Tag Archives: Olivet Discourse

DOES OLIVET POINT TO AD 70? Part 2

AD 70, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse, Preterism, Temple November 12, 2014 Comments: 10

Roman attack JerusalemPMT 2014-137 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

In my previous article (PMT 2014-135) I began a brief (two-part) argument that the first portion of the Olivet Discourse focuses on the destruction of the Jewish temple in AD 70. If you have not read that article, I encourage you to do so before reading this one.

Now we are ready to briefly summarize the evidence for an AD 70 occurrence of the first portion of the Lord’s Olivet Discourse. So then, without further delay, consider the following;

First, in Matt 23:1–33 Jesus issues a long and biting denunciation of the first-century Pharisees. These were the spiritual heroes of the common man and the constant nemeses of the Son of Man. He delivers a seven-fold woe against them here, toward the end of his earthly ministry (Matt 23:13, 15, 16, 23, 25, 27, 29 — Matt 23:14 is textually precarious). Continue reading →

AD 70 AND THE SECOND ADVENT IN MATT 24 (Part 3)

AD 70, Preterism, Second Coming May 5, 2014 Comments: 2

AD 70 flightPMT 2014-054 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

This article concludes a three-part discussion of the question of whether the Olivet Discourse focuses solely on AD 70, or if it also looks ahead to the Second Advent. I believe that it speaks of both events. This should not surprise us, since AD 70 is a preview of the Second Advent, like all the several “Day of the Lord” events in the OT anticipating the final “Day of the Lord.” Please consult the previous articles (PMT 2014-051 and 052). See my book The Olivet Discourse Made Easy for more detailed information.

10. Argument from flight opportunity

In the first section Christ urges desperate flight from the area, clearly implying there will be time and opportunity to flee: “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains” (Matt 24:16). In fact, one particular sign — the abomination of desolation — will be the cue to leave the area. Because of this opportunity of flight, many lives of God’s elect will be saved: “unless those days had been cut short, no life would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect those days shall be cut short” (24:22). Continue reading →

AD 70 AND THE SECOND ADVENT IN MATT 24 (Part 1)

Preterism, Second Coming April 30, 2014 1 Comment

AD 70 (1)PMT 2014-052 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

The Olivet Discourse (Matt 24–25) is one of Jesus five major discourses structuring Matthew’s Gospel. It is prompted by Jesus’ dramatic denouncement of Jerusalem and the temple (Matt 23:37–38), his ceremonial final departure from the temple (Matt 24:1a), his disciples’ confused question regarding the temple as a beautiful place to worship (Matt 24:1b), and his declaration of its coming destruction (Matt 24:2).

In this discourse Jesus prophecies the coming AD 70 destruction of the temple. But he does more. Let us consider the question of whether or not he also refers to the Second Advent of Christ. Continue reading →