The questions that caused the research that led to this composite of the Olivet Discourse were the following:

1. Why were Christians, who all ‘professed’ to read, study, and interpret the Holy Bible, using the ‘Literal Method of Interpretation’ unable to agree as to ‘when’ the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, now known as the ‘Rapture,’ would take place?

2. Why did some Christians believe that the Rapture of the ‘Church’ would take place ‘before’ the seven years of tribulation that precede the ‘Second Coming’ of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth to rule for 1,000 years?
      This teaching is known as the ‘Pre-trib Rapture.’

3. Why did some Christians believe the Rapture of the Church would take place ‘midway’ through the seven years of tribulation that precede the Second Coming?
      This teaching is called the ‘Mid-trib Rapture.’

4. Why did some Christians believe the Rapture would take place ‘after’ the seven years of tribulation?
      This teaching is called the ‘Post-trib Rapture.’ (Ps. 2:1-12; Jer. 30:7; Dan. 8:23-25; 9:26-27; 12:1; Zech. 12:1-14:9; Mt. 24:15,21,29-30; Mk. 13:19-20, 24-26; 2 Th. 2:4; Rev. 3:10; 6:1-20:6)

My studies revealed that each of these Rapture teachings were based upon how their proponents chose to interpret the Olivet Discourse. Portions of this question and answer session between the Lord Jesus Christ and four of His disciples are recorded in Matthew 24:3-26:2, Mark 13:3-37, and Luke 21:7-36. I also learned that Christians, who usually teach and preach that Scripture MUST interpret Scripture whenever possible, actually ‘spiritualized’ parts of their exchange to make its contents fit their preconceived position that the Lord Jesus Christ NEVER taught about or even alluded to the subject of the Rapture. (Mk. 13:23) This viewpoint is possibly the main reason why the Rapture has become so controversial and the least understood and appreciated of all the major doctrines found in the holy Scriptures!

I then wondered if it were possible to piece the entire Olivet Discourse together from the three
gospels in which portions of it are recorded and account for EVERY word that had been said by the Lord Jesus Christ. To my knowledge, a composite of the Olivet Discourse where every word recorded by Matthew, Mark and Luke is accounted for has never been done. I discovered that one of the reasons for this was the mistaken belief that the disciples asked only two or three questions about future events, when in fact, Peter, James, John and Andrew had actually asked FIVE questions of the Lord Jesus Christ while on Mount Olivet. This was one of the discoveries that made it possible to ‘transcribe’ their entire question and answer session just as it took place.

The other discovery that was necessary to make to piece together the Olivet Discourse of Christ was that Luke, in his gospel, did not write all of his portions about this conversation in the chronological sequence in which it was spoken. Specifically, Luke wrote his portion of the answer given by the Lord Jesus Christ to the ‘third question’ (Lk. 21:8-11) BEFORE the answer given by Him to their ‘second question.’ The answer given by the Lord Jesus Christ to their third question was also written in a reverse order by Luke. (Lk. 21:20-24, 12-19) This would be the first of three times where Luke, under the inspiration of ‘God the Holy Spirit,’ (2 Sam. 23:1-2; 2 Chr. 36:12; Isa. 40:5, 8; 59:21; Jer. 1:9; Mk. 12:36; 2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:21; 3:15-16; Rev. 22:18-19) would not write of an event in the chronological order as it took place! The second time had to do with what is now known as ‘communion.’ (1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:23-26; Heb. 10:4, 10-18)

Matthew, Mark and John record in the communion text of their gospels that the Lord Jesus Christ spoke of His being betrayed BEFORE the wine and the bread were given to His disciples. (Mt. 26:20-21; Mk. 14:17-21; Jn. 13:1-21) Thus, the Lord Jesus identified Judas Iscariot as being the one who would betray Him BEFORE the taking of the cup of wine and the breaking of bread by His other disciples. (Mt. 26:22-29; Mk. 14:22-25; Jn. 13:22-26) Luke, in contrast, writes that the Lord Jesus Christ told of His betrayal AFTER His disciples had participated in the ritual of communion. (Lk. 22:19-23) Since Judas Iscariot could not take part in the communion ritual once Satan came into him, Luke’s account of this event cannot be chronologically correct! (Jn. 13:26-27; 1 Cor. 10:20-21) Upon receiving the ‘sop,’ Judas Iscariot immediately left the ‘upper room’ to complete his infamous act of betrayal. (Jn. 13:27-31) Therefore, Matthew, Mark and John wrote what was said and done during this event in a chronological sequence, while Luke did not.

The third and final event that Luke described out of order is recorded in Luke 23:44-46. Luke’s account would give the impression that the ‘veil’ in the temple that separated the ‘Holy of Holies’ from the ‘Holy Place’ was torn BEFORE the Lord Jesus Christ had given up His spirit while on the cross at Calvary. Matthew and Mark, on the other hand, record that the veil was torn AFTER the Lord Jesus Christ had given up His spirit. (Mt. 27:50-51; Mk. 15:37-38) The ‘spiritual significance’ of this particular event was to indicate that a human priest was no longer necessary to ‘intercede’ for any man or woman. The ‘sin barrier’ that had separated mankind from God was now removed by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ for ALL sins. Mankind was now able to go ‘directly’ to God in prayer and confession without the services of a human intercessor [priest]. (Gen. 26:31-35; Heb. 9:1-10:22) Thus, the tearing of the veil by God, could not have been done until AFTER the Lord Jesus Christ had given up His spirit while on the cross. Matthew and Mark recorded this event in its proper chronological sequence. Luke did not!

