What is the meaning of Matthew 24:23?

At that time

Jesus has just spoken of “great tribulation, unmatched from the beginning of the world until now” (Matthew 24:21).

• The phrase signals a specific, future season—after the gospel has been proclaimed (Matthew 24:14) and amid global upheaval (Luke 21:25–26).

• It parallels Daniel’s “time of distress” (Daniel 12:1) and Paul’s description of the “day of the Lord” arriving suddenly (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3).

• The Lord roots His warning in a literal, chronological sequence. Believers living in that era are to recognize the setting and stay alert.

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if anyone says to you

• The address is personal: disciples are directly targeted. False guidance can come from voices that appear spiritual or even friendly (Acts 20:29–30).

• Jesus assumes deception will be persuasive and widespread, reaching believers wherever they are (2 Timothy 3:13).

• The warning implies responsibility: each follower must weigh every claim against Christ’s own words (1 John 4:1).

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‘Look, here is the Christ!’

• “Look” urges urgency—deceivers will press for immediate acceptance, mimicking the genuine, imminent return (Revelation 1:7).

• Claimants may stage signs and wonders (Matthew 24:24) or occupy influential platforms (Mark 13:22).

• The real Messiah will not need earthly promotion: His coming will be “like lightning” visible to all (Matthew 24:27).

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or ‘There He is!’

• Some impostors will localize Christ: a secret room, a desert encampment, a media-broadcasted “appearance” (Luke 17:23).

• Such pinpointed sightings deny the global, unmistakable nature of the true Second Advent (Acts 1:11).

• Believers are reminded that Christ’s promise involves cosmic glory, not confined geography (2 Thessalonians 1:7–10).

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do not believe it

• The command is clear and unconditional. Faith must rest on Scripture, not sensational reports (Psalm 119:105).

• Accepting a counterfeit Messiah endangers souls, leading to the apostasy Paul foretold (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4).

• Obedience here protects the church, preserves hope, and honors the Lord who said, “I have told you in advance” (Matthew 24:25).

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summary

Matthew 24:23 urges steadfast discernment during the end-time turmoil. Any claim that Christ has appeared in a hidden or localized way must be rejected, because His true return will be universally visible and unmistakable. Grounded in the prior prophetic timeline, believers guard their hearts by clinging to Scripture and awaiting the glorious, public coming of the Lord Jesus.