Matthew 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
For this verse, I am not going to enter into any discussion on who the elect are. This topic is not the intent of the post, but the fact that those who have been chosen, who ever they may be, may be led astray.
Two things to consider.
First thing, is the “if” part of our argument? That is, is Jesus saying that the deception will be able to deceive everyone, and that it will be amazing none of the elect fall? The elect couldn’t be lead astray?
I suppose this approach is interpreting Jesus as saying
– so as to lead astray, if possible (but it’s not possible), even the elect.
Or is He saying that some of the elect may be lead astray, if the deception is strong enough and the elect are not prepared? Is the possibility of being led astray resident in the elects ability to resist the deception?
I suppose this approach is interpreting Jesus as saying –
-so as to lead astray, if possible (depending on the elect), even the elect.
In this passage, I do not have a clear understanding. I tend to think of the first option, and it provides great comfort. We find the very same phrase used when Jesus prayed to the Father in the garden.
Matthew 26:39 And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (italics mine)
We know it was not possible for the cup to pass, yet in the humanity of the Son, He expressed a possibility before the Father. Is this the same intent in our passage. The unknown expressed but not to be realized?
I would appreciate your thoughts on this topic.
Secondly, is it right to consider being “lead astray” to be equal with falling away from the faith?
Did Jesus use the term σκανδαλίζω skandalízō, to trip and fall in this verse? Or was it ἀφίστημι aphístēmi, meaning to make stand off, cause to withdraw, or to remove? Maybe the word He used was what I initially suspected – ἀποστασία apostasía, meaning a falling away, defection, apostasy.
None of those words were used in this verse.
To be led astray in the Greek is πλανάω planáō, and it means to cause to stray, to lead astray, lead aside from the right way.
It seems this term speaks of the one leading someone astray as opposed to the one being lead away. It focuses on the deceiver and not the deceived. I suppose this also brings into the discussion that to be deceived may not specifically indicate a loss of life.
The text is not as clear as I had hoped, and that is alright. It is a text that demands a bit of humility, a bit of willingness to consider, a bit of thought.
For those who have spent a few minutes with me in this text and have additional thoughts, I would appreciate your comments.
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