Luke 17:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Luke 17:23
23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
Chapter Context
Luke 17 is a historical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, prayer, discipleship. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christians needed to understand their place in the Roman world.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-37: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Luke and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Luke 17:23
23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.
Analysis
And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. Jesus warns against deception during the disciples' longing for His return. The phrase they shall say to you (ἐροῦσιν ὑμῖν, erousin hymin) identifies false teachers who will claim special knowledge of Christ's location. See here; or, see there (ἰδοὺ ἐκεῖ, ἰδοὺ ὧδε, idou ekei, idou hōde—"Behold there! Behold here!") mimics urgent announcements of Messiah's secret appearance.
Jesus' command is unambiguous: go not after them, nor follow them (μὴ ἀπέλθητε μηδὲ διώξητε, mē apelthēte mēde diōxēte—"do not go away nor pursue"). The double prohibition emphasizes complete avoidance—don't even investigate such claims. Why? Because Christ's return won't be secret or localized (v. 24)—it will be unmistakable, visible to all simultaneously, like lightning illuminating the entire sky.
This warning addresses persistent church temptation: every generation produces false christs and false prophets (Matthew 24:23-26, Mark 13:21-23). From first-century Zealot messiahs to modern cult leaders claiming to be Christ returned, the pattern continues. Jesus' warning protects against wasting energy chasing deceptions. True disciples don't need insider information about secret appearances—Christ's return will be public, glorious, and unmistakable (Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7). Until then, we wait patiently, living faithfully, refusing to be distracted by sensational claims.
Historical Context
First-century Palestine saw multiple messianic pretenders: Judas the Galilean (Acts 5:37), Theudas (Acts 5:36), the Egyptian false prophet (Acts 21:38), and others who led followers into wilderness expecting divine deliverance. After Jerusalem's destruction (AD 70), messianic expectations intensified, producing Bar Kokhba's revolt (AD 132-135). Early Christians faced constant pressure from both Jewish messianic movements and Roman emperor worship.
Church history confirms Jesus' warning's ongoing relevance: Montanus (2nd century) claimed new revelation about the parousia; medieval movements followed date-setters and visionaries; modern examples include William Miller (1844), Charles Taze Russell (Jehovah's Witnesses), David Koresh (Branch Davidians), and countless others who claimed special knowledge of Christ's whereabouts or return date. Jesus' warning stands: ignore such claims. The Son of Man's coming will be as obvious as lightning—no secret locations, no insider knowledge required. Meanwhile, be faithful where you are (Luke 12:35-48).
Reflection
- How can believers discern between legitimate teaching about Christ's return and sensational deception?
- What makes Christians vulnerable to false teachers claiming special revelation about end-times events?
- How should Jesus' warning against chasing reports of secret appearances shape your response to contemporary prophecy claims?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Luke 17:21, 21:8