Expert: Daniel Kimbril - 8/27/2008

Question
what the question in Matt 24:1-3 mean to the people at that time.

Answer
First off most people don't realize that the Romans came in 70 AD and literally destroyed parts of the temple and other places in Jerusalem which is why they have the wailing wall there today. The Maccabees were the family behind the rebellion that caused Rome to do such a thing. It was then that the Christians spread to the uttermost part of the world.

Secondly,there appear to be three questions asked here by the disciples.
1st. When shall these things be? viz. the destruction of the city, temple, and Jewish state.
2dly. What shall be the sign of thy coming? viz. to execute these judgments upon them, and to establish thy own Church: and
3dly. When shall this world end? When wilt thou come to judge the quick and the dead?

**Remember Jews wanted to be free of Roman rule. The Disciples up to this point were expecting Jesus to free them of this Roman rule thus Peter carried a sword around with him.**

But there are some who maintain that these are but three parts of the same question, and that our Lord’s answers only refer to the destruction of the Jewish state, and that nothing is spoken here concerning the Last or judgment day.

The phrase End of the world - Του αιωνος; or, of the age.

The Disciples thought Jesus was setting up His throne and wanted to know when it was so they could prepare.

The actual meaning is dual. Jesus has done away with the temple all together as know the temple is no longer the resting place place of God it is you and I. so figuratively the temple was destroyed.
the second is when the end comes destruction will befall the nations on God's side including the temple. as Mark 13:1-37 suggests.

Hope this helps.

Daniel