THE MOUNT OF OLIVES DISCOURSE

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.

I.    GENERAL OUTLINE OF CHAPTERS 21-25

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)

2. Cleansing of the temple (21:12-16)

3. He goes to Bethany (21:17)

4. He returns to Jerusalem (21:18)

On the way he curses the fig tree for its lack of fruit, a suggestion of what is in store for Jerusalem.

5. In the temple (21:23)

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; cf. Ps.118:22)

(43 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 and Lawyer confrontation

They ask: Which is the Great Commandment? (22:34-40)

Jesus asks them: Whose son is Christ?

5. Jesus' charge to 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 (Matt. 23:37-39)

37  O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers 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 comes in the name of the Lord.

6. Discussion with disciples after leaving the temple (24:1-2)

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 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.

2. THE MEANING OF “THIS GENERATION.”

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 begin.

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, which would still be fresh in the minds of his disciples, it seems certain that Jesus is speaking of the generation then living.

3. THE MEANING OF “THESE THINGS”

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 continued to be trodden down by the Gentiles until the 1967 Six-day war. 

Luke 21:27 places the coming of Christ after the treading down of Jerusalem by the Gentiles cited in 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.    

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.
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 coming Mt. 24:30-31 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27
External Events Wars Rumors of wars Famines Pestilences Earthquakes Internal Events Affliction Killed Betrayed False prophets Iniquity abounds Love of many cold	Tribulation on Jews begins “wrath upon this people”	Jerusalem trodden down    Lk. 21:24 Deceptions    Mt. 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

III. THE “COMING OF THE SON OF MAN” WAS NOT TO DESTROY JERUSALEM

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. 

1. The claim that the “coming of the son of man” was to destroy Jerusalem, will not fit so isn’t it.  It clearly says that his coming would be “after the tribulation of those days” (Matt. 24:29; Mark 13:24).  Since he came “after the tribulation of those days” then He did not come to bring about the tribulation.  When He comes, it will already have been accomplished.

2. The “coming of the son of man” in Matthew 24:30-31 was not figurative.  The statements in the text are identical to passages elsewhere describing Christ’s coming.

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. 

IV. COMPARISON OF MATTHEW 24 WITH PASSAGES ELSEWHERE SHOW THAT JESUS WAS SPEAKING OF HIS SECOND COMING

“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 two verbs                                               .  As you will see below, they are used of the same events, sometimes in the same verse.

MATTHEW 24	SECOND COMING
“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
“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,
“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
“of heaven” Mt. 24:30	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
“with power” Mt. 24:30 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27	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”
“and glory” Mt. 24:30 Mk. 13:26 Lk. 21:27	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;
“send his angels” Mt. 24:31 Mk. 13:27	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”
“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
“gather the elect” Mt. 24:31 Mk. 13:27	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

VERSES BEFORE AND AFTER MATT. 24:33 COMPARED

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.

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:

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

V. THE “GREAT TRIBULATION”

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 that 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 several “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” 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 identify it only with 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 is important.

AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW OF THE “GREAT TRIBULATION”

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.  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 hearken unto the commandments of Jehovah your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do them, 14 and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

The rest of the chapter warns of the consequence of disobedience.

Deut 28:15 But it shall come to pass, if you wilt not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah your God, to observe to do all his commandments and his statutes which I command you this day, that all these curses shall come upon you, and overtake you. 16 Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field. 17 Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading-trough. 18 Cursed shall be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your cattle, and the young of your flock. 19 Cursed shall you be when you comest in, and cursed shall you be when you go out.

   20 Jehovah will send upon you cursing, discomfiture, and rebuke, in all that you puttest your hand unto to do, until you be destroyed, and until you perish quickly; because of the evil of your doings, whereby you hast forsaken me. 21 Jehovah will make the pestilence cleave unto you, until he have consumed you from off the land, whither you go in to possess it. 22 Jehovah will smite you with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with the sword, and with blasting, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish. 23 And your heaven that is over your head shall be brass, and the earth that is under you shall be iron. 24 Jehovah will make the rain of your land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon you, until you be destroyed.

