Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary

OLIVET DISCOURSE --- 3 QUESTIONS OF THE FUTURE, V. 1-4

1) "And as He went out of the temple," (kai ekporeuomenou autou ek tou hierou) "And as He went out of and away from the temple,’’ and the temple area in Jerusalem, He began an extensive discourse, Matthew 24:1.

2) "One of the disciples saith unto Him," (legei auto eis ton matheton autou) "One of His disciples said to Him," as others of the disciples joined in the inquiries and observations regarding the majesty of the temple, the future of it, the people of Israel, and their future.

3) "Master, see what manner of stones,’’ (didaskale ice potapoi lithoi) "Teacher, behold (just look) what great stones," great in size and beauty, what majestic stone buildings! Do you see? Have you really noticed the size of the stones in these buildings? Luke 21:5.

4) "And what buildings are here!" (kai potapai oikodomai) "And just what great buildings,’’ what edifices these are! in size, in architecture, in durability, as well as beauty; The disciples saw only the manner of the stones and the beauty of the buildings, while the Lord saw the events of the future associated with these stones, the temple, this city, this people of temple worship (Israel) and the work of His disciples in the Church, His New Covenant program of worship and service. This is the central theme of this discourse, as also recounted by Matthew and Luke, Matthew 24:1 to Matthew 25:46; Luke 21:38.

1)"And Jesus answering said unto him," (kai ho Iesous eipen auto) "And Jesus responded to him," the questioning disciple and those who joined him in questions and observations.

2) "Seest thou these great buildings?" (blepeis tautas tas megales oikodomas) "Do you see these great buildings?" Fix your eyes on the buildings, then remember What I am about to tell you of the future. Do you really appreciate their greatness in size, symmetry, apparent durability, and beauty in structure, Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:5.

3) "There shall not be left one stone upon another,"(ou me aphethe lithos epi lithon) "There shall not even be one stone left upon (another) stone," as first predicted 1 Kings 9:7-9; then prophetically affirmed, Psalms 79:1; Isaiah 64:11.

4) "That shall not be thrown down." (hos ou me katalisthe) "Which will not be overthrown," into a pile, a heap of disorder, into rubble, Luke 19:44. Such came to pass AD 70, under Titus of Thespasia; Some ruins of which stones may yet be observed today, at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Micah 3:12; Matthew 23:37-39.

WHAT MANNER OF STONES

There are still remaining great stones in the wall of the temple area, at the SE corner, which most likely are a specimen of these. We climb up from the deep ravine of Jehosaphat (a steep of about 130 feet) by the aid of steps, to examine this corner. The manner of stones is to be remarked. They are hewn in a way which shows them to be of most ancient date, being bevelled, that is, faced or cut only at the edge, in a small border, the rest being left cast down, had been piled up again. The corner of the wall instead of being even is rough and jagged, We measured some of these huge blocks, which we found 191/2 feet long by 31/2 high. At the SW corner are the great stones which, doubtless, belong to the great arch of the temple bridge, stretching across the Tyropeon to Zion. These are also bevelled. Three large gray rocks, curved on the lower surface, rest on immense layers of stone-work, and stand out from the wall as if endwise, and broken off. On a line with these is a huge yellow stone, of the same arch, and this, we observed, is set into the adjoining stone of the wall by a joint of eight or ten inches, much concealed by the defacing of the elements. This would prove that the stones stand in their original position. We observed, also, that the immense foundation stones on which the arch rests, are arched at the top to fit, and set back to rest on, One of these ’ stones of the lower course, seeming as if one block and most closely joined, we measured. One part was 27 feet, and the other 26 feet long by 7 feet high. Josephus speaks of some stones of the temple that were 50 feet long, 24 feet broad, and 16 feet thick,

- Jacobus.

1) "And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives," (kai kathemenou autou eis to oros ton elaion) "As He sat on the Mount of Olives," implying recent movement from the temple area, across the Kedron Valley Eastward to the Mount of Olives, with the temple in clear view to the West of where He sat, Matthew 24:3.

2) "Over against the temple," (katenanti tou hierou) "Opposite (from) the temple," to the East of the temple, on Mt Olivet, Matthew 24:3. This is perhaps the most striking and picturesque view of both the temple area and Jerusalem to be seen from any mountain in the area.

3) "Peter and James," (petros kai lakobos) "Peter and James," two of the inner-circle-apostles.

4) "And John and Andrew," (kai loannes kai Andreas) "And John and Andrew;" John was the third of the inner­circle apostles, this time joined by Andrew, Peter’s brother. These were the two pairs of disciples first chosen by our Lord, Mark 1:16-20.

5) "Asked Him privately," (eperota auton kat idian) "Questioned Him privately,’’ while alone with Him on the Mount of Olives, in view of the temple where they had recently walked, Mark 13:1; Matthew 24:1; Matthew 24:3.

1) "Tell us, when shall these things be?" (eipon hemin pote tauta estai) "Tell us, when will these things come to pass or exist?" The question has reference to the predicted destruction of the sacred temple and temple area edifices, Mark 13:2.

2) "And what shall be the sign," (kai tis to semeion) "And just what will be the sign;" Three things are listed by Matthew Matthew 24:3. First the things relating to the destruction and the temple, explicitly answered Luke 21:20-24, a thing that was fulfilled about AD 70. Second two questions sign of His coming and the end of the world or age."

3) "When all these things shall be fulfilled?" (hotan melle tauta sunteleisthai panta) "When all these sign ­things are about to be completed?" to come to an end or completion, Luke 21:7. The latter two questions of Matthew 24:3 are answered, Matthew 24:4-33, with Mark 13:4-14 conveying or carrying a double interpretation, by first giving a description of the nature of this Gentile age as one of wars, international clashes, persecutions, pestilences, false Christs and prophets, Daniel 9:26. Then all this state or condition described Matthew 24:4-14 is to be "intensified" at the end or final approach to the end of the Gentile age, Daniel 9:24-27.

OLIVET DISCOURSE ON SIGNS OF THE COURSE OF THIS AGE,

V. 5-13

1) "And Jesus answering them began to say," (ho de lesouserksato legein autois) "And Jesus began to explain to them," in an extended discourse, Mark 13:5-37; Matthew 24:4.

2) "Take heed lest any man deceive you:" (blepete me tis humas planese) "You all watch or be careful, lest someone (anyone) should lead you astray," delude or deceive you all, as disciples, my chosen, the church, Luke 21:8; Matthew 21:4; John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; 2 John 1:8.

1) "For many shall come in my name," (polloi eleusontai epi to onomati mou) "Many (false leaders) will come, of their own deceitful will, in my name," or claiming to represent me, Matthew 24:5; Matthew 24:24; John 5:43.

2) "Saying, I am Christ;”- (legontes hoti ego eimi) "Repeatedly saying, that I am Christ," or a vice-gerent of Christ, Matthew 24:5; Matthew 24:24; 1 John 2:18; Such are described by Paul as deceitful workers, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

3) "And shall deceive many." (kai pollous planesousin) "And they (a s false leaders) will lead many (people) astray," to follow after themselves. The final judgement of Jerusalem and the pollution of the temple by the antichrist are to be preceded by an intense increase of counterfeit Christs and false prophet deceivers, Matthew 24:24; Luke 21:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; 2 Timothy 3:13.

1) "And when ye shall hear of wars," (hotan de akousete polemous) "Then when you all hear of wars," for they will come, even out of man’s fallen nature and covetous, selfish desire to have preeminence in everything, James 4:1-2; Matthew 24:6-7.

2) "And rumors of wars," (kai akoas polemon) "And war-rumors," Luke 21:9; Revelation 6:2-4.

3) "Be ye not troubled:" (me throeisthei "Do not be disturbed," frustrated, scared, or terrified, Luke 21:9.

4) "For such things must needs be;" (dei genesthai) "It is necessary that these things are to occur;" Mark 13:7-8 describe the age, not the end itself, but characteristics that indicate that the end is near.

5) "But the end shall not be yet." (all’ oupo to telos) "But the end (the consummation) of all things is not yet," not present when these things presage or go before, Matthew 24:6. These things precede the tribulation the great and abomination of desolation, Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:15. The antichrist must first appear, and second, be manifest, as to his identity, before the coming of Christ. Daniel 9:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12.

The appearance of this antichrist personage is to be at least 42 months before the revelation of his true nature, who he is, which occurs when he ascends the temple of God, declaring that he himself is God, and requires worship as God, or "a god," as set-forth in the passages above.

1) "For nation shall rise against nation," (egerthesetai gar ethnos ep’ ethnos) "Because race will be raised (stirred up) against race," repeatedly, continually, race hatred, strife, bitterness shall increase, Matthew 24:7.

2) "And kingdom against kingdom:”- (kai basileia epi basileian) "And kingdom (organized government) against kingdom or (organized government)," government clashes shall increase in number and in horror, Haggai 2:22, Luke 21:10

3) "And there shall be earthquakes in divers places," (es ontai seismoi kata topous) "There will also come to be earthquakes in numerous places," repeatedly recurring, Haggai 2:22; Matthew 24:7.

4) "And there shall be famines and troubles:”- (esontai limoi) "There will come to be (to exist) famines," Revelation 6:5-6; Luke 21:11.

5) "These are the beginnings of sorrows." (arche odinon tauta) "These things are the beginning (early stages).of birth-pangs," Matthew 24:8.

