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Home , Olivet Discourse

Apocalyptic Parallels

The purpose of this document is to compare three the accounts of the destruction of the Temple in the synoptic with the details of the Book of . The Mount Olivet discourse of (also called the “mini- ”) described in rather vivid detail the events which would precede the destruction of and the Temple. The three accounts (Matt 24:1-36, :1-37, :5-36) are remarkably similar. The details must have fixed themselves quite vividly in the minds of the early disciples.

John’s does not contain an apocalyptic discourse. This may very likely be due to the fact that it is developed at great length in the Book of the Apocalypse (Revelation). In fact most of the details from the Mount Olivet discourse in the Synoptics are also present in the Book the Revelation. Clearly these details are developed at greater length, their order is reworked, and the vision is far more cosmic. Nevertheless the similarities are too extensive to be dismissed. This does not imply that John had no vision on the Isle of Patmos and this is simply a fanciful reworking of the Mount Olivet discourse. Rather, such a vision could well have been given John by the Spirit in fulfillment of the promise of Jesus But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. (John 14:26)

If it is true, that the words of Jesus in the Mount Olivet discourse serve as the backdrop for the then we are also supplied with a context for the Book of Revelation. Although the context of the Book of Revelation is, of itself, not exactly clear, and even then debated, in the Mount Olivet discourse the context is quite clear: And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, "As for these things which you see, the days will come when there shall not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down." And they asked him, "Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign when this is about to take place?" And he said... (Luke 21:5-7) Given the great similarities with the Book of Revelation, we may conclude that it is prophesying and/or describing the destruction of Jerusalem which took place in 70 AD. This theory is at odds with the present-day consenus of the majority of scholars who consider the harlot city (also called the “great city in Revelation) to be Rome and the context of Revelation to be the future destruction of that city. Nevertheless, there are substantial reasons for questioning the present-day majority opinion. The link to the Mount Olivet discourse is only one reason and cannot, by itself, proove the case that the Book of Revelation concerns the destruction of the Jerusalem and that this is the identity of the “Great City.” Nevertheless it is one piece in the overall case which is quite strong. The fuller description of the evidence for this viewpoint is set forth in the class notes for “Revelation” under separate cover.

...and their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city which is allegorically called Sodom and , where their Lord was crucified. Rev 11:8 (Mat 24:1-36) (Mark 13:1-37) (Luke 21:5-36) (Revelation)

Jesus left the temple and was And as he came out of the And as some spoke of the Rev 11:1-2 Then I was given a going away, when his disciples temple, one of his disciples said temple, how it was adorned with measuring rod like a staff, and I came to point out to him the to him, "Look, Teacher, what noble stones and offerings, he was told: "Rise and measure the buildings of the temple. wonderful stones and what said, temple of God and the altar and wonderful buildings!" those who worship there, but do not measure the court outside the {2} But he answered them, "You {2} And Jesus said to him, "Do {6} "As for these things which temple; leave that out, for it is see all these, do you not? Truly, you see these great buildings? you see, the days will come given over to the nations, and I say to you, there will not be There will not be left here one when there shall not be left here they will trample over the holy left here one stone upon another, stone upon another, that will not one stone upon another that will city for forty-two months. that will not be thrown down." be thrown down." not be thrown down." Rev 1:1,3 The revelation of {3} As he sat on the Mount of {3} And as he sat on the Mount Jesus , which God gave Olives, the disciples came to of Olives opposite the temple, {7} And they asked him, him to show to his servants what him privately, saying, "Tell us, Peter and James and John and "Teacher, when will this be, and must soon take place...Blessed is when will this be, and what will Andrew asked him privately, {4} what will be the sign when this he who reads aloud the words of be the sign of your coming and "Tell us, when will this be, and is about to take place?" the prophecy, and blessed are of the close of the age?" what will be the sign when these those who hear, and who keep things are all to be what is written therein; for the accomplished?" time is near. {8} And he said, "Take heed that Rev19:20 And was {4} And Jesus answered them, {5} And Jesus began to say to you are not led astray; for many captured, and with it the false "Take heed that no one leads them, "Take heed that no one will come in my name, saying, 'I prophet who in its presence had you astray. {5} For many will leads you astray. {6} Many will am he!' and, 'The time is at worked the signs by which he come in my name, saying, 'I am come in my name, saying, 'I am hand!' Do not go after them. deceived those who had received the Christ,' and they will lead he!' and they will lead many the mark of the beast... many astray. astray. {9} And when you hear of wars Rev19:19 And I saw the beast {6} And you will hear of wars {7} And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified; and the kings of the earth with and rumors of wars; see that you and rumors of wars, do not be for this must first take place, but their armies gathered to make are not alarmed; for this must alarmed; this must take place, but the end will not be at once." war against him who sits upon take place, but the end is not yet. the end is not yet. {8} For nation the horse and against his army. {7} For nation will rise against will rise against nation, and {10} Then he said to them, Rev 6:4 ..another horse..its rider nation, and kingdom against kingdom against kingdom; "Nation will rise against nation, permitted to take peace from the kingdom, and kingdom against kingdom; earth, so that men should slay one another. ...and there will be and in various places: {8} all this is but the beginning of the birth-pangs. {9} "Then they will deliver you {9} "But take heed to yourselves; {12} But before all this they will Rev 1:9 I John, your brother, up to tribulation, and put you to for they will deliver you up to lay their hands on you and who share with you in Jesus the death; and you will be hated by councils; and you will be beaten persecute you, delivering you up tribulation and the kingdom and all nations for my name's sake. in synagogues; and you will to the synagogues and prisons, the patient endurance, was on the {10} And then many will fall stand before governors and kings and you will be brought before island called Patmos on account away, and betray one another, for my sake, to bear testimony kings and governors for my of the word of God and the and hate one another. {11} And before them. {10} And the name's sake. {13} This will be a testimony of Jesus. many false prophets will arise gospel must first be preached to time for you to bear testimony. and lead many astray. {12} And all nations. {11} And when they {14} Settle it therefore in your Rev 2:10 Do not fear what you because wickedness is bring you to trial and deliver you minds, not to meditate are about to suffer. Behold, the multiplied, most men's love will up,do not be anxious beforehand beforehand how to answer; {15} devil is about to throw some of grow cold. {13} But he who what you are to say; but say for I will give you a mouth and you into prison, that you may be endures to the end will be saved. whatever is given you in that wisdom, which none of your tested, and for ten days you will {14} And this gospel of the hour, for it is not you who speak, adversaries will be able to have tribulation. Be faithful unto kingdom will be preached but the Holy Spirit. {12} And withstand or contradict. {16} death, and I will give you the throughout the whole world, as a brother will deliver up brother to You will be delivered up even by crown of life. testimony to all nations; and death, and the father his child, parents and brothers and then the end will come. and children will rise against kinsmen and friends, and some Rev 6:9 I saw, under the altar, parents and have them put to of you they will put to death; those who had been slain for the death; {13} and you will be {17} you will be hated by all for word of God and the witness hated by all for my name's sake. my name's sake. {18} But not a they had borne But he who endures to the end hair of your head will perish. will be saved. {19} By your endurance you Rev 13:10 If any one is to be will gain your lives. taken captive, to captivity he goes...Here is a call for the endurance and faith of the saints.

{5} and behold, a black horse... {16} then let those who are in there will be earthquakes in {11} there will be great {6} and I heard, "A quart of flee to the mountains; various places, there will be earthquakes, and in various wheat for a denarius, but do {17} let him who is on the famines; this is but the places famines and pestilences; harm oil and wine...{12} There housetop not go down to take beginning of the birth-pangs. was an ...{8} And what is in his house; {18} and let behold a pale horse...it's rider him who is in the field not turn given power. to kill with sword back to take his mantle. {19} and with and with And alas for those who are with pestilence and by wild beasts of child and for those who give the earth. suck in those days! {20} Pray that your flight may not be in winter or on a Sabbath. {21} For then there will be great {19} For in those days there will {23}For great distress shall be Rev 18:2-4 "Fallen, fallen is tribulation, such as has not been be such tribulation as has not upon the earth and wrath upon Babylon the great! It has become from the beginning of the world been from the beginning of the this people; {24} they will fall a dwelling place of demons, a until now, no, and never will be. creation which God created until by the edge of the sword, and be haunt of every foul spirit, a haunt {22} And if those days had not now, and never will be. {20} led captive among all nations; of every foul and hateful bird; been shortened, no human being And if had not and Jerusalem will be trodden for all nations have drunk the would be saved; but for the sake shortened the days, no human down by the Gentiles, until the wine of her impure passion, and of the elect those days will be being would be saved; but for the times of the Gentiles are the kings of the earth have shortened. sake of the elect, whom he chose, fulfilled. committed fornication with her, he shortened the days. and the merchants of the earth have grown rich with the wealth of her wantonness." Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, "Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;

