Home

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE:
SIGNS OF JERUSALEM’S DESOLATION AND
MESSIAH’S RETURN

[“Jerusalem and Gentile Times”]
Key word: Signs

Luke 21:1-4 – A Lesson on Giving at the Temple

|| Mark 12:41-44 907

907	Mark 12:41-44: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark.

LK21:1 Now Jesus watched the rich putting money into the Temple treasury. LK21:2 And he also saw a certain poor widow putting in two leptons, 908

908	Two leptons: Or, KJV: two mites; NOR: one cent. The smallest of coins hardly worth picking up if seen on the ground. In physics a lepton in the smallest of atomic particles.

LK21:3 so he said: “I tell you [disciples] this truth that this widow put in more than everyone else, LK21:4 because the rich put in from their surplus 909 while this widow put in out of her need all her means of living.” 910

909	Surplus: The definition of “rich” – those with a surplus. See Paul’s orders to rich Christians. [1 Timothy 6:17-19]

910	Out of her need all her means of living: Or, KJV: she of her penury; RHM: deficiency; KNX: with so little to give; WEY: has thrown in all she had to live on. The example will come back to haunt the Jewish and Christian rich on the Day of Judgment.

Luke 21:5-9 – A Question about Jerusalem’s Ruin

|| Matthew 24:1-3; 911 Mark 13:5-13 912

911	Matthew 24:1-3: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew. The work on Matthew includes verses from Mark and Luke as they appear in the prophetic context.

912	Mark 13:5-13: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark.

LK21:5 Now some of the disciples 913 began speaking about the Temple and how beautiful were the stones and the dedicated gifts that adorned it.

913	Disciples: Mark lists four apostles: Peter, John, James and Andrew. In the following account Jesus is translated using the Greek plural “you” and though he means these four, it is obvious he also includes other disciples that will believe later. [John 17:20]

LK21:6 Jesus told them: “Do you behold all these things? Days will arrive during which there will not be a stone left upon a stone and everything not be thrown down.” LK21:7 Then the disciples asked Jesus: “Teacher, so when will this happen 914 and what will be the sign 915 when all this about to take place?”

914	When will this happen: The question is in the context of the destruction of Jerusalem and her Temple.

915	What will be the sign: Jesus is to go on to provide two major signs: a] one involving Jerusalem; and, b] one involving the Return of the Son of Humankind.

LK21:8 Jesus told them: “You disciples be careful you are not deceived. 916 For many will show up claiming my authority, 917 saying, ‘I am he!’ 918 and, ‘The time is at hand!’ 919 You should never follow them! 920

916

Be careful you are not deceived: Or, KJV: take heed that ye be not deceived. The first warning given in the three accounts. When it comes to expectations when something is to happen it opens the door to every kind of deceitful preacher and teacher. Throughout the Gospel Age men and women acting as prophets have misled millions of Christians by the twisting and false application of what Jesus goes on to teach. Some use the Nazarene’s words as proof of the “last days” though such words occur nowhere in the account. For details on “last days” see Biblical Articles in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. Compare notes on 2 Timothy 3:1 and Hebrews 1:1.

917	Many will show up claiming my authority: Or, KJV: come in my name. These are Christian deceivers who prey upon people’s hopes and expectations.

918	I am he: Or, KJV: I am Christ. Personal claims to be the Messiah occur throughout the history of the Christian Church. It is possible it could also mean, “I am the Anointed.” [Or, we are The Anointed.]

919	The time is at hand: Or, KJV: the time draweth near; WEY: the time is close at hand; NEB: the Day is upon us; NWT: the due time has approached; KIT: the appointed time has approached; NJB: the time is near at hand; RHM: the season has drawn near. The Greek is KAIROS ENGIKEN [season has approached].

920

You should never follow them: Or, NJB: do not join them; RIE: do not follow their lead; PME: never follow men like that; RHM: do not go after them. Unfortunately millions have been misled by such claims that “the time is at hand” and these have donated billions of dollars to such movements throughout the history of the Church. Jesus’ counsel is simple and straightforward.

