Understanding Eschatology: The End of the Jewish Age

 

Summary

In this session, we delve into the complex topic of eschatology, focusing on the interpretation of Jesus' words regarding the "end of the age." The central question is whether Jesus referred to the end of world history or specifically the end of the Jewish age. This distinction is crucial for understanding New Testament eschatology. We explore the translation differences between the King James and New King James versions of the Bible, particularly in Matthew 13, where the Greek words "cosmos" (world) and "aion" (age) are used. This linguistic nuance suggests that Jesus might have been speaking about the end of a specific epoch rather than the entire world.

We then turn to Luke's version of the Olivet Discourse, which provides additional details not found in Matthew or Mark. Jesus warns of the destruction of Jerusalem and advises His followers to flee, contrary to the common practice of seeking refuge in fortified cities. This prophecy was remarkably fulfilled during the Roman siege of Jerusalem, leading to the dispersion of the Jewish people. This dispersion is a significant historical event, as the Jewish identity was maintained despite the loss of their homeland, a phenomenon unparalleled in history.

The discussion then shifts to the "times of the Gentiles," a phrase used by Jesus and later by Paul in Romans 11. This term suggests a distinct period in history where Gentiles play a prominent role, separate from the Jewish age. The re-establishment of Israel in 1948 and the recovery of Jerusalem in 1967 have fueled eschatological speculation, as these events seem to align with biblical prophecies.

Finally, we examine various New Testament passages that emphasize the nearness of the "last days" and the coming of the Lord. These references suggest an imminent event in the first century, which I propose is not the final coming of Christ but rather His judgment on Israel. This interpretation aligns with historical events and provides a framework for understanding the eschatological timeline.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding "End of the Age": The phrase "end of the age" in the New Testament may not refer to the end of world history but rather the end of a specific epoch, such as the Jewish age. This distinction is crucial for interpreting eschatological texts accurately. [04:13]

2. Prophecy and Fulfillment: Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jews was remarkably fulfilled, demonstrating the reliability of biblical prophecy. This event underscores the importance of understanding historical context in eschatology. [07:47]

3. The Times of the Gentiles: The "times of the Gentiles" is a distinct period in history where Gentiles play a significant role, separate from the Jewish age. This concept is vital for understanding the eschatological timeline and God's plan for humanity. [10:44]

4. Historical Events and Eschatology: The re-establishment of Israel and the recovery of Jerusalem have sparked eschatological interest, as these events seem to align with biblical prophecies. They invite us to consider the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in history. [14:31]

5. Imminence in the New Testament: Numerous New Testament passages emphasize the nearness of the "last days," suggesting an imminent event in the first century. This perspective challenges us to discern between different types of comings of Christ, such as His judgment on Israel. [23:55]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:32] - Introduction to Eschatology
- [01:18] - Parable of the Tares
- [02:08] - Translation Differences
- [03:09] - Greek Words: Cosmos and Aion
- [04:13] - End of the Age: World or Jewish?
- [05:29] - Luke's Olivet Discourse
- [06:18] - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Destruction
- [07:47] - Days of Vengeance
- [10:04] - Times of the Gentiles
- [12:00] - Full Preterism Debate
- [13:13] - Fulfillment of Gentile Times
- [14:31] - Israel's Re-establishment
- [16:01] - Paul's Teaching in Romans 11
- [19:30] - Distinction of Gentile and Jewish Times
- [23:55] - Imminence in the New Testament

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 13:38-40
2. Luke 21:20-24
3. Romans 11:25-27

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Observation Questions:

1. In Matthew 13:38-40, what are the different elements of the parable of the tares, and how does Jesus interpret them? How do the translations differ between the King James and New King James versions? [01:18]

2. According to Luke 21:20-24, what specific instructions does Jesus give regarding the destruction of Jerusalem, and how does this differ from common practices of the time? [06:18]

3. In Romans 11:25-27, what does Paul mean by "the fullness of the Gentiles," and how does this relate to the future of Israel? [16:59]

4. How does the sermon describe the significance of the Jewish dispersion and their maintained identity over centuries? [09:29]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What implications does the distinction between "cosmos" and "aion" have for understanding Jesus' teachings on the "end of the age"? How does this affect our interpretation of eschatological texts? [03:09]

2. How does the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy about Jerusalem's destruction demonstrate the reliability of biblical prophecy? What does this suggest about the importance of historical context in eschatology? [07:47]

3. What is the significance of the "times of the Gentiles" in the eschatological timeline, and how does it relate to God's plan for humanity? [10:44]

4. How do the events of 1948 and 1967 align with biblical prophecies, and what eschatological interest do they spark? [14:31]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on the phrase "end of the age" and its implications for your understanding of eschatology. How does this perspective influence your view of current world events? [04:13]

2. Considering Jesus' prophecy about Jerusalem, how can you apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in times of crisis rather than relying on conventional wisdom? [06:48]

3. The sermon highlights the importance of maintaining identity despite dispersion. How can you preserve your Christian identity in a world that often challenges it? [09:29]

4. The "times of the Gentiles" suggests a distinct period in history. How do you see your role as a Gentile believer in God's redemptive plan? [10:44]

5. The re-establishment of Israel has sparked eschatological interest. How do you balance being informed about world events with maintaining a focus on spiritual growth? [14:31]

6. The sermon suggests that the "last days" were imminent in the first century. How does this perspective challenge your understanding of Christ's coming and judgment? [23:55]

7. Reflect on the historical events discussed in the sermon. How can you use this understanding to engage in meaningful conversations about faith and prophecy with others? [15:36]

Devotional

Day 1: Understanding the End of the Age
The phrase "end of the age" in the New Testament is often misunderstood as referring to the end of the world. However, a closer examination of the Greek words "cosmos" (world) and "aion" (age) suggests that Jesus might have been speaking about the end of a specific epoch, such as the Jewish age. This distinction is crucial for interpreting eschatological texts accurately. Understanding this can help us see the New Testament's eschatology in a new light, focusing on the transition from the Jewish age to the age of the Gentiles. [04:13]

Matthew 24:3 (ESV): "As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, 'Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?'"

Reflection: How does understanding the "end of the age" as a specific epoch rather than the end of the world change your perspective on biblical prophecy and its relevance to your life today?


Day 2: Prophecy and Fulfillment
Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the dispersion of the Jews was remarkably fulfilled, demonstrating the reliability of biblical prophecy. This event underscores the importance of understanding historical context in eschatology. The Roman siege of Jerusalem and the subsequent dispersion of the Jewish people were significant historical events that fulfilled Jesus' warnings. This fulfillment invites us to trust in the accuracy and reliability of biblical prophecies and to consider how they might inform our understanding of God's plan. [07:47]

Luke 21:20-22 (ESV): "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written."

Reflection: In what ways can you see the fulfillment of biblical prophecy in your own life or in the world around you, and how does this impact your faith in God's promises?


Day 3: The Times of the Gentiles
The "times of the Gentiles" is a distinct period in history where Gentiles play a significant role, separate from the Jewish age. This concept is vital for understanding the eschatological timeline and God's plan for humanity. The re-establishment of Israel in 1948 and the recovery of Jerusalem in 1967 have fueled eschatological speculation, as these events seem to align with biblical prophecies. This period invites us to consider the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in history and our role within it. [10:44]

Romans 11:25 (ESV): "Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in."

Reflection: How do you see the "times of the Gentiles" playing out in the world today, and what role do you believe you have in God's redemptive plan during this period?


Day 4: Historical Events and Eschatology
The re-establishment of Israel and the recovery of Jerusalem have sparked eschatological interest, as these events seem to align with biblical prophecies. They invite us to consider the unfolding of God's redemptive plan in history. These historical events are not just political or social milestones but are seen by many as significant markers in the eschatological timeline. Reflecting on these events can deepen our understanding of how God is at work in the world and how His promises are being fulfilled. [14:31]

Isaiah 66:8 (ESV): "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? Shall a nation be brought forth in one moment? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she brought forth her children."

Reflection: How do the historical events of Israel's re-establishment and Jerusalem's recovery influence your understanding of God's promises and His activity in the world today?


Day 5: Imminence in the New Testament
Numerous New Testament passages emphasize the nearness of the "last days," suggesting an imminent event in the first century. This perspective challenges us to discern between different types of comings of Christ, such as His judgment on Israel. Understanding the context of these passages can help us interpret them more accurately and apply their lessons to our lives. It encourages us to live with a sense of urgency and readiness, knowing that God's plans are unfolding in His perfect timing. [23:55]

1 Peter 4:7 (ESV): "The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a sense of urgency and readiness in your spiritual life, knowing that God's plans are unfolding in His perfect timing?

Quotes

"As we continue now with our study of the crisis in eschatology the point I want to look at in this session is this question: When Jesus spoke about His coming at the end of the age did He mean by that phrase the 'end of the age' the end of world history, or was He talking more specifically about the end of the Jewish age?" [00:00:06]

"Now, the reason I read from the New King James is that it reads differently from the original King James. And now if you'll follow with me for a moment I'll read from the original King James. In verse 38 we read, 'The field is the world' -- that's exactly the way the New King James renders it -- 'the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one.'" [00:01:40]

"In verse 38 the Greek word is the word 'cosmos,' which is the common word used to describe the world. We talk about cosmic events and so on. That's the Greek word cosmos. Then in verses 39 and 40 we have the Greek word 'aion,' which means 'age' or epoch, not world." [00:03:09]

"Now, when we look at Luke's version of the Olivet Discourse, which is found in the 21 chapter of his gospel, and I'll turn your attention to that now. We have some details in Luke's version of the Olivet Discourse that are not found in either Matthew's version in Matthew 24 or in Mark's version in Mark 13." [00:05:39]

"Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the midst of her depart. And let not those who are in the country enter her. Now, remember I mentioned that early on in this series that this was contrary advice to what was the universally accepted plan of survival in the case of a military assault or a siege." [00:06:32]

"One person said give me one argument for the truth of Christianity, and the answer was the Jews, that the Jewish people had maintained their identity, their ethnic origins without a homeland for 2,000 years, and they gather on a regular occasion and they'll say to each other, 'Next year in Jerusalem.'" [00:08:38]

"Now, here is the critical verse: 'And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.' Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. Now, here Jesus doesn't talk about the Jewish age or the Gentile age, He doesn't use that language." [00:10:06]

"Now, I said earlier that there are those who were called full preterists who believe that not only the elements of the Olivet Discourse were fulfilled in the first century, but all of the New Testament prophecies with respect to the future have already taken place, including the final coming of Christ, the great resurrection, the rapture, and all the rest." [00:11:44]

"Now, just as a matter of parenthesis at this point, let me remind you that what transpired in 1948 with the recreation of the Jewish state, the State of Israel, after almost 2,000 years, and perhaps even more significantly, the recovery of the city of Jerusalem from the control of the Gentiles in 1967, with the seven day war -- or the six day war, however many days it was -- in any case, those two events have triggered perhaps more eschatological speculation than any two events in the last 500 years, because of people who are looking for the restoration of the nation of Israel as a supreme sign of the end times." [00:14:01]

"Now, in any case the most important point here is that for the second time we see this phrase in the New Testament, 'the times of the Gentiles.' And if there's any doubt about what it is distinguished from in Luke, there is no doubt about it in Romans, that the times of the Gentiles is a timeframe that is distinguished from the times of the Jewish people." [00:19:22]

"Now, again, the temptation in every generation is to think that, because we all desperately want to see the final consummation of the kingdom of Christ, and every generation should be diligent and vigilant and have that hope burning in their breast. But for now I'm just trying to say that if the age of the Gentiles begins in -- when we know that the times of the Gentiles begin in AD 70 -- if that's the case would it not follow logically that the times of the Jews, or the Jewish age ended in AD 70? -- the end of the Jewish age, the beginning of the Gentile epoch, if you will." [00:21:05]

"Now, quickly, before our time is up, I want to give some references of other timeframe references that are not by any means exhaustive, but that refer to the nearness expectancy of the last days according to the writers of the Scriptures. In Matthew 10:12, 'You'll not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.'" [00:21:51]

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Transcript
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