Glossary

 1. Preliminary signs of the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:4–14)

1. General non-signs (Matthew 24:4–8)

1. Pretenders

2. Political unrest and wars

3. Earthquakes

2. Specific signs affecting the apostles’ ministry (Matthew 24:9–14)

1. Jewish (cf. Mark 13:9) and Gentile persecution

2. Widespread deception

3. Decreasing love

4. Preaching to all nations as a witness

2. Later signs of the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:15–26)¹

1. The abomination of desolation (Matthew 24:15–19; Luke 21:20–21)

2. The great tribulation (Matthew 24:20–22; Luke 21:22)

3. False prophets and christs (Matthew 24:23–26)

3. Immediate signs of the destruction of the Temple (Matthew 24:27–31)

1. The parousia (Matthew 24:27)
2. Feasting vultures (Matthew 24:28)
3. Cosmic collapse (Matthew 24:29)
4. Heavenly sign (Matthew 24:30a)
5. Mourning tribes (Matthew 24:30b)
6. The coming (Matthew 24:30c)
7. The gathering of the elect (Matthew 24:31)

1.  The “later” signs do not fall into the neat groups shown here. Both the “ abomination of desolation” and “false prophets” signs occur during the “great tribulation” period. Our grouping is for analysis purposes only.