      25 Jehovah will cause you to be smitten before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them, and shall flee seven ways before them: and you shall be tossed to and from among all the kingdoms of the earth. 26 And your dead body shall be food unto all birds of the heavens, and unto the beasts of the earth; and there shall be none to frighten them away. 27 Jehovah will smite you with the boil of Egypt, and with the emerods, and with the scurvy, and with the itch, whereof you canst not be healed. 28 Jehovah will smite you with madness, and with blindness, and with astonishment of heart; 29 and you shall grope at noonday, as the blind gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways: and you shall be only oppressed and robbed always, and there shall be none to save you. 30 You shall betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her: you shall build a house, and you shall not dwell therein: you shall plant a vineyard, and shall not use the fruit thereof. 31 Your ox shall be slain before your eyes, and you shall not eat thereof: your ass shall be violently taken away from before your face, and shall not be restored to you: your sheep shall be given unto your enemies, and you shall have none to save you. 32 Your sons and your daughters shall be given unto another people; and your eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day: and there shall be nought in the power of your hand. 33 The fruit of your ground, and all your labors, shall a nation which you know not eat up; and you shall be only oppressed and crushed always; 34 so that you shall be mad for the sight of your eyes which you shall see. 35 Jehovah will smite you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore boil, whereof you canst not be healed, from the sole of your foot unto the crown of your head.   

36 Jehovah will bring you, and your king whom you shall set over you, unto a nation that you hast not known, you nor your fathers; and there shall you serve other gods, wood and stone. 37 And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples whither Jehovah shall lead you away. 38 You shall carry much seed out into the field, and shall gather little in; for the locust shall consume it. 39 You shall plant vineyards and dress them, but you shall neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worm shall eat them. 40 You shall have olive-trees throughout all your borders, but you shall not anoint thyself with the oil; for your olive shall cast its fruit. 41 You shall beget sons and daughters, but they shall not be your; for they shall go into captivity. 42 All your trees and the fruit of your ground shall the locust possess. 43 The sojourner that is in the midst of you shall mount up above you higher and higher; and you shall come down lower and lower. 44 He shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to him: he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 And all these curses shall come upon you, and shall pursue you, and overtake you, till you be destroyed; because you hearkened not unto the voice of Jehovah your God, to keep his commandments and his statutes which he commanded you: 46 and they shall be upon you for a sign and for a wonder, and upon your seed for ever.

      47 Because you served not Jehovah your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things; 48 therefore shall you serve your enemies that Jehovah shall send against you, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon your neck, until he have destroyed you. 49 Jehovah will bring a nation against you from far, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies; a nation whose tongue you shall not understand; 50 a nation of fierce countenance, that shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young, 51 and shall eat the fruit of your cattle, and the fruit of your ground, until you be destroyed; that also shall not leave you grain, new wine, or oil, the increase of your cattle, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish. 52 And they shall besiege you in all your gates, until your high and fortified walls come down, wherein you trust, throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land, which Jehovah your God has given you. 53 And you shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters, whom Jehovah your God has given you, in the siege and in the distress wherewith your enemies shall distress you. 54 The man that is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife of his bosom, and toward the remnant of his children whom he has remaining; 55 so that he will not give to any of them of the flesh of his children whom he shall eat, because he has nothing left him, in the siege and in the distress wherewith your enemy shall distress you in all your gates. 56 The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not adventure to set the sole of her foot upon the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband of her bosom, and toward her son, and toward her daughter, 57 and toward her young one that cometh out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she shall bear; for she shall eat them for want of all things secretly, in the siege and in the distress wherewith your enemy shall distress you in your gates.

