Mark 13:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The Lord has concluded His discourse concerning Jerusalem and now turns His attention to the emergence of the Antichrist. The term 'then' should not imply that one should doubt when the previously mentioned events regarding Jerusalem begin to unfold, should anyone declare, 'Behold, Christ is here.' This reflects a unique feature of Scripture. For instance, after recounting the Birth of Christ, Matthew the evangelist states, 'In those days John came.' (Matthew 3:1). In what days does he refer to? Are they those that came immediately after Christ's Nativity? No, they are indeed indefinite.

While the God-Man was speaking, the other disciples (Mark 13:37) approached Him one by one, eager to hear His enlightening discussion, which was beneficial for everyone present. Jesus continued, urging, “You must be especially vigilant during this time, for the intensity of the trials will heighten your anticipation for the promised Savior, leading you to believe every report about Him. This expectation will provide an opportunity for those doomed to destruction to misuse the name of the Messiah. Be wary of anyone who claims, ‘Christ is here’ or ‘He is over there!’ Do not be misled, even by the astonishing feats of false prophets. Some will perform such remarkable and unusual signs that, if it were possible, even the chosen ones might be led astray.

If someone tells you, "Christ is here" or "Christ is there," do not be deceived. Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has established the Holy Church on earth and is pleased to inhabit it as its Head, Reviver, and Sovereign. Christ is present within our Orthodox Church, and outside of this, His presence is not found. Do not seek Him elsewhere, for you will not discover Him. If someone from a non-Orthodox group approaches you and claims to possess Christ, do not accept their word. Should you encounter those asserting, "We are an Apostolic community and we have Christ," do not trust them. The Church founded by the Apostles exists here on earth as the Orthodox Church, where Christ resides.

After describing a series of alarming events, the Lord focused particularly on the impending wrath of God regarding what would befall Jerusalem. He stated that concerning Jerusalem, its devastation is inevitable, as foretold in the words of Daniel, when the abomination of desolation is set up in the sacred place. Consequently, whoever wishes to evade this fate must flee promptly from Judea. Those who choose to stay will face a period of anguish unlike anything they have known since the dawn of creation. False messiahs will arise, but do not be deceived by them. The Son of Man will manifest like lightning, not confined to a specific location or appearance, but as the executing authority of God's judgment (Matthew 24:15-28). He will reveal His full glory when the culmination of the age arrives (29-31).

This marks the third occasion on which Jesus Christ has issued warnings against deceivers. Initially, in Matthew 4-5, He cautioned about false messiahs; subsequently, in Matthew 11, He alerted against false prophets within the Christian community. In this instance, He addresses both false prophets and false messiahs collectively, as the former serve the interests of the latter by leading people into the wilderness or to hidden locations with the pretense of revealing Christ. Given that in the previous passage, Luke 24, Christ spoke of the period following the destruction of Jerusalem, and since the prophecy about seducers before that event had already been mentioned, it follows that this final warning is accompanied by insights into the manner of His return.

The upcoming trials will heighten the anticipation of the Messiah among the Jewish people, and many will exploit this longing. There will be appearances of false Christs and misleading prophets who will carry out deceptive signs and wonders, so much so that even the faithful might be led astray. However, do not be swayed by them! Take heed! Truly, I have forewarned you about all these occurrences.

The timing of the final and fearful event remains a divine mystery, one that even angels cannot comprehend; however, prior to this event, there will be a brief period fraught with numerous temptations that we must remain vigilant against. Deceivers will rise, enticing many through flattery and intimidation; yet it is imperative for believers to firmly cling to their faith in Christ, their Savior and Lord, enduring all trials for His sake. Those who persevere until the end shall receive salvation.

The continuation of the Saviour's discourse, shifting from immediate imagery, turns toward the ominous occurrences at the end of time. St. John Chrysostom clarifies that after discussing the prediction regarding Jerusalem, Christ advances to His glorious return and shares with His disciples signs that serve not only them but also us and all who will follow. The Lord's revelation about future occurrences states, “if anyone says to you, ‘Here is the Christ,’ or ‘There he is,’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise, and they will perform great signs and wonders to mislead, if possible, even the elect. But you must be vigilant; all these things have been foretold to you.