Matthew 24

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 7 StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump Size -9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 jBiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 1 27 2 8 0 0 CHAPTERS XXIV XXV) Chapters 24 and 25) Theme: The Work Which Thou Gavest Him to Do) The Last Things) The Sixth Great Discourse) ) 24:1 25:46 The Last Things) 24 1 Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples approached him to call his attention to buildings of the temple. 2 He answered them, Do you see all this? I solemnly assure you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down. ) 3 And as he was sitting on the Mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall this happen, and what (shall be) the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age? ) 4 Jesus replied, Take care that no one misleads you. 5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and shall mislead many. 6 And you are going to hear about wars and rumors of wars, but watch out; do not be disturbed, for such things must happen, but that is not yet the end. 7 For (one) nation shall rise up in arms against (another) nation, and (one) kingdom against (another) kingdom, and there shall be famines and earthquakes in various places, 8 but all these things are (only) the beginning of birth pains. 9. Then you shall be handed over to tribulation and you shall be put to death, and you shall be hated by all the nations for my name s sake. 10 And then many shall fall away,��786�� betraying and hating each other. 11 And many false prophets shall arise and shall mislead many; 12 and because lawlessnesss shall increase, the love of the majority shall grow cold. 13 But he that endures to the end, he shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then shall come the end.) 15 Now when you see the desolating sacrilege, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place let him who reads understand , 16 then let those in Judea flee to the hills; 17 let him who (happens to be) on the housetop not go down to get the things out that are in his house; 18 and let him who is in the field not go back to get his coat. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse babies in those days! 20 Pray that your flight may not occur in winter or on the sabbath; 21 for then there shall be great tribulation, such as there has never been since the beginning of the world until now, and as there shall never be again. 22 And if those days were not cut short no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short. 23 At that time if anyone should say to you, Look, here (is) the Christ! or There (he is)!, do not believe (him); 24 for false Christs shall arise and false prophets, and shall perform great signs and miracles, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you ahead of time. 26 So, if they shall say to you, Look, he is in the wilderness, do not go out there; Look, he is in the inner rooms, do not believe (them). 27 For as the lightning goes out from the east and flashes clear to the west, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. 28 Wherever there is a corpse, there the vultures will gather.) 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days,) The sun shall be darkened,) And the moon shall not give her light,) And the stars shall fall from the sky,) And the powers of the heaven shall be shaken.) 30 And then the sign of the Son of man shall appear in the sky, and then) All the tribes of the earth shall mourn,) and they shall see) The Son of man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory; 31 and he shall send forth his angels with a loud trumpet blast, and they shall gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.) 32 Now from the fig tree learn this lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So also you, when you see all this, know then that it is near, at the very gates. 34 I solemnly declare to you that this generation shall certainly not pass away until all this takes place. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away.) 36 But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father only. 37 And as (were) the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. 38 For just as men were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, 39 not recovering their senses until the flood came and swept them all away, so also shall be the coming of the Son of man. 40 Then two men shall be in the field; one is taken, one left behind. 41 Two women (shall be) grinding with a hand-mill; one is taken, one left behind. 42 Be on the alert, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 But this you do know, that if the owner of the house had known at what watch of the night the burglar would arrive, he would have been on the alert, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also, be ready, for at an hour when you do not expect (him), the Son of man comes.) 45 Who then is the faithful and sensible servant whom the master has put in charge of his household employees, to give them food at the proper time? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his master at his coming shall find so doing. 47 I solemnly assure you that he shall set him over all his possessions. 48 But if that servant be wicked, and shall say in his heart, My master is taking his time, 49 and shall begin to beat up his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with drunkards, 50 the master of that servant shall arrive on a day when he does not expect him, and at an hour he does not figure on,��787�� 51 and shall cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and grinding of teeth.) 25 1 Then the kingdom of heaven shall be comparable to ten girls, who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five sensible. 3 For the foolish, having taken their lamps, took no oil with them; 4 but the sensible took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 Now when the bridegroom was taking his time, they all grew drowsy��788�� and (soon) were sleeping. 6 But at midnight there was a shout, Here comes the bridegroom! Go out to meet him! 7 Then all those girls awoke and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the sensible, Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out. 9 But the sensible girls answered. There may not be enough for both us and you.

You better go to those who sell (it), and buy (some) for yourselves. 10 However, when they were on their way to buy, there came the bridegroom! The girls who were ready went in with him to the wedding, and the door was shut. 11 Later the other girls came also, saying, Sir, sir, open the door for us. 12 But he replied, I solemnly declare, I do not know you. 13 Keep on the alert, therefore, because you do not know the day or the hour.) 14 For (it is) like a man going abroad, who called his servants and placed his property in their hands. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his ability; then he went abroad. 16 At once the man who had received the five talents went and put them to work and gained five more. 17 So also the man (who had) the two gained two more. 18 But the man who had received the one (talent) went off, dug a hole in the ground, and hid his master s money. 19 Now a long while afterward the master of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 He who had received the five talents came forward, brought five additional talents, and said, Master, five talents you placed in my hands; look, an additional five talents I have gained. 21 His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. Over a small amount you have been faithful, over much I am going to put you in charge; come, share your master s happiness. 22 He (who had received) the two talents also came forward, and said, Master, two talents you placed in my hands; look, an additional two talents I have gained. 23 His master said to him, Well done, good and faithful servant. Over a small amount you have been faithful, over much I am going to put you in charge; come, share your master s happiness. 24 Also he who had received the one talent came forward and said, Master, I always knew that you were a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter; 25 so, being afraid, I went away and hid your talent in the ground; look, (here) you have what is yours. 26 But his master answered and said to him, You wicked and lazy servant! did you know that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? 27 Then you should have invested my money with the bankers, and upon my return I would have received what was mine plus interest. 28 Take the talent from him and give (it) to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For to everyone who has shall (more) be given, and he shall have plenty; but from him who does not have, even what he has shall be taken away. 30 And fling the useless servant into the most distant darkness; there shall be weeping and grinding of teeth. ) 31 When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he shall sit on the throne of his glory; 32 and before him shall be gathered all the nations, and he shall separate them from each other, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; 33 and he shall put the sheep at his right and the goats at his left. 34 Then the King shall say to those at his right: Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you since the founding of the world; 35 for I was hungry, and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me; 36 in need of clothes, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you looked after me; I was in prison, and you came to see me. 37 Then the righteous shall answer, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee a drink; 38 and when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or in need of clothes and clothe thee; 39 and when did we see thee sick or in prison and come to thee? 40 And the King shall answer them, I solemnly assure you, whatever you did for one of these brothers of mine, (even) for one of the least, you did it for me. 41 Then he shall also speak to those at his left (saying): Depart from me, you accursed ones, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels; 42 for I was hungry, and you did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and you did not give me a drink; 43 I was a stranger, and you did not welcome me; in need of clothes, and you did not clothe me; sick and in prison, and you did not look after me. 44 Then they too shall answer, saying, Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or in need of clothes or sick or in prison, and did not wait on thee? 45 Then he shall answer them, saying, I solemnly assure you whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into everlasting life. ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.1-41.13.37|AUTODETECT|” For most of 24:1 44 cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.1-41.13.37|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:1 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.5-42.21.36|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.5-42.21.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:5 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.37-42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” . For 24:37 51 cf. also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.37-42.12.48|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:37 48) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.26|AUTODETECT|” 17:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.34|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.34|AUTODETECT|” 34) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.35|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.35|AUTODETECT|” 35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.0|AUTODETECT|” .) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.25.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 has no true parallel in the other Gospels. Luke s parable of The Pounds (19:11 27) is not a true parallel to Matthew s parable of The Talents (25:14 30). See also p. 23. There are, however, certain resemblances.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Introduction and Summary) A few points are worthy of special notice:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.24.0|AUTODETECT|”

1. This is next to the longest of Christ s six discourses. The evangelist Matthew devotes far more space to it than does Mark or Luke; though much of chapter 24 is paralleled in the other Synoptics, and they, in turn, contain a few passages not found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=40.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . The sermon is generally known as Christ s Eschatological Discourse or Discourse on the Last Things. To indicate more clearly its material content one might also use the caption Watchfulness Urged in View of The Son of Man s Return as Judge and Rewarder. ) 1 1 2 8 0 0
2. The effort to combine it with chapter 23, making chapters 23 25 one discourse, in order, by means of this manipulation, to reduce the six discourses to five comparable to the five books of Moses! cannot succeed, for the address found in chapter 23 was delivered in the temple; the one recorded in chapters 24, 25, on the Mount of Olives. The former had as its audience the crowds and Christ s disciples; the latter, the disciples alone. The themes, too, are entirely different, as has been indicated.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.21.24|AUTODETECT|”
3. The prophetic material found in this sixth discourse has reference not only to events near at hand (see, for example, verse 16) but also to those stretching far into the future, as is clear from 24:14, 29 31; 25:6, 31 46. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.21.24|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 3 2 8 0 0
4. By the process of prophetic foreshortening, by means of which before one s eyes the widely separated mountain peaks of historic events merge and are seen as one, as has been explained in connection with 10:23 and 16:28, two momentous events are here intertwined, namely, a. the judgment upon Jerusalem (its fall in the year a.d. 70), and b. the final judgment at the close of the world s history. Our Lord predicts the city s approaching catastrophe as a type of the tribulation at the end of the dispensation. Or, putting it differently, in describing the brief period of great tribulation at the close of history, ending with the final judgment, Jesus is painting in colors borrowed from the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans.��789��) The now rather popular view according to which chapter 24, including even such an exalted passage as 24:30, which pictures the Son of man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory, limits itself to the woes that were to come upon the Jewish people in the year a.d. 70, is open to the following objections:) a. If we thus restrict the meaning Jesus did not answer the question of the disciples. To study the contents of that question we must not refer only to the Gospel of Mark (13:4) and that of Luke (21:7) but also to Matthew (24:3).

