MATTHEW, CHAPTER 24, ANALYZED
-A. Ralph Johnson
Matthew 24 has long been a focal point of dispute concerning interpretation of scripture.
The preterist view, which maintains that most or all prophecy was fulfilled at the destruction of Jerusalem, has found its support in verse 34 “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.”
Futurists, who see most prophecy as yet to be fulfilled, counter that it is obvious that the stars have not fallen from heaven and Christ has not come (24:29-30). They focus on verse 21, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” Surely that is yet future.
Historicists, who believe that fulfillment is generally spread throughout the centuries, kind of fall into a hodge-podge of varying views in between.
Let us begin by examining the chapter to determine the natural organization of the text. To get the proper perspective it is often helpful to view things in the overall context of events. The relevant period is from the time Jesus entered Jerusalem in chapter 21 to the conclusion of his Olivetti message in chapter 25.
A. Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph (21:1-11)
On the way he curses the fig tree for its lack of fruit, a suggestion of what is in store for Jerusalem.
1. Chief Priests and Elders confrontation
a. They demand that he show his authority (21:23)
b. He responds with illustrations that pointed to their behavior:
1) How did they view the authority of John the Baptist? (21:24-27)
2) Illustration of two sons: Who did the will of the Father? (21:28-32)
a) One who said he would obey but did not
b) One who said he would not obey but did
3) Wicked husbandman who killed the owner’s son (21:33-41)
(to be miserably destroyed)
4) The stone rejected that becomes head of the corner (21:42-44)
(“The kingdom of God shall be taken away from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof. 44 And he that falleth on this stone shall be broken to pieces: but on whomsoever it shall fall it will scatter him as dust.”)
They see that his message refers to them (21:45-46)
5) Parable of the ignored marriage feast and murdered servants.
(22:7 “The king was angry; and he sent his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.”)
They were to be cast out and others invited (22:1-14).
2. Pharisees and Herodians confrontation
Give tribute to Caesar? (22:15-22) They try to snare him in his talk. He says to give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's.
3. Sadducees confrontation
Resurrection? (22:23-33) – one woman marries seven brothers. Who’s wife shall she be in the resurrection? He responds that there will be no marriage in heaven.
4. Pharisees – Lawyer confrontation
They ask: Which is the Great Commandment? (22:34-40)
Jesus asks them: Whose son is Christ?
5. Jesus charges his disciples not to be like scribes and Pharisees, seeking glory of men (23:1-12)
6. Woes against the scribes and Pharisees (23:13-36)
32 Fill ye up then the measure of your fathers. 33 Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? 34 Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
7. Lamentation over the coming destruction of Jerusalem (23:37-39)
37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate. 39 For I say unto you, Ye shall not see me henceforth, till ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord.
1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to show him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
G. Mount of Olives Discourse
1. Questions by the disciples (Matt 24:3)
3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world? (or, “age” Greek: “aion”)
2. Jesus answers:
a. Beware of being deceived by false Christ’s and false prophets (Matt 24:4-14)
Wars and rumors of wars, will come but “the end is not yet”
b. Tribulation coming on Jerusalem and the Jews (Matt 24:14-28; Luke 21:20-24)
1) Abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel (24:15 cf. Dan. 9:26-27)
2) Warning to flee (24:16-20)
3) Great tribulation to take place worse than anything that has been or ever shall be (24:21-22).
4) Do not be believe claims that Christ has returned (24:23-28). When he comes, like a flash of lightening, he will be seen by everyone from east to west.
c. After the tribulation of those days (24:29)
1) Manifestations in the heavens (Matt 24:29)
2) Then, the Son of man to come with his angels, with power and glory (Matt 24:30-31)
d. Learn from a fig tree (24:32-35)
1) Like branches putting forth leaves indicates summer is near.
2) When you see “these things” know that he (or it) is at the doors.
