The Discliples questions - WHAT IS MATTHEW CHAPTER 24 ABOUT? -

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Was the Lord Jesus talking about "end times"?

The Lord's prediction of the devastation of the temple in Matthew chapter 24 verse 2, prompts the disciples' questions in verse 3. The Lord's response is also recorded in Mark 13 and Luke 21. Comparing Matthew's record with these helps us to understand it better.   [See also the notes on Luke chapter 17 and on Luke chapter 21]

It is a good idea to read all of Matthew chapters 24 and 25 to see the whole context.

Matthew 24 verses 1 to 3

THE DISCIPLES' QUESTIONS

1 ... Jesus ...was leaving the temple, and his disciples approached him to show him the buildings of the temple.  2 but he, Jesus, says to them, "Are you not gazing at all these things? I am telling you, certainly, there cannot be left in this place not one stone un top of another, that will not be thrown down."  3 but as he is sitting on the mount of Olives, the disciples come to him on their own are saying, "Do tell us, when will these things happen and what the sign of your coming, and of the completion of the age?"

Their three questions addressed two distinctly different issues.

The disciples ask the Lord when the temple building would be destroyed, what would be the sign of the Lord's coming and of 'the end of the age'.*

* the AV has "the end of the world" The primary meaning of the word translated 'world' is age, era. [Greek aiwn]. The apostles might have been confusing the consummation of the Mosaic era with the second coming of the Lord.

They appear to confuse the destruction of the temple with the Lord's coming but the two are distinctly different. Two matters are being considered:
 

In verse 36 and in Mark's record, the word "that" (ekeinoV) makes this distinction clear:
 

But of that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36)

But of that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels who are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only . Take heed, watch and pray: for you do not know when the time is. (Mark 13:32, 33)
 

The increasing social and political unrest would enable them to anticipate the siege of Jerusalem. The onset of the siege of Jerusalem would alert them to be ready for when they could make their escape. In contrast to this no one can predict the coming of the Son of man in judgement. That is why it is emphasised that we must always be ready for the Lord's appearance.

It would then be folly to allow any favourite theological outlook to influence our interpretation so as to make it appear that the events heralding the destruction of the Temple will also herald the coming of the Lord.

... of that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels of heaven, neither the Son, but my Father only.

Any interpretation which contradicts this statement cannot be right.

Verses 4-14

FIRST THERE WOULD BE: FALSE MESSIAHS, REBELLIONS, PERSECUTION, BETRAYALS AND FALSE PROPHETS.

Before the siege of Jerusalem there would be many disturbing events: false messiahs, false prophets, battles in various countries, widespread anarchy, earthquakes, famine and plagues. These would be only the beginning of the many troubles that would all happen before the destruction of the temple. [Matthew 24:.8 Mark 13:8]

The disciples to whom he was speaking would be persecuted by the Jewish religious leaders, be betrayed even by their close relatives and killed. They would be hated everywhere [Matthew 24:9].

All this had to happen before the temple was destroyed. [cp. Mark 13:5-13, Luke 21:8-17]. They were required to remain faithful throughout all those traumatic experiences [Matthew 24:13 Mark 13:13].

In verse 14 and Mark 13:10 we learn that only when the Gospel had been preached to all nations* would the temple economy be finally terminated. The word “end” in verse 14 refers to the destruction of the Temple.

* Even by the apostles: [Acts 1:2,4,8 "in all the world" "all nations" cp. Colossians 1:23 "every creature"]

The destruction of the temple and the cessation of the sacrifices brought to an end all vestiges of the Mosaic era. Writing to Hebrew Christians, a few years before the destruction of the temple, Paul wrote:

In that he said, A new covenant [Jeremiah 31:31], he has made the first old. Now that which decays and grows old is ready to vanish away. [Hebrews 8:13]

Verses 15-22

THEN THERE WOULD BE THE SIGN THAT IT WAS TIME TO FLEE.

In verse 15 and in Mark 13:14, this sign is referred to as "the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet."

Daniel mentions three different desolations:

1) That previously caused by by Nebuchadnezzar

Now therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of your servant, and his supplications, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. (Daniel 9:17).

2) That eventually caused by Antiochus Epiphenese.

Then I heard one saint speaking, and another saint who said to that certain saint which spoke, How long shall the vision be concerning the daily sacrifice , and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot? (Daniel 8:13)

And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.(Daniel 12:11)

3) The series of desolations which would occur at the time of the Roman siege (from AD 68 to AD 70).

And after sixty two periods of seven* Messiah will be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end of it will be with a flood, and to the end of the war desolations are determined. And he [the Messiah] will confirm the covenant with many for one period of seven:* and in the middle of the period of seven* he will cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and he will make it desolate for the overspreading of abominations, even until the consummation, and that determined will be poured on the desolate.(Daniel 9:26-27) [*Hebrew years were grouped into sevens by Sabbatical years Leviticus 25:1-4.]

The Lord Jesus was talking about the third one. Daniel predicted how that, after the execution of the Messiah, war and desolations would be poured upon "the desolate". The city and the temple would be destroyed by the prince's people. This was done in AD70, by Titus' army, even though he had commanded them to spare the temple.

