New Testament
Matthew 24:23
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If anyone tells you then, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'He's over there!' — don't believe it.
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Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
What Matthew 24:23 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus warns His followers about false claims regarding His return. He emphasizes that if someone claims to have found the Christ or knows where He is, they should not believe it. This is significant because it highlights the importance of discernment in faith. Jesus is indicating that His return will be unmistakable and not something that can be hidden or localized. The context of this warning is part of a larger discourse about the end times, where many will be deceived by false prophets and messiahs. Therefore, believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and not be swayed by misleading information or sensational claims about Christ's presence. The emphasis is on the certainty and visibility of His second coming, which will be evident to all, rather than something that can be privately revealed or discovered by individuals.
How to apply Matthew 24:23 to your life
In our daily lives, we should be cautious about claims that seem sensational or extraordinary regarding faith. It's essential to rely on Scripture and the teachings of Jesus rather than being swayed by charismatic individuals or misleading messages. Staying grounded in faith helps us recognize truth from deception.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Teaching on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24:1–25:46)
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Photo: zeevveez, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.0. Source. Location: Capernaum, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Resized for the web.
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Capernaum
Jesus' home base by the Sea of Galilee, and the town where Peter lived.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 24:23 mean?
Matthew 24:23 warns believers not to be deceived by false claims about the return of Christ. Jesus emphasizes that His second coming will be clear and unmistakable, not something that can be localized or hidden.
What is the meaning of 'false prophets' in Matthew 24:23?
In Matthew 24:23, 'false prophets' refer to individuals who mislead others by claiming to have found Christ or know His whereabouts. Jesus cautions His followers to be discerning and not to trust such deceptive messages.
How can I apply Matthew 24:23 in my life?
To apply Matthew 24:23, remain cautious of sensational claims about faith and focus on the teachings of Scripture. This helps you discern truth from deception and stay grounded in your beliefs.
Why is discernment important according to Matthew 24:23?
Discernment is crucial in Matthew 24:23 because it helps believers identify and reject false claims about Christ. Jesus stresses that His return will be evident, so followers must be vigilant against misleading information.
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