      58 If you wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, JEHOVAH YOUR GOD; 59 then Jehovah will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance. 60 And he will bring upon you again all the diseases of Egypt, which you were afraid of; and they shall cleave unto you. 61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will Jehovah bring upon you, until you be destroyed. 62 And ye shall be left few in number, whereas ye were as the stars of heaven for multitude; because you didst not hearken unto the voice of Jehovah your God. 63 And it shall come to pass, that, as Jehovah rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you, so Jehovah will rejoice over you to cause you to perish, and to destroy you; and ye shall be plucked from off the land whither you go in to possess it. 64 And Jehovah will scatter you among all peoples, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, which you hast not known, you nor your fathers, even wood and stone. 65 And among these nations shall you find no ease, and there shall be no rest for the sole of your foot: but Jehovah will give you there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and pining of soul; 66 and your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you shall fear night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life. 67 In the morning you shall say, Would it were even! and at even you shall say, Would it were morning! for the fear of your heart which you shall fear, and for the sight of your eyes which you shall see. 68 And Jehovah will bring you into Egypt again with ships, by the way whereof I said unto you, You shall see it no more again: and there ye shall sell yourselves unto your enemies for bondmen and for bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.

These curses initially came upon them in the destruction of Jerusalem under the Babylonians (2Kings chapter 6).  However, they were not limited to that event and that did not include the coming of the prophet like Moses (Deut. 18:18; cf. Acts 3:22; 7:37).

Daniel, writing about 534 BC after that destruction, predicted the time and the events leading up to the destruction in 70 AD.

Daniel 9:24 - 27 ²⁴ Seventy weeks are decreed upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy. ²⁵ Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the anointed one, the prince, shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troublous times.  ²⁶ And after the threescore and two weeks shall the anointed one [Messiah] be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and even unto the end shall be war; desolations are determined.  ²⁷ And he shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease; and upon the wing of abominations shall come one that makes desolate; and even unto the full end, and that determined, shall wrath be poured out upon the desolate. 

Here we have the coming of the Messiah followed by the destruction of Jerusalem.  Jesus cited this very passage in his prediction of what was going to take place.

Matthew 24:15-17 ¹⁵ When therefore ye see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let him that reads understand),  ¹⁶ then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains:  ¹⁷ let him that is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in his house:

The statement in Matthew is further explained in Luke’s record.

Luke 21:20-22 ²⁰ But when ye see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that her desolation is at hand.  ²¹ Then let them that are in Judaea flee unto the mountains; and let them that are in the midst of her depart out; and let not them that are in the country enter therein.  ²² For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

But they renounced the prophet like unto Moses (Deut. 18:18; cf. Acts 3:22; 7:37).

John 19:12 And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If you let this man go, you are not Caesar's friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. 13 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! 15 But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar.

Matt 27:25 Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.

In so doing they pronounced their own judgment.  His blood came upon them and their children and they were delivered into the merciless hands of Caesar, just as Jesus warned,

Matt. 23:32 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. 37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you that kill the prophets, and stone them which are sent unto you, how often would I have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and ye would not! 38 Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.

Josephus, the Jewish priest-historian, gives a detailed description of the siege by the Romans that followed in 70 A.D. (Wars of the Jews, Book 6, Chapter 3).  The city and the temple were destroyed, as predicted by Daniel and Jesus.  Destruction of the family records forever thereafter ended any possible identification of some future “Messiah” from the line of David (Ps. 132:11; Jer. 23:5; 33:15-17; Zec. 6:12-13; Isa. 16:5; 9:7; Ezek. 34:23-24; 37:24; Amos 9:11)

In 132 A.D., under the leadership of Bar-Kokhba, the Jews again rebelled.  The Romans viciously stamped out the insurrection and the dispersion became complete. Jews were forbidden on pain of death from even re-entering the city.  As Moses predicted, through the centuries they were driven from place to place across the earth, never finding true rest (cf. Heb. 4:1-11; 11:16).

Deut. 28:65 And among these nations shall you find no ease, and there shall be no rest for the sole of your foot: but Jehovah will give you there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and pining of soul; 66 and your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you shall fear night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life.

Meanwhile, Jerusalem, under Gentile domination, changed from the hands of one power to another.  When Constantine became Emperor, it passed from the control of Pagan Rome into Christian control.  In 614 A.D. the Persian, Chosroes II captured the city.  Heracleus, took control for the “Christians,” in 629.  In 637 the Muslim Arabs, under the Khalif, Omar, conquered Jerusalem.  It passed through some other hands and then in 1077 A.D. the Seljuk Turks subjugated it.  In 1099 it was captured by Christians in the first crusade.  In 1187 it was conquered by the Moslem, Saladan.  In 1229 Emperor Frederick II of Germany obtained it by treaty on condition the walls would not be rebuilt.  This was violated and in 1239 the Emir of Kerak re-conquered it.  In 1243 it was unconditionally restored to Christian control. In 1244 the Kharizimian Tartars conquered it.  In 1247 the Egyptians drove them out and held it until 1517 when the Ottoman Turks defeated them.  In 1832 Mohammed Ali of Egypt took the city.  In 1840 the Great Powers restored it to the Ottoman Turks.

In World War I, the Turks sided with the Germans.  With their defeat, the League of Nations gave control to Britain under the Palestine Mandate in 1920, endorsing its Balfour Declaration of 1917 to create a national home for the Jewish people. In 1922 the League of Nations approved British mandate over Palestine.  The Arabs mounted opposition and the English backed off, but it did provide a political precedent for a Jewish homeland and encouraged Zionist objectives.

Then came World War II and the German dictator, Adolf Hitler.  At the end of the First World War, such crushing reparations had been imposed upon the Germans that inflation, followed by the Great Depression, totally destroyed the economy.  Jews worked together for their common survival, as necessity over the centuries has forced upon them and, because charging interest was forbidden to Christians, many Jews had become bankers.  Hitler exploited mistrust towards them and made them scapegoats.  His “Final Solution” was to exterminate the Jews.  Their homes were plundered and burned.  They were herded into cattle cars and transported to extermination centers such as Auschwitch and Sachenhausen, where they were experimented on, gassed and cremated.  Some six million are said to have perished.  So great was the genocide that had the Germans won, the numbers could have imperiled the very existence of Jews as a people, as may be suggested in the words of Jesus in Matt. 24:21-22.

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. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

The extermination of countless Jews, in the Holocaust, during the Second World War brought a huge sympathy (guilt feelings?) for the plight of the Jews—or perhaps just a desire to get rid of a troublesome problem.  More importantly, it instilled in the Jews a furious determination to establish a refuge in Palestine at all costs.

At first the concept of a Jewish State received a lot of support by the West. However, as refugees began to pour in the Arabs launched strong opposition, and England began to back down on her commitment. They tried to restrict the influx but the Jews smuggled in people and weapons and waged an increasingly determined struggle.  At first it was little more than a guerrilla war but soon they became well organized and began to gain ground.  In 1947 the British turned it over to the United Nations who on Nov. 29, agreed to partition it into Jewish and Arab states.

May 14, 1948 the State of Israel declared its independence, recognized by the United States, the Soviet Union and other governments.  The Arabs responded by launching the 1948-49 war in which Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and Trans Jordan attempted to destroy the newly established State. The Soviet Union, seeking to exploit the situation, became a powerful supporter of the Arab position. Finally the struggle reached a stalemate, with the big powers calling a halt to the conflict.

JERUSALEM, A BURDENSOME STONE

Zechariah 12:2-3   ² Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling unto all the people round about, when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem.  ³ And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.

In 1949 while attending San Jose Bible College in California I recall two of the teachers, T. R. Aplebury and G. K. Allison, discussing the situation.  I intruded and asked if the newly established Jewish State in Palestine did not fulfill what Jesus said in Luke 21, that Jerusalem was to be "trodden under foot of the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”  They responded that Jerusalem was only partially under Jewish control.  At that time it was partitioned, with the Jews controlling one area, the Arabs a second, and “Christians,” a third.  However, in view of the statement of Luke 21 and the direction things seemed to be moving, the potentials were very intriguing.

In 1956 Egypt seized the Suez Canal, denying its use to Israel.  England, France and Israel attacked Egypt, but a cease-fire was forced by the United Nations with the support of the United States and the Soviet Union.  The situation was put on the back burner to simmer.