This gives us the total picture. Included in the question of the disciples were these words: & what (shall be) the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age? Now if in the entire discourse which follows Jesus never speaks about his eschatological coming at the close of the world s history, he did not answer their question.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.29|AUTODETECT|” b. We are clearly told, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , that the tribulation to which that passage refers immediately precedes the appearance of the sign of the Son of man in heaven. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.5-61.3.7|AUTODETECT|” Jesus emphasizes that no one neither the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father only knows the day and the hour when this great event will take place (verse 36). Does he merely mean to say that no one knows when Jerusalem will be destroyed? In verse 37 we read: And as (were) the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. Is the destruction of the face of the earth by means of the flood a type merely of Jerusalem s fall, or is it a type of the passing away of heaven and earth to which reference is made in verse 35? Not only the immediate context but also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.5-61.3.7|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:5 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.20-42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” furnishes the answer 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.20-42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:20 37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 6 2 8 0 0 c. Our Lord continues his discourse in chapter 25. The two chapters belong together. If the lofty language of 24:29 31 refers to nothing more momentous and final than Jerusalem s destruction in the year a.d. 70, then by the same process of reasoning the very similar words of 25:31 46 must be given this restricted interpretation. Observe the parallel: in both cases the Son of man appears in great glory, and the people are gathered before him. But 25:46 proves without possibility of successful contradiction that the end of the age has been reached.

The moment has arrived when these the goats; i.e., the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into everlasting life. ) It is not claimed, of course, that any exegete is able completely to untangle what is here intertwined, so as to indicate accurately for each individual passage just how much refers to Jerusalem s fall, and how much to the great tribulation and second coming.) 5. The main emphasis in both chapters is on the necessity of always being on the alert, active for the Master, faithful to him. See especially 24:4, 23, 25, 42, 44 51; and the entire chapter 25.) The two chapters contain ten easily recognized parts or paragraphs:) 1. In verses 1 3 the occasion that gave rise to this discourse is described. That occasion was as follows: In harmony with what Jesus had already implied in 23:38 he now, having left the temple, in reply to the disciples expression of amazement about the grandeur of that building predicts its total destruction. Arrived on the Mount of Olives the disciples ask him when this shall happen and what shall be the sign (note the singular) of his coming and of the end of the age.

They evidently think that the end of the temple means the end of the age .) 2. In his answer Jesus first of all verses 4 14 predicts various coming events: the arrival of false Christs and false prophets, wars and rumors of wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, apostasy, lawlessness, and the chilling of mutual love. He declares that all of this shall be only the beginning of woes or birth pains. The end about which the disciples have inquired is not yet. More definite is the fact that the gospel shall be preached in the whole world. And then shall come the end. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” 3. If the world-wide preaching of the gospel may be considered the first of two definite preliminary signs, then the great tribulation, described in verses 15 28, is the second. Occurring immediately before the appearance of the sign of the Son of man in the sky and his glorious (second) coming (see verses 29, 30), it is foreshadowed by woes in store for Jerusalem. These woes, too, are followed by one definite sign, namely, the appearance of the desolating sacrilege, that is, Jerusalem compassed with armies 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) carrying idol images of their emperor upon their standards. This would be the sign or signal for those in Judea to flee to the hills. However, the destruction of Jerusalem is not the end of the age. Believers must not be deceived by cries such as, Look, here (is) the Christ, or There. As far as the second coming is concerned, no one will have to call attention to it, for it will be sudden and everywhere visible, resembling an abrupt lightning flash seen from one horizon to the other. That coming of the Son of man is going to occur when it must occur, because morally and spiritually mankind will have deteriorated to such an extent that it will resemble carrion ready to be devoured by vultures.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.32|AUTODETECT|” 4. The sun shall be darkened, the moon shall not give her light, the stars shall fall from the sky, etc. Then suddenly there is the sign, the one sign about which the disciples had asked, the Son of man appearing in the sky. The glorious character of this appearance is convincing proof that this is indeed the Messiah of prophecy and that the wedding of the Lamb with his bride, the church, is about to take place 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.5.32|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 5:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). With a loud trumpet blast the angels shall gather his elect from everywhere (verses 29 31).) 1 8 2 8 0 0 5. A lesson from the fig tree is found in verses 32 35, and may be paraphrased thus: As soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So also you, my disciples, when you see all this the series of events climaxed by the appearance of the desolating sacrilege will know that the fall of Jerusalem and its temple is near, even at the gates. As for the Jews in general, Jesus predicts that this generation or kind of people shall not pass away until all this events stretching all the way to the appearance of the Son of man and his coming on the clouds of the sky takes place. Jesus adds, Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away. ) 6. The necessity of being ready always, in view of the unknown day and hour of Christ s coming is stressed in verses 36 44.

At the time of the flood people did not expect sudden disaster. So they continued to live as if nothing would ever happen, paying no attention to their spiritual calling. Then suddenly the flood came and swept them away. By no means is Jesus at his return going to welcome every person to his loving embrace. One is taken, the other left behind. The disciples should therefore always be on the alert, just as a home-owner would be on the alert all the time if he knew that a burglar was going to try to break into his house but did not know exactly when this would occur.) 7.

Such readiness means faithfulness, loving and loyal service to the Master. This truth is set forth by means of the parable of The Faithful and Sensible Servant (who is rewarded) versus The Unfaithful and Wicked Servant (who is punished); see verses 45 51.) 8. and 9. The parable of The Five Foolish and The Five Sensible (or The Five Thoughtless and The Five Thoughtful) Girls (25:1 13) and that of The Talents (verses 14 30) re-emphasize the proper manner of awaiting Christ s return. However, each does this in its own way: the first stressing preparedness; the second, adding to this faithfulness.) 10. The Son of man s coming in his glory, to judge all the nations, is pictured in verses 31 46, under the symbolism of a shepherd who puts the sheep on his right, the goats on his left. Those on the right, subsequently called the righteous (verses 37, 46), shall be rewarded with everlasting life.

The loving service which by grace they have spontaneously rendered to Christ s brothers, even to the least of them, hence, to Christ himself, shows that their faith was genuine. So also the lack of this loving service proves the opposite for those on the left, the wicked, who are condemned to everlasting punishment.) 1. The Occasion) 24:1. Jesus left the temple and was walking away when his disciples approached him to call his attention to the buildings of the temple. It is Tuesday, a few days before the Passover Lamb is going to offer himself as an atonement for the sins of his people. In all probability it is late afternoon of this very busy and memorable day.

Jesus left the temple and is in the act of walking away from it when his disciples approach him with the purpose of calling his attention to the beauty and massiveness of their sacred edifice: Teacher, look, what (huge) stones, what (magnificent) buildings! The reason why just at this particular moment these men are thinking of the temple is that Jesus had just told them, Behold, your house is left to you a deserted place. Though it is reasonable to believe that the expression your house meant Jerusalem, the temple was certainly included. It is as if the disciples were saying, Is it really true that also this glorious structure is going to be entirely deserted by and by? 2. He answered them, Do you see all this? I solemnly assure you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.

For I solemnly assure you see on 5:18. The meaning of the solemn statement is probably: not only is this building complex going to be deserted, it shall be completely destroyed, the hyperbolic figure not one stone upon another indicating the totality of its destruction. For fulfilment see on 22:7.) 3. And as he was sitting on the Mount of Olives the disciples came to him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall this happen, and what (shall be) the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age? A little while afterward Jesus is sitting on the Mount of Olives. We can imagine how, looking across the valley, a truly fascinating view disclosed itself to the eyes of the little company.

There was the roof of the temple bathed in a sea of golden glory. There were those beautiful terraced courts and also those cloisters of snowy marble which seemed to shine and sparkle in the light of the setting sun. And then to think that all this glory was about to perish! The minds of the disciples reeled and staggered when they pondered that mysterious and awesome prediction.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.2|AUTODETECT|” All this glory! Beautiful for elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion & the city of the Great King.& Walk about Zion, and go round about her: count her towers. Mark well her bulwarks. Consider her palaces 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.2|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 48:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.48.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This surely was true no less with respect to the greatly enlarged and lavishly adorned temple which King Herod I had started to build. See above p. 159. Nor has there been, either in ancient or modern times, a sacred building equal to the temple, whether for situation or magnificence. ��790�� Rabbinic literature is not particularly favorable to Herod. Nevertheless, concerning Herod s temple it states, He who never saw Herod s edifice has never in his life seen a beautiful building. ��791��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.3|AUTODETECT|” We can picture the disciples riveting their eyes on Jerusalem s pride, in deep silence and sorrow meditating on the words of doom spoken by Jesus. Finally that silence is broken by four of the men: Peter, James, John, and Andrew 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.3|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Stepping up to Jesus they ask, Tell us, when shall this happen, and what (shall be) the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age? The very form in which the question is cast the juxtaposition of the clauses seems to indicate that, as these men (spokesmen for the rest of The Twelve) interpret the Master s words, Jerusalem s fall, particularly the destruction of the temple, would mean the end of the world. In this opinion they were partly mistaken, as Jesus is about to show. A lengthy period of time would intervene between Jerusalem s fall and the culmination of the age, the second coming. Nevertheless, the disciples were not entirely wrong: there was indeed a connection between the judgment to be executed upon the Jewish nation and the final judgment on the day of the consummation of all things. As has already been indicated, the first was a type, a foreshadowing or adumbration, of the second.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.32|AUTODETECT|” The point has been raised, How could the disciples, to whom Christ s repeated predictions of his coming death and resurrection meant so little 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.9.32|AUTODETECT|” Mark 9:32) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.45|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.9.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 9:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.34|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.34|AUTODETECT|” 18:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), ask about his (second) coming? A distinction must be made, however, between thoroughly understanding a thing and being emotionally interested in it. The disciples, to be sure, failed to fathom Christ s predictions concerning a resurrection from the dead, but if anything of that nature was going to happen, so that Jesus would rise again and would then go to his Father and sit on the throne, they wanted to know more about this; perhaps especially also because their Lord had promised that he would return to them and that they, too, would sit on thrones (19:28; 23:39). For the term coming or parousia see on verse 27.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 Though it must be freely admitted that this is not a thorough explanation of their condition of mind, it may clear up the situation to some extent. At any rate, the question they asked was the occasion that gave rise to their Master s famous eschatological discourse.) 2. The Beginning of Woes or Birth Pains) 4 12. Jesus replied, Take care that no one misleads you. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ, and shall mislead many. And you are going to hear about wars and rumors of wars, but watch out; do not be disturbed, for such things must happen, but that is not yet the end.

