But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.
But the end of all things ...  But, it is alleged by the critics that Peter believed the Second Coming of Christ would happen simultaneously with the fall of Jerusalem; and it may be freely admitted that Peter might indeed have thought so.  It would have been very understandable if he had; for Jesus himself in giving answers to questions  (Matthew 24) discussed both events at the same time, perhaps intending his answers to be enigmatical. But what is really significant is that whereas Peter might indeed have supposed that the Second Coming would occur at the time of the fall of the Holy City, he never said so.  This verse we are studying does not say so, and none of the apostles ever said so.  Soon after the fall of Jerusalem, however, the whole church soon understood that the first event was a precursor and prophecy of the Second Advent, and that Jesus had so given his teaching as to make his meaning understandable in the light of future events.