R. C. Foster’s[2] book, The Final Week (p.144) provides some interesting insight:

…Thus Luke couples with his closing statement of what Jesus said concerning the horrors of the final siege of Jerusalem, the added declaration of Jesus that the fall of the city is to be followed by an indefinite period which is to be distinguished by the fact that the city is to be "trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled." It is a most remarkable fact that the city has never been in the hands of the Jews until this day. The fleeting effort of Bar Cochebas to re-establish Jewish dominance ended in the final debacle of A.D. 132-4, and can hardly figure in this estimate. Not even the fiercely fighting forces of Israeli today were able to drive the Arabs, entrenched behind their barbed-wire entanglements, from the old walled city of Jerusalem, and the UN stepped in to make the city an international city, which still fits the description of its being trodden down by the Gentiles and not under Jewish control. If the Jews should manage to secure control of Jerusalem and make it their capital as they declare they will do in defiance of the UN, it would be enough to make one wonder if the times of the Gentiles have been fulfilled. But there is no such military event in prospect at the present time. …

In 1967 things were heating up again and an attack by the Arabs was imminent.  The Israelis preempted it with decisive force.  They drove across Sinai and took the Suez Canal, moving up it towards Alexandria, the capitol of Egypt.  Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt joined in a furious counter-attack.  Israel drove the Jordanians east across the river and the Lebanese north into their own territory.  They launched an attack into Syria, up the Golan Heights, and only the demands of the Russians and the insistence of the United Nations prevented their capture of Damascus. Life Magazine[3] entitled it, “Israeli Thrust—The Astounding 60 Hours.”

Below is part of an article printed in the June 16, 1967 issue of Life Magazine, p.33.

ATTACK ON FOUR FRONTS AT ONCE

Astounding was the only word for it.  In 60 hours the war that exploded upon the Middle East became a fact of history.  Tiny Israel stood in the role of victor over the surrounding Arab nations that had vowed to exterminate her.  Middle Eastern alliances, balances of power, even political boundaries, were of a new shape, as though mutated by a Biblical cataclysm.

Seldom, in military history has victory been so efficient or so visibly decisive in so short a span of time.  As to the murky question of who or precisely what turned the latest Arab-Israeli confrontation into a shooting war, there were impassioned accusations on both sides—and the precise facts might never be distilled.  But this much was obvious: so swiftly did Israel mount her assault that her adversaries were deprived of the means of winning almost before the world awakened to the fact that a war was in progress....

...Israeli forces took the city and expanded Israel’s eastern frontier to the banks of the Jordan River.

      The one-way tide of the war was a disastrous setback for the Soviet Union.  Having poured more than a billion dollars worth of arms into Egypt and Syria, and goaded them into hard-line attitudes against Israel and the West, the Russians now had to face up to the fact that they backed a loser.  Though Russian warships prowled the Mediterranean virtually alongside units of the U.S. Sixth Fleet, no direct intervention was forthcoming.  When the conflict came before the United Nations Security Council, the Russians contented themselves with a denunciation of Israeli “aggression” and went along with the call for a cease-fire that included no demand for an Israeli pullback.…  

What a stunning victory!  After 1900 years, Gentile domination ended and Jerusalem was again under Jewish control, as Jesus seems to suggest in Luke 21:24.

THE DOME OF THE ROCK

Does Muslim control of the Dome of the Rock, where the Temple stood, invalidate this as the fulfillment?  The fact is that Israel does have overall control.  The Palestinians have long demanded a part of Jerusalem for their capitol and if the Arab nations could have forced that, they would have.  The fact that Israel respects local Muslim  oversight does not invalidate their control.  Muslim countries would attack if they interfered but they certainly are not in control. 

Those who reject any continuing land promise for the Jews object that the statement, (Luke 21:24)  ...Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled,” doesn’t actually say what will be after that. 

However, the fact is that Gentiles no longer control Jerusalem. It still exists and after almost 2000 years is again under Jewish control.  Indeed, we live at a marvelous time in which we have seen the fulfillment of a major prophecy.  Are we prepared for the grand events which are to follow—their conversion?

The concept of the “great tribulation” as beginning (Luke 21:28) with the destruction of Jerusalem, and extending down through the whole period of its being “trod down by the Gentiles” fulfills the prophecy in a far more vivid way than confining it to the destruction of 70 A.D..  How astounding that it should be topped off by the final horrible Holocaust under Hitler.  Indeed, “Holocaust” is an apt description of the terrible bloodletting that returned Jerusalem to the Jews.  That is what the sacrifice of many animals on the altar of the temple was called.