For (one) nation shall rise up in arms against (another) nation, and (one) kingdom against (another) kingdom, and there shall be famines and earthquakes in various places, but all these things are (only) the beginning of birth pains. Then you shall be handed over to tribulation and you shall be put to death, and you shall be hated by all the nations for my name s sake. And then many shall fall away, betraying and hating each other. And many false prophets shall arise and shall mislead many; and because lawlessness shall increase, the love of the majority shall grow cold.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” Jesus now proceeds to correct their mistaken inference. He shows them that not everything that seems to be a sign of the end of the world is in reality such a sign. In other words, there are also signs which only in a very general sense are deserving of that name. Whenever these separate happenings are interpreted as being infallible indications that the end of the age is immediately in sight, they deserve the name mistaken signs. Thus, Jesus predicts the coming of false Christs individuals who will say: I am the Christ. and false prophets, who shall mislead many. Those who persist in being misled show that they never belonged to Christ s true flock 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.19|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.11.19|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 11:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). There have always been false prophets, deceivers. Their victims begin to oppose God s laws. This lawlessness shall increase, with the natural result: division within the family circle, decrease in love for each other, exactly as Jesus had previously predicted (cf. 24:12 with 10:34 37). It is not necessary to name any of the false prophets. They were present in connection with Jerusalem s fall, but they did not cease to be in evidence after that great catastrophe of a.d. 70. The disciples must not be led astray by them (24:4). Their claims should be rejected. Moreover, the very fact that they never vanish from the earth during this entire dispensation clearly shows that their appearance and work can never constitute a sign in the restricted sense of the term.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 This also holds true with respect to wars and rumors of wars (24:6). When Jesus speaks these words, the Roman empire has been enjoying a long era of peace. But about four decades later political turmoil will upset the great realm from one end to the other, so that Rome will see four emperors in one year: Galba, Otho, Vitellus, and Vespasian. But these violent revolts and insurrections cannot by any stretch of the imagination constitute definite indications that the Lord will return immediately. This is evident at once when one considers the fact that wars and rumors of war did not cease with Jerusalem s fall. Throughout the centuries the prophecy attains fulfilment: nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom (verse 7a).

One author counted three hundred wars in Europe during the last three hundred years. And these wars are increasing in intensity. It is perfectly clear that when any particular war is singled out as a help for date-fixers another mistaken sign has been produced.) Jesus also speaks about famines and earthquakes in various places (verse 7b). As was true with respect to other predicted events, so it is here. These disturbances in the physical realm are indeed foreshadowings and portrayals of that which, on a much more extensive and intensive scale, will take place in the realm of nature at the end of the age; but except in that very general sense they cannot be correctly termed signs. Not any single one of them could ever give anyone the right to make predictions with reference either to the date of Jerusalem s fall or to the time of the Parousia (Christ s second coming).

It is true that during the period a.d. 60 80 famine, pestilence, fire, hurricane, and earthquake ravaged the empire, as Renan points out in l Antichrist. Vesuvius erupted violently in the summer of 79, destroying Pompeii and its surroundings. But, as is already clear from the preceding sentence, these catastrophes were not limited to the decade preceding the fall of Jerusalem in the year 70. Moreover, throughout the centuries there have been violent earthquakes. For example: On Nov. 1, 1755, 60,000 people perished at Lisbon, Portugal; in 1783 the great Calabrian earthquake occurred with the death of an estimated 30,000; in 1857 the Neapolitan earthquake took more than 12,000 lives. There was also the Charleston earthquake in 1886; the Assam in 1897; the one in California in 1906, which destroyed a considerable section of San Francisco; the one in Messina in 1908; in Avezzano, Italy in 1915; several in Turkey, from 1939 until very recently; the one that shook Kansu Province, China, in 1920; the one that hit Japan, in 1923, wrecking parts of Tokyo and Yokohama; those in Chile, in 1939, 1960, and even more recently; the devastating earthquake in Peru, 1970; etc.

Ancient historians and philosophers such as Thucydides, Aristotle, Strabo, Seneca, Livy, and Pliny describe similar seismic phenomena in their days. And as early as the year 1668 Robert Hooke wrote his work bearing the title, Discourse on Earthquakes. A certain author counted no less than seven hundred disturbances of this nature, great and small, which had occurred in the nineteenth century!) It is hardly necessary to add to this that not only false Christs and false prophets, wars and rumors of war, earthquakes and famines occur in every age throughout the history of the church, but so do also persecutions and defections, to which Jesus refers in verses 9, 10, 12, and 13. The saying has been verified in every century: And you shall be hated by all nations for my name s sake, that is, because of your vital connection with me. See also on 6:9; 7:22; 10:22, 41, 42; 12:21. The very expression all nations clearly shows that Jesus is not thinking solely of what happens during the life-time of the apostles.) Now with respect to events such as these described Jesus says in verses 6 and 8, Do not be disturbed, for such things must happen, but that is not yet the end.

All these things are (only) the beginning of birth pains. They mark the beginning, says Jesus. They do not mark the end. Therefore, do not be alarmed.) In spite of this clear warning which our Lord gave to his disciples, many present-day church members are filled with admiration for the minister or evangelist who speaks learnedly about The Signs of the Times, and strives to show his audience that this or that terrible battle, serious earthquake, or devastating famine on the basis of prophecy is the infallible sign of Christ s imminent return.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.11|AUTODETECT|” To be sure, the events here indicated have significance. They are stepping stones leading to the final goal. By means of them the end of the age is both foreshadowed and brought closer, and God s eternal plan is being carried forward. Moreover, when we realize that toward the end of the present dispensation the indicated disturbances will occur together (24:33), will probably be more numerous, extensive, and fearful than ever before 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.11|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.5-40.24.9|AUTODETECT|” ), and are going to take place in connection with the great tribulation that shall usher in the parousia 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.5-40.24.9|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:5 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), we may conclude that it would not be unreasonable to call the final outbreak of these terrors concurrent or accompanying signs. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” Jesus continues: 13. But he that endures to the end, he shall be saved. As in 10:22 so also here the meaning is: he who, in spite of all these disturbances and persecutions, remains loyal to Christ shall enter into glory. For himself the period of persecution and trial will last until death delivers him from this earthly scene 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” John 16:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ). For the church in general it will last until Christ s return in glory 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10-66.11.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.10-66.11.12|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11:10 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” In verses 4 12 Jesus has been speaking about a series of events which, taken by themselves, do not definitely indicate the end about which the disciples had inquired. Suddenly there is a change from but that is not yet the end to and then shall come the end. Perhaps we may regard he that endures to the end of verse 13 as the transition, since in saying the end the mind easily moves from the contemplation of the close of any believer s individual life, to the consummation of the world s history. At any rate, it is clear that the Lord did not forget the question of the disciples. Having warned them against paying undue attention to such constantly repeated disturbances which in large measure can be called false signs, he now says: 14. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then shall come the end.

He does not say, Then immediately, reserving this word immediately for verse 29, but simply then. This then may well be taken as covering more territory than immediately afterward would have done. The final bitter attack against God s people, called the great tribulation (verse 21), of very brief duration (verse 22), as well as the actual coming of the Lord upon the clouds, is probably included in this reference to the end. What Jesus is saying, therefore, is that the concluding events of the world s history are going to be preceded by the preaching of the kingdom gospel to all the nations. That, as he saw and predicted it, such worldwide gospel proclamation would not be a matter of a few weeks, months or even years, but would range over a much longer period of time, many centuries, can be regarded as certain. The essence of that gospel is summarized in such passages as 3:2; 4:17, 23; 11:28 30; 26:6, 7; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.3.16|AUTODETECT|” John 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.17|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.3.24|AUTODETECT|” 3:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.20|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 5:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . It is definitely the gospel of the kingdom, that is, of the reign of God in heart and life, by grace and through faith. For more on this one and only gospel its power, author, emphasis, message, etc. see N.T.C. on Philippians, pp. 81 85.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.0|AUTODETECT|” It is hardly necessary to point out that there is here no promise that every person will receive a chance to be saved. Jesus is speaking about the nations of the world. He is saying that each of these nations at one time or another during the course of history will hear the gospel. This gospel will be a testimony: its acceptance or its rejection will be decisive. There is no promise here of any second chance. Whatever each nation or people does with the present gospel proclamation will have final results. It is instructive to compare these words of our Lord with ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.0|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.0|AUTODETECT|” . In that chapter the witnesses go forth and prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days. Finally, their testimony is finished. Then, after a very brief period of persecution , they are translated to heaven. Similarly also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.0|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.0|AUTODETECT|” the nations receive their great opportunity (so that the dragon cannot deceive them) during the thousand year period. Then, for a little time Satan is loosed out of his prison. This, in turn, is followed by the appearance of the Christ upon a great white throne. It is therefore clearly evident that the program of history is the same in all three chapters 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.0|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.0|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.0|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” A brief survey of the progress of missions from the earliest period until the present day will convince anyone that the days in which we are now living are significant indeed! By and large the gospel has been spreading from the rising of the sun to its setting. One author estimates that by the close of the Apostolic Period the total number of Christian disciples had already reached half a million.��792�� During this early period one missionary towers above all the rest, namely, Paul. Farther and farther westward he brought the gospel. He finally reached Rome as the Lord s prisoner. But even his imprisonment is a help rather than a hindrance to the spread of the good news. He states: Now I want you to know, brothers, that the things that have happened to me have in reality turned out to the advantage of the gospel, so that it has become clear to the whole praetorian guard and to all the rest that my bonds are for Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.12|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.13|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.13|AUTODETECT|” 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.2|AUTODETECT|” ). During the next period, 100 313 (death of John to Constantine) the gospel continues to penetrate the then-known world, and this in spite of many persecutions (Trajan to Diocletian). This is, indeed, very remarkable especially in the light of the fact that no less than 174,000 martyrs were buried in a single great tomb, namely, the catacombs of St. Sebastian in Rome. From Constantine to Charlemagne, 313 800, the tidings of salvation are carried to the countries of Western Europe by such famous heroes of the cross as Ulfilas, Patrick, Columba, Augustine, Willibrord, and Boniface. Meanwhile, Mohammedanism banishes the light of the gospel from many lands of Asia and Africa.