To reassemble the question and answer talk known as the Olivet Discourse EXACTLY as it took place and was said by the Lord Jesus Christ to Peter, James, John and Andrew, it was necessary to omit what He did not say. These are words that were added by Matthew, Mark and Luke to describe their own personal feelings to their readers or to introduce what the Lord Jesus Christ would say! Thus, the words that were NOT spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ are not included in this composite of the Olivet Discourse.

The Olivet Discourse of Christ clearly reveals the Pre-trib Rapture to be the correct teaching and not the Mid-trib or Post-trib teachings believed by so many. It is also important to note that the ‘prophetic significance’ of the ‘Feast of Trumpets’ will be fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ with the Rapture. (Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:23-25; Num. 29:1-6; Jn. 4:35)

Many who are looking forward to the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to planet Earth are unaware that the ‘assembly’ of believers called the ‘Church,’ the ‘Bride,’ or the ‘Body’ of Christ was ‘always’ to only look forward to the return of the Lord Jesus Christ in the event that is now known as the Rapture. (Mt. 24:40-46; 25:1-13; Lk. 12:35-48; 17:30, 34-36; 21:28, 34-35; Jn. 4:34-35; 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Th. 4:13-18; 5:2; 2 Th. 2:1; Ti. 2:13; 1 Jn. 2:28; 3:2-3; Rev. 3:3, 10-11; 22:12-13, 20) Thus, the “Church” was NEVER to look forward to the Second Coming [2nd Advent] to earth by the Lord Jesus Christ!

Those people who are not ‘snatched out’ at the Rapture of the Church, by the Lord Jesus Christ, will be ‘left behind’ on earth. Those left behind will suffer the awesome judgment of a holy God, during the seven years of tribulation [2520 days] that precede the Second Coming to planet Earth by the Lord Jesus Christ. (Mt. 24:21-22) This is what all those left behind had been warned to not let happen! (Mt. 24:48-51; Mk. 13:35-37; Lk. 21:34-36; 1 Th. 5:1-2, 4-6; 2 Pet. 3:3-5)

I truly hope and pray that the reading of this composite of the Olivet Discourse of Christ is as much a blessing to you, the reader, as it was for me to piece together. I believe it is safe to say that this composite is simply additional evidence that the Holy Bible is the only inspired, infallible, written Word of God and the sole source of truth on planet Earth!

Prologue
to composite of
The Olivet Discourse
(Mt. 24:3-26:2; Mk. 13:3-37; Lk. 21:7-36)
By: Robert E. Schoenle

In April 30 A.D., the Lord Jesus Christ and His twelve disciples came to the small village of Bethany. Their arrival was on a Sabbath day [Saturday], the seventh day of the week, six days before the “Feast of the Passover,” when He would be crucified. The village of Bethany was about two miles from the city of Jerusalem, on the eastern slope of Mount Olivet, that was also known as the Mount of Olives. (Jn. 11:18, 55-12:1) This village had often been used by the Lord Jesus Christ as a stopover during His travels. (Mt. 26:6; Lk. 10:38-42; 19:29)

Among those who lived in the small village of Bethany was Lazarus, whom the Lord Jesus Christ had raised from the dead, and his two sisters Mary and Martha. (Jn. 11:1-2, 11-14, 17, 38-44) It was during the eating of supper on this day of His arrival, the Sabbath before His crucifixion, that Mary, the sister of Lazarus, anointed the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ with an aromatic oil in advance of His burial. (Jn. 12:2-11)

The week that was to end with His crucifixion and burial, began with the Lord Jesus Christ leaving Bethany for His triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. This was on the first day of the week, which is always a Sunday. Thus, this day is now known as ‘Palm Sunday!’ (Zech. 9:9; Mt. 21:1-11; Mk. 11:1-11; Lk. 19:28-44; Jn. 12:12-19) Afterward, the Lord Jesus Christ and His twelve disciples would return and spend this Sunday evening in Bethany.    

On Monday, the second day of the week, the Lord Jesus Christ once again left the village of Bethany for the city of Jerusalem. On this day, He would drive out all those within the temple who were engaged in the buying and selling of merchandise. (Mt. 21:12-13; Mk. 11:12-19; Lk. 19:45-46) He had done this once before, early in His ministry. (Jn. 2:13-16) Later during this Monday, He would once again return to Bethany and lodge there for the evening. (Mt. 21:17)

The temple in Jerusalem during the time of the Lord Jesus Christ was a magnificent structure with its gold, silver, bronze, wood and cloth trappings. It was built of massive limestone blocks that weighed thousands of pounds each. The blocks were fitted together so well that mortar was neither needed nor used. The size and beauty of this temple made it the pride of all the Jews and of Jerusalem itself.1 However, this was not the first temple constructed by the Jewish people for the worship of and sacrifice to their God, ‘Jehovah,’ on Mount Moriah, but their second temple.