Luke 21: 20 And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. 21 Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. 22 For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled

This should be a warning to us to take heed to what Jesus said in Matt. 24:33:  “Even so ye also, when ye see all these things, know ye that he is nigh, even at the doors.”

Matt. 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of man comes.

Rev. 22:20.  “Amen: come, Lord Jesus.”

PROPHECIES ABOUT THE RETURN AND CONVERSION OF THE JEWS

It is argued that the Jews' present return to the land cannot be fulfillment of prophecy because the land promises have already been fulfilled and they are still in rebellion against the Messiah. 

Genesis 15:18 ¹⁸ In the same day the LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto your seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:

It is contended that the land promises had already been fulfilled before the beginning of the New Testament and would no longer apply.

Joshua 21:43-45: "And Jehovah gave unto Israel all the land which he swore to give unto their fathers; and they possessed it, and dwelt therein... There failed not ought of any good thing which Jehovah had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."

I Kings 8:56 "Blessed be the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised; not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised through Moses His servant"?

1 Kings 4:21 ²¹ And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river unto the land of the Philistines, and unto the border of Egypt: they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life.

However, the question is whether God intended for these promises to terminate when they were initially fulfilled or to continue to apply conditionally forever.

Genesis 13:14-15 ¹⁴ And Jehovah said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:  ¹⁵ For all the land which you see, to you will I give it, and to your seed for ever.

Note that the passages cited as fulfilled are in the times of Joshua and Solomon yet after they lost the land during the time of Nebuchadnezzar, they returned under the Persians.  The blessings and cursings of Deuteronomy 28 seem to have been applied in this manner. The same may be the case after the destruction in 70 AD..  . 

COULD THEY RETURN WHILE IN REBELLION?

The obvious answer to this is the fact that they are there.

With regard to the problem of their receiving the promises while in rebellion, Ezekiel indicates they could and the reason for it.

Ezekiel 36:22 ²² Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord Jehovah; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for my holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. (cf. Deut. 9:3-6)

Ezekiel 36:24-33 ²⁴ For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land.  ²⁵ Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.  ²⁶ A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. [cf. 2Cor 3:3] ²⁷ And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them. ²⁸ And ye shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and ye shall be my people, and I will be your God. [Rom 9:26; Heb 8:10] ²⁹ I will also save you from all your uncleannesses: and I will call for the corn, and will increase it, and lay no famine upon you.  ³⁰ And I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that ye shall receive no more reproach of famine among the heathen.  ³¹ Then shall ye remember your own evil ways, and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.  ³² Not for your sakes do I this, saith the Lord Jehovah, be it known unto you: be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel. ³³ Thus says the Lord Jehovah; In the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the wastes shall be built.

After the captivity they would return to dwell in their land and "then" they would receive God’s Spirit.  This is clearly return followed by conversion beginning with Pentecost (cf. Heb. 8:10).  This would not be for their sakes but for His name's sake. 

BLINDNESS TO BE REMOVED WHEN THE TIMES OF THE GENTILES ARE FULFILLED.

Romans 11:1  I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.  ² God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Know ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,  ³ Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.  ⁴ But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.  ⁵ Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.  ⁶ And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. ⁷ What then? Israel has not obtained that which he seeks; but the election has obtained it, and the rest were blinded

¹¹ I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? [4098 piptoo –fall completely] God forbid: but rather through their fall [3900 "paraptooma" –stumble]  salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.  ¹² Now if the fall [3000 "paraptooma"] of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

¹⁵ For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

²³ And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be grafted in: for God is able to graft them in again.

²⁵ For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in. [cf. Luke 21:24] ²⁶ And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:  ²⁷ For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

²⁸ As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.  ²⁹ For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.  ³⁰ For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:  ³¹ Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.  ³² For God has concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

Three groups are mentioned in this text:.

1. "Israel of the flesh" (cf. Rom. 9:3, 8; 1Cor. 10:18) that was "blinded," "stumbled," "cast away," were "enemies" in "unbelief" and "cut out" BUT were still "beloved for the fathers' sakes" and could still be "grafted in."

