olivet discourse seminar april 29, 2011€¦ · mat 24:3 as he sat on the mount of olives, the...

Matthew 24 Mark 13 Luke 21Luke 21 Matthew 10, Luke 17, and Luke 12

CommentaryCommentary

Mat 24:1 Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple.

Mar 13:1 And as he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!"

Luk 21:5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings,

Luk 21:5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings,

Preliminary note: Of all of the gospel writers, Luke is often thought to be most concerned with chronological order and detail (Lk. 1:1-4). Also, Luke accompanied Paul in his mission to the Gentiles. In numerous places, Luke’s gospel seems to be concerned with translating concepts for a Gentile audience.

Context: the disciples here are leaving the actual first century temple.

Preliminary note: Of all of the gospel writers, Luke is often thought to be most concerned with chronological order and detail (Lk. 1:1-4). Also, Luke accompanied Paul in his mission to the Gentiles. In numerous places, Luke’s gospel seems to be concerned with translating concepts for a Gentile audience.

Context: the disciples here are leaving the actual first century temple.

Mat 24:2 But he answered them, "You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

Mar 13:2 And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

he said, Luk 21:6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

he said, Luk 21:6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."

Jesus is clearly prophesying the destruction of the first century temple that they were observing with their own eyes. This temple, along with the city of Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Roman armies led by the future emperor Titus in 70AD.

Jesus is clearly prophesying the destruction of the first century temple that they were observing with their own eyes. This temple, along with the city of Jerusalem, was destroyed by the Roman armies led by the future emperor Titus in 70AD.

OLIVET DISCOURSE SEMINAR April 29, 2011Session 2: Gospel Parallel! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! Tim Miller

Daniel Training Networkwww.danieltrainingnetwork.org

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Mat 24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying,

Mar 13:3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked him privately,

[Luk 21:37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.]

Luk 21:7 And they asked him,

[Luk 21:37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet.]

Luk 21:7 And they asked him,

The Mount of Olives had a special place in the eschatological consciousness of the Jewish nation because of Zechariah 14.

3 Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. 4 On that day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half of the mountain moving north and half moving south. 5 You will flee by my mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. (NIV Zech. 14:3-5)

Also note that they were sitting opposite the temple. They are sitting on a very eschatologically-significant place, staring at a temple that Jesus had just prophesied would be destroyed. What do you think was on their mind?







OLIVET DISCOURSE SEMINAR April 29, 2011Session 2: Gospel Parallel! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! of 47






"Tell us, when will these things (category 1: the temple’s destruction) be, and what will be the sign of your coming (Gk – parousia; category 2: the Second Coming) and of the close (Gk synteleia) of the age (NIV – “the end of the age” – category 3: signs that we’ve entered the final generation)?"

Mar 13:4 "Tell us, when will these things (the temple’s destruction) be, and what will be the sign when all these things are about to be accomplished (NIV/KJV/NKJV-“fulfilled”)?"

"Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?"

"Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?"

It is extremely important to note that as part of their question, Peter, James, John, and Andrew ask Jesus concerning three clear categories of signs. 1) signs that will signal the impending destruction of the temple; and 2) signs that will signal when the earth has entered into the final generation at the end of the age. 3) the sign that will accompany his parousia more specifically, when He returns through the sky; Futurists tend to sweep category 1 under the rug in their exegesis of the Olivet Discourse. Preterists usually do the same with categories 2 and 3. However, the disciples want to know when “all these things” will take place. The apostles knew the Scriptures well, and they knew what they were asking. Jesus is also an amazing Rabbi. They ask him for insight concerning three categories of signs, and so in what follows, we should expect him to address all three categories at some point in his discourse. As we continue, then, we must keep in mind that the disciples asked Jesus both concerning the end of the temple and the end of the age.

Also, Mark’s language of accomplished/fulfilled gives the sense that they expected the signs would take place in fulfillment of Scripture. In other words, their questions and were rooted in their understanding of the Old Testament. All three categories of signs, therefore, should have their anchor in the Old Testament. And this is in fact the case, as we will see.











Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray (NIV – “Watch out that no one deceives you”).

Mar 13:5 And Jesus began to say to them, "See that no one leads you astray.

Luk 21:8 And he said, "See that you are not led astray.

Luk 21:8 And he said, "See that you are not led astray.

This language is typically applied to false prophets (see, e.g. Jer. 23, Ezek. 13, Mt. 7:15-23). Jesus’ is warning his disciples to actively “watch out,” lest they be deceived and led astray.



Mat 24:5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.

Mar 13:6 Many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and they will lead many astray.

For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' (the Messiah) and, 'The time is at hand!' (the nature of the deceiving message). Do not go after them (the agenda of the deceivers).

For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' (the Messiah) and, 'The time is at hand!' (the nature of the deceiving message). Do not go after them (the agenda of the deceivers).

Here we come to the nature of the deception. 1) Deception of identity – to advance their agenda, many Jews would presumptuously take upon themselves the Messianic title that only rightfully belongs to Jesus (Lk. 2:11). Matthew makes it clear that “name” here does not refer to Jesus’ personal name, but His Messianic title. 2) Deception of message – the time for the Messianic kingdom’s establishment is about to be established through their revolt and human power. Jesus here is addressing the same issue that he addressed in Luke 17 (See Olivet Discourse Seminar notes Part 1 for more). 3) Deception of motive/intention – the motive driving these false Messiah’s was to take advantage of the Messianic hopes of the people, lead them to the desert in rebellion against Rome, and rally them to their own man-based agendas in the name of God. See quotations of Josephus from Part 1 for examples. Jesus says, “Do not go after them,” because in reality the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom awaits a future generation. Before that generation comes, the true Messiah must first suffer in this generation (Lk. 17:22-25).









Mat 24:6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end (Gk. telos) is not yet.

:

But the end result is not yet

But the outcome is not yet

But

Mar 13:7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. This must take place, but the end (Gk. telos) is not yet.

Luk 21:9 And when you hear of wars and tumults (NIV –“revolutions”; NKJV/KJV –“commotions”; NASB – “disturbances”; NRSV/NLT – “insurrections”; NET Bible – “rebellions”), do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end (telos) will not be at once."

Luk 21:9 And when you hear of wars and tumults (NIV –“revolutions”; NKJV/KJV –“commotions”; NASB – “disturbances”; NRSV/NLT – “insurrections”; NET Bible – “rebellions”), do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end (telos) will not be at once."

Luke makes it clear that “the wars and rumors of wars” refers to first century insurrectionist movements whose aim was to cast off the yoke of Roman oppression. The big question here is: What is Jesus referring to when he says “the end” is not yet/will not be at once? Is he referring to the end of the temple as the consequence of the insurrections? Or is he saying: in this generation you will see insurrections, but the end of the age awaits a future generation?

In Matthew 24:3, the word used for end of the age is synteleia. In the New Testament, it is used six times, always in reference to the end of the age and the Second Coming with one possible exception in Heb. 9:26 (Mt. 13:39, 40, 49; Mt. 24:3; Mt. 28:20; Heb. 9:26). It has the sense of completion and consummation:4930 συντέλεια [sunteleia /soon·tel·i·ah/] n f. From 4931; TDNT 8:64; TDNTA 1161; GK 5333; Six occurrences; AV translates as “end” six times. 1 completion, consummation, end.

The word used in this verse is telos. Telos has a much broader range of meaning:5056. τέλος telos; a an end, a toll:— continually (1), custom(2), customs(1), end(24), ends(2), finished(1), fulfillment(1), goal(1), outcome(6), sum(1), utmost(1).

5056 τέλος [telos /tel·os/] n n. From a primary tello (to set out for a definite point or goal); TDNT 8:49; TDNTA 1161; GK5465; 42 occurrences; AV translates as “end” 35 times, “custom” three times, “uttermost” once, “finally” once, “ending” once, and “by (one’s) continual + 1519” once. 1 end. 1A termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time). 1B the end. 1B1 the last in any succession or series. 1B2 eternal. 1C that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue. 1D the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose. 2 toll, custom (i.e. indirect tax on goods).

17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome (Gk telos; NET Bible “fate”) be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? (NIV1 Pet. 4:17)

Possible Alternative translation (Lk. 21:9): And when you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified, for these things (wars and insurrections) must first take place, but the outcome (i.e. of those wars and insurrections) will not be at once.This translation favors destruction of the temple. The others could go either way.



















Luk 21:10 Then he said to them,Luk 21:10 Then he said to them,

Luke may be indicating a shift in thought there.Luke may be indicating a shift in thought there.Luke may be indicating a shift in thought there.

Mat 24:7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,

Mar 13:8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

"Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

Cf. Isaiah 19:22 “I will stir up Egyptian against Egyptian— brother will fight against brother, neighbor against neighbor, city against city, kingdom against kingdom. 3The Egyptians will lose heart… (NIV Isaiah 19:2)

This exact phrase – “kingdom against kingdom” is also found in Isaiah 19. Isaiah 19 is clearly an end-times passage. Some verses relate to events leading up to the Messiah’s return, and others apply to after His return. Interestingly, the broader context of Isaiah 13- 24 relates the turbulent situation of many Gentile nations in the Middle East leading up to Israel’s deliverance at the Second Coming, and Isaiah 24 describes the Lord rearranging the earth’s topography through earthquakes and various other disasters.





and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

There will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines.

Luk 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (Gk loimos – “pestilences” or “plagues.”). And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

Luk 21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences (Gk loimos – “pestilences” or “plagues.”). And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

Here we have at least five reasons to conclude that in Luke 21:10a above Jesus was in fact shifting the discussion away from signs leading up to the temple’s destruction, to signs signaling that the earth has entered into the last generation. 1) The possible quotation from Isaiah 19, which is an eschatological passage; 2) The shift from talking about insurrections on a localized area (Israel), to shakings and earthquakes that will impact the entire world (cf. Is. 24); 3) Luke’s mention of pestilences or plagues evokes to mind passages like Psalm 91, which describes God’s protection of the saints in the last days; 4) Luke’s remark about “terrors and great signs from heaven” is another indication that the last generation is in view here, because of the OT association of great signs in the heavens with the last days/Day of the Lord (e.g. Joel 2, Is. 13; see Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1); and 5) Jesus’ use of the birth pain pains analogy, which, as we saw in Part 1, refers to the end-times shakings that give birth to the age to come (Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1).









Mat 24:8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

These are but the beginning of the birth pains.

that will impact the entire world (cf. Is. 24); 3) Luke’s mention of pestilences or plagues evokes to mind passages like Psalm 91, which describes God’s protection of the saints in the last days; 4) Luke’s remark about “terrors and great signs from heaven” is another indication that the last generation is in view here, because of the OT association of great signs in the heavens with the last days/Day of the Lord (e.g. Joel 2, Is. 13; see Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1); and 5) Jesus’ use of the birth pain pains analogy, which, as we saw in Part 1, refers to the end-times shakings that give birth to the age to come (Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1).



Luk 21:12 But before all thisLuk 21:12 But before all this

Here, Luke gives us an important time indicator. Jesus is now turning his attention back to signs that will lead up to the temple’s destruction, before the last generation and beginning of birth pains begins to unfold. Thus, this begins a parenthetical section. Remember, Jesus is addressing all three categories of signs.



Mar 13:9 "But be on your guard.

Mat 10:17 Beware of men, Brace yourselves for persecution!Brace yourselves for persecution!

Mat 24:9 "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation (NIV – “to be persecuted”; KJV “afflicted”) and put you to death, [and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.]

For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues,

they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons,

they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons,

for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues,

Here, the focus is on the disciples of Jesus being handed over to be tried, persecuted, and flogged in the synagogues. This, of course, is what we see happening all over the Book of Acts. The focus here is clearly the first century. The context of Matthew 10 – which contains some of the exact content as parts of Matthew 24/Mark 13/Luke 21 – is clearly a pre-Temple destruction focus.

Here, the focus is on the disciples of Jesus being handed over to be tried, persecuted, and flogged in the synagogues. This, of course, is what we see happening all over the Book of Acts. The focus here is clearly the first century. The context of Matthew 10 – which contains some of the exact content as parts of Matthew 24/Mark 13/Luke 21 – is clearly a pre-Temple destruction focus.







and you will stand before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them.

and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake.

Mat 10:18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake,

e.g. Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Publius, and ultimately before Caesar (Ac. 24-28).e.g. Felix, Festus, Agrippa, Publius, and ultimately before Caesar (Ac. 24-28).

[Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.]

Luk 21:13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

Luk 21:13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

to bear witness before them (governors and kings) and the Gentiles.

Jesus is saying that one of the major signs that will precede the Temple’s destruction, is a witness to both Jew and Gentile, including kings and leaders, in context to great suffering and trial.

Jesus is saying that one of the major signs that will precede the Temple’s destruction, is a witness to both Jew and Gentile, including kings and leaders, in context to great suffering and trial.







Mar 13:11 And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, Luk 21:15 for I (through the Holy Spirit, cf. Mk. 13:11) will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

Luk 21:14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, Luk 21:15 for I (through the Holy Spirit, cf. Mk. 13:11) will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.

Mat 10:19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. Mat 10:20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. (NIVAc. 6:8-10)

8 Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, did great wonders and miraculous signs among the people. 9

Opposition arose, however, from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called)—Jews of Cyrene and Alexandria as well as the provinces of Cilicia and Asia. These men began to argue with Stephen, 10 but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke. (NIVAc. 6:8-10)







Mat 24:10 And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.

Mar 13:12 And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death.

Luk 21:16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.

Luk 21:16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death.

Mat 10:21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death (cf. Jn. 9),

When Matthew 24:10 is compared to the parallels, it is clear that Jesus is not talking here about the “rebellion” that occurs when the Anti-Christ is revealed (cf. Dan. 8, 2 Th. 2 – See Olivet Discourse Seminar Session 1), or to some great apostasy of the church that happens before that event. The focus is on believing Jews in the first century being turned in to the Sanhedrin to be imprisoned or put to death. Jesus is saying that some will buckle under the pressure.

When Matthew 24:10 is compared to the parallels, it is clear that Jesus is not talking here about the “rebellion” that occurs when the Anti-Christ is revealed (cf. Dan. 8, 2 Th. 2 – See Olivet Discourse Seminar Session 1), or to some great apostasy of the church that happens before that event. The focus is on believing Jews in the first century being turned in to the Sanhedrin to be imprisoned or put to death. Jesus is saying that some will buckle under the pressure.

Mat 24:11 And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.

Example from Josephus - “(261) But there was an Egyptian false prophet that did the Jews more mischief than the former; for he was a cheat, and pretended to be a prophet also, and got together thirty thousand men that were deluded by him; (262) these he led round about from the wilderness to the mount which was called the Mount of Olives, and was ready to break into Jerusalem by force from that place; and if he could but once conquer the Roman garrison and the people, he intended to domineer over them by the assistance of those guards of his that were to break into the city with him, (263) but Felix prevented his attempt, and met him with his Roman soldiers, while all the people assisted him in his attack upon them, insomuch that, when it came to a battle, the Egyptian ran away, with a few others, while the greatest part of those that were with him were either destroyed or taken alive; but the rest of the multitude were dispersed every one to their own homes and there concealed themselves.”












Mat 24:12 And because lawlessness (NIV – “wickedness”; KJV – “iniquity”) will be increased (in the land, between family members, etc. cf. Mk. 13:12, Lk. 21:16), the love of many will grow cold.

“The affairs of the Jews were growing more troubled. The country was filled with robbers and false prophets fooling the people, although Felix was successful in capturing and killing many of them, including the robber Eleazar. Felix hated the high priest, Jonathan, who persisted in telling him how to run the country, and devised a plot to have him killed. He persuaded Doras, one of Jonathan’s best friends, to arrange to have Jonathan killed by bribing some robbers to do the job. The robbers came into the city as if they were going to worship, daggers hidden under their clothing. Mingling with the crowd, they were able to murder the high priest and escape safely. Since they were not caught and punished, the robbers (named sicarii for the short, curved swords they carried) returned again and again to murder others in the city and in the temple itself – their own enemies and those whom they were paid to kill – not at all concerned about the sacrilege of such murders. And this seems to be the reason God rejected Jerusalem and its impure temple and brought the Romans upon the Jews, purging the city with fire and sending the Jews into slavery as a lesson to them.”

(Around 69 AD) “Within Jerusalem, the Galileans, whom John allowed to do whatever they wanted because of their loyalty to him, were running amuck. Their urge to plunder was insatiable; murder and rape were their common entertainments. They devoured their spoils and turned to feminine wantonness, decking their hair, dressing in women’s clothing, painting their eyes. Not only did they look like women, they indulged in homosexuality and defiled the whole city, continuing to kill like men. The Idumeans who still remained in the city rebelled against John, killing many of the zealots and driving the remainder into the royal palace where John lived and stored his booty. From there, the zealots were chased into the temple. The zealots who had been dispersed throughout the city joined the others in the temple and prepared to attack both the Idumeans and the citizens of the city.”

43 “When an evil spirit comes out of a man, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44

Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house unoccupied, swept clean and put in order. 45 Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that man is worse than the first. That is how it will be with this wicked generation.” (NIVMt. 12:43-45)



























[Mat 24:9 and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake.]

Mar 13:13 And you will be hated by all for my name's sake.

Luk 21:17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake.

Luk 21:17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake.

Mat 10:22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake.

The Book of Acts tells the story of the apostles and early church being severely persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles.

The Book of Acts tells the story of the apostles and early church being severely persecuted by both Jews and Gentiles.

Luk 21:18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

Luk 21:18 But not a hair of your head will perish.

Cf. [Mat 10:30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered.]

Mat 24:13 But the one who endures to the end (Gk. telos) will be saved.

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Luk 21:19 By your endurance you will gain your lives (NIV = “by standing firm you will gain life.” cf. Mt. 16:24-28)

Luk 21:19 By your endurance you will gain your lives (NIV = “by standing firm you will gain life.” cf. Mt. 16:24-28)

But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

He who is faithful to Jesus even unto death, shall gain life in the resurrection at the end of the age.

13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end (Gk. – telos) the confidence we had at first. (NIV – Heb. 3:13-14)

He who is faithful to Jesus even unto death, shall gain life in the resurrection at the end of the age.

13 But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. 14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end (Gk. – telos) the confidence we had at first. (NIV – Heb. 3:13-14)

Mat 10:23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

See discussion of Daniel 9 in session 1 of Olivet Discourse seminar. Jesus does not mean the Second Coming here. He means that they won’t finish going through the towns and villages of Israel before He sends the Roman armies to destroy Jerusalem in fulfillment of Daniel 9:26-27.

See discussion of Daniel 9 in session 1 of Olivet Discourse seminar. Jesus does not mean the Second Coming here. He means that they won’t finish going through the towns and villages of Israel before He sends the Roman armies to destroy Jerusalem in fulfillment of Daniel 9:26-27.







Mat 24:14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world (Gk – oikoumene) as a testimony to all nations, and then the end (Gk. telos) will come.

[Mar 13:10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.]

It is significant to note that the word for world here is oikoumene (not kosmos, e.g. Mk. 16:15). 15 He said to them, “Go into all the world (Gk. komos) and preach the good news to all creation.

3876 οἰκουµένη (oikoumenē), ης (ēs), ἡ (hē): n. fem.; ≡ Str 3625; TDNT 5.157—1. LN 1.39 earth, the world (Lk 4:5; Ro 10:18); 2. LN 1.83 empire, the entire Roman world (Ac 11:28; 17:6; 24:5; Lk 2:1); 3. LN 9.22 people, humankind (Lk 21:26; Ac 17:31; Rev 3:10; 12:9)

3625 οἰκουµένη [oikoumene /oy·kou·men·ay/] n f. Feminine participle present passive of 3611 (as noun, by implication of 1093); TDNT 5:157; TDNTA 674; GK 3876; 15 occurrences; AV translates as “world” 14 times, and “earth” once. 1 the inhabited earth. 1A the portion of the earth inhabited by the Greeks, in distinction from the lands of the barbarians. 1B the Roman empire, all the subjects of the empire. 1C the whole inhabited earth, the world. 1D the inhabitants of the earth, men. 2 the universe, the world.

And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole Empire as a testimony to all nations (i.e. within that Empire, cf. Mt. 10:18-19; Mk. 13:9-11, Lk. 21:12-15), and then the outcome (i.e. of the insurrections, cf. Lk. 21:8-9; or simply the “end” or conclusion of the Temple) will come (i.e. the Temple’s destruction) (Author Mt. 24:14). So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum (north and northwest of Macedonia), I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to see you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. (NIV Rom. 15:19, 23-24)























Mat 24:15 "So when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel (Dan. 9:26-27), standing in the holy place (Gk - en topoo hagioo – “in a place holy”) (let the reader understand),

Mar 13:14 "But when you see the abomination of desolation standing where he (or “it) ought not to be (NKJV – “standing where it ought not”; NIV – “standing where it does not belong) (let the reader understand),

Luk 21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.

Luk 21:20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near.

Here, Luke gives us clarity about what Jesus is saying here. This phrase may have seemed obscure and cryptic for Gentile readers, so he seems to draw out the meaning with a more dynamically-equivalent rendering. 1) Abomination=Gentile armies given to idolatry2) “in a place holy” “where it does not belong”=Jerusalem and its surrounding environs, i.e. the holy city and holy land3) desolation=the destruction of Jerusalem by those armiesAs we saw in Part 1, this is prophesied in Daniel 9 and comes out clearly in the LXX, and is also a viable translation of the Hebrew.









Question: often in Scripture an “abomination” represents an idol or an image of a false god (e.g. Jer. 32:34). How then does Luke apply it to the Roman armies?

Quotations from Josephus:· “Pontius Pilate, the procurator of Judea, moved his army from Cesarea to winter quarters in Jerusalem, where he planned to

abolish the Jewish laws. Former procurators had always had their armies enter the city accompanied by flags carrying no pictures of men, out of respect for the Jewish laws forbidding images, but Pilate’s flags bearing Caesar’s likeness were secretly erected throughout Jerusalem during the night. As soon as the flags were discovered, crowds of Jews traveled to Caesarea to demand Pilate to remove them. He refused, feeling it would be a dishonor to Caesar if he were to comply with the Jews and take the flags down. The crowd continued to petition Pilate for five days. On the sixth day, Pilate concealed soldiers in the area of his judgment seat, and when the crowd came to petition him again, they were surrounded and threatened with immediate death unless they abandoned their cause and returned home. The Jews threw themselves to the ground, bared their necks to the soldiers’ weapons, and said they would willingly die before abandoning their laws. Pilate, impressed by their determination and courage, ordered the flags returned to Caesarea.· “On Tiberius’ orders, Vitellius prepared to go to war with Aretas. His army, consisting of two legions of foot soldiers and

horsemen, began to advance toward Petra, passing through Ptolemais, in Judea, on their way. As they passed through Judea, the Jewish leaders met Vitellius and asked him not to cross their land, sin the Roman flags bore many images on them. Vitellius granted their request and diverted his army over the Great Plain…”· “Hearing the hated king [Herod the Great] was dying, two well-respected Jewish educators, Judas and Matthias, urged their

students to pull down the golden eagle Herod had erected over the temple gate in defiance of the Jewish law about images. They warned the students they would probably die in the attempt, but that it would be a worthy and long remembered death. In the middle of the day, in front of the crowd in the temple, the students climbed the temple gate, pulled down the golden eagle, and cut it to pieces with axes…”· “(47) Now, as Titus was upon his march into the enemy’s country, the auxiliaries that were sent by the kings marched first, having

all the other auxiliaries with them; after whom followed those that were to prepare the roads and measure out the camp; then came the commander’s baggage, and after that the other soldiers, who were completely armed to support them; then came Titus himself, having with him another select body; and then came the pikemen; after whom came the horse belonging to that legion. (48) All these came before the engines; and after these engines, followed the tribunes and the leaders of the cohorts, with their select bodies; after these came the ensigns, with the eagle”…· “1. (316) And now the Romans, upon the flight of the seditious into the city, and upon the burning of the holy house itself, and of

all the buildings round about it, brought their ensigns to the temple, and set them over against its eastern gate; and there did they offer sacrifices to them, and there did they make Titus imperator, with the greatest acclamations of joy.”

Quotation from Tertullian· “The camp religion of the Romans is all through a worship of the standards, a setting the standards above all gods.”

Note that Matthew is not directing readers to Daniel 12, which clearly refers to the end of the age. Daniel 12 teaches clearly that at the end of the age, there will be another “abomination of desolation.” Daniel 11 and many other OT passages show that this will also involve Jerusalem being surrounded by idolatrous armies:40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land (implying resistance from Israel). Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many (cf. 2 Ki. 18-19, Is. 36-37 for possible type). 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain (NKJV – “between the seas and the glorious holy mountain, cf. Is. 29, Zech. 12). Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. (NIVDan. 11:40-45)





























































Mat 24:16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Luk 21:21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

Luk 21:21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

Because not much time before they get trapped in by the invading armies. The siege began just after Passover, when multitudes were coming to Jerusalem for the Feast. Titus let them into the city, but would not let them out. This put extra strain on food supplies.



Eusebius (c. AD 263–339) “3. But the people of the church in Jerusalem had been commanded by a revelation, vouchsafed to approved men there before the war, to leave the city and to dwell in a certain town of Perea called Pella. And when those that believed in Christ had come there from Jerusalem, then, as if the royal city of the Jews and the whole land of Judea were entirely destitute of holy men, the judgment of God at length overtook those who had committed such outrages against Christ and his apostles, and totally destroyed that generation of impious men.”

M.S. Mills –“Eusebius, the fourth century church historian to whom we are indebted for much of our record of the happenings in the early church, reports that the Jerusalem church took Jesus’ prophecy literally, for according to him, the Jerusalem Christians, remembering Jesus’ warning, before the war of AD 66–73 fled to Pella, a city of Decapolis, east of the Jordan, and thus outside the area of conflict. Eusebius says every Christian fled Jerusalem….The Church was thus spared the ravages of the Jewish-Roman war.”

The first legion of armies to surround Jerusalem in an attempt to squelch the rebellion was the 12th legion, commanded by Cestius, the president of Syria. This was in AD 66. If Eusebius’ account is accurate, then the believers in Jerusalem apparently interpreted this as the first “wave” of the “abomination” that would eventually desolate Jerusalem.


















The first legion of armies to surround Jerusalem in an attempt to squelch the rebellion was the 12th legion, commanded by Cestius, the president of Syria. This was in AD 66. If Eusebius’ account is accurate, then the believers in Jerusalem apparently interpreted this as the first “wave” of the “abomination” that would eventually desolate Jerusalem.Mat 24:17 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down to take what is in his house,

Mar 13:15 Let the one who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter his house, to take anything out,

and let those who are inside the city depart,and let those who are inside the city depart,

Jesus is warning there won’t be time to go down and get your stuff. You have to get out of the city, or you will be trapped in the siege.Jesus is warning there won’t be time to go down and get your stuff. You have to get out of the city, or you will be trapped in the siege.Jesus is warning there won’t be time to go down and get your stuff. You have to get out of the city, or you will be trapped in the siege.



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Mat 24:18 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.

Mar 13:16 and let the one who is in the field not turn back to take his cloak.

and let not those who are out in the country enter it,

and let not those who are out in the country enter it,

If you are already out in the countryside, don’t go back into the city to try to get your stuff or you will get trapped in. Flee to the mountains before the armies trap you in!



Luk 21:22 for these are days of vengeance (NIV – “the time of punishment”), to fulfill all that is written (i.e. concerning the Temple’s second destruction in Dan. 9:26-27).

Luk 21:22 for these are days of vengeance (NIV – “the time of punishment”), to fulfill all that is written (i.e. concerning the Temple’s second destruction in Dan. 9:26-27).

26And after the sixty-two weeks, the anointed one shall be destroyed, and there is no judgment (i.e. no condemnation; Thomson “no crime”) in him: and he (the anointed one or Messiah) shall destroy the city and the sanctuary with the prince that is coming : they (the city and the temple) shall be cut off with a flood, and to the end of the war which is rapidly completed (only five months) he (the Messiah) shall appoint the city to desolations. (Brenton LXXDan. 9:26)



Mat 24:19 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Mar 13:17 And alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Luk 21:23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Luk 21:23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days!

Taking flight with children much more difficult.Taking flight with children much more difficult.Taking flight with children much more difficult.







Mat 24:20 Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath.

Mar 13:18 Pray that it may not happen in winter.

This is more reason to believe that Jesus here is talking about 70AD, and not the end of the age. This statement indicates that the season of the year in which the siege in view here will begin is unknown. However, we know that just as Jesus the true Messiah came the first time – to the day and hour! – in fulfillment of the Spring Feasts, so will He come the second time in exact fulfillment of the Fall Feasts (Trumpets, Day of Atonement, Tabernacles). (For more, see David Pawson, When Jesus Returns). The Fall Feast is an “appointed time” set by the Father’s authority (Heb. moed – cf. Lev. 23:4, Gen. 1:14, Ac. 1:7, 1 Tim. 6:14-15.) Jesus will return after 3.5 years of final tribulation. Calculating 3.5 years from the Feast of Trumpets in the seventh month of Tishri, means that the final abomination of desolation spoken of in Daniel 12 will occur around the Passover, which is always in the Spring. That Titus’ siege “happened” to begin on the Passover, and that the temple was destroyed on the exact anniversary of the first temple’s destruction by Nebuchadnezzar (!), provides a powerful type of the last days events.











Mat 24:21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.

Mar 13:19 For in those days there will be such tribulation as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created until now, and never will be.

For there will be great distress upon the earth (Gk. – ge – land, soil, ground, earth, terrain, country, etc.; NIV/NKJV/KJV/NASB/NLT “land”) -and wrath against this people (the Jewish nation). Luk 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations,

For there will be great distress upon the earth (Gk. – ge – land, soil, ground, earth, terrain, country, etc.; NIV/NKJV/KJV/NASB/NLT “land”) -and wrath against this people (the Jewish nation). Luk 21:24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations,

When interpreting this verse, we must ask whether the focus is the entire world or Israel. Luke’s version makes it clear: the land of Israel is the focus of this statement.

Here Jesus may be using a figure of speech (hyperbole) to describe great disaster (see, e.g. Ex. 10:14, Ezek. 5:9)

8 “Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself am against you, Jerusalem, and I will inflict punishment on you in the sight of the nations (referring to Nebuchadnezzar’s destruction of the city). 9 Because of all your detestable idols, I will do to you what I have never done before and will never do again. 10 Therefore in your midst fathers will eat their children, and children will eat their fathers. I will inflict punishment on you and will scatter all your survivors to the winds (NIV Ezek. 5:8-10).

Josephus 5. (442) It is therefore impossible to go distinctly over every instance of these men’s iniquity. I shall therefore speak my mind here at once briefly:—That neither did any other city ever suffer such miseries, nor did any age ever breed a generation more fruitful in wickedness that this was, from the beginning of the world.















However, even if Jesus is not employing hyperbole in Mt. 24:21, the reality is that if this phrase is interpreted with an Israel-centric focus, then it cannot describe the end of the age. Throughout the Old Testament, the prophetic passages that describe Israel’s final chastisement at the end of the age by means of the Anti-Christ are always immediately followed by passages of Israel’s deliverance through the Messiah (e.g. Deut. 32, Is. 29, Jer. 30-31, Dan. 8, 11, 12, Ezek. 38-39, Zech. 12-14). This is unlike 70AD, where the city was to lie desolate and desecrated for 2,000+ more years!

4 These are the words the LORD spoke concerning Israel and Judah: 5 “This is what the LORD says: “ ‘Cries of fear are heard— terror, not peace. 6 Ask and see: Can a man bear children? Then why do I see every strong man with his hands on his stomach like a woman in labor, every face turned deathly pale? 7 How awful that day will be! None will be like it. It will be a time of trouble for Jacob, but he will be saved out of it. (NIVJer. 30:4-7)1Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals go on. 2 Yet I will besiege Ariel; she will mourn and lament, she will be to me like an altar hearth. 3 I will encamp against you all around; I will encircle you with towers and set up my siege works against you. 4 Brought low, you will speak from the ground; your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the earth; out of the dust your speech will whisper (i.e. total repentance and brokenness, cf. Deut. 32:36, Dan. 12:7, Zech. 12:10-13). 5 But your many enemies will become like fine dust, the ruthless hordes like blown chaff. Suddenly, in an instant, 6 the LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire (the Second Coming). 7 Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel, that attack her and her fortress and besiege her, will be as it is with a dream, with a vision in the night (NIV Is. 29:1-7).

1“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. 2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. (NIVDan. 12:1-2)

1A day of the LORD is coming when your plunder will be divided among you. 2 I will gather all the nations to Jerusalem to fight against it; the city will be captured, the houses ransacked, and the women raped. Half of the city will go into exile, but the rest of the people will not be taken from the city. 3 Then the LORD will go out and fight against those nations, as he fights in the day of battle. (NIV Zech. 14:1-3)































Mat 24:22 And if those days had not been cut short (Gk. koloboo), no human being (NIV – “no one”) would be saved (NIV – “survive”). But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.

Mar 13:20 And if the Lord had not cut short the days, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect, whom he chose, he shortened the days.

Koloboo (4 times – Mat. 24:22 (2x), Mk. 13:20 (2x)) – “to shorten, abridge, curtail” – different Greek word, same concept

“4932 συντέµνω [suntemno /soon·tem·no/] v. From 4862 and the base of 5114; GK 5335; Two occurrences; AV translates as “cut short” once, and “short” once. 1 to cut in pieces. 2 to cut short. 3 metaph. 3a to dispatch briefly, execute or finish quickly. 3b to hasten. 3c a short word i.e. an expedited prophecy or decree.”

And after the sixty-two weeks, the anointed one shall be destroyed, and there is no judgment in him: and he (Messiah) shall destroy the city and the sanctuary with the prince (through the instrumentality of a Gentile army) that is coming : they (the city and the temple) shall be cut off with a flood, and to the end of the war which is rapidly completed (Gk. “soontemno” - 1 to cut in pieces. 2 to cut short cf. NETS “to the finish of a shortened war”; cf. Mat. 24:22) he (the Messiah) shall appoint the city to desolations (Brenton LXX Dan. 9:26). Josephus -“The number taken captive during the whole war (seven years) was 97,000. The number perishing during the siege was 1.1 million, most of them Jewish, but not from Jerusalem. Most of the victims had come to Jerusalem for Passover, been trapped there, and died from plague and famine.”



















The in the Old Testament, the concept of election is applied to Israel (e.g. Is. 41:8-10). In the New Testament, it is applied to the saints in general (believing Jews, and Gentiles grafted into the promises of Israel’s covenants by faith in Christ, e.g. Tit. 1:1); to Israel as a nation (e.g. Rom. 9:11, 11:28); and to believing Jews (e.g. Rom. 11:7, 1 Pet. 2:9).

Here, the context favors the nation of Israel: “There will be great distress in the land and wrath against this people.” (NIV Lk. 21:23) Jesus is saying that the war against Jerusalem will be shortened so as to preserve a surviving remnant of Jews. God is doing this not because they deserve to escape, but because of His covenant faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

‘I will surely save you out of a distant place, your descendants from the land of their exile. Jacob will again have peace and security, and no one will make him afraid. 11 I am with you and will save you,’ declares the LORD. ‘Though I completely destroy all the nations among which I scatter you, I will not completely destroy you. I will discipline you but only with justice; I will not let you go entirely unpunished.’ (NIV Jer. 30:10-11)

35 Thus says the LORD, who gives the sun for light by day and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night, who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—the LORD of hosts is his name: 36 “If this fixed order departs from before me, declares the LORD, then shall the offspring of Israel cease from being a nation before me forever.” 37 Thus says the LORD: “If the heavens above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth below can be explored, then I will cast off all the offspring of Israel for all that they have done, declares the LORD.” (ESVJer. 31:35-47)































and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

And one week (7 years) shall establish the covenant with many (nations, cf. Is. 53:, Rom. 5:12-20, Rom. 11:25-26): and in the midst of the week (first 3.5, Jesus’ ministry) my sacrifice and drink-offering shall be taken away (Messiah crucified, cf. Heb. 8-10): and on the temple (Gk. hieros - the holy; holy people? holy land? holy temple?) shall be the abomination of desolations (Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles); and at the end of time (when the “times of the Gentiles” are complete and the fullness of the Gentile harvest has come in, cf. Lk. 21:24, Rom. 11:25-26) an end shall be put to the desolation (of Jerusalem, cf. Lk. 21:24) (Brenton LXXDan. 9:26-27, cf. NIV note, KJV, and Interlinear translation above).









25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery (the gap between the two 3.5 year halves was part of the mystery, that the Gentiles could be included in the “Jubilee” of the 70 weeks), brothers, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number (ESV/NKJV – “fullness”) of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob. 27 And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins.” (NIV Rom. 11:25-27)

14 But Zion said, “The LORD has forsaken me, the Lord has forgotten me.” 15 “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! 16 See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. 17 Your sons hasten back, and those who laid you waste depart from you. 18 Lift up your eyes and look around; all your sons gather and come to you. As surely as I live,” declares the LORD, “you will wear them all as ornaments; you will put them on, like a bride. 19 “Though you were ruined and made desolate, and your land laid waste, now you will be too small for your people, and those who devoured you will be far away. 20 The children born during your bereavement (i.e. the period when Jerusalem was “trampled underfoot by the Gentiles” during the “times of the Gentils” Lk. 21:24) will yet say in your hearing, ‘This place is too small for us; give us more space to live in.’ 21 Then you will say in your heart, ‘Who bore me these? I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected. Who brought these up? I was left all alone, but these—where have they come from?’ ” (cf. Rev. 7:9-13)22 This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “See, I will beckon to the Gentiles, I will lift up my banner to the peoples; they will bring your sons in their arms and carry your daughters on their shoulders. (NIVIs. 49:14-22)

11 After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied (NIV note - Or (with Masoretic Text) He will see the result of the suffering of his soul / and be satisfied); by his knowledge (NIV note – Or by knowledge of him) my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will give him a portion (portion=inheritance, cf. e.g. Deut. 32:9, Josh. 17:14, 19:9, 1 Chron. 16:18, Is. 61:7) among the great (NIV note – Or many; Heb. rab – many; i.e. I will give Him an inheritance among the many nations, cf. Eph. 1:18) and he will divide (i.e. share) the spoils with the strong (NIV note – Or numerous), because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many (Heb. rab), and made intercession for the transgressors (NIV Is. 53:11-12) .1 “Sing, O barren woman (Zion, cf. Is. 54:11 – “the afflicted city”), you who never bore a child; burst into song, shout for joy, you who were never in labor; because more are the children (Heb. bane – “sons” – YLT “sons” – i.e. Israel the firstborn son (saved Jews) and other redeemed “sons” from the nations) of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband,” says the LORD. 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent, stretch your tent curtains wide, do not hold back; lengthen your cords, strengthen your stakes. 3 For you will spread out to the right and to the left; your descendants will dispossess nations and settle in their desolate cities. (NIV Is. 53:11-54:3)

25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings (e.g. Is. 49, 53-54; Dan. 9:27) by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen. (NIV Rom. 16:25-27)

4 …the mystery of Christ, 5 which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. 6 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. (NIVEph. 3:4-6)

6 So when they met together, they asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (NIVAc. 1:6-7)

45 Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. 46 He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (NIV Lk. 24:45-47)

















































Luk 17:20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with careful observation,

See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1

Mat 24:23 Then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'There he is!' do not believe it.

Mar 13:21 And then if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it.

[Luk 21:8 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.]

[Luk 21:8 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.]

21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is comes into your midst (from the heavens).”

See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1

Luk 17:22 And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it.

As the turbulent events of the first century grew more intense, they would long for the true Messiah to return and deliver Jerusalem. Jesus says that in that generation they won’t see it, because the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom awaits a future generation. Before that day, they would proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins in his name to the nations.

As the turbulent events of the first century grew more intense, they would long for the true Messiah to return and deliver Jerusalem. Jesus says that in that generation they won’t see it, because the establishment of the Messiah’s kingdom awaits a future generation. Before that day, they would proclaim repentance and the forgiveness of sins in his name to the nations.







Mat 24:24 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Mar 13:22 For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect.

“(261) But there was an Egyptian false prophet that did the Jews more mischief than the former; for he was a cheat, and pretended to be a prophet also, and got together thirty thousand men that were deluded by him; (262) these he led round about from the wilderness to the mount which was called the Mount of Olives, and was ready to break into Jerusalem by force from that place; and if he could but once conquer the Roman garrison and the people, he intended to domineer over them by the assistance of those guards of his that were to break into the city with him, (263) but Felix prevented his attempt, and met him with his Roman soldiers, while all the people assisted him in his attack upon them, insomuch that, when it came to a battle, the Egyptian ran away, with a few others, while the greatest part of those that were with him were either destroyed or taken alive; but the rest of the multitude were dispersed every one to their own homes and there concealed themselves.”





Mat 24:25 See, I have told you beforehand.

Mar 13:23 But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand.

Jesus teaches on the various categories of signs ahead of time so that believers can watch for them. We ignore or dismiss them to our own peril.Jesus teaches on the various categories of signs ahead of time so that believers can watch for them. We ignore or dismiss them to our own peril.Jesus teaches on the various categories of signs ahead of time so that believers can watch for them. We ignore or dismiss them to our own peril.Jesus teaches on the various categories of signs ahead of time so that believers can watch for them. We ignore or dismiss them to our own peril.Jesus teaches on the various categories of signs ahead of time so that believers can watch for them. We ignore or dismiss them to our own peril.







Mat 24:26 So, if they say to you, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,' do not go out. If they say, 'Look, he is in the inner rooms,' (inciting people to rebellion in 23:18-19) Jerusalem and the Temple”; e.g. Lk. 2do not believe it.

[Luk 21: 8 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.]

[Luk 21: 8 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he!' and, 'The time is at hand!' Do not go after them.]

