AN INTERPRETATION OF MATTHEW 24-25

by Thomas Ice​

Part 4 - Matthew 24-25​

Part 4 - Matthew​

Since I have shown in previous installments that Matthew 24 is a future, end-time prophecy, the next issue to tackle is when will Matthew 24:4-14 come to pass?

There are two major views that futurists, like myself, tend to hold. First, some believe that Matthew 24:4-14 refers to the inter-advent age—that is the time between Christ’s first coming and the beginning of the tribulation. Second, some hold that Matthew 24:4-14, especially Matthew 24:4-8, refer to the first part of the tribulation and correspond with the first four seal judgments of Revelation 6:1-8. I think that the second view is correct.

INTER-ADVENT AGE VIEW​

Many futurist interpreters of the Olivet Discourse believe that Matthew 24:4-14 describe the general signs of the inter-advent age. Dr. John F. Walvoord, an advocate of this view says that verses 4-14 are:

…describing the general characteristics of the age leading up to the end, while at the same time recognizing that the prediction of difficulties, which will characterize the entire period between the first and second coming of Christ, are fulfilled in an intensified form as the age moves on to its conclusion.” 1

Dr. Walvoord believes that Matthew 24:15-26 are specific signs that describe the tribulation, while Matthew 24:27-31 relate to the second coming.
Within the inter-advent age view is a variation of this perspective. Some think that Matthew 24:4-8 are general signs of the inter-advent age leading up to the tribulation. While Matthew 24:9-14 reference the first half of the tribulation. “The events concerning the first half of the tribulation are recorded in Matthew 24:9-14,” says Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum. This “passage begins with the word then, pointing out that what Christ is describing now will come after the event of nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom.”
If the inter-advent age view is the correct interpretation, then it would mean that wars, earthquakes, famines, and the appearance of false Christs would be constantly on the increase as we approach the tribulation period. However, if these items are references to the first half of the tribulation, then wars, earthquakes, famines, and false Christs during any part of the church age would not constitute prophetic signs. This explains why some futurists believe that increasing wars, earthquakes, famines, etc. are prophetically significant, while others, like myself, do not think that they are prophetically significant, since these verses refer to global events during the seven-year tribulation.

TRIBULATION VIEW​

I believe that Matthew 24:4-41 refers to the seven-year period (Daniel 9:24-27) that many commonly call the tribulation. The tribulation is divided in half by the abomination of desolation, mentioned by Jesus in Matthew 24:15. Thus, Matthew 24:4-14 refers to the first half of the tribulation and are parallel to the first five seal judgments found in Revelation 6.

“If our interpretation is the right one there must be perfect harmony between these three: Old Testament Prophecy: Matthew 24:4-44, and Revelation 6-19.” insists Arno Gaebelein. 4 I believe just such a harmony exists, especially between the Olivet Discourse and Revelation. This is what convinces me that Matthew 24:4-14 refers to the first half of the tribulation. Gaebelein continues:

If this is the correct interpretation, if Matthew 24:4-14 refers to the beginning of that coming end of the age and if Revelation 6 refers to the same beginning of the end and that which follows the sixth chapter leads us on into the great tribulation, then there must be a perfect harmony between that part of the Olivet discourse contained in Matthew 24 and the part of Revelation beginning with the sixth chapter. And such is indeed the case. 5

“The acceptance of this view, in part,” observes John McLean, “is dependent on how much weight is given to the parallels between the synoptics and Revelation.” 6 Since all futurists see the Olivet Discourse as parallel to Revelation to some degree, it makes sense that these two portions of Scripture would be focused on the same basic time period—the tribulation. Dr. McLean has displayed these relationships in the following chart.

To see scripture references on the right scroll to the left with your finger below on the chart graph

