Source: http://partage.actifforum.com/t68p50-les-6-signes-de-la-seconde-venue
Timestamp: 2019-01-18 18:41:11+00:00

Document:
Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue - Page 3
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Jeu 21 Déc 2006 - 22:09
B/ Enchainement de Satan (Ap. 20 : 1 à 3)
Commentaire: Le chilioi(mille ans est un pluriel d'affinité incertaine. Source de Louis Segond lui-même -Théologien- )
=> Satan est toujours le Prince de ce monde car Jésus n'est pas encore venu.
C/ Libération de Satan après 1000 ans (Ap. ch.20 , v. 7 à...)
a) Il va séduire les nations
b) Préparation de la guerre finale contre Jésus/Dieu
c) Satan est vaincu
L'établissemment du royaume céleste a vaincu Satan. Le diable n'a pas accès à ce royaume et les siens.
"Et la mort et le séjour des morts furent jetés dans l'étang de feu. C'est la seconde mort, l'étang de feu. Quiconque ( = toute personne / pas que le sjuifs) ne fut pas trouvé écrit dans le livre de vie fut jeté dans l'étang de feu. "
=> Nous mourrons toujours => ce n'est pas encore arrivé / jésus n'est toujours pas venu
La réssurection de Jésus a éliminé le séjour des morts qui existait depuis Adam et Ève.
Alors donc, la mort n'existe plus.
Depuis la réssurection de Christ, la mort n'existe plus, la personne passe
de cette mort physique au royaume céleste de Dieu.
Plus d'attente, plus de séjour des morts, donc plus de mort.
Les jugements ont été pour le peuple de l'alliance. Ceux qui avait la connaissance et la resoponsabilité de recevoir leur Seigneur, mais qui l'ont rejeté.
Christ pour toujours. Tant qu'il y aura des hommes et femmes et enfants qui passera sur cette planète
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 22 Déc 2006 - 0:44
L'antéchrist était un juif
Christ était un juif, il est capital que l'antéchrist l'était lui-aussi
Les écrits historiques de Flavius témoigne d'un tel personnage dans les années 60-70 environ
L'épitre de Jean définie bien que tous les juifs qui ne confessaient pas le Christ était un antéchrist. Sauf que le grand sacrificateur était un antéchrist d'autorité
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 22 Déc 2006 - 2:26
Le boeuf, le loup, l'agneau, le veau, etc...
Le boeuf et l'âne:
2 Cieux, écoutez! terre, prête l’oreille! Car l’Eternel parle. J’ai nourri et élevé des enfants, Mais ils se sont révoltés contre moi.
3 Le boeuf connaît son possesseur, Et l’âne la crèche de son maître: Israël ne connaît rien, Mon peuple n’a point d’intelligence.
Ici, nous avons un passage qui compare Israël à des animaux.
Le veau: Le veau a probablement été un emblême de la Samarie idôlatre.
5 L’Eternel a rejeté ton veau, Samarie! Ma colère s’est enflammée contre eux. Jusques à quand refuseront-ils de se purifier?
6 Il vient d’Israël, un ouvrier l’a fabriqué, Et ce n’est pas un Dieu; C’est pourquoi le veau de Samarie sera mis en pièces.
Jésus n'a t-il pas fait la paix entre les juifs et les samaritains avec son Évangile ?
Osée 4:16 Parce qu’Israël se révolte comme une génisse indomptable, Maintenant l’Eternel le fera paître Comme un agneau dans de vastes plaines.
Le lion et l'ours:
1 Samuel 17:37 David dit encore: L’Eternel, qui m’a délivré de la griffe du lion et de la patte de l’ours, me délivrera aussi de la main de ce Philistin. Et Saül dit à David: Va, et que l’Eternel soit avec toi!
Le lion, le loup, et la panthère:
Jérémie 5:6 C’est pourquoi le lion de la forêt les tue, Le loup du désert les détruit, La panthère est aux aguets devant leurs villes; Tous ceux qui en sortiront seront déchirés; Car leurs transgressions sont nombreuses, Leurs infidélités se sont multipliées.
Le lion, le loup, et la panthère ont été des emblêmes des babyloniens.
En somme, les animaux représente les gentils des différentes nations qui ont mangé dans un même pâturage, le pâturage du Christ et de son Évangile.
Ce passage d'Isaïe nous relates sans l'ombre d'un doute la venue du Messie. Ceci s'est accomplie au premier siècle.
4 Mais il jugera les pauvres avec équité, Et il prononcera avec droiture sur les malheureux de la terre; Il frappera la terre de sa parole comme d’une verge, Et du souffle de ses lèvres il fera mourir le méchant.
NOTE: Dès l'âge de 12 ans, Jésus avait démontrer ses attributs de berger.
Donc, ce passage voulait dire que Jésus allait réunir dans la paix les juifs d'Israël et les gentils du premier siècle qui ont cru en lui.
Car comme nous avons pu le constater, les animaux représentaient les juifs et les gentils.
Cela n'a rien à voir avec des animaux, comme le prétende certain.
NOTE: Le jour de la pentecôte a confimer ce passage, et l'enlèvement au premier siècle également.
Ce qui pour les Témoins de J.... et pour d'autres devaient être une période de mille ans, a été une période de Chilioi pendant l'ère de l'église du premier siècle.
Une ère de réconciliation des peuples(mis en allégorie par les animaux) par l'Évangile du Christ Jésus.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Mer 27 Déc 2006 - 10:01
Rappellons-nous ces paroles: ...le jour où tu en mangeras, tu mourras...
Mes commentaires: Le jour où Adam et Éve ont désobéis, ils sont morts spirituellement. La mort physique éventuelle n'était qu'une conséquence de la mort spirituelle.
Dans le NT, lorsqu'il est question de : ...la mort n'existera plus,
il est question de la mort spirituelle.
Cette mort spirituelle se continuait dans le séjour des morts de l'ancienne alliance.
La mort physique existera toujours. Christ a réglé le problème de la mort spirituelle. Seul cet aspect a été touché par la Nouvelle Alliance.
La Nouvelle Alliance a éliminé la mort spirituelle et le séjour des morts.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Lun 1 Jan 2007 - 0:55
Je souhaite à tous un joyeux temps des fêtes
Comme le Seigneur Jésus nous a dit: Aimez-vous les uns les autres.
L'amour ne cherche point son intêret, mais le capital de l'autre. (serge)
Surtout, aimez et prennez soin de vos parents. N'attendez pas qu'il soit trop tard. La mort peut nous les enlever rapidement, et après nous avons des regrets qu'il n'est pas facile de se débarasser.
J'ai perdu ma mère en déc. 2006, je sais de quoi je parle.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Jeu 4 Jan 2007 - 16:03
1/ Les Protestants savent que le Royaume de Jésus-Christ est dans les cieux
"Il y a quelque chose que les lecteurs de la Bible semblent avoir beaucoup de misère à comprendre.
Voici: Jésus lui-même a dit - Mon royaume n'est pas de ce monde et désormais, le monde ne me verra plus."
Les chrétiens comprennent la Parole de Dieu et le verset cité est en réalité : Jean 18.36 "Mon royaume n'est pas de ce monde, repondit Jesus. Si mon royaume etait de ce monde, mes serviteurs auraient combattu pour moi afin que je ne fusse pas livre aux Juifs; mais maintenant mon royaume n'est point d'ici-bas."
