See Poole on "Matthew 24:4", See Poole on "Matthew 24:5", See Poole on "Mark 13:5", and See Poole on "Mark 13:6". This happened, and was abundantly fulfilled, before the destruction of Jerusalem, and probably will receive a further fulfilling in the latter end of the world. But before the destruction of Jerusalem it was, as Josephus assures us, fulfilled in many, particularly:
1. In one Theudas, whether the same mentioned by Gamaliel, Acts 5:36, or some other of that name, is uncertain.
2. An Egyptian sorcerer, mentioned Acts 21:38.
3. One Dositheus, a Samaritan.
4. Another in the time of Festus's government.
5. Simon Magus is also reckoned for one, Acts 8:9. He boasted he was the great power of God. Others also reckon one Menander, a disciple of Simon Magus. It is certain there were many who arrogated to themselves the name of the Messiah, to countenance their heading of a faction. There have also been many since the destruction of Jerusalem, and probably will be many more before the end of the world, 2 Timothy 4:3 2 Peter 2:1 1 John 2:18.