Next comes the period of the Middle Ages, from Charlemagne to Luther, 800 1517. Norway, Iceland, and Greenland are evangelized, and the Eastern Slavs turn to Christianity in a body. The Crusades, expeditions originally intended to wreak vengeance upon the Mohammedans, turned out to be a hindrance as well as a help to the propagation of the truth. During the period 1517 1792 many missionary societies originate, and the gospel is carried still farther westward. Think of John Eliot, the apostle to the North American Indians, and those that follow in his footsteps. And so we come to the modern period, 1792 to the present.

It is in the year 1792 that William Carey at a ministerial conference proposes the discussion of the theme The duty of Christians to attempt the spread of the gospel among heathen nations. On May 31 of that year this truly great man preaches his famous missionary sermon based on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.2|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 54:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.54.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . As a result of the enthusiasm which he arouses missionaries are sent to faraway countries so that India, southeastern Asia, China, Japan, Korea nations that are reached by traveling from America across the great Pacific in a westerly direction receive the gospel.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The work has not been completed. Even today it can hardly be said without qualification that the heart of Africa, of Asia, and of South America has been thoroughly penetrated. But it cannot be denied that the prophecy of our Lord is approaching fulfilment. Consider this important fact: seventy years ago the Bible (as a whole or in part) had been translated into only 300 languages; today into about 1400 languages and dialects. And the work is still continuing; in fact, more vigorously than ever, many forces combining to bring it about.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” It must not be supposed, however, that the world is going to get better and better right along, until the very moment of Christ s arrival. If the preaching of the gospel to all the nations may be called the first preliminary sign of Christ s return, the second preliminary sign is now going to be pointed out. As already shown, it will cover a much shorter period of time. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . In this connection it must also be stressed that in all probability the close of the gospel age and the beginning of the great tribulation overlap. As has also been shown see p. 847 in describing the brief period of great tribulation at the close of history, ending with the final judgment, Jesus is painting in colors borrowed from the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans. This must be borne in mind as we now study:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 3. The Great Tribulation) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.11.31|AUTODETECT|” 15, 16. Now when you see the desolating sacrilege, which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place let him who reads understand , then let those in Judea flee to the hills.& Jesus had said, Behold, your house is left to you a deserted place.& I solemnly assure you, there shall not be left here one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down (23:38; 24:2). The disciples had reacted with the question, Tell us, when shall this happen, and what (shall be) the sign of thy coming and of the end of the age? (24:3). As to the erroneous implication of that question, as if the fall of Jerusalem and its temple would be immediately followed by the end of the age, Jesus has set the disciples straight on that. He has shown that many disturbances will occur and that a lengthy period of gospel proclamation is going to intervene before the day of his coming arrives. As to the first part of the question, considered all by itself, When shall this destruction of Jerusalem and its temple be?

Jesus answers it now, but in such a way that the answer suits more than one event in history. To begin with, it was appropriate for the days immediately referred to by Daniel; see especially ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.11.31|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 11:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.12.11|AUTODETECT|” 12:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” . In accordance with that prophet s prediction Antiochus Epiphanes (175 164 b.c.), unaware that he was indeed fulfilling prophecy, and being thoroughly responsible for his own wicked deed, erected a pagan altar over the altar of burnt-offering, thus polluting the house of God. This had happened long ago. Nevertheless, Jesus says, Now when you see the desolating sacrilege, showing that he is telling the disciples that a divine oracle may apply to more than one historical situation: the sacrilege that results in the desolation of city and temple takes place more than once in history. Let the man who reads Daniel s prophecy understand this! Just as in the past the holy places of the Lord had been desecrated, so it will happen again. And it did indeed take place when the Roman armies, with the image of the emperor upon their standards, an image and an emperor worshipped by them��793�� laid siege to the city of Jerusalem 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But just as the pagan altar and the swine offered upon it in the very temple of Jehovah in the second century b.c. pointed forward to the idolatrous legions of Rome, so these in turn foreshadowed the great and final violation by the antichrist of all that is sacred. It is for this reason that in verses 29 31 Jesus is able to say, Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light.& And then the sign of the Son of man shall appear in the sky & and then they shall see the Son of man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” Returning now to the second application of the prophecy, namely, to the days just previous to Jerusalem s fall (a.d. 70), when the Roman armies would arrive and desecrate the holy place, that is, the soil which, together with its holy city and holy Temple, had been historically consecrated to the Lord, Jesus warns his followers that when this occurs those in Judea should flee to the hills. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . They must not try to enter Jerusalem, thinking that the Lord would never allow it to be taken. Instead those who are still in the city and have a chance to get out must do so at once; those dwelling in the Judean countryside must join them in fleeing to the hills.) 1 3 2 8 0 0 As to the fulfilment, we know that the Jews in general rushed into Jerusalem, resulting in a horrible blood bath.��794�� But what happened to the Christians? Did they heed Christ s exhortation to flee to the hills? According to many commentators they did, and finally found refuge in Perean Pella. To substantiate their opinion these commentators appeal to the statement of Eusebius: On the other hand, the people of the Jerusalem church were commanded by an oracle given by revelation before the war to those in the city who were worthy of it to depart and dwell in one of the cities of Perea which they called Pella (Eccl. Hist. III.v.3).

According to Epiphanius the exit from the city and flight to Pella began just before the Romans laid siege to Jerusalem (Ag. Her. XXIX.7). Scholars who have made a special study of the early history of the Jerusalem church doubt this fourth century a.d. report. They tell us that a. in order at this time to get to Pella, believers would have had to break their way through lines of Roman soldiers; b. the people left in Pella were filled with bitter hatred against all Jews, including Christian Jews; c. Pella could not have provided housing for all the refugees; and d. if the escape had been attempted at a slightly earlier date, the Christians would have fallen into the hostile hands of the fanatical Jewish freedom-fighters.��795��) Pella is nowhere mentioned in Scripture.

With reference to the extent to which believers obeyed the Lord s instruction to flee to the hills he did not say to Pella there is no reliable information. Let us hope that many obeyed his kind and urgent warning, which continues as follows: 17, 18. let him who (happens to be) on the housetop not go down to get the things out that are in his house; and let him who is in the field not go back to get his coat. The man who is on the flat roof, from which by an outside ladder he is able to descend in order as quickly as possible to flee to the hills, must not, after descending, go into the house to rescue his goods. Similarly, the laborer, dressed only in his tunic, and thus working in the field, must not go back from the field into his house, but must immediately take off for the hills. Delay, in either case, might mean being captured, turned back, or perhaps even being killed.) The sympathetic heart of our Lord, revealed on so many previous occasions as recorded in this Gospel (8:17; 9:13, 36; 11:25 30; 12:7, 30; 15:32; 19:13 15; 23:23, 37), is deeply affected by two additional considerations: a. the plight of women, and b. travel difficulties during the winter and on sabbaths: 19. But woe to those who are pregnant��796�� and to those who nurse babies��797�� in those days!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.42|AUTODETECT|” In this connection it should be borne in mind that this tender concern for women with babies was revealed by Christ in days when women were often looked down upon. The words uttered came from the lips of the same Son of man who showed special kindness to widows 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.42|AUTODETECT|” Mark 12:42) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.43|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.12.43|AUTODETECT|” 43) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.11-42.7.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.11-42.7.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:11 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.1-42.18.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.18.1-42.18.8|AUTODETECT|” 18:1 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.20.47|AUTODETECT|” 20:47) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.2|AUTODETECT|” 21:2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.36-42.7.50|AUTODETECT|” ); to women who were, or had been, living in sin 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.7.36-42.7.50|AUTODETECT|” Luke 7:36 50) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.1-43.4.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.4.1-43.4.30|AUTODETECT|” John 4:1 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.26|AUTODETECT|” ); and, at the time of his own crowning agony, to his own mother 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.26|AUTODETECT|” John 19:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.19.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It is to him that also the women of today should turn for help and comfort!) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.11|AUTODETECT|” 20. Pray that your flight may not occur in winter or on the sabbath.& Even in that climate the winter has its cold days. Moreover, it is the rainy season. Snow, especially in the hills to which Jesus had ordered his followers to flee and even lower down, could not be entirely ruled out (cf. I Macc. 13:22). Traveling on the sabbath was difficult. To be sure, even the rabbis permitted flight on the sabbath when a person was in danger of losing his life. And Christ s own teaching on the subject of sabbath observance 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.11|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 12:11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.2.27|AUTODETECT|” Mark 2:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) was sufficiently generous to make allowance for escape on that day. But the many man-made rules and regulations by means of which the scribes and the Pharisees had created the impression that man was indeed made for the sabbath would have resulted in refusals on the part of many a strict observer to help those in need. So the Lord urges his disciples to pray that they may not have to flee in winter or on the sabbath.��798��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.14|AUTODETECT|” From what immediately follows it is evident once again that for Jesus the transition from the second to the third application of Daniel s prediction was as easy as that from the first (the tribulation experienced by God s people during the reign of Antiochus Epiphanes) to the second (the distress in connection with the fall of Jerusalem): 21, 22.& for then there shall be great tribulation, such as there has never been since the beginning of the world until now, and as there shall never be again. And if those days were not cut short no one would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short. As to the great tribulation to which Jesus here refers, care should be exercised. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 7:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.0|AUTODETECT|” also speaks about a great tribulation. Are these two the same? The answer is: they are not. As the context in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.7.0|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” indicates, the word is used there in a far more general sense. Because of his faith every genuine child of God experiences tribulation during his life on earth. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.33|AUTODETECT|” John 16:33) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.18|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.18|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.17|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.3.12|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 3:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.7-66.11.9|AUTODETECT|” . But Jesus is here speaking about a tribulation that will characterize those days, a tribulation such as has never been and never again shall be, a very brief period of dire distress that shall occur immediately before his return (see verses 29 31). It is the period mentioned also in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.7-66.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 11:7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” 20:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.7-66.20.9|AUTODETECT|” b, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.7-66.20.9|AUTODETECT|” 7 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” a. For the sake of God s chosen ones see N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 in order that not all might have to die a violent death, the days of this final tribulation shall be cut short.��799�� Herein, too, the love of God is made manifest. It should hardly be necessary to add that justice is not done to the concept of this tribulation, which immediately precedes the end of the world s history and which surpasses any other distress in its intensity, if it is referred solely to the sorrows experienced during the fall of Jerusalem.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Jesus continues: 23, 24. At that time if anyone should say to you, Look, here (is) the Christ! or There (he is)!, do not believe (him); for false Christs shall arise and false prophets, and shall perform great signs and miracles, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. In connection with Jerusalem s fall but certainly also with the end of the age there will be those who claim that the Christ has already arrived, and will even point to the place where he has landed. Jesus warns his disciples not to believe these deceivers. Some of them (the pseudo-Christs) pretend to be Christ; the rest (the pseudo-prophets) say that this or that other person is the Christ. By means of a mighty display of a. signs supernatural feats which point away from the performers to their enabler , and of b. wonders or marvels the same astonishing performances viewed now from the aspect of their unusual character and their effect on the spectators these deceivers shall try to mislead,��800�� if possible, even the elect. For the elect see N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 1:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” . The implication is that to successfully mislead God s elect, so that until the day of their death they would permit themselves to resemble wandering stars, is impossible. See N.T.C. on ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.19|AUTODETECT|” . The comforting little sentence, only three words in the original, 25. See, I have told you ahead of time literally: See I-have-foretold you reminds us of Christ s similar sayings in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.13.19|AUTODETECT|” John 13:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.29|AUTODETECT|” 14:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.4|AUTODETECT|” 16:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Lovingly the Master provides for his disciples. When the fiery trial arrives they must never be able to say, How strange and unexpected! Why did not the Lord prepare us for this? Why did he not warn us? Having been forewarned, the disciples will not be unduly disturbed when the prediction is fulfilled.

In fact, their faith in Jesus will even be confirmed. 26. So, if they shall say to you, Look, he is in the wilderness, do not go out there; Look, he is in the inner rooms, do not believe (them).��801�� Some, with reflection on John the Baptist (3:1), may point to the wilderness as the place where the Messiah is to be found. Others, to the inner rooms, as if the Christ were only for a few initiates, the Head of a private fraternity, revealing himself to no one else. In fact, the very opposite is the truth. It will not be necessary in that day to go in search of the Christ, as if he were to be found in some arid waste or some dark corner. Fact is: 27.

For as the lightning��802�� goes out from the east��803�� and flashes clear to the west, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. For Son of man see on 8:20; pp. 403 407.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.17|AUTODETECT|” A word should be said about the important term coming, in Greek parousia. It is sometimes used in the non-technical sense of a. presence; see ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.16.17|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 16:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.10.10|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 10:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.12|AUTODETECT|” 2:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.6|AUTODETECT|” ; or of b. coming, advent, or arrival 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.6|AUTODETECT|” II Cor. 7:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.7.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.9|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:9) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.3|AUTODETECT|” ). In other passages see especially ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.23|AUTODETECT|” (the one now under study), 37, 39; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.23|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.2.19|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 2:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.3.13|AUTODETECT|” 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.15|AUTODETECT|” 4:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.23|AUTODETECT|” 5:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.7|AUTODETECT|” James 5:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.8|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=59.5.8|AUTODETECT|” 8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.1.16|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 1:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.4|AUTODETECT|” 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.28|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.2.28|AUTODETECT|” I John 2:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” the term refers to the return or advent of the Lord, his coming in order to bless his people with his presence. This meaning may be viewed as a modification of the sense: the arrival or the visit of the king or emperor.��804�� The sense of the comparison, then, is this, that just as a lightning flash is so brilliant that from one end of heaven to the other it is clearly visible, so Christ s coming shall be such that every eye shall see him 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.39.30|AUTODETECT|” As to the time of this coming, and one of its reasons, note verse 28. Wherever there is a corpse, there the vultures will gather. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.39.30|AUTODETECT|” Job 39:30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” , Where the slain (lie) there is he ; also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.37|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.16|AUTODETECT|” . Vultures swoop down upon a carcass. When morally and spiritually the world has degenerated to such an extent that it resembles carrion, in other words when the Lord judges that the world s cup of iniquity is full 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.16|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.18|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 14:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), then, and not until then, Christ shall come to condemn that world. Then his coming is a divine necessity.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 The final tribulation to which the wicked will subject God s children is that which will ripen the world for judgment. So it is immediately after that severest of all trials that the Son of man arrives.) 4. The Sign and The Coming) In view of the fact that what now follows is deeply rooted in prophecy, and must be interpreted in the light of the style that is characteristic of that type of literature, the most significant Old Testament references (and a few from the New) will at once be shown:) 29 31. Immediately after the tribulation of those days, The sun shall be darkened, ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.10|AUTODETECT|” And the moon shall not give her light, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.13.10|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 13:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.32.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.32.7|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 32:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.31|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.31|AUTODETECT|” 2:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.12|AUTODETECT|” (=3:4 Heb.); 3:15 (=4:15 Heb.); ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.12|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” And the stars shall fall from the sky, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 34:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.13|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” And the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 34:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.10|AUTODETECT|” b; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.10|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.6|AUTODETECT|” a; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Hag. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=37.2.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.25|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.25|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.13|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 And then the sign of the Son of man shall appear in the sky, and then ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.10|AUTODETECT|” All the tribes of the earth shall mourn, ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 and they shall see ) The Son of man coming on the clouds of the sky with ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.13|AUTODETECT|” power and great glory; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.27|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 16:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” 26:64) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 And he shall send forth his angels with a loud trumpet blast, ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.13|AUTODETECT|” ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.27.13|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 27:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.41|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.13.41|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 13:41) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.16.27|AUTODETECT|” 16:27) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.52|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.52|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:52) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.16|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.1.7|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 1 2 8 0 0 And they shall gather his elect from the four winds, ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.4|AUTODETECT|” from the one end of heaven to the other. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.4|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 30:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.2.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 2:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 ) ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.25|AUTODETECT|” The picture is very vivid. While the earth is drenched with the blood of the saints in the most terrible tribulation of all time, all at once the sun becomes darkened. Naturally the moon now also ceases to give her light. The stars deviate from their orbits and race to their doom; they fall from heaven. The powers of the heaven are shaken. Terrifying sounds are heard. There is the roaring of the sea and the billows, causing perplexity among men. People faint with fear and with foreboding of what is beginning to happen to the world 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.25|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.10|AUTODETECT|” In connection with this apocalyptic picture strict literalness must be avoided. Until this prophetic panorama becomes history we shall probably not know how much of this description must be taken literally and how much figuratively. That at least some of it must be taken literally is clear from ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.10|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.1|AUTODETECT|” . There will indeed be a new heaven and earth 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The great change that will take place may be described as follows:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.7|AUTODETECT|” a. The universe will have been purged completely by a great conflagration 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.7|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.13|AUTODETECT|” b. Closely linked with this conflagration there is going to be a rejuvenation. The fire will not completely destroy the universe. It will still be the same heavens and earth, but gloriously renewed as explained in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.13|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.1-66.21.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.1-66.21.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 21:1 5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Not only shall God s children go to heaven, but heaven will, as it were, come down to them; that is, the conditions of perfection that will obtain in heaven will be found throughout God s rejuvenated universe.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.18-45.8.22|AUTODETECT|” c. This wonderful transformation can also be viewed as a self-realization, a mighty change whereby the organic realm attains to self-expression and complete liberty. This thought is brought out most beautifully in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.8.18-45.8.22|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 8:18 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.8|AUTODETECT|” . In this passage the apostle states that at present creation is subjected to vanity. Now this word vanity does not at all have the meaning which we commonly attach to it. The word as used here in the original does not mean shallow pride, or saucy airs. It has no reference to ambitious display, as when we say: What a vain fellow. It means futility, lack of effectiveness. Compare the expression: Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher; all is vanity 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=21.12.8|AUTODETECT|” Eccl. 12:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). It indicates that at present, as a result of man s sin, nature does not come to self-realization or self-expression. Its potentialities are cribbed, cabined, and confined. It is subject to arrested development. Though it aspires, it is not able to achieve. Though it blossoms, it does not reach the point of bearing fruit. It may be compared to a very powerful man, a world champion boxer or wrestler, but chained in such a manner that he cannot make use of his tremendous physical prowess. The curse of plant disease decimates the crops. The loss is estimated in millions of dollars for each separate disease.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 What a glorious day that will be when all the restraints which are due to sin will have been removed. And when this wonderful creation will finally be coming into its own, attaining unto the glorious liberty of the children of God, and no longer subject to futility. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.6-23.11.9|AUTODETECT|” d. Finally and this follows from the preceding this transformation will include harmonization. At present nature can be described as raw in tooth and claw. Peace and harmony are lacking. But then all nature, gloriously transformed, will, as it were, sing a symphony. There will be concord and harmony everywhere. There will be variation, to be sure, but a most delightful blending of sounds so that the total effect will be unity. And the prophecy of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.11.6-23.11.9|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 11:6 9) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 will reach its ultimate fulfilment:) 1 1 2 8 0 0 And the wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.& They shall not hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of Jehovah, as the waters cover the sea. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Observe, moreover, that the convulsions described here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.0|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.17|AUTODETECT|” do not blot out the human race. Today, by means of sensational books and articles, we are being told that this or that frightfully destructive bomb will completely wipe out humanity. There are also scientists who tell us that the sun will gradually lose its mass hence its gravitational pull and that as a result the earth will recede farther and farther away from the solar orb and from its heat. Cold winds accompanied by blinding snow will cause the human race to freeze to death. According to another theory, however, some day a celestial body call it a star or a star-fragment will come whizzing toward our planet. Before it even touches the earth, buildings and homes everywhere will be a sea of flames, and everybody will be roasted to death. But according to the passages which we are now studying 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.17|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) there will still be people on earth when Jesus returns! The souls already in heaven will regain their bodies and will quickly join God s children who are still on earth.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” Suddenly light streams down from heaven. The sign appears. Just what is meant by this one great final sign by which believers will know that Jesus is about to take his children to himself? Some have thought that a special mark or emblem will appear in the sky; for example, a huge cross. But there is nothing that in any way suggests this. Far more probable is the view that the very appearance of the Son of man upon clouds of glory is itself the sign, the one, great, final sign from the point of view of the earth.

