Luke Chapter Twenty-One
A Widow’s Offering
[Text parallels Mark 12:41-44]
21:1 Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, 2 and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3 And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4 For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Jesus was observing how the people of Israel were putting their gifts (Greek ‘dora’,[1] gift given as an expression of honor, not a mandatory giving) into the Temple’s offering box (Greek ‘gazophylakion’,[2] a guarded location for depositing money, often translated as ‘treasury’, believed to be located in the Temple’s court of women). He noted how the rich were putting gifts in the offering box, but then saw a poor widow woman put in two small copper coins (Greek ‘lepta’,[3] smallest coin used by the Jews). Jesus tells His disciples, and those still gathered around Him, that she put in more than all of the rich depositing their big gifts, for they contributed out of their abundance, but this poor widow gave out of her poverty as she put in all that she had to live on.[4] Making her totally dependent on God!
Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple
[Text parallels Matthew 24:1-6 and Mark 13:1-7]
21:5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
While still near the Temple, some of His followers commented how majestic the Temple, the building itself looked, noting how it was adorned with noble stones (Greek ‘kalois’,[5] excellent, expresses beauty combined with the word ‘lithois’,[6] stones, does not infer any size) and offerings (Greek ‘anathēmasin’,[7] a consecrated gift to the Temple, often hung up for display). Jesus then informs them that those stones would some day come down and nothing would be left of them. That the destruction would be so complete that not one stone will remain as they see them there.
The majority of Luke chapter twenty-one beginning with verse five is considered Luke’s rendition of the Olivet Discourse.[8] Unlike Matthew’s and Mark’s account, Luke does not state their location, the only reason Luke’s text is considered to be the third account of the Olivet Discourse is due to the similarities, such as Jesus’ response here. However, there are some significant differences in this account to take into consideration (including no mention of the Mount of Olives until they leave to go there for the night, see verse 37).
21:7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
After hearing that the Temple one day would be destroyed, the disciples naturally asked Jesus when would the destruction of the Temple happen? And, what will be the sign when these things are about to occur? Note the first thing Jesus said, “See that you are not led astray.” An interesting response, but since we have seen the subject of end times and prophecy in general being sources of debate and division among modern-day Christians, Jesus knowing this would happen essentially tells His disciples to stay focused on His instruction. So, how does one prevent from being “led astray?” Only through having knowledge of the Word of God, through regular study of the only book that counts, the Bible!
Jesus warns that many false ‘christs’ will appear claiming that “I am he!” and that “The time is at hand!” He tells them to not believe them or follow them. When informed that wars and tumults are occurring (Greek ‘akatastasias’,[9] instability, commotion) to not be afraid as these things must occur first, but the end will not immediately follow.
Jesus Foretells of Signs
[Text parallels Matthew 24:7 and Mark 13:8a]
21:10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
Jesus continues His warning that they are not to be led astray as there will also come many wars. They will see nations (Greek ‘ethnos’,[10] a group of people living together, most often translated as ‘Gentiles’)[11] rise against other nations, and kingdoms (Greek ‘basileia’,[12] a royal dominion) rising against other kingdoms.
21:11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven.
Plus, there will be many large earthquakes, famines (not just times of food shortage due to what is commonly referred to as a famine, the Greek ‘limós’,[13] also refers to hunger in general, any need or want of food) and pestilences (Greek ‘loimoi’,[14] such as a plague, or any widespread contagious disease such as a pandemic). In addition there will be terrifying and great signs from heaven.
Jesus creates a list of signs that will precede the end times. When looking over that list, we read about wars, earthquakes, hunger, pandemics, terrors, etc. However, none of them appear to be anything unusual, as these events, with the possible exception of the terrifying and great signs from heaven (which no one knows what those will be), these events regularly occur. As discussed earlier, a sign is useless unless it is understood.[15] With that understanding we can eliminate those that proclaim finding the “hidden meaning” or discovering the “long-lost secret” that reveal otherwise unknown mysteries relating to end-time signs, just as Jesus warns in verse eight. When these signs do occur, just like any other prophecy, when looking back after the event, will be clearly understood as the prophecy’s fulfillment.