The first temple had been built on Mount Moriah by Solomon, the third king of Israel. (1 Ki. 6;
2 Chr. 3:1-7:11) The temple built by Solomon was totally destroyed after being pillaged of its valuables by the Chaldeans who had defeated the people of Judah. The Chaldeans took the defeated Jews as captives to Babylon where they were to serve as slaves for 70 years. (2 Ki. 25:1-21, 2 Chr. 36:6-7, 10, 14-21; Jer. 25:11; 34:1-7, 17-22; 39:1-9; Dan. 9:2)

The second temple was built by those Jews who returned to Jerusalem after their 70 years of captivity in Babylon had ended. (Ezra 1:1-11; 3:1-2, 8-13; 5:2, 11; 6:3-5, 14-15) In the years to come, this temple would be plundered and then defiled with idolatrous worship by the Syrian king, Antiochus IV Epiphanes, from 171 B.C., to 164 B.C., It would first be cleansed and restored by Judas Maccabeus and then by King Herod the Great. The restoration of this temple by the Herodian dynasty began 46 years prior to the beginning of the ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Jn. 2:13-21) King Herod the Great, an Edomite, and his descendants who ruled after him in Judea, built additional buildings in the surrounding courts after the second temple had been fully restored. The work on these subsidiary buildings with their courts, walls and porches would continue until their completion in the year 64 A.D.

On Tuesday morning, which was the third day of this week that would conclude with His death and burial, the Lord Jesus Christ and His twelve disciples would once again leave the village of Bethany to visit the temple in Jerusalem. (Mt. 21:18-22; Mk. 11:20-21) Soon after entering the temple site, the Lord Jesus Christ was confronted by the chief priests and some scribes along with the elders of the people of Jerusalem. They questioned His authority over all that had taken place the day before [Monday] when He had driven from the temple all the people who had been engaged in the buying and selling of merchandise for personal profit. (Mt. 21:23; Mk. 11:27-28; Lk. 20:1-2)

After answering these men, the Lord Jesus Christ was next questioned by Pharisee disciples and members of the Jewish political party known as Herodians, because of their support for the Herodian dynasty. (Mt. 22:15-17; Mk. 12:13-17) He was then questioned by leaders of the two Jewish religious sects called Sadducees (Mt. 22:23; Mk. 12:18; Lk. 20:27) and Pharisees (Mt. 22:34-40) and more of the scribes. (Mk. 12:28; Lk. 20:39) After His exchange of questions and answers with these different groups of men (Mt. 21:24-27; 22:18, 20, 41-45; Mk. 12:24, 35; Lk. 20:3-4, 23, 41), the Lord Jesus Christ then spoke to the people and to His disciples about the hypocritical religious leaders known as the scribes and the Pharisees. (Mt. 23:1-12; Lk. 20:45-47)

Afterward, the Lord Jesus Christ directly addressed the scribes and the Pharisees in a very personal way. In the strongest language used by Him during His public ministry, He told of their impending judgment for their hypocrisy. (Mt. 23:13-33) He also told them of the men He would send and what they would do to these ‘sent ones.’ (Mt. 23:34) In addition to this, He then revealed why He would send these men (Mt. 23:35) and that all of the things about which He had just warned them would come upon their own generation. (Mt. 23:36) These were things with which He had twice before warned would be required of their specific generation. (Lk. 11:49-51)

Following His warnings to the scribes and the Pharisees, the Lord Jesus Christ then spoke of Jerusalem, its past (Mt. 23:37), the present [as of that particular moment] (Mt. 23:38), and its future. (Mt. 23:39) He had also done this two times before. (Lk. 13:34-35; 19:41-44)

After saying all of these things about the city of Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus Christ then made His observation to His disciples regarding the gifts of the people to the temple treasury. (Mk. 12:41-44; Lk. 21:1-4) It is important to note once again that this all took place on Tuesday, the third day of this week that began with His triumphal entry into Jerusalem when He was hailed by a multitude of people. The same week that would end with His crucifixion, death and burial three days later, on the day now known as ‘Good Friday.’ (Mt. 26:1-2)         

A sidebar is that the Lord Jesus Christ did not answer the first question asked of Him in His Olivet Discourse, the question being, “Master, but (Lk. 21:7d) Tell us (Mt. 24:3d; Mk. 13:4a), when shall these things be?” (Mt. 24:3e; Lk. 21:7e) The probable reason why the Lord Jesus Christ did not answer this question of His disciples is because He had already answered it earlier that same day when He told the scribes and the Pharisees, “Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation.” (Mt. 23:36) 

1. Flavious Josephus, Wars of the Jews.  1) Book 5, Chapter 5.

The Olivet Discourse
A composite from
Matthew 24:3-26:2 , Mark 13:3-37, and Luke 21:7-36
  By: Robert E. Schoenle
All quoted Scripture is from The New Scofield Reference Bible.
Copyright 1967 by Oxford University Press, Inc. Reprinted by permission. 
   

“And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with [beautiful] stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Lk. 21:5-6) 

“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus, answering, said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mk. 13:1-2) 

“And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple; and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mt. 24:1-2) 

“And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives (Mt. 24:3a; Mk. 13:3a) [opposite] the temple (Mk. 13:3b), the disciples (Mt. 24:3b) Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew (Mk. 13:3c) came unto him privately (Mt. 24:3c), and they (Lk. 21:7a) asked him (Mk. 13:3d; Lk. 21:7b) privately (Mk. 13:3e), saying” (Lk. 21:7c), 

Question One: “Master, but (Lk. 21:7d) Tell us, (Mt. 24:3d; Mk. 13:4a) when shall these things be?” (Mt. 24:3e; Mk. 13:4b; Lk. 21:7e) [See Matthew 23:36 and Luke 11:49-51]. 

Question Two: “And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” (Lk.21:7f) 

Answer: “And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its desolation is [near]. Then let them who are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them who are in the midst of it depart; and let not them that are in the countries enter into it. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that [nurse children], in those days! For there shall be great distress in  the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations; and Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” (Lk. 21:20-24)

“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimony. Settle it, therefore, in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer; For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to [contradict nor withstand]. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake. But there shall not an hair of your head perish. In your patience possess ye your souls.” (Lk. 21:12-19) 

Question Three: “And what shall be the sign of thy coming?” (Mt. 24:3f) 

Answer: “Take heed that no man deceive you. (Mt. 24:4b; Mk. 13:5b) Take heed that ye be not deceived; (Lk. 21:8b) for many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; (Mt. 24:5a; Mk. 13:6a; Lk. 21:8c) and shall deceive many (Mt. 24:5b; Mk. 13:6b) and the time draweth near. Go ye not, therefore, after them. (Lk. 21.8d) And (Mt. 24:6a; Mk. 13:7a) But (Lk. 21:9a) when (Mk. 13:7b; Lk. 21:9b) ye shall hear of wars (Mt. 24:6b; Mk. 13:7c; Lk. 21:9c) and rumors of wars (Mt. 24:6c; Mk. 13:7d) and commotions, (Lk. 21:9d) see that ye (Mt. 24:6c) be (Mk.13:7e; Lk. 21:9e) ye (Mk. 13:7f) be not troubled; (Mt. 24:6d; Mk. 13:7g) be not terrified; (Lk. 21:9f) for (Mt. 24:6e; Mk. 13:7h; Lk. 21:9g) all (Mt. 24:6f) these things must (Mt. 24:6g; Mk. 13:7i) first (Lk. 21:9h) come to pass, (Mt. 24:6h; Lk. 21:9i) but the end (Mt. 24:24:6i; Mk. 13:7j; Lk. 21:9j) is not yet (Mt. 24:6j; Mk. 13:7k) shall not be yet” (Mk. 13:7l) is not [at once]. (Lk. 21:9k) 

“For (Mt. 24:7a; Mk. 13:8a) nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and (Mt. 24:7b; Mk. 13:8b; Lk. 21:10b-11a) there shall be (Mt. 24:7c; Mk. 13:8c) great (Lk. 21:11b) earthquakes in [various] places (Mk. 13:8d; Lk. 21:11c), and there (Mt. 24:7d; Mk. 13:8e; Lk. 21:11d) shall be famines, and pestilences; and (Mt. 24:7f; Lk. 21:11e) earthquakes in [various] places (Mt. 24:7g) and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven (Lk. 21:11f). All (Mt. 24:8a) these are the beginning of sorrows.” (Mt. 24:8b; Mk. 13:8g) 

“But take heed to yourselves; for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them. And the gospel must first be [proclaimed] among all nations.” (Mk. 13:9-10) “Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you; and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” (Mt. 24:9-10) “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye; for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy [Spirit]. Now brother shall betray brother to death, and the father, his son; and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.” (Mk. 13:11-13) 
 

“And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall [grow] cold. But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Mt. 24:11-14) “But, (Mk. 13:14a) When ye, (Mt. 24:15a; Mk. 13:14c) therefore, shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (Mt. 24:15c) standing where it ought not, (Mk. 13:14d) then let them who are in Judea flee into the mountains.” (Mt. 24:16; Mk. 13:14d) “And (Mk. 13:15a) let him that is on the housetop not go down (Mt. 24:17a; Mk. 13:15b) into the house, neither enter it (Mk. 13:15c) to take anything out of his house.” (Mt. 24:17b; Mk. 13:15d) “Neither let him who is in the field return back again to take up his clothes.” (Mt. 24:18; Mk. 13:16) “And woe to those who are with child, and to them that [are nursing their children] in those days! And pray that your flight be not in the winter, (Mt. 24:19-20a; Mk. 13:17-18) neither on the sabbath day.” (Mt. 24:20b) “For (Mt. 24:21a; Mk. 13:19a) in those days shall be affliction (Mk. 13:19b) then shall be great tribulation, (Mt. 24:21b) such as was not since the beginning of the (Mt. 24:21c; Mk. 13:19c) creation (Mk. 13:19d) of the world (Mt. 24:21d) which God created unto this time, (Mk. 13:19e) no, nor ever shall be.” (Mt. 24:21e; Mk. 13:19f) “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.” (Mt. 24:22) “And except the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved; but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” (Mk. 13:20) 

“And (Mk. 13:21a) then if any man shall say to you, Lo, here is Christ, or, lo, he is there, believe him not. For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show (Mt. 24:23-24a; Mk. 13:21b-22a) great (Mt. 24:24b) signs and wonders, (Mt. 24:24c; Mk. 13:22b) to seduce (Mk. 13:22c) insomuch that, (Mt. 24:24d) if it were possible, (Mt. 24:24e; Mk. 13:22d) they shall deceive (Mt. 24:24f) even (Mk. 13:22e) the (Mt. 24:24g; Mk. 13:22f) very (Mt. 24:24h) elect.” (Mt. 24:24i; Mk. 13:22g) “But take heed; behold, I have foretold you all things.” (Mk. 13:23) “Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth; behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wherever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together.” (Mt. 24:25-28) “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth; for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.” (Lk. 21:25-26) “But in those days, (Mk. 13:24a) Immediately after the tribulation of those days (Mt. 24:29a) after that tribulation (Mk. 13:24b) the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers that are in the heavens shall be shaken.” (Mt. 24:29b; Mk. 13:24c-25) 