False Messiahs, Prophets	Rev 6:2	Mat 24:5, 11	Mar 13:6	Luk 21:8
Wars	Rev 6:2-4	Mat 24:6-7	Mar 13:7	Luk 21:9
International Discord	Rev 6:3-4	Mat 24:7	Mar 13:8	Luk 21:10
Famines	Rev 6:5-8	Mat 24:7	Mar 13:8	Luk 21:11
Pestilences	Rev 6:8			Luk 21:11
Persecution-Martyrdom	Rev 6:9-11	Mat 24:9	Mar 13:9-13	Luk 21:12-17
Earthquakes	Rev 6:12	Mat 24:7	Mar 13:8	Luk 21:11
Cosmic Phenomena	Rev 6:12-14			Luk 21:11
BIRTH PANGS​ Matthew 24:8 characterizes the events of verses 4-7 as “the beginning of birth-pangs.” The Greek word ôdinon means “the pain of childbirth, travail-pain, birth-pang.” It is said to be “intolerable anguish, in reference to the dire calamities which the Jews supposed would precede the advent of the Messiah.” 8 Another authority agrees and says, “of the ‘Messianic woes’, the terrors and torments that precede the coming of the Messianic Age.” Most likely our Lord had in mind the Old Testament reference to birth pangs in Jeremiah 30:6-7, which says, “’Ask now, and see, if a male can give birth. Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in childbirth? And why have all faces turned pale? ‘Alas! for that day is great, there is none like it; and it is the time of Jacob’s distress, but he will be saved from it.” Dr. Randall Price explains the birth pangs of Messiah as follows: The birth pangs are significant in the timing of the Tribulation, as revealed by Jesus in the Olivet discourse (Matthew 24:8). Jesus’ statement of the “birth pangs” is specifically that the events of the first half of the Tribulation (Matthew 24:4-7) are merely the “beginning,” with the expectation of greater birth pangs in the second half (the “Great Tribulation”). Based on this analogy, the entire period of the seventieth week is like birth pangs. As a woman must endure the entire period of labor before giving birth, so Israel must endure the entire seven-year Tribulation. The time divisions of Tribulation are also illustrated by the figure, for just as the natural process intensifies toward delivery after labor ends, so here the Tribulation moves progressively toward the second advent (Matthew 24:30-31), which takes place “immediately after” the Tribulation ends (Matthew 24:29). As there are two phases of the birth pangs (beginning labor and full labor), so the seven years of Tribulation are divided between the less severe and more severe experiences of terrestrial and cosmic wrath, as revealed progressively in the Olivet discourse and the judgment section of Revelation 6-19. 10 Paul also uses the motif of birth pangs in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 where he says, “While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like birth pangs upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” The context of this passage relates to the tribulation period, which fits the other uses of birth pangs. Raphael Patai in his helpful book (The Messiah Texts) has dozens of references to extra-biblical commentary from Jewish writings in a chapter entitled “The Pangs of Times.” 11 Patai tells us that “the pangs of the Messianic times are imagined as having heavenly as well as earthly sources and expressions.…Things will come to such a head that people will despair of Redemption. This will last seven years. And then, unexpectedly, the Messiah will come.” 12 This widespread Jewish idea fits exactly into the framework that Jesus expresses in the Olivet Discourse. The birth pangs of Messiah, also known as “the footprints of the Messiah,” 13 support the notion that Matthew 24:4-14 relate to the tribulation period leading up to the second advent of the Messiah since it is known as a time of great tribulation that results in Messiah’s earthly arrival. CONCLUSION​ I have often been ask on radio talk shows if I believe that events like earthquakes, famines, wars, etc. meant that the end is near. Of course I always say no. This usually surprises the host, since they so often hear from other prophecy teachers that these things have current prophetic significance. As you can see, if they don’t refer to the church age, then they must have reference to the tribulation. While it is likely that we stand on the verge of tribulation events, we are not yet in that time period. Since Matthew 24:4-14 cannot happen until after the rapture and the start of the tribulation, it is wrong to say that such events are prophetically significant in our own day. The birth pangs do not start until Israel faces her time of trouble. Maranatha! Part 4 - Matthew 24:4-14 First Half of the Tribulation by Thomas Ice Thomas Ice :: Part 4 - Matthew 24:4-14 First Half of the Tribulation www.blueletterbible.org

​

 

[1LoverofGod]

This is going to be a long comment and I apologize for that, but I want to point out something that I would like for others to give input on a question that I have and while its long I am staying on topic and Im really interested in what others think about it

I posted the OP article for an open discussion.
I have read and heard many good eschatology teachers that are well respected with informative information on last days prophecy.
One subject matter that caught my attention and has brought me to try to understand is how within the prophecy teachers who I have read articles or listened to their videos, they all appear like-minded in respect to the Olivet Discourse, which is the topic of the OP, and there is no disagreement among the Pre Tribbers that the Olivet Discourse is addressing the Jews of Israel as several passages make reference to things that can only apply to the Jews, for example Jesus speaking of the abomination of desolation in the temple as written about by the Prophet Daniel, and when describing the Antichrist going after them to persecute and kill them for those in Judea to flee to the mountains, and to pray it doesnt occur on the Sabbath. These are just a few points that clearly show Jesus is addressing the Jews in the Olivet Discourse when answering his disciples 3 part questions on when the destruction of the Temple would happen, and what would be the sign of His coming, referring to His Second Coming, and the end of the Age.

