¹⁹ because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world,^(A) until now—and never to be equaled again.^(B)

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.^{(C) 22} For false messiahs and false prophets^(D) will appear and perform signs and wonders^(E) to deceive, if possible, even the elect. ²³ So be on your guard;^(F) I have told you everything ahead of time.