2.  The "elect" "remnant" (Rom 11:5)—such as the Apostles and those converted on Pentecost, (cf. Rom. 1:16; 2:9-10).

3.  The "Gentiles" who had in past times not believed God but now had received mercy and been "grafted in." Through them the Jews were to receive mercy (Rom. 11:31).  When were the Jews to receive mercy through the Gentiles?

The point made is clearly that those unbelieving Jews were still "beloved of the Father," not for their sakes but because of the promises to the fathers.  A time would come when the fullness of the Gentiles be come in, their blindness removed, and they would be saved.  Through the mercy shown to the Gentiles, these also would receive mercy and their fullness would be great riches –as life from the dead.

Matthew 23:39 indicates there would come a time when they would say, , Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.

GOG AND MAGOG—EZEKIEL AND REVELATION

Ezekiel, chapters 38 and 39 looks forward to an invasion by “Gog and Magog” who would come up against their “unwalled villages” (38:11).  This would be after they were “gathered out of the nations” (38:12).  Rev. 20:8 indicates this is still future, just before the resurrection and judgment.

ARE MODERN “JEWS” TRUE JEWS?

We sometimes hear the objection that modern “Jews” are not authentic Jews.  It is argued, “There are no Jews today.  When the temple was destroyed their family records were destroyed.”

That claim does not hold up.  In the first place, lack of family records does not prove that Jews  do not exist.  The temple’s destruction ended the Jewish records but not the people any more than did the first destruction under Nebuchadnezzar.  In fact, after the destruction of 70 AD the Jews rebelled and fought a second war against Rome under Bar-Cocheba 132-4 A.D.. 

Secondly, we have ample historical records showing a continuing line of Jews down through the centuries.  We have records of them debating with the early church “fathers.”  They became traders, scientists and bankers.  Even the records of their being persecuted and ejected from countries bear witness to their existence.  They have played too prominent a role in history to be dismissed as non-existent.  It is a marvel that they survived and did so well.

Thirdly, one does not have to be born a Jew to become one.  Moses’ wives weren’t born Hebrews (Num 12:1). Ruth, a Moabite, became ancestor of Jesus (Ruth 1:16; Mat 1:5).  If descendents of other nations prevents people from being Jews then Jesus himself would be excluded. 

Judaism is a religion. God specifically provided for non-Hebrews to become Israelites through conversion (Mat 23:15; Esther 8:17) with some limitations (Deut 23:8; 23:2-3).

Ex 12:48-49 And when a stranger shall sojourn with you, and will keep the passover to Jehovah, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it; and he shall be as one that is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat thereof. 49 One law shall be to him that is home-born, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you. ASV

Fourth, there are prophecies that strongly indicate Jews were to continue long after the destruction of Jerusalem.  Luke 21:24 indicates that after Jerusalem was destroyed they would be scattered into all nations and in time they would again control Jerusalem, which they have.  Romans 11:12, 15, 25-31 suggests a time to come when they will accept Christ.  

Finally, it is quite possible that through the developing technology of genetic identification, their family relationships may actually be traced.

Some have argued that there are no Jews because the scriptures say “there is neither Jew nor Greek.”  However, these passages do not teach what is claimed.  Gal. 3:28 says that “in Christ” there is neither Jew nor Greek.  It also says there is “neither male or female” yet there are still both, and in the church they were even given distinct roles. (1Tim 2:12-15; 1Tim 3:1).  Both Luke (Acts 13:42; 14:1; 18:4; 20:21) and Paul (Rom 10:1-3; 1Cor 1:22) clearly say there were unbelieving “Jews” during New Testament times. Paul indicates these “Israel of the flesh” would continue, in “blindness in part,” “until the fullness of the Gentile be come in.” (Rom. 11:14, 25-31)  

