Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Mark 13:21

"And then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is the Christ; or, Lo, there; believe [it] not:" — Mark 13:21 (ASV)

The section (vv.5–23) ends as it began, with a warning against false Christs. A crisis like that of the fall of the city would be sure to produce many false pretenders; so will the crisis of the approaching End. These pretenders will wield supernatural power great enough to perform “signs and miracles.” Yet they will not be able to deceive God’s people; that is not possible, for God will guard his elect. Mark closes with another exhortation to remain alert and on guard; we must do our own part to resist the temptations of the false prophets.