Tout a fait évident puisque Jésus Christ est Dieu et que son Royaume est dans les cieux
"...vous ne me verrez plus..." Logique puisque Jésus fut mort durant 3 jours puis Il es remonté mais Jésus-Christ a dit :
Matthieu 23.39 car, je vous le dis, vous ne me verrez plus desormais, jusqu'a ce que vous disiez: Beni soit celui qui vient au nom du Seigneur!
2/ " Satan "
"...Les humains n'ont pas besoin de Satan pour faire le mal...'
"...La réssurection de Jésus a éliminé le séjour des morts qui existait depuis Adam et Ève.Alors donc, la mort n'existe plus.
Plus d'attente, plus de séjour des morts, donc plus de mort...."
En résumé :Satan est vaincu et le séjour des morts n'existe plus.
Que nous dit la Parole de Dieu à ce sujet :
A la fin du monde il se passera ce qui suit : Apocalypse 20.14 "Et la mort et le sejour des morts furent jetes dans l'etang de feu. C'est la seconde mort, l'etang de feu. "
Il faut comprendre une chose très simple : ant que l'homme mourra physiquement la mort et le séjour des morts existeront.
Jésus-Christ a vaincu la mort à travers son sacrifice ce qui permettra à ceux qui ont cru et qui croiront de ne pas devoir subir la 2ème mort "celle qui va durer toute l'éternité'.
En attendant le retour de Jésus un chrétien fidèle à Jésus-Christ mourra physiquement et sera apporté dans le séjour des morts (cfr. Luc Ch.16) pour attendre le Jugement dernier.(Jugement dernier que chaque humain va recevoir - pas uniquement les juifs).
Et sur notre passage sur terre nous sommes amenés à resister au diable.
Si nous acceptons ta théorie cela veut dire que Apoc.20:10 est accompli :
"Et le diable, qui les seduisait, fut jete dans l'etang de feu et de soufre, ou sont la bete et le faux prophete. Et ils seront tourmentes jour et nuit, aux siecles des siecles. "
Donc il ne doit plus y avoir de séduction
Pas de séduction = Pas de mauvaises pensées / désirs malsains = Pas de péchés
Hors, mon frère, nous pechons encore et il est faux de dire que l'homme n'a pas besoin de Satan puor péché car :
Le péché = Le mal = Satan
Le péché ne vient pas de Dieu car Dieu est parfait
Le salaire du péché est la mort et Satan recevra comme chatiement la "mort éternelle" dans l'étang de feu (la géhenne).
Dernière édition par le Jeu 4 Jan 2007 - 17:19, édité 1 fois
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Jeu 4 Jan 2007 - 16:14
Si Jésus était revenu en l'an 70 et que Satan est vaincu et que le séjour des morts n'existe plus et que les 1000 ans soit pour certains le temps Chillois etc.... et si et si on utilise des allégories et bien on mélange tout à force de faire trop de théorie malsaine pour l'âme!
Réfléchissez un peu au décalage que ça produit vis-à-vis de la Parole de Dieu car si tout mais vraiment tout est accompli alors le monde ne devrait plus exister car après ce jugement dernier toute cette terre = cette humanité sera détruite et les vrais chrétiens vivront dans la paix,la joie et l'amour avec Dieu pour l'eternité
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 5:08
À propos de ce passge:
Regarder bien le contexte
Les romains avaient, semblent-ils, l'habitude de prendre des esclaves lors de temps de guerre et d'assiègement.
Un homme des champs est un homme qui travaille et qui peut nourrir les soldats.
Un femme qui moue à la meule peut nourrir les soldats.
Il n'est nullement question de l'enlèvement dans ce passage.
C'est Paul qui avait parlé de cela pour sa génération. La génératioin du Chilioi.
....Mat 24 ...cette génération ne passera point.
Shalom et bonne année à tous.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 5:54
Salut Rinax
Je suis vraiment, mais vraiment désolé. L'AT est remplie à craquer de métaphores et d'allégories, pourtant très sérieuses et respectés par les juifs.
Et le NT a été écrit avec la même rigueur.
Ne pas considérer et respecter les métaphores et les allégories du NT est passé complètement à côté d'une démarche vers une bonne compréhension des Écrits
Je suis très catégorigue sur cela, autant qu'un juif pourrais-je dire.
Éventuellement, les juifs messianiques, en autant qu'ils décident d'être sincères avec le NT, vont comprendre tout cela, et je crois qu'ils sont déjà en train de le faire
Toutefois, les juifs messianiques, bien qu'ils croient au NT sont biaisés du fait qu'ils veulent tellement que le territoire de l'Israel de notre époque soit l'Israel des derniers jours. Et je suis complètement persuadé que de nombreux rabbins ont vraiment compris le NT de la bonne manière, mais ils désirent par dessus tout que la nation juive devienne un peuple fort et très riche. Le mouvement sionniste en est l'exemple le plus frappant, etc........ Le lobbeyiste juif est incroyablement riche et puissant.
Ce mouvement juif a décidé de conquérir la planète par frustration d'avoir été délaissé par Dieu. Mais le juif n'a pas été délaissé par Dieu, pas plus que le grec, le paien, le gentil, etc.....
Ils n'ont tout simplement pas compris le NT et ne veulent pas le comprendre sciemment.
Le juif d'aujourd'hui à toujours le cou aussi raide que le juif d'antan, malheureusement.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 8:24
Désolé. Oui je suis vraiment désolé de brusquer les choses.
J'ai discuté personnellement avec 4 pasteurs pentecôtistes au Québec.
Et beaucoup d'autres savent très bien de quoi il en retourne.
Il m'ont fait clairement savoir qu'ils comprennaient le point de vue de mes commentaires et ceux des Preterist. Mais que les enjeux monétaires étaient beaucoup trop importants et trop risqués pour eux.
La perte des membres d'une assemblée représente toujours des pertes monétaires.
Et malheureusement, il est évident que le dieu Mamon est encore très puissant dans l'esprit de certaines personnes.
L'amour de l'argent est encore la racine de bien des maux et mots.
J'espère toujours ne pas froisser des gens, mais........ ??????
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 10:01
Reprennons donc. Le monde ne me verra plus ? Exact. Le monde n'a plus jamais revu Jésus.
Deuxièmement, les chrétiens ont vu Jésus dans le ciel, car ils sont allés à sa rencontre. Ce volet n'était pas camouflé d'une métaphore. Paul avait utilisé un message à caractère cosmopolite pour les juifs et paiens.
Paul, apôtre des paiens et des juifs de certaines synagogues, n'a utilisé qu'un langage à la porté de tous. Pas de métaphores ou très peu. Pas facile pour lui d'expliqué pour que les juifs et paiens comprennent le même message.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 10:42
-- La bible ne dit pas que Cain a eu besoin du diable pour tué son frère.
De plus, Dieu lui a dit: le péché(ta nature de pécheur) se couche à ta au seuil porte, mais toi, domine sur cela.
Satan, c'est exact, a été l'initiateur de la désobéissance, le séducteur originel.
Satan n'était pas omniprésent, tout le monde c'est cela.
D'ailleurs, la Bible le confirme de multiples manières. - par exemple: Il laissa Jésus jusqu'à un autre moment plus favorable pour le séduire et le faire trébucher.