Christ s brilliant self-manifestation will be a sign that he is about to descend in order to meet his people while they ascend to meet him in the air. This explanation gains some support from the fact that while Matthew says, And then the sign of the Son of man shall appear in the sky (or: in heaven), Mark and Luke leave out the word sign, and simply say, And then shall they see the Son of man coming in clouds with great power and glory . Remember also that the Lord told his disciples that not wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes would mark the immediate end for Jerusalem, but that the actual visible appearance of hostile armies laying siege to Jerusalem would indicate that its desolation would be at hand 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.20|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In both cases, therefore, we are dealing with a sudden visible spectacle.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.13|AUTODETECT|” But when Jesus appears in majesty, surrounded by a multitude of angels, upon clouds of glory, this will be to his people a sign in still another respect. It will not only mean that now The Wedding of the Lamb will most certainly take place, but it will also mean that this Jesus is indeed the Messiah of prophecy; for, the glorious manner of his appearance will correspond exactly with that which was predicted concerning the Messiah 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.13|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.14|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.14|AUTODETECT|” 14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” ; cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.26.64|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 26:64) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This glory which will mark his appearance will be a sign, a definite proof, of God s delight in his Son and of the justice of the cause of him who was once the Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.10|AUTODETECT|” In fulfilment of Zechariah s prophecy all the tribes of the earth shall then mourn. Conscious of their own lost condition they shall beat their breasts, frightened by the display of the majesty of the Christ in all his glory, fulfilling Daniel s prophecy! The terror of the wicked, to which reference is made in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.10|AUTODETECT|” Zech. 12:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.12|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=38.12.12|AUTODETECT|” 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 1:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.15-66.6.17|AUTODETECT|” , is graphically described in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.15-66.6.17|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:15 17) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The positive or comforting aspect of Christ s return is again emphasized by means of the words, And he shall send forth his angels & and they shall gather his elect.& See on 13:41. Note also with a loud trumpet blast. ) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.16|AUTODETECT|” It is clear that the Lord s return will be heard as well as seen. This is clear unless one should adopt the principle of interpretation that these passages about the second coming convey no meaning whatever. There are, indeed, interpreters who, in view of the fact that the Bible at times employs figurative language, take the position that we can know nothing at all about these eschatological events. To them these precious paragraphs in which the Holy Spirit reveals the future convey no meaning whatever. But this is absurd. Scripture was written to be understood, and when it states He shall send forth his angels with a loud trumpet blast ; the Lord is going to descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, it certainly must mean at least this: that a reverberating sound will actually pervade the universe.

It is not necessary to think of an actual, literal trumpet. What forces of nature the Lord will use to produce this sound has not been revealed. One fact cannot be doubted: for believers this sound will be full of cheer. It will announce the coming of the One whom they joyfully hail as King of kings and Lord of lords 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.16|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.25.0|AUTODETECT|” ). It will be the fulfilment of the trumpet ordinance found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.25.0|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 , and will proclaim liberty throughout the universe for all the children of God, their everlasting jubilee.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Now, according to Scripture, when the trumpet sounds, great events are going to happen in rapid succession. The angels gather the elect from the four winds, that is from everywhere. For what purpose? See 25:31 40. The Biblical picture is as follows:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.14|AUTODETECT|” When the Lord begins to descend, the souls of the redeemed leave their heavenly abodes 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.14|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.52|AUTODETECT|” ) and become united with their respective bodies. The saints still living on earth at the moment of Christ s return are changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.15.52|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 15:52) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.17|AUTODETECT|” ), and all the saints those raised and those changed now go forth to meet the Lord 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.4.17|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 4:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” ) to be forever with him. It is a doctrine of great comfort. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=55.4.8|AUTODETECT|” II Tim. 4:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=56.2.13|AUTODETECT|” Titus 2:13) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.6|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 19:6) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.7|AUTODETECT|” 7) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 5. A lesson from The Fig Tree) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” 32, 33. Now from the fig tree learn this lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. So also you, when you see all this, know then that it is near, at the very gates. In ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.34.4|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 34:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.14|AUTODETECT|” , one of the passages in which the language of verses 29 31 is probably rooted, the convulsions in the realm of nature the sky disappearing as a scroll when it springs shut 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.6.14|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 6:14) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.29|AUTODETECT|” ) and the starry hosts falling from heaven are compared with leaves falling from the fig tree. Could this be the reason why, as recorded by Matthew, Jesus, having a moment ago spoken about the shaking of the powers of the heavens, symbolized by a fig tree that is shaken by a gale, now draws a lesson from this very tree? There must have been some reason why it is especially the fig tree about which the Master now begins to speak, for what is said here with respect to this tree might also have been spoken about ever so many other trees; in fact, about all the others 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.21.29|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), with the exception of the evergreens.) 1 5 2 8 0 0 However that may be, the lesson in the original the word parable occurs, but that term is here used in the very general sense of an instructive comparison is clear: the tender branch and the young leaves indicate the approach of summer. There can be no question about that. Jesus now states that when all this is seen, it is near, at the very gates. All this must refer to the fulfilment of the various predictions in so far as this fulfilment could be witnessed by the disciples; note when you see all this. It was with reference to Christ s prediction that not one stone of the temple was going to be left upon another that the men had asked, Tell us, when shall this happen? See verse 3.

With reference to the rise of false Christs, wars and rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes, etc., events which did indeed begin to happen already before and in connection with the fall of Jerusalem, Jesus had said, But all these things are (only) the beginning of birth pains (verse 8). It is natural, therefore, to interpret 33 as meaning that when the disciples see all this, for some of them including even the fulfilment of the prediction regarding the desolating sacrilege (verse 15) as far as that prediction was fulfilled in their own day, then it, namely, the fall of Jerusalem and its temple, must be considered as being near; in fact, at the very gates.) In words that have given rise to much controversy Jesus continues: 34, 35. I solemnly declare to you that this generation shall certainly not pass away until all this takes place. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away. For I solemnly declare see on 5:18. It is evident that these words are spoken with marked emphasis and impressive solemnity.

The question, however, is, Just what does Jesus mean when he says, this generation, and all this or all these things ? The notion that this generation refers either to a. all mankind, or b. all believers, can be dismissed without much argumentation. Not only could such a remark be considered somewhat superfluous and therefore inconceivable as coming from the mouth of the Lord, but both of these interpretations are also out of line with the context. There is still another view that must be rejected, namely, Before they die, the people living today are going to witness all these things, including even my coming on the clouds of the sky. If that is the meaning, then Jesus was mistaken. But in view of verse 14 it is unreasonable to believe that Jesus could have meant anything of the kind.) There are, however, two interpretations that are worthy of serious consideration.

According to the first, Jesus meant, This generation shall not pass away until the events culminating in the fall of Jerusalem have occurred, not necessarily meaning, Everybody now alive will still be around by the year a.d. 70, but simply, The generation of our contemporaries shall not have died out by that time: some are still going to be alive. In support of this interpretation one or more of the following arguments are usually presented: a. the term this generation elsewhere indicates the people (specifically, the Jews) living today ; b. if all this of verse 33 refers to the events leading up to the fall of Jerusalem, why should not the identical expression in verse 34 have the same meaning?; and c. is not 16:28 a parallel passage? It is not surprising that by the force of these arguments many��805�� have become convinced that this is indeed the meaning.) However, the interpretation thus offered is not without its difficulties, some of which are rather serious. Therefore S. E. Johnson (Interpreter s Bible), commenting on this passage, states that its exact force is uncertain ; and F.

W. Grosheide, op. cit., pp. 369, 370 rejects this interpretation, as does also Lenski, op. cit., pp. 929, 930.) As to the arguments summarized above in its defense, the following counter arguments can be advanced:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.5|AUTODETECT|” As to a. By no means has it been established that the term this generation must be limited to contemporaries. It can also refer to this kind of people ; for example, the Jews, at any time or in any age. Worthy of consideration in this connection are such passages as ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.5|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.20|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.20|AUTODETECT|” 20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.12.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.12.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 12:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.78.8|AUTODETECT|” 78:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.40|AUTODETECT|” ; etc., where the LXX uses the same word as is here rendered generation, but evidently with a meaning that goes beyond group of contemporaries. Thus even in the New Testament 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.2.40|AUTODETECT|” Acts 2:40) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.2.15|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 2:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.3.10|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.34|AUTODETECT|” ), though the starting point may well be a reference to the people of that particular day, this may not be the entire meaning. So also probably here in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.34|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:34) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 6 2 8 0 0 As to b. This argument may not be as decisive as it sounds. The point is: the verbs differ: when you see all this is not the same as until all this takes place. Jesus does not necessarily mean that his disciples shall see all that has been predicted and is going to take place.) As to c. The same reasoning applies to 16:28. That passage, too, refers to that which some of those that are standing here shall see.

