²⁰ “If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. ²¹ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it.^{(A) 22} For false messiahs and false prophets^(B) will appear and perform signs and wonders^(C) to deceive, if possible, even the elect.