Matthew Chapter 24

Introductory remarks:

This chapter is a continuation of the last chapter with Christ's disciples asking Him questions about the end times, and the sign of His coming. Chapters 24, 25 are known as the Olivet discourse. Chapter twenty-four teaches about the tribulation period as the time when the Jews will be tested and brought about and prepared for the millennial reign of Christ. I believe this will help you understand this portion of Scripture; whenever the Lord is speaking of His second coming, it is always referring to His coming back to the earth to take over and rule for one thousand years; it is never speaking about the rapture of the church, which will be a translation and not a coming to the earth.

The Destruction of the Temple Foretold

(Mark 13:1-2; Luke 21:5-6)

Verse 1, "And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple."

LGT "And going out, Jesus went away from the temple, and His disciples came to [Him] to point out to Him the buildings of the temple."

"And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple:"

Jesus ended His discourses given in the temple court, and now He left the temple to end His public ministry. "After His solemn denunciation of the hypocritical scribes and Pharisees and His expression of grief over the blindness and insubjection of the people of Jerusalem, the Lord left the temple courts where He had been preaching and teaching and with His disciples walked across the Kedron to the Mount of Olives. Before they left the city, the disciples attempted to arouse His admiration for the beautiful buildings on the temple site" (H.A. Ironside).

"And his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple."

Jesus had predicted the destruction of the temple, and now His disciples were very perplexed, because they knew that Herod was a master builder, and that what he had started in reconstructing the temple would not be finished for some time, and how would Christ bring about its destruction; it seemed to the disciples a very unlikely scenario, however, within forty years, the temple would be destroyed in 70 AD.

Verse 2, "And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down."

LGT "But answering, He said to them, Do you not see all these things? Verily I say to you, not at all shall be left here stone upon stone, which shall not be thrown down."

This was probably the most startling prediction the Lord could have made concerning the temple; the disciples could only look on the splendor of the temple and marvel; for the Lord to say that not one stone would remain upon the other was to these disciples incredible. We look back on history and we are not amazed at the fall of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple. Josephus, a Jewish historian and priest of very reliable truthfulness, but being a Jewish priest he would not be given to speak favorably of the Lord Jesus Christ and His prediction gives this account in his Jewish Wars:

"After the city was taken, Josephus says that Titus 'gave orders that they should now demolish the city and temple, except three towers, which he reserved standing. But for the rest of the wall, it was laid so completely even with the ground by those who dug it from the foundation, that there was nothing left to make those believe who came hither that it had ever been inhabited.' Maimonides, a Jewish writer, has also recorded that 'Terentius Rufus, an officer in the army of Titus, with a ploughshare tore up the foundations of the temple, that the prophecy might be fulfilled, Zion shall be plowed as a field, Micah 3:12. This was all done by the direction of divine providence. Titus was desirous of preserving the temple, and frequently sent Josephus to the Jews to induce them to surrender and save the temple and the city. But the prediction of the Savior had gone forth, and, notwithstanding the wish of the Roman general, the temple was to be destroyed. The Jews themselves first set fire to the porticoes of the temple. One of the Roman soldiers, without any command, threw a burning firebrand into the golden window, and soon the temple was in flames. Titus gave orders to extinguish the fire; but, amid the tumult, none of his orders were obeyed. The soldiers pressed to the temple, and neither fear nor entreaties, nor stripes could restrain them. Their hatred of the Jews urged them on to the work of destruction, and thus, says Josephus, the temple was burned against the will of Caesar."

The Beginning of the Woes

(Mark 13:3-13; Luke 21:7-19)

Verse 3, "And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?"

LGT "And as He was sitting upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him apart, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? And what [is] the sign of Your coming [parousia], and of the completion of the age?"

As the disciples walk with the Lord from the temple to the Mount of Olives, their minds are filled with questions they are eager to ask Him.

"And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives,"

Jesus sits down in a comfortable spot and begins to relax from the stress of His pronouncing the woes on the scribes and Pharisees, and looking out over Jerusalem, the disciples come to Him.

"The disciples came to him privately, saying,"

Not all the disciples, only Peter, John, James and Andrew (Mark 13:3).

"When shall these things be?"

This first question is really two in one; 1) when will the temple be destroyed, and 2) when will Jerusalem be sacked.

"And what shall be the sign of thy coming?"

The second question asked by these four disciples is what sign can they expect before Christ returns.

"And the end of the world."

This third question is also grouped with His second coming; these disciples had no way of determining that it would be thousands of years after He was crucified that He would return; they expected that it would be soon after the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem.

Pentecost makes a very important observation concerning Christ's answer to these questions:

"Let us note concerning this great eschatological discourse that Jesus was here revealing the prophetic program for Jerusalem, the nation Israel, and the people of Israel. He made no reference to the church or the prophetic program for the church. Jesus did not speak here of events that will precede the consummation of the program for the church at the rapture (John 14:1-4; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thess. 4:13-17). Rather, He dealt with the future Tribulation, or seven-year period that will complete the program for Israel as revealed in Daniel 9:27. Because of its Jewish context this portion of Scripture must be interpreted with reference to Israel and not the church."

Verse 4, "And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you."

LGT "And answering, Jesus said to them, Take heed lest any lead you astray you."

The Greek word for 'deceive' is planesei and means literally, to lead astray. Now the context is the questions that the disciples asked Him; they were to be on guard lest any one lead them astray regarding His second advent and the end of the age. There have been countless theories and speculations regarding Christ second coming, His Parousia, and men have made fortunes fleecing the sheep.

McGee wrote:

"The phrase 'Take heed that no man deceive you' is characteristic of this entire age. The Lord gives this word of caution because there will be much deception, especially during the Tribulation Period when the Antichrist will appear. Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:1, 'But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.' We don't have to worry about false prophets, because if anybody starts prophesying in our day, we Christians can pooh-pooh him right off the scene because prophets are not for this period. However, we are to beware of false teachers, and there are a great many of those around. We must test them by Scripture."

