By What Authority?

The current political and social landscape clearly reflects the predictions that Jesus gave informing the disciples about the end of the gospel age recorded in Matthew 24. Particularly note verse 10: “And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.”

First, in the ESV, the sentence begins by stating that “many will fall away.” Is this an apostasy—a falling away or departure from the truth? The term in Greek would be apostasia, from which we get the English term (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The King James Version reads, “And then shall many be offended.” This is a better translation because the Greek term is skandalizo, from which we get the English term scandal (Matthew 11:6). So, what is Jesus informing us in these words?

The first part of Jesus’ response is a general description of conditions in this fallen world (vv. 4–8). This is preceded by a warning to beware that no one deceives or leads them astray (v. 4). There will be many false Christs and false religions (v. 5). Note, however, that false religion is more than false doctrine.

The focus here is authority and the power to enforce submission to authority. Note that Christ means Messiah, and Messiah is the ultimate King of the Jews. Jesus came preaching the gospel of the kingdom (Matthew 4:17, 23; 9:35). The rejection and crucifixion of Jesus centered in the Jews’ fearing their loss of authority (John 11:48; Luke 19:14). Carefully read the Gospel accounts of Jesus before Pilate (Matthew 27:11ff; John 18:33ff). Jesus was accused of leading an insurrection to overthrow the existing government (Luke 23:2, 3).

What results from the attempted power grabs of the false Christs? Authority. So, what immediately follows these usurpers is wars and rumors of wars. Wars are fought for power and control. Kingdoms rise against kingdoms and nations against nations. Famines and catastrophes follow (vv. 6–8). These are not the results of mere false doctrine.

Why is true Christianity hated? The kingdom of heaven is an imminent threat to the kingdom of darkness. Satan does not want to give up his authority and power. Thus, Jesus lists a number of things that His followers will face before He returns to establish His kingdom. They will be persecuted (v. 9). This will cause some professing believers to stumble (skandalon) or be offended. Followers of Jesus will be treated as Jesus was. The more evident the kingdom of God is in the world the greater will be the tribulation. It is war for power and authority.

In this struggle many will be offended. They will betray and hate each other. Does not this typify many congregations? This leads to apostasy because of false doctrine preached by false prophets. Bad doctrine leads to lawlessness (iniquity) and love grows cold. True believers will ride out the storm. They persevere to the end and are saved. Finally, in spite of all the war and hostility, the gospel of the kingdom is sovereignly proclaimed throughout the whole earth. Only then will the end come and the kingdom of heaven be the sole authority.