What-Signals-End-of-the-Age
Jesus' End-Time Chronology
Part 1 - What Signals the End of the Age
Part 2 - What Signals Jesus' Return
Part 3 - When Will All This Happen
Discussion Prompted By Disciples' Questions
This is part 1 of Jesus' End-Time Chronology series as documented in Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21. This article covers Jesus' response to the disciples' third question in Matthew 24:3 - "What Sign Will Signal The End Of The Age?"
I am intentionally keeping my comments, opinions, interpretations, etc., to a bare minimum. The whole point is to determine what the Word of God actually says, not what I, or anyone else, thinks it says.
1 As Jesus left the temple and was walking away, His disciples came up to Him to point out its buildings.
2 "Do you see all these things?" He replied. "Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."
The Disciples' Three Questions
- When Will All This Happen - Part 3
- What Sign Signals Your Return - Part 2
- What Sign Signals The End of the Age - Part 1
Jesus answers these questions in the reverse order that they are listed in Matthew 24:3.
What Signals The End of the Age
3 While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. "Tell us," they said, "when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?"
Things That MUST Happen
- False Christs
- Many Deceived
- Wars And Rumors of Wars
BUT The End Is Still To Come
The Beginning Of Birth Pains
- Wars - Nation vs Nation; Kingdom vs Kingdom
- Global Famines
- Global Earthquakes
Luke 21:11 adds …
- Global National Catastrophes and Plagues
- Fearful Sights
- Great Signs From Heaven
11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.
The More To Come
- Arrest, Persecution, Killing of Christian Martyrs
- Global Hatred for Christians
- Global Turning Away From God
- Rampant Betrayal and Hatred; Even by Family Members
- False Prophets
- Many Deceived
- Global Rampant Sin; Wickedness Multiplied
- Love Of Many Grows Cold
- Gospel Preached To The Whole World
9 THEN they will deliver you over to be persecuted and killed, and you will be hated by all nations because of My name.
10 AT THAT TIME many will fall away and will betray and hate one another,
11 and many false prophets will arise and mislead many.
12 Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.
13 But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
Mark and Luke Expand On These Signs …
- Delivered Over to Councils and Beaten In Synagogues
- Christians Will Testify (Witness) Before Kings and Governors
- Divine Wisdom Given
- Betrayal by Close Family Members
- Global Hatred
9 So be on your guard. You will be delivered over to the councils and beaten in the synagogues. On My account you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them.
10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all the nations.
11 But when they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand what to say. Instead, speak whatever you are given at that time, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise against their parents and have them put to death.
13 You will be hated by everyone because of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
12 But BEFORE ALL THIS, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors.
13 This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses.
14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves.
15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death.
17 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name.
18 Yet not even a hair of your head will perish.
19 By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.