Les humains avaient et ont encore cette nature qui les poussent à agir avec ignorance.
Lorsque Jésus a dit: Père, pardonne-leur, car ils ne savent pas ce qu'ils font.
Cela voulait aussi dire: Père, pardonne-leur, car ils ne font que ce qu'ils ne savent faire. Leur nature les a poussé à mal agir. Même malgré cela, Jésus a dit: Père, pardonne-leur.
Les humains connaissent le bien et le mal comme Dieu. Mais eux, nous, nous ne sommes pas capable de bien gérer cela.
Dans le jardin, il n'y avait aucune connaisance du mal, et même du bien.
Adam et Ève n'avaient pas la nature du pécheur.
La nature du pécheur a noirci leur capacité de gérer leurs actions. En ne pouvant plus gérer leurs pensées et leurs actions de manière convenable, ils ont fait connaissance de 2 choses, de 2 choses différentes, le mal, et le bien.
Un autre exemple: Jésus a fait une colère époustouflante dans le temple, mais il n'a pas péché, car il a bien géré ses actions. Ses actions étaient biens et requises dans les circonstances.
Désolé pour la psychologie théologique.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 11:17
Navré mais ce n'est nullement de la psychologie théologique.
Ces pasteurs pentecotistes qui acceptent les idées des preteristes et autres idées relatif à l'an 70 ne sont, selon moi, des pasteurs égarés.Cela voudrait dire qu'ils prechent un Evangile sans conviction puisqu'ils ont une autre conviction et ceux-ci seront durement jugé par Dieu.
Il faut faire attention car en Europe nous ne sommes pas une Usine à Argent dans les millieux chrétiens.Si aux States ou au Mexique ou à Toronto les gens donnent des dons ou vident leur maison de manière à remplir les poches de certains hommes religieux et bien ce n'est pas le cas en Europe.
Au commencement Dieu créa toute chose et tout était parfait.
Satan influence l'homme à fair ele mal et l'Homme est libre de faire ce qu'il veut : le bien ou le mal.
MAIS lorsque l'Homme choisit de faire le mal c'est que l'Homme a accepté la séduction de Satan et à ce moment il pêche.
=> Le mal vient (à la base) de Satan, pas de l'Homme.
Satan n'était pas omniprésent, tout le monde c'est (Désolé pour la faute) cela.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 11:31
SATAN était déjà là au temps d'Adam et d'Eve comme il est encore présent à ce jour mais lorsque le jugement dernier arrivera (après le retour de Jésus) alors Satan (et le séjour des morts) sera jetté pour l'éternité dans la géhenne.
Quand ce moment arrivera et bien nous serons pour l'éternité avec Dieu et il n'y aura plus de souffrances, plus de mort, plus de méchanceté, uniquement des louanges et des aodrations pour Dieu dans une grande fête pour nous chrétiens avec Dieu.
Dernière édition par le Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 16:47, édité 1 fois
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 11:38
Satan a été le tentateur, celui qui avait mis en doute la Parole du Créateur. Ses actions en général se limitait à mettre en doute.
Sauf dans le cas de Job où Dieu lui a permis de toucher physiquement, lui et sa famille. Dieu était toujours été celui qui faisait le bien et le mal.
Deutéronome 7:15 L’Eternel éloignera de toi toute maladie; il ne t’enverra aucune de ces mauvaises maladies d’Egypte qui te sont connues, mais il en frappera tous ceux qui te haïssent.
2 Chroniques 21:18 Après tout cela, l’Eternel le frappa d’une maladie d’entrailles qui était sans remède;
Donc, Satan a fait douté Adam et Ève, et Dieu leur a donné une nature pécheresse.
Cette nature pécheresse a aussi fini par tuer le corps. Avec le NT, les humains sont rachetés et un autre corps leur sera attribué sur la nouvelle terre céleste. Sur cette nouvelle terre, les humains auront de nouveau une pleine harmonie entre l'esprit, le corps, de ce fait l'âme.
Ils auront une nature divine, fait à l'image de la nouvelle nature, une nouvelle créature qui avait commencé sur cette palnète.
Lorsque j'ai cru en l'évangile et que je fus transformé en une seconde, je venais de réalisé ce que Jésus avait fait. Je n'ai pas accepté le Seigneur Jésus, j'ai cru au message de l'évangile et le Saint -Esprit a rendu témoignage à mon esprit. J'étais déjà racheté et sauvé, sauf que je l'ignorais. C'est cela qui fait une différence dans la vie de quelqu'un et qui le transforme.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 12:42
Avec ce type de raisonement nous pouvons très bien discuter de manière absurde :
Si l'Homme n'as pas besoin de Satan pour faire le mal alors l'Homme n'a pas besoin de Dieu pour faire le bien.
=> Nous pourrions en déduire que l'Homme n'a ni besoin de Dieu ni besoin de Satan pour vivre sur terre
=> Comprends-tu que c'est un raisonnement très dangereux et assez dangereux/blasphematoire surtout venant d'un chrétien.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 13:04
--- Est-ce que c'est Satan qui a appris à Dieu le mal ? Comme si le diable pouvait apprendre quelque chose à Dieu !
Dieu savait ce qu'était le bien et mal avant que Lucifer ne fut créé.
Dieu a renfermé tous les humains dans la désobéissance et ils les enfermera dans l'obéissance avec le corps céleste par son salut. Tel est la promesse de la Nouvelle alliance.
Tous s'applique à tous les paiens. Romains 11'32, finalement, fini par dire que tout les humains ont été enfermé dans la désobéissance par nos premiers parents. Mais que tous serons sauvés, la miséricorde à tous, par l'obéissance d'un seul, le nouvel Adam, le Christ Jésus.
Seriez-vous capable d'imposer la culpabilté à quelqu'un, sans lui offrir le choix de choisir ?
Les milliards de personnes qui n'ont jamais entendu parlé de l'évangile ont-ils eu le choix ???????????????????????????????????????????????
Qu'est que votre coeur dit à propos de cela ?????????????????
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 16:34
Tout simplement ce que dit la Parole de Dieu, que Dieu rendra à chacun selon ses oeuvres :
voir Romains chap.2 :
"Mais, par ton endurcissement et par ton coeur impénitent, tu t'amasses un trésor de colère pour le jour de la colère et de la manifestation du juste jugement de Dieu,qui rendra à chacun selon ses oeuvres; réservant la vie éternelle à ceux qui, par la persévérance à bien faire, cherchent l'honneur, la gloire et l'immortalité; mais l'irritation et la colère à ceux qui, par esprit de dispute, sont rebelles à la vérité et obéissent à l'injustice."
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 16:43
Je vais même ajouter ces versets (toujours du chap. 2 de Romains) :
"Tous ceux qui ont péché sans la loi périront aussi sans la loi, et tous ceux qui ont péché avec la loi seront jugés par la loi. Ce ne sont pas, en effet, ceux qui écoutent la loi qui sont justes devant Dieu, mais ce sont ceux qui la mettent en pratique qui seront justifiés. Quand les païens, qui n'ont point la loi, font naturellement ce que prescrit la loi, ils sont, eux qui n'ont point la loi, une loi pour eux-mêmes; ils montrent que l'oeuvre de la loi est écrite dans leurs coeurs, leur conscience en rendant témoignage, et leurs pensées s'accusant ou se défendant tour à tour.C'est ce qui paraîtra au jour où, selon mon Évangile, Dieu jugera par Jésus Christ les actions secrètes des hommes. "
Je pense que la Parole de Dieu est claire et précise à ce sujet.