[See study notes on  Daniel]

The words "desolations are determined" indicate that it would be a period of several desolations. These culminated in the destruction of the temple and devastation of Jerusalem and Judaea.

The Lord spoke of a specific desolation taking place where it had no right to be [Mark 13:14], even in 'the Holy Place' [Matthew 24:15]. The Holy Place was the first of the two sacred rooms of the temple proper. Josephus records how, to the dismay of many priests, Jewish Zealots took over the temple during the siege and turned it into a fortress. The Zealots set up the command headquarters in the Holy place, “where it ought not” to be [Mark 13:14].

This desolation of the Holy Place - was the "sign" to flee to the mountains.

Matthew and Mark made it clear to the readers that they were to flee and not return to the city when:
 

  1. the Temple Holy Place was desecrated and
  2. the city was surrounded by Roman troops. [Luke 21:20-21. Matt.24:15-18. Mark 13:14-16]

Troops encircling the city would indicate that its devastation was imminent.

The desolation mentioned in Matthew and Mark is the desecration of the Holy Place by the Jewish Zealots, in setting up their command headquarters there. Whereas the desolation referred to in Luke 21:20 is the subsequent devastation of the city.

And when you shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation of it is near. Then let those who are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let those who are in the midst of it depart out; and do not let those who are in the countries enter into it. (Luke 21:20-21)

During the siege of AD 70 there was a short break in hostilities. That day, Christians, heeding this advise, took that opportunity to flee Jerusalem. According to the historian Eusebius there was no record of any Christian perishing in the siege.

They were to flee Judea and go into the mountains

For it shall come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole country.* [*The Greek word ge, not kosmoV] (Luke 21:35)

The mountains on the east of Jordan have many interconnecting caves where numerous folk could hide in safety.

In Matthew 24:20 they are to pray that they would not have to flee on the Sabbath. This confirms that these predictions are to do with the Jews living then. They have nothing to do with the end of the world.

The horrors of the siege and the devastation of Judea.

The horrors that would ensue would exceed anything else in history, either in the past or in the future.% [Matt.24:19-22. Mark 13:17-19]

%For a detailed account of the siege of Jerusalem see William Whiston's translation of Flavious Josephus' Complete, Kregal, Grand Rapids, Michigan: 'The Antiquities of the Jews' book XVIII chapters 5, 9, book XX chapter 8 and 'The Wars of the Jews,' book I The Preface, book IV chapter 9, book V chapters 10, 11, book VI chapters 3 to 9.

Following the destruction of Jerusalem Titus' soldiers desolated the whole country. But, God stopped them from pursuing those who had fled into the mountains,.[Matthew 24:22 Mark 13:20]

Verses 23-26

AT THAT TIME THERE WOULD BE FALSE MESSIAHS AND FALSE PROPHETS.

Here and in Mark 13:21-23, they are again warned [cp. vv.4,5 and Mark 13:5,6] to ignore false Messiah's and false prophets.

Verses 27

IGNORE THEM BECAUSE:

Here the Lord gives a reason why they must ignore the false messiahs. They are to ignore them because when the Lord does come - it will not be in the dessert or in some obscure place - He will appear instantaneously and will be seen by everyone who has ever lived. [Revelation 1:7]

The Essenes in the dessert at Qumran were expecting a Messiah who would throw off the Roman yolk. Their seclusion did not save them from being massacred by the Roman army.

Verses 28

A PROVERB

The wicked, wherever they are, will not escape the administration of God's justice.

Wherever the body is, there will the vultures% be gathered together. (verse 28)

%(aetoV eagles) This word cannot refer to the eagle on the Roman military standard because eagles do not usually gather around carrion and the illustration here is of scavengers gathering around carcasses. It probably refers to vultures. The word "body" is evidently directed at the spiritually dead - the wicked.

ALL THE SPRITUALLY DEAD WILL BE GATHERED FOR JUDGEMENT

This proverb could apply equally to the administration of God's justice on the nation of Israel [compare Luke 21:22 with Isaiah46:11 and Ezekiel 39:4] or to the administration of His justice when the Lord Jesus appears.

A person can be physically alive yet spiritually be a carcase.

She who lives in pleasure is dead whilst she lives (1.Timothy 5:6)

Many who are alive physically are dead spiritually. The Lord makes it clear that wherever the spiritual carcases are they will be separated and suffer judgement.

Don't be deceived; God is not mocked: for whatever a man sows, that is also what he will reap. For he who sows to his flesh* will reap corruptin from his flesh,* but he who sows to the Spirit will reap life everlasting from the Spirit. (Galatians 6:7-8)

*[Greek sarx physical desires]

... to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know not God and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who will be punished with everlasting ruin away from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he comes in that day, to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all those who believe since our testimony to you was believed. (1.Thessalonians 1:7-10)

Verses 29

IMMEDIATELY AFTER “THOSE DAYS”

Having explained what will really happen when he does appear, Jesus resumes talking about the events accompanying the devastation of Judea.

Here and in Mark 13:24,25 it refers to a period of confusion immediately following the destruction of Jerusalem.

