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False Christs
False Christ • False Messiahs
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Dictionaries
The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary
False Christs
FALSE CHRISTS [Gk pseudochristoi (ψευδοχριστοι)]. The sole NT references to false Christs are parallel sayings of Jesus found in the eschatological discourses of Matthew (24:24) and Mark (13:22). In both contexts Jesus warns his disciples of the appearance of false prophets and false Christs who will
Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible
False Christs
False Christs. Those who falsely claim to be the Christ or Messiah. False christs are mentioned only in the eschatological discourse of Jesus recorded by Matthew (24:24) and Mark (13:22).In that discourse Jesus instructed his disciples about the future. He prophesied the destruction of the temple in
The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Revised
Christs, False
Christs, False [Gk. pseudóchristoi] (Mt. 24:24 par Mk. 13:22); NEB “impostors … claiming to be messiahs.” In Jesus’ discourse on the last things, spoken on Tuesday of the week of His Passion, He solemnly forewarned His disciples that many would come in His name saying “I am the Christ,” and that they
Tyndale Bible Dictionary
False Christs, False Messiahs
FALSE CHRISTS*, FALSE MESSIAHS Those who falsely claim to be the Christ or Messiah. False christs are mentioned only in the eschatological discourse of Jesus recorded by Matthew (24:24) and Mark (13:22).In that discourse Jesus instructed his disciples about the future. He prophesied the destruction
The Wycliffe Bible Encyclopedia
False Christs
FALSE CHRISTS. This term is found in Mt 24:24 and Mk 13:22. The idea is also expressed differently in Mt 24:5; Mk 13:6; Lk 21:8. Jesus said that many would come in His name claiming to be Christ. They would show signs and wonders, and thereby convince many that they were genuine. See Antichrist.
Christs, False
CHRISTS, FALSE. Those who claim to be the Messiah but are not. Jesus warned His disciples during the Passion week against such, saying that many would come in His name claiming to be the Messiah, and would deceive many. These pretenders were not to be believed (Mt 24:4, 11, 23–25; Mk 13:21–23; Lk 21:8).
Eerdmans Bible Dictionary
False Christs
False Christs (Gk. pseudóchristoi).† Imposters who claim to be messiahs (cf. NEB). In his eschatological discourse on the Mount of Olives just before his crucifixion, Jesus warns his disciples of the many pretenders who would perform “great signs and wonders” (Matt. 24:24 par. Mark 13:22;
The New Unger’s Bible Dictionary
False Christs
FALSE CHRISTS. Those who falsely claim to be the Messiah, as foretold by Jesus (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22). Nothing is known of the historical fulfillment of this prophecy, but Josephus (Wars 7.11.1) mentions Jonathan as a pretender.
Christs, False
CHRISTS, FALSE (Gk. pseudochristoi). Those who falsely claim to be the Messiah, and against whom our Lord warned His disciples (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22). About twenty-four such persons have had more or less prominence.See Antichrist.
Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Christs, False
Christs, False—Our Lord warned his disciples that they would arise (Matt. 24:24). It is said that no fewer than twenty-four persons have at different times appeared (the last in 1682) pretending to be the Messiah of the prophets.
Nelson’s New Illustrated Bible Dictionary
False Christs
FALSE CHRISTS - persons who pretend to be Christ but who actually represent all that Christ opposes (Matt. 24:24; Mark 13:22). False Christs are similar to Antichrist and his prophets, described in the Epistles of John (1 John 2:18; 2 John 7). These false Christs take their place in the long line of
The Westminster Bible Dictionary
Christs
Christs, False, referred to by our Lord (Matt. 24:24), were impostors who, taking advantage of the expectation by the Jews of a Messiah, undertook to impose upon them their false pretensions. No fewer than twenty-four different persons have appeared, each claiming to be the Christ. They have appeared
A Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels: Aaron–Zion
False Christs
FALSE CHRISTS.—The term ψευδόχριστοι or pseudo-Christs occurs only in Mk 13:22 (cf. 13:6) = Mt 24:24 (cf. 24:5). Despite its omission in Mk. by D, etc., it probably belongs to the original text of the eschatological discourse. But this discourse forms one of the sections in the Synoptic narrative which
Key passages
Mt 24:23–25

“At that time if anyone should say to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘Here he is,’ do not believe him! For false messiahs and false prophets will appear, and will produce great signs and wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect. Behold, I have told you ahead of time! …

Mk 13:21–23

“And at that time if anyone should say to you, “Behold, here is the Christ,’ ‘Behold, there he is,’ do not believe him! For false messiahs and false prophets will appear, and will produce signs and wonders in order to mislead, if possible, the elect. But you, watch out! I have told you everything …

See also
Topics & Themes
False Teaching
Related
A False Christ