Verse 5, "For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ; and shall deceive many."

LGT "For many will come on My name, saying, I am the Christ, and they will mislead many."

"For many shall come in my name, saying, I am the Christ;"

This phrase is literally, on My name; that is, on the authority or strength of My name. Many actually claimed to be Messiah, but others, only claimed spiritual authority, that is, they were spiritually gifted to represent Christ, such as the pope, and our modern day protestant preachers.

"They will arrogate to themselves false claims of Messiahship in (on the basis of) the name of Christ himself. Josephus Wars VI, 54) gives there false claims as one of the reasons for the explosion against Rome that led to the city's destruction. Each new hero was welcomed by the masses including Barcochba. I am Messiah, each would say (Wars VI, 54). Forty odd years ago two men in Illinois claimed to be Messiah, each with followers (Schlatter, Schweinfurth). In more recent years Mrs. Annie Besant has introduced a theosophical Messiah and Mrs. Eddy made claims about herself on a par with those of Jesus" (A. T. Robertson).

McGee adds:

"Near the end of the age many people will claim to be Christ. We have such people present with us now. One man established a 'holy city' in Northern California and expected any minute to be called to Washington, D.C., to solve the problems of the world. There are no 'holy cities' on the face of the earth, but someday the Lord will come from the Holy of Holies in heaven to earth and solve the problems. It should be remembered that even now there are many antichrists, but at the end of the age there will come one Antichrist who will oppose Christ and set himself up as the authority.

I believe that our Lord, up there on the Mount of Olives, looked down to the end of the age and to the Great Tribulation Period, but that at the beginning of His discourse, He bridged the gap by giving us a picture of the present age of the church. I recognize that there are many good Bible teachers, much better than I am, who take the position that in verses 5-8 He is speaking of the Tribulation Period, also; so if you want to disagree with me, you will be in very good company. However, it is my view that our Lord is not referring to the Great Tribulation until we reach verse 9 of this chapter. (Let us continue on with our exposition and see if we agree with McGee, for I have myself, been taught that verse 4-8 were teaching that this period is during the Tribulation, taking Rev. 6 in connection with Matt. 24)

"And shall deceive many."

The many are the ones who have not studied Bible doctrine; false Christ's rose up in the first century from among the Jews who were looking for their Messiah, after they had rejected Christ. The ones who are most susceptible to false Christ's are the unbelievers who refuse to accept the Word. The elect, that is, believers, only laugh at such charlatans, because we have the Word of God as our Light. During the Tribulation, however, there will not be a church to keep people straightened out concerning spiritual things. They will have the Roman Catholic Church, but they will accept the Antichrist the same as the Jews.

Verse 6, "And ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these must come to pass, but the end is not yet."

LGT "But you shall be about to hear of wars and rumors of wars: see [that] you be not disturbed: for it is necessary [these things] to take place, but the end is not yet."

Christ was speaking to the Jews, and He is saying that there economy will not come to an end until after these things come to pass; His warning is that they be not troubled over these signs; during the time when Christ was giving this Sermon on the Mount of Olives there was relative peace in the land; in our day the entire world is in turmoil one against the other. It does not cause fear for the believer, but the Jews are frightened out of their wits.

After every world war there have been those who have predicted the end is near; even now with all that is happening in the Middle East, we are looking up waiting for our redemption. Not only in the Middle East, but around the entire world there is political unrest, and the United States is playing the Peace Keeper; the problem as the Christian views it is that as the Word of God says, "there will be no peace until Christ comes back and sets up His Millennial Kingdom. The United Nations will not bring about world peace, nor the League of Nations; all the combined efforts of mankind will not bring about world peace; Rick Warren and his silly "Peace Plan" will not bring about world peace. We should not be deceived about false Christ's, neither should we be taken in by the self-righteous efforts of religious zealots that are only out to make a name for themselves and get rich quick, like that phony Rick Warren. The spooky thing about Warren is that he is playing into the hands of the Antichrist, and will possibly be a forerunner to the Antichrist's great scheme of bringing in world peace. If you think that this is just the rambling of an old man, wait and watch what results from this shysters efforts. It is only because I know what the Bible teaches that I am so disturbed over what this clown is attempting under the guise of religion.

Verse 7, "For nation shall rise up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."

LGT "For nation will rise up against nation and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines and earthquakes in [different] places:"

These signs have been prevalent throughout the age of grace, and they will intensify as we come closer to the end times.

Verse 8, "All these things are the beginning of sorrows."

LGT "But all these things [are] the beginning of suffering."

The Greek word for 'sorrows' is odinown, and it means 'throes' that is 'the pain of childbirth.' The reason I used the term 'suffering' in my translation is because it describes better to me real pain, rather than sorrow; sorrow to me can be painful, but it is more psychological.

Verse 9, "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."

LGT "Then will they deliver you up to tribulation, and will kill you; and you will be hated by all the nations on account of My name."

"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,"

The 'you' Jesus is talking about are the Jews. I believe the church will be raptured before the Tribulation and so Christ is speaking of the 'time of Jacob's trouble' as was foretold by the prophet Jeremiah.

"And shall kill you:'

The Jews that will not bear the 'mark of the beast' will be killed.

"And ye shall be hated of all nations for my name sake."

The ones who receive Christ during the Tribulation will be happy to stand up and be counted for Christ, and the nations will hate them.

Verse 10, "And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and hate one another."

LGT "And then many will be offended and they will deliver up one another, and will hate one another."

The so-called Christian in those days will betray the true Christian and will turn them over to the authorities to be persecuted.

Verse 11, "And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many."

LGT "And many false prophets will arise and will mislead many."

