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Explanation for:
Matthew
24
:
29
And immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun shall be darkened and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shall be moved:
11
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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":"He then describes astonishing wonders. What sort of wonders is He addressing? \\"Immediately after the tribulation of those days,\\" He states, \\"the sun will be darkened.\\" What tribulation is He referring to? The tribulation associated with the days of the Antichrist and the false prophets. Indeed, the suffering during that time will be significant, with numerous deceivers arising. However, this period will be brief. Just as the Jewish conflict was shortened for the sake of the elect, this trial will be abbreviated even more for their benefit. For this reason, Christ did not simply say, \\"After the tribulation,\\" but rather, \\"suddenly, after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened,\\" indicating that these events will unfold almost at once. False prophets and false Christs will emerge and create turmoil, and immediately, Christ Himself will return. During that time, great disorder will engulf the cosmos. How will His coming be? In such a manner that all creation will be transformed. \\"The sun shall be darkened,\\" not destroyed but overshadowed by the brilliance of His arrival; \\"and the stars shall fall from heaven,\\" for what purpose will they serve in the absence of night? \\"And the powers of the heavens shall be shaken,\\" and rightly so, given the magnitude of the change. If they were filled with fear and wonder when the stars were created—\\"When the stars were made,\\" the Lord says, \\"all my angels joyfully praised me with a loud voice\\" (Job 38:7)—how could they not be even more terrified and shaken when they witness all things being transformed, their fellow servants being judged, the entire universe facing a profound reckoning, and all who have lived from Adam until the coming of Christ being required to account for their deeds?"},{"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 sun and the moon will lose their brightness, and the stars will no longer shine, while the celestial powers will remain motionless due to the reduction of light. It is also said that the sun’s brightness will surpass that of seven days. However, in comparison to the authentic Light, all creation will appear shadowy and dark. If this sun, which currently illuminates our world, as well as the moon, which follows it in glory, and the stars that illuminate the night sky—if all these celestial entities, which can be seen as a host of angels, are veiled in darkness at Christ’s return, then surely the self-assurance of those who deem themselves righteous and remain untroubled by the prospect of the coming Judgment will be profoundly shaken."},{"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 sun will lose its brightness, and the moon will cease to shine. This may occur due to the unjust sufferings endured by the faithful, the greater sins of the wicked, or to reveal God's judgment in the final days, while the unrighteous remain on earth—offering a glimpse of hell's darkness. No matter the cause, the night stands validly between the two days, as a new dawn must arise—the day of resurrection. It is essential to distinguish between these periods, so that the characteristics of this age and the age to come do not blend. Our physical bodies face death, but we shall be raised with a spiritual body (see 1 Cor. 15:44). Thus, the day of darkness symbolizes a form of death, signifying the arrival of something renewed. It could also be interpreted that night represents evil, whereas day signifies righteousness."},{"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":"Matthew provides a more explicit account of these signs, stating, \\"The sun will fade, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven\\" (Matthew 24:29). This indicates that many will turn away from the worship of God, and the illuminating faith will be obscured by the shadow of disbelief. For me, the celestial sun symbolizes the divine light, which fluctuates based on the strength of my faith; it either diminishes or intensifies, as noted in Malachi 4:2. Just as the physical sun appears less bright or more radiant depending on the observer, the spiritual light is experienced in accordance with a person’s faith. The moon, at times, is blocked from the sun by the earth, diminishing its glow; similarly, the holy Church becomes unable to receive the full brilliance of Christ's divine light when human vices come between it and the heavenly Light. For a consideration of the moon as a representation of the Church, see: ekat. 4:7, 32; sacr. 6:25. In periods of persecution, the allure of earthly existence obscures the divine illumination. The prophecy continues, \\"The stars shall fall\\" (Matt. 24:29). The stars that shine with the glory of the resurrection embody those who, as beacons in this world, carry the word of life (Phil. 2:15-16); they represent the lineage of Abraham, which was foretold to shine “like the heavens and the stars” (Gen. 15:5; Dan. 12:3). As persecution intensifies, the patriarchs may vanish from among the people, and the prophets may falter. This is an inevitability, continuing until the complete embodiment of virtue in every member of the Church reaches perfection, allowing the steadfast to be affirmed and the faint-hearted to be revealed. The overwhelming burdens of suffering and the awareness of numerous transgressions, along with the fear of impending judgment, will deplete the refreshing waters of the holy wellspring within us. Unbelief leads to desiccation, while faith brings rejuvenation."},{"author-name":"Cyrill of Alexandria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88a8ea5c988a4fc073480_Cyrill%20of%20Alexandria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"How could they remain undisturbed? When the heavens and the earth are transformed through the will of the Almighty—which is a mystery beyond complete comprehension—the sun shall be obscured, the moon will not give its light, and the stars will drop like petals, as the Creator reshapes their very essence according to His purpose, leading to a disruption of the natural order. In the renewal of humanity, all of creation, designed for the benefit of humankind, shall also be revitalized and remade."},{"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":"Luke also stated that there will be indicators in the sun, moon, and stars. He referred to 'Abije,' suggesting that His previous declarations and the forthcoming events would unfold almost at the same time. For the sake of His chosen ones, God will lessen this trial. The tribulation referred to here arises from the Antichrist and his deceivers, targeting the righteous. The sun will be obscured, not through destruction, but because the brilliance of Christ's arrival will overshadow it. The moon will cease to shine, and the stars will fall, as their light will no longer be necessary in a time without night. Luke wrote that on earth, chaos will ensue as people react to the roar of the sea and the agitation of its waves, filled with fear and anticipation for what is approaching the cosmos. Confusion is described as a tightness, stemming from distress, because even in the absence of wind, the sea and its surging waves will create noise, indicative of death. The celestial powers will be shaken, and the heavenly hosts will be astonished, witnessing the transformation of all creation, with God coming down to earth, and all humanity from ages past being resurrected, accountable for their lives."},{"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":"Following the arrival of the Antichrist, whose authority will soon be put to an end, this is indicated by the term ‘suddenly,’ ‘the sun shall be darkened,’ meaning it will lose its brilliance when compared to the unparalleled light of Christ's return; similarly, the moon and the stars will also fade. Indeed, what is the purpose of physical lights when there will be no darkness, for the Sun of righteousness will shine forth? Furthermore, ‘the powers of the heavens shall be shaken,’ which signifies awe and trembling, as they witness the transformation of creation and the accountability of all humanity, from Adam to the present day, who have lived their lives."},{"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":"AND SUDDENLY, AFTER THE TRIBULATION OF THOSE DAYS. “What tribulation of those days is He referring to?” - asks St. Chrysostom, who then answers: - about the troubles during the reign of the Antichrist and the false prophets. For the tribulation will be immense then, with many deceiving others. Yet, it will not persist for long; if the Jewish conflict was shortened for the chosen, how much more will this trial be abbreviated for them. This is why Christ did not simply say after the tribulation, but rather suddenly, after the tribulation, indicating that everything will unfold almost instantaneously. The arrival of false prophets and false Christs will create a commotion, and in an instant, Christ Himself will return. How will His coming be? In such a manner that all of creation will undergo transformation. Distressing signs will appear in the heavens and on the earth: THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED, not eradicated, but eclipsed by the brilliance of Christ's return, similar to how a candle is overshadowed by the light of the sun; AND THE MOON WILL NOT SHED ITS LIGHT for the same cause, AND THE STARS WILL FALL FROM THE HEAVENS, rendered invisible, for night will no longer exist; everything will be removed from its order and boundaries, AND THE POWERS OF HEAVEN (the angels of God) WILL TREMBLE at such a significant alteration. “It will be like the moments before a storm on earth: despair, confusion, fear, and trembling will prevail everywhere. The sea will roar and be disturbed. The dread of impending disasters will surpass the disasters themselves. All of creation will be in the throes of birth pains,” - as stated by St. Chrysostom."},{"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":"If the earlier statements are meant exclusively to pertain to the destruction of Jerusalem, while the verses that follow refer to the Second Coming, then the term suddenly should be understood in the context of ancient prophetic language, where entire epochs may be encompassed. Conversely, if the preceding context is interpreted as relating to the Second Coming, the phrase “suddenly after the tribulation of those days,” referring to the days characterized by Antichrist and false prophets, indicates that this period will be brief: \\"For if the Jewish conflict was shortened for the elect, how much more will this trial also be shortened for them.\\" Thus, Christ did not say simply after the tribulation, but \\"suddenly\\" after the tribulation of those days, for all these events will unfold almost instantaneously (Chrysostom).\\n\\nStatements like \\"The sun shall be darkened\\" reflect the language of the ancient prophets, which often symbolize the downfall of nations and cities, the overthrow of rulers, and significant political upheaval. The foretold destruction of Babylon (Isaiah 13:10), Tyre (Isaiah 24:23), and the calamities of Bozrah and Edom (Isaiah 34:4; see also Isaiah 50:3, Isaiah 60:19-20, Ezekiel 32:7, Joel 3:5), are examples of such figurative expressions. In relation to the Second Coming, these phrases generally indicate a transformation in the natural order, signaling a reordering of the world consistent with the reign of Christ. \\n\\nWhen it states “The sun shall be darkened,” this does not imply its destruction but rather that it will be overshadowed by the brilliance of Christ’s arrival. Similarly, “And the stars shall fall from heaven” suggests their redundancy in the absence of night. Furthermore, “And the powers of heaven (the angels) shall be shaken,” which is entirely justifiable considering the profound transformation. If they were filled with awe and fear at the creation of the stars (Job 38:7), how can they not be even more awestruck and disturbed when they witness the complete transformation of all things, the testing of their fellow servants, and the universe facing a profound judgment where every person from Adam to the coming of Christ is called to account for their deeds (Chrysostom, cf. Theophilus and Sig.)?"},{"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":"And suddenly, following the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will no longer shine, and the stars will fall from the sky; the powers of the heavens will be disturbed. These words are to be understood as follows: after the tribulation of those days, specifically after the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem, though the precise timing remains unknown. Subsequently, the end of the world shall arrive, marked by extraordinary natural phenomena: the sun will be darkened, and the moon, which reflects its light, will cease to shine; the earth will tremble so violently that it will seem as though stars are falling from the heavens, and the entire expanse of the skies—the powers of the heavens—will be disturbed. \\n\\nIt is unclear from the Savior’s words whether this signifies the end of the entire cosmos or simply the earthly realm; thus, various interpretations may arise. However, the Savior Himself indicated that with the end of the world will come the Last Judgment upon humanity dwelling on earth. If the end of the world pertains only to the earth’s inhabitants, we must then consider it to be the culmination of life on earth rather than the total end of the universe. This would imply the conclusion of earthly existence or the planet's status as a dwelling place for life. Such matters are solely known to God. Yet, based on the Lord's teachings, it seems more likely that life's conclusion on earth is imminent, leading me to interpret from an earthly perspective the phenomena that will precede it. Therefore, amid the upheavals affecting the earth, its inhabitants will perceive it as if stars were plunging from the heavens.\\n\\nStars cannot literally fall to the earth, as in comparison to them, the earth is of trivial size. Furthermore, the Lord states that when these occurrences take place, one should lift up your heads (Luke 21:28) as you will witness the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30); from these words, we can deduce that the sky, representing the universe beyond the earth, along with the heavenly clouds, will continue to exist, fulfilling the Almighty Creator's will. \\n\\nWhat will then happen to the globe we inhabit? Will its orbit around the Sun be altered, drawing it in as if to be consumed by it? Will the Sun itself cool down to the point of losing its capacity to provide light and warmth? Or will there be some other shift within our planetary system? These questions remain unanswered, and their resolution was not necessary for conveying to the Apostles the signs relating to the end of the world. It was sufficient for them to understand that such phenomena would precede the revelation of the Kingdom of Heaven and the gift of eternal blissful life."},{"author-name":"Paul Matwejewski","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8969f5be0d592d5a10576_Paul%20Matwejewski.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The arrival of the Son of Man will occur unexpectedly, and due to its abruptness, it will be especially remarkable; just as lightning flashes from the east to the west, so too will the coming of the Son of Man. Wherever there is a lifeless body, there the vultures will be drawn. Prior to the establishment of Christ’s eternal Kingdom, all of creation will undergo extraordinary transformations: there will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars, and on the earth, there will be chaos in speech from the unseasonable, the roar of the sea, and distress, with men fainting from fear and anticipation of the looming disasters that will afflict the cosmos. However, in those days, following that time of hardship, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not shine, the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly powers will be shaken. - The sun will dim, not being destroyed, but overshadowed by the brilliance of Christ’s return; the stars will fall, for their presence will be unnecessary with the absence of night. - The heavenly authorities will tremble at such a momentous transformation."}]}
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