At that timeThis phrase refers to a specific period in the future, often interpreted as the end times or the period leading up to the return of Christ. It is part of Jesus' Olivet Discourse, where He describes events that will occur before His second coming. The timing is significant as it aligns with other prophetic scriptures, such as
Daniel 12:1 and
Revelation 13, which discuss tribulation and the rise of false prophets.
many will fall away
The falling away, or apostasy, indicates a significant departure from faith. This is a warning about the spiritual condition of believers during the end times. Historically, apostasy has been a recurring issue in the church, as seen in the letters to the churches inRevelation 2-3. This phrase suggests a widespread abandonment of faith, echoing2 Thessalonians 2:3, which speaks of a rebellion before the day of the Lord.
and will betray
Betrayal among believers is a theme that resonates with the experiences of early Christians who faced persecution. This reflects the intense pressure and division that will characterize the end times. The betrayal is reminiscent of Judas Iscariot's betrayal of Jesus, highlighting the personal and communal impact of such actions. It also connects toMicah 7:6, where family members turn against each other.
and hate one another
Hatred among individuals, especially within the community of believers, signifies a breakdown of love and unity, which are central to Christian teaching (John 13:34-35). This animosity is a sign of the times, as described in2 Timothy 3:1-5, where people become lovers of themselves rather than lovers of God. The cultural context of the early church, which faced external persecution and internal strife, provides a backdrop for understanding the gravity of this warning.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this prophecy, Jesus is addressing His disciples on the Mount of Olives, providing them with insights into future events, including signs of the end times.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' discourse, representing believers who are to be vigilant and discerning in the face of future challenges.
3.
Mount of OlivesThe location where Jesus delivers the Olivet Discourse, a significant teaching on the end times and the coming of the Kingdom of God.
4.
End TimesThe period Jesus is describing, characterized by trials, tribulations, and a falling away from faith among many.
5.
ApostasyThe event of falling away from faith, which Jesus predicts will occur among many during the end times.
Teaching Points
Understanding ApostasyRecognize that apostasy is a real and present danger, especially in times of trial. It involves a deliberate turning away from the faith.
Guarding Against BetrayalBe aware of the potential for betrayal even among close relationships. Strengthen your faith community to withstand such challenges.
Cultivating Love Over HateIn a world where hatred can easily take root, Christians are called to cultivate love and forgiveness, reflecting Christ's teachings.
Staying Rooted in ScriptureRegular engagement with the Word of God is essential to remain steadfast in faith and to discern truth from deception.
Encouraging One AnotherBuild a supportive community that encourages perseverance and faithfulness, especially as trials increase.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 24:10?
2.How can we guard against "betrayal" and "hatred" in our Christian communities today?
3.What does Matthew 24:10 teach about the challenges of maintaining faith?
4.How does Matthew 24:10 connect with 2 Timothy 3:1-5 on end times?
5.In what ways can we strengthen our faith to avoid "falling away"?
6.How can we support fellow believers facing trials described in Matthew 24:10?
7.What does Matthew 24:10 mean by "many will fall away" in today's context?
8.How does Matthew 24:10 relate to the concept of apostasy in the church?
9.Why does Matthew 24:10 predict betrayal among believers?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24?
11.What is the Great Apostasy?
12.Does love always involve trust?
13.Will you remain faithful until death?
14.Where did Jesus tell his disciples to stay after his resurrection? (Matthew 28:10 vs. Luke 24:49)What Does Matthew 24:10 Mean
At that timeJesus places this warning within His larger teaching on the end of the age (Matthew 24:3–14).
• Earlier verses describe wars, famines, earthquakes, and persecution (Matthew 24:6–9) — all setting the stage for what follows.
• Daniel speaks of “a time of distress such as never has occurred” (Daniel 12:1), giving Old Testament support for this same season.
• Paul echoes the theme: “Understand this: in the last days terrible times will come” (2 Timothy 3:1).
The phrase signals a definite period when external pressures and spiritual deception reach a peak, testing every professing believer.
many will fall away• Jesus does not say “a few,” but “many,” pointing to a widespread apostasy.
•1 Timothy 4:1 notes, “The Spirit explicitly states that in later times some will abandon the faith.”
•2 Thessalonians 2:3 warns of “the rebellion” that must occur before Christ’s return.
• This falling away exposes hearts that never truly belonged to Christ, just as1 John 2:19 explains: “They went out from us, but they did not belong to us.”
Application: the call is to cultivate genuine, enduring faith now (Hebrews 3:12–14).
and will betray• Pressure will push former companions to turn on each other, handing fellow Christians over to hostile authorities.
• Jesus had already said, “Brother will deliver brother over to death” (Matthew 10:21; cf.Mark 13:12–13).
•Luke 21:16 reinforces it: “You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends.”
• Such betrayal mirrors Judas’s act (Psalm 41:9;John 13:18), reminding us that treachery can arise from the closest circles.
• Faithfulness must therefore be anchored in Christ, not merely in human alliances.
and hate one another• The breakdown of loyalty escalates into open hostility. Verse 12 continues, “Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold.”
•1 John 3:15 declares that anyone who hates his brother “is a murderer,” showing how spiritually deadly hatred is.
• Paul lists “hatred, discord, jealousy” among the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19–21), warning believers to walk by the Spirit instead.
•Titus 3:3 remembers a pre-conversion state: “We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another,” highlighting how Christ alone rescues us from this cycle.
summaryMatthew 24:10 foretells a sobering season when external persecution and internal compromise collide: many professing believers will abandon the faith, betray their own, and descend into mutual hatred. The verse urges vigilance, authentic devotion to Christ, and steadfast love for one another, so that in the darkest hour the true church shines with unwavering faith and sacrificial unity.
(10)
Shall many be offended.--The words point primarily to those who were believers in Christ, and found, a stumbling-block either in the new aspects of truth from time to time presented, or in the slowness of its victory, or in the delayed coming of the Lord. (Comp.
2Peter 3:4.)
Shall hate one another.--The words received a terrible fulfilment in the faction-fights of the Zealots and Sicarii at Jerusalem (Jos.Wars, iv. 3), in the disputes in every city between believing and unbelieving Jews (Acts 13:50;Acts 14:19;Acts 17:5;Acts 18:6;Acts 19:9), in the bitter hatred of the Judaisers against St. Paul (Acts 23:12). . . .
Verse 10. -
Shall many be offended. The persecutions directed against the disciples in general shall in many cases result in overcoming their steadfastness and sapping their faith.
Shall betray one another. To curry favour with enemies and to secure their own safety in troublous times, Christians were found to inform against friends, and to deliver them up to the civil authorities. Tacitus notes instances of this degrading cowardice. "First those were seized who confessed that they were Christians; and then on their information a vast multitude was convicted" ('Ann.,' 15:44).
Shall hate one another. Dissensions in religion cause the most bitter hatred, the very opposite of that love which is the essence of Christianity (
John 15:17). Where one of a pagan family embraced Christianity, the convert was regarded as an outcast, and cut adrift from the nearest domestic ties. The same treatment obtains even now in India. The reference in the text chiefly concerns contentions among professing Christians; we see such effects every day; they appear in every page of ecclesiastical history; they have stained the annals of our own and every nation.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
At that timeτότε(tote)Adverb
Strong's 5119:Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.manyπολλοὶ(polloi)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4183:Much, many; often.will fall awayσκανδαλισθήσονται(skandalisthēsontai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 4624:From skandalon; to entrap, i.e. Trip up (transitively) or entice to sin, apostasy or displeasure).andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.will betrayπαραδώσουσιν(paradōsousin)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3860:From para and didomi; to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.hateμισήσουσιν(misēsousin)Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3404:To hate, detest, love less, esteem less. From a primary misos; to detest; by extension, to love less.one another,ἀλλήλους(allēlous)Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 240:One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.
Links
Matthew 24:10 NIVMatthew 24:10 NLTMatthew 24:10 ESVMatthew 24:10 NASBMatthew 24:10 KJV
Matthew 24:10 BibleApps.comMatthew 24:10 Biblia ParalelaMatthew 24:10 Chinese BibleMatthew 24:10 French BibleMatthew 24:10 Catholic Bible
NT Gospels: Matthew 24:10 Then many will stumble and will deliver (Matt. Mat Mt) 