That is not necessarily as broad an expression as is all this or all these things that shall take place. It is not true, therefore, that 16:28 is an exact parallel of 24:34.) My reasons for leaning toward the view that here in verse 34 the Lord is declaring that the Jewish people shall not pass away until all the things which he has been predicting events stretching all the way to, and including, the glorious second coming have taken place, are the following:) First, as has already been indicated, the word generation may refer to a kind of people or race, in this case the Jews.) Secondly, in the preceding verses the centuries have already been spanned (see especially verses 9 and 14). Though the immediate disciples of Jesus are not going to see all this, yet these things namely, the church being hated by all the nations, the gospel being preached throughout the world, etc. belong to that which will take place. ) Thirdly, the disciples had asked two questions, the first pertaining to the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple, the second with respect to Christ s return. Would it not seem natural that verse 33 is part of the Master s answer to the first question; and that verse 34 is his reply to the second?) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.26-42.17.30|AUTODETECT|” Fourthly, the immediately following context, But about that day and hour no one knows, etc. (verse 36), refers to the day of Christ s return upon the clouds with power and great glory, as has been shown (see p. 847). The further context (verses 37 39) also points to that same eschatological event 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.26-42.17.30|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:26 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.1-61.3.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.1-61.3.13|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:1 13) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).) 1 1 2 8 0 0 Fifthly, the words of verse 35 also refer to the consummation of all things.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Finally, it is wrong to say that the idea the people of the Jews will not be completely wiped out but will still be on earth when the Lord returns was a matter that could be taken for granted, and hence was not in need of a solemn declaration. On the contrary, it might have seemed rather natural that those who, in spite of all their special privileges, rejected and crucified their own Messiah, would be wiped out as a nation. That this would not happen, but that, on the contrary, this people would continue to exist and that in every age their remnant, as well as that of the non-Jews, would be saved, was certainly worthy of special mention. At least Paul, by divine direction, was of that opinion 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.1|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.26|AUTODETECT|” 26) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ); and because of the wonderful chain of events which this manifestation of God s mercy would bring about, breaks out into a doxology 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.11.33-45.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 11:33 36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��806��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.8|AUTODETECT|” The majestic statement, My words shall never pass away, deserves emphasis, for the abiding character of Christ s message, over against the transient nature even of heaven and earth in their present condition, is the foundation on which faith can build. See also ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.40.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 40:8) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.15.7|AUTODETECT|” John 15:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=51.3.16|AUTODETECT|” Col. 3:16) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.24|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 1:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.25|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.1.25|AUTODETECT|” 25) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 6. The Necessity of Being Ready Always, in View of the Unknown Day and Hour of Christ s Coming) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.3|AUTODETECT|” 36. But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven nor the Son, but the Father only. The series of events that shall precede Christ s return has been described. The precise moment of that great event has however not been indicated. Neither could it have been, for that moment is known to the Father alone, and it has not pleased him to reveal it. The angels, though standing in a very close relationship to God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.6.1-23.6.3|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 6:1 3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.18.10|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 18:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.19|AUTODETECT|” ), and though intimately associated with the events pertaining to the second coming 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.19|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 14:19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” ), do not know the day nor the hour. Nor, in fact, does the Son himself, viewed from the aspect of his human nature. See also on 21:19. The Father, he alone, knows. This proves the futility and sinfulness of every attempt on man s part to predict the date when Jesus will return, whether that imagined date be 1843, 1844, more precisely Oct. 22, 1844, the autumn of 1914, or any later one. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.29|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:29) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Curiosity is wonderful. For nosiness, intrusiveness, impertinence there is no excuse.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.32-1.7.5|AUTODETECT|” 37 39. And as (were) the days of Noah, so shall be the coming of the Son of man. For just as men were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day Noah entered the ark, not recovering their senses until the flood came and swept them all away, so also shall be the coming of the Son of man. The very suddenness of the coming points up the necessity to guard against unpreparedness and carelessness. During the days of Noah that is, when this preacher of righteousness was building the ark 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.5.32-1.7.5|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 5:32 7:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.5|AUTODETECT|” ) and warning the people 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.5|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 2:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ) they refused to take to heart what he was doing and saying. They were unconcerned. They continued to live as always, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.28-42.17.30|AUTODETECT|” The question might be asked, What is wrong with these activities, or with buying and selling, planting and building, as in the similar days of Lot 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.28-42.17.30|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:28 30) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” )? The answer is, Nothing at all. In fact, by means of them men are able to glorify God 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.31|AUTODETECT|” I Cor. 10:31) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ). But when the soul becomes entirely wrapped up in them, so that matters such as these become ends in themselves, and spiritual tasks are neglected, they are no longer a blessing but have become a curse. They have become evidences of gross materialism, false security, and often cold selfishness.) 1 1 2 8 0 0 The men of Noah s day did not in time recover their senses. They failed to realize��807�� their perilous situation until it was too late. Suddenly the cataclysm the word used in the original came. For them it was indeed a washing down, which is the basic meaning of the word. The flood carried or swept them all away. Similarly sudden and disastrous for the wicked shall be the coming (see on verse 27) of the Son of man. For the latter concept see on 8:20, pp. 403 407. The nature of the punishment that awaits the unprepared on that day is described in 25:46.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.11.5|AUTODETECT|” 40, 41. Then two men shall be in the field; one is taken, one left behind. Two women (shall be) grinding with a hand-mill; one is taken, one left behind. It is clear that once this final day arrives, every opportunity still to be saved is gone forever. The door is shut. See on 25:10. The Lord arrives. Of two men engaged in the same kind of work, probably even toiling next to each other in the field, one is taken. By the angels he is gathered to be forever with the Lord. The other is left behind, assigned to everlasting perdition. The same thing happens in the case of two women who at that very moment are grinding��808�� with a hand-mill 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.11.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 11:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), made of two round, flat stones, with a handle near the edge of the upper stone. This mill must not be confused with the much larger one worked by donkey-power (see on 18:6). The lesson is the same: one of the two is taken, the other left behind. The One who takes is the Son of man himself through the agency of angels.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.35|AUTODETECT|” The lesson is clear: 42. Be on the alert, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. To be (constantly) on the alert or watchful a Greek word from which the proper name Gregory (the watchful or vigilant one) is derived means to live a sanctified life, in the consciousness of the coming judgment day. Spiritual and moral circumspection and forethought are required; preparedness is necessary. The watchful person has his loins girded and his lamps burning 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.35|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:35) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.57.15|AUTODETECT|” ). It is in that condition that he looks forward to the coming of the Bridegroom. For more on this subject of watchfulness and its implications see N.T.C. on I and II Thessalonians, pp. 124, 125. Note that Jesus refers to himself as your Lord. So glorious, powerful, and clothed with authority and majesty is he; also, so condescending, so closely united with those whom he is pleased to call his own, and who are loyal to him. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.57.15|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 57:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Let them therefore persevere in being vigilant.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.2-52.5.4|AUTODETECT|” You do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43. But this you do know, that if the owner of the house had known at what watch of the night the burglar would arrive, he would have been on the alert, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. For the watches of the night see on 14:25. The comparison of the Lord s coming with that of a night burglar is also found in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.2-52.5.4|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:2 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.10|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.3|AUTODETECT|” ; and ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.3|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.15|AUTODETECT|” 16:15) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.2-52.5.4|AUTODETECT|” . That unpreparedness is inexcusable is stressed in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=52.5.2-52.5.4|AUTODETECT|” I Thess. 5:2 4) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.10|AUTODETECT|” . That the coming is in fulfilment of a promise, will result in catastrophic changes, and should be an incentive to santified living, is the teaching of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.10|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:10) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . And that for the impenitent the sudden arrival is a source of terror, but for the vigilant a reason for joy, is brought into the foreground by the passages from the book of Revelation.) 1 2 2 8 0 0 Common to all these passages is the idea of the suddenness and unexpectedness of the coming, and consequently the danger of unpreparedness on the part of those for whom that parousia has significance. The very fact that the owner of the house does not know when the thief is coming for had he known this, he would have been on the alert at that particular time makes it necessary for him to be on his guard at all times. For the same reason, with a view to the coming of the Lord everyone should always be on the alert. Since this coming is a matter of finality, affording no further opportunity for repentance, the exhortation is now repeated in slightly different language, namely, 44. Therefore you also, be ready, for at an hour when you do not expect (him), the Son of man comes. To be ready is synonymous with: to be alert or on the alert, prepared in mind and heart.

Here, too, as in verse 42, because of the tense used in the original Be ready at all times interprets the sense of the original.) 7. Such Readiness Means Faithfulness) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.42-42.12.46|AUTODETECT|” 45. Who then is the faithful and sensible servant whom the master has put in charge of his household employees, to give them food at the proper time? Let every disciple answer the question for himself. The very word then indicates the connection with the immediately preceding; as if to say, such readiness implies faithfulness. Jesus now presents the parable of The Faithful and Sensible versus the Unfaithful and Wicked Servant. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.42-42.12.46|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:42 46) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 1 2 8 0 0 When, along with many other interpreters, I call this story-illustration a parable, I do so with the qualification that again and again reality as it were rises to the surface, so that it is not always easy to see exactly where figurative language makes way for plain statement of fact. So masterfully and inextricably are the two interwoven.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.*?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” A safe presupposition is that a master of a number of servants or, if one prefers, slaves, is about to leave on a journey. Before he leaves he places his most trusted underling in charge of all the other household employees. In this capacity this newly appointed household manager not only supervises the work of all the helpers but also and specifically takes care that they are well provided for. Some��809�� are of the opinion that Jesus was thinking especially of his disciples, considered as office-bearers, and so, by extension, of all ministers and pastors of the churches to be organized during the entire new dispensation. But we cannot be certain about this. After all, the duty of faithfulness applies not only to leaders but also to followers.