“And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, (Mt. 24:30a) and then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with (Mt. 24:30b; Mk. 13:26a; Lk. 21:27a) great (Mk. 13:26b) power and (Mt. 24:30c; Mk. 13:26c; Lk. 21:27b) great (Mt. 24:30d; Lk. 21:27c) glory.” (Mt. 24:30e; Mk. 13:26d; Lk. 21:27d)

“And then shall he send his angels (Mt. 24:31a; Mk. 13:27a) with a great sound of a trumpet (Mt. 24:31b), and (Mt. 24:31c; Mk. 13:27b) they (Mt. 24:31d) shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other (Mt. 24:31e) from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven.” (Mk. 13:27c) “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth [near].” (Lk. 21:28) 

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree: When its branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is near.” (Mt. 24:32; Mk. 13:28) “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now [near] at hand.” (Lk. 21:29b-30) “So also ye, (Mt. 24:33a; Mk. 13:29a; Lk. 21:31a) in like manner, (Mk. 13:29b) when ye (Mt. 24:33b; Mk. 13:29c; Lk. 21:31b) shall (Mt. 24:33c; Mk. 13:29d) see (Mt. 24:33d; Mk. 13:29e; Lk. 21:31c) all (Mt. 24:33e) these things (Mt. 24:33f; Mk. 13:29f; Lk. 21:31d) come to pass, (Mk. 13:29f; Lk. 21:31e) know that it (Mt. 24:33g; Mk. 13:29g) the kingdom of God (Lk. 21:31f) is [near] (Mt. 24:33h; Mk. 13:29h; Lk. 21:31g) at hand, (Lk. 21:31g) even at the doors.” (Mt. 24:33i; Mk. 13:29h) “Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass (Mt. 24:34a; Mk. 13:30a; Lk. 21:32a) away, (Lk. 21:32b) till all (Mt. 24:34b; Mk. 13:30b; Lk. 21:32c) these things (Mt. 24:34c; Mk. 13:30c) be fulfilled.” (Mt. 24:34d; Mk. 13:30d; Lk. 21:32d) “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Mt. 24:35; Mk. 13:31; Lk. 21:33) 

Question Four: “And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mk.13:4c) 

Answer: “But of that day and (Mt. 24:36a; Mk.13:32a) that (Mk.13:32b) hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels (Mt. 24:36b; Mk. 13:32c) of heaven, (Mt. 24:36c) who are in heaven, neither the Son, (Mk. 13:32d) but (Mt. 24:36d; Mk. 13:32e) the Father, (Mk. 13:32f) my Father only.” (Mt. 24:36e) “Take heed, watch and pray; for ye know not when the time is.” (Mk.13:33) But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch, therefore; for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.” (Mt. 24:37-42) 

“For the Son of man is like a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye, there-fore; for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at [evening], or at midnight, or at [cockcrow], or in the morning; Lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mk. 13:34-37) “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares, For like a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” (Lk. 21:34-36)

“But know this, that if the [householder] had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have [allowed] his house to be broken [into]. Therefore be ye also ready; for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who, then, is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them [food] in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; And shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the [drunkards], The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mt. 24:43-51) 

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them; but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you; but go rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage; and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch, therefore; for ye know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man cometh.” (Mt. 25:1-13) 

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his ability; and straightway took his journey. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and [dug] in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents; behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant; thou  hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents; behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Mt. 25:14-23) 

“Then he that had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee, that thou art a hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not [spread], And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth; lo, there thou hast what is thine. His lord.

answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not [spread]? Thou oughtest, therefore, to have put my money to the exchangers, and then, at my coming, I should have received mine own with [interest]. Take, therefore, the talent from him, and give it unto him who hath ten talents. For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance; but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Mt. 25:24-30) 

Question Five: “And what shall be the sign of the end of the [age]?” (Mt. 24:3g) 

Answer: “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all the nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; For I was [hungry], and ye gave me [food]; I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me in; Naked, and ye clothed me; I was sick, and ye visited me; I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee [hungry], and fed thee; or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in; or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Mt. 25:31-40) 

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels; For I was [hungry], and ye gave me no [food]; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee [hungry], or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.” (Mt. 25:41-46) 

“And it came to pass that, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples, Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.” (Mt. 26:1-2) 
 

Epilogue
to composite of
The Olivet Discourse
(Mt. 24:3-26:2; Mk. 13:3-37; Lk. 21:7-36)
By: Robert E. Schoenle 

The first two questions asked of the Lord Jesus Christ by His four disciples had to do with the destruction of the temple and the city of Jerusalem. The Lord Jesus Christ did not see fit to answer the first question which was, "When shall these things be?" He did not answer this particular question, because He had answered it earlier that very same day when He concluded His warnings to the scribes and the Pharisees (Mt. 23:13-35) with, "Verily I say unto you, All these things shall come upon this generation." (Mt. 23:36) On the other hand, His answer to their second question, "What sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?" (Lk. 21:7) was very clear. He said, "When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that its desolation is near." (Lk. 21:20) As we shall learn, this is exactly what took place! 

