What makes some of you think Matt. 24 applies to our age or time?
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
24 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. (Jesus just got done lamenting over Jerusalem in Matt. 23 verse 37, and tells His listeners who were His followers and a crowd in which also consisted of the Pharisees and Scribes. In verse 38, Jesus sums up His rebuke (Matt. 23) to the religious leaders and says Your house is left to you desolate. Jesus is speaking of the temple here, where before this time It was His house, and the social center of Jewish society and worship. But now He calls the temple "YOUR" house...This is significant to take note of, because Jesus will soon destroy it for it will not longer be needed. The ultimate sacrifice will soon fulfill the symbol of the Levitical Laws concerning sacrifice and the priesthood in the person of Jesus Christ. Upon their exit (Jesus and the disciples), the disciples point out the how magnificent the temple is, not realizing what Jesus had just said. So again, Jesus needs to correct their thinking which was a common and on going thing).
2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Now place yourself in their shoes! What a dramatic statement and damning thing to say! The disciple still did not get the picture that Jesus had to die a horrible death as the propitiation of our sins. They thought He was bringing an earthly kingdom in which He sit on an earthy throne. Far be it. Jesus was going to completely abolish the Jewish way of life in which they lived for centuries. The Jews lived and breathed the temple and it's religious system in the same way many Americans live and breath sporting events, but they had even more zeal than that. So naturally, when the disciples got alone with Jesus, they asked;
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Don't forget the framework in which this question was asked! Which revolves around the temples destruction! It's one big question in regards to Jesus' words concerning the temple, the current day's religious system, the focal point of Jewish society. The disciples wanted to know when [the time], what will the signs be of your coming [to destroy the temple, of judgment], and the end of the age [Jewish age]. The uses the word AGE here, aion [G0165] not world [kosmos, or oikoumene]. What age were the disciples still in? The Jewish age, the age of the old covenant. The weren't asking when the end of the world was, if so, they would have said kosmos or oikoumene. Words and proper translation matters. The disciple must have understood that only God had the power to destroy His former House, it was well protected within the fortified of Jerusalem in which the Jews thought to be impenetrable. Therefore, a large army had to sent by God's hand to destroy, or by His supernatural power, as so they would have known from the past historical accounts. They needed to know the signs of His coming so they could escape the wrath about to be poured upon Jerusalem!)
And Jesus ANSWERS them!
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (this was true back then as it is today! false prophets, anti-christs Satan was busy at work trying to destroy the newly founded and Spirit filled church before it could get started. There were 3 warring factions within Jerusalem itself, many murders and rebellious talk, especially among certain sects in Jerusalem that were encouraging a revolt against the Beast, the Roman empire corporately and Nero (666) individually. Many conflicts within the Roman empire also prevailed during this time [from Christ's death to 70AD]. But the end is not yet, the END OF WHAT, it doesn't say, so we must stick to context, the end of the Jew way of life, the temple, Jerusalem, natural and fleshly Israel)
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (The Beast Roman empire had conquered many nations, they controlled the region. But there where wars within the Empire, almost to the point of almost collapse [I will not get it this deeply, you can search the History of ancient Rome yourself] There where famines back then [Acts 11:28] as there are today and earthquakes [Acts 16:26] and pestilence always follows. These are just the beginning of sorrows, God's wrath has not be unleashed as of yet, and when it is poured out, there will be great tribulation.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. ( The Jews were the driving force behind the 1st Century Christian persecution, Just read ACTS 6 onward. They encourage Roman authorities to help them find, convict and kill the Christian infidels, which is also well document in ACTS, the NT, and external historical accounts.)
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. ( the 3 factions within Jerusalem fought against each other for control, and also small wars and disputes carried on with the region) 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (NT passages speak of more then one occasion concern many false prophets already in existence. It was true back then as it is today) 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (times of lawlessness and revival are well documented through out our whole history) Pray for the world for a revival of Saints and a great awakening of the spiritual dead! 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Again, the end of what? It doesn't say, we must stick to the context, the end of persecution, the great tribulation that the Saints had to endure. These Saints were torn apart by wild beast under the command of Nero, they were burned alive at the stake. The greatest siege against the Church is well documented, read about it. Satan did not want the Christian Faith to succeed, but praise God, the gates of hades can not prevail against the Church!, His word rings true 2000+ years later. And yes, persecution of the saints still goes on today, but in the times the 1st Century was the worst. John's Revelation letters to the Saints in Rev. 2 and 3 document and proves what I say. Jesus wanted these saints to hang in there, Christ's warns them not to bow to the pressure and encourage them in their faith because their vindication was coming soon, and if they did, they be overcomers! )
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world (oikoumene -G3625)
1) the inhabited earth 1a) the portion of the earth inhabited by the Greeks, in distinction from the lands of the barbarians 1b) the Roman empire, all the subjects of the empire as a witness to all the nations (ethos - G1484)
1) a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together 1a) a company, troop, swarm 2) a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus 2a) the human race 3) a race, nation, people group 4) in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God, pagans, Gentiles 5) Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians
The gospel was preached to the end of the world, their region, the Roman boundaries and beyond:
Roman 1:8 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of
throughout the whole world.
Acts 2:5 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
Colossians 1:6 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit,[a] as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
and then the end will come. (Again, not the end of the world, the end of Christian persecution by the Jews and in collusion with the Romans.)
The Great Tribulation (Apostle John saw himself in the tribulation with the Saints Rev. 1:9 "I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,")
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), ( ever since the ultimate sacrificed in Christ was made at the cross, any sacrificed made in the temple was an abomination to God, for God never took enjoyment over animal sacrifices, but only the obedience of our hearts. To offer sacrifices on the alter God paid the ultimate price was a slap in God's face and an act of idol worship. Not only did idol worship take place but also the High priests proclaiming to be God by continuing the act. And the lawlessness one set up an image of himself in the temple itself).
16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (when the Christians in Jerusalem first saw the Roman army come upon Jerusalem, they left. They fled to the mountain of Pella, God calls the true believing Israel, Christians, to come out of the harlot, fleshly Israel as rendered in Rev. 18:4) 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. (Do Jews live on their housetops today? NO, this is further prove this passage was written to the 1st Century Jews and not us, However, it was written for us) 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. ( I suppose some of the Jerusalem Saints worshiped on the Sabbath back then. For the hung around the temple still. Jesus had to boot them out of there before they got caught up in mixing Jewish customs with their newly found faith in Christ) 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (I take great comfort in this, non-of-the-less I pray if persecution does comes I can endure to my end) 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. ( the days will be shortened, after Nero Christian persecution subsided quite substantially, up and to the fall of Roman)
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (this is well documented in the NT, but still is going on today) 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. ( this is judgment language, used in the OT concerning God's judgment upon Egypt and ancient Babylon. Just because it says "the coming of the Son of Man" doesn't mean a physical manifestation of Christ. Read the judgment language of the OT and NT, Psalms 18:9-11 , Isaiah 19:1, Rev 2:5, Rev. 2:16,
Micah 1:2-3 - These are not at all physical or visual comings of God, but of judgment, and this is exactly whats going in verse 27.
The Coming of the Son of Man
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it[d] is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you (to Jesus' audience, not us), this (NOT THAT) generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. (about 36 years, approximately a biblical generation of 40 years. This was Jesus's complete answer the one big question in verse 3).
(I'm cutting this short because I'm tired and i doubt many people will read this any way.)
GET BUSY with Christ's work and stop the END TIMES MADNESS!!
Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple
24 Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. (Jesus just got done lamenting over Jerusalem in Matt. 23 verse 37, and tells His listeners who were His followers and a crowd in which also consisted of the Pharisees and Scribes. In verse 38, Jesus sums up His rebuke (Matt. 23) to the religious leaders and says Your house is left to you desolate. Jesus is speaking of the temple here, where before this time It was His house, and the social center of Jewish society and worship. But now He calls the temple "YOUR" house...This is significant to take note of, because Jesus will soon destroy it for it will not longer be needed. The ultimate sacrifice will soon fulfill the symbol of the Levitical Laws concerning sacrifice and the priesthood in the person of Jesus Christ. Upon their exit (Jesus and the disciples), the disciples point out the how magnificent the temple is, not realizing what Jesus had just said. So again, Jesus needs to correct their thinking which was a common and on going thing).
2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Now place yourself in their shoes! What a dramatic statement and damning thing to say! The disciple still did not get the picture that Jesus had to die a horrible death as the propitiation of our sins. They thought He was bringing an earthly kingdom in which He sit on an earthy throne. Far be it. Jesus was going to completely abolish the Jewish way of life in which they lived for centuries. The Jews lived and breathed the temple and it's religious system in the same way many Americans live and breath sporting events, but they had even more zeal than that. So naturally, when the disciples got alone with Jesus, they asked;
3 Now as He sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?” (Don't forget the framework in which this question was asked! Which revolves around the temples destruction! It's one big question in regards to Jesus' words concerning the temple, the current day's religious system, the focal point of Jewish society. The disciples wanted to know when [the time], what will the signs be of your coming [to destroy the temple, of judgment], and the end of the age [Jewish age]. The uses the word AGE here, aion [G0165] not world [kosmos, or oikoumene]. What age were the disciples still in? The Jewish age, the age of the old covenant. The weren't asking when the end of the world was, if so, they would have said kosmos or oikoumene. Words and proper translation matters. The disciple must have understood that only God had the power to destroy His former House, it was well protected within the fortified of Jerusalem in which the Jews thought to be impenetrable. Therefore, a large army had to sent by God's hand to destroy, or by His supernatural power, as so they would have known from the past historical accounts. They needed to know the signs of His coming so they could escape the wrath about to be poured upon Jerusalem!)
And Jesus ANSWERS them!
4 And Jesus answered and said to them: “Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. (this was true back then as it is today! false prophets, anti-christs Satan was busy at work trying to destroy the newly founded and Spirit filled church before it could get started. There were 3 warring factions within Jerusalem itself, many murders and rebellious talk, especially among certain sects in Jerusalem that were encouraging a revolt against the Beast, the Roman empire corporately and Nero (666) individually. Many conflicts within the Roman empire also prevailed during this time [from Christ's death to 70AD]. But the end is not yet, the END OF WHAT, it doesn't say, so we must stick to context, the end of the Jew way of life, the temple, Jerusalem, natural and fleshly Israel)
7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. (The Beast Roman empire had conquered many nations, they controlled the region. But there where wars within the Empire, almost to the point of almost collapse [I will not get it this deeply, you can search the History of ancient Rome yourself] There where famines back then [Acts 11:28] as there are today and earthquakes [Acts 16:26] and pestilence always follows. These are just the beginning of sorrows, God's wrath has not be unleashed as of yet, and when it is poured out, there will be great tribulation.
9 “Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. ( The Jews were the driving force behind the 1st Century Christian persecution, Just read ACTS 6 onward. They encourage Roman authorities to help them find, convict and kill the Christian infidels, which is also well document in ACTS, the NT, and external historical accounts.)
10 And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. ( the 3 factions within Jerusalem fought against each other for control, and also small wars and disputes carried on with the region) 11 Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. (NT passages speak of more then one occasion concern many false prophets already in existence. It was true back then as it is today) 12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold. (times of lawlessness and revival are well documented through out our whole history) Pray for the world for a revival of Saints and a great awakening of the spiritual dead! 13 But he who endures to the end shall be saved. (Again, the end of what? It doesn't say, we must stick to the context, the end of persecution, the great tribulation that the Saints had to endure. These Saints were torn apart by wild beast under the command of Nero, they were burned alive at the stake. The greatest siege against the Church is well documented, read about it. Satan did not want the Christian Faith to succeed, but praise God, the gates of hades can not prevail against the Church!, His word rings true 2000+ years later. And yes, persecution of the saints still goes on today, but in the times the 1st Century was the worst. John's Revelation letters to the Saints in Rev. 2 and 3 document and proves what I say. Jesus wanted these saints to hang in there, Christ's warns them not to bow to the pressure and encourage them in their faith because their vindication was coming soon, and if they did, they be overcomers! )
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world (oikoumene -G3625)
1) the inhabited earth 1a) the portion of the earth inhabited by the Greeks, in distinction from the lands of the barbarians 1b) the Roman empire, all the subjects of the empire as a witness to all the nations (ethos - G1484)
1) a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together 1a) a company, troop, swarm 2) a multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus 2a) the human race 3) a race, nation, people group 4) in the OT, foreign nations not worshipping the true God, pagans, Gentiles 5) Paul uses the term for Gentile Christians
The gospel was preached to the end of the world, their region, the Roman boundaries and beyond:
Roman 1:8 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of
throughout the whole world.
Acts 2:5 5 And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven.
Colossians 1:6 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit,[a] as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;
and then the end will come. (Again, not the end of the world, the end of Christian persecution by the Jews and in collusion with the Romans.)
The Great Tribulation (Apostle John saw himself in the tribulation with the Saints Rev. 1:9 "I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ,")
15 “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), ( ever since the ultimate sacrificed in Christ was made at the cross, any sacrificed made in the temple was an abomination to God, for God never took enjoyment over animal sacrifices, but only the obedience of our hearts. To offer sacrifices on the alter God paid the ultimate price was a slap in God's face and an act of idol worship. Not only did idol worship take place but also the High priests proclaiming to be God by continuing the act. And the lawlessness one set up an image of himself in the temple itself).
16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (when the Christians in Jerusalem first saw the Roman army come upon Jerusalem, they left. They fled to the mountain of Pella, God calls the true believing Israel, Christians, to come out of the harlot, fleshly Israel as rendered in Rev. 18:4) 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. (Do Jews live on their housetops today? NO, this is further prove this passage was written to the 1st Century Jews and not us, However, it was written for us) 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. ( I suppose some of the Jerusalem Saints worshiped on the Sabbath back then. For the hung around the temple still. Jesus had to boot them out of there before they got caught up in mixing Jewish customs with their newly found faith in Christ) 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. (I take great comfort in this, non-of-the-less I pray if persecution does comes I can endure to my end) 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened. ( the days will be shortened, after Nero Christian persecution subsided quite substantially, up and to the fall of Roman)
23 “Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. (this is well documented in the NT, but still is going on today) 25 See, I have told you beforehand.
26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Look, He is in the desert!’ do not go out; or ‘Look, He is in the inner rooms!’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 28 For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together. ( this is judgment language, used in the OT concerning God's judgment upon Egypt and ancient Babylon. Just because it says "the coming of the Son of Man" doesn't mean a physical manifestation of Christ. Read the judgment language of the OT and NT, Psalms 18:9-11 , Isaiah 19:1, Rev 2:5, Rev. 2:16,
Micah 1:2-3 - These are not at all physical or visual comings of God, but of judgment, and this is exactly whats going in verse 27.
The Coming of the Son of Man
29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
The Parable of the Fig Tree
32 “Now learn this parable from the fig tree: When its branch has already become tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you also, when you see all these things, know that it[d] is near—at the doors! 34 Assuredly, I say to you (to Jesus' audience, not us), this (NOT THAT) generation will by no means pass away till all these things take place. (about 36 years, approximately a biblical generation of 40 years. This was Jesus's complete answer the one big question in verse 3).
(I'm cutting this short because I'm tired and i doubt many people will read this any way.)
GET BUSY with Christ's work and stop the END TIMES MADNESS!!
Last edited:
