13:22
There are two points to note from this verse. The obvious one is that there will be false messiahs and false prophets, some will also do some convincing things, performing signs and wonders. Deut 13:1,2 makes it clear that doings signs and wonders does not in itself guarantee the validity of a supposed prophet. The essential test is whether or not someone brings honour to Jesus and is consistent with the word of God. If they are not, then it does not matter what else they might do, nor how impressive they may appear. The second point, are the words “to deceive, if possible, even the elect”. Looked at how from a temporal perspective one could ask how could the elect be deceived. But God is not temporal but eternal. So when He says something will happen that most definitely does not mean that what we do, believe and pray does not matter. We need to be on our guard against false prophets and messiahs.
13:23
Jesus told them, and us, these things so that we can be prepared. We are expected to act responsibly, to pay heed to God’s words, and to use proper discernment.
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