Rv 11:1-2 I was told, "Rise and measure the temple of God and {14} "But when you see the {20} "But when you see the altar and those who aorship desolating sacrilege set up Jerusalem surrounded by armies, there but do not measure court where it ought not to be (let the then know that its desolation has outside the Temple; leave that reader understand), then let come near. {21} Then let those out for it is given to the nations those who are in Judea flee to who are in Judea flee to the that they will trample over the the mountains; {15} let him who mountains, and let those who are holy city for forty-two months is on the housetop not go down, inside the city depart, and let not nor enter his house, to take those who are out in the country anything away; {16} and let him enter it; {22} for these are days who is in the field not turn back of vengeance, to fulfil all that is to take his mantle. {17} And written. {23} Alas for those who alas for those who are with child are with child and for those who and for those who give suck in give suck in those days! those days! {18} Pray that it may not happen in winter. {23} Then if any one says to {21} And then if any one says to Rev19:20 And the beast was you, 'Lo, here is the Christ!' or you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or captured, and with it the false 'There he is!' do not believe it. 'Look, there he is!' do not believe prophet who in its presence had {24} For false Christs and false it. {22} False Christs and false worked the signs by which he prophets will arise and show prophets will arise and show deceived those who had received great signs and wonders, so as to signs and wonders, to lead astray, the mark of the beast... lead astray, if possible, even the if possible, the elect. {23} But elect. {25} Lo, I have told you take heed; I have told you all Rev 1:1 The revelation of Jesus beforehand. {26} So, if they say things beforehand. Christ, which God gave him to to you, 'Lo, he is in the show to his servants what must wilderness,' do not go out; if soon take place; they say, 'Lo, he is in the inner rooms,' do not believe it. {27} For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man. {28} Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.

{29} "Immediately after the {24} "But in those days, after {25} "And there will be signs in Rev 6:12-14 - ...and the sun tribulation of those days the sun that tribulation, the sun will be sun and moon and stars, and became black, the full moon will be darkened, and the moon darkened, and the moon will not upon the earth distress of nations became like blood and the stars will not give its light, and the give its light, {25} and the stars in perplexity at the roaring of the of the sky fell to the earth...the stars will fall from heaven, and will be falling from heaven, and sea and the waves, {26} men sky vanished like a scroll that is the powers of the heavens will the powers in the heavens will be fainting with fear and with rolled up.. Then the kings of the be shaken; shaken. foreboding of what is coming on earth, and the great men and the the world; for the powers of the generals and the rich and the heavens will be shaken. strong, and everyone, slave and free hid in the caves...calling to the mountains and rocks, "fall on us from the face of Him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. {30} then will appear the sign of {26} And then they will see the {27} And then they will see the Rev 14:14-16 Then I looked, the Son of man in heaven, and Son of man coming in clouds Son of man coming in a cloud and lo, a white cloud, and seated then all the tribes of the earth with great power and . {27} with power and great glory.{28} on the cloud one like a son of will mourn, and they will see the And then he will send out the Now when these things begin to man, with a golden crown on his Son of man coming on the , and gather his elect from take place, look up and raise head, and a sharp sickle in his clouds of heaven with power the four winds, from the ends of your heads, because your hand. And another came and great glory; {31} and he the earth to the ends of heaven. redemption is drawing near." out of the temple, calling with a will send out his angels with a loud voice to him who sat upon loud trumpet call, and they will the cloud, "Put in your sickle, gather his elect from the four and reap, for the hour to reap has winds, from one end of heaven come, for the harvest of the earth to the other. is fully ripe." So he who sat upon the cloud swung his sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

{32} "From the fig tree learn its {28} "From the fig tree learn its {29} And he told them a parable: Rev 6:13 And the stars of the lesson: as soon as its branch lesson: as soon as its branch "Look at the fig tree, and all the sky fell to earth as the fig tree becomes tender and puts forth becomes tender and puts forth its trees; {30} as soon as they come sheds its winter fruit when its leaves, you know that leaves, you know that summer is out in leaf, you see for shaken by a gale. summer is near. {33} So also, near. {29} So also, when you see yourselves and know that the when you see all these things, these things taking place, you summer is already near. {31} So you know that he is near, at the know that he is near, at the very also, when you see these things very gates. gates. taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near.

{30} Truly, I say to you, this {32} Truly I tell you, this Rev 21:1 Then I saw a new {34} Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away generation will not pass away till heaven and a ; for the generation will not pass away before all these things take place. all has taken place. Heaven and first heaven and the first earth till all these things take place. {31} Heaven and earth will pass earth will pass away, but my had passed away, and the sea {35} Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass words will not pass away. was no more. away, but my words will not away. {32} "But of that day or pass away. {36} "But of that day that hour no one knows, not even Rev 22:7 And behold, I am and hour no one knows, not the angels in heaven, nor the coming soon." Blessed is he who even the angels of heaven, nor Son, but only the Father. keeps the words of the prophecy the Son, but the Father only. of this book.”