²² “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect^(A) those days will be shortened. ²³ At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Messiah!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.^{(B) 24} For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders^(C) to deceive, if possible, even the elect.