"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." (Matthew 24:29) #

"But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken." (Mark 13:24-25) #

The word *"those" directs the mind back beyond his immediate comments to what he said earlier about the destruction of the temple. Political and religious hierarchical chaos immediately followed the destruction of the temple and the devastation of Jerusalem and Judaea. [*ekeinwn=those - not - 'outwn=these]

"And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring, 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." (Luke 21:25,26)

# Similar figurative language is used of spiritual and political confusion in the Hebrew Scriptures. [Isaiah 2:19,21, 13:10-13, 24:23, 34:4, 60:19-20, Ezekiel 32:7-8 and Joel 2:28-32, 3:15]

Verse 30-31

THIS POLITICO-SPIRITUAL DARKNESS WILL NOT END UNTIL THE LORD APPEARS.

The Apostle Paul wrote of a man of sin causing chaos in the temple of God - i.e. in the church. The man of sin is seen at work in such as Diotrephes [3.John 9]. This personified evil, this agent of Satan was already at work in Paul's time [2.Thessalonins 2:7] The desire for supremacy in power hungry members of the church produced political hierarchies, causing darkness and chaos. This was restrained by the persecution but came into its own under the Emperor Constantine. The perpetrator of darkness will be destroyed by the brightness of the Lord's light at his appearing.[2.Thessalonians 2:1-8]

The Lord will appear instantaneously, everywhere on the last day. Then the wicked will mourn and the faithful will be taken to be with the Lord for eternity.[Luke 21:27. Matthew 24:30-31. Mark 13:26-27. Reference "wail" "see" "clouds" Matthew 26:64. John 5:27-29. Acts 1:9, 11. 1.Corinthians 15:52. 2.Thessalonians 1:7-10. 2.Peter 3:7, 10, 12. Revelation 1:7]

Verses 32-35

HOWEVER THE IMMEDIATE CONCERN FOR THEM WAS TO BE READY TO FLEE

In the parable of the fig tree [verses 32,33 and Mark 13:28,29] the Lord reverts to talking about the events preceding the devastation of the temple. [vv.4-15,21,22-26, Mark 13:5-14,19,20-23]

"This generation"

All the predictions leading up to and including the destruction of the temple would be fulfilled within the lifetime of people listening to the Lord Jesus. [verse 34 and Mark 13:30] They have nothing to do with “end times”.

Note: The phrase “this generation” occurs 15 times in the New Testament. Every one is where the Lord is referring to the generation of people to whom he was talking. Whereas the phrase “that generation” is used when referring to folk of a different time (Hebrews 3:10).

Dreadful and devastating as the events would be, they would not stop the Lord's words* continuing to reach out to all mankind. *[logoi=concepts. v.35, Mark 13:31]

Verses 36

"THAT DAY"

Nothing could be more clearly stated than these warnings, that we cannot know when the Lord will come. So we must be prepared.

But of that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. (Matthew 24:36)

But of that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels who are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father only . Take heed, watch and pray: for you do not know when the time is. (Mark 13:32, 33)

... the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. (1.Thessalonians 5:2)

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night... (2.Peter 3:10)

Behold, I come as a thief. Blest is he who watches ... (Revelation 16:15)

Verse 37

WE MUST ALWAYS BE PREPARED FOR THE LORD'S SUDDEN APPEARANCE

Matthew and Mark continue with three parable illustrating the need to always be prepared for the Lord's appearing, emphasising that we cannot know when he will come.

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man comes. (Matthew 25:13)

Mark has this additional warning:

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. Watch therefore: for you do not know when the master of the house comes, at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say to you I say to all, Watch. (Mark 13:34-37)

The Lord has not left us 'in the dark' that He will appear suddenly, without warning. So by always being prepared we will not be caught out.

But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1.Thessalonians 5:4)

The Lord Jesus says, 'I am definitely coming suddenly.'

Can we with confidence and with joy say: 'Even so, come, Lord Jesus.' ? (Revelation 22:20)

NOTES on chapter 24 verses 40 and 41

WHEN THE LORD APPEARS, WILL THE WICKED BE LEFT BEHIND ON THE EARTH?

40 Then two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other abandoned*. 41Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other abandoned*.

The Lord is also talking of his appearing in similar way in Luke 17:24-36.

34 I tell you, in this$ night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be abandoned.* 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other abandoned.* 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other abandoned*

$ tauth this. "this night" Luke 17:30. The day when the Son of man is revealed.

* afihmi abandoned. i.e. not one of those who will be gathered to be with the Lord

[cp. Matthew 25:46].

This word does not imply that they are left to live on the earth. It should not be interpreted so as to contradict other scripture. [e.g. Matthew 25:31-46, John 5:27-29]

THE WORLD IS ROUND

The world is a sphere suspended in space, where at the same time, on one side it is night and folk are asleep, whilst on the other side it is day and folk are working.

The Bible stated these facts many centuries before Galileo was born. It is amaizing that so-called "Christian" prelates were so ignorant of the scriptures that they persecuted Galileo.

[cp. Isaiah 40:22 and Job 26:7]
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