²¹ For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again.^(A)

²² “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect^(B) 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.^{(C) 24} For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders^(D) to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²⁵ See, I have told you ahead of time.