3) This generation will not pass away until all “these things” are accomplished.
e. No one except the Father knows the day or hour. Be prepared and ready (24:36)
1) As in the days of Noah, He comes without warning (24:37-39) One will be taken and the other left (24:40-42)
2) Like a thief, he will come without warning (24:43-44)
3) Like servants when their master returns.
a) Faithful servants will be prepared and rewarded (24:45-47)
b) Unfaithful servants will be unprepared, and will weep and wail (24:51). Their Lord comes in a day when he is not expected (24:50)
4) Like ten virgins awaiting the return of the bridegroom (25:1-13)
a) Five wise are prepared and enter the feast
b) Five foolish are unprepared and shut out
“You know not the day nor the hour” (25:13)
5) Like stewards when the owner calls for accounting (25:14-30)
a) Faithful stewards rewarded
b) Unprofitable stewards cast out (25:30)
6) When Christ comes in his glory, he will judge the nations (25:31-46)
a) Righteous enter eternal life and inherit the kingdom (25:34-40)
b) Unrighteous will be told to depart into eternal fire (25:41-46)
II. ANALYSIS OF KEY ISSUES CONCERNING THE TEXT
A. THE QUESTIONS OF THE DISCIPLES
Matt. 24:3. when shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?
Mark 13:3, 4. when shall these things be?
and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?
Luke 21:7. when shall these things be?
and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
These passages indicate two basic questions. The first has to do with when these things would come to pass. The second has to do with what would be the sign of his coming and the end of the world. Jesus’ discourse responds to these questions.
Thayer’s definition of generation
1074 genea {ghen-eh-ah'} ¤ from (a presumed derivative of) 1085; TDNT - 1:662,114; n f ¤ AV - generation 37, time 2, age 2, nation 1; 42
¤ 1) fathered, birth, nativity
2) that which has been begotten, men of the same stock, a family
2a) the several ranks of natural descent, the successive members of a genealogy
2b) metaph. a race of men very like each other in endowments, pursuits, character
2b1) esp. in a bad sense, a perverse race
3) the whole multitude of men living at the same time
4) an age (i.e. the time ordinarily occupied be each successive generation), a space of 30 - 33 years
1. Comparison of the three accounts.
Matthew 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all these things be accomplished.
Mark 13:30 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, until all these things be accomplished.
Luke 21:32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all things be accomplished.
2. There are three basic views as to what is meant by “this generation.”
a. “This generation” means, this people, or race – the Jews.
This views it as saying that the Jewish people will not pass away until all of these things are accomplished. There seems to be nothing that clearly makes the case except that some find it difficult to see all of the things mentioned taking place in the generation that then existed.
b. “This generation” means, the generation in which the signs of his coming begins.
This is a futurist concept. The idea is that when the great tribulation begins, Christ will come within that generation. This is very speculative and seems contrary to the usage in the context.
c. “This generation” means, within the lifetime of those living when Jesus spoke.
This was the common use of the phrase (Mat. 12:39; 16:4; 17:17; Luke 17:25; Mat. 11:16-24; Luke. 11:50-51; Acts 2:40 --see Deut. 32:5, 20)
3. Jesus’ use of the term “generation” immediately preceding Matthew 24 meant the generation then living.
Matthew 23:36. Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
This passage was a part of the conclusion to the last message in the temple before Jesus departed to Gethsemane. It serves to help understand how Jesus was using the phrase.
“These things” here refers to his previous statement: 35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.”
He is speaking of the “vengeance” (Luke 21:21-22) that was to come upon those Jews, suggested in his previous statements (cf. Matt 21:41, 43-44; 22:7).
It was time for judgment to come upon “this generation” (Mat. 12:45; 24:34). This indicates he was speaking of those then living.
Luke 17:25. But first must he suffer many things and be rejected of this generation.
Compare this with Luke 11:50-51:
50 that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation; 51 from the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary: yea, I say unto you, it shall be required of this generation.
Since the discourse on the Mount of Olives in which he refers to “this generation” immediately follows his discourse in the temple, it seems most certain that Jesus is speaking of the generation then living.
It is clear that the things he said concerning the dispersion of the Jews into all nations, and Jerusalem being “trodden down until the times of the Gentiles were fulfilled,” were not completed in that generation.