Considerations
At the end of time, judgment could come quickly for those who do not accept Jesus’ offer of salvation as sin is sufficient to condemn unbelievers for all of eternity. But thankfully Jesus is in no hurry! Again, we return to what Peter wrote in his second epistle, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9)
The Bible teaches that the love of God for humanity is beyond comprehension and due to that love, He is long-suffering, willing to wait. But He is also a just God, therefore sin must eventually be judged and punished. While it is unknown exactly how long He is willing to wait, we see the signs Jesus is talking about all have one thing in common, the need of God. Wars, earthquakes, area-wide hunger, and widespread diseases bring suffering that effectively break routine life that only God can fix. For some people, suffering is required in order for them to open their eyes to see that they need Jesus.
God often uses His people to minister to those inflicted by these kinds of disasters to provide an opportunity to present the gospel message to those who would otherwise be inaccessible.
Jesus Foretells of Persecution
[Text parallels Matthew 24:8-10 and Mark 13:8b-13]
21:12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake.
This verse provides additional evidence that this event, while being very similar to both Matthew’s and Mark’s account of the Olivet Discourse, may actually be a different event. The words, “But before all this,” separate the discussion of the destruction of the Temple and signs of the end times from persecution that will occur before either one. Here, Jesus injects a warning that those that follow Him will be arrested and persecuted by them (Greek ‘diōxousin’,[16] to pursue maliciously) and then sent to synagogues and prisons to be brought before kings and other leaders for interrogation, all because they followed Jesus.[17] Note the inclusion of ’synagogues’, implying the continuation of Jewish dominance and influence.
21:13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Speaking to His disciples, Jesus tells them that this will be an opportunity to witness for Him and the gospel. He first reassures them that they should not practice what they are going to say before its their time to testify, as He will provide the words and wisdom, which their oppressors will not be able to oppose or contradict. Jesus further warns that they will even be handed over to the authorities by their own parents, other relatives and friends. Some of them will be put to death. Jesus reiterates that they will be hated for His name’s sake. Regarding verse 19, many believe that it implies that if they can endure the physical persecution that they will be able to survive. The Greek word translated here as ‘endurance’, is ‘hypomonē’,[18] referring to having patient endurance, in this context in a general sense (see also 2 Thessalonians 1:4; James 5:11; Revelation 2:2, 19). We need to be aware that verses 18 and 19 are often misunderstood. The promise of, “But not a hair of your head will perish,” is not a promise pertaining to their life on earth, as verse 16 already stated some will die, but is a promise that nothing about them will be lost and that life after death is assured.
Some believe that this section (verses 13-19) speaks of persecution common to all believers. While it is true that being an active follower of Jesus will result in facing persecution (not if, but when, see Matthew 10:17; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:17; 2 Corinthians 1:7; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2:12 for a few examples), the timing here is more precise. The apostles were indeed arrested and many of them killed for their beliefs and dedication in following Jesus.
Considerations
The English word ‘martyr’ comes from the Greek word ‘martys’,[19] which refers to being a witness. In the Bible the word is used to describe both those that serve in the role of a living witness (see Acts 2:32; 3:15; 10:39; 10:41; 13:31; Revelation 11:3) as well as those who were killed due to their witnessing to others regarding Jesus (see Acts 22:20; Revelation 2:13; 17:6). The word today is mostly used in conjunction to those who had lost their lives for a cause.
Several books have been written to recognize and honor those that gave their lives for the cause of saving others from eternal condemnation through the proclamation of the gospel message. Perhaps the most well-known of these books is “Foxe’s Book of Martyrs,” published in 1596. Why publish and identify those that died for Jesus? One author noted, “That it may serve to stimulate its readers to a more ardent devotion to the great cause for which the martyrs suffered.”[20] Mark Water, the author of the modern, “The New Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs” wrote in the introduction:
The history of Christian martyrdom is, in fact, the history of Christianity itself; for it is in the arena, at the stake, and in the dungeon that the religion of Christ has won its most glorious triumphs.” So wrote William Bramley-Moore in his conclusion to an introduction to an edition of Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. Today, however, despite our living in a “global village,” many, many Christian martyrs, including those of the twenty-first-century, are largely unsung heroes. This history of Christian martyrs gathers together the stories of faithful Christians who gladly gave their lives for the Lord and Master—from Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to those martyred in our day, at the beginning of the new Millennium.[21]
The apostle Paul wrote, “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) All Christians and Christian churches prior to the return of Jesus will continue to face some form of persecution.[22] Jesus told us, “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.” (John 15:20a, referring to John 13:16). Where does Christian persecution come from? The ultimate source is Satan who has convinced the world that Christianity has too much ‘baggage’ and should be shunned and not accepted. That ‘baggage’ includes believing that one must follow rules that are too restricting, force one to do things contrary to personal choices, have no fun, no pleasure, etc. Since man is by nature sinful, it does not take much convincing. But Satan’s real goal is to discredit the Bible and deny the need for a Savior and therefore silence the gospel message. Jesus said of him, “He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” (John 8:44b) He will do everything he can to stop the gospel message from spreading, including ridiculing, shunning, harming, insulting, mocking, and even killing Christians.
