“Take note!

I have told you beforehand!

Thus,

If they say to you.

‘Look!

He is in the wilderness!’

Do not go out!

If they say.

‘Look!

He is in the inner rooms.’

Do not believe it.”

 

ἰδοὺ προείρηκα ὑμῖν

ἐὰν οὖν εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν Ἰδοὺ ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν, μὴ ἐξέλθητε· Ἰδοὺ ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις, μὴ πιστεύσητε

 

This is unique to Matthew, except for the first line that is like Mark, chapter 13:23.  Matthew seemed more concerned about the disciples being led astray.  Jesus warned his disciples, since he was telling them before it happened (ἰδοὺ προείρηκα ὑμῖν).  If someone said that they were to look in the wilderness for the Christ (ἐὰν οὖν εἴπωσιν ὑμῖν Ἰδοὺ ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ ἐστίν), they were not to go out there (μὴ ἐξέλθητε).  If they say that the Messiah was in the inner rooms or secret chambers (Ἰδοὺ ἐν τοῖς ταμείοις), the disciples should not believe it (μὴ πιστεύσητε).  The disciples should be wary of these false messiahs and prophets.