Luke 21: 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led captive into all the nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
This was said on the same occasion, before his statement in Matt. 24:33. The “times of the Gentiles” treading down Jerusalem was not completed in that generation. Jerusalem was trodden down by the Gentiles until the Six-day war of 1967.
Luke 21:27 places the coming of Christ after the treading down of Jerusalem by the Gentiles (21:24).
1. In passages leading up to Matt. 24:33, “these things” had reference to the destruction of Jerusalem.
Matthew 23:36 Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.
This relates to the vengeance of God against them for persecuting His servants.
Matthew 24:2 But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?
“These things” here refers to the destruction of the temple.
2. “These things” did not include the coming of Christ (Matt. 24:30-31)
Mat. 24:33. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that he [or “it”] is near, even at the doors. 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.
When they see “these things” he is “near”
What is “near” is not here.
3. “These things” is distinct from “the end of the world.”
Matthew 24:3 3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?
Matthew 24:6-14 6 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. 10 And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. 13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
4. The statement “this generation shall not pass away till all these things are accomplished” may refer to the beginning of the events rather than to their completion.
Luke 21:28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draws near.
“Fulfilled” or “accomplished” (#1096 ginomai), in Matt. 24:34, may be in the sense that these things were beginning to be fulfilled rather than having been completely accomplished.
Mat. 24:6. And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that ye be not troubled: for these things must needs come to pass [#1096 ginomai]; but the end is not yet.
Hearing of wars and rumors of wars does not mean the end has come or even that one will no longer hear of wars. Likewise, when it says “this generation will not pass away till all these things be accomplished” it may simply mean that in this generation all these things will have begun to be accomplished. place.
Thayer: 1096 ginomai {ghin'-om-ahee}
¤ a prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; TDNT - 1:681,117; v ¤ AV - be 255, come to pass 82, be made 69, be done 63, come 52, become 47, God forbid + 3361 15, arise 13, have 5, be fulfilled 3, be married to 3, be preferred 3, not tr 14, misc 4, vr done 2; 678
¤ 1) to become, i.e. to come into existence, begin to be, receive being
2) to become, i.e. to come to pass, happen
2a) of events
3) to arise, appear in history, come upon the stage
3a) of men appearing in public
4) to be made, finished 4a) of miracles, to be performed, wrought
5) to become, be made.
CHART OF MATTHEW 24
“This generation”Mt. 24:34
“These things” Mt. 23:36; 24:3, 33-34 |
“He is near”Mt. 24:33 cf. Jas. 5:7-9
2Pe. 3:4, 8-10 |
He is here! The second coming. |
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Warnings“beginning of sorrows” (“the end not yet”)Mt. 24:5-12 |
Jerusalem destroyed
Mt. 24:15-28 Lk. 21:20-24 |
Times of Gentile
Lk. 21:24 Mt. 24:23-26 |
Signs “after the tribulation...” Mt. 24:29 Lk. 21:25-26 |
Lord’s comingMt. 24:30-31Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27 |
External EventsWars Rumors of wars Famines Pestilences Earthquakes
Internal Events Affliction Killed Betrayed False prophets Iniquity abounds Love of many cold |
Tribulation begins “wath upon this people”
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Jerusalem trodden down Lk. 21:24
DeceptionsMt. 24:23-26 |
Sun darkened Moon not give light Stars fall Nations distressed Sea and waves roaring Men in fear Powers of heaven shaken |
Mt. 23:39 Mt. 25:31-32 Mt. 26:64 Acts 1:9-11 1Cor. 15:23, 52 1Thes. 1:10 1Thes. 4:15-17 2Thes. 1:7-10 2Thes. 2:1, 8 Tit. 2:13 2Pe. 3:4, 12 Jude 1:14-15 Rev. 1:7 |
A distinction is often made between what Jesus said before, and what he said after Matt. 24:33. The “coming of the son of man” in 24:30-31 is claimed to be his figurative coming to bring judgment upon Jerusalem. The events after verse 33 are attributed to his second coming at the end of the world.
