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There several views on Matthew 24.
The critical question is can Mathew
24 be divided?
Those who see a division in the
chapter are at odds concerning
where to divide it.
They cannot agree on which is the
pivotal verse.
Some divide it at verse 34, others
at verse 35. Others, divide it at
verse 36.
Return here or click bottom of page
to read additional arguments.
Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5)
Further, of those who claim the
chapter cannot be divided, two
separate views are taken.
Some believe that it is totally future.
Others, as the writer, believes all
is fulfilled.
Arguments for Dividing the Chapter
Many believe the chapter can be
divided at verse 34.
“Assuredly, I say to you, this
generation will by no means pass
away till all these things take place.”
They believe the chapter is divided
here because of Christ’s words those
events would occur within the lifetime
of the generation then alive.
In light of this can Matthew 24
be divided into a past and future
coming?
The time statement for them
separates what comes later.
“Heaven and earth” passing away
is to them a too much to swallow
for a first century event.
However, by acknowledging all
before verse 34 is Christ’s return
in A.D. 70, they contradict the
text.
Matthew 24:3, speaks of the end
of the age. Verse 29, speaks of
the sun, moon and stars being
darkened.
Both verses refer to the passing
of heaven and earth. Therefore,
they are inconsistent.
There is no contextual justification
for interpreting Matt. 24:3, 29 as
figurative and taking 35 as literal.
The Alleged Dividing “But”
Others recognizing the problem
seek to divide the chapter at
verse 35.
In this manner they avoid the
difficulty mentioned above.
At least they have the consistency
of interpreting all three “end of
heaven and earth references the
same, i.e. to A.D. 70.
However, they seek to justify
their position by dividing the
chapter at verse 36.
The key word for them is “de”
translated “but.”
To them this represents a contrast
showing that Christ has changed
the subject from the fall of Jerusalem
in 70 A.D. to the future.
The problem here is that there are
two many “buts” that follow this
verse.
If “but” in verse 36 divides the chapter
then, there would be nine different
future comings of Christ based on
that term alone.
The Greek text will show even more.
See verses 36, 43, 48. Note also
chapter 25:4, 5, 9, 12, 18, 26.
An argument made on the word “but”
would divide the chapter into too
many comings.
It’s a poor argument to say the least
and is used out of desperation to
escape the simplicity of the text.
In our next post, we’ll offer two
additional arguments made from
verse 36.
Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5
See our latest book on the second
coming for more information on
Christ’s return.
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clicking, The Re-Examination.