In the first part of this chapter the Church was warned against false teachers (vs. 4), and now during the Tribulation the Jews are being warned against false prophets. The church has never had prophets, even in the apostolic age of the church; another reason I believe in pre-Trib rapture of the church. Whenever the Tribulation is represented in Scripture it is always to Israel.

Verse 12, "And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold."

LGT "And because lawlessness shall have been multiplied, the love of the many will grow cold."

"And because iniquity shall abound,"

This phrase is literally, lawlessness shall have been multiplied. When unbelief comes in it spreads its cold useless practices, lawlessness.

"The love of many shall wax cold."

The Greek has the article before 'many' so it is that the majority of the people have ceased to love one another; without the article it simply means, as the KJV has it, the love of many people, not the majority. The term 'wax cold' means that a cold and malignant spirit of unbelief is multiplied throughout.

Verse 13, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."

LGT "But the one who endures to [the] end, He shall be saved."

This question has caused concern among those who believe that a person can lose his or her salvation; they teach that a person must endure to the end, that is, keep themselves saved; these people do not fully give God all the glory, that Christ is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before God's throne with exceeding joy; they have not studied as we have, in John's Epistle, that the one who believes in Christ, the same is an overcomer, that is, Christ has overcome evil for us, and has imputed His righteousness on us; we believers are saved by 'faith alone in Christ alone.' As McGee says, "we may visit the pigpen, but God does not let us remain in the pigpen." It is confusing sometimes when we hear so-called "men of God" teaching heresy one minute and the truth another; we have a tendency to judge them and say they are not saved, but I believe we will have to wait and see.

Verse 14, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all the nations; and then shall the end come."

LGT "And the Gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the entire habitable earth, for a testimony to all the nations, and then shall come the end."

The Gospel of the kingdom was preached first by John the Baptist, and then by Christ; Christ sent His disciples out to the lost sheep of the house of Israel with the same Gospel. After the resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, the Gospel of grace has been preached; there is no difference between the two Gospels as far as salvation goes, but in this age of grace we are not looking for the kingdom; during the Great Tribulation Period the Gospel of the kingdom will once more be proclaimed, another reason why I believe the rapture will occur before the Tribulation.

McGee writes:

"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all the nations; and then shall the end come", does not mean that while the church is here in the world the end can't come until the gospel of the grace of God is preached worldwide. I know that there are those who use this verse to promote their Bible-teaching programs. While it is laudable to want to get the gospel to the ends of the earth, this is not the verse to use to promote it. (The only problem I have with this concept set forth by McGee is that the Gospel of grace has already gone forth to the ends of the earth, as Paul tells us in Romans, "Have they not all heard, yea, they have all heard." The mission of the body of Christ now is to know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and to be ready to give an answer to your faith, to anyone who might ask). You see, my friend, it is important to interpret Scripture in its context. Remember that our Lord is answering the question, "What is the sign of the end of the age?" (See v. 3). He is speaking of that end time."

The Great Tribulation

(Mark 13:14-23; Luke 21:20-24)

Verse 15, "When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)"

LGT "When therefore you shall see abomination of desolation which was spoken by Daniel the prophet, standing in [the] holy place, the one who reads let him understand."

This is truly a very revealing portion of the Word as it deals with the events of the last days for Israel as they return to their promised land given in God's covenant to Abraham. Many who have prospered by it have dogmatically commented about it. It is so important to the church that I will spend some time in attempting to give what I have accepted as the truth about the last day.

McGee writes:

"What is the abomination of desolation? Well, Daniel tells us about two of them. One of them was Antiochus Epiphanes, the Syrian, who came down and destroyed Jerusalem. In Daniel 11:31 we read: 'And arms shall stand in his part, and they shall pollute the sanctuary of strength, and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the abomination that maketh desolate.' History bears out the fact that Antiochus Epiphanes came against Jerusalem in 170 B.C., at which time over one hundred thousand Jews were slain. He took away the daily sacrifice from the temple, offered the blood and broth of a swine upon the altar, and set up an image of Jupiter to be worshipped in the holy place.

However, our Lord is undoubtedly referring to the second abomination of desolation to which Daniel alludes (See Dan. 12:11), and I believe that it will be an image of Antichrist, which will be set up in the temple. During the Tribulation the temple will be rebuilt and the nation of Israel will be back in Palestine. Obviously, our Lord is speaking of the temple rather than the church, because the church has no holy place. However, we cannot be certain that this is the abomination of desolation to which the Lord refers in the passage before us: this is just our surmising.

I am not looking for the abomination of desolation - I wouldn't know it if I met it on the street - but the people in the last days will be looking for it because it will be the sign to prove that they are in the Great Tribulation Period. Instead of our looking for Antichrist and his abominations, we are told to be 'Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ' (Titus 2:13).

Our Lord says '(Whoso readeth, let him understand), which means the people who are living at that time won't be there, He hasn't given us many details."

Pentecost in his book Things to come has made a detailed study:

The Person and Ministry of the Beast, the Head of the Empire

Scripture has a great deal to say concerning the individual who will appear in the end time as the head of the Gentile powers in their ten kingdom federation. His person and work are presented in Ezekiel 28:1-10; Daniel 7:7-8, Daniel 7:20-26; Daniel 8:23-25; Daniel 9:26-27; Daniel 11:36-45; 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10; Revelation 13:1-10; Revelation 17:8-14. A synthesis of the truths in these passages will reveal the following facts concerning his activities:

1. He will appear on the scene in the 'latter times' of Israel's history Dan. 8:23: And in the latter times of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding sentences, shall stand up.
2. He will not appear until the Day of the Lord has begun 2 Thess. 2:2: That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or to be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by letter as from us, as that day of the Lord is present.
3. His manifestation is being hindered by the Restrainer 2 Thess. 2:6-7: And now ye know what [restraineth] that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work; only he who now [hindereth will continue to hinder] until he be taken out of the way.
4. This appearance will be preceded by a departure 2 Thess. 2:3: Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come, except there come [the] falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition, which may be interpreted either as a departure from the faith or a departure of the saints to be with the Lord 2 Thess. 2:1: Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.
5. He is a Gentile. Since he arises from the sea Rev. 13:1: And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw [the] beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy, and since the sea depicts the Gentile nations Rev. 17:15: And he saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest, where the [harlot] sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues, he must be of Gentile origin.
6. He rises from the Roman Empire, since he is a ruler of the people who destroyed Jerusalem Dan. 9:26: And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself; and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary, and the end of it shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.
7. He is the head of the last form of Gentile world dominion, for he is like a leopard, a bear, and a lion Rev. 13:1: (See point five). (Cf. Dan. 7:7-8, 20, 24; Rev. 17:9-11). As such he is a political leader. The seven heads and ten horns (Rev. 13:1; 17:12) are federated under his authority.
8. His influence is world wide, for he rules over all nations Rev. 13:8: And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. This influence comes through the alliance which he makes with other nations Dan. 8:24: And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy, and [continue], and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people; and Rev. 17:12: And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, who have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.
9. He has eliminated three rulers in his rise to power Dan. 7:8, 24: I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before which there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots; and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise; and another shall rise after them, and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. One of the kingdoms over which he has authority has been revived, for one of the heads, representing a kingdom or king Rev. 17:10: And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space, has been healed Rev. 13:3: And I saw one of his heads as though it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed, and all the world wondered after the beast.
10. His rise comes through his peace program Dan. 8:25: And through his policy also he shall cause [deceit] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many; he shall also stand against the Prince of princes, but he shall be broken without hand.
11. He personally is marked by his intelligence and persuasiveness Dan 7:8, 20: I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up from them another little horn, before which there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots; and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. And the ten horns that were in its head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fall; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows; and also by his subtlety and craft Ezek. 28:6: Therefore, thus saith the Lord God: Because thou hast set thine heart as the heart of God, so that his position over the nations is by their own consent Rev. 17:13: These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.
12. He rules over the nations in his federation with absolute authority Dan. 11:36: And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done; where he is depicted as doing his own will. This authority is manifested through the change in laws and customs Dan. 7:25: And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change the times and the laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time (C.I. Scofield notes: The terms found in the O.T. and N.T. referring to specific lengths of time in future events require careful consideration, so as to avoid fantastic speculations. The first occurrence of a reference to a period of three and one-half years in the prophetic future is the expression time, times and the dividing of time found here. It is also in Dan. 12:7 and Rev. 12:14. This is the length of time as one-half of the final seven-year period (Dan. 9:27), and is like wise the period of time expressed in the term forty and two months (Rev. 11:2; 13:5), or a thousand two hundred and threescore days (Rev. 12:6).
13. His chief interest is in might and power Dan. 11:36: And the king shall do according to his will; and he shall exalt himself, and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done.
14. As the head of the federated empire he makes a seven year covenant with Israel Dan. 9:27: And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate; which is broken after three and one-half years.
15. He introduces an idolatrous worship (Dan 9:27) in which he sets himself up as God Dan. 11:36,37: (See point 13) and 2 Thess. 2:4: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Also Rev. 13:5: And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months.
16. He bears the characterization of a blasphemer because of the assumption of deity Ezek. 28:2: Son of man, say unto the prince of Tyre, thus saith the Lord God; Because thine heart is [lifted] up, and thou hast said, I am a [god], I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas, yet thou art a man, and not God, though thou set thine heart as the heart of God; Dan 7:25: And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change the times and the laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time; Rev. 13:1, 5-6: And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy. And there was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him to continue forty and two months. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
17. This one is energized by Satan Rev. 13:4: And they worshipped the dragon who gave power unto the beast; and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him? He receives his authority from him, and is controlled by the pride of the devil Ezek. 28:2: (See point 16) Dan. 8:25: And through his policy also he shall cause [deceit] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many; he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes, but he shall be broken without hands.
18. He is the head of Satan's lawless system 2 Thess. 2:3: Let no man deceive you by any means; for that day shall not come [the] falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; and his claim to power and to deity is proved by signs wrought through satanic power 2 Thess. 2:9-12: (9) Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all powers and signs and lying wonders, (10) And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish, because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. (11) And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe [the] lie, (12) That they all might be [judged] who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness
19. He is received as God and as ruler because of the blindness of the people 2 Thess. 2:11: And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe [the] lie.
20. This ruler becomes the great adversary of Israel Dan. 7:21, 25; Dan. 8:24; I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; And shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change the times and the laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.8:24: And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and [continue], and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. Rev. 13:7: And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
21. There will come an alliance against him Ezek. 28:7: Behold, therefore, I will bring strangers upon thee, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of thy wisdom, and they shall defile thy brightness. Dan. 11:40, 42: And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horseman, and with many ships; and he shall enter into countries, and shall overflow and pass [through]. (42) He shall stretch forth his hand also upon the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape; which will contest his authority.
22. In the ensuing conflict he will gain control over Palestine and adjacent territory Dan. 11:42, and make his headquarters in Jerusalem Dan. 11:45: And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.
23. This ruler, at the time of his rise to power, is elevated through the instrumentality of the harlot, the corrupt religious system, which consequently seeks to dominate him Rev. 17:3: So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
24. This system is destroyed by the ruler so that he may rule unhindered Rev. 17:16-17: And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the [harlot], and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
25. He becomes the special adversary of the Prince of princes Dan. 8:25: And through his policy also he shall cause [deceit] to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many; he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes, but he shall be broken without hand; His program 2 Thess. 2:4: Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he, as God, sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God; Rev. 17:14: These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful; and His people Dan 7:21, 26; I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them; But the judgment shall sit; and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end; Dan. 8:24: And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and [continue], and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people; Rev. 13:7: And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them; and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
26. While he continues in power for seven years Dan. 9:27: And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week; and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease. And for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate; his satanic activity is confirmed to the last half of the tribulation period Dan. 7:25 And he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change the times and the laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time.
27. His rule will be terminated by a direct judgment from God Rev. 19:19-20: And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire and brimstone. This judgment will take place as he is engaged in a military campaign in Palestine Rev. 19:19 (See above), and will be cast into the lake of fire (See above).
28. This judgment will take place at the second advent of Christ 2 Thess. 2:8: And then shall that wicked one be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and the brightness of his coming; and will constitute a manifestation of His Messianic authority Rev. 11:15: And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The [kingdom] of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.
29. The kingdom over which he ruled will pass to the authority of the Messiah and will become the kingdom of the saints Dan. 7:27: And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve him.

