Matthew 24:11 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)11 And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people away [from the truth]. See the chapterMore versionsKing James Version (Oxford) 176911 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. See the chapterAmplified Bible - Classic Edition11 And many false prophets will rise up and deceive and lead many into error. See the chapterAmerican Standard Version (1901)11 And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray. See the chapterCommon English Bible11 Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. See the chapterCatholic Public Domain Version11 And many false prophets will arise, and they will lead many astray. See the chapter |
Now the Holy Spirit specifically says that in later times [Note: “Later times” in the New Testament usually refers to the period following the first coming of Christ and the establishment of the church], some people will fall away from the faith [i.e., the true teaching of Christianity]. They will pay attention to deceitful spirits [i.e., lying people] and the teaching of evil spirits.
But the beast was captured, along with the false prophet [See 16:13], who performed [supernatural] signs in his presence. [He had performed these signs] to deceive those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his statue. [See 13:15-16]. The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.
For certain men have secretly infiltrated [your ranks]; they are men who had been written about long ago that they should be judged [and condemned] for perverting the unearned favor of our God into [a license for] living unrestrained, indecent lives, and who deny [the identity and work of] our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Loved ones, do not believe [the message of] every spirit [i.e., every person claiming to be a teacher], but test the spirits [i.e., require proof that they and their message are genuine] to see whether they represent God [or not], because many false prophets have begun circulating throughout the world.
Dear children, it is [now] the last hour [i.e., the final period of God’s dealing with people on earth], and since you have heard that an antichrist [i.e., a person who is against Christ] is coming, even now [you should be aware that] many antichrists have [already] come. This is [one way] we know that this is the last hour.