And at that time many will stumble, will betray one another, and will hate one another.
Jesus continues to describe the spiritual condition that will arise in times of persecutions and trials. When the pressure begins to increase, many, losing the thread of faith, will stumble, turning away from the truth. Division, mutual suspicion, and betrayal will be born among them. What once united them—faith and love—will now be replaced by fear and hatred. This word reveals the testing of the human heart in days of distress: a person either grows strong in faith or falls under the captivity of fear and unbelief. Indeed, this word has been fulfilled many times throughout history—both in the first centuries, when persecutions severed brotherly bonds, and in later times, when worldly fears and temptations often prevailed over faith.