Mat 16:27-28

[SteveF]

On Friday’s program a question was asked about Matthew 16:27-28. I have essentially the same view as you Steve with one minor variation (or perhaps you hold the same view but, due to time, didn’t elucidate). You stated that vs. 27 is about the second coming. You then gave a lucid explanation as to how vs. 28 could be referring to the transfiguration or Pentecost but ultimatly felt it was referring to AD70. I agree that vs. 27 is referring to the second coming. I also think that vs. 28 is referring ultimately to AD70 but here’s where I want to add something. I tend to think the transfiguration and Pentecost are involved somewhat in vs.28 with the culmination in AD70. Let me explain….

My thinking was steered in this direction from a combined reading of Matthew Henry and John Calvin’s commentaries. I took a little from each of them.

Up until the time before the transfiguration Jesus was seen as a man (from a human perspective anyway). Therefore when he made the statement about the second coming and the subsequent judgment it was certainly an incredible statement to make. In order to provