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NASB | Matthew 24:3 ¶ As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the age?" |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 24:3 ¶ While Jesus was seated on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, and said, "Tell us, when will this [destruction of the temple] take place, and what will be the sign of Your coming, and of the end (completion, consummation) of the age?" |
Subject: Church or nation Israel? |
Bible Note: Dear stj, Seeing the word "and" as copulative in the disciple's question might be correct. However, I believe that the disciples understood -- at least in a general way -- that the "end of this age" was associated with Christ's return as judge (cf Mat 13:39-40, 49, 28:20). Consequently, I deem that the Amplified's placement of commas (see above) rightly conveys the nature of their question. We are currently in "this age" (Matthew 12:32; Luke 16:8; 20:34; Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 1:20; 2:6,8; 3:18; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 1:21; 2:2; 1 Timothy 6:17; 2 Timothy 4:10; Tit. 2:12) and we look forward to the "age to come" (Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30; 20:34; 1 Timothy 6:19; Ephesians 1:21; 2:7; Hebrews 6:5). I am uncertain -- since I find compelling arguments from the various schools of thought -- as to whether the age to come refers to the Millenial reign of Christ, or the New Heaven and New Earth. I do not deem it a question that requires a definitive conclusion on my part. There is far too much that demands my careful scrutiny, so I don't spend a great deal of time on eschatology. I just don't find it a fruitful use of time. (That written, please do not misconstrue that statement as judgment on those who do spend their time on this topic. However, as you can see by all the verbiage we've had on the forum lately on this topic, little of it is substantively efficacious for our progress in sanctification, or in our usefulness to our Lord.) In Him, Doc |