It seems evident that the statements about him coming again are all speaking of the same event. This is so clear that some who hold the preterist view claim that ALL of the second coming passages must refer to the destruction of Jerusalem. Others who take the view that the “coming” (Mat. 24:30-31) refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, often include scriptures such as what he said about the son of man coming in his kingdom (Matt. 16:28) and his statements before the high priest (Mt. 26:64), and James 5:7-9.
“Coming,” in our text, is a translation of three different words.
#3952 “parousia” –feminine noun
#2064 “erchomai” –verb
#1831 “exerchomai” –verb
Some claim there is significance in the Greek words translated “coming.” Actually, there is no material difference. One is a noun and the other a verb. As you will see below, they are used of the same events, sometimes in the same verse.
MATTHEW 24 |
SECOND COMING |
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“see” the son of man Mt. 24:30 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27 |
We will “see” him when he comes. Mt. 26:64; Mk. 14:62. High priest to see the Son of man… coming with the clouds Lk. 17:30. In the day when the son of man is revealed Ac. 1:11. Ascension: He will come as they saw him going Rev. 1:7. Every eye shall see him and those who pierced him
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“coming” Mt. 24:3 (#3952 parousia –noun)
Mt. 24:27 (#1831 exerchomai –v.)
Mt. 24:27 (#3952 parousia –noun)
Mt. 24:30; Lk.21:27; Mark 13:26. (# 2064 erchomai –verb) |
Christ is “coming” Mt. 23:39. “You shall not see me until you say, blessed is he that comes [erchomai] in the name of the Lord” Mt. 24:37. As Noah, “so shall also the coming [parousia] of the son of man be” Mt. 24:39. “As flood came [erchomai], and took them all away; So shall also the coming [parousia] of the son of man be” Mt. 24:42. “you know not on what day the lord comes [erchomai]” Mt. 24:43. “what watch the thief would come [erchomai]” Mt. 24:44. “in an hour you think not the son of man comes [erchomai]” Mt. 24:46. Blessed is the servant who is faithful when his Lord comes [erchomai] Mk. 13:35. Watch for you know not when the master of the house comes [erchomai] Mk. 13:36. Lest coming [erchomai] suddenly he find you sleeping. Mt. 24:48. “my lord delays his coming [erchomai] Mt. 24:50. Woe to the unfaithful servant when his Lord comes [êkô] Mt. 25:6. “Behold, the bridegroom comes [erchomai] Mt. 25:10. The bridegroom came [erchomai]. Mt. 25:13. You know not the day or hour when the son of man comes [erchomai] Mt. 25:19. The Lord comes [erchomai] to reckon the use of the talents Mt. 25:27. “at my coming [erchomai]” Mt. 25:31. The son of man shall come [erchomai] in glory Mt. 26:64. You shall see the Son of man coming [erchomai] on the clouds of heaven Ac. 1:11. Jesus will come [erchomai] in like manner as he went into heaven. 1Cor. 15:23. Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming [parousia]. 1Thes. 1:19. before our Lord Jesus at his coming [parousia] 1Thes. 3:13. coming [parousia] of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. 1Thes. 4:15. we that are alive, that are left unto the coming [parousia] of the Lord 1Thes. 5:2. the day of the Lord comes [erchomai] as a thief in the night. 1Thes. 5:23. without blame at the coming [parousia] of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2Thes. 1:10. when he comes [erchomai] to be glorified in his saints 2Thes. 2:1. touching the coming [erchomai] of our Lord Jesus Christ 2Thes. 2:8. bring to nought by the manifestation of his coming [parousia] Heb. 10:37. He that comes [erchomai] shall come [êkô], and shall not tarry. James 5:7. be patient, brethren, until the coming [parousia] of the Lord. James 5:8. the coming [parousia] of the Lord is at hand. 2Pet. 1:16. the power and coming [parousia] of our Lord Jesus Christ 2Pet. 3:4. Where is the promise of his coming [parousia] 1John 2:28. not be ashamed before him at his coming [parousia]. Jude 1:14. Behold, the Lord comes [erchomai] with ten thousands of his holy ones, Rev. 1:7. he comes [erchomai] with the clouds; and every eye shall see him, |
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“on clouds” Mt. 24:30 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27 |
“coming in the clouds” Mt. 26:64; Mk. 14:62. High priest to see him coming in the clouds Ac. 1:9-11. Ascension: As he was received by a cloud, he will come again 1Th. 4:15-17. When Resurrected we shall be caught up in the clouds Rev. 1:7. He comes with the clouds |
