Study
37 From the Book of Matthew is: Matthew 24:1 – 31
1.
What is the pattern of future history as predicted by Christ in
verses 1-14? Make a list of the
prominent features and see how they apply to our present age.
2.
According to the teaching of these verses how should a Christian
react in days of political upheaval and world-wide distress? On what can he
count?
Notes
1.
The teaching of this chapter is in answer to the two questions
of verse 3. The disciples seemed to think of these events as contemporaneous.
Christ sees the fall of Jerusalem as a foreshadowing of the day of His return.
It is impossible to be dogmatic about the division of the chapter, since
references to the two events are so interwoven, but the following is suggested.
Verses 4-14: general principles. Verses 15:28: the siege and destruction of
Jerusalem. Verses 29-31: the day of Christ’s coming. Verses 32-51: preparation
for both events.
2.
Verse 15 refers back to Dn. 11:31 and in this context, seems to
point to the setting up of the Roman ensign within the sacred precincts of the
Temple.
3.
Verse 27. ‘coming’ is in Greek Parousia, meaning the official
visit of a king. Cf. verses 3:37, 39.
