Matthew 24:23-24

Matthew 24:23-24. Lo, here is Christ, or there— In fact, many such impostors did arise about that time, and promised deliverance from God; but as it was to little purpose for a man to take upon him the character of the Christ, or even of a prophet, without miracles to vouch his divine mission, so it was the common artifice and pretence of these impostors to shew signs and wonders. Simon Magus performed wonders, according to the account given of him, Acts 8:9-11. Dositheus likewise was reputed to do so; and Barchochebas is said to have pretended to vomit flames. Such also were the Jews of whom St. Paul speaks, 2 Timothy 3:8; 2 Timothy 3:13. There is a strange propensityin mankind to believe things marvellous and astonishing; and no wonder that weak and wicked men, Jews and Samaritans, were deceived by such impostors, where, if it had been possible, they would have deceived the very elect,—even the Christians themselves. See Bishop Newton. This is not a mere repetition of what was said before, Mat 24:5 but relates more particularly to those impostors who appeared during the time of the siege; concerning whom, see Josephus's War, b. 6. 100: 5. Euseb. Eccles. Hist. b. 4: ch. 6 and Grotius on the place.