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NASB | Matthew 24:1 Jesus came out from the temple and was going away when His disciples came up to point out the temple buildings to Him. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 24:1 Jesus left the temple area and was going on His way when His disciples came up to Him to call His attention to the [magnificent and massive] buildings of the temple. [Mark 13; Luke 21:5-36] |
Subject: EXPLAIN MATTHEW 24 VS. 1-10 |
Bible Note: Okay coper, I’ think I do owe you an answer in hopes of alleviating your frustration. Know this, I was not attempting to refute or debate when I originally posted, my hopes were that this subject which has seemingly been going for some time now, would be deferred at least for a while. Simply because the discussions I have followed and read were not undertaken as much in an edifying manner as they were a biased forceful manner. But I’m in no position to make that assertion so I apologize and will properly render my response to you. Also know this, it not necessarily an area I want to debate. I’m answering only because I think it proper per your request. You’ve asked the following: Q1. “Why is it so unreasonable to believe that Jesus was speaking directly to His disciples about things that would occur in their lifetime when He used the word "you" so many times throughout the Olivet Discourse?” A1. If you look at the text, “you” wasn’t the only term referred to many times. He warned of many times the fact that there would be many who claimed He already came. My main problem with your position is based on the fact that you read into the first part of the Olivet Discourse as literal, so long as it supports your position, and then as soon as it doesn’t, you spiritualize the text to make it fit the rest. What prompts you to suddenly change your interpretation at some mid-point? I’m not a scholar, but logically, I can deduce that if Scripture doesn’t call for the change in interpretation, we shouldn’t apply it. The fact is you “have” to spiritualize what hasn’t been fulfilled to the eye in order for your opinion to make sense such as the judgment of the wicked, Matthew 24:40 and so forth. The parables subsequent also show that there would be a somewhat lengthy return if understood properly. Q2. “When compared to James 5:7-9 written between 50AD-60AD isn't a near to them coming the only logical, normative way to understand it?” A2. I see James indicating that no matter the times, we aught to be living in a state of expectancy. Where are our hearts if we do not? If Christ’s return isn’t considered imminent, where do we stand? I suppose we don’t stand simply because we have not the fear of impending judgment nor the hope of relief when Christ does return. We should be patient under our trials, long suffering, as the example put forth is that of Job. Q3. “Again, couldn't this be the reason that Peter, James, John (and even Paul), would teach their audiences that the coming of Christ was near?” A3. It is always near brother and with each passing day it is more so. They as well as we are taught to be ready for it. Scripture also informs us that Christ’s return was already in question and the Apostles had to put down the heresy that had already crept in. 2Timothy 2:16 – 18 Jesus when speaking of his return, did so in a manner that informs us that it will be visible, not spiritual or invisibly. You can’t properly explain and show for fact that all of the discourse concerning His return has taken place and been visible. Let God fulfill His prophecies on His own time. Forcing them in to a context so they can be understood more easily to suit us, is simply handling the Word in a careless manner. Matthew 24:34, 35: 34 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. “1. Christ here assures us of the certainty of them (Mat_24:35); Heaven and earth shall pass away; they continue this day indeed, according to God's ordinance, but they shall not continue for ever (Psa_102:25, Psa_102:26; 2Pe_3:10); but my words shall not pass away. Note, The word of Christ is more sure and lasting than heaven and earth. Hath he spoken? And shall he not do it? We may build with more assurance upon the word of Christ than we can upon the pillars of heaven, or the strong foundations of the earth; for, when they shall be made to tremble and totter, and shall be no more, the word of Christ shall remain, and be in full force, power, and virtue. See 1Pe_1:24, 1Pe_1:25. It is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than the word of Christ; so it is expressed, Luk_16:17. Compare Isa_54:10. The accomplishment of these prophecies might seem to be delayed, and intervening events might seem to disagree with them, but do not think that therefore the word of Christ is fallen to the ground, for that shall never pass away: though it be not fulfilled, either in the time or in the way that we have prescribed; yet, in God's time, which is the best time, and in God's way, which is the best way, it shall certainly be fulfilled. Every word of Christ is very pure, and therefore very sure.” – Matthew Henry Stand in His grace, WOS |