Matthew 24 is a key passage in understanding end times events. In this chapter, Jesus gives an important prophecy about future events, including the tribulation period and His second coming. Some interpret this passage as teaching that believers will be gathered after the tribulation. However, a careful examination reveals this is not necessarily the case.
Setting the Context
To properly understand Matthew 24, we need to look at the context:
- Jesus had just left the temple after condemning the religious leaders (Matthew 23)
- His disciples pointed out the temple buildings to Him (Matthew 24:1)
- Jesus prophesied that the temple would be destroyed (Matthew 24:2)
- The disciples then asked Jesus three questions (Matthew 24:3):
- When will these things be? (the destruction of the temple)
- What will be the sign of Your coming?
- What will be the sign of the end of the age?
Jesus then gives an extended answer to these questions in Matthew 24-25. It’s important to note that He is primarily addressing His Jewish disciples about events related to Israel and the Jewish people.
The Olivet Discourse
Matthew 24:4-31 contains what is known as the Olivet Discourse – Jesus’ teaching about end times events given on the Mount of Olives. In this passage, Jesus outlines several key things that will happen:
- False messiahs will come (v. 5)
- There will be wars and rumors of wars (v. 6)
- Famines and earthquakes will increase (v. 7)
- Believers will face persecution (v. 9)
- The gospel will be preached to all nations (v. 14)
- The abomination of desolation will occur (v. 15)
- There will be great tribulation (v. 21)
- Cosmic disturbances will take place (v. 29)
- The Son of Man will appear in the sky (v. 30)
- Angels will gather the elect (v. 31)
At first glance, this sequence of events may seem to indicate that believers are gathered after the tribulation period. However, there are several important factors to consider.
Who Are “The Elect”?
A key question is the identity of “the elect” mentioned in Matthew 24:31. Some assume this refers to the church, but the context suggests it is more likely referring to the Jewish people:
- Jesus is speaking to His Jewish disciples
- The focus is on events happening in Judea (v. 16)
- He mentions the Sabbath (v. 20), which was significant for Jews
- The term “elect” is used in the Old Testament for Israel (Isaiah 45:4)
So the gathering of the elect in verse 31 may refer to God regathering the Jewish people at the end of the tribulation, not the rapture of the church.
The Rapture is Not Mentioned
Notably, the rapture is not explicitly mentioned anywhere in Matthew 24. Jesus does not use terminology associated with the rapture, such as:
- The church being “caught up” (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
- Believers receiving glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:51-52)
- Meeting the Lord in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:17)
Instead, the focus is on Christ’s visible return to earth in power and glory (Matthew 24:30). This aligns more with the second coming than with the rapture.
Differences from Rapture Passages
There are some key differences between Matthew 24 and clear rapture passages like 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:51-52:
- Matthew 24 mentions angels gathering people; rapture passages don’t mention angels
- In Matthew 24, people are gathered from the earth; in the rapture, believers meet Christ in the air
- Matthew 24 occurs after the tribulation; the rapture’s timing is not specified in rapture passages
These differences suggest Matthew 24 is describing a separate event from the rapture.
The Jewish Focus
Throughout Matthew 24, there is a clear Jewish focus:
- The setting is Jerusalem and Judea (v. 15-16)
- The Sabbath is mentioned (v. 20)
- The temple is central (v. 15)
- Old Testament prophecies are referenced (v. 15, 29)
This Jewish context fits better with events surrounding Christ’s second coming to establish His kingdom for Israel, rather than the rapture of the predominantly Gentile church.
Imminency of Christ’s Return
One of the key aspects of the rapture is its imminency – it could happen at any moment. However, in Matthew 24, Jesus gives specific signs that must occur before His coming. This suggests He is referring to His second coming, not the rapture.
Conclusion
While Matthew 24 describes end times events, including a gathering of people, the context and details indicate this is not referring to the rapture of the church. Rather, Jesus is outlining events related to His second coming and the regathering of Israel at the end of the tribulation period.
The rapture is better understood from passages like John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. These describe a sudden, imminent event where believers are caught up to meet Christ in the air.
Matthew 24 remains a crucial passage for understanding end times prophecy. But we must be careful not to read into it more than Jesus intended. When properly understood in its context, it harmonizes beautifully with other Scripture to give us a complete picture of God’s prophetic plan.
