ProlepsisOpen in the graph →

Prophecy

False messiahs and false prophets before the fall of Jerusalem (Matthew 24:5, 11, 24)

Jerusalem seen from the Mount of Olives, by Edward Lear (1858-1859): the place of the discourse of Matt 24 and, according to Josephus, of the gathering of “the Egyptian”.
Artist’s impression Jerusalem seen from the Mount of Olives, by Edward Lear (1858-1859): the place of the discourse of Matt 24 and, according to Josephus, of the gathering of “the Egyptian”. — Edward Lear, Wikimedia Commons · Domaine public

○ Written after the events, according to historians; tradition dates it before

Written c. 30–62 AD according to tradition; c. 65–90 AD according to historians. Event: c. 44–70 AD.

See the full entry: sources, objections, answers

In short

The announcement. In the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus announces, around 30-33, that false messiahs and false prophets will come and deceive many people. He warns: “Behold, he is in the wilderness, don't go out”.

What happened. Between 44 and 70, the Jewish historian Josephus describes a series of leaders who lead crowds into the wilderness or toward Jerusalem, promising signs of deliverance, up to the burning of the Temple in 70. Jesus's discourse also has the end of time in view: that part has not happened.

What is still debated. according to historians, Mark and Matthew were written after some of these events, and Josephus calls these men prophets or impostors, never messiahs.

What would be striking if the text came first

The parallel concerns unusual details, down to the false prophet who calls people to the Temple during the fire of 70, and it comes from a non-Christian author. But if Mark writes around 70, as historians think, he is describing a phenomenon already known.

Main objection (in French for now)

Prophétie après coup : selon la datation critique, Marc et Matthieu sont écrits après Theudas et l’Égyptien, et peut-être après 70. Décrire ce que l’on a vu n’est pas prédire.

The text (World English Bible)

For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will lead many astray.

Matt 24:5

Many false prophets will arise and will lead many astray.

Matt 24:11

For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

Matt 24:24

Sources