LK21:9 So whenever you [disciples] hear about wars and revolutions 921 do not be frightened. It is necessary for these things to happen first, but it does not mean the end is imminent.” 922

921	Wars and revolutions: Or, commotions. Charlatans of every age have used current events as proof the time is at hand. Jesus predicts here and in the following phrases world events that would occur before the desolation of Jerusalem.

922	It does not mean the end is imminent: Or, not immediately. Jesus did not believe in the imminent fulfillment of these matters. By “the end” he means here the desolation of Jerusalem.

Luke 21:10-19 – What Will Happen to the Disciples

|| Matthew 10:17-22; 24:4-14; 923 Mark 13:5-13 924

923	Matthew 10:17-22; 24:4-14: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

924	Mark 13:5-13: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark.

LK21:10 Then Jesus also told them: “Nation will rise against nation 925 and kingdom against kingdom.

925

Nation will rise against nation: This and the following verses are often used by those who preach ‘the time is at hand’ to prove their generation is in the “last days.” It is clear by the context that these are world events to occur before the desolation of Jerusalem and should not be read as some kind of “sign.”

LK21:11 There will be great earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and plagues, and from heaven fearful sights and great signs. LK21:12 But before all these things they will persecute you 926 and arrest you [disciples], handing you over to synagogues and prisons. When you are led away to kings and governors because of my name,

926	They will persecute you: Here and in Matthew and Mark Jesus predicts the very events recorded in Acts of the Apostles. A study of the language in all three accounts shows Jesus is speaking to his Jewish disciples.

LK21:13 it will all turn out to be for a witness. LK21:14 So determine beforehand in your hearts not to prepare your defense. LK21:15 For I will give you a mouth full of wisdom which none of those who oppose you will be able to resist or rebut. LK21:16 Also, you will be turned in by parents, brothers, relatives and friends and some of you will be put to death. LK21:17 Also you will be hated by everyone because of my name. LK21:18 But not a single hair of your head 927 will by any means perish,

927	Single hair of your head: It is an exaggerated metaphor indicating no matter what happens in the end the faithful will attain salvation.

LK21:19 for you will gain your souls because of your endurance. 928

928

You will gain your souls because of your endurance: Or, KJV: in your patience possess ye your souls; RHM: by your endurance shall ye gain your lives for a possession; MOF: hold out steadfast and you win your souls; KNX: it is by endurance that you will secure possession of your souls; RSV: by your endurance you will gain your lives. The Greek is PSYCHAS [souls].

Luke 21:20-24 – The Sign of Jerusalem’s Desolation

|| Matthew 24:15-21; 929 Mark 13:14-19 930

929	Matthew 24:15-21: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

930	Mark 13:14-19: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark.

LK21:20 “Now when you [disciples] observe Jerusalem being surrounded by encamped armies, 931 [Deuteronomy 28:52; Daniel 11:15] then you will realize that her desolation [Daniel 9:27] is near.

931

Jerusalem being surrounded by encamped armies: Or, KJV: compassed with armies; RIE: when you see armies closing around. This is the first of two signs. The Nazarene’s words are borrowed from both Moses’ curse in Deuteronomy and prophecies in Daniel. [Read Deuteronomy 28 and Daniel 8, 9-12] This is something of Luke’s paraphrase of the way Matthew and Mark report the words. The very thing happened in 66 AD with the first siege against Jerusalem. Strangely the Roman armies withdrew allowing an opportunity for escape after they left south toward North Africa. For details see the Jewish Wars by Josephus This was a period of time covering 66-73, or 2,300 days during which the Romans minted at least five commemorative coins.

LK21:21 Then those in Judea should flee to the mountains, and those within Jerusalem should get out, while those in the countryside should not enter her. LK21:22 Because these are days of vengeance [Hosea 9:7] to fulfill all that has been written. [Daniel 10:14] LK21:23 Woe to the pregnant and those nursing in those days, [Deuteronomy 28:56, 57] for there will be great distress 932 upon the land [Deuteronomy 28:53] and wrath against this people.

