5. OTHER AGAINST FALSE CHRISTS Mark 13:21-23 (Matthew 24:23-28) 21 And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there;--The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman oppression. During these great calamities they would anxiously look for him. Many would claim to be the Messiah. Many would follow them. believe it not:--Believe not the message for both it and the messenger are false. Besides you have evidence that the Messiah has come, and you are not to be deceived by the plausible pretensions of others. 22 for there shall arise false Christs--Not one, but many persons claiming to be the Messiah. and false prophets,--Persons claiming to be the prophets spoken of by Moses (Deuteronomy 18:15); or persons pretending to declare the way of deliverance from the Romans, and asking the people to follow them as their Messiah. and shall show signs and wonders,--That is, shall pretend to work miracles. that they may lead astray,--This was their motive. None except Christians could be led astray. All others were already astray. if possible, the elect.--God's chosen people. 23 But take ye heed: behold, I have told you all things beforehand.--As I have exercised caution to foretell you these dangers, so do you exercise a like caution in guarding against them. To be forewarned was to be forearmed.