Matthew 24:3 - As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”
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What does "Matthew 24:3" mean?
Matthew 24:3 sets the stage for Jesus's lengthy discourse on the future, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (because it takes place on the Mount of Olives). Let's break down the verse:
"As he sat on the Mount of Olives..." This provides the setting. The Mount of Olives is a significant location overlooking Jerusalem, a place of prayer, contemplation, and messianic expectation. Jesus frequently retreated there.
"...the disciples came to him privately..." The disciples are specifically asking Jesus, and they are doing so in a private setting, suggesting they are seeking confidential or in-depth knowledge.
"...saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be?'" This is their first question. "These things" refers back to Jesus's prophecy in Matthew 24:1-2 where he predicted the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The disciples want to know when this destruction will occur.
"What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?'" This is the core of their inquiry. It encompasses two interconnected, but potentially separate, events:
"Your coming": This refers to the parousia (Greek word often translated as "coming," "arrival," or "presence") of Jesus. Disciples were wondering how they could prepare for the return of the Messiah and the establishement of his kingdom.
"The end of the age": This alludes to the end of the current era, the transition to a new order, and likely a period of judgement and the culmination of God's plan. Some interpret this to refer to the end of the world as we know it.
In summary, Matthew 24:3 shows the disciples' concern about the future and their desire to understand the timing and signs related to the destruction of the Temple, Jesus' return, and the culmination of history. It serves as the impetus for Jesus' detailed response in the rest of Matthew 24 and 25.
Different Interpretations
It's crucial to note that this verse and Jesus's subsequent answer are subject to various interpretations, particularly concerning the timing and nature of the events described. Some common views include:
Preterist: Believes the majority of the prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, primarily with the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD.
Futurist: Believes the prophecies primarily apply to events in the distant future, preceding Jesus's literal return.
Historicist: Sees the prophecies as unfolding throughout history, with ongoing fulfillment.
Idealist/Symbolic: Views the prophecies as symbolic representations of spiritual truths, rather than literal future events.
Understanding these different perspectives helps to appreciate the complexity and depth of the verse and the Olivet Discourse as a whole.
Matthew 24:3 - As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?”
What does "Matthew 24:3" mean?
Matthew 24:3 sets the stage for Jesus's lengthy discourse on the future, often referred to as the Olivet Discourse (because it takes place on the Mount of Olives). Let's break down the verse:
"As he sat on the Mount of Olives..." This provides the setting. The Mount of Olives is a significant location overlooking Jerusalem, a place of prayer, contemplation, and messianic expectation. Jesus frequently retreated there.
"...the disciples came to him privately..." The disciples are specifically asking Jesus, and they are doing so in a private setting, suggesting they are seeking confidential or in-depth knowledge.
"...saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be?'" This is their first question. "These things" refers back to Jesus's prophecy in Matthew 24:1-2 where he predicted the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The disciples want to know when this destruction will occur.
"What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?'" This is the core of their inquiry. It encompasses two interconnected, but potentially separate, events:
"Your coming": This refers to the parousia (Greek word often translated as "coming," "arrival," or "presence") of Jesus. Disciples were wondering how they could prepare for the return of the Messiah and the establishement of his kingdom.
"The end of the age": This alludes to the end of the current era, the transition to a new order, and likely a period of judgement and the culmination of God's plan. Some interpret this to refer to the end of the world as we know it.
In summary, Matthew 24:3 shows the disciples' concern about the future and their desire to understand the timing and signs related to the destruction of the Temple, Jesus' return, and the culmination of history. It serves as the impetus for Jesus' detailed response in the rest of Matthew 24 and 25.
Different Interpretations
It's crucial to note that this verse and Jesus's subsequent answer are subject to various interpretations, particularly concerning the timing and nature of the events described. Some common views include:
Preterist: Believes the majority of the prophecies were fulfilled in the first century, primarily with the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD.
Futurist: Believes the prophecies primarily apply to events in the distant future, preceding Jesus's literal return.
Historicist: Sees the prophecies as unfolding throughout history, with ongoing fulfillment.
Idealist/Symbolic: Views the prophecies as symbolic representations of spiritual truths, rather than literal future events.
Understanding these different perspectives helps to appreciate the complexity and depth of the verse and the Olivet Discourse as a whole.