|
Apostasy and Betrayal Among Christians-- Jesus' words, 'And then shall many be offended' refer to the apostasy of many who once professed the faith. That is, seeing the persecution and fearing for themselves, they renounced their faith. (52:2) the pastors of the churches hiding disgracefully in one place or another, while others suffered the indignity of being held up to ridicule by their enemies. (The History of the Church 329) (52:3) When Jesus prophesied that they will 'betray one another', He may have meant that the deserters will betray those who adhere to their faith. They 'shall hate one another' may mean that, because the people's faith will weaken, hate will enter in among them. The Christian commentator J. P. Lange interprets this verse in the context of Christian sectarian conflict and strife.
(52:4)
|