APOSTASY, BETRAYAL AND HATRED

When faith is tested, remain rooted in the truth and love of Christ.

"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another."

Matthew 24:10 KJV

Introduction

Matthew 24:10 warns that many will be offended, betray one another and hate one another. Jesus describes more than external opposition: relationships and loyalties can fracture under pressure. The verse belongs to His wider warning about coming distress and deception.

In a Pre-Tribulation interpretation, this passage is commonly studied alongside warnings about apostasy and spiritual compromise in the last days. The text calls for self-examination. It does not give believers permission to label everyone who disagrees with them an apostate or to treat every disagreement as prophetic fulfilment.

What the passage says

Biblical text: Matthew 24:10 describes people falling away or taking offence, followed by betrayal and hatred.

The language points to a breakdown of trust and loyalty. In a setting of pressure, fear or deception, people may turn against those with whom they were once united. The passage warns readers that religious association alone does not guarantee perseverance or genuine love.

Looking at the drastic changes in content, substance and "new interpretations" of "sermons" by so-called pastors, preachers and spiritual leaders, it is clear that many people are falling away. What was previously based on the Word of God, has now suddenly become a question of interpretation, a new revelation, an all-inclusive message of denying Jesus Christ as the only way to the Father. It is deception, pure and simple. 

The question then comes to mind - why do people tolerate untruths and throw a blind eye to the garbage coming from some pulpits? Why do people choose NOT to resist the message, rebuke the messenger and leave such a church? The answer is actually quite obvious. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 we find Paul's answer: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;  And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." Some people go where their own "truths" are nourished and encouraged.

In Strong's Concordance, the Greek root word for "fable" is G3454 μύθος: muthos (moo'-thos) - a tale, i.e. fiction ("myth") [perhaps from the base of G3466 (through the idea of tuition)]

Key Scriptures:
Matthew 24:10 Mark 13:12-13 Luke 21:16-19 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Warnings about turning away

Biblical text: Paul warns in 1 Timothy 4:1-3: "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;  Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;  Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

The Old Testament repeatedly calls God’s people to covenant faithfulness. Israel’s history includes periods of rebellion, idolatry and return to God. The New Testament warns about falling away from the faith and abandoning sound teaching.

A careful reader distinguishes a temporary struggle, a sincere question, a doctrinal disagreement and a deliberate rejection of the faith. Scripture calls for both discernment and patient restoration where possible.

Key Scriptures:
Deuteronomy 8:11-20 Jeremiah 2:1-13 2 Thessalonians 2:3 1 Timothy 4:1-3 Hebrews 3:12-14

Love tested by pressure

Biblical text: "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed."  Galatians 1:8-9

Betrayal and hatred stand in contrast to the love Christ commands. The New Testament calls believers to forgive, serve and love one another. This does not mean ignoring abuse or pretending that false teaching is harmless. Biblical love can include correction, boundaries and a commitment to truth.

The test is whether a response reflects Christ’s character and the teaching of Scripture, rather than fear, resentment or a desire to control others. Does it honour the biblical Jesus? Does it agree with the whole counsel of Scripture? Does it produce truthfulness, humility and obedience, or does it demand unquestioning allegiance to a personality?

Key Scriptures:
John 13:34-35 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Galatians 6:1-2 1 John 3:11-18

Perseverance without accusation

Biblical text: "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them." Romans 1:28-32

End-times teaching can become harmful when believers begin to suspect everyone around them. Jesus’ warning should lead first to humility and readiness in one’s own life. It should also encourage churches to build communities where truth is taught clearly, suffering people are supported and conflicts are handled with integrity. It seems that nowadays, if any person addresses an issue in the "enlightened" social framework of what is being defined as the new normal, that is immediately classified as hate speech, not brotherly love, not acceptance, not so many things. Where does it end? 

Within the chosen Pre-Tribulation framework, these warnings can be considered in relation to the events leading towards Christ’s return, while recognising that betrayal and hatred have also appeared throughout history.

Key Scriptures:
Romans 1:1-32 Matthew 24:12

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE STUDY

Biblical text: "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another." Matthew 24:10 (to view the Strong's comments, click the  button on the menu bar)

• σκανδαλίζω - skandalizō (G4624): to cause to stumble, take offence or fall away, depending on context. Relevant to Matthew 24:10.
• ἀγαπάω - agapaō (G25): to love. Relevant to Christ’s command to love one another.
• μισέω - miseō (G3404): to hate. Relevant to Matthew 24:10.

These are selected word-study entries, not occurrence counts. Check the exact verse forms and concordance totals in the Bible Reader app before adding numerical statistics.

Key Scriptures:
Matthew 24:10 Mark 13:12

OLD AND NEW TESTAMENT PROPHECY LINKS

Biblical text:

• Old Testament: Deuteronomy 8:11-20; Ezekiel 18:30-32; Jeremiah 2:1-13.
• New Testament: Matthew 24:9-13, John 13:34-35; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Timothy 4:1-2; 1 John 3:11-18; Hebrews 3:12-14.