Section 113, Destruction of Jerusalem Predicted

Section 113
DESTRUCTION OF JERUSALEM FORETOLD.
MATT. 24:1-28
MARK 13:1-23
LUKE 21:5-2

Summary:  The disciples comment on the impressive nature of the temple, and Jesus responds by predicting its complete demise.  This leads into Andrew, James, John, and Peter approaching him privately and asking when this will occur and what will be the sign.

Jesus says they should watch for the following:
1. False Christs
2. Wars and rumors of wars
3. Great natural disturbances--earthquakes, famines, disease
4. Outbreak of persecution

Jesus elaborates on some aspects of this persecution---that there would be false prophets, they will be hated by all men, love of many would grow cold, it would separate families, etc.

"In your patience ye shall win your souls." v 19 [The Christian's battle is won by endurance and not by violence, and he that can patiently hold out unto the end can, by the grace of God, save his soul.]  -Fourfold

5. Jerusalem encompassed by armies, abomination of desolation (last sign)

He says when you see these signs, then flee as this is a season of judgement.

"and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. [By comparing this passage with Romans 11., we find that the times of the Gentiles signify that period wherein the church is made up of Gentiles to the almost exclusion of the Jews. The same chapter shows that this period is to be followed by one wherein the Jew and the Gentile unite together in proclaiming the gospel. This prophecy, therefore, declares that until this union of the Jew and the Gentile takes place, the city of Jerusalem shall not only be controlled by the Gentiles, [625] but shall be trodden under foot--i. e., oppressed--by them. The history of Jerusalem, to this day, is a striking fulfillment of this prophecy.]-BKC

The Fourfold Commentary asserts that these events had their immediate fulfillment in the seige by Rome.