Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Matthew

[Wasabio]

Is the Olivet Discourse referring to the events in 70 A.D with the destruction of the temple, or the Second Coming of Christ, or both?

I've been reading the Olivet discourse in Mark, and I am quite confused about whether Christ is talking about the Siege of Jerusalem or the events occurring at the end of the world. Perhaps he is talking about both? I have tried to browse the internet looking for answers, but everyone seems to say something different. Any help is appreciated.

[jimwalton]

Scholarship is divided about it, which is why you're having trouble coming up with a clear answer about it. My research shows that the weight of scholarship considers it to be referring to the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem in AD 70. But many scholars think it also pertains to the end times. (I don't think there's anyone who claims it pertains to the end times only, and not to AD 70.) So, these things came true in the Roman destruction of Jerusalem. Many of us still wonder if there is going to be an "aftershock" of some of the same things in the eschaton.

[Wasabio]

Yeah, I was wondering whether these events in the first half of the passage that occurred in AD 70 are types for what is going to happen in the eschaton... I will definitely need to research more on this. Anyways, thanks for your response!

[jimwalton]

Sure. Glad I could be of help. If, as you work through the text, you have more questions or more specific things you want to talk about, just write again.