Matthew 24 Thesis Statement

Transition in Matthew 24 from A.D. 70 to the Parousia

Introduction
Thesis Statement
Is there evidence of a transition in Matthew 24 from events describing the fall of Jerusalem in the first century to a description of Christ’s parousia at the end of time as we know it? This paper will argue that there is evidence for a transition in the response of Jesus to the questions of his disciples, specifically at verse 36. While certainly not dealing with all the issues of difficulties of Matthew 24, this paper will first look at the issues surrounding the question of a transition and provide evidence primarily from Matthew 24 but also from other parts of the NT that belief in a transition is exegetically reasonable, though there are some difficult
70 but also that the resurrection, judgment, and 2nd coming were completely fulfilled. Such an extreme position has been called hyper-preterism or pantelism by its critics.5
Modern postmillennial interpretation, the theological background of this author, has varied on its view of Matthew 24. Some such as Gary DeMar6 also believe that Matthew 24-25 was fulfilled entirely into A.D. 70. Others such as Ken Gentry7 believe that there is a transition in Matthew 24 from events fulfilled in A.D. 70 to events that will be fulfilled in the future at the return of Christ. A very similar understanding of Matthew 24 is presented by France in his recent commentary.8
The Evidence for a Transition
Both France and Gentry argue in a similar way for a transition from A.D. 70 to the return of Christ at the end of time at verse 36.9 A summary of France’s arguments are as follows:
1. The use of the words peri de. Also found in 22:31 to mark a change in subject (936).
2. “That day and hour” – here is the first singular ‘day’ or ‘hour’ in contrast to ‘those days’ found in vv. 19, 22, 29. Day – 24:42; hour – 24:44, and both ‘day’ and ‘hour’ in 24:50; 25:13.
Vv. 4-35 have used the participle erchomenos found also in the vision of Dan. 7:13-14. Parousia was used in this section (v. 27) but only in contrast. Now in the following verses parousia is used in vv. 37 and 39. “Since this was the term used in the second part of the disciples’ question, it is clear that the second issue is now being addressed.” (937)
5. In vv. 4-35 there are repeated uses of the temporal connections – ‘then,’ ‘in those days,’ ‘immediately after,’ ‘it is near.’ No temporal connection is used at the beginning of this new section. (938)
6. There are a number of references to the long time before the parousia takes place – 24:48; 25:5, 19. “But alongside the recognition of delay is the warning of imminence: an unknown time may be near as well as distant. To reckon on an assumption of delay and so to postpone readiness is to court disaster. It is how God’s people are living now that will be the key to their fate at the end. This message is as relevant to readers two millennia on as it was to Matthew’s readers a generation or two after Jesus spoke these words. Delay and imminence are not in conflict: they are the two sides of the same coin, which is a time which no one knows or can know.”