Jesus Foretells the Destruction of Jerusalem
[Text parallels Matthew 24:15-22 and Mark 13:14-20]
21:20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Jesus continues to warn His disciples of events that will occur before the destruction of the Temple in their lifetime and then later the signs of the end times (see verse 12). Here He tells them that when they see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, that its desolation (Greek ‘erēmōsis’,[23] make desolate, empty, depopulate) is near. Those in Judea are to flee to the mountains and those inside the city are to leave immediately. Workers or travelers outside the city should not be allowed to enter, as this will be a time of vengeance (Greek ‘ekdikēseōs’,[24] execution of justice, punishment) to fulfill prophecy (see Zechariah 12:1-9; 14:1-11). Even though the phrase “days of vengeance” (or similar) is most often used to describe events that will occur in the end times (see Isaiah 34:8; 35:4; 61:2; 63:4; Micah 5:15), this event Jesus is speaking about occurred in 70 A.D (see Considerations below).
Jesus expresses compassion for pregnant women at this time as the Jews will be experiencing tremendous hardship and hostility during this period of punishment. The Jews will fall by the sword and be led and held captive by many nations around the world. The city of Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by non-Jews until the “Times of the Gentiles” are fulfilled (see also Romans 11:25).
Considerations
The Roman region of Judea (also spelled ‘Judaea’), which included the city of Jerusalem, was sandwiched between the provinces of Samaria to the north and Idumea to the south. Prior to becoming a Roman province it was first a protectorate of Rome, who after being conquered in 63 B.C., placed a governor in charge to administer the affairs of state for Rome (regulate peace, maximize tax, enforce the law, etc.) Judea was allowed a king, however, even with a Jewish king, the Jews began to revolt in 66 A.D. due to extreme oppression and high taxes, a desperate revolt began that ended tragically. In 73 A.D., the last of the revolutionaries ended up being surrounded in a mountain-top fort known as Masada with no way to escape. The Romans besieged the fort for two years, while the 1,000-plus men, women, and children inside were starving. Instead of letting themselves be captured, the Jewish revolutionaries killed themselves. In response, the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, annexed Judea as a Roman province, and systematically drove the Jews out of Judea and all of Palestine. As a result of this last Jewish Diaspora, the Jews and their culture spread around the world (see Deuteronomy 28:63-68), but also prophesied is their restoration (their return), which we see is in progress today (see Jeremiah 23:5-8; 30:8-11; Ezekiel 39:25-29).
The Jewish revolt against the Romans began in the year 66 A.D. In response, the Roman General Cestus Gallus came and surrounded Jerusalem. Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum notes how this prophecy of Jesus was at that time fulfilled:
The surrounding of the city marked the sign that Jesus had promised, and the Jewish believers knew that Jerusalem would soon be destroyed. Jesus had commanded the Jewish believers to desert the city when they saw this happening. However, it was impossible to do so while the Romans were surrounding the city. Then Cestus Gallus noticed that his supply lines were not secure. He did not have enough supplies to maintain an extended siege, so he lifted the siege of Jerusalem in order to go back to Caesarea. On the way, he was attacked by Jewish forces and killed. Temporarily, the city was no longer surrounded by the armies, so every single Jewish believer was able to leave Jerusalem. They crossed the Jordan River and set up a new community of Jewish believers in the town of Pella in the Transjordan. They were joined by Jewish believers from Judea, Galilee, and the Golan. There they waited for the prophecy of Jesus to be fulfilled. In the year A.D. 68, a new Roman general by the name of Vespasian and his son, Titus, again besieged the city, and in the year A.D. 70, the city and the Temple were destroyed. All together, 1,100,000 Jews were killed in this final onslaught, but not one Jewish believer died because they obeyed the words of their Messiah. Since that time, Jerusalem has indeed been trodden down of the Gentiles and continues to be so to the present day. Jerusalem will not be free of Gentile nations treading upon her until the Messiah returns.