932	Great distress: After the Hebrew Text of Daniel 12:1, while Matthew and Mark use the LXX and the words “great oppression.”

LK21:24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword [Deuteronomy 28:22] and they will be led captive into all the non-Jewish lands. [Deuteronomy 28:41, 64] Jerusalem will be trampled on by the non-Jews [Daniel 8:10, 13; Zechariah 12:3] until the times of the non-Jews are fulfilled.” 933 [Daniel 12:7]

933

Until the times of the non-Jews are fulfilled: Or, KJV: until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. A much abused phrase, Jesus draws on Daniel 12:7 and the three and a half years of Great Oppression upon Judea. Just so the Jewish wars covered primarily 66-70 AD, though Masada did not fall until the spring of 73 AD. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Revelation 11:2, 3 where these “times” are clearly three and a half years.

Luke 21:25-28 – The Return of The Son of Humankind

|| Matthew 24:32-35; 934 Mark 13:28-31 935

934	Matthew 24:32-35: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

935	Mark 13:28-31: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark.

LK21:25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, 936 [Isaiah 13:10] and upon the earth anguish 937 of the non-Jews in perplexity 938 like the noise of an ocean’s surf,

936

There will be signs in sun and moon and stars: Jesus moves on to a sign involving the Return of the Son of Humankind. Though in Luke’s account this is not mentioned in the disciples’ question, it is addressed in Matthew and Mark. It is the view of some that the Nazarene prophetically telescopes to the next important event following the destruction of Jerusalem.

937	Anguish: Or, distress, dismay, despair. Caused by the celestial phenomenon occurring around the globe.

938	Perplexity: Or, NEB: not knowing which way to turn; RIE: confounded. The associated noise of earth’s inhabitants observing the celestial darkness. The “sun” would be on the daytime side of the earth, and the moon and stars on the nighttime side.

LK21:26 humans fainting from fear 939 and expectation of the things occurring on the inhabited earth, for the heavenly dynamics will be shaken. [Isaiah 13:13]

939	Humans fainting from fear: Or, KJV: men’s hearts failing them for fear; MOF: men swooning with panic; MON: men lifeless through fear; PME: men’s courage will fail completely.

LK21:27 It is then you will observe 940 the Son of Humankind [Daniel 7:13] returning 941 on a cloud with power and great glory.

940

It is then you will observe: Or, KJV: and then they shall see. Some texts have “they” while others “you.” The Greek is OPSONTAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3700, to gaze… with eyes wide-open, as at something remarkable]. The Return of Christ is visible and occurs after the great oppression and before the gathering of the Saints. [Matthew 24:29-31]

941

Returning: Or, coming. The Greek is ERCHOMENON [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2064, to come or go] and may be used as “return.” Both Matthew and Mark use the word “coming/return” as synonyms for PAROUSIA. Luke knows the angel of the ascension promised the Return of Jesus in the atmosphere. [For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Acts 1:9-11.] [Also, John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:17]

LK21:28 And when these things start to occur 942 stand up 943 and raise your eyes upwards 944 because your deliverance [Daniel 12:1] draws near.” 945

942	These things start to occur: That is the celestial darkness both night and day and the resulting panic on earth.

943	Stand up: Or, KJV: look up; BER: straighten up; NEB: stand upright.

944	Raise your eyes upwards: Or, KJV: lift up your heads; BEC: look forward cheerfully.

945	Your deliverance draws near: Possibly an echo of the escapees at Daniel 12:2. The Hebrew of Daniel 12:2 is MALAT [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4422, escape, delivered, saved]. Compare notes elsewhere when this is paralleled with “at the door”. In other words, immediate, or imminent.

Luke 21:29-33 – How to Know the Kingdom Is Near

|| Matthew 24:32-35; 946 Mark 13:28-31 947

946	Matthew 24:32-35: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew.

947	Mark 13:28-31: For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Mark.

LK21:29 Then he told the disciples a parable: “Look at the fig trees and all the other trees. 948

948	All the other trees: Some have tried to apply the fig tree to Israel but Jesus has in mind a simple lesson from any tree.