Et pour revenir au péché je pense qu'il ne faut pas faire de la philiosophie. Il n'y a pas de mal dans Dieu. Lucifer a eu un jour de la jalousie envers Dieu c'est pourquoi il a ete chassé avec d'autres anges vers la terre.
Dieu permet à Satan d'agir pour le moment mais l'Ecriture nous dit tres clairement que son temps est compté (à Satan).
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Ven 5 Jan 2007 - 16:46
Il ya des éléments qui resteront incompréhensible à l'Homme :
Pq avoir laissé peché Adam et Eve ?
Pq Lucifer est devenu un démon ?
Pq il n'y a plus de dinosaures ?
etc... des questions parmis tant d'autres qui ne trouvent pas de réponses dans la Bible mais un jour Dieu nous fera tout comprendre.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Sam 6 Jan 2007 - 0:01
Voici un texte de mon ami Thierry en Belgique.
Mat 24 verset par verset
Je sais que c'est lourd, mais cela en vaut la peine.
Si vous voulez que je traduise, faite-moi signe.
N'oubliez pas que les actes des apôtres confirme la plupart des faits qui avait été prophétisé par Jésus dans Mat 24
Dans ce texte, beaucoup d'écrivains historique, dont le célèbre Flavius, confirment aussi les prophéties
Voici l'intégral des commentaires d'Albert Barnes (1798-1870) tiré du chapitre 24 de "Notes on the New Testament Explanatory and Practical Matthew and Mark, pp. 250-263":
"Comme Jésus s'en allait, au sortir du temple, ses disciples s'approchèrent de lui pour lui en faire remarquer les constructions." (Matthieu 24 : 1)
1. And Jesus went out. He was going over to the Mount of Olives, ver. 3. The buildings of the temple. The temple itself, with the surrounding courts, porches, and other edifices. See Notes on Mat. xxi. 12. Mark says that they particularly pointed out the stones of the temple, as well as the buildings. "In that temple," says Josephus, the Jewish historian, "were several stones which were 45 cubits in length, 5 in height, and 6 in breadth;" that is, more than 70 feet long, 10 wide, and 8 high. These stones, of such enormous size, were principally used in building the high wall on the east side, from the base to the top of the mountain. They Were also, it is said, beautifully painted with variegated colours.
"Mais il leur dit : Voyez-vous tout cela ? Je vous le dis en vérité, il ne restera pas ici pierre sur pierre qui ne soit renversée." (Matthieu 24 : 2)
At the time this was spoken, no event was more improbable than this. The temple was vast, rich, splendid. It was the pride of the nation, and the nation was at peace. Yet in the short space of forty years all this was exactly accomplished. Jerusalem was taken by the Roman armies, under the command of Titus, A.D. 70. The account of the siege and destruction of the city is left us by Josephus, a historian of undoubted veracity and singular fidelity. He was- a Jewish priest. In the wars of which he gives an account, he fell into the hands of the Romans, and remained with them during the siege and destruction of the city. Being a Jew, he would of course say nothing designed to confirm the prophecies of Jesus Christ ; yet his whole history appears almost like a running commentary on these predictions respecting the destruction of the temple. The following particulars are given on his authority : After the city was taken, Josephus says that Titus "gave orders that they should now demolish the whole city and temple, except three towers, which he reserved standing. But for the rest of the wall, it was laid so completely even with the ground by those who dug it up from the foundation, that there was nothing left to make those believe who came hither that it had ever been inhabited. '' Maimonides, a Jewish writer, has also recorded that " Terentius Rufus, an officer in the army of Titus, with a ploughshare tore up the foundations of the temple, that the prophecy might be fulfilled, 'Zion shall be plowed as a field,'" Mi. iii. 12. This was all done by the direction of divine Providence. Titus was desirous of preserving the temple, and frequently sent Josephus to the Jews to induce them to surrender and save the temple and city. But the prediction of the Saviour had gone forth, and, notwithstanding the wish of the Roman general, the temple was to be destroyed. The Jews themselves first set fire to the porticoes of the temple. One of the Roman soldiers, without any command, threw a burning firebrand into the golden window, and soon the temple was in flames. Titus gave orders to extinguish the fire; but, amid the tumult, none of his orders were obeyed. The soldiers pressed to the temple, and neither fear nor entreaties, nor stripes could restrain them. Their hatred of the Jews urged them on to the work of destruction, and thus, says Josephus, the temple was burned against the will of GVesar.—Jewish Wan, b. vi. eh. i, § 5-7.
"Il s'assit sur la montagne des oliviers. Et les disciples vinrent en particulier lui faire cette question. Dis-nous, quand cela arrivera-t-il, et quel sera le signe de ton avènement et de la fin du monde ?" (Matthieu 24 : 3)
See Notes on Mat. xxi. 1. From that mount there was a magnificent view of the whole city. The disciples came unto him privately. Not all of them, but Peter, James, John, and Andrew, Mar. xiii. 3. The prediction that the temple would be destroyed (ver. 2) had been made in the presence of all the apostles. A part now came privately to know more particularly when this would be. When shall these things be There are three questions here. 1st. When those things should take place. 2d. What should be the signs of his own coming. 3d. What should be the signs that the end of the world was near. To thes.e questions he replies in this and the following chapters. This he does, not by noticing them distinctly, but by intermingling the descriptions of the destruction of Jerusalem and of the end of the world, so that it is sometimes difficult to tell, to what particular subject his remarks apply. The principle on which this combined description of two events was spoken appears to be, that they could be described in the same words, and therefore the accounts are intermingled. A similar use of language is found in some parts of Isaiah, where the same language will describe the return from the Babylonish captivity, and deliverance by the Messiah. See Introduction to Isaiah, § 7. Sign of thy coming. Evidence that thou art coming. By what token shall we know that thou art coming ?
"Jésus leur répondit : Prenez garde que personne ne vous séduise. Car plusieurs viendront sous mon nom, disant : C'est moi qui suis le Christ. Et ils séduiront beaucoup de gens." (Matthieu 24 : 4-5).
Jesus, in reply to their question, first gives them a caution to beware of deception. They were to be constantly on their guard, because many would arise to deceive the people. Many shall come in my name. Not in the name or by the authority of Jesus, or claiming to be his followers, and to be sent by him, but in the name of the Messiah, or claiming to be the Messiah. IT / am Christ. 1 am the Messiah. See Notes on Mat. i. 1. The Messiah was expected at that time, Mat. ii. 1, 2. Many would lay claims to being the Messiah, and, as he was universally expected, multitudes would easily be led to believe in them. There is abundant evidence that this was fully accomplished. Josephus informs us that there were many who pretended to divine inspiration ; who deceived the people, leading out numbers of them into the desert. "The land," says he "was overrun with magicians, seducers, and impostors, who drew the people after them in multitudes into solitudes and deserts, to see the signs and miracles which they pro-, mised to show by the power of God." Among these are mentioned particularly Dositheus, the Samaritan, who affirmed that he was Christ ; Simon Magus, who said he appeared among the Jews as the Son of God; and Theudas, who persuaded many to go with him to the river Jordan, to see the waters divided. The names of twentyfour false Messiahs are recorded as having appeared between the time of the Emperor Adrian and the year 1682.
