies to mislead people. The word "many" indicates that a significant number of people will be led astray, highlighting the effectiveness and danger of these false teachings. This deception can lead to spiritual ruin, as seen in other scriptures where false teachings are condemned (Galatians 1:6-9, 1 John 4:1). The cultural context of the time, with various religious and philosophical ideas circulating, would have made it easier for false prophets to gain a following. This warning serves as a call for vigilance and discernment among believers to remain steadfast in the truth of the Gospel.

1. Jesus Christ
The speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is addressing His disciples on the Mount of Olives, providing them with insights into future events, including the rise of false prophets.

2. False Prophets
Individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but lead people astray with false teachings and prophecies. Their emergence is a sign of the end times.

3. Disciples
The immediate audience of Jesus' discourse, representing all believers who are warned to be vigilant against deception.

4. Mount of Olives
The location where Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, a significant teaching on the end times.

5. End Times
The period leading up to the return of Christ, characterized by various signs, including the rise of false prophets.Discernment is Essential
Believers must cultivate spiritual discernment to recognize and reject false teachings. This involves a deep understanding of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.

Stay Rooted in Scripture
Regular study of the Bible is crucial to identify teachings that deviate from the truth. Knowing God's Word helps believers to spot falsehoods.

Be Watchful and Prayerful
Jesus' warning calls for vigilance and prayer. Believers should remain alert to spiritual deception and seek God's guidance continually.

Guard Your Heart and Mind
Protecting oneself from false teachings involves guarding one's heart and mind through prayer, fellowship, and accountability within the church community.

Encourage and Correct Gently
When encountering those misled by false prophets, approach them with love and gentleness, aiming to guide them back to the truth.(11) Many false prophets shall rise.--The later writings of the New Testament bear repeated testimony to this feature of the ten years that preceded the destruction of Jerusalem. St. John speaks of false prophets (1John 4:1), and many antichrists (1John 2:18); St. Peter of "false teachers" (2Peter 2:1), like the false prophets of old; St. Paul of men who should give heed to seducing spirits (1Timothy 4:1). These show the extent of the evil which was the natural outcome of the feverish excitement of the people. In Josephus (Wars, vi. 5, ? 2) we have the record of this working of false prophecy in more immediate connection with Judaea and Jerusalem. Up to the last moment of the capture of the city by Titus, men were buoyed up with false hopes of deliverance, based on the predictions of fanatics and impostors.

Verse 11. - False prophets (ver. 24). These were not necessarily predictors or soothsayers, but teachers having, as they said, a message from God. Such pretenders have arisen in every great crisis; but the Jews a few years later were deceived continually by fanatics or impostors, who professed to be inspired, and premised the infatuated people deliverance, urging them to resist the Romans, in expectation of the coming of Messiah to lead them to immediate victory (comp. Josephus, 'Bell. Jud.,' 6:05. 2). The designation "false prophets" applies also to those heretical teachers who vexed the peace of the early Church, and of whom St. John expressly speaks, "Many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1). These were Judaizing and Gnostic teachers, who tried to mar the good work of the apostles (see Acts 20:30; Romans 16:17, 18; 2 Corinthians 11:13; Galatians 1:7-9; Colossians 2:18-23, etc.). Throughout the Christian ages heresiarchs have always raised their evil voices, and the history of the Church is very much composed of accounts of such teachers, and of the efforts made to suppress them and to correct their pernicious doctrines.

Parallel Commentaries ...


and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

many
πολλοὶ (polloi)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

false prophets
ψευδοπροφῆται (pseudoprophētai)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5578: From pseudes and prophetes; a spurious prophet, i.e. Pretended foreteller or religious impostor.

will arise
ἐγερθήσονται (egerthēsontai)
Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1453: (a) I wake, arouse, (b) I raise up. Probably akin to the base of agora; to waken, i.e. Rouse.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

mislead
πλανήσουσιν (planēsousin)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.

many.
πολλούς (pollous)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.


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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:11 Many false prophets will arise and will (Matt. Mat Mt)