LK21:30 By observing when sprouts appear you already know summer is near. 949

949	Near: Within months.

LK21:31 Just so you also know the Kingdom of The God 950 is near when you observe these things occurring. 951

950	The Kingdom of The God: The Father’s Kingdom. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on Matthew 13:40-43 and Revelation 11:15-17.

951

Observe these things occurring: It is possible Jesus covers both his own apostles’ generation as well as that of those who will witness the Return of Christ, the end-time Saints of 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17. Both “all the tribes of the earth” and the end-time Saints see the same thing at the same time. While the Saints rejoice, the world erupts into panic.

LK21:32 I tell you this truth: this generation will not pass away until all these things occur. LK21:33 The heaven and the earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 952

952	My words will never pass away: The teachings of the Nazarene are eternal and will serve all beings throughout all future ages. That being the case, it is to the advantage of the Christian to make them a continuing study throughout their own lifetimes.

Luke 21:34-36 – Keep Awake

LK21:34 “Continue paying strict attention 953 to yourselves lest your hearts become burdened 954 in overeating 955 and drunkenness and life’s anxieties, 956 for that Day will arrive upon you suddenly 957

953	Paying strict attention: Or, KJV: take heed to yourselves; TCN: be on your guard; NEB: keep a watch on yourselves. The focus should be on self and not others.

954	Hearts become burdened: Or, KJV: overcharged; MOF: overpowered; GDS: loaded down; TCN: dulled; RIE: numbed; PME: minds never be clouded.

955	Overeating: It is a confirmed fact that the western “Christian” world struggles with overeating, while the amount spent on diet books and weight loss regimens could feed the third world.

956	Life’s anxieties: Or, cares of this life, anxieties of life. A secondary problem of the western Christian world is a plague of depression and anxiety. The profits from self-help books could feed a whole nation.

957	Arrive upon you suddenly: Or, unawares.

LK21:35 like a trap. For that Day will come upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. 958

958	Upon the face of all the earth: Or, TCN: all who are living; RIE: each and every man; GDS: all who are living anywhere. The Greek is literally “sitting” and one can see in the word the problem of lack of exercise in much of the modern world.

LK21:36 Continue to remain awake, 959 supplicating 960 in every season of time so that you might be strong enough 961 to escape 962 [Daniel 12:1] all these things destined to occur 963 and [finally] to stand in the very presence 964 of the Son of Humankind.”

959	Continue to remain awake: Or, watch, keep awake, be vigilant, on the alert.

960	Supplicating: Or, pray always.

961	You might be strong enough: Or, KJV: accounted worthy to escape; MOF: succeed in escaping; RIE: for the power to survive.

962	Escape: An echo of Daniel 12:1, “At that time your people will be rescued.” [JPS] The Greek is EKPHYGEIN [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1628, to flee out of].

963	Destined to occur: Or, KJV: shall come to pass; TCN: destined to happen; BER: impending events; RIE: these disasters that are on their way; NEB: imminent troubles.

964	To stand in the very presence: Or, KJV: to stand before; KNX: stand erect to meet the presence of; WEY: take your stand in the presence. Compare 1 John 2:28.

Luke 21:37-38 – The Final Days Approach

LK21:37 Now in those days Jesus continued teaching in the Temple area, but during the nights he would leave [the city] and spend the nights 965 on the Mount of Olives.

965	During the nights he would leave [the city] and spend the nights: Our Master’s desire for privacy as his final week approaches gives an insight into his character. Though surely there may be scores of homes that would welcome him, he seeks isolation for concentration of his focus.

LK21:38 And all the people would rise early 966 in the morning to hear him in the Temple area.

966	Rise early: Our Master was a “self-starter” who could rouse himself early enough in the pre-dawn hours to be on hand at the temple compound to teach the gathering crowds.

Review Questions on Chapter Twenty-one