With these words, the Messiah answered their first question, the sign of the coming destruction of Jerusalem.[25]
Even though several early-church historians and church leaders record that the Christians that were in Jerusalem indeed fled, at least temporally to Pella, there is a debate between Christians today regarding the veracity of this belief. The authenticity of this event is often questioned due primarily to the arguments against it happening as presented by S. G. F. Brandon in the ninth chapter of his book, “The Fall of Jerusalem and The Christian Church.”[26] However, several other authors have continued to investigate this subject and have found more support than not, that many of the believing Jews did in fact flee to Pella.
Seeing how that both the Hebrew and Greek words that are most often translated as ‘Gentiles’ in the Bible can also be translated as ‘nations’, referring to all other people groups, nations or kingdoms on earth, we can see why the phrase “Times of the Gentiles” can be and has been interpreted in a number of ways. Speaking of a future event, Jesus said that Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the “Times of the Gentiles” are fulfilled. The Greek word ‘patoumenē’,[27] translated here as “trampled underfoot,” means to tread on a path, to trample like a winepress. Since the Jews were again being disobedient to God (see Deuteronomy 28:15-68; 2 Kings 17:1-23), the land was going to be taken from them and continued to be subjected to Gentile rule (and to some degree, abuse), until the ‘times’ of the ‘Gentiles’ are fulfilled (Greek ‘plērōthōsin’,[28] to make full).
The apostle Paul uses a similar statement in Romans 11:25, “Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” Essentially the same line in reverse, here Paul is explaining to the Jews[29] that until all Gentiles that will come to accept Jesus, have indeed come to accept salvation through Him, there is a hardening that exists which is affecting their hearts, a ‘blindness’ towards acceptance of Jesus being the Messiah.
Some question, when did the “times of the Gentiles” begin? While the Old Testament does not use the same phraseology, there are some clues that the period may extend all the way back to the time of the Babylonian captivity. Reviewing Nebuchadnezzar’s image of a man in his dream representing four Gentile kingdoms (see Daniel 2:31-45); Daniel’s vision of four beasts depicting four Gentile nations (see Daniel 7:1-27); and Daniel’s subsequent vision of the ram and the goat that offers additional information (see Daniel 8:1-26), each speaking of Gentile dominion over the world and the Jews, for a time. But then God will ultimately subdue each one and establish His own kingdom over them all. The period known as the “times of the Gentiles” likely extends from the Babylonian Empire through to Jesus’ return, which is the subject of the next lesson of Jesus.
The Second Coming of the Son of Man
[Text parallels Matthew 24:29-31 and Mark 13:24-27]
21:25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
Jesus returns to the subject of the end times by identifying signs that will be seen in the Sun, the Moon, the stars, and on the earth. The list begins with the people in more than one nation being perplexed due to some unusual noise from the oceans and the waves. Next, people will be fainting with fear of what’s coming, as the powers of the heavens will be shaken (in a state of flux, moving). Jesus says they will then see Him coming in a cloud with power and great glory. He further explains that when these signs begin to take place, to rise up and raise your heads, because your redemption (deliverance from sin and death) is getting close.
These signs, while not specific, do lead up to the return of Jesus coming in a cloud, which is very specific. He does not offer what the sound of the sea will be like (but will likely be very loud), nor does He describe what is coming on the world at that time (probably the fear of anticipating something bad is going to occur). He also does not explain what in the sky and heavens will be moving, or what will be shaken. But He does state that all of these signs are for Him, something that all Christians will rejoice in seeing, although not everyone will be happy, non-believers will likely be frightened as their eternal condemnation also draws near.
