ESV Reformation Study Bible – Matt 24:4–14
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Matt 24:4–14

24:4–14 Wars, earthquakes, persecutions, and false prophets are all signs of Jesus’ coming, but they indicate only the certainty of judgment, not its time (vv. 6, 8). Such signs characterize the entire period between His resurrection and His coming in judgment. Knowing when Jesus would return would lead His disciples to laziness and laxity in their watchfulness. The “when” (v. 3) that Jesus gives is task oriented: it is after the gospel has been preached to the nations (v. 14).