Episode Details

Did Jesus predict the end of the world during His disciples' lifetimes?

In Episode 290, Lance Smith concludes his three-part examination of one of the New Testament's most debated passages by exploring Matthew 24 in its historical and prophetic context.

Examining Jesus' Olivet Discourse alongside the work of D. A. Carson, Thomas Schreiner, R. T. France, Craig Blomberg, and others, Lance explains why many evangelical scholars understand Jesus to be speaking of both the near-term judgment on Jerusalem and His future visible return.

Rather than demonstrating a failed prophecy, the episode argues that the Skeptic's Annotated Bible assumes all of Jesus' references to His "coming" describe the same event—an assumption many biblical scholars reject. By paying careful attention to context, prophecy, and first-century language, Lance concludes that the claim Jesus falsely predicted the end within His disciples' lifetimes is not supported.

References to items discussed and/or used on this podcast may be found at the following:

buymeacoffee.com/lancesmith 

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Website

The Bible Difficulties and Answers Facebook Page

Email Address: bibledifficultiesandanswers@gmail.com 

1. Skeptic’s Annotated Bible – “When will the end of the world come?” https://www.skepticsannotatedbible.com/contra/end.html 
2. Jackson, Wayne. "What Is the Meaning of Matthew 10:23?" Christian Courier.
   https://christiancourier.com/articles/what-is-the-meaning-of-matthew-10-23
3. McGowan, Sean. "Before the Son of Man Comes (Matthew 10:23)." Knowing Scripture.
   https://knowingscripture.com/articles/before-the-son-of-man-comes-matthew-10-23
4. Schreiner, Thomas R. "Can We Hasten the Parousia?" Themelios.
   https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/themelios/article/can-we-hasten-the-parousia/
5. "Bible Prophecy: What Matthew 24 Tells Us About 'The End.'" Grace Communion International.
   https://www.gci.org/articles/what-matthew-24-tells-us-about-the-end/
6. Bowen, David, Ph.D. "Is Jesus Recorded as a Failed Apocalypticist?" Ehrman Project.
   https://ehrmanproject.com/is-jesus-recorded-as-a-failed-apocalypticist
7. O'Neill, Tim. "Jesus the Apocalyptic Prophet." History for Atheists.
   https://historyforatheists.com/2018/12/jesus-apocalyptic-prophet/ 

• Carson, D. A. Matthew. In The Expositor's Bible Commentary, Vol. 8. Zondervan.
• France, R. T. The Gospel of Matthew. New International Commentary on the New Testament. Eerdmans.
• Blomberg, Craig L. Matthew. New American Commentary. B&H Academic.