Luk 17:23 And they will say to you, 'Look, there!' or 'Look, here!' Do not go out or follow them.

See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1.See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1.







Mat 24:27 For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [Mat 24:28 Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.]

Luk 17:24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day.

See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1. The Messianic Kingdom awaits a future generation, after the Gentiles have had a chance to accept the gospel.

In Matthew 24:48, Jesus quotes a proverb to highlight the location from which the last generation will observe his return – the sky. His kingdom will not be established by human power (Dan. 2:45), and God’s enemies will be destroyed by God Himself, not by man (Is. 31:4-8). Vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us.

See notes on Luke 17 from Olivet Discourse Seminar Part 1. The Messianic Kingdom awaits a future generation, after the Gentiles have had a chance to accept the gospel.

In Matthew 24:48, Jesus quotes a proverb to highlight the location from which the last generation will observe his return – the sky. His kingdom will not be established by human power (Dan. 2:45), and God’s enemies will be destroyed by God Himself, not by man (Is. 31:4-8). Vengeance belongs to the Lord, not to us.

Luk 17:25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Jesus came the first time to suffer, not to establish the dominion of God on the earth. We must follow His example and carry our cross if we want to share in His inheritance (Mt. 16).

Jesus came the first time to suffer, not to establish the dominion of God on the earth. We must follow His example and carry our cross if we want to share in His inheritance (Mt. 16).

Mat 24:29 "Immediately after the tribulation of those days

Mar 13:24 "But in those days, after that tribulation,

The key question here is: What does “those days” refer to? Is it referring to the difficulties that would lead up to the Temple’s destruction? Or, is he indicating the end of the parenthetical section and now redirecting our attention again to the second category of signs that he first began to elaborate on Mt. 24:7-8/Mk. 13:8/Lk. 21:10-12, before shifting his focus back to the first category? All these are but the beginning of the birth pains (ESV Mat 24:8 ). But before all this… (Luk 21:12 ). The next verse gives us the answer.











the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light (Is. 13:10), and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken (Is. 34:4).

the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light( Is. 13:10), Mar 13:25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken (Is. 34:4).

Luk 21:25 "And there will be signs in sunand moonand stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, Luk 21:26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Luk 21:25 "And there will be signs in sunand moonand stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, Luk 21:26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Here we see that Jesus is now ending the parenthetical section about signs preceding the Temple’s destruction, and is taking us back to signs related to the end of the age. In Part 1 of this seminar, we saw that Isaiah 13 describes Babylon being overthrown by the Anti-Christ armies. Isaiah 34 relates the fallen powers and principalities being cast out of the heavens to the earth. All of these events happen at the beginning of the last 3.5 years before Jesus returns. That Jesus is now redirecting our attention to signs of the end of the age, is also evidenced by 1) the fact that he now re-shifts the focus away from Israel to the nations and the entire inhabited world; and 2) the association of dramatic signs in the heavens and the end of the age in the OT. This is exactly where Jesus left off in Luke 21:11.At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then.(NIVDan. 12:1)









So, what signs might we expect to see at the beginning of the last 3.5 years? What signs will God use to herald to the entire planet that we’ve now entered the darkest hour ever known in human history?

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 2 Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. (NIV Ps. 19:1-3)

31The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. (NIVJoel 2:31)

10 The stars of heaven and their constellations will not show their light. The rising sun will be darkened (KJV – “the sun shall be darkened in his going forth”; NASB “The sun will be dark when it rises”; ESV – “the sun will be dark at its rising”; NRSV – “the sun will be dark at its rising”; NET Bible – “the sun is darkened as soon as it rises”) and the moon will not give its light. (NIVIs. 13:10)

According to these verses, the beginning of the last 3.5 years – when the Anti-Christ armies appear, Satan and the powers are thrown to the earth, and Babylon destroyed – the darkest time in history, will be heralded to the entire planet by a terrifying sign: the sun will rise in the morning, but instead of shining it will be darkened! The rising sun denotes beginning, and the darkened sun denotes the darkness overtaking the earth. Also, the moon will not give its normal light, but will be some sort of blood moon. This will signal the beginning of a time of great bloodshed on the earth.






























According to these verses, the beginning of the last 3.5 years – when the Anti-Christ armies appear, Satan and the powers are thrown to the earth, and Babylon destroyed – the darkest time in history, will be heralded to the entire planet by a terrifying sign: the sun will rise in the morning, but instead of shining it will be darkened! The rising sun denotes beginning, and the darkened sun denotes the darkness overtaking the earth. Also, the moon will not give its normal light, but will be some sort of blood moon. This will signal the beginning of a time of great bloodshed on the earth.Mat 24:30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man,

Remember, the apostles asked Jesus about three categories of signs: signs that will signal the impending destruction of the temple; 2) the sign that will accompany his parousia more specifically, when He returns through the sky; and 3) signs that will signal when the earth has entered into the final generation at the end of the age. …and what will be the sign of your coming…(Mt. 24:3). We saw the sign that will (possibly) announce the beginning of the darkest period in human history. What about the sign that will signal that the beginning of the brightest time in human history is just about to shine forth? What is the “sign of the Son of Man” that will occur in the heavens in context to the Second Coming?

26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. 27 See, the Name of the LORD comes from afar (Second Coming), with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire. 28 His breath is like a rushing torrent, rising up to the neck. He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; he places in the jaws of the peoples a bit









































the sky; and 3) signs that will signal when the earth has entered into the final generation at the end of the age. …and what will be the sign of your coming…(Mt. 24:3). We saw the sign that will (possibly) announce the beginning of the darkest period in human history. What about the sign that will signal that the beginning of the brightest time in human history is just about to shine forth? What is the “sign of the Son of Man” that will occur in the heavens in context to the Second Coming?

26 The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the LORD binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted. 27 See, the Name of the LORD comes from afar (Second Coming), with burning anger and dense clouds of smoke; his lips are full of wrath, and his tongue is a consuming fire. 28 His breath is like a rushing torrent, rising up to the neck. He shakes the nations in the sieve of destruction; he places in the jaws of the peoples a bit that leads them astray. 29And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. 30 The LORD will cause men to hear his majestic voice and will make them see his arm (the Messiah, cf. Is. 53:1-2) coming down with raging anger and consuming fire, with cloudburst, thunderstorm and hail (cf. 1 Th. 4:16). 31The voice of the LORD will shatter Assyria; with his scepter he will strike them down (cf. Zech. 14, 2 Th. 2). 32 Every stroke the LORD lays on them with his punishing rod will be to the music of tambourines and harps, as he fights them in battle with the blows of his arm. 33 Topheth (Gehenna – i.e. the Lake of Fire; cf. 2 Ki. 23:10) has long been prepared; it has been made ready for the king (the Anti-Christ, cf. Rev. 19:20-21). Its fire pit has been made deep and wide, with an abundance of fire and wood; the breath of the LORD, like a stream of burning sulfur, sets it ablaze. (NIV Isaiah 30:26-33)3 God came from Teman, Holy One from Mount Paran. His glory covered the heavens and his praise filled the earth. 4 His splendor was like the sunrise; rays flashed from his hand, where his power was hidden. 5 Plague went before him; pestilence followed his steps. 6 He stood, and shook the earth; he looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains crumbled and the age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in distress, the dwellings of Midian in anguish. 8 Were you angry with the rivers, O LORD? Was your wrath against the streams? Did you rage against the sea when you rode with your horses and your victorious chariots? 9 You uncovered your bow, you called for many arrows. You split the earth with rivers; 10 the mountains saw you and writhed. Torrents of water swept by; the deep roared and lifted its waves on high. 11 Sun and moon stood still in the heavens at the glint of your flying arrows, at the lightning of your flashing spear. 12 In wrath you strode through the earth and in anger you threshed the nations. 13 You came out to deliver your people, to save your anointed one. You crushed the leader of the land of wickedness, you stripped him from head to foot. (NIV Hab. 3:3-13)

10 The LORD threw them into confusion before Israel, who defeated them in a great victory at Gibeon. Israel pursued them along the road going up to Beth Horon and cut them down all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. 11 As they fled before Israel on the road down from Beth Horon to Azekah, the LORD hurled large hailstones down on them from the sky, and more of them died from the hailstones than were killed by the swords of the Israelites. 12 On the day the LORD gave the Amorites over to Israel, Joshua said to the LORD in the presence of Israel: “O sun, stand still over Gibeon, O moon, over the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 So the sun stood still, and the moon stopped, till the nation avenged itself on its enemies, as it is written in the Book of Jashar. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14

There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the LORD listened to a man. Surely the LORD was fighting for Israel! (NIV Josh. 10:10-14)

The “sign of the Son of Man” may be the sun and moon standing still in the sky, so that they shine “seven times brighter” than normal. This sign will occur just before or simultaneously with the Second Coming. Also, the precession of the equinoxes has brought the constellation Leo into alignment with the Fall Equinox here at the beginning of the twenty-first century (our lifetime). The sun rising in a different constellation in the Spring and Fall equinoxes marks the beginning of a new “age.” Jesus will return in the Fall month of Tishri in fulfillment of the Fall Feasts. If Jesus returns sometime in the next few decades (or even few centuries), then when the sun and moon rise and stand still in context to His appearing, they will rise and stand still in the constellation of Leo the lion! As saw last month, the constellation Leo communicates the triumph of the Lion of the tribe of Judah and the establishment of His kingdom.
































and then all the tribes (Gk. phule) of the earth (or “land”) will mourn,

This is a reference to Zech. 12:10-14, which describes Israel’s national repentance. The word for tribes here is phule. With a very few exceptions (e.g. Rev. 7:9), these term is almost always applied to the tribes of Israel (see, e.g. Lk. 22:30). The word usually used for Gentile nations is ethnos.

10 “And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great, like the weeping of Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 12 The land will mourn, each clan by itself, with their wives by themselves: the clan of the house of David and their wives, the clan of the house of Nathan and their wives, 13 the clan of the house of Levi and their wives, the clan of Shimei and their wives, 14 and all the rest of the clans and their wives. (NIV 12:10-14)











and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

Mar 13:26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory.

Luk 21:27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Luk 21:27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

Our blessed hope!Our blessed hope!Our blessed hope!







Mat 24:31 And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

Mar 13:27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.

Here, elect clearly refers to believers. His chosen Bride! We will be raised from the dead and gathered by angels to meet Jesus in the air. We will be gathered to him in Zion (cf. 1 Th. 4)!

1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets. 2 From Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines forth. 3 Our God comes and will not be silent; a fire devours before him, and around him a tempest rages. 4 He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: 5 “Gather to me my consecrated ones, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” 6And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for God himself is judge. (NIV Ps. 50:1-6)









Luk 21:28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

Luk 21:28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

I.e. when these last generation signs begin to take place (in contrast to the signs leading up to the Temple’s destruction noted in the parenthetical section) – starting with the beginning of birth pains, then you know that you’ve entered the last generation, and that the Messiah’s kingdom and the completion of our redemption (Rom. 8:23) in the resurrection is drawing near.









Mat 24:32 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. Mat 24:33 So also, when you see all these things (the last generation signs, in contrast to the Temple destruction signs), you know that he (or “it”; NIV/KJV/NKJV – “it”) is near, at the very gates.

Mar 13:28 "From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. Mar 13:29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he(or “it”) is near, at the very gates.

Luk 21:29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. Luk 21:30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. Luk 21:31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Luk 21:29 And he told them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. Luk 21:30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. Luk 21:31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

Jesus is saying that when we see this second category of signs – in contrast to the first category – then we know that we’ve entered into the last generation, and that His kingdom is about to be established in power.









Mat 24:34 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away (i.e. the generation that sees the category 2 signs begin to unfold) until all these things take place.

Mar 13:30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.

Luk 21:32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.

Luk 21:32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place.

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ(a), which God gave to Him (b), to show His servants what is required to take place with suddenness (c). And He communicated it, sending it by His Messenger to His servant John, 2 who reported the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ as much as he perceived (d). 3 The reader and the listeners to the sayings of this prophecy are privileged, also those who heed the things written in it; because the season is impending (e). (Rev. 1:1-3, Translation and notes by Tim Warner)

Tim Warner commentary – (a) “The ‘revelation of Jesus Christ’ is more than just the second coming. It includes the whole end-time sequence of events as the rest of the sentence indicates. The judgments contained in this book reveal Jesus Christ taking control of the nations. The Lamb is the only one worthy to open the seven-sealed scroll.” (b) “The Father gave to the Son the things contained in this book, to be delivered to the churches.” (c) “This prepositional phrase literally means, ‘within a very short space of time.’ Nothing in this phrase requires that the beginning of this timeframe is close, only that the events themselves will occur within a short block of time. (See vs. 3).” (d) “John seems to express the limitations of his own understanding.” (e) “The sense is that the end time events are threatening or imminent (but not necessarily immediate). The whole series of events could come at any time.”











Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth will pass away (in its present form, cf. , but my words will not pass away.

Mar 13:31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Luk 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Luk 21:33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

“Pass away” doesn’t mean annihilated, but to pass away in its present form. The Greek word is parerchomai, and can also be translated “pass by.” (e.g. Lk. 18:37).37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by (Gk. pererchomai).” (NIVLk. 18:37)29 What I mean, brothers, is that the time is short…. For this world in its present form is passing away. (NIV 1 Cor. 7:29,31)



Mat 24:36 "But concerning that day (broader period of time – i.e. the beginning of the last generation) and hour (more narrow period of time, the Second Coming) no one knows (Gk. oida – “see” or “perceive” or “understand”), not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only.

Mar 13:32 "But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows (Gk. oida), not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.

“Day”(the larger unit of time) refers to the beginning of the category 2 signs of the last generation, and “hour” (the smaller unit of time) refers to the Second Coming (category 3). The only reason we don’t category 3, is because it first awaits the earth entering into category 2. Only the Father sees when the signs of the last generation would begin to unfold. However, once the category 2 signs begin to unfold, then we will see, perceive, and understand what is happening if we are watching and praying. At the 3.5 year mark, we will know that we have exactly 3.5 years until Jesus comes back!

1Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be alert and self-controlled. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. (NIV 1 Th. 4:1-7)















Mat 24:37 For as were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

The comparison with the days of Noah is significant, because the Flood was a universal judgment of the earth. Again, the end of the age is clearly in view, in contrast to the parenthetical signs.



Luk 17:26 Just as it was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man.

the coming of the Son of Man=the days of the Son of Man; therefore, the whole series of events in the last generation, especially the last 3.5 is in view. The Second Coming more specifically is the culmination of the Day of the Lord.

the coming of the Son of Man=the days of the Son of Man; therefore, the whole series of events in the last generation, especially the last 3.5 is in view. The Second Coming more specifically is the culmination of the Day of the Lord.

Mat 24:38 For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,

Luk 17:27 They were eating and drinking and marrying and being given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark,

Going about business as usual. Sleeping, versus watchful and awake.Going about business as usual. Sleeping, versus watchful and awake.

Mat 24:39 and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.

Again, for those who are watching, these days will not surprise us. This analogy doesn’t make much sense if it is confined solely to the Second Coming and not to the last generation as a whole, and more specifically the last 3.5 years.



and the flood came and destroyed them all.

If we don’t want to be swept away by the shakings of the last generation, then we must watch and pray!

If we don’t want to be swept away by the shakings of the last generation, then we must watch and pray!







Luk 17:28 Likewise, just as it was in the days of Lot--they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building, Luk 17:29 but on the day when Lot went out from Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and destroyed them all-- Luk 17:30 so will it be on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.

The other major analogy is Sodom and Gomorroh, where fire and brimstone were hurled down in judgment on the Gentile nations surrounding Abraham. This event was a type of the Day of the Lord. It was to serve as a sign and warning to Abraham and his descendents not to follow the wicked ways of the Gentiles, lest they too be consumed in the coming day of wrath. (see Gen. 18:16-19).

Again, “day” applies to the signs of the last generation more broadly, and hour more narrowly to the Second Coming.

The other major analogy is Sodom and Gomorroh, where fire and brimstone were hurled down in judgment on the Gentile nations surrounding Abraham. This event was a type of the Day of the Lord. It was to serve as a sign and warning to Abraham and his descendents not to follow the wicked ways of the Gentiles, lest they too be consumed in the coming day of wrath. (see Gen. 18:16-19).

Again, “day” applies to the signs of the last generation more broadly, and hour more narrowly to the Second Coming.







Jesus now gives the same warning that He gave to the disciples who were to flee when they saw the abomination of desolation in the first century. This is because the situation will be similar as the Anti-Christ armies invade Jerusalem. There will only be a short window for escape.