We know today what took place due to the writings of the Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus. This man gave his eyewitness account of the sequence of events concerning the Jewish rebellion that brought about the destruction of the Jewish temple of worship and the city of Jerusalem in his book, The Wars of the Jews. A synopsis of that account now follows: 

      In 66 A.D., the procurator of Judea deliberately provoked the Jewish people to revolt.1   Jews who had sedition in mind persuaded those who officiated in the divine service of the  temple to refuse to receive any gift of sacrifice from any foreigner. This included the   sacrifice of Caesar. The war between the Jews and the Romans began with this act!2 It was after the Roman garrison in Jerusalem had been killed3 by seditious Jews, that a   legion of Roman troops in 68 A.D., was ordered to Judea. This legion surrounded   Jerusalem to put an end to the rebellion.4 After being besieged, the seditious element of   the city was ready to surrender when the Roman commander of the Roman legion   decided, for unknown reasons, to retreat. During the retreat of this army, many Roman   soldiers were killed and much of their equipment was lost as they fled from the city.5 

      It was while this retreat was taking place that those who remembered and believed the   warning and the sign given by the Lord Jesus Christ, 38 years earlier, were able to escape   from Jerusalem.6 By doing so, they escaped the horror of what was to come to those who  stayed within the city walls. Because all of Judea was in arms and turmoil, Rome sent   three of her finest legions to Palestine to quell the rebellion. Under the command of   Vespasian, these legions were able to bring order to the region.7 It was late in 69 A.D., when Vespasian sailed back to Rome to become her emperor, and sent his son Titus to   end the rebellion in Jerusalem.8  

      While Vespasian had been laying waste to the countryside of Judea in his effort to end the  Jewish rebellion there, the inhabitants of Jerusalem had suffered many acts of atrocity   from the three seditious Jewish factions fighting among themselves for control of the city.  During this time, these Jewish factions also destroyed great quantities of corn and other   provisions stored in the city.9 Thus, Flavius Josephus wrote, " ... the sedition destroyed   the city, and the Romans destroyed the sedition." He also believed, " ... that we may   justly ascribe our misfortunes to our own people, and the just vengeance taken on them to  the Romans."10 In April 70 A.D., a great number of Jews and proselytes from various   parts of Judea and many other nations were in Jerusalem. They had come, as was their   custom, to celebrate the “Feast of the Passover” and the “Feast of Unleavened Bread.”11 

      These feasts were instituted by Jehovah in memory of Israel's being spared from the last   plague upon Egypt and Israel's deliverance from bondage. (Ex. 12:12-17) These feast days  continue to be celebrated by the Jewish people to this very day. Since the Jewish calendar  is lunar based, this may be either in our months of March or April. These feasts signify   the first month of the Jewish calendar. (Ex. 12:2; 13:4; Lev. 23:5-6) 

      It was at this time of the year when Titus came upon Jerusalem and began his siege of the  city. With him were the three legions that his father Vespasian had given him along with   the legion that had suffered a large loss of men and equipment while being chased from   Jerusalem two years earlier during the first days of the rebellion.12 Titus set the strongest  part of his army by the northwest corner wall of the city.13 After twenty-four days of   heavy fighting, Titus had control of the first two walls of the city.14 One wall remained to  be taken. During this time the Romans offered food and safety to those Jews willing to   surrender. Though many of the Jewish people who had been trapped in the city wanted   to surrender, they were prevented from doing so by the seditious factions.15 Instead, the   people and the seditious factions retreated into the inner fortified city. This area included   the beautiful Jewish temple of worship and the tower Antonia, which was like a fortress.   King Herod the Great built this tower and named it after his good friend, Mark Antony.16 

      It was fear of what the seditious Jews would do to those relatives left behind that kept   many of the Jewish people who were in the city from deserting to the Romans. It was   their hunger that caused many of the trapped Jews to try to gather food outside the walls   of Jerusalem. This attempt resulted in as many as five hundred or more Jews being   captured each day by Roman soldiers. Those captured were then tortured, killed or   crucified in grotesque positions. The forest of crosses before the walls of Jerusalem grew   larger as each day passed.17 The famine, in the meantime, " ... began to extend its    progress, and devour the people by whole houses and families."18 Many of the starving   Jews who did manage to desert to the Romans overate upon receiving food. The bodies of  some of these starving Jews could not absorb such a large quantity of food and as a result,  actually burst open.19 After taking the tower, Antonia, both Josephus and Titus made   pleas to the seditious Jews to spare the Jewish temple of worship from damage by   moving their forces to another location. Their pleas were ignored.20 

      Josephus wrote, "Now of those that perished by famine in the city the number was   prodigious; and the miseries they underwent were unspeakable." Josephus also wrote   that, "Moreover their hunger was so intolerable, that it obliged them to chew every-  thing.”21 It was when Titus heard that a mother had roasted and eaten her own child that   he said, "Men ought not to leave such a city upon the habitable earth to be seen by the   sun, wherein mothers are thus fed, although such food be fitter for the fathers than for the  mothers to eat of, since it is they that continue still in a state of war against us, after they   have undergone such miseries as these.”22 

