Eric Douma

This is the last installment of our six-part series. The last reason why verses 36–44 refer to the immediate context of the coming in verses 30–31 is found in a helpful parallel passage in the gospel of Luke. The passage in Luke 17:22–37 parallels Matthew 24:23–41. Luke reads: (22) Then he said to the disciples, […]

The fourth reason why verses 36–44 refer to the immediate context of the coming in verses 30–31 is found in the use of the term parousia. The term is used only four times in the gospels and are all found in Matthew 24:3, 27, 37, 39. Hart argues the parousia mentioned in verses 37 and […]

The third reason why verses 36–44 refer to the immediate context of the coming in verses 30–31 is recognizing Jesus’ audience. Hart argues verses 4–35 are intended for a Jewish audience and verses 36–44 are for the church. However, both passages have the same audience of disciples. The second person plural “you” is found in […]

The second reason why verses 36–44 refer to the immediate context of the coming in verses 30–31 is found in the natural antecedent. Verse 36 reads, “But as for that day and hour no one knows it—not even the angels in heaven—except the Father alone” (Matt 24:36). The immediate and natural antecedent of “that” day […]

As mentioned in the first part, Hart views these two passages as incompatible because he construes verses 4­–35 teaching signs before Christ’s coming, while verses 36–44 teaching no signs before his coming. Therefore, he claims verses 36–44 must not be referring back to the coming in verses 30–31, instead must refer to a pretribulational rapture […]