So here is what has had me wondering.
While many of the Eschatology teachers we are familiar with have agreed Jesus is speaking about signs for His Second Coming and is addressing the Jews of Israel, my question is... Why is it that many of these teachers often refer to the beginnings of sorrows, or the birth pangs, as a present sign we are seeing now, that indicates that we are nearing the tribulation period, and the Rapture is even nearer, and lets say the past decade or so there's been a reference that we are in a "convergence" of the birth pangs. Yet looking closely to the comparison between Matthew 24-25 and the Revelation 6 Seals, it does seem to have a parallel between them.

I would most certainly agree that there has been an increase in worsening world conditions that do fit with other last days signs such as
2 Timothy chapter 3 and Romans chapter 1 that are generally applied to the world, and other scripture references that are not associated with the Olivet Discourse that focuses on the Jews.

Lee Brainard I believe made mention in one of his teachings that the Seal Judgements don't end when the Trumpet judgements begin, but the Seal judgements continue throughout the entire Tribulation period, and with that being the case, then it makes sense how it would be as birth pangs getting worse as the Trumpet and Bowl judgements are unleashed, making it worse than ever from the beginning of Creation until that time period. Matthew 24:21

Indeed the world is getting worse as many other scriptures point out it would be like in the last days, but the last days began during the birth of the church and certainly as generations have passed by there has been worsening in world conditions with culture changes and more apostasy from the church with false teachings and we see what Paul describes.......

28 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness,]maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers,
30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful;
32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them."
Romans 1:28-32

The birth pangs timeframe seems to be the beginning of the Tribulation
So, I ask, why are we always hearing that we are witnessing the convergence of the birth pains and they are getting worse, and its referenced to the signs in the Olivet Discourse when its clearly addressing the Jews and the signs for Jesus return and the end of the Age all happens during the 70th week of Daniel?


Now that this long comment has put everyone to sleep,
I would like your feedback


BTW, here is an article by Jack Kelley on when the last days began.......

When Did The Last Days Begin?​

The phrase “last days” is used 5 times in the New Testament and covers everything from the entire Church Age (2X) to the Great Tribulation. (3X) In Acts 2:17-21 Peter used the term in its broadest sense.

More:

When Did The Last Days Begin? – Grace thru faith

gracethrufaith.com

 

[Tall Timbers]

Lee Brainard I believe made mention in one of his teachings that the Seal Judgements don't end when the Trumpet judgements begin, but the Seal judgements continue throughout the entire Tribulation period, and with that being the case, then it makes sense how it would be as birth pangs getting worse as the Trumpet and Bowl judgements are unleashed, making it worse than ever from the beginning of Creation until that time period. Matthew 24:21

Personally I would describe Brainard's thoughts on the Seal Judgments continuing throughout all of Tribulation as pure conjecture that doesn't appear to have Biblical support.

The birth pangs timeframe seems to be the beginning of the Tribulation

Others have a very different view of the birth pangs.

From Fruchtenbaum's Footsteps of the Messiah:

The birth pangs Yeshua spoke about are the same as the “footsteps” that the rabbis talked about. The “footsteps of the Messiah” had to do with the series of events that will lead up to the coming of the Messiah.

1st birth pang: WWI

2nd birth pang: Restoration of the Jewish State.

3rd birth pang: 6 Day War

While the first three birth pangs have been fulfilled and are now a part of history, the next six pretribulational events are all future.

4th birth pang: the Eze 38-39 invasion of Israel

5th birth pang: Development of the one world govmint

6th birth pang: Division of the one world empire into ten kingdoms with ten kings

7th birth pang: The revelation of the identity of the antichrist

8th birth pang: Period of peace and false security

9th birth pang: Signing of the 7 year covenant

From Grace through faith:

Personally I think the birth pangs were intended to begin before the 70th Week because in Matt. 24: 6 Jesus said not to be alarmed by the news of wars and rumors of war because the end is still to come. Then He added the rise of nation against nation, famines and earthquakes in various places saying these are the beginning of birth pangs (Matt. 24:8).

Have The Birth Pangs Begun? – Grace thru faith

gracethrufaith.com

From Gotquestions.org:

After the events that are the beginning of sorrows and after the worsening of the labor pains, there would be a great tribulation—a time of great catastrophe and anguish (Matthew 24:21), and after that terrible time, the sign of the Lord’s coming will appear. Christ will return (Matthew 24:29–30), and all those in heaven with Him will return, as well (Matthew 24:31). This scene is similar to what is described in Revelation 19—the return of Christ with the multitude of saints (Revelation 19:11–14).

What events are the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:8)? | GotQuestions.org

What events are the beginning of sorrows? What is the meaning of Matthew 24:8?

www.gotquestions.org

Brainerd's thoughts on the birth pangs is one of many different thoughts that vary in one way or another.

