End Time Events in Matthew 24 in chronological order

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  1. Destruction of the Temple in 70 CE

Premise:

Jesus prophesied the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple: “There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matthew 24:2, Mark 13:2, Luke 21:6).

Fulfillment:

  • Historical Evidence:
    • In 70 CE, Roman forces led by Titus destroyed the Temple during the siege of Jerusalem. Josephus documents the fire and the subsequent dismantling of the stones (The Jewish War, Book 6, Chapter 4).
  • Scriptural Connection:
    • Jesus’ prophecy specifically warned His disciples of this destruction, urging them to flee when they saw Jerusalem surrounded by armies (Luke 21:20).

Key Historical Detail: The literal fulfillment of “not one stone upon another” was due to the intense dismantling of the Temple ruins by the Romans. This devastation fulfilled Jesus’ prediction in all three Synoptic Gospels.

  1. Signs Preceding the Temple’s Destruction

Premise:

The disciples asked for the signs of the Temple’s destruction, Jesus’ coming, and the end of the age (Matthew 24:3, Mark 13:4, Luke 21:7).

Fulfillment:

  • False Messiahs and Prophets:
    • Jesus warned of false messiahs (Matthew 24:5, Mark 13:6, Luke 21:8). Historical figures such as Theudas (Josephus, Antiquities 20.97), the Egyptian prophet (Acts 21:38), and Simon bar Giora during the Jewish Revolt (The Jewish War, Book 4) exemplify these fulfillments.
  • Wars and Rumors of Wars:
    • The Roman Empire faced continuous conflicts, including the Jewish-Roman Wars (66–73 CE) and civil unrest during the Year of the Four Emperors (69 CE). These align with Jesus’ prediction of widespread turmoil (Matthew 24:6, Mark 13:7, Luke 21:9).
  1. Famines, Pestilences, and Earthquakes

Premise:

Jesus predicted, “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes in diverse places” (Matthew 24:7, Luke 21:11).

Fulfillment:

  • Famines:
    • The famine in Judea during Emperor Claudius’ reign (c. 46 CE) is recorded in Acts 11:28 and by Josephus.
  • Earthquakes:
    • The earthquake in Asia Minor (60 CE) devastated Laodicea, and the quake in Jerusalem during the Jewish War is noted by Josephus.
  • Pestilences:
    • Roman cities, including Jerusalem, experienced outbreaks of disease due to overcrowding and siege conditions (Josephus, The Jewish War, Book 5).

 

  1. Abomination of Desolation

Premise:

“When you see the abomination of desolation… standing in the holy place” (Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, Luke 21:20), it is a sign to flee.

Fulfillment:

  • Zealot Desecration of the Temple (66–68 CE):
    • Josephus details how the Zealots turned the Temple into a fortress, committed atrocities within its sacred precincts, and appointed unqualified high priests (The Jewish War, Book 4).
  • Roman Siege (70 CE):
    • Roman standards (idolatrous symbols) were brought into the Temple precincts, fulfilling the prophetic warning for those to flee.

Key Insight:
Luke’s phrasing (“when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies”) identifies the historical 1st century abomination as Zealot armies and what the abominations they did in the Temple. The Roman siege didn’t give anyone time to flee Jerusalem.

 

 

  1. Persecution of Disciples

Premise:

“They shall deliver you up to councils… and you shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake” (Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:9).

Fulfillment:

  • Jewish Authorities: Peter and John stood before the Sanhedrin (Acts 4:1-21); Stephen was martyred (Acts 7).
    • Roman Authorities: Paul testified before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Acts 24-26), ), fulfilling the prophecy of appearing before governors and kings.
    • Nero’s Persecution (64 CE): The Great Fire of Rome led to widespread Christian persecution under Nero, including the executions of Peter and Paul (Tacitus, Annals 15.44).
  1. Terrors and Great Signs from Heaven

Premise:

“There shall be terrors and great signs from heaven” (Luke 21:11).

Fulfillment:

  • Celestial Phenomena:
    • Josephus records a sword-shaped comet and a bright light in the Temple before its destruction (The Jewish War, Book 6, Chapter 5).
  • Eclipses:
    • A solar eclipse in 59 CE, visible in Judea, would have been interpreted by them as an ominous sign.
  1. Global Evangelization and Apostasy

Premise:

“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world” (Matthew 24:14).

Fulfillment:

  • First-Century Evangelization:
    • By the end of the 1st century, the gospel had spread across the Roman Empire, reaching as far as Spain and India (Romans 15:24, Colossians 1:23).
  • Apostasy and Betrayal:
    • Early Church writings describe divisions and betrayals within the Christian community, foreshadowing the greater apostasy predicted for the end times.
  1. The Final Seven Years

Premise:

Satan and his angels will appear on earth disguised as “Elohim,” claiming to bring peace while leading a rebellion against God.

Fulfillment:

  • Apostasy Through Deception: The “man of sin” will sit in the Temple, claiming divinity (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4). This involves the acceptance of Ancient Alien Theory and the removal of true worship (Daniel 9:27).
  • Moses and Elijah Return: These two witnesses will preach in Jerusalem and anoint the 144,000 Jewish evangelists (Revelation 11:3-12).
  1. Mid-Week Abomination

Premise:

At the midpoint of the seven years, the Antichrist reveals himself and sets up his image (Daniel 12:11).

Fulfillment:

  • Worship of the Image: Apostates will abandon Christianity, perform signs by satanic power, and deny Father and Son (1 John 2:18-22).
  • Tribulation: The faithful Church will face intense persecution, with many refusing the mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:7-10).
  1. The Sign of Christ’s Return

Premise:

“Immediately after the tribulation… the powers of the heavens shall be shaken” (Matthew 24:29-30).

Fulfillment:

  • Cosmic Disturbances: UFO-like phenomena will fall from the sky, and the sign of Christ will appear as a visible opening (Revelation 6:13). It will flash like lightning causing the earth to mourn
  • The Rapture: The Church will be gathered, with voice of an Archangel and sounding of the Trumpet, the dead in Christ rising first (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Revelation 14:14-16).
  • Christ sends His angels to gather the Elect who repented and now believe from anywhere they are scattered on the earth  (Daniel 12:1-2; Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28; Romans 11:26-29).

 

  1. Bowls of Wrath and Armageddon

Premise:

God pours out His wrath on the followers of the Beast (Revelation 16).

Fulfillment:

  • Judgment on the Beast’s Kingdom: Demonically inspired armies gather at Armageddon to fight Christ (Revelation 16:13-16).
  • Christ’s Victory: Christ and His armies will destroy the Beast and his followers, casting the Beast and False Prophet into Gehenna (Revelation 19:11-21).

Conclusion

The destruction of the Temple in 70 CE foreshadows future eschatological events, showing a pattern of apostasy, persecution, and divine judgment. As humanity increasingly embraces Ancient Alien Theory and other delusions, Satan’s ultimate deception will pave the way for the Antichrist. Christ’s return will bring salvation for His Church and judgment upon His enemies, fulfilling both prophecy and divine justice.

This dual-fulfillment demonstrates the enduring relevance of Jesus’ teachings and the keep on watch for we know not the hour our LORD will come.

For more detail:

https://endtimenews.net/end-times-timeline/

 

 

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