1) "But take heed to yourselves:" (blepete de humeis heautous) "Then (at that time) watch (after) yourselves," be cautious, or beware, that you may be prepared to avoid or endure persecutions that confront you, Matthew 5:11-12; Matthew 10:17.

2) "For they shall deliver you up to councils;" (paradosousin humas eis sunedria) "They will deliver you all (up) to councils;" The "they" refers to the same Jewish religious leaders who had hounded, persecuted, and later put Jesus to death, Matthew 10:17; Matthew 24:9; Acts 4:3; Acts 5:18; Acts 5:27.

3) "And in the synagogues ye shall be beaten" (kai eis sunagogas daresethe) "And into the synagogues you all will be beaten of flogged," as forewarned by our Lord also John 15:20-21; Acts 5:40. Paul later experienced this treatment five times, 2 Corinthians 11:24. It was a custom for the chief of each synagogue to scourge the condemned in religious matters, to keep order.

4) "And ye shall be brought," (kai stathesesthe) "And you will be caused to stand," be brought to give account, standing face to face before, Luke 21:12.

5) "Before rulers and kings for my sake," (kai epi hegemonon kai basileon heneken emou) "Even before kings and rulers for my sake," tetrarchs and proconsuls of the Roman Government, Matthew 10:8; Acts 12:1; Acts 26:2.

6) ’’For a testimony against them." (eis marturion autois) "For a testimony to them," to the kings and rulers when you are brought before them, "for my sake," for Jesus’ sake, the motive for the perseverance in the faith, as both Paul and Peter later did before Nero.

1) "And the gospel must first be published," (kai proton dei keruchthenai to euangelion) "And the gospel or good news must first be proclaimed," published on a wide scale, the way of salvation must be witnessed in all the world, Matthew 24:14.

2) "Among all nations." (eis panta ta ehne) "Into or among all the races," all the nations or ethnic orders of the earth, as mandated in the Great Commission, Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Mark 14:9.

1) "But when they shall lead you," (kai hotan agosin humas) "And when they lead you all," the civil and religious leaders under charges and accusations of civil or religious wrong, Luke 21:12.

2) "And deliver you up," (paradidontes)"Deliver you up or over," for judgement or trial, as also forewarned, Matthew 10:19.

3) "Take no thought beforehand," (me promerimnate) "Do not be anxious beforehand " that is do not have anxiety within you or be over anxious, Matthew 10:20.

4) "What ye shall speak," (ti lalesete) "What you are to say," Low you are to speak or what you are to say, Luke 21:14.

5) "Neither do ye premeditate:”- (an interpolation) of the above phrase "thought beforehand, " Acts 6:10.

6) "But whatsoever shall be given you in that hour,"(all’ ho ean dothe humin en ekein te hora) "But whatever is given you (by the Holy Spirit) in that hour," Luke 21:15, as poured out by the Holy Spirit, Acts 2:4; Luke 21:13.

7) "That speak ye: for it is not ye that speak," (touto laleite ou gareste humeishoi lalountes) "Speak it," (what is given) "Because you all are not the ones speaking," or pre-selecting the words.

8) "But the Holy Ghost." (alla to pneuma to hagion) "But it is the Holy Spirit," that is speaking (to speak) through you all, to give you all your defense, Acts 4:8-12; Acts 4:31.

1) "Now the brother shall betray the brother to death," (kai paradosei adelphos adelphon eis thanton) "And a brother will deliver (betray) a brother unto death;" This appears to describe what was to happen to the believers, members of the Lord’s true disciples, to His church before AD 70, under the Roman persecutions.

2) "And the father the son;”- (kai pater teknon) "And a father (will deliver, give over or betray) a child, a son to death," as also recounted, Matthew 10:21.

3) "And children shall rise up against their parents,’’ (kai epanastesontai telkna epi goneis) ’’And children will stand up against (witness against) parents,’’ Luke 10:16.

4) ’’And shall cause them to be put to death.’’ (kai thanatosousin autous) "And will put them to death, ’ by their own testimony against them, demonstrating how fickle natural affections are under pressure of civil and religious persecutions, Acts 7:59; Acts 12:2; Matthew 24:10; Matthew 24:12.

1) "And ye shall be hated of all men” (kai esesthe misoumenoi hupo panton) "And you all will be (being) hated of all men," held as objects of hate by all men of the world, of both their own nation (Israel) and those of all other religions, Matthew 10:22, Luke 21:17.

2) "For my name’s sake:”- (dia to onoma mou) "On account (or because of) my name," for which you stand and bear testimony, because of my church, my new covenant worship which I shall commit to you all, Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20; John 20:21; Acts 1:8; Acts 15:14.

3) "But he that shall endure to the end," (ho de huporneinas eis telos) "But the one who endures (perseveres) unto the end," completion or consummation, faithfully, courageously, unweary in "well doing," Galatians 6:9; 1 Corinthians 15:58.

4) "The same shall be saved." (houtos sothesetai) –“That one shall be saved or delivered," or delivered from the sentence that awaits persecutors of Jesus Christ and apostles, who claim to be His but reject Him and His Word, Luke 21:18-19. In every condition of persecution from the present world order our Lord’s children and church need patience to keep on keeping on, till the days of battle are taken over by the captain of our salvation and full deliverance comes, Hebrews 10:36-37.

THE GREAT TRIBULATION FOR ISRAEL, V. 14-23 (Presaged by the AD 70 Desolation)

1) "But when ye shall see," (hotan de idete) "Then when you recognize," or observe:

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION

"The former procurators were wont to make their entrance into the city with such ensigns as had not the effigies of Caesar. Pilate was the first who brought these images to Jerusalem, and set them up in the night time; but as soon as the people knew it, they came in multitudes, and interceded with Pilate many days, that he would remove the images. On the sixth day he ordered the soldiers to have their weapons ready, and when the Jews petitioned again, he gave a signal to the soldiers to encompass them around, and threatened immediate death unless they would leave off distracting him. But they threw themselves on the ground and laid their necks bare, offering to die rather than have their laws transgressed; on which Pilate, affected by their firm resolution, commanded the images to be carried back to Caesarea."

- Josephus.

2) "The abomination of desolation," (to bdelugma tes eremoseos) "The abomination of the desolation," which refers to bringing of heathen Roman gods into Jerusalem and the holy place where the temple was destroyed, Deuteronomy 7:26.

3) "Spoken of by Daniel the prophet," (This is an interpolation, not in the better manuscripts) and is perhaps misleading, because the "abomination of desolation" specifically described by Daniel refers to the future 70th week, Daniel 9:26-27; Daniel 12:11, not to AD 70.

4) "Standing where it ought not," (hestekota hopou ou dei) "Stand up where it must not, ought or should not - -in the Holy Place, the Roman army horde descending on Jerusalem and the temple to destroy and desolate them, Mark 13:2; Matthew 24:2; Luke 21:6; Luke 21:20-24.

5) "(Let him that readeth understand,)" (ho anaginoskon noeito) "Let the one who reads (this) understand," be wise, those who read the Old Testament’s testimony of the pending event, of Israel’s dispersion, Deuteronomy 28:64-67; and eventual restoration, Ezekiel 37:11-12; Ezekiel 37:21-22; Ezekiel 37:25; Ezekiel 37:28.

6) "Then let them that be in Judea," (tote hoi en te loudaia) "Then those who are in Judea," as the enemy Roman horde swept down in Jerusalem.

7) "Flee to the mountains:”- (pheugetosan eis ta ore) "Let them flee into the mountains," for a refuge, or hiding place, to save their lives, from the fury of the Roman army, Luke 21:20-24. This event of AD 70 was only a foreshadow of the tribulation the Great era, Daniel 9:26-27; Daniel 11:36; 2 Thessalonians 2:7; Revelation 7:14.

1) "And let him that is on the housetop," (ho epi tou domatos) "The one upon the roof or dome," of the house top, high as he can go for safety, and to watch for the enemy.

2) "Not go down into the house," (me katabato) "Let him not descend," come down for the purpose of saving anything in the way of possessions, Matthew 24:17.

3) "Neither enter therein," (mede eiselthato) "Nor let him even enter into the house," lest he be trapped and not have time to escape with his life, Matthew 24:18.

4) "To take anything out of his house:”- (ti arai ek tes oikias autou) "To take out of and away anything that belongs to him in the house;" The coming event to Israel, to drive her among all nations was a judgement for her having nationally rejected the Messiah, John 1:11-12; John 5:43; Matthew 23:37-39.

1) "And let him that is in the field," (kai hoeiston agron) "And the one who is in the field," at that time of abomination of desolation, brought by the Romans, and what it stirs up, Matthew 24:18.

2) "Not turn back," (me epistrepsato) "Let him not return," (eis ta opiso) "To the things behind."

3) "For to take up his garment." (arai to himation autou) "Even to take or (pick up) his garment," something to wear, for it is and was a day of vengeance upon the Messiah-rejecting people of Israel, Luke 21:20-22.

1) "But woe to them that are with child," (ouai de tais en gastri echousais) "Woe then, to those women who are with child," pregnant, carrying an unborn child, in the hour of Israel’s final dispersion from her land, "for many days," Luke 21:23; Ezekiel 37:11; Ezekiel 37:21-28.

2) "And to them that give suck in those days" (kai tais thelazousais en ekeinais tais hemerais) "And woe to those who are giving suck (breast feeding) young children in those days," of the abomination of desolation, by the Romans and the world-terror it incites, Matthew 24:19.

Let it be observed that the law of the Lord described the presence of idols in Jerusalem and the temple area as an abomination to Him, for which He would cause desolation Deuteronomy 7:6. The AD 70 occurrence presages what happens at the end of this age, Daniel 9:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4-11.

1) "And pray ye that your flight," (proseuchesthe de) "You all therefore pray," with regards to this event - - you who are my disciples, my church, whom I am leaving to do my work, John 15:17; John 15:26; John 20:31; Acts 1:8.

2) "Be not in the winter." (hina me genetai cheimnos) "In order that it may not come to be in the winter time," when flight is hampered and the weather is dangerous, Matthew 24:20.

Comments’

1) "For in those days shall be affliction," (esontai garhai hemerai ekeinai thlepsis) "Because those will be days of affliction," of a nature of trouble, suffering among men, Matthew 24:21.

2) "Such as was not from the beginning of the creation," (hoia ou gegonen toiaute ap arches ktiseos) "Such as has not come, occurred, or happened from the beginning of creation," John 1:1-3.

3) "Which God created unto this time," (hen ektisen ho theos heos tou nun) "Which God created, until now, and hereafter," and what this presages, what is to recur hereafter, indicated by the future, progressive, or to occur again, (Gk. term nun).

4) "Neither shall be." (kai ou me genetai) "And may not at all, by any means, come to be," except in relation to the judgement of God, on this people of Israel, at the end of this age, Daniel 9:27; Daniel 12:1-12.

1)"And except that the Lord had shortened those days," (kai ei me ekolobosen kurios tas hemeras) "And unless the Lord had shortened the days," of desolation, in the Roman Army’s pursuit of the Jews in AD 70, Luke 21:24, as He shall The Tribulation The Great, to end it Himself.

2) "No flesh should be saved:”- (ouk an esothe pasa sarks) "No flesh would be saved at all," no Jewish flesh, Matthew 24:22.

3) "But for the elect’s sake, whom He hath chosen," (alla dia tous eklektous ous ekseleksato) "But on account of the chosen whom He chose," referring not to "church elect" but to His chosen elect Israel, whom He has cut off for a time, Romans 11:1-2; Romans 11:5; Romans 11:7; Romans 11:15.

4) "He hath shortened the days." (ekolobosen tas hemeras) "He has shortened(in His purpose) the (number of) days," for the regrafting of Israel in, after her Tribulation the Great woes are full, when Jesus comes in "power and Great Glory," to put down all enemies, and set up His righteous reign on David’s throne, in and from Jerusalem, Revelation 19:11-16; Luke 1:32-33; 1 Corinthians 15:22-28.

DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM

"It is worth any man’s while to read the story of the destruction of Jerusalem as it is told by Josephus. Women devoured the flesh of their own children, and men raged against each other with the fury of beasts. All ills seemed to meet in that doomed city, it was filled within with horrors and surrounded without by terrors. Portents amazed the sky both day and night. There was no escape, neither would the frenzied people accept of mercy. The city itself was the banqueting hall of death. Josephus says: ’All hope of escaping was now cut off from the Jews, together with their liberty of going out of the city. Then did the famine widen its progress, and devour the people by whole houses and families; the upper rooms were full of women and infants that were dying by famine, and the lanes of the city were full of the dead bodies of the aged; the children, also, and the young men wandered about market places like shadows, all swelled with famine, and fell down dead wherever their misery seized them. When Titus, on going his round, along these valleys, saw them full of dead bodies, and the thick putrefication running among them, he gave a groan, and spreading out his hands to heaven, called God to witness this was not his doing,’."

- C. H. Spurgeon. 319

1) "And then if any man shall say to you," (kai tote ean tis humin lipe) "And at that time if anyone should tell you," report to you.

2) "Lo, here is Christ;”- (ide hode ho Christos) "Behold here is (exists) the Christ," for many shall arise in the Gentile age, making the claim, Matthew 24:5.

3) "Or, lo, he is there;”- (ide ekei) "Or behold he is there (out there)," that is the Christ, that is Him, the Messiah who is or was to come, Matthew 24:23.

4) "Believe him not:" (me pisteuete) "Do not believe him," him who reports it, or don’t be persuaded, convinced or believe it at all. 1 John 2:18-19, indicates that these apostate christs, "false christs" shall go out from or arise from among professing people of God, from the church, or the outer circle of her influence,

1) "For false Christs and false prophets shall rise," (egerthesontai de peseudochristoi kai pseuclopriphetai) "Then both false prophets and false Christs will be raised up," or will arise, empowered by Satan or demon spirits, Matthew 24:24.

2) "And shall shew signs and wonders," (kai poieoousin semeia kai terata) "And they will do signs and wonders," of deceptive, demonstrative, miraculous nature, Matthew 24:24.

3) "To seduce, if it were possible," (pros to apoplanan ei dunaton) "For to lead astray(to seduce) if they are able," 2 Corinthians 11:13-15.

4) "Even the elect. " (tous eklektous) "Even the chosen," or elect of God, (the church) after and during the dispersion of Israel, Luke 21:23-24. God now deals with "the church" as His called, chosen, or elect lady, John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21; 2 John 1:1-2.

1) "But take ye heed:”- (humeisde blepete) "Then you all watch cautiously," take heed, beware, or be very cautious and observant, Matthew 24:25-26. Just do not be misled to follow them from all their base of excited claims.

2) "Behold, I have foretold you all things." (proeireka humin panta) "I have foretold, forewarned, you all of all things," that you might know, recognize, or comprehend what is occurring when that time comes, when the time of the abomination of desolation approaches, as these false, fake, or phony apostles and Christs arise with more rapid frequency, and wilder claims, 2 Corinthians 11:13-15; 1 John 2:18.

These are devil-motivated and empowered miracle working deceivers, Revelation 13:13-14; Revelation 16:13-15.

THE LORD’S RETURN IN GLORY, V. 24-27

1) "But in those days after that tribulation," (alla en ekeinais tais hemerais meta ten thlepsin ekeinen) "But in those days after that affliction, or that tribulation era," that one yet to come, The Great One, that is ushered in by the Antichrist himself, John 5:43; John 9:26-27; 2 Thessalonians 2:4-11.

2) "The sun shall be darkened," (ho helios skotisthesetai) "The sun will be (come to be) darkened, blacked out," in those days of The Tribulation the Great, at the end of the latter 42 months of the 70th week of the Great Tribulation, Matthew 24:29.

3) "And the moon shall not give her light," (kai he selene ou dosei to phengos autes) "And the moon will not give (dole out, or reflect) her light," Revelation 6:12.

1) "And the stars of heaven shall fall," (kai hoi asteres esontai ek tou ouranou piptontes) "And the stars will be falling repeatedly, as torrents of rain, out of and away from the heavens," as described Matthew 24:29.

2) "And the powers that are in heaven," (kai hai dunameis en tois ouranois) "And the powers in (existing in) the heavens," not only the planets but also the realm of demon spirits who are under the Prince of the power of the air, the prince of devils, Matthew 9:34; Matthew 12:31; Matthew 14:30; Ephesians 2:2.

3) "Shall be shaken." (saleuthesontai) "They will be shaken," those with whom we wrestle today, disturbed, affected, shaken up, as the Lord ends the Battle of Armageddon and begins His reign on and over the earth; Ephesians 6:12-13; For the devil is to be bound during this coming one thousand years, and his band of demon spirit powers will be restrained in frustration, without their Governor during that time on earth, Revelation 20:1-3.

1) "And then shall they see," (kai tote opsontai) "And then they will see;" the "they" refers to the wicked of the earth, as the Tribulation the Great approaches its climax in the Armageddon, Revelation 6:15-17; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 16:16.

2) "The Son of man coming in the clouds," (ton huion tou anthropou erchomenon en nephelais) "The Son of man (heir-hope of humanity) coming in clouds," for "every eye shall see Him," Revelation 1:7. Every eye of the wicked shall not see Him at the "same moment" that the righteous shall, for none of the wicked will see Him, when He comes as the thief, in the air, to take up His church, the righteous dead, and those who look for Him, Matthew 24:27; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:28; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.

3) "With great power and glory." (meta dunameos polles kai dokses) "With dynamic power and much glory," to be "glorified in His saints," in and during His reign on earth, as He also comes with them to the earth "in flaming fire," judgement, to put down sin, and to set up a righteous reign, Matthew 24:30; Deuteronomy 20:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12.

1) "And then shall He send His angels," (kai tote apostelei tous angelous) "And then (at that point in time) He will commission, mandate, or directly send His angels," Hebrews 1:14, as He comes "to earth," in power and great glory, Mark 13:26. Not "in the air only," as when He previously raised the righteous dead, and caught up His own, the church alive, those who looked for Him, 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Hebrews 9:28.

2) "And shall gather together His elect," (kai episunaksei tous eklektous [autou)) "And They will assemble, or gather together in close colleague or affinity the elect, or His chosen," the chosen ones of Him, of Israel who were sealed and preserved against death during the 42 months of the Great Tribulation, Revelation 7:1-4.

3) "From the four winds," (ek ton tessaron anemon) "Out of and away from the four winds," the four parts of the world where they of the twelve tribes of God’s first elect (Israel) had been scattered, Luke 21:24.

4) "From the uttermost part of the earth," (ap’ akrou ges) "From even the extremity of the earth," as far away as any shall then exist, Matthew 24:30-31; Psalms 50:3-6; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-11.

5) "To the uttermost part of heaven." (heos akrou ouranou) "Even to the extremity of heaven," as also described, Matthew 13:41. It appears that these angelic messengers may be used both to gather His elect remnant of Israel to meet Him in Jerusalem, when He comes to the Mount of Olives in power and great glory, then again following the battle of Gog and Magog, after the millennial when Satan is loosed for a little season, out of the bottomless pit, Revelation 20:7-10; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-11.

THE FIG TREE PARABLE, V. 28-33

1) "Now learn a parable of the fig tree;”- (apo de tes sukes mat hete ten parabolen) "Now, from the fig tree you all learn a parable," a lesson drawn from natural phenomena, Matthew 24:32; Luke 21:29.

2) "When her branch is yet tender," (hotan ede ho klados autes hapalos genetai) "Now when the branch of it becomes tender," as the sap begins to rise rapidly, in the early spring.

3) "And putteth forth leaves," (kai ekphue ta phulla) "And it shoots forth the leaves," and tender sprigs, Luke 21:30.

4) "Ye know that summer is near:”- (ginoskete hoti engus to theros estin) "You all know (realize) that the season of summer is near,’’ at hand, around the corner, not far away, Matthew 24:32. As surely as physical signs of nature lead to logical deductions that point to certain conclusions, so do these occurrences revolving around Israel, the city of Jerusalem, the temple, and the things that revolve around them, that point to the return of their rejected Messiah, Acts 1:8-11; Matthew 23:37-39.

1) ’’So ye in like manner," (houtos kai humeis) "Just like this, or similar to this you all also;" The "you all" to whom He yet spoke was the company of His disciples, the church, whom He had called, and chosen, and taught, for near three years, from the beginning of His ministry, John 15:16; John 15:27, Acts 1:20-21; John 20:21; Acts 1:8.

2) "When ye shall see these things come to pass," (hotan idete tauta ginomena) "When you all visualize these things occurring," coming about, coming to pass, right before your eyes, for what is at hand, Daniel 12:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-9.

3) "Know that it is nigh, even at the doors," (ginoskete hoti angus estin epi thurais) "You all know or realize that He is near, even at the threshold," at the door, "The bride­groom cometh,’’ when they who are ready (of the bride) they who look for Him, shall go in! Matthew 25:10; Luke 22:34­36; Hebrews 9:28.

1) "Verily I say unto you," (amen lego humin) "Truly, surely, I tell you all," the church disciples, who had privately inquired of Him regarding the matters of this discourse, Matthew 24:1-3; Luke 21:1.

2) "That this generation shall not pass," (hoti ou me parelthe he genea aute) "That this generation (the Jewish race) shall by no means at all pass,’’ becoming extinct, as the dispersed elect of God, though rejecting Him, John 1:11; Luke 21:24; Luke 21:32.

3) "Till all these things be done." (mechris hou tauta panta genetai) "Until all these things occur," happen, or come to be, come about, or are fulfilled, inclusive of Jerusalem and the temple’s destruction, and desolation, and abomination, of the Holy Place, their dispersion, their regathering, etc. Matthew 24:34; Luke 21:32.

1) "Heaven and earth shall pass away:”- (ho ouranos kai he ge pareleusontai) "The heaven and the earth (now existing) will pass away," though they now seem fixed and stable, come to be no more, become extant, go out of existence, be purged by fire, 2 Peter 3:10.

2) "But my word shall not pass away." (hoi de logou mou ou pareleusontai) ’’Yet my word will not pass away, go out of existence, or become extant," Matthew 24:25, affirmatively declares, "The word of our God shall stand forever," Luke 21:33; Isaiah 40:8; Isaiah 51:6; Hebrews 1:11;

1) "But of that day and that hour," (peri de tes hemeras ekeines e tes horas) "Yet concerning that day or that hour," that specific or definite hour, in a definitive way. Men are therefore to watch and pray, Matthew 24:42; Matthew 24:44; Luke 22:34-36.

2) "Knoweth no man," (oudeis oiden) "Not one knows or perceives," - - none knows the specifics beforehand. Tho those who believe the prophetic Word of eternal truth are and will be wise, will understand, as the season approaches, Daniel 12:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6.

3) "No, not the angels which are in heaven," (oude hoi angeloi en ourano) "Not even so much as the angels in heaven," know the specific day nor hour, so that men should daily anticipate His coming, Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7.

4) "Neither the Son, but the Father." (oude ho huios ei me ho pater) "Neither at all does the Son. None knows definitively, except the Father," Acts 1:7.

1) "Take ye heed," (blepete) "You all watch," watch, beware, or take heed, be cautious about the way you live, walk, and talk, Ephesians 5:15-18.

2) "Watch and pray:”- (agrupneite) "You all be wakeful," watching and praying as sentinel-soldiers who guard their country’s property and people; Watch as good servants and stewards of God, as those who must account for life’s conduct, trust in things committed to you, Matthew 24:40-41, that none be cut asunder, apart from the Lord’s own, who look for Him, left through the tribulation era, with the Jewish hypocrites in their final judgement of earth, Luke 22:34-36; Matthew 25:1-13.

3) "For ye know not when the time is." (ouk oidate gar pote ho kairos estin) "Because you do not now perceive at what time the season, era, or time period is," Yet be awake, alert, prayerful, and watchful, that when it approaches you may be among the "wise" who understand, Daniel 12:10; and among the children of Light," on whom that day is not to come unaware, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, as followers of the churches of the Lord, to whom Paul wrote, 1 Thessalonians 2:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 5:15-16.

OBLIGATION TO WATCH FOR JESUS’ RETURN, V. 34-37

1) "For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey," (hos anthropos apodemos) "Because He (the Son of man) exists as or like a man away from home," on a far journey, for a specific purpose, specifically planning to return, John 14:1-3.

2) "Who left his house," (apheis ten oikian autou) "Who upon leaving his house," going away for an extended period of time, from his house. He had no earthly house, Matthew 8:20. But He built, established, and left a house (His church), that was better than the house that Moses built, Hebrews 3:1-6; 1 Timothy 3:15.

3) "And gave authority to his servants," (kai dous tois doulois autou ten eksousian); "And giving over to his slaves (household slaves or workmen) authority," to care for and carry on His estate, His house of worship and service, Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:21; Acts 1:8.

4) "And to every man his own work," (hekasto to ergon autou) "Even to each servant his own work," his particular work, 1 Corinthians 3:8-9; So that each is to give account of himself as a workman, a light-bearer, and a witness in the house of the Lord, the church, Ephesians 2:10; Ephesians 3:21; Matthew 5:15-16; John 8:12.

5) "And commanded the porter to watch." (kai to thuroro eneteilato hina gregore) "And the doorkeeper he commanded (gave instructions) in order that he might watch," as a time-keeper and a record-keeper, over the work of his Master who had gone away for an extended period of time. This appears to represent the charge of the Lord to the Bishop over the flock, the household, or local assembly, as in Acts 20:28; 1 Timothy 5:17-18.

1) "Watch ye therefore:" (gregoreite oun) "Therefore, you all watch," from the two fold standpoint: 1) First, as God’s chosen, elect church, watch the dispersed people of Israel as they prepare to return to their ancient land and worship, 2) Second, watch as my bride, for my return and marriage to you, John 3:29; Matthew 25:1-12; 2 Corinthians 11:1-2; Revelation 19:5-9.

2) "For ye know not," (ouk oidate gar) "Because you do not know or perceive," the specific or definite hour, though you can understand when the season or era draws near, if you read the signs of the times.

3) "When the Master of the house cometh," (pote ho kurios tes oikias erchetai) "At what point of time the Lord of the house comes," of His own will and accord, in harmony with that of His Father, Matthew 24:36; Acts 1:7; Watch as in Matthew 24:37-39.

4) "At even or at midnight," (e opse e mesonuktion) "Either late (in the day) or at midnight," or as the night comes on. Be watchful always. "Watch" is the watchword for the "Watchman" upon the wall, or the worker, as he waits the return of the owner, Ezekiel 33:11-12; Luke 12:35-40.

5) ’’Or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:”- (e alektotophonias e proi) "Or at cock-crowing, or even early in the morning," as the late night ends, and the daylight dawns, be expectant, hopeful, vigilant, awake to duty and stewardship service, in doing what the goodman of the house has called you and entrusted you to do, For "faithfulness" is required of stewards, 1 Corinthians 4:2.

1) "Lest coming suddenly," (me elthon eksaiphnes) "Lest He coming suddenly," unexpectedly to you, in spite of His warning to you, as members of His church, whom He addressed in this entire discourse, as also Matthew 24:42­-44].

2) "He find you sleeping." (he ure humas katheudontas) "He should find you all sleeping," Luke 12:42-48, in lethargy, indolence, and carelessness, even to justify His cutting you asunder, for chastisement, for awhile with Israel, as-unfaithful servants, sentinels who sleep at the post of duty, Matthew 24:48-51; Matthew 25:11-13; Matthew 25:24-30; Luke 22:34-36.

1) "And what I say unto you," (ho de humin lego) "Then what I say to you all," to you present at this moment, to you of my church, whom I have called, chosen, and shall empower, John 15:16; John 15:27; John 20:20-21; Acts 1:8.

2) "I say unto all," (pasin lego) "I say it to all, "to apply to all in this Gentile era hereafter, as churches, and individual believers, each of whom shall give account to me, 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; Romans 14:11-12.

3) ’’Watch." (gregoreite) ’’You all watch," be alert, on guard, on duty, be in line of service, till the Master of the house returns, for He will return! John 14:1-3; Acts 1:10-11; Heb 10;37; Matthew 25:1-10; Revelation 19:5-9.