The verses of Matthew 24 that we are now discussing can be placed next to Revelation 6, the sections run parallel to each other. Both are about disasters that will strike the people of Israel in the great tribulation. We find the same things, but described in a different way.
When we read about God’s judgments we must always keep in mind that this is a means for God and not an end. He uses judgments and judgments to achieve His purpose.
8 But all these things are the beginning of labor pains.
new life
These events are compared to labor pains. After all, these are disasters mark the end of the aeon and herald the birth of a whole new aeon. These horrors are compared to the labor pains that are necessary to bring about redemption and reveal new life. The great tribulation upon Israel is the beginning of these birth pangs, for afterward the day of vengeance (=justice) begins in which all nations will be subdued (Isa.61:1-2; Jer.46:10).
9 Then they will deliver you up to tribulation, and they will kill you; and you will be hated by all nations for my name’s sake.
This tribulation is called the great tribulation in the next section that specifically describes the time of tribulation for Israel (Matt. 24:21). In this tribulation many will perish because of the testimony and their faith in the word of God. This is described in the fifth seal.
Revelation 6
9 And when he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held.
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, Until when, O Lord, holy and true, do you not judge and avenge our blood on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was told them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be made full.
betray and hate each other
The time of the end of this aeon and the great tribulation will be a time of deception, uncertainty and lovelessness. So much so that they will betray and hate each other. Apparently this concerns fellow countrymen who betray each other, or even closer relationships, such as family.
10 And then many will be ensnared, and will betray one another, and will hate one another.
11 And many false prophets will arise, and they will lead many astray.
12 And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold.
the false prophet and man of lawlessness
It is noteworthy that in these verses, in the context of the end times, false prophets (>pseudo prophets) are spoken of and that lawlessness will be increased. Earlier, it was already spoken of those who falsely claim to be Christ (:5).
Two figures who will play a major role in the end times are the beast from the sea (Rev. 13:1) and the beast from the land (Rev. 13:11). Elsewhere they are called the false prophet (Rev. 19:20) and the man of lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:3,8).
These two “beasts” will drag the people of Israel into idolatry during the great tribulation (Rev. 13:4,8,12,14,15; 2 Thess. 2:4; Dan.11:36). This will be a terrible time for the people and especially for that part that is faithful to the Torah (>the law), because lawlessness will increase. And where people distance themselves from the word, love will cool.
13 But he who endures to the end will be saved.
endure
Most (Duthc) translations here have: who persists to the end, but the word that is used here has to do with undergoing or enduring and has a more passive meaning. One cannot endure these horrors in one’s own strength, but God gives those who trust in Him strength to be able to endure (1 Cor. 10:13).
end of the aeon
The end also concerns here: the end of the aeon (:3) and being saved means that one remains alive until the end of the aeon and enters the aeon to come. Elsewhere this is called aeonian (>eternal) life (Matt.25:46; Mark 10:30; Luke 18:30). Unbelievers, those who do not endure, will have no part in the aeon(s) to come (Matt.25:46; John 3:36).
14 And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed in all the world for a witness to all nations; and then will the end come.
this gospel
This gospel, is the good news from the previous verse, that whoever will endure to the end, will be saved. The coming aeon is the age in which Satan is bound for a thousand years (Rev.20:2-30) and in which the Kingdom is established over the whole world and the nations will no longer be deceived. This gospel will be proclaimed in the whole world. How and by whom? We will see that in a next blog.