For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that these false leaders perform "signs and wonders" specifically to deceive, suggesting that the power they display isn't necessarily divine but can be manipulative. This emphasis on deception through seemingly miraculous acts is crucial, showing that even believers should be discerning rather than solely swayed by spectacular events.
For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is warning his disciples about future calamities, specifically the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, and the persecution that will follow. He instructs them on how to recognize the signs and escape, urging them to flee immediately when they see the "abomination of desolation." This warning climaxes with a caution against deceptive miracles performed by false prophets, who will attempt to lead even God's chosen people astray.
What if the most convincing displays of power weren't from God?
Jesus warns us that deceptive figures will perform 'signs and wonders.' This isn't just about magic tricks; it's about supernatural-seeming displays designed to draw people away from the truth. Think about how powerful a seemingly miraculous event can be in swaying opinion or creating conviction. These false leaders use these 'signs and wonders' as powerful tools of manipulation. It's a stark reminder that not all power comes from a divine source, and impressive feats don't automatically equate to divine approval.
Even God's chosen ones are targeted by deception. Why?
Jesus states that these false Christs and prophets aim to lead astray, 'if possible, even the elect.' This phrase, 'if possible,' is crucial. It acknowledges the incredible power and cunning of these deceivers, suggesting they could, in theory, trick even those set apart by God. However, the underlying message is one of profound divine protection. While the danger is real and the deception potent, the elect are ultimately secure because God's power preserves them. This highlights that our security isn't based on our own infallible discernment but on God's faithfulness to His promises.
Understand the original words
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pseudochristoi · Greek Noun
Individuals who falsely claim the authority, identity, or mission of the Messiah. These figures arise to deceive the people of God during times of upheaval.
pseudoprophētai · Greek Noun
Individuals who claim to speak on behalf of God but teach falsehoods or promote counterfeit truth. They are characterized by their ability to perform deceptive signs.
sēmeia · Greek Noun
Supernatural events intended to demonstrate divine power; in this context, they are used by deceivers to validate their false claims and gain credibility.
terata · Greek Noun
Events that evoke awe or astonishment. When associated with false teachers, these are deceptive demonstrations designed to lead people away from the truth.
planan · Greek Verb
To wander away from the truth, to be misled, or to be seduced into error. It implies a departure from the correct path of faith.
eklektous · Greek Noun/Adjective
Those chosen by God for salvation. This term signifies the body of believers whom God has sovereignly selected and secured, making them the primary targets of the enemy’s deception.
The warning against false Christs and prophets was deeply rooted in Jewish history, particularly the desecration of the Temple by Antiochus Epiphanes and the tumultuous events leading up to and including the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. This context highlights the urgency of Jesus' message to discern truth amidst deception during times of immense crisis.
c. 167-164 BC
Antiochus Epiphanes' Desecration
King Antiochus IV Epiphanes desecrated the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, an event Daniel prophesied as an 'abomination of desolation.' This historical context informed Jesus' warning about future desolation.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Ministry of Jesus
Jesus taught and ministered in Judea, predicting the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, and warning his followers about future deceptions.
c. AD 40s-60s— this verse
Rise of False Prophets
During this period, various self-proclaimed messiahs and prophets emerged, some leading followers into the desert with promises of signs and wonders, preceding the destruction of Jerusalem.
AD 66-70
First Jewish-Roman War
The Jewish revolt against Roman rule led to widespread upheaval, siege warfare, and the ultimate destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in AD 70.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army under Titus besieged and destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, fulfilling Jesus' prophecies and marking a catastrophic turning point for the Jewish people.
This passage directly echoes Mark 13:22, warning about the coming of false messiahs and prophets who will perform impressive signs and wonders to deceive people, highlighting the pervasive nature of deception even towards the elect.
2 Thessalonians 2:9-10This passage describes the 'lawless one' whose coming is in accordance with the activity of Satan, displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs, and wonders, which aligns with the 'signs and wonders' performed by false prophets in Mark 13:22 to lead people astray.
1 John 4:1This verse urges believers to 'test the spirits to see whether they are from God,' directly addressing the need to discern truth from falsehood when confronted by the deceptive 'signs and wonders' mentioned in Mark 13:22.
Daniel 11:32-35This passage from Daniel speaks of those who act wickedly against the covenant and are corrupted by flatteries, but also mentions that those who understand will stand firm, paralleling the 'elect' who are warned against deception in Mark 13:22 and the idea of standing firm despite false signs.
calvinMark 13:14-23: "But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:"
- When therefore you shall see the abomination of desolation, which is described by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place, (let him that readeth understand,) 16. Then let them who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17. Let not him who is on the housetop go down to…
cambridgeMark 13:22: "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect."
22 . for false Christs and false prophets ] Josephus tells us that false prophets and impostors prevailed on multitudes to follow them into the desert, promising there to display signs and wonders (comp. Acts 21:38 ); and even at the last, when the Temple was in flames, numbers of all ages flocked thither from the city upon the proclamation of a false…
The verse highlights that these false leaders perform "signs and wonders" specifically to deceive, suggesting that the power they display isn't necessarily divine but can be manipulative. This emphasis on deception through seemingly miraculous acts is crucial, showing that even believers should be discerning rather than solely swayed by spectacular events.
Jesus is warning his disciples about future calamities, specifically the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, and the persecution that will follow. He instructs them on how to recognize the signs and escape, urging them to flee immediately when they see the "abomination of desolation." This warning climaxes with a caution against deceptive miracles performed by false prophets, who will attempt to lead even God's chosen people astray.
Jesus is warning his disciples about future calamities, specifically the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem, and the persecution that will follow. He instructs them on how to recognize the signs and escape, urging them to flee immediately when they see the "abomination of desolation." This warning climaxes with a caution against deceptive miracles performed by false prophets, who will attempt to lead even God's chosen people astray.
"For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect." — The verse highlights that these false leaders perform "signs and wonders" specifically to deceive, suggesting that the power they display isn't necessarily divine but can be manipulative. This emphas…
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Last reviewed October 2026