The Lesson of the Fig Tree
[Text parallels Matthew 24:32-37 and Mark 13:28-32]
21:29 And he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 As soon as they come out in leaf, you see for yourselves and know that the summer is already near. 31 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that the kingdom of God is near. 32 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all has taken place. 33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
To help His disciples understand what to expect when the signs He had been talking about begin to appear, Jesus tells the parable of the fig tree. He says when you look at the fig tree, or any tree, and you see leaves beginning to emerge, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things taking place, you can know that the kingdom of God is near. Perhaps in anticipation of the question of “how near?” Jesus states that the generation witnessing these signs beginning to happen will not pass away until all these have taken place.[30]
Jesus notes that, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” At the conclusion of the thousand-year period (also known as the Millennium)[31] we are told by the apostle Peter that both heaven and earth will be destroyed and new ones will be created to replace them: “But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:7-13)
The words of Jesus are, however, eternal, and will never pass away!
Stay Awake!
[Verses 34-36 parallel Matthew 24:42-43 and Mark 13:33-37]
21:34 “But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. 35 For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
Jesus concludes this discourse with a warning that all believers need to remain focused on Him and be prepared for His return (continuation of verse 27). Recognizing that life in general can be distracting, as the cares (Greek ‘merimnais’,[32] anxiety) of life can be overwhelming and depressing (see Matthew 6:25-34; 13:22) and even lead into a habit of looking for relief through the use of alcohol, or something similar, Jesus warns not to let that day catch them unaware, like a trap closing on an animal. Instead remain vigilant and awake, praying that they have the strength to escape those things that are about to take place in the world (end-times punishment) and to stand before Jesus. Both the ability to escape (perhaps through the Rapture) and to stand in front of Jesus will require strength and ability beyond human capacity. Believers will then be embraced with love, acceptance and approval as Jesus will welcome them into the kingdom of God.
21:37 And every day he was teaching in the temple, but at night he went out and lodged on the mount called Olivet. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.
Luke notes that Jesus taught in the Temple during the day and stayed overnight on the Mount of Olives. The people came early in the morning to hear Him teach.
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[1] Strong’s Greek 1435.
[2] Strong’s Greek 1049.
[3] Strong’s Greek 3016.
[4] See commentary under Mark 12:41-44.
[5] Strong’s Greek 2570.
[6] Strong’s Greek 3037.
[7] Strong’s Greek 334.
[8] See “Introduction to the Olivet Discourse” in Matthew chapter 24.
[9] Strong’s Greek 181.
[10] Strong’s Greek 1484.
[11] See commentaries under Matthew 4:12-16 and Matthew 28:19-20.
[12] Strong’s Greek 932.
[13] Strong’s Greek 3042.
[14] Strong’s Greek 3061.
[15] See "Looking for Signs" in the "Introduction to the Olivet Discourse."
[16] Strong’s Greek 1377.
[17] See also commentary under Matthew 23:34-36.
[18] Strong’s Greek 5281.
[19] Strong’s Greek 3144.
[20] A. J. Mason. (1905). Historic Martyrs of the Primitive Church. Longmans.
[21] Water, M. (2001). The New Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs (pp. viii – ix). John Hunt Publishers Ltd.
[22] See also the commentaries under Matthew 5:10, 11-12; 10:16-23; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 6:22-23 and the Considerations under Matthew 24:14 "The Role of a Christian During the Last Days."
[23] Strong’s Greek 2050.
[24] Strong’s Greek 1557.
[25] Fruchtenbaum, A. G. (2003). The footsteps of the Messiah : a study of the sequence of prophetic events (Rev. ed., p. 630). Ariel Ministries.
[26] Brandon, S. (1951), The fall of Jerusalem and the Christian church, a study of the effects of the Jewish overthrow of 70 A.D. on Christianity. S.P.C.K. London.
[27] Strong’s Greek 3961.
[28] Strong’s Greek 4137.
[29] Paul inserts a powerful message to the Jews in Romans chapters 9-11, explaining that God has not forgotten about them.
[30] See also commentary under Matthew 24:34-35.
[31] See the Interpretation Variations in the Introduction to the Olivet Discourse at the beginning of Matthew chapter 24.
[32] Strong’s Greek 3308.