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“of heaven” Mt. 24:30
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Coming in the “heavens” Lk. 17:24 as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, Mt. 26:64; Mk. 14:62. High priest see him coming in clouds of heaven Ac. 1:9-11. Ascension: As he was taken into heaven, so he will come 1Thes. 1:10. Wait for his Son from heaven 2Thes. 1:7-8. He will be revealed from heaven, taking vengeance |
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“with power” Mt. 24:30 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27
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Coming with “power” Mt. 26:64; Mk. 14:62. High Priest will see him sitting on the right hand of power 2Thes. 1:7-9. Destruction from his presence from the glory of his power 2Pe. 1:16. Apostles on the mount made known his power and coming 2Thes. 2:1, 8. The man of sin to be consumed with brightness of his coming. 2Pe. 3:4, 12. “All to be dissolved” |
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“and glory” Mt. 24:30 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27
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Coming with “glory” Mt. 16:27. He comes in the glory of his Father to reward every man Mt. 25:31. He comes in his glory and judges nations Mk. 8:38; Lk 9:26. “comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Lk. 17:24-30; Mt. 24:27 Lightening lights heaven Mk. 8:38, Lk. 9:26. He comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels 2Thes. 1:9-10. “glory of his power” 2Thes. 2:8. The man of sin will be destroyed by the “brightness of his coming” Tit. 2:13. “glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; |
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“send his angels” Mt. 24:31 Mk. 13:27
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Coming with “angels” Mt. 25:31. come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him Mt. 13:39-42. (Parable) angels in the harvest at end of the world. Mt. 13: 49-50. (Parable) angels sort righteous from the wicked at the end Mt. 16:27. He comes in the glory of his Father with his angels Mk. 8:38; Lk 9:26. “comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” 1Thes. 4:15-16. descends from heaven with a shout, with voice of the archangel 2Thes. 1:7-10. “revealed from heaven with his mighty angels” Jude 1:14-15 “comes with 10,000 of his holy ones” |
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“sound of a trumpet” Mt. 24:31 |
Coming with a “trumpet” 1Thes. 4:15-16. “descends with a shout, with voice of archangle and trump of God” 1Cor. 15:23, 52. the last trumpet shall sound |
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“gather the elect” Mt. 24:31 Mk. 13:27
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Coming to “gather” the good Mt. 3:12; Lk. 3:17. “gather the wheat” and burn up the chaff Mt. 24:39-42; Lk. 17:34-37. “one taken” Mt. 13:28-30, 38-42. “gather the wheat” and burn the tares with fire Mt. 13:47-50. “gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away” Mt. 25:32. “gather all nations” and divide the righteous from the wicked 2Thes. 2:1 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together
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VERSES BEFORE AND AFTER MATT. 24:33 COMPARED
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Matt. 24: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
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Mat. 25: 31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: 32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
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This clearly shows that there is no distinction between passages in his discourse before and after Matt. 24:33.
One response may be that it is speaking of the “sign” of the coming, not the coming itself, however it says, “...and then shall all the tribes...see the Son of man coming in the clouds.”
MATT. 24:30-33 COMPARED WITH OTHER PASSAGES CONCERNING THE LORD’S RETURN
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Matt. 24: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. 32 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33 So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that he is near, even at the doors.
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James 5: 7 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waits for the precious fruit of the earth, and has long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.
8 Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. 9 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.
