Gospel of Matthew Chapter 24 Vs. 5

 Signs of the End of the Age

Verses 5-14: Many shall come refers to the parade of false messiahs who have now spanned the centuries of church history and have led many astray into false religious cults. Wars and rumors of wars refers to peace being taken from the earth and the constant wars that have continually marked the age of the Gentiles.

Famines, and pestilences: These events mark only the beginning of sorrows (Greek odin), birth pangs. This is followed by martyrdom and the rise of False prophets and the abounding of iniquity.

The gospel of the kingdom refers to the missionary expansion of the church in all the world. The gospel shall be preached in all the world (Greek oikoumene), the inhabited world, and unto all nations (Greek ethnos), Gentile nations, as contrasted with the Jews. Then shall the end come would then refer to the end of the church age.

Matthew 24:5 “For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.”

For many shall... By his orders, or with delegated powers and authority from him; but should assume the name of the Messiah, which was peculiarly his, to themselves. And take upon them his office, and challenge the honor and dignity which belonged unto him.

Saying, I am... This is the first sign, preceding the destruction of the city and temple of Jerusalem; as there was a general expectation among the Jews of a Messiah. That is, of one that should arise and deliver them from the Roman yoke, which was the common idea tacked to that word.

In this period of time, many set up themselves to be deliverers and redeemers of the people of Israel: who had each of them their followers in great numbers, whom they imposed upon, and brought to destruction.

Even during the time of John, John spoke of antichrists being in the earth. These were not the Antichrist, but types of antichrists (those who were opposed to Christ’s teachings). Paul spoke of heretical seducers. There were also others like Mohammed, that were worshiped instead of Messiah.

In our day, there are many people claiming to be Christ. Worse than that, people have begun to deny that Jesus is God the Son. They are bringing Him down to the level of mankind, and they are also trying to elevate themselves to the level of Jesus.

The deception of false religion is rampant. There are more false gods than ever before.

We may not, with the limits imposed by the plan of these expositions, attempt a detailed explanation of this difficult prophecy, but must content ourselves with giving only a general view. Our Lord first warns His disciples against expecting the crisis too early (Mat. 24:4-14). In this passage He prepares the minds of His disciples for the times of trouble and trial through which they must pass before the coming of the great and notable day of the Lord which was at hand: there shall be false Christs and false prophets-there shall be wars and rumors of wars, and shaking of the nations, and famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in divers places; yet will all these be only the beginning of sorrows.

In my name (ἐπὶ τῷ ὀνόματί μου)

Lit., on my name, i.e., on the strength of; resting their claims on the name Messiah.

That period will be characterized by false Christs (Mat. 24:4-5; cf. Rev. 6:1-2; the first seal is Antichrist).