Dr Paul Allen

The Olivet Discourse (Mark 13; Matt 24; Luke 21) has puzzled interpreters for centuries. Is Jesus predicting the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, his future return, or both? To examine this complex passage, we examine its structure, exegetical issues, and interpretive options, such as futurist (dispensationalist), preterist, and telescoping views. The Olivet Discourse describes Jesus predicting the temple’s destruction and subsequent eschatological events, sparking questions about their interpretation and timing. It raises queries about whether Jesus refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, his future return, the destruction of a yet-to-be-built temple, or a combination of these elements. The dilemma of “this generation.” One of the most challenging issues is Jesus’s statement that “this generation” will not pass away (13:30). Each interpretative camp must wrestle with what “generation” refers to and what it means for it not to pass away until “all these things take place” (E...

Romans carry spoils from the Temple in Jerusalem, including a Menorah, sacred trumpets and the showbread table. Thereby pointing to the prohecy of Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark 13 -it contains Jesus' predictions of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem and disaster for Judea, as well as his eschatological discourse. The picture directly above and below show the Arch of Titus with the imagery of stolen vessels from Jerusalem.  After his teachings in the previous chapter, all set in the Temple courts, Jesus finishes his teaching in the Temple for the day and leaves. On his way out of the Temple, an unnamed disciple remarks how extensive the Temple (Herod's Temple) is. The buildings might have reached up to 150 feet (45.72 m) in height and they were adorned with gold, silver, and other precious items. In Mark, the scale of the Temple is emphasized in Luke's gospel, the beauty of the stonework is highlighted. "Do you see all these great buildings?...