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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadBob Utley You Can Understand the Bible - Matthew 24
Verse Commentaries:
Chapter Level Commentary:
READING CYCLE THREE (from "hyperlink")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT THE PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects. Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
1. First paragraph
2. Second paragraph
3. Third paragraph
4. Etc.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS FOR Mat_24:1-36 (parallel to Mar_13:1-37)
A. My exegetical notes on Mark 13 are more complete in my commentary on Mark and I & 2 Peter. You can see all of my commentaries at hyperlink
B. Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are so difficult to interpret because they deal with several questions simultaneously (cf. Mat_24:3).
1. When will the Temple be destroyed?
2. What will be the sign of the Messiah's return?
3. When will this age end?
C. The genre of New Testament eschatological passages is usually a combination of apocalyptic (see Special Topic below) and prophetic language which is purposely ambiguous and highly symbolic.
D. Several passages in the NT (cf. Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 17, 21, 1 and 2 Thess. and Rev.) deal with the Second Coming. These passages emphasize
1. the exact time of the event is unknown but the event is certain
2. we can know the general time but not specific time of the events
3. it will occur suddenly and unexpectedly
4. we must be prayerful, ready, and faithful to assigned tasks
E. There is a theological paradoxical tension between (1) the any moment return (cf. Mat_24:27; Mat_24:44) versus (2) the fact that some events in history must occur.
F. The NT states that some events will occur before the Second Coming:
1. The Gospel preached to the whole world (cf. Mat_24:14; Mar_13:10)
2. The great apostasy (cf. Mat_24:10-13; Mat_24:21; 1Ti_4:1; 2Ti_3:1 ff.; 2Th_2:3)
3. The revelation of the "man of sin" (cf. Dan_7:23-26; Dan_9:24-27; 2Th_2:3)
4. Removal of that/who restrains (cf. 2Th_2:6-7)
5. Jewish revival (cf. Zec_12:10; Romans 11)
G. Mat_24:37-44 are not paralleled in Mark. They do have a partial Synoptic parallel in Luk_17:26-37.
hyperlink
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought provoking, not definitive.
1. What is the basic purpose of this chapter?
2. Do Mat_24:4-7 describe the end time?
3. How does Daniel's prophecy (Mat_7:23-28; Mat_9:24-27; Mat_11:26-29) relate to this chapter?
4. Why does Jesus use language like Mat_24:24?
5. Can we know when the Lord will come again?
6. Is the time of Second Coming imminent, delayed, or time uncertain?
7. How could Jesus not know the time (Mat_24:36)?
8. What is the major emphasis of this section (Mat_24:45-51)?
9. Do you expect Jesus' return in your lifetime? Why?