Doing the will of the Master and caring for those in need, whether this need be material, spiritual, or both, is certainly the task assigned to all. Now upon the faithful and sensible (cf. 25:2, 4, 8, 9) servant a special beatitude is pronounced: 46. Blessed is that servant whom his master at his coming shall find so doing. Such blessedness (see above, pp. 264, 265) means that the servant upon whom the words of approval, congratulation, and cheer are pronounced is the object of his master s special favor, is a delight to him. Moreover, the clause whom his master shall find so doing shows that the proper attitude on the part of the one who awaits the master s return is active service in the interest of those whom the master has entrusted to him. When the figure is interpreted, this means that the proper spirit in which believers should eagerly await as Savior the Lord Jesus Christ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.3.20|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1|AUTODETECT|” ) is not the feverish nervousness of certain Thessalonians 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.1|AUTODETECT|” II Thess. 2:1) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.2.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.6-53.3.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=53.3.6-53.3.12|AUTODETECT|” 3:6 12) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.14-66.3.22|AUTODETECT|” ), nor the nauseating lukewarmness of the Laodiceans 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.3.14-66.3.22|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 3:14 22) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.8-66.2.11|AUTODETECT|” ), but the active faithfulness of the Smyrniots 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.2.8-66.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 2:8 11) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.17|AUTODETECT|” ). Continued: 47. I solemnly assure you see on 5:18 that he shall set him over all his possessions. Just as in the parable the master, upon his return, rewards his faithful servant by setting him over all his possessions, so also Jesus himself at his glorious coming shall bestow upon all his faithful ones a high degree of glory and honor. Cf. 25:21, 23, 34 40; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 19:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.19|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.19.19|AUTODETECT|” 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . Does not Christ s promise also imply the assignment of certain specific tasks in the life hereafter, each task a matter of pure delight and satisfaction, and each in harmony with the individuality of the person for whom it is marked out?) 1 1 2 8 0 0 And now the other side of the picture: 48 51. But if that servant be wicked, and shall say��810�� in his heart, My master is taking his time,��811�� and shall begin to beat up his fellow-servants, and shall eat and drink with drunkards, the master of that servant shall arrive on a day when he does not expect him, and at an hour he does not figure on, and shall cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. The wicked servant here described is marked by the following characteristics:) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.23.7|AUTODETECT|” (a) Carelessness He is saying something in his heart, that is, to himself. Now what a man says to himself is often even more important than what he says openly. See ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.23.7|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 23:7) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.3|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.3|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 9:3) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.21|AUTODETECT|” , ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.9.21|AUTODETECT|” 21) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.17|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.17|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.17-42.15.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.15.17-42.15.19|AUTODETECT|” 15:17 19) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” . But within the secret precincts of his own being this particular man is conversing wickedly, irresponsibly. We are reminded of ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=60.3.20|AUTODETECT|” I Peter 3:20) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.3.4|AUTODETECT|” II Peter 3:4) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 . He is saying, A long, long time is going to elapse before the master returns. In the meantime let me have some worldly fun. ) 1 2 2 8 0 0 (b) Cruelty A sadistic fellow is this servant. He begins to beat up his fellow-servants. Many reasons have been given for the expression (if that servant) begins to,��812�� etc. My own suggestion is that the context explains the word: the wicked man does not get very far, for suddenly and when least expected the master returns (verse 50).) (c) Carousing Note: (and if he shall, or shall continue to) eat and drink with drunkards. ��813��) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.46|AUTODETECT|” Suddenly the master arrives, altogether unexpectedly. He causes the wicked servant or slave to be dichotomized, that is, to be cut in pieces. Cf. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.46|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:46) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.13.28|AUTODETECT|” , inflicting upon him the punishment appropriate for hypocrites (see on 23:13). A hypocrite he was indeed, for he had accepted and then betrayed the confidence which his master had placed in him. When he was appointed, he had done nothing to disabuse his superior of the idea, This man will be a faithful and sensible household manager. Yet he had proved to be the very opposite. The reference to cutting to pieces may be a reminder of the cruel treatment which in those days was accorded to slaves who disappointed their masters. For the reality that corresponds to the figure here used see on 25:46a.

In line with this reference to the severity of the punishment are also the closing words: there shall be weeping and grinding of teeth. As explained earlier 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=42.13.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 13:28) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), this weeping is that of inconsolable, never-ending wretchedness, and utter, everlasting hopelessness. The accompanying grinding or gnashing of teeth denotes excruciating pain and frenzied anger.) 1 17 2 8 0 0 The lesson of the parable, therefore, is this Be and remain actively loyal to the Master, sensibly and joyfully carrying out the task assigned by him, in the interest of those who are precious to him. ) ) ) ) ) 786 Or: be trapped, be ensnared ; see on 5:29, 30; 18:6, 8, 9; footnote 293 on p. 303.) 787 Or: he does not know.) 788 Or: nodded.) 789 Thus also F. W. Grosheide, op. cit., pp. 355, 356; C. R. Erdman, op. cit., p. 192, and many others.) 790 A Edersheim, The Temple, London, 1908, p. 28.) 791 Baba Batra 4a.) N.T.C. W.

Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary) 792 R. H. Glover, The Progress of World-Wide Missions, New York, 1925, p. 39. Another very valuable source for the study of missionary progress is The Evangelical Missions Quarterly, published by Evangelical Information Service, Wheaton, Ill. Further: Frontier, Wrexham, England; De Heerbaan, Amsterdam; INFA NEWS, Ridgefield Park, N. J.; East Asia Missions, Philadelphia; Africa Now, New York; and Church Growth Bulletin, Pasadena, Cal.

See also the article, Expansion of Christianity (Modern) in Twentieth Century extension of S.H.E.R.K., Vol. I, pp. 412 417; and the article Religion in Britannica, Book of the Year 1971, pp. 634 652.) 793 See Josephus Jewish War VI.316.) 794 Josephus refers to the city s overcrowded condition (Jewish War VI.420).) 795 See, among others, H. Mulder, Wederkerige assistentie en vervreemding van kerken in de nieuwtestamentische tijd, De Heerbaan, 4 (1971), pp. 265 269; and, by the same author, Geschiedenis van de palestijnse kerk (tot 638), Kampen, no date, pp. 46 48.) 796 � �����v ���� (to have in the womb) is idiomatic for to be pregnant.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.17|AUTODETECT|” 797 ����������� is dat. pl. fem. pres. participle of ������ 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.13.17|AUTODETECT|” Mark 13:17) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.21.23|AUTODETECT|” Luke 21:23) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 ), literally to give suck, give the breast. Cf. ����: breast.) 1 4 2 8 0 0 798 Mark (see 13:18), writing for a different public, not hampered by Jewish restrictions, did not have to retain what Jesus says here with reference to traveling on the sabbath.) 799 ��������������, 3rd per. pl. fut. indic. passive of �������, to cut short, curtail. Our English word halt, in the sense of lame, is related to it, since it refers to a person whose walking ability has been cut short or curtailed.) 800 For ������ see on 18:12, 13.) 801 For ����� (wilderness) see on 23:38; for ������� inner room, on 6:6.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” 802 ������ here lightning; so also in 28:3; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.24|AUTODETECT|” 17:24) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.5|AUTODETECT|” ; and in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.4.5|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 4:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.8.5|AUTODETECT|” 8:5) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.18|AUTODETECT|” 16:18) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.36|AUTODETECT|” ; but in ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.11.36|AUTODETECT|” Luke 11:36) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 shining brightness.) 1 8 2 8 0 0 803 For ������ see on 2:1, 2. Here in 24:27 it is coupled with the west, that is, the place of the going down or setting of the sun.) 804 See A. Deissmann, op. cit., p. 368.) 805 As is clear from A. B. Bruce, Synoptic Gospels, p. 296; A. Plummer, op. cit., p. 338; G.

L. Murray, Millennial Studies, Grand Rapids, 1948, p. 110; H. Bavinck, Gereformeerde Dogmatiek, third edition, Kampen, 1918, Vol. IV, p. 765. This line of reasoning, with variations, can also be found in the works of De Wette, Meyer, Luther, Starke, Lisco, Erdman, Robertson, etc.) 806 See the author s paperback, Israel and The Bible, Grand Rapids, 1968, pp. 32 52.) 807 �P� ������: third per. pl. aor. act. indic. of �������.) 808 �������� nom. pl. fem. pres. participle of ����.) 809 Cf. Lenski, op. cit., p. 936.) 810 To avoid thought confusion I, along with many others, have given a rendering which is ad sensum rather than strictly ad verbum.) 1 1 2 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.45|AUTODETECT|” 811 This rendering is about as close as one can come to the meaning of the Greek word �������; cf. ������, time. Cf. 25:5; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.12.45|AUTODETECT|” Luke 12:45) 1 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.37|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.10.37|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 10:37) 1 1 -1 9 0 0 .) 1 2 2 8 0 0 812 ������ third per. sing. aor. subj. middle of ���.) 813 These present subjunctives are no longer dependent on begins to, but, in co-ordination with shall say (verse 48) and shall begin (verse 49a), are governed by if (��). This fine distinction does not come out clearly in certain translations. Nevertheless, it is of some importance. By now the wicked servant has been eating and drinking with drunkards for some time, and he continues (note present tense) to do so. He has begun to abuse his fellow-servants. Then suddenly the lord or master arrives!)