40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land (implying resistance from Israel). Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42

He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape. 43 He will gain control of the treasures of gold and silver and all the riches of Egypt, with the Libyans and Nubians in submission. 44 But reports from the east and the north will alarm him, and he will set out in a great rage to destroy and annihilate many (cf. 2 Ki. 18-19, Is. 36-37 for possible type). 45 He will pitch his royal tents between the seas at the beautiful holy mountain (NKJV – “between the seas and the glorious holy mountain, cf. Is. 29, Zech. 12). Yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him. (NIVDan. 11:40-45)

Those who try to hold on to their “stuff,” won’t make it. They must “let go” and trust God to provide for their needs. We must let Jesus crucify worry in our hearts now (Mt. 6).













Luk 17:31 On that day, let the one who is on the housetop, with his goods in the house, not come down to take them away, and likewise let the one who is in the field not turn back. Luk 17:32 Remember Lot's wife. Luk 17:33 Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.

1Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals go on. 2 Yet I will besiege Ariel; she will mourn and lament, she will be to me like an altar hearth. 3 I will encamp against you all around; I will encircle you with towers and set up my siege works against you. 4 Brought low, you will speak from the ground; your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the earth; out of the dust your speech will whisper (i.e. total repentance and brokenness, cf. Deut. 32:36, Dan. 12:7, Zech. 12:10-13). 5 But your many enemies will become like fine dust, the ruthless hordes like blown chaff. Suddenly, in an instant, 6 the LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire (the Second Coming). 7 Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel, that attack her and her fortress and besiege her, will be as it is with a dream, with a vision in the night (NIV Is. 29:1-7).

1Woe to you, Ariel, Ariel, the city where David settled! Add year to year and let your cycle of festivals go on. 2 Yet I will besiege Ariel; she will mourn and lament, she will be to me like an altar hearth. 3 I will encamp against you all around; I will encircle you with towers and set up my siege works against you. 4 Brought low, you will speak from the ground; your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will come ghostlike from the earth; out of the dust your speech will whisper (i.e. total repentance and brokenness, cf. Deut. 32:36, Dan. 12:7, Zech. 12:10-13). 5 But your many enemies will become like fine dust, the ruthless hordes like blown chaff. Suddenly, in an instant, 6 the LORD Almighty will come with thunder and earthquake and great noise, with windstorm and tempest and flames of a devouring fire (the Second Coming). 7 Then the hordes of all the nations that fight against Ariel, that attack her and her fortress and besiege her, will be as it is with a dream, with a vision in the night (NIV Is. 29:1-7).







Mat 24:40 Then two men will be in the field; one will be taken and one left. Mat 24:41 Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one left.

This is a reference to Zechariah 14:






Luk 17:34 I tell you, in that night there will be two in one bed. One will be taken and the other left. Luk 17:35 There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left." Luk 17:36 [Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.]

Those who don’t get out in time will be trapped in the city. Half will be trapped in the city. The other half taken captive to places like Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Iran (Is. 11:11).

Those who don’t get out in time will be trapped in the city. Half will be trapped in the city. The other half taken captive to places like Iraq, Syria, Egypt, and Iran (Is. 11:11).

Luk 17:37 And they said to him, "Where, Lord?" He said to them, "Where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather."

I.e. From where will you return, cf. Mt. 24:27-28I.e. From where will you return, cf. Mt. 24:27-28







Mat 24:42 Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Mar 13:33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come.

Luk 21:34 "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. Luk 21:35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Luk 21:34 "But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. Luk 21:35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth.

Luk 12:35 "Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning,

Keep your lamps lit and burning – i.e. watch, even though everyone else around you may be sleeping. Stay dressed (not in your PJs!) in case you need to move quickly. Watching, staying awake, being on our guard, means not being weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and cares of this life. Those who are in this state are the ones upon whom that day will come suddenly and unexpectedly. It won’t be a surprise to those who are watching. The shakings of the last generation are coming to all of us, whether we like it or not, and whether we’re watching or not.

Keep your lamps lit and burning – i.e. watch, even though everyone else around you may be sleeping. Stay dressed (not in your PJs!) in case you need to move quickly. Watching, staying awake, being on our guard, means not being weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and cares of this life. Those who are in this state are the ones upon whom that day will come suddenly and unexpectedly. It won’t be a surprise to those who are watching. The shakings of the last generation are coming to all of us, whether we like it or not, and whether we’re watching or not.

Mar 13:34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake.

Luk 12:36 and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks.

Will we be ready? We need to be faithful with our God-given assignments in this hour.

Will we be ready? We need to be faithful with our God-given assignments in this hour.







Luk 12:37 Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will dress himself for service and have them recline at table, and he will come and serve them.

Jesus is going to serve us at the marriage supper if he finds us awake when He returns.

Jesus is going to serve us at the marriage supper if he finds us awake when He returns.

Mar 13:35 Therefore stay awake--for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning-- Mar 13:36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep.

Luk 12:38 If he comes in the second watch, or in the third, and finds them awake, blessed are those servants!

Every generation is called to have a watchful spirit, because the sequence of signs could begin unfolding. Again, once the sequence begins to unfold, then we will eventually be able to perceive the timing of the Second Coming. But we must be awake!

Every generation is called to have a watchful spirit, because the sequence of signs could begin unfolding. Again, once the sequence begins to unfold, then we will eventually be able to perceive the timing of the Second Coming. But we must be awake!







Mar 13:37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake."

[Luk 12:41 Peter said, "Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for all?" ]

This is for all of us!This is for all of us!

Mat 24:43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into.

Luk 12:39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have left his house to be broken into.

i.e. if you are watching, then you will perceive the hour as it approaches! This passage is usually twisted to mean the opposite. Jesus is actually saying that if we will watch, then we won’t be taken by surprise! The next verse makes this very clear.

i.e. if you are watching, then you will perceive the hour as it approaches! This passage is usually twisted to mean the opposite. Jesus is actually saying that if we will watch, then we won’t be taken by surprise! The next verse makes this very clear.

Mat 24:44 Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.

Luk 12:40 You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect."

Again, the point is being ready so that we will be aware of the beginning of the last generation. Then we are to lift up our heads because our redemption is drawing near. Although, it will be so intense that we will have to be watchful to the end.

Again, the point is being ready so that we will be aware of the beginning of the last generation. Then we are to lift up our heads because our redemption is drawing near. Although, it will be so intense that we will have to be watchful to the end.







Luk 21:36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength (NKJV – “that you may be counted worthy”) to escape (Gk - ekpheugō – “flee from”) all these things that are going to take place (cf. Rev. 12), and to stand before the Son of Man."

Luk 21:36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength (NKJV – “that you may be counted worthy”) to escape (Gk - ekpheugō – “flee from”) all these things that are going to take place (cf. Rev. 12), and to stand before the Son of Man."

We must pray for strength. We must know how to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.We must pray for strength. We must know how to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.We must pray for strength. We must know how to hear the Holy Spirit’s voice.

Mat 24:45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?

Luk 12:42 And the Lord said, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

We must be true servants, stewards, and shepherds in this hour.We must be true servants, stewards, and shepherds in this hour.







Mat 24:46 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

Luk 12:43 Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.

What will Jesus find us doing when He comes?What will Jesus find us doing when He comes?

Mat 24:47 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Luk 12:44 Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all his possessions.

Mat 24:48 But if that wicked servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed,'

Luk 12:45 But if that servant says to himself, 'My master is delayed in coming,'

Our hearts are deceitful above all things. We must resist the scoffing spirit and not let it start to creep in.

Our hearts are deceitful above all things. We must resist the scoffing spirit and not let it start to creep in.

Mat 24:49 and begins to beat his fellow servants and eats and drinks with drunkards,

and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and get drunk,

This is the fruit when the Day of the Lord is not at the forefront of our consciousness.

This is the fruit when the Day of the Lord is not at the forefront of our consciousness.







Mat 24:50 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know

Luk 12:46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he does not know,

If there is still any doubt about who the last generation signs will take by surprise, this puts it to rest. It is those who yield to the scoffing spirit and begin to abuse and devour Jesus’ flock for their own selfish gain (see Ezek. 34).

If there is still any doubt about who the last generation signs will take by surprise, this puts it to rest. It is those who yield to the scoffing spirit and begin to abuse and devour Jesus’ flock for their own selfish gain (see Ezek. 34).

Mat 24:51 and will cut him in pieces and put him with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

and will cut him in pieces and put him with the unfaithful (NIV/NKJV/NASB – “with the unbelievers”).

Jesus is very serious about this issue.Jesus is very serious about this issue.







Luk 12:47 And that servant who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will, will receive a severe beating. Luk 12:48 But the one who did not know, and did what deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.

These verses too should cause us to tremble.These verses too should cause us to tremble.





olivet discourse seminar april 29, 2011€¦ · mat 24:3 as he sat on the mount of olives, the...

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