The man of St Matthew

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

What Sign? Mt 24,3-14

In verse 3, we have noted how the discourse is set up. See 5,1 and 18,1.
For the significance of the Mount of Olives, see Zechariah 14,1-5 (As also 21,1).
Note who is present in verse 3, see Mk 13,3
We saw in the overview the two questions which are asked of Jesus.

The disciples ask about Jesus' coming, his parousia. This Greek word is used in English specifically for the awaited coming of Jesus. See 24,3.27.37.39.
It is necessary to compare translations for the second part of the question. See 28,20. See also verses 6 and 14.

In verses 4 and 5, Jesus begins his reply to the question what are the signs with a warning. Note how Matthew has made Mark (Mk 13,6) more specific.

What are the signs expressed in verses 6 to 9?
"Handed over" in verse 9, see 20,18. "My name" see verse 5.

Verses 9 to 14 have been re-written by Matthew because he used Mark 13,9-13 earlier, 10,17-22. Note that in all three passages the first and last verse is similar.
How has Matthew changed these verses and what has he stressed?

Verse 10 gives rise to a variety of translations. See 18,6-7.

False prophets in verse 11 recall 7,17; note also verse 24.

Verse 12: there is something similar in Apocalypse 2,4.

Verse 13: see 10,22.

For verse 14, see 28,19.

Now, look at my response.

We can go on to read Jesus' reply to the other question of the disciples: When?, 24,15-36.