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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
21:5-24 Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. The teaching of Jesus in the temple begun in 19:45 now concludes with his foretelling the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem (21:5-24) and the coming of the Son of Man (vv. 25-38). Most of this material is found also in Mark, but (assuming that Luke built on Mark's account) Luke has added vv. 12, 15, 18, 20-22, 23b-26a, 28. As is also the case earlier in Luke (cf. 17:22; 19:43-44), the destruction of Jerusalem in is used by Jesus as a pattern or a "type" (a typological example) that points to the ultimate destruction that will come at the end of the age when Christ returns.
21:5-6 Jesus Foretells the Destruction of the Temple. Jesus corrects a number of misconceptions regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world. how it was adorned. The beauty and size of Herod the Great's Temple Mount exceeded that of most of the seven wonders of the world. It was more than twice the size of the Acropolis in Athens. Its perimeter was
21:7-9 Signs before the Destruction. when will these things be, and what will be the sign . . . ? . . . ? See notes on Matt. 24:3 and Mark 13:4-37. For many introduces what the disciples should not be led astray by. in my name. People claiming the title "Messiah." These imposters will say I am he, i.e., "I am the Messiah," and therefore the time is at hand! (cf. Dan. 7:22; Rev. 1:3; 22:10). Do not go after them, for these pretenders are not Christ himself (cf. Luke 17:23). when you hear of wars and tumults. See note on Matt. 24:6-7.
21:10-19 Nation Will Rise against Nation. Jesus warns of calamities caused by nature and by humanity (vv. 10-11) and of persecution from government (vv. 12-15) and family (vv. 16-17). He also offers words of encouragement (vv. 13, 14-15, 18-19).
21:16 You will be delivered up even by parents intensifies 12:53; 14:26; 18:29. Some of you suggests that martyrdom will be the exception.
21:18 In light of the prediction that some disciples will be "put to death" (v. 16), it is best to take not a hair of your head will perish as a metaphorical way of saying that God's people will suffer no eternal spiritual harm.
21:19 Through endurance (Gk. hypomonē, "endurance, steadfastness, perseverance, patience") believers will gain their lives (that is, will be enabled to partake of the full benefits of final salvation in the end times; see 9:24).
21:20-24 Jesus Foretells the Destruction of Jerusalem. Whereas vv. 8-19 describe what will occur before Jerusalem's destruction, Luke now describes the destruction itself. In vv. 8-19 the audience is Jesus' followers ("you"); here it is described as "those," "women," "this people," and "they," indicating that Jesus' followers are not in immediate view.
21:20 Jerusalem surrounded by armies. The first fulfillment of this was the destruction of Jerusalem in , and this destruction may also foreshadow a greater judgment at the end of the age, so that some of what Jesus predicted in vv. 5-24 may also find fulfillment in events that precede Christ's second coming. Cf. also note on 19:43-44.
21:21 Then (while there is still time) . . . flee to the mountains (see note on Matt. 24:16). Those who are inside the city (should) depart before the Roman siege occurs.
21:22 days of vengeance. "Vengeance" refers to God's vengeance and judgment, not Rome's. to fulfill all that is written. Cf. 18:31; 24:44; Acts 13:29.
21:23 women who are pregnant and . . . nursing. In war, they are the most vulnerable; thus what was normally a blessing would now present a great difficulty.
21:24 the edge of the sword. Cf. Jer. 21:7; Heb. 11:37. Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled may suggest a time when Israel/Jerusalem will repent and be restored to God's favor (see Rom. 11:11-32).