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Matt. 24: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
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2Thes 1: 7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: 9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; 10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed ) in that day.
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Matt. 24: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
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1Thes 4: 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede them which are asleep. 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
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Matt. 24: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
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Acts 1: 9 And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. 10 And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; 11 Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.
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Matt. 24: 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
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Rev. 1: 7 Behold, he comes with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
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Thus, we conclude that the “things” which came to pass in that generation referred to the destruction of Jerusalem, not to the coming of Christ mentioned in Matt. 24:30-31. “After the tribulation of those days,” the destruction of Jerusalem was past and the Jews scattered throughout the world, the coming of Jesus would be “near” (Matt. 24:32-33).
It may be argued that the “signs” (sun darkened, moon not give light, stars falling from heaven and powers of the heavens shaken –Matt. 24:29) were figurative and therefore the “coming of the son of man” must also be figurative. Such language could symbolically describe events relating to kings and nations (cf. Gen. 37:9; Isa 13:10, 1, 19), however the evidence given above seems more than enough to show that Jesus was speaking of his personal return.
One thing that really fires up people’s imagination is “The Great Tribulation.” On this the religious faddists and opportunistic booksellers have had a heyday.
Matt. 24:21 for then shall be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.[1]
The text does not say it is “THE Great Tribulation.” It simply says that there shall be “great tribulation” (Greek: “thlipsis megalee”). As far as the Greek text is concerned, it may only refer to the terrible conditions in the destruction of Jerusalem.
However, futurists tie this scripture with the tribulation in Revelation 7:14, the only place where the statement, “the great tribulation” is found.
Rev 7:14 “ And I say unto him, My lord, you know. And he said to me, These are they that come out of great tribulation [“ek tēs thlipseōs tēs megalēs”] and they washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
There is no evidence that this passage has reference to the events of Matthew 24. Nothing in Revelation prior to this speaks of any “great tribulation” to which it would refer. In Greek, “the” may not be speaking of some preceding event. It may be simply emphasizing that the tribulation they went through was great.
The “tribulation” in Matthew 24:21, 29 is about the destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:20-24). Rev. 7:9 says nothing about this being “tribulation” upon Jews. They are identified as “a great multitude, which no man could number, out of every nation and of all tribes and peoples and tongues.” They are distinguished from a “hundred and forty and four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel” [7:4].
Since it speaks only of Christians who “have come out of the great tribulation” it cannot be picturing the classic pre-millennial view of the tribulation. In the first place, chapter 7 is in the middle, not the end of the so-called “tribulation” period. Furthermore, according to the futurist theory, faithful Christians do not go through the tribulation. They are "raptured" away before it begins.
From a historicist perspective of the events pictured in the Roman Empire from the time John wrote (Rev. 1:19; 4:1), the passage seems to refer to the persecutions during the reign of Diocletion, just prior to Constantine.
However, upon this verse the whole fabulous modern concept of the “Great Tribulation” in the Book of Revelation depends.
Pre-millennialists claim that in chapter 4 of Revelation, the faithful are raptured to heaven to remain at the “Marriage Supper of the Lamb” for seven years (?). During this period, from chapter 4 to chapter 19, everyone else remains on earth to go through “The Great Tribulation.”
The fact is that there are many “tribulations” (Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3; Eph. 3:13). “Tribulation” just means “trouble” and is sometimes translated “affliction.” People were said to have experienced “tribulation” clear back in the first century.
John, about 74 A.D., writing to the seven churches in Asia, said he was a partaker with them in the tribulation [tē thlipsi] and kingdom and patience in Jesus [Rev. 1:9].
Jesus said that the church at Smyrna was experiencing tribulation.
Rev. 2:8. And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These things says the first and the last, who was dead, and lived again: 9 I know of the tribulation [tēn thlipsin] of you, and the poverty of you (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of them that say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Fear not the things which you are about to suffer: behold, the devil is about to cast some of you into prison, that you may be tried; and you shall have tribulation [thlipsin] ten days. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.
To futurists, the description of the tribulation in Matt. 24:21-22 seems too terrible for the record of what took place even in Jerusalem. They deny it was speaking of 70 A.D., or at least claim the real focus was on a “second fulfillment” which is yet to take place in the future.
Preterists, on the other hand, in order to show that it was speaking only of the 70 A.D. event, make every effort to show it was worse than anything that has ever taken place, either before or since. Both make some good points. Both have problems.
There have been occasions of starvation and slaughters that seem to have been just as great or greater than what took place in Jerusalem. On the other hand, considering all of the effects of that destruction, nothing before or after that seems to have been worse than happened to Jerusalem. Indeed, it may have been the most terrible of all such events that ever took place on earth. It is God’s judgment of this, not ours, that counts.
I am here going to propose a possibility that was suggested to me years ago by Brother Larry Smith of Vancouver, Washington, which seems to provide a much clearer and more comprehensive fulfillment of the passage, without some of the problems. He suggested that the “Tribulation” was not confined to the 70 A.D. destruction. This concept is that the destruction of the city was only its beginning (cf. Luke 21:28). The calamity upon the Jews continued for almost 2,000 years until 1967 when, after the Holocaust, Jerusalem again came under Jewish control.
Certainly the tribulation of the Jews did not end with the destruction of the city in 70 A.D.. The Romans continued their campaign of subjugation of the territory. The fall of Masada marked the final gasp of their struggle at the time. Later, under the leadership of Bar-Kokhba (“son of the star”) they again rebelled (132-135 A.D.). This was put down with horrendous loss of life and they were scattered into all nations. From then on, through the centuries, they were persecuted and driven out of every place they tried to settle and Jerusalem remained under Gentile domination..
BACKGROUND
Matthew 24 and Luke 21 are based on the warnings of Moses to Israel.
Deut. 18:18 I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren, like unto you; and I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
At the healing of the lame man by the Beautiful Gate of the temple, Peter cited this to the people in reference to Jesus (Acts 3:22). Likewise, Stephen referred to it in his defense before the Jews (Acts 7:37).
To really grasp the awesome nature of these prophecies one must go back and read the warnings of Moses in Deuteronomy. At the end of their Journey Moses instructed that when they passed over Jordan the tribes should be divided, with some standing on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, and the others on Mount Ebal for the curse (Deut. 27:11-14).
They were to begin with the curses, with the people responding.
Deut. 27:
15 Cursed be the man that maketh a graven or molten image, an abomination unto Jehovah, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and setteth it up in secret. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
16 Cursed be he that setteth light by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
17 Cursed be he that removeth his neighbor’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
18 Cursed be he that maketh the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen.
19 Cursed be he that wresteth the justice due to the sojourner, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.
20 Cursed be he that lieth with his father’s wife, because he has uncovered his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
21 Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
22 Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
23 Cursed be he that lieth with his mother-in-law. And all the people shall say, Amen.
24 Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbor in secret. And all the people shall say, Amen.
25 Cursed be he that taketh a bribe to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.
26 Cursed be he that confirmeth not the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Chapter 28. Then they were to take up the blessing:
Deut. 28:1 And it shall come to pass, if you shall hearken diligently unto the voice of Jehovah your God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that Jehovah your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth: 2 and all these blessings shall come upon you, and overtake you, if you shall hearken unto the voice of Jehovah your God. 3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. 4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your beasts, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock. 5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading-trough. 6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.
7 Jehovah will cause your enemies that rise up against you to be smitten before you: they shall come out against you one way, and shall flee before you seven ways. 8 Jehovah will command the blessing upon you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand unto; and he will bless you in the land which Jehovah your God gives you. 9 Jehovah will establish you for a holy people unto himself, as he has sworn unto you; if you shall keep the commandments of Jehovah your God, and walk in his ways. 10 And all the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of Jehovah; and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And Jehovah will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your cattle, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Jehovah sware unto your fathers to give you. 12 Jehovah will open unto you his good treasure the heavens, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend unto many nations, and you shall not borrow. 13 And Jehovah will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall he