Matthew 24:1-14 (The Beginning of the Birth Pains)

In this episode of Beneath the Word, we begin our verse-by-verse study of one of the most discussed passages in the Bible: Matthew 24. Jesus has just pronounced judgment on the Temple, and His disciples ask the questions that launch the Olivet Discourse: When will these things happen? and What will be the sign?

Approaching the text from an amillennial and partial preterist perspective, we examine Jesus' warnings about false messiahs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution, and the spread of the gospel. Were these signs pointing to the end of the world, or to the coming judgment upon Jerusalem in AD 70?

Along the way, we'll compare Matthew's account with Mark 13 and Luke 21, explore important historical background from the first century, and practice the hermeneutical principles we've been developing throughout this podcast.

Key Topics:

The destruction of the Temple and covenant judgment

Understanding the disciples' questions

False Christs and first-century deception

Wars, famines, earthquakes, and "birth pains"

Persecution in the early church

"The one who endures to the end will be saved"

The gospel proclaimed throughout the known world

Applying sound hermeneutics to Bible prophecy

Whether you're new to Matthew 24 or have studied it for years, this episode will help you slow down, examine the text carefully, and dig deeper beneath the Word.