"Vous entendrez parler de guerres" (Matthieu 24 : 6)
It is recorded in the history of Rome that violent agitations prevailed in the Roman empire previous to the destruction of Jerusalem. Four emperors, Nero, Galba, Otho, and Vitellius, suffered violent deaths in the short space of eighteen months. In consequence of these changes in the government, there were commotions throughout the empire. Parties were formed, and bloody and violent wars were the consequence of attachment to particular emperors. This is the more remarkable, as at the time that the prophecy was made, the empire was in a state of peace.
"et de bruits de guerre : gardez-vous d'être troublés, car il faut que ces choses arrivent." (Matthieu 24 : 6)
Wars declared or threatened, but no carried into execution. Josephus says that Bardanes, and after him Vologeses, declared war against the Jews, but it was not carried into execution, Antiq. xx. 34. He also says that Vitellius, governor of Syria, declared war against Aretas, king of Arabia, and wished to lead his army through Palestine, but the death of Tiberius prevented the war, Aniiq. xviii. 5. 3.
"Mais ce ne sera pas encore la fin." (Matthieu 24 : 6)
The end of the Jewish economy ; the destruction of Jerusalem will not immediately follow. Be not, therefore, alarmed when you hear of those commotions. Other signs will warn you when to be alarmed and seek security.
"Une nation s'élevera contre une nation et un royaume contre un royaume” ( Matthieu 24 : 7 )
At Caesarea the Jews and Syrians contended about the right to the city, and twenty thousand of the Jews were slain. At this blow the whole nation of the Jews was exasperated, and carried war and desolation through the Syrian cities and villages. Sedition and civil war spread throughout Judea; Italy was also thrown into civil war by the contests between. Otho and Vitellius for the crown.
"Il y aura, en divers lieux, des famines" ( Matthieu 24 : 7 )
There was a famine foretold by Agabus (Ac. xi. 28 ), which is mentioned by Tacitus, Suetonius, and Eusebius, and which was so severe in Jerusalem, Josephus says, that many people perished for want of food, Antiq. xx. 2. Four times in the reign of Claudius (A.D. 41-54 ) famine prevailed in Bome, Palestine, and Greece.
"des pestes" (Luc 21 : 11 )
Baging epidemic diseases ; the plague, sweeping off multitudes of people at once. It is commonly the attendant of famine, and often produced by it. A pestilence is recorded as raging in Babylonia, A.D. 40 (Joseph. Antiq. xviii. 9. 8 ) ; in Italy, A.D. 66 (Tacit. 16. 13 ). Both of these took place before the destruction of Jerusalem.
"et des tremblements de terre" (Matthieu 24 : 7 )
In prophetic language, earthquakes sometimes mean political commotions. Literally they are tremors or shakings of the earth, often" shaking cities and towns to ruin. The earth opens, and houses and people sink indiscriminately to destruction. Many of these are mentioned as preceding the destruction of Jerusalem. Tacitus mentions one in the reign of Claudius, at Rome, and says that in the reign of Nero the cities of Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colosse were overthrown, and the celebrated Pompeii was overwhelmed and almost destroyed by an earthquake, Annales, 15. 22. Others are mentioned as occurring at Smyrna, Miletus, Chios, and Samos.
Luke adds, "And fearful sights and great signs shall there bt from, heaven," xxi. 11. Josephus, who had probably never heard of this prophecy, and who certainly would have done nothing designedly to show its fulfilment, records the prodigies and signs which he says preceded the destruction of the city. A star, says he, resembling a sword, stood over the city, and a comet that continued a whole year. At the feast of unleavened bread, during the night, a bright light shone round the altar and the temple, so that it seemed to be bright day, for half an hour. The eastern gate of the temple, of solid brass, fastened with strong bolts and bars, and which had been shut with difficulty by twenty men, opened in the night of its own accord* A few days after that feast, he says, " Before sunsetting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armour were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities." A great noise, as of the sound of a multitude, was heard in the temple, saying, " LET US REMOVE HENCE." Four years before the war began, Jesus, the son of Ananus, a plebeian and a husbandman, came to the feast of the tabernacles when the city was in peace and prosperity, and began to cry aloud, "A voice from the east, a voice from the west, a voice from the four winds, a voice against Jerusalem and the holy house, a voice against the bridegroom and the brides, and a voice against this whole people!" He was scourged, and at every stroke of the whip he cried, "Woe, woe to Jerusalem!" This cry, Josephus says, was continued every day for more than seven years, till he was killed in the siege of the city, exclaiming, "Woe, woe to myself also!"— Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 9, § 3.
"Tout cela ne sera que le commencement des douleurs." ( Matthieu 24 : 8 )
"Alors on vous livrera aux tourments, et l'on vous fera mourir" (Matthieu 24 : 9 ).
By persecution, imprisonment, scourging, etc. They shall deliver you up to councils (Mark). To the great council, or Sanhedrim for this is the word in the original. See Notes on Mat. v. 22. This was fulfilled when Peter and John were brought before the council, Ac. iv. 5-7. Mark farther adds (xiii. 9 ) that they should be delivered to synagogues and to prisons to be beaten, and should be brought before rulers and kings for his name's sake. All this was remarkably fulfilled. Peter and John were imprisoned (Ac. iv. 3 ); Paul and Silas were imprisoned (Ac. xvi. 24 ), and also beaten (Ac. xvi. 23 ); Paul was brought before Gallio (Ac. xviii. 12 ), before Felix (Ac. xxiv. 24 ), and before Agrippa (Ac. xxv. 23 ). And shall kill yon. That is, shall kill some of you. Stephen was stoned (Ac. vii. 59 ); James was killed by Herod (Ac. xii. 2 ); and, in addition to all that the sacred writers have told us, the persecution under Nero took place before the destruction of Jerusalem, others, Peter and Paul. Most of the apostles, it is believed, died by persecution.
When they were "delivered up, Jesus told them not to premeditate what they should say, for he would give them a mouth and wisdom which all their adversaries would not be able to gainsay or resist, Lu. xxi. 14, 15. The fulfilment of this is recorded in the case of Stephen (Ac. vi. 10 ), and of Paul, who made Felix tremble, Ac. xxiv. 25.
"et vous serez haïs de toutes les nations"" (Matthieu 24 : 9 ).
This was fulfilled then, and has been in all ages. It was judged to be a crime to be a Christian. Multitudes for this, and for nothing else, were put to death.
"à cause de mon nom" (Matthieu 24 : 9 ).
On account of attachment to me, or because you bear my name as Christians.
"Alors plusieurs succomberont" (Matthieu 24 : 10 )
See Notes on Mat. v. 29. Many shall stumble, fall, apostatize from a profession of religion. Many who professed to love me will then show that they had no real attachment to me; and in those trying times it will be seen that they knew nothing of genuine Christian love. See 1 Jn. ii. 19.
"et ils se trahiront" (Matthieu 24 : 10 )
Those who thus apostatize from professed attachment to me will betray others who really love me. This they wovild do to secure their own safety, by revealing the names, habitations, or places of concealment of others.
"se haïront les uns les autres" (Matthieu 24 : 10 )
Not that real Christians would do this, biat those who had professed to be such would then show that they were not his true followers, and would hate one another. Luke adds that they should be betrayed by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends, Lu. xxi. 16. They would break over the most tender ties to surrender Christians to punishment. So great would be their hatred of Christianity, that it would overcome all the natural endearments of kindred and home. This, in the persecutions of Christians, has often occurred, and nothing shows more fully the deep and deadly hatred of the human heart to the gospel. Comp. Notes on ch. x. 21. 11.
"Plusieurs faux prophètes s'élèveront, et ils séduiront beaucoup de gens." (Matthieu 24 : 11 )
And many false prophets. Many men pretending to be prophets or foretellers of future events. This refers not to the false Messiahs of which he had spoken (ver. 5), but to prophets who should appear during the siege of the city. Of them Josephus says : "The tyrannical zealots who ruled the city suborned many false prophets to declare that aid would be given to the people from heaven. This was done to prevent them from attempting to desert, and to inspire confidence in God."— Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 5, § 2, 3.
"Et, parce que l'iniquité se sera accrue, la charité du plus grand nombre se refroidira." (Matthieu 24 : 12 )
The word iniquity here seems to include the cruelty of the Jews and Romans in their persecutions ; the betraying of Christians by those who professed to be such ; and the pernicious errors of false prophets and others. The effect of all this would be, that the ardour of feeling of many Christians would be lessened. The word wax means to become. It is an old Saxon word, not used now in this sense except in the Bible. The fear of death, and the deluding influence of false teachers, would lessen the zeal of many timid and weak professors ; perhaps, also, of many real but feeble Christians.
"Mais celui qui persévera jusqu'à la fin sera sauvé." (Matthieu 24 : 13 )
The word "end," here, has by some been thought to mean the destruction of Jerusalem, or the end of the Jewish economy, and the meaning has been supposed to be " he that perseveres in bearing these persecutions to the end of the wars shall be safe. God will protect his people from harm, so that not a hair of the head shall perish." Others, with more probability, have referred this to final salvation, and refer the "end" to the close of life." He that bears afflictions and persecutions faithfully—that constantly adheres to his religion, and does not shrink till death—shall be saved, or shall enter heaven." So Luke (xxi. 18 ) says, there shall not an hair of your head perish— that is, they would be saved. A n hair of the head, or the smallest part or portion, is a proverbial expression, denoting the certainty and completeness of their salvation. Luke (xxi. 19 ) farther adds, In your patience possess ye your souls— that is, keep your souls patient ; keep proper possession of patience as your own. It is a part of religion to teach it, and in these trying times let it not depart from you.
"Cette bonne nouvelle du royaume sera prêchée dans le monde entier" (Matthieu 24 : 14 ).
The evidence that this was done is to be chiefly derived from the New Testament, and there it is clear. Thus Paul declares that it was preached to every creature under heaven (Col. i. 6, 23 ) ; that the faith of the Romans was spoken of throughout the whole world (Ro. i. 8 ) ; that he preached in Arabia (Ga. i. 17 ), and at Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum (Ro. xv. 19 ). We know, also that he travelled through Asia Minor, Greece, and Crete; that he was in Italy, and probably in Spain and Gaul, Ro. xv. 24-28. At the same time, the other apostles were not idle ; and there is full proof that within thirty years after this prophecy was spoken, churches were established in all these regions.
"pour servir de témoignage à toutes les nations" (Matthieu 24 : 14 ).
This preaching the gospel indiscriminately to alt the Gentiles shall be a proof to them, or a witness, that the division between the Jews and Gentiles was about to be broken down. Hitherto the blessings of revelation had been confined to the Jews. They were the peculiar people of God. His messages had been sent to them only When, therefore, God sent the gospel to all other people, it was proof, or a witness unto them, that the peculiar Jewish economy was at an end.
"Alors viendra la fin" (Matthieu 24 : 14 )
The end of the Jewish economy ; the destruction of the temple and city.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Sam 6 Jan 2007 - 0:02
"C'est pourquoi, lorsque vous verrez l'abomination de la désolation" (Matthieu 24 : 15 ).
This is a Hebrew expression, meaning an abominable or hateful destroyer. The
Gentiles were all held in abomination by the Jews, Ac. x. 28. The abomination of desolation means the Roman army, and is so explained by Lu. xxi. 20. The Roman army is farther called the abomination on account of the images of the emperor, and the eagles, carried in front of the legions, and regarded by the Romans with divine honours.
"dont a parlé le prophète Daniel" (Matthieu 24 : 15 )
Da. ix. 26, 27; xi. 31; xii. 11. See Notes on those passages.
"établie en lieu saint - que celui qui lit fasse attention !" (Matthieu 24 : 15 )
Mark says, standing where it ought not, meaning the same thing. All Jerusalem was esteemed holy, Mat. iv. 5. The meaning of this is, when you see the Roman armies standing in the holy city or encamped around the temple, or the Roman ensigns or standards in the temple. Josephus relates that when the city was taken, the Romans brought their idols into the temple, and placed them over the eastern gate, and sacrificed to them there, Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 6, § 1. Whoso readeth, &c. This seems to be a remark made by the evangelist to direct the attention of the reader particularly to the meaning of the prophecy by Daniel.
"alors, que ceux qui seront en Judée" (Matthieu 24 : 16 )
Then Christians may know that the end is come, and should seek a place of safety. Destruction would not only visit the city, but would extend to the surrounding part of Judea.
"fuient dans les montagnes" (Matthieu 24 : 16 )
The mountains of Palestine abound in caves, a safe retreat for those who are pursued. In all ages these caves have been the favourite places of robbers, and they were also resorted to by those in danger, 1 Sa. xiii. 6; xxii. 1; 2Sa. xxiii. 13; Jos. x. 16. In those mountains they would be safe.
"que celui qui sera sur le toît ne descende pas pour prendre ce qui est dans sa maison" (Matthieu 24 : 17 )
The roofs of the houses in Eastern countries were made flat, so that they were favourable places for walking and retirement. See Notes on Mat. ix. 1-8. The meaning here is, that he who should be on the house-top when this calamity came upon the city should flee without delay ; he should not even take time to secure any article of apparel from his house. So sudden would be the calamity, that by attempting to do this he would endanger his life.
"Et que celui qui sera dans les champs ne retourne pas arrière pour prendre son manteau." (Matthieu 24 : 18 )
His clothes which, in working, he had laid aside, or which, in fleeing, he should throw off as an encumbrance. Clothes here means the outer garment, commonly laid aside when men worked or ran. See Notes on Mat. v. 40.
These directions were followed. It is said that the Christians, warned by these predictions, fled from Jerusalem to Pella, and other places beyond the Jordan ; so that there is not evidence that a single Christian perished in Jerusalem.—Euseb. Hist. Eccl., lib. iii. ch. 6.
"Malheur aux femmes qui seront enceintes et à celles qui allaiteront en ces jours-là !" (Matthieu 24 : 19 )
"Priez..." (Matthieu 24 : 20 )
The destruction was certainly coming. It could not be prevented ; yet it was right to pray for a mitigation of the circumstances, that it might be as mild as possible. So we know that calamity is before us ; sickness, pain, bereavement, and death are in our path ; yet, though we know that these things must come upon us, it is right to pray that they may come in as mild a manner as may be consistent with the will of God. We must die, but it is right to pray that the pains of our dying may be neither long nor severe.