 

[Hol]

Thanks for posting this article Rose!

The birth pangs timeframe seems to be the beginning of the Tribulation
So, I ask, why are we always hearing that we are witnessing the convergence of the birth pains and they are getting worse, and its referenced to the signs in the Olivet Discourse when its clearly addressing the Jews and the signs for Jesus return and the end of the Age all happens during the 70th week of Daniel?

I’ve thought of your same question. As a mom I can relate to this metaphor personally. During labor it’s a common experience for moms to have contractions that seem to be so long and painful that it lasts for eons. Time has an irrelevance.

I can see both Tommy Ice’s view and Arnold Fruchtenbaum’s as a healthy eschatology. Birth pangs as a metaphor can explain either timeline. My view pushes me to pray more for Israel. After the rapture the intensity of pain the Israelis will face makes me shudder, until we bring to mind God’s plan for deliverance.

 

[Everlasting Life]

As I'm reading this thread, I can't help but to think of the nation of Israel, symbolically described in Revelation 12:

The Woman and the Dragon

Then I witnessed in heaven an event of great significance. I saw a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and a crown of twelve stars on her head. She was pregnant, and she cried out because of her labor pains and the agony of giving birth.

Then I witnessed in heaven another significant event. I saw a large red dragon with seven heads and ten horns, with seven crowns on his heads. His tail swept away one-third of the stars in the sky, and he threw them to the earth. He stood in front of the woman as she was about to give birth, ready to devour her baby as soon as it was born.

She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and to his throne. And the woman fled into the wilderness, where God had prepared a place to care for her for 1,260 days.

Vs 1-6

As is typical of Revelation, when characters are introduced, it seems that their back stories and up to the time of Revelation are included (which is why Revelation can be confusing, it's like a movie that pauses to give audience historical info to an introduced character and then brings viewers up to speed to the current and then future events of the story...it's like the Genesis to Revelation overview timeline of each character).

In this passage of Revelation, Israel's introduced and we know it's Israel because of her symbolism, which first was established in Genesis 37:9-11

Soon Joseph had another dream, and again he told his brothers about it. “Listen, I have had another dream,” he said. “The sun, moon, and eleven stars bowed low before me!”

This time he told the dream to his father as well as to his brothers, but his father scolded him. “What kind of dream is that?” he asked. “Will your mother and I and your brothers actually come and bow to the ground before you?” But while his brothers were jealous of Joseph, his father wondered what the dreams meant.

While Jacob wondered what the dreams meant as far as future events, he rightly understood what the symbols in Joseph's dream represented, the nation of Israel in it's nucleus of his current family.

You'll notice, Rose that the birth pangs described in Revelation began before the birth of the Woman's son, that is Jesus Christ. So, from Israel's perspective in Revelation, her birth pangs have begun quite awhile ago, before Jesus was born and continues on through to the Tribulation.....which is why the Tribulation is called Jacob's trouble. When Jesus spoke about this time in Matthew 24, it seems He was speaking from the nation of Israel's perspective as to how the end times pertains to Israel, and how she will be directly impacted; the end times as it pertains to the World and the Church is not focused on......it seems to be all about Israel here (however we know from other passages that the Church will be Raptured and the World will experience God's wrath of judgement).

In Matthew 24, Jesus of course had already been born (after and in the midst of great tribulation of Israel) and yet He spoke of future birth pangs, in Matthew 24:8.

The context of Isaiah 66:7-9 seems to prophetically point to Israel's birth pains after Jesus is born as well:

“Before the birth pains even begin,
Jerusalem gives birth to a son.

Who has ever seen anything as strange as this?
Who ever heard of such a thing?
Has a nation ever been born in a single day?
Has a country ever come forth in a mere moment?
But by the time Jerusalem’s birth pains begin,
her children will be born.

Would I ever bring this nation to the point of birth
and then not deliver it?” asks the Lord.
“No! I would never keep this nation from being born,”
says your God.

So, if I'm understanding scripture correctly, for the nation of Israel, she had birth pains before Jesus Christ was born, they've continued, and will continue until the Nation of Israel herself, will be born again spiritually, when they as a nation finally place their faith in Jesus Christ their Messiah.....which seems to be the catalyst to Jesus' second advent.

Luke 13:35 seems to echo this:

"And now, look, your house is abandoned. And you will never see me again until you say, ‘Blessings on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!’”

Another words, only a transformed heart of faith in Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit within the nation of Israel would prompt such a statement. It's this transformed Israel that then Jesus will respond to in establishing His Millennial Kingdom.

I'm sharing this for purpose of discussion and open to further clarification if needed.