      According to Josephus, Titus had given orders that the temple was to be spared.    Unfortunately, those of the seditious Jews did not have the same concern, for they were   the first to set fire to the temple.23 When the assault by the Roman soldiers finally   reached the inner courts of the temple grounds, they were out of control. Josephus was to  record that one of these soldiers, " ... cast fire on the gate's hinges in the dark, so that the   flames leapt out from the holy house, and Caesar and the generals retired, and no one any   longer forbade its burning; and thus was the holy house destroyed, without Caesar's   assent."24 Titus completed the devastation by ordering that the city and the temple be   demolished.25 This action fulfilled not only the prophecies of the Lord Jesus Christ but   also those of the Old Testament prophets, Micah and Daniel. (Jer. 26:18; Dan. 9:26; Mic.  3:12) These were prophecies that had been given and recorded hundreds of years before   the actual event took place. 

      Jerusalem had become a city of the dead! Josephus wrote, " ... the number of those that   perished during the whole siege ... " was " ... 1,100,000 ... "26 "Nor was there any place in  the city that had no dead bodies in it, but what was entirely covered with those that were   killed, either by the famine, or the rebellion."27 Josephus wrote that Titus " ... frequently   cursed those that had been the authors of their revolt."28 Those Jews who managed to   survive the seditious Jewish factions and the Roman siege were dispersed throughout the   world as slaves. The number of these new Jewish slaves in this dispersion was so great   that they had little value.29 This dispersion of the Jews and their small value as slaves   among the nations of the world was another fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and   of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Lev. 26:33; Dt. 4:27; 28:63-68; Ps. 44:11-12; Lk. 21:24) 

The first warning given by God to mankind was to Adam and was ignored. (Gen. 2:15-17; 3:6-12) Future warnings of God would also be ignored by most people. The Scriptures confirm that the way of God is to first warn of a coming judgment by Him, followed by a sign He would give to authenticate His warning, and then the judgment of which He had first warned. This judgment of His is always caused by mankind's continued disbelief and disobedience to Him. (2 Chr. 7:14, 19-22) Thus, the sequence of warning, sign, judgment. The Scriptures also confirm that God has always specified in advance WHAT He was going to do (Gen. 2:15-17; 3:1-19; 6:17; Dt. 28:58-68), WHY He was going to do it (Dt. 28:62), and WHEN He would act. (Gen. 6:3; 7:4; 18:17; Dan. 2:19, 22, 28, 47; Amos 3:7; Rev. 1:1,11,19) Therefore, God is a ‘date-setter’ who has never played ‘gotcha’ with mankind! (Gen. 6:3-9:9; 18:17-19:29; Isa. 42:8-9; 44:6-8; 45:18-21; 46:9-10; 48:3-6, 16; Mt. 10:26; Mk. 4:22; 13:23; Lk. 8:17; 12:2; 18:31; 24:25-27; Jn. 18:20; Rev. 1:19) 

The Lord Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone of the Church. (Eph. 2:19-22) The ground that this cornerstone sits upon is Bible prophecy, because: 

Testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ is based upon Bible prophecy

            (Isa. 7:14; 9:6; 53; Mic. 5:2; Jn. 5:46-47; Rev. 19:10) 

Bible prophecy is prewritten history

            (Dan. 2:28; 7:1-9:27; Rev. 1:19) 

Bible prophecy will always build up, encourage and comfort all true believers [Christians]   (1 Cor. 14:3, 22) 

Thus, true biblical Christianity is absolutely dependent upon Bible prophecy! 

The interest shown by Christians and non-Christians on the subject of Bible prophecy peaked during the decade of the 1970s. This interest was spearheaded by the book, The Late Great Planet Earth, by Hal Lindsey. The interest in Bible prophecy during this time was so great that it made Lindsey’s book the number one selling book for the decade. Unfortunately, interest in Bible prophecy has since faded among most Christians and non-Christians alike! This is why few people are now aware of the near return of the Lord Jesus Christ for His bride, the Church. This is something that had repeatedly been warned should not be, but would nevertheless happen. (Mt. 24:37-44; 25:1-13; Mk. 13:33-37; Lk. 12:35-48, 56; 13:25; 17:26-30, 34-36; 18:8; 21:34-36; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 2 Cor. 11:2; 1 Th. 1:10; 4:13-18; 5:2-6; 2 Th. 2:1-3, 6-7; 2 Tim. 4:8; Ti. 2:13; 2 Pet. 3:3-4; 1 Jn. 2:28, 3:2-3; Jude 18; Rev. 3:10-11; 22:20) 

The Lord Jesus Christ was in total control of the question and answer session known as the Olivet Discourse. He led His disciples to ask their questions about future events. The only logical reason for this is that He wanted people to know of all these events that would take place in the future, including the Rapture. (Mk. 13:23) Since the birth of the Church on the ‘Feast of Weeks’ [Pentecost], there have been three groups of people living in the world. They are: unbelievers, professing believers, and true believers. The membership of each group is based upon their ‘members’ response to the Gospel [good news] of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Mt. 13:1-9, 18-30, 33-42, 45-50; 18:3; Jn. 3:3-7; Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:1-4) 
 
This is clearly illustrated in the “Parable of the Ten Virgins,” (Mt. 25:1-13) which is about ‘true’ [wise] and ‘professing’ [foolish] Christians before, during and after the Rapture. Those described are unaware that the Rapture is about to take place, but something wakes them from their ‘sleep’ [unawareness] and causes them to examine ‘upon what their salvation is based.’ The ‘true’ Christians then go out to meet the Lord Jesus Christ in the air (1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Th. 4:13-18), while the ‘professing’ Christians do not. (Mt. 7:21-23; 25:1-12; Lk. 13:22-27) This act of these Christians [virgins] going out to meet Him reveals they will know the time of the Rapture! 

The Lord Jesus Christ was asked, “And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” (Mk. 13:4c) ‘These things’ included all that He had described prior to and including His ‘Second Advent.’ He first answered, “But of that day and (Mt. 24:36a; Mk. 13:32a) that (Mk. 13:32b) hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels (Mt. 24:36b; Mk. 13:32c) of heaven, (Mt. 24:36c) who are in heaven, neither the Son, (Mk. 13:32d) but (Mt. 24:36d; Mk. 13:32e) the Father, (Mk. 13:32f) my Father only.” (Mt. 24:36e) Thus, this was true at the time of His answer to this question, but it was not to be true at the time of the Rapture which was the sign they asked to know. Otherwise, why would the Lord Jesus repeatedly warn “to watch for it,” and how could Paul say that Christians should know the day it would happen? (1 Th. 5:1-6) 

To fully understand why this is so, it is necessary to know of the three ‘stages’ involved in consummating a marriage between a Jewish couple during the time of the ‘first Advent’ of the Lord Jesus Christ and how it applies to the Church. The first stage is called the ‘engagement.’ It took place in this way: The father of the bridegroom [God the Father] would choose a woman [election] to marry his son [the Lord Jesus Christ]. The woman then had the option of receiving or rejecting [free will] the marriage proposal. (Gen. 24:1-67; 38:6; Mt. 22:2; Eph. 1:4) Upon her acceptance of the marriage proposal, the father would then pay for her [the blood of Christ for His bride]. (Gen. 34:6-12; Ruth 4:10; 1 Sam. 18:22-27; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 1 Pet. 1:18-19) 

The second stage is called the ‘espousement.’ (Dt. 20:7; 22:23-27; 24:5; 2 Sam. 3:14; Song 3:11; Jer. 2:2; 2 Cor. 11:2) This is when the couple was legally united as husband and wife, by ceremony, and then lived apart, without seeing or knowing each other sexually, for a minimum of 361 days and as many as 720 days. This was to confirm that the bride was a virgin and to prevent the bridegroom from procrastinating. During this time, the bridegroom would be in the process of building a dwelling for his bride. This was usually an attachment to his father’s house. It was the father of the bridegroom who determined when this dwelling was complete. When the father of the bridegroom said it was complete, he would then send his son for the ‘home-taking’ of his bride. (Jn. 14:1-3) Thus, the bridegroom never knew the day he would ‘fetch’ his bride! 

The third stage is the ‘marriage feast’or ‘supper’ which could be for seven days. (Jud. 14:12; Jn. 2:1-10; Rev. 19:9) This stage began with a cry that the bridegroom was returning for his bride. (Song 3:6-11; Mt. 25:6; Rev. 4:1) This is when he would learn whether or not his bride had been watching for him. He would then take his bride to her new home where their marriage was consummated. Unlike weddings in our day, the bridegroom was always the primary participant!

The Rapture will be the ‘sign’ to authenticate the warnings of God’s soon and terrible judgment upon a Christ-rejecting world, in general, and a Christ-rejecting Israel in particular, prior to His ‘Second Coming’ [Second Advent] to earth! (Dan. 12:1; Zech. 12:1-14:21; Mt. 24:21; Rev. 4:1-20:6) Unfortunately, like Adam and so many of those who have lived in the past, the majority of people now alive will not take the Word of God [the Holy Bible] seriously. They have chosen to reject the sole source of truth on planet Earth. The penalty for doing so by these people can be found by reading the 21 judgments of God in the Book of Revelation. Amen! 
 

Flavius Josephus, Wars of the Jews.

 1) Book 2, Chapters 14 through 17.

 2) Book 2, Chapter 17.

 3) Book 2, Chapter 17.

 4) Book 2, Chapter 19.

 5) Book 2, Chapter 19.

6) Book 2, Chapter 20.

7) Book 4, Chapter 9.

8) Book 4, Chapter 11.

9) Book 5, Chapter  1.

10) Book 5, Chapter 6.

11) Book 5, Chapter 3.

12) Book 5, Chapter 1.

13) Book 5, Chapter 3.

14) Book 5, Chapters 7 & 8.

15) Book 5, Chapter 10.

16) Book 1, Chapter 21 and Book 5, Chapter 5.

17) Book 5, Chapter 11.

18) Book 5, Chapter 12.

19) Book 5, Chapter 13.

20) Book 6, Chapter 2.

21) Book 6, Chapter 3.

22) Book 6, Chapter 3.

23) Book 6, Chapter 2.

24) Book 6, Chapter 4.

25) Book 7, Chapter 1.

26) Book 6, Chapter 9.

27) Book 6, Chapter 7.

28) Book 7, Chapter 5.

29) Book 6, Chapter 9.