John Calvin Commentary Matthew 24:11

"And many false prophets shall arise, and shall lead many astray." — Matthew 24:11 (ASV)

And many false prophets will arise. This warning differs from the former, in which Christ foretold that many would come in his name. For there he spoke only of impostors who, shortly after the commencement of the Gospel, claimed to be the Christ; but now he threatens that in every age false teachers will arise to corrupt sound doctrine.

As Peter tells us (2 Peter 2:1), the Church will be no less exposed to this evil under the Gospel than it formerly was under the Law. Therefore, there is no reason for pious minds to be dismayed by error, or by certain impostures of the devil and corruptions of piety. No one is properly founded on Christ who has not learned that we must stand firm against such attacks.

For this is the undoubted trial of our faith, when it is not at all shaken by the false doctrines that arise. He does not only say that false prophets will come, but also that they will be so crafty as to deceive and draw away followers after them.¹³³

Great caution is necessary here, for the large number of those who are going astray is like a violent tempest, which forces us off course if we are not firmly fixed on God. This subject was discussed recently.

¹³³ “En sorte qu’ils auront des disciples, et feront des sectes;” — “so that they will have disciples, and will form sects.”;” — “so that they will have disciples, and will form sects.”