"pour que votre fuite n'arrive pas en hiver" (Matthieu 24 : 20 )
On account of the cold, storms, &c. To be turned then from home, and compelled to take up an abode in caverns, would be a double calamity.
"ni un jour de sabbat" (Matthieu 24 : 20 )
Long journeys were prohibited by the law on the Sabbath, Ex. xvi. 29. The law of Moses did not mention the distance to which persons might go on the Sabbath, but most of the Jews maintained that it should not be more than 2000 cubits. Some supposed that it was 7 furlongs, or nearly a mile. This distance was allowed in order that they might go to their places of worship. Most of them held that it was not lawful to go farther, under any circumstances of war or affliction. Jesus teaches his disciples to pray that their flight might not be on the Sabbath, because, if they should not go farther than a Sabbath-day's journey, they would not be beyond the reach of danger, and if they did, they would be exposed to the charge of violating the law. It should be added that it was almost impracticable to travel in Judea on that day, as the gates of the cities were usually closed, No. xiii. 19-22.
"Car, alors la détresse sera si grande qu'il n'y en a point eu de pareille depuis le commencement du monde." (Matthieu 24 : 21 )
The word tribulation means calamity or suffering: Luke (xxi. 24 ) has specified, in what this tribulation would consist : "They shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles shall be fulfilled." That is, until the time allotted for the Gentiles to do it shall be fully accomplished, or as long as God is pleased to suffer them to do it.
The first thing mentioned by Luke is, that they should fall by the edge of the suord—that is, would be slain in war, as the sword was then principally used in war. This was most strikingly fulfilled. Josephus, in describing it, uses almost the very words of our Saviour. All the calamities, says he, which had befallen
any nation from the beginning of the world were but small in comparaison with those of the Jews (Jewish Wars, b. i. preface, § 4.
He has given the following account of one part of the massacre when the city was taken:'' And now, rushing into the city, they slew whomsoever they found, without distinction, and burned the houses and all the people who had fled into them; and when they entered for the sake of plunder, they found whole families of dead persons, and houses full of carcasses destroyed by famine, then they came out with their hands empty. And though they thus pitied the dead, they had not the same emotion for the living, but killed all they met, whereby they filled the lanes with dead bodies. The whole city ran with blood, insomuch that many things which were burning were extinguished by the blood."—Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 8, § 5; ch. 9, § 2, 3. He adds that in the siege of Jerusalem not fewer than eleven hundred thousand perished (Jeivith Wars, b. vi. ch. 9, § 3 )—a number almost half as great as are in the whole city of London. In the adjacent provinces no fewer than two hundred and fifty thousand are reckoned to have been slam ; making in all whose deaths were ascertained the almost incredible number of one million three hundred and fifty thousand who were put to death. These were not, indeed, all slain with the sword. Many were crucified. "Many hundreds," says Josephus (Jewish Wars, b. v. ch. 11, § 1 ), "were first whipped, then tormented with various kinds of tortures, and finally crucified ; the Roman soldiers nailing them (out of the wrath and hatred they bore to the Jews), one after one way and another after another, to crosses, by way of jest, until at length the multitude became so great that room was wanting for crosses, and crosses for the bodies." So terribly was their imprecation fulfilled—his blood be on us and on our children, Mat. xxvii. 25.
If it be asked how it was possible for so many people to be slain in a single city, it is to be remembered that the siege of Jerusalem commenced during the time of the Passover, when all the males of the Jews were required to be there, and when it is estimated that more than three millions were usually assembled. See Josephus, Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 9, §3,4.
A horrible instance of the distress of Jerusalem is related by Josephus. The famine during the siege became so great that they ate what the most sordid animals refused to touch. A woman of distinguished rank, haying been plundered by the soldiers, in hunger, rage, and despair, killed and roasted her own babe, and had eaten one half of it before the deed was discovered.—Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 3, § 3, 4. This cruel and dreadful act was also in fulfilment of prophecy, Be. xxviii. 53, 56, 57.
Another thing added by Luke (ch. xxi. 24 ), was, that they should be led away captive into all nations. Josephus informs us that the captives taken during the whole war amounted to ninety-seven thousan d. The tall and handsome young men Titus reserved for triumph ; of the rest, many were distributed through the Roman provinces to be destroyed by wild beasts in theatres ; many were sent to the works in Egypt; many, especially those under seventeen years of age, were sold for slaves.—Jewish Wars, b. vi. ch. 9, § 2, 3.
Sujet: Re: Les 6 signes de la Seconde Venue Sam 6 Jan 2007 - 0:11
"Et, si ces jours n'étaient abregés" (Matthieu 24 : 22 )
If the calamities of the siege should be lengthened out. If famine and war should be suffered to rage.
"personne ne serait sauvé mais à cause des élus, ces jours seront abrégés" (Matthieu 24 : 22 )
None of the nation would be preserved alive. All the inhabitants of Judea would perish. The war, famine, and pestilence would entirely destroy them. But for the elect's sale. The elect here doubtless means Christians. See 1 Pe. i. 2; Ro. i. 7; Ep. i. 4; 1 Th. i. 4. The word elect means to choose. It is given to Christians because they are chosen to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, 1 Pe. i. 2. It is probable that in Jerusalem and the adjacent parts of Judea there were many who were true followers of Christ. On their account— to preserve them alive, and to make them the instruments of spreading the gospel — Jesus said that those days should not be lengthened out so as to produce their destruction. It is related by Josephus (Jeirish Wars, b. i. ch. 12, § 1 ) that Titus at first resolved to reduce the city by famine. He therefore built a wall around it to keep any provisions from being carried in, and any of the people from going out. The Jews, however, drew up their army near the walls, engaged in battle, and the Romans pursued them, provoked by their attempts, and broke into the city. The affairs of Rome, also, at that time demanded the presence of Titus there; and, contrary to his original intention, he pressed the siege and took the city by storm, thus shortening the time that would have been occupied in reducing it by famine. This was for the benefit of the " elect." So the designs of wicked men, intended by them for the destruction of the people of God, are intended by God for the good of his chosen people. See Notes on Is. x. 7.
"Si quelqu'un vous dit alors : Le Christ est ici, ou : Il est là." (Matthieu 24 : 23 )
The Jews expected the Messiah to deliver them from Roman oppression. In the time of these great calamities they would anxiously look for him. Many would claim to be the Messiah. Many would follow those who set up that claim. Many would rejoice to believe that he was come, and would call on others, Christians with the rest, to follow them.
"ne le croyez pas" (Matthieu 24 : 23 )
You have evidence that the Messiah has come, and you are not to be deceived by the plausible pretensions of others.
"Car il s'élèvera de faux christs" (Matthieu 24 : 24 )
Persona claiming to be the Messiah.
"et de faux prophètes" (Matthieu 24 : 24 )
Persons claiming to be the prophet spoken of by Moses (De. xviii. 15 ) ; or persons pretending to declare the way of deliverance from the Romans, and calling the people to follow them. See ver. 5.
"ils feront de grands prodiges et des miracles" (Matthieu 24 : 24 )
That is, shall pretend to work miracles. They will so nearly resemble prophets in their miraculous power as to render it difficult to detect the imposture. Josephus represents the false Christs and prophets that appeared as magicians and sorcerers. He says they led the people out into the deserts, and promised to work miracles to deliver them, Antiq. b. xx. ch. 8, §6.
"au point de séduire s'il était possible, même les élus" (Matthieu 24 : 24 )
If it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. So nearly would their pretended miracles resemble true miracles as to render it difficult to detect the imposture ; so much so, that if it wore possible they would persuade even true Christians that they were the Messiah. But that was not possible. His real friends would be too firmly established in the belief that he was the Christ to be wholly led away by others. Christians may be sometimes led far astray ; they may be in doubt about some great doctrines of religion; they may be perplexed by the cavils and cunning craftiness of those who do not love the truth, but they cannot be wholly deceived and seduced from the Saviour. Our Saviour says that if this were possible, it would be done then; but it was not possible. Comp. K"otes on Jn. x. 28, 29. 25.
"Voici, je vous l'ai annoncé d'avance." (Matthieu 24 : 25 )
Mark adds (ch. xiii. 23 ), take ye heed. The reason why he told them before was that they might be on their guard, and be prepared for those calamities.
"Si on donc vous dit : "Voici, il est dans le désert" (Matthieu 24 : 26 )
The Jews had formed the expectation that the Messiah would appear suddenly from some unexpected quarter; hence many would be looking to desert places, expecting that he would come from them. Accordingly, most of the impostors and pretended prophets led their people into the deserts.
"n'y allez pas" (Matthieu 24 : 26 )
Do not follow them ; they will only deceive you.
"voici, il est dans les chambres, ne le croyez pas." (Matthieu 24 : 26 )
Concealed in some house, or some retired part of the city. Many would, doubtless, pretend that the Messiah was concealed there, and, either for the purpose of encouraging or deceiving the people, would pretend that they had discovered him.
"Car, comme l'éclair part de l'orient et se montre jusqu'en occident" (Matthieu 24 : 27 )
This is not designed to denote the quarter from which he would come, but the manner. He does not mean to affirm that the Son of man will come from the east, but that he will come in a rapid and unexpected manner, like the lightning. Many would be looking for him in the desert, many in secret places ; but he said it would be useless to be looking in that manner ; it was useless to look to any particular part of the heavens to know where the lightning would next flash. In a moment it would blaze in an unexpected part of the heavens, and shine at once to the other part. So rapidly, so unexpectedly, in so unlooked-for a quarter, would be his coming. See Lu. x. 18 ; Zee. ix. 14.
"ainsi sera l'avènement du Fils de l'homme" (Matthieu 24 : 27 )
It has been doubted whether this refers to the destruction of Jerusalem, or to the coming at the day of judgment. For the solution of this doubt let it be remarked — 1st. That those two events are the principal scenes in which our Lord said he would come, either in person or in judgment. 2d. That the destruction of Jerusalem is described as his coming, his act. 3d. That these events—the judgment of Jerusalem and the final judgment—in many respects greatly resemble each other. 4th. That they will hear, therefore, to be described in the same language ; and, 5th, therefore, that the same words often include both events, as properly described by them. The words had, doubtless, a primary reference to the destruction of Jerusalem, but they had, at the same time, such an amplitude of meaning as also to express his coming to judgment. See Introduction to Isaiah, § 7, (3).
"En quelque lieu que soit le cadavre, là s'assembleront les aigles." (Matthieu 24 : 28 )
The words this verse are proverbial. Vultures and eagles easily ascertain where dead bodies are, and hasten to devour them. So with the Roman army. Jerusalem is like a dead and putrid corpse. Its life is gone, and it is ready to be devoured. The Roman armies will find it out, as the vultures do a dead carcass, and will come around it to devour it. This proverb also teaches a universal truth. Wherever wicked men are, there will be assemblod the instruments of their chastisement. The providence of God will direct them there, as the eagles are directed to a dead carcass. This verse is connected with the preceding by the word "for," implying that this is a reason for what is said there—that the Son of man would certainly come to destroy the city, and that' he would come suddenly. The meaning is that he would come, by means of the Roman armies, as certainly, as suddenly, and as unexpectedly as whole flocks of vultures and eagles, though unseen before, see their prey at a great distance and suddenly gather in multitudes around it. Travellers in the deserts of Arabia tell us that they sometimes witness a speck in the distant sky which for a long time is scarcely visible. At length it grows larger, it comes nearer, and they at last find that it is a vulture.that has from an immense distance seen a carcass lying on the sand. So keen is their vision as aptly to represent the Roman armies, though at an immense distance, spying, as it were, Jerusalem, a putrid carcass, and hastening in multitudes to destroy it.
"Aussitôt après ces jours de détresse" (Matthieu 24 : 29 )
That is, immediately after these tribulations, events will occur that may be properly represented by the darkening of the sun and moon, and by the stars falling from heaven. The word rendered immediately—tuUla ; —means, properly, straightway, forthwith, Mat. viii. 3; xiii. 5; Mar. i. 81; Ac. xii. 10; then shortly, 3 Jn. 14. This is the meaning here. Such events would shorfli/ or soon occur. In the fulfilment of the predictions they would be the next in order, and would occur hefore long. The term here requires us to admit that, in order to the fulfilment of the prophecy, it can be shown, or it actually happened, that things did soon occur "after the tribulation of those days" which would be properly represented or described by the images which the Saviour employs. It is not necessary to show that there could not have been a more remote reference to events lying far in the future, in which there would be a more complete fulfilment or filling up of the meaning of the words (comp. Notes on Mat. i. 22, 23 ) ; but it is necessary that there should have been events which would be properl)/ expressed by the language which the Saviour uses, or which would have been in some proper sense fulfilled, even if there had not been reference to more remote events. It will be seen in the exposition that this was actually the case, and that therefore there was a propriety in saying that these events would occur immediately—that is, soon, or tlce next in order. Comp. Notes on Re. i. 1.
"le soleil s'obcurcira, la lune ne donnera plus sa lumière, et les étoiles tomberont du ciel, et les puissances des cieux seront ébranlés." (Matthieu 24 : 29 )
The images here used are not to be taken literally. They are often employed by the sacred writers to denote any great calamities. As the darkening of the sun and moon, and the falling of the stars, would be an inexpressible calamity, so any great catastrophe— any overturning of kingdoms or cities, or dethroning of kings and princes—is represented by the darkening of the sun and moon, and by some terrible convulsion in the elements. Thus the destruction of Babylon is foretold in similar terms (Is. xiii. 10), and of Tyre (Is. xxiv. 23 ). The slaughter in Bozrah and Idumea is predicted in the same language, Is. xxxiv. 4. See also Is. 1. 3 ; lx. 19, 20 ; Eze. xxxii. 7 ; Joel iii. 15. To the description in Matthew, Luke has added (ch. xxi. 25, 26 ), "And upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity ; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth." All these are figures of groat and terrible calamities. The roaring of the waves of the sea denotes great tumult and affliction among the people. Perplexity means doubt, anxiety ; not knowing what to do escape. Men's hearts should fail them for fear, or by reason of fear. Their fears would be so great as to take away their courage and strength.
» L'APOSTASIE GENERALE AVANT LA SECONDE VENUE DE NOTRE SEIGNEUR JESUS

References: § 5
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