MATTHEW 24 COMPARED WITH MARK AND LUKE

Matt 24:1-51 1    And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple.	Mark 13:1-37 1    And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!	Luke 21:5-38 5    And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,
Matt. 24:2   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.	Mark 13:2   And Jesus answering said unto him, See you these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.	Luke 21:6    As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.
Matt. 24:3    And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying,	Mark 13:3   And as he sat upon the mount of Olives over against the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,	Luke 21:7    And they asked him, saying,
Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?	Mark 13:4   Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?	Master, but when shall these things be? and what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?
Matt. 24:4   And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.	Mark 13:5   And Jesus answering them began to say, Take heed lest any man deceive you:	Luke 21:8    And he said, Take heed that ye be not deceived:
Matt. 24:5   For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.	Mark 13:6   For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.	for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and the time draweth near: go ye not therefore after them.
Matt. 24:6   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.	Mark 13:7   And when ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars, be ye not troubled: for such things must needs be; but the end shall not be yet.	Luke 21:9    But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
Matt 24:7 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.	Mark 13:8   For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be earthquakes in divers places, and there shall be famines and troubles: these are the beginnings of sorrows.	Luke 21:10  Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: 11 And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.
Matt. 24:9   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.	Mark 13:9   But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.	Luke 21:12  But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake. 13  And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
	Mark 13:11 But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.	Luke 21:14  Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer: 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
Matt. 24:13 But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.	Mark 13:12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. 13  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.	Luke 21:16  And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. 17  And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 18  But there shall not an hair of your head perish. 19  In your patience possess ye your souls.
Matt. 24:14 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.	Mark 13:10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.
Matt. 24:15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand:)	Mark 13:14 But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that reads understand ,)	Luke 21:20  And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.
Matt. 24:16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:	then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:	Luke 21:21  Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter therein.
Matt. 24:17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house: 18  Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.	Mark 13:15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, neither enter therein, to take any thing out of his house: 16  And let him that is in the field not turn back again for to take up his garment.	[Luke 17:31 In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. 32 Remember Lot's wife.  33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.]
19  And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!	Mark 13:17 But woe to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!	Luke 21:23  But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days!
Matt. 24:20 But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:	Mark 13:18 And pray ye that your flight be not in the winter.
Matt. 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.	Mark 13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.	Luke 21:22  For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. …23 for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations:
Matt. 24:22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.	Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he has chosen, he has shortened the days.	and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.
Matt 24:23  Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. 24  For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25  Behold, I have told you before. 26  Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.	Mark 13:21 And then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ; or, lo, he is there; believe him not: 22  For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23  But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.	[Luke 17:23 And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them.]
Matt 24:27  For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.		[Luke 17:24 For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day.  25 But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation.]
Matt. 24:28 For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.		Luke 21:37 And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.
29   Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken:	Mark 13:24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, 25  And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.	Luke 21:25  And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26  Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
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.	Mark 13:26 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.	Luke 21:27   And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28  And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.
Matt. 24:31 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.	Mark 13:27 And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.
Matt. 24:32 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 it is near, even at the doors.	Mark 13:28 Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When her branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near: 29  So ye in like manner, when ye shall see these things come to pass, know that it is nigh, even at the doors.	Luke 21:29  And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30  When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31  So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Matt. 24:34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled.	30   Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.	Luke 21:32  Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.
Matt 24:35  Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.	Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.	Luke 21:33  Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.
Matt. 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.	Mark 13:32 But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.
Matt. 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. 38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, 39  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.		[Luke 17:26 And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.  27 They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;  29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.  30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.]
Matt. 24:40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.		[Luke 17:36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.]
		[Luke 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Matt. 24:41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.		[Luke 17: 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
Matt. 24:42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. 43  But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.	Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. 34  For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.	Luke 21:34  And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35  For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth.
Matt. 24:44 Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh.	Mark 13:35 Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: 36  Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. 37  And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.	Luke 21:36  Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
Matt. 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46  Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47  Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48  But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49  And shall begin to smite his fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50  The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51  And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

---

[1] This may be what Daniel 12:1 speaks of as the “time of trouble” from which Christians were delivered by heeding the warning of Jesus and fleeing to Pella, or delivered in the sense of being saved from the tribulations of the Jews it as Christians. 

[2] R. C. Foster A.B., M.A., B.D., Prof. of N. T. at Cincinnati Bible Seminary, The Final Week, 1962 Baker Book House.

[3] June 16, 1967, p.26-27