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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
14
And this gospel of the kingdom, shall be preached in the whole world, for a testimony to all nations, and then shall the consummation come.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"One compelling evidence of this is the widespread proclamation of the gospel across the entire world, despite considerable challenges: thus, you will rise above difficulties. In response to the disciples' concerns about how they would sustain themselves, He assured them, \\"You shall both live and teach everywhere.\\" Therefore, He stated, \\"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations; and then shall the end come\\" — not the end of the world, but that of Jerusalem. What Christ mentioned regarding this conclusion and the preaching of the gospel before Jerusalem's fall is echoed in Paul's words: \\"their voice went out into all the earth\\" (Rom. 10:18); and again, \\"the gospel which was proclaimed to all the creatures under heaven\\" (Col. 1:23). It is evident how quickly he moved from Jerusalem to Spain. If one person has laid claim to such a significant portion of the world, consider how much others have also accomplished. Furthermore, in another letter, Paul attests that the gospel \\"bears fruit and increases\\" (Col. 1:6) among all the creatures under heaven. But what does it imply to be \\"as a testimony to all nations\\"? Since the gospel was disseminated widely but not universally accepted, Christ implies that it serves as a \\"testimony\\" against those who do not believe — a means to rebuke and to judge. For believers will stand as a testimony against non-believers, condemning them. This explains why, despite the gospel's preaching, Jerusalem was devastated throughout the world, leaving the ungrateful without any pretext for justification. Indeed, what reason can humanity offer for remaining ungrateful when they see His mighty power evident throughout the universe? And regarding the universal preaching of the gospel, listen to Paul: \\"the gospel which was proclaimed to all the creatures under heaven\\" (Colossians 1:23). This signifies the remarkable authority of Christ that His message reached the farthest corners of the earth in a matter of decades. Thus, Christ states that the end of Jerusalem will follow. \\n\\nWhen the disciples felt troubled by His words, becoming weary and disheartened, He reassured them that despite numerous challenges, the gospel must be proclaimed across the universe, and \\"then shall the end come.\\" Can you comprehend the situation at that time and the array of conflicts? This was the initial struggle when serenity was especially needed. What was their condition then? There’s nothing preventing us from reiterating the same truths. The first battle arose from deceivers — \\"false Christs and false prophets shall come,\\" it is said. The second came from the Romans — \\"you shall hear of wars\\"; the third produced \\"famines\\"; the fourth involved \\"pestilences and earthquakes\\"; the fifth warned that \\"you shall be put to death\\"; the sixth proclaimed that \\"you shall be hated by all\\"; the seventh revealed that one another \\"shall be betrayed and hated\\" — indicating internal strife. Then came false Christs and false brethren; ultimately, \\"love shall grow cold,\\" which will lead to all manner of evils. Do you recognize the countless forms of conflict, many of them unprecedented? Yet, in the face of both these and even greater trials (including strife among relatives), the gospel triumphed across the universe: \\"the gospel shall be preached,\\" He pronounced, \\"the gospel\\" in all the world. Where, then, are those who challenge the sovereignty of nature and the cyclicality of time against the teachings of the Church? Do any of them recall a different Christ ever emerging, that a similar event might occur? Although they conjure other myths, claiming that, for instance, it seems as if a hundred thousand years have passed, they are unable to fabricate anything of the sort in this instance."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The message of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the entire world as a testament to all peoples, and then the culmination of all things will occur. The indication of the Lord's return is that the gospel will be shared universally, ensuring that no one can claim ignorance as a justification for their unworthiness. This prophecy is either already realized or will soon come to pass, as we observe the current state of affairs. In fact, it seems to me that there is no nation that remains unaware of the name of Christ. Even in the absence of a preacher, it is unlikely that any nation would lack an understanding of the faith due to the influence of neighboring communities."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"The culmination of the age and the figure of the Antichrist should be interpreted through the spiritual lens of Scripture, as various trials such as heresies, famines, and epidemics will precede these events. Ultimately, there will arise the desolating abomination in the sacred place—this represents the army of the Antichrist. The Antichrist's army comprises all heresies, particularly those that usurp the role of the Church and claim authority in the sacred space as though they embody the truth, despite being nothing more than the desolating abomination that drives many souls away from God. As the apostle has described: \\"He who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself as God\\" (2 Thess. 2:4). Consequently, the full weight of all kinds of heresies, which were previously mere whispers, will infiltrate the sacred space, bringing devastation to the Church of Christ. Given the freedom to act, these forces will take firm control of the churches. It is important to note that predictions of wars, famines, earthquakes, plagues, heresies, the absence of the Word, persecutions of Christians, and declining morality were already evident during the time spanning from Constantine to the reign of Theodosius."},{"author-name":"Ambrose of Milan","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88871ceef8c96e0998cd0_Ambrose%20of%20Milan.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Let the good news be shared and may this age come to its fulfillment! The message of salvation has already reached the entire world; the Goths and Armenians have embraced it, and the culmination of time is approaching. The spiritual individual ventures forth to proclaim the Gospel by walking the paths of wisdom, embodying all virtues, and offering prayer with both mind and spirit, thus overcoming the final death (cf. 1 Cor. 14:15; 15:26). Then, the conclusion will be realized, when Christ delivers the kingdom to God the Father (1 Cor. 15:24) and submits to Him who has conquered all, that God may be all in all (1 Cor. 15:28). The Gospel will be declared in every city, including the cities of Judah, for God reigns in Judah (Ps. 75:2). The cities of Judea are exalted (Psalm 68:36) as the foundations of virtue are established."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Through this, it was demonstrated that no peril could suppress the proclamation of the message, providing great solace to the messengers and fortifying their conviction that, with perseverance, nothing could impede them. Mark articulated this more explicitly, stating, \\"And in all the Gentiles it is fitting that the gospel should first be preached. For a testimony to all tongues..., for the reproof, for the condemnation of them that believe not, lest they should say in the day of judgement, We have not heard the preaching.\\" This is also referenced in the tenth chapter, where it is mentioned, \\"And then shall come the end,\\" signifying the conclusion of the temple and Jerusalem, as previously noted. He explains that after all these events unfold and the gospel is proclaimed throughout the entire world, utter devastation shall come upon the Jews. Indeed, prior to Jerusalem's destruction, the gospel had been communicated worldwide, as Paul affirmed: \\"Be still from the hope of the gospel which ye have heard preached to all the creatures under heaven.\\" If he traveled from Jerusalem to Spain, one can only imagine the extent to which the other apostles ventured. Thus, Jerusalem faced ruin after the gospel had been disseminated universally, leaving the Jews without a semblance of defense, especially as the potency of the preaching spread rapidly across the globe, illuminating every corner while they remained entrenched in disbelief and obstinacy."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Fear not, for you shall encounter no obstacles in your mission to proclaim! The good news will be shared among all peoples “for a testimony,” serving as a reproof and an indictment against those who choose disbelief, “and then the end will come,” referring not to the world, but to Jerusalem. Prior to the fall of Jerusalem, the Gospel had already been disseminated far and wide, as the Apostle Paul articulates: “The Gospel was proclaimed to every creature under heaven” (Col. 1:23). It is evident that this pertains to the conclusion of Jerusalem from the subsequent statements of the Lord."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"As the Lord has commanded, regardless of how many may oppose you, the mission of God remains unstoppable and unimpeded until the destiny of Jerusalem and the inhabitants of Judah is determined. The gospel of the kingdom of God, which is the good news of Christ's reign, will have the opportunity to be proclaimed to every nation: \\"AND THIS Gospel of the Kingdom of God shall be preached throughout the whole universe, throughout the whole earth, as a witness to all nations,\\" so that they too may be called to salvation, with the barrier between them and the chosen people dismantled, and the gates of the Kingdom of God flung open to everyone. “Who could confirm such a fulfillment in forty years? Yet, this promise was accurately foretold and realized. The faithful remnant, existing in the wilderness amid peril, is nurtured by God’s providence and is flourishing, demonstrating to both Gentiles and Jews that it has been entrusted with a spiritual kingdom that encompasses the entire world. The Church expands with remarkable speed among the most primitive and uncivilized nations; the testimony of the apostles is visibly reaching the far corners of creation; the triumph of the gospel is even approaching the household of Caesar. The wisdom that flows from the mouths of the gospel messengers leaves no room for resistance when they bear witness before the authorities in the name of Jesus. After listening to Paul, the Roman governor nearly embraces Christianity; even the Pharisees, swayed by his words, shift from being accusers to defenders; and the entire Sanhedrin is struck dumb by the rebuttals of the fishermen, who charge them with the murder of the Messiah. For this reason, St. Chrysostom remarks, “After the gospel has been proclaimed to the whole world, Jerusalem faces its destruction, so that the ungrateful cannot offer even a pretense of defense. Those who have witnessed His mighty power, which was manifestly revealed and swiftly spread across creation, what excuse can they give for their ingratitude? To confirm that the gospel was preached universally, listen to what Paul states: ‘ye shall not fall away from the hope of the gospel... which is proclaimed to every creature under heaven’ (Colossians 1:23). You are aware of how quickly Paul journeyed from Jerusalem to Spain. If he alone covered such a vast portion of the world, consider how much others have accomplished. For Paul also asserts that the gospel ‘bears fruit and grows throughout the whole world’ (Colossians 1:6). This is the most significant testament to Christ's authority, that His message reached the farthest boundaries of the earth in just twenty to thirty years. And then, as Christ proclaims, ‘the END will come,’ not for the entire world, but specifically for Jerusalem."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The proclamation of the kingdom of God is the joyful announcement of the arrival of the Messiah’s reign and the establishment of Christ’s Church. This message extends beyond just the Roman Empire, often described in the Gospel (Luke 2:1) as the \\"whole universe,\\" to encompass the entire earth. It serves as a witness to every nation: the message of the Gospel, presented to all peoples, signifies that the divide separating them from the Jewish people has been removed. Until now, the Jews alone had experienced the gifts of divine revelation, receiving remarkable teachers of sacred truth, as they were the chosen nation; but now, God commissions messengers of the Gospel and salvation to reach all nations, affirming their inclusion in the call to salvation. The term \\"testimony\\" carries an additional implication: when the Gospel is proclaimed universally and some refuse to believe, it stands as a witness against them. Christ refers to this situation as \\"for a testimony\\" to those who have not believed, implying a basis for rebuke and judgement. The proclamation serves as a testimony, for those who have faith will bear witness against those who do not, thereby condemning them (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus). The phrase \\"and then shall the end come\\" pertains not to the end of the world, but rather to the fall of Jerusalem. Christ indicated that this end would occur after the Gospel had been preached prior to Jerusalem's destruction. As Paul stated, \\"their voice went through all the earth, and to the uttermost parts of the universe their words\\" (Rom. 10:18), and also remarked on \\"the gospel which was proclaimed to all the creatures under heaven\\" (Col. 1:23). You are aware of how Paul quickly advanced from Jerusalem to Spain. When one considers the vast distances he covered, it invites reflection on how much others have accomplished (Chrysostom)."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The conclusion of the age will arrive only after my teachings have been shared across the entire Earth, serving as a testament against those who, upon hearing, choose not to believe in me.\\n\\nIt is unjust to impose harsh penalties on individuals for failing to adhere to God's will if it has not been revealed to them. It is reasonable to assume that God's commandment, which is fundamentally love for God and for one’s neighbor, is imprinted in the hearts of humankind from the moment of their creation. Thus, it can be said that no one can genuinely claim ignorance of God's will. However, because people have turned away, neglecting this inner truth and becoming unresponsive to the divine inspiration of their conscience, it is necessary to bring God's will to their attention once more. Our Lord Jesus Christ came, in part, to remind and clarify this message not just to the Jews, but to all of humanity. Consequently, the ultimate judgment of mankind must inevitably be delayed until the Gospel of the Kingdom is declared to all nations as a witness (Matthew 24:14). Only at that point can judgment be rendered. Even then, the just Lord will assess individuals according to their level of accountability: The servant who was aware of his master’s will yet remained unprepared and did not act accordingly will face severe punishment; whereas the one who was unaware yet committed acts deserving of punishment will receive a lighter consequence. Moreover, from those who have been given much, much will be expected, and from those to whom much has been entrusted, more will be required (Luke 12:47-48)."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Through further illustrations of the impending catastrophic events, the Lord demonstrated the futility of daydreaming about the glorious establishment of the earthly kingdom, which even His closest disciples found appealing (Matt. 16:22; Matt. 20:21). How frequently did He declare that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to offer His life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:28)! How often did He remind His followers not to seek the worldly gains they anticipated, but to embrace the path of the cross and self-denial (Matt. 16:24, 25), which He Himself traversed as a model for them to emulate (John 12:26)! With the imminent separation in mind, He sought to remind His disciples of the truths they had often heard from Him, even during His initial mission (Matthew 10:17-22), and simultaneously to bolster their spirits amid the approaching tribulations with the assurance of divine aid. Take heed to yourselves: before these adversaries lay hands on you and deliver you to synagogues and prisons, you will face trials and beatings, and you will be led away before rulers and kings for my sake, for my name's sake. Yet this will serve as your testimony. When you are brought before them, do not premeditate what to say; it will not be you speaking, but the Holy Spirit will provide the words at that hour. I will grant you wisdom and a voice that your opponents will be unable to refute or contradict. Then many will stumble, betraying one another and harboring hatred, many false prophets will arise and mislead many, and due to the proliferation of iniquity, the love of many will grow cold. You will be betrayed by parents, siblings, relatives, and friends, who will turn against you unto death; a brother will betray his brother, a father his child, and children will rise up against their parents and cause their death. You will be despised by all nations because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be lost. In patience, you will secure your souls; he who perseveres to the end shall be saved. This gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world as a testament to all nations, and then the end will come. The persecution of those who preach Christ's teachings, the division between believers and non-believers, leading to the severing of the closest family bonds, the weakening of mutual love, and the rise of temptations from false prophets—these afflictions were the conditions from which a new realm, the Christian world, would emerge from the ashes of the old. The Lord’s words concerning the destruction of Jerusalem were fulfilled with exactness. Prior to Jerusalem's fall, four Roman emperors fell by the sword; civil unrest erupted through three wars, while external conflicts ravaged the Roman provinces. Rome suffered devastating fires, and vice proliferated, leading to a complete moral decline. During this period, Judea faced a severe famine (Acts 11:28), resulting in many deaths in Jerusalem, as documented by the Jewish historian Josephus Flavius. Under Emperor Claudius, famine struck Rome, Greece, and Palestine on four distinct occasions. Tacitus also notes the presence of deadly plagues during this era. Cities like Laodicea, Hierapolis, and Colossae were destroyed by earthquakes, as were Smyrna, Miletus, Chios, and Samos. According to Josephus, Palestine was inundated with deceivers and magicians, misleading the populace with alleged miraculous acts done by supposed divine power. Among these impostors were Dositheus the Samaritan, who claimed to be the Messiah, Simon the Magician, also a Samaritan, who called himself the son of God, Febla, Menander, and others. The Jews, in their rejection of Christ, eagerly anticipated a conquering Messiah and were quick to follow any charlatan who appeared. Josephus notes that even before Jerusalem was besieged, omens foreshadowing the city's destruction manifested: for an entire year, a star resembling a sword hovered over the city; before the war began, during the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the altar and the sanctuary glowed as brightly at night as during the day; the brass gates of the temple, which required the strength of twenty men to close and featured deep locks, opened of their own accord at night; and during the Feast of Pentecost, priests entering the temple to serve heard first noises and movements followed by voices commanding, \\"Let us depart from here!\\" (The Jewish War, 17:5). Before the city’s destruction, persecution against Christians commenced. Following the ascension of the Divine Master, His disciples began to spread the Gospel, provoking a backlash from both Jews and Gentiles, including rulers, authorities, governors, and kings. Ruthless oppressors imprisoned the apostles (Acts 4:3) and confined them (Acts 5:18; Acts 12:4), brought them to trial (Acts 4:7; Acts 5:27), beat them (Acts 5:40), and killed them (Acts 7:58; 12:2). Apostles including James the son of Zebedee, James the Lord's brother, Peter, and Paul became martyrs for their faith. Despite this, the Word of the Lord continued to spread (13:49), leading the Apostle Paul to affirm that during the time before Jerusalem's destruction, the Gospel was broadcast throughout the earth, and its message reached the farthest corners of the globe (Rom. 10:18), with it preached to every creature under heaven (Col. 1:23). The Gospel permeated the known world at that time. Many false prophets emerged, against whom the apostles admonished the faithful (1 John 4:1; Jude 1:4). All these signs that once heralded the fall of Jerusalem will reappear before the end of the world, as foretold by the Lord, who connected the distant future with the immediate crisis. When the lawless one makes his appearance, his coming will align with the workings of Satan, manifesting in all power, signs, and wonders of deceit, and through every form of unrighteousness directed at those who are perishing (2 Thess. 2:8-10). The successors of the holy apostles, the shepherds and teachers of Christ's Church, along with all faithful followers of the Lord, will endure severe persecution for the testimony of Jesus and for the Word of God (Rev. 20:4)."}]}
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