Verse 16, "Then let them which be in Judea flee into the mountains."

LGT "Then the ones in Judea let them flee to the mountains."

This is the first of a line of warnings for the ones who will believe during the Tribulation period are to flee to the mountains for safety.

Verse 17, "Let him which is on the housetop not come down out of his house."

LGT "The one on the housetop, let him not come down to take anything out of the house."

"They could escape from roof to roof and so escape, the road of the roofs, as the rabbis called it. There was need for haste" (A.T. Robertson).

"Thus a person could make his escape passing from roof to roof, till, at the last house, he would descend the stairs on the outside of the house, but within the exterior court. The urgency of the flight is enhanced by the fact that the stairs lead into this court. Though you must pass by the very door of your room, do not enter to take anything out. Escape for your life" (Vincent).

Verse 18, "Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes."

LGT "And the one in the field let him not return back to take his garments."

Now this will be hard for many of the Jews, even though they are Christians. The workers in agriculture are warned not to look back but to flee; anyone who has labored in any type of industry knows that in the morning when it is cold you leave your coat on, but when it warms up, you leave it in a safe place and pick it up at the end of the day. They are warned not to go back and get their garments.

Verse 19, "And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!"

LGT "And Oouiee to the ones who are with child and the ones who give suck in those days!"

Jesus considers all, even the babies, when He gives this warning; it will not be a time for childbearing. McGee believed that our population explosion in the twentieth century is a sign of the end times.

Verse 20, "But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the Sabbath day."

LGT "And pray that your flight may not be in winter, neither [the] Sabbath."

"But pray ye that your flight be not in winter,"

Their flight would be slowed in the winter, and their hiding in the caves of the mountains would very cold and miserable,

"Neither on the Sabbath day."

The Expositors Greek Testament remarks that this phrase is proof that this phrase was added by a Jewish Sabbatarian; however if it is genuine it proves that it is written strictly for the Jews, because the church does not respond to the Sabbath. Robertson adds that some of the Jews would be hesitant to make the journey because of the law.

Verse 21, "For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."

LGT "For there shall then be great tribulation, such as has not been from [the] beginning of [the] world until now, no, nor ever shall be."

This is proof positive Jesus is speaking of the Great Tribulation at the end of the age. The immediate tribulation would be in 70 A.D. when Titus would sack Jerusalem and the temple, and scatter the Jews to the uttermost parts, and the later Tribulation would come at the end of the age; this is the Period I believe Jesus is speaking of. This comes under the rule of double prophetic application, that is, immediate and future fulfillment. What Titus did in A.D. 70 was but a foreshadow of what the Antichrist will do in his 'abomination of desolation' at the end of this age.

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

LGT "And unless those days had been shortened, there would not have been any flesh saved: but on account of the elect, those days shall be shortened."

The days of the Tribulation will run its course according to God's timetable; the last half of the tribulation in the final days will be forty two months; Jesus is saying that the period will be so fierce that if it was not cut short none of the remnant of Jews would survive.

McGee writes:

"We read in the Book of Revelation that during the Tribulation one third of the population of the earth will be destroyed. On another occasion one-fourth of the population will be destroyed. It is absolutely unique. Using the simile given to us in Revelation 6, the red horse of war, the black horse of famine, and then the pale horse of death will ride during that period, and the population of the earth will be decimated. There was the time when this seemed an exaggeration. Even some good commentators considered it hyperbole [exaggeration]. However, now that several nations of the world have atom bombs, which could destroy the population of the world, it no longer appears to be exaggerated.

However, there is comfort in this verse - but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened. God will not let mankind commit suicide. That is the reason this will be such a brief period."

Verses 23,24, "Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

LGT "Then if anyone say to you, Behold, here [is] the Christ, or, here, do not believe [it]. For there will arise false Christs and false prophets, and will give great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect. "

"Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there;"

The natural response of the Jews during the Tribulation period would be to look for the Messiah, and Christ is warning them that false miracle workers would arise during this Period and claim to be Christ. He continues that they should not heed these phonies, because they themselves will know when Christ returns.

"For there shall arise false Christs and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders;"

"Patent-medicine men make full use of the credulity [gullibility] of people along this line as do spiritualistic mediums. Sleight-of-hand men can deceive the unwary [unsuspecting]" (Robertson). "The beast will extend his power, for many will turn to him when they see the miracles which the false prophet performs to persuade the world to worship him as God (Rev. 13:11-18). They will accept these miracles as proof he is God. This one will want to be recognized as Messiah, but Christ warned them not to submit to him" (Pentecost).

"Insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect."

The very wording of this phrase proves that it is not possible to deceive the elect Jew, that is, the believing Jew. As McGee says, we have to use common sense in determining the elect of the Church and the elect of Israel; it could only be 'the elect of Israel' for that is directly whom He is addressing. The important feature in this phrase is to show how wonderfully the deception is perpetrated.

Verse 25, "Behold, I have told you before."

LGT "Behold, I have told [it] to you."

You will remember at that time what I have told you and warned you about these false Christs and prophets.

Verse 26, "Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not."

LGT "If therefore they say to you, Behold He is in the wilderness, do no go forth: Behold [He is] in the inner chambers, believe [it] not."

Both of these places, the wilderness and the inner chambers are very secluded and private places. Vincent says that it is because these false Christs and false prophets will avoid public scrutiny.

Verse 27, "For as the lightening cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

LGT "For as the lightening comes from the east, and appears as far as the west, so shall be also the coming of the Son of Man."

This is in contrast with the last verse that shows the invisibility of the false Christs and false prophets appearing in the wilderness and the inner chambers; the Son of Man will appear as the lighting shining from the east to the west; His coming will be manifested with great splendor.

McGee wrote:

"When He comes, there will be no John the Baptist to announce Him. But when He comes, the whole world will know and it will be as public as lightning. Those of you that live in the Middle West know that a lightning storm is a public affair. When it comes, everybody knows about it, and sometimes it is a frightful experience. The Lord's second coming to the earth will be like that. No one will need to announce it. When our Lord comes the second time to establish His kingdom on earth, everyone will know He is coming."

Verse 28, "For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together."

LGT "For wherever may be the fallen body [a corpse], there will be gathered together the eagles."

This verse seems to be representing the coming of Christ in judgment on the unbelieving nations. "This is the most difficult verse to understand in the entire Olivet Discourse. After speaking of His coming in glory like lightning out of the heaven, then to speak of carrion-eating birds seems indeed strange. But I believe it refers to Christ's coming in judgment, because Revelation 19 tells us about an invitation that went out to the birds to come together for a great banquet, And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army (Rev. 19:17-19). The birds that feed on carrion seem to be agents of divine judgment. When the Lord comes again, He will come in judgment" (McGee).

The Coming of the Son of Man

(Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28)

Verse 29, "Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken."

LGT "But immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give her light, and the stars will fall from the heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken."

Jesus had described the Tribulation Period in verses 4-28, and now he is describing his coming in judgment. The beginning of this verse He uses the word 'immediately', which describes things immediately after and during the close of the Tribulation, and His return to earth to set up His Millennial reign.

Verse 30, "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

LGT "And then shall appear the sign of the Son of Man in the heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth shall beat their breasts in anguish, and they shall see the Son of Man coming upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory:"

"And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven:"

There are many speculations by commentators that the sign will be an illumined cross etc.; but I believe with F.F. Bruce that it will be Christ Himself, as the rest of the verse proves out. McGee thinks it will be the Shekinah glory that hovered over the Ark of the Covenant in the Holy of Holies of the Tabernacle in the wilderness; this is not too far-fetched in that Jews will see it; however, what makes it far-fetched is that the Orthodox Jew today is not familiar with the shekinah glory of Old. The thing I like about McGee's reasoning is that it is consistent with the fact that this is the time of Jacob's Trouble, and not meant for the Church.

"And then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn,"

This phrase is literally; they shall beat their breasts in anguish.

"And they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory."

"He is speaking of His return to the earth. Zephaniah had foretold the darkness of the day of the Lord (Zeph. 1:14-17). Christ foresaw physical darkness as well as moral and spiritual darkness. It will be against this darkness that the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky (Matt. 24:30). All through the Old Testament, God revealed His presence among His people by the shining of light. When Emmanuel returns, His presence will be heralded by the shinning of the essential glory that belongs to Him. The peoples of the earth will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. God gave to man the authority to rule as His representative over the earth (Gen. 1:27). The Holy Spirit led David to reaffirm that destiny (Psalm 8:6-8). At His Second Advent Christ will come as the Son of Man (Matt. 24:30) to subject the earth to His authority so that He might fulfill the destiny that God assigned to man. This coming will be bodily and visible. Christ's feet shall touch the Mt. Of Olives as predicted in Zechariah 14:4, and He will return just as He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:11)" (Pentecost).

Verse 31, "And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

LGT "And He shall send His angels with a great trumpet [sound], and they shall gather together His elect out of the four winds, from the extremities of [the] heavens to [the] extremities of them."

"And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet,"

The Lord does not have His angels with Him when He comes in the air to rapture the Church; we read in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17: "For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

"And they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other."

The angels are sent out to gather the elect of the children of Israel at the end of the Great Tribulation Period.

Vincent notes on the history of the trumpet sounding:

"The blowing of trumpets was anciently the signal for the host of Israel on their march through the desert. It summoned to war, and proclaimed public festivals, and marked the beginnings of months; Num. 10:1-10; Psalm 81:3. Hence the symbolism of the New Testament. Jehovah's people shall be summoned before their king by sound of the trumpet. Compare the proclamation of Christ as king at the trumpet of the seventh angel, Revelation 11:15."

The Lesson of the Fig Tree

(Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33)

Introduction to this parable:

The Lord introduces this parable parenthetically, I believe, in order to give a prophetic picture of his return to earth to set up His Kingdom. There are certain rules of exegesis that must be used in interpreting a parable. Pentecost in his book Things to Come gives a good set of rules for a correct interpretation of parables, which he quotes from Horne, which I will outline here:

1. The first excellence of a parable is, that it turns upon an image well known and applicable to the subject, the meaning of which is clear and definite; for this circumstance will give it that perspicuity [self-expression] which is essential to every species of allegory [symbolic language].
2. The image, however, must not only be apt and familiar, but must also be elegant and beautiful in itself, and all parts must be perspicuous [easy to understand] and pertinent [important]; since it is the purpose of a parable, and especially of a poetic parable, not only to explain more perfectly some proposition, but frequently to give it animation and splendor.
3. Every parable is composed of three parts:1. The sensible similitude [likeness] . . .the bark . . . 2. The explanation or mystical sense …the sap or fruit. . . . 3. The root or scope to which it tends.
4. For the right explanation and application of parables, their general scope and design must be ascertained.
5. Wherever the words of Jesus seem to be capable of different sense, we may with certainty conclude that to be the true one, which lies most level to the apprehension of his auditors.
6. As every parable has two senses, the literal or external, and the mystical or internal sense must be first explained, in order that the correspondence between it and the mystical sense may be more readily perceived.
7. It is not necessary, in the interpretation of parables, that we should anxiously insist upon every single word; nor ought we to expect too curious an adaptation or accommodation of it in every part to the spiritual meaning inculcated [instructed] by it; for many circumstances are introduced into parables which are merely ornamental, and designed to make the similitude more pleasing and interesting.
8. Attention to Historical Circumstances, as well as an acquaintance with the nature and properties of the things whence the similitudes are taken, will essentially contribute to the interpretation of the parables.
9. Lastly, although in many of His parables Jesus Christ has delineated the future state of the church, yet He intended that they should convey some important moral precepts [principles], of which we should never lose sight in interpreting parables."

Verses 32, 33, "Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors."

LGT "But from the fig-tree learn the parable: when already its branch is become tender and the leaves it puts forth, know that near [is] the summer: thus also you, when you see all these things, know that it is near the door."

Christ chose the fig tree that is native to the Mount of Olives and surrounding area of Jerusalem. Just as they could see from the budding of the fig tree that summer is near, so they should tell by the signs He gives that their redemption draws near, and that He is about to set up His kingdom.

McGee wrote:

"I do not see how the fig tree could represent anything other than the nation Israel (e.g., see Jer. 24; Hos. 9:10). There are certainly fig trees growing in abundance in Israel even in our day after all that has happened to that land. I was impressed with the fig orchards north of Jerusalem and the vineyards south of Jerusalem - the area south of Bethlehem is filled with vineyards. Fig trees and grapevines identify the land, and I believe that our Lord is using the fig tree as a symbol of that land."

Verse 34, "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled."

LGT "Verily I say to you, That in no way will this generation pass away until all these things shall have taken place."

"Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass,"

A generation in the Old Testament was forty years; if Christ is referring to the generation He was addressing, it all took place in the destruction of Jerusalem; however, if He is referring to a generation as meaning the Jewish people as a race, it would naturally be referring to the end of this age, that is, at the end of the seven years of the Great Tribulation Period. As we study the remainder of this chapter and the next, I believe it will become obvious that He is referring to the Great Tribulation.

Till all these things be fulfilled."

All these things could only be referring to the things mentioned in verse 4-28 in this context.

Pentecost notes:

"Those who will see the signs will know that He, the Messiah, or it, Messiah's judgment, is at the door. Since these signs will all occur in the seven years of Daniel's seventieth week, the generation that sees the beginning of these signs will not pass away until all these things have happened, for they all will fall within a brief span of time. These will not be signs given to a generation preceding the Rapture. Instead, these signs will be given to a generation that cannot begin until after the church has been translated. To remove any doubt as to the certainty of these events, Christ said, My words will never pass away.

Verse 35, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away."

LGT "The heaven and the earth shall pass away, but My words shall in no way pass away."

There will be a new heaven and a new earth: And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away, and there was no more sea (Rev. 21:1), but the Word of God is immutable and eternal; that is, it cannot be changed nor will it ever pass away.

The Unknown Day and Hour

(Mark 13:32-37; Luke 17:26-30, 34-36)

Verse 36, "But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."

LGT "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, except the Father only."

The phrase nor the Son is genuine, although it is missing from some of the ancient manuscripts; the reason the Son does not know the day nor the hour is because of His humanity that He took upon Himself in order to redeem us all from sin. Although Jesus did not know the precise day and hour He did give the signs of His second coming.

"While no one knows the specific day or hour in which Jesus Christ will return, people who properly understand and interpret the signs will know that they are living in the last days. We might suppose that this consciousness would deliver people from complacency and indifference, but such will not be the case" (Pentecost).

Verse 37, "But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

LGT "For just as the days of Noah, so shall also be the coming of the Son of Man."

In the days of Noah the people thought Noah was insane; they also think believers are also insane when they talk about the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are many other illustrations regarding Noah's day that illustrate Christ Second Advent, as we shall see.

Verse 38, 39, "For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

LGT "For just as they were in the days which were before the flood, eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered into the ark, and they knew not until the flood came and took them all away, thus shall be [also] the parousia of the Son of Man."

The main idea in these verses is that the people were all taken in by the details of life, without regard for eternity. Right up until the waters started to flow from the heavens, the people were completely uninterested in the message of Noah; then the floods came, and the people were unprepared to face God's judgment.

McGee wrote:

"Now the days of Noah were characterized by gross immorality - every thought and imagination of man's heart was only evil continually (see Gen. 6:5). But our Lord says that His coming will be in days like the days of Noah, and He mentions only that they were eating and drinking. Is there anything wrong with eating and drinking? No, we are told that whatever we do - whether we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, we are to do all to the glory of God (see 1 Cor. 10:31). However, the people in Noah's day were not eating and drinking to the glory of God. In fact, they were living as though God did not exist.

A little boy was invited out to dinner for the first time in his life. He was just going next door, but to him it was a big event. So when the time came to go, he made a beeline for the house next door. When they sat down to the table to eat, the boy automatically bowed his head to offer thanks for the food because he came from a Christian home. Suddenly he realized he was the only one with a bowed head and the rest of the folks were passing food back and forth. He opened his eyes and, not having any inhibitions, said, "Don't you thank God for your food?' There was embarrassing silence for a moment, and then the lady of the house said, 'No, we don't.' The little fellow thought for a moment and then said, 'You're like my dogs - they just start right in!'

Also, the people of Noah's day were marrying and giving in marriage. Certainly our Lord is not saying marriage is wrong. His point is that they rejected so completely God's warning through Noah that they went ahead and had their weddings - maybe even 'church' weddings - right up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They lived as though God did not exist. They did not believe that He would judge them and scorned the warning that a flood was imminent. And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away: so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

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

LGT "Then two will be in the field, one is taken and one is left: Two [women] grinding at the mill, one is taken and one is left."

The verb phrase shall be taken is in the present tense is taken making the phrase more living. The two women grinding in the mill-house was the normal procedure; two women held the handles of the millstone and turned it.

"When the flood came, people had ignored the warning of coming judgment. They were unprepared for the flood and had not availed themselves of the way of escape. Hence they were swept away in the judgment. So it will be in the Tribulation. The signs will forewarn of the coming of the Judge and His destroying judgment. But when He comes, two men will be in the field; one will be taken [away in judgment] and the other left [to go into the kingdom]. Two women will be grinding with the hand mill; one will be taken [away in judgment] and the other will be left [to go into the kingdom]" (Pentecost).

Verse 42, "Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come."

LGT "Watch therefore: because you know not what hour your Lord comes."

Because of vagueness of when the lord will come, Christ warns this generation to be watchful. "Keep awake, be on the watch 'therefore' because of the uncertainty of the time of the second coming. Jesus gives a half dozen parables to enforce the point of this exhortation (the Porter, the Master of the House, the Faithful Servant and the evil Servant, the Ten Virgins, the Talents, the Sheep and the Goats). Matthew does not give the Parable of the Porter (Mark 13:35-37)" (Robertson). I must point out at this time that we believers are never warned about the coming of the Lord; we are exhorted to look up and expectantly look for our redemption. The believer is admonished to eagerly await the rapture: "For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not [precede] them who are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God; and the dead in Christ shall rise first; then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort one another with these words" (1 Thess. 4:14-18). Even though there are similarities in the language between the Rapture of the Church, and the Second Coming of the Lord in judgment, they are two separate and distinct comings of our Lord. One is to judge the nations and the other is to reward the saints.

Verse 43, "But know this, that if the Goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up."

LGT "But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief comes, he would have watched, and not have suffered to be dug through his house."

The Jews are given warning of the imminent second coming of the Lord in 1 Thess. 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10; Rev. 3:3; 21:15. The houses of the common people were made of mud blocks and the thieves would dig through the walls and steal their possessions.

Verse 44, "Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."

LGT "Wherefore also be ye ready, because in what hour you think not, the Son of Man comes."

Christ is giving them the warning He illustrated in verse 43; and again by using the term Son of Man, He is speaking to the Jews and not the Church; to the Church He is our Brother, and Great God and Savior Jesus Christ. He is our Bridegroom and we are His bride, and we are not to watch for Him as a judge, but as our Savior. Remember in all this the Lord is speaking to that generation.

The Faithful or the Unfaithful Servant

(Luke 12:41-48)

Verse 45, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?"

LGT "Who then is the faithful servant and prudent his lord has set over his household, to give to them the food in season?"

The faithful servant is one who is filling his station as regarding the Lord, and not because of his fear that he will be caught unawares; he is trustworthy and judicious.

Verse 46, "Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing."

LGT "Blessed [is] that servant whom his lord having come will find him thus doing."

The faithful servant who will be found faithfully serving his Lord.

Verse 47, "Verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over his goods."

LGT "Verily I say to you, that over all his property he will set him."

The Lord is using this parable to support the fact that He will reward faithfulness, which will not be just for those going through the tribulation, but is applicable to every age.

Verses 48-51, "But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My Lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow-servants, and to eat and drink wine with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

LGT "But if the evil servant shall say that in his heart, my lord delays to come, and should begin to beat his fellow-servant, and to eat and drink with the drunken, the lord of that servant will come in a day in which he does not expect, and in an hour which he knows not, and will cut him in two, and will appoint his portion with the hypocrites: there will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth."

These last four verses form one paragraph describing the fate of the unbeliever during the Tribulation Period.

Pentecost writes:

"Christ now gave an exhortation concerning faithfulness in view of the fact that believers do not know just when He will return. He likened a prepared disciple to a servant who was put in charge of his master's household. The servant's responsibility was to administer his master's goods for the benefit of his master's servants. His responsibility demanded faithfulness even though the master was not present to supervise him. If when the master returned he found the servant had been faithful, the master would reward him. But if the servant was faithless when his master was away, he would be punished if the master unexpectedly returned and discovered his faithlessness. Christ in this parable taught that at His return those who call themselves His servants will be tested and those who are faithless will be rejected in spite of their profession. But those who are faithful will be accepted because of their faithfulness will validate their profession. Thus in this parenthetical section, Christ exhorted those who will witness the signs to be watchful, to be prepared, and to be faithful in view of His coming."

McGee adds:

"This is a great principle which is applicable to every age. You and I ought to live our lives in the light of the fact that we are to stand in the presence of Christ. Note that I didn't say in the light of the coming of Christ but in the light of the presence of Christ. Regardless of whether Christ comes an hundred years from today or a thousand years, you and I will stand in His presence. Whether you are saved or lost, you will stand in His presence. If you are saved, you will have to give Him an account of your life to see if you receive a reward. If you are lost, you will stand there to be judged. Therefore, every person should live his life in light of the fact that he is to stand in the presence of the Lord. This is the great emphasis in the Olivet Discourse. Therefore, it has applications to us, although the interpretation is specifically to folk living at the time of Christ's return as King."

Go To Chapter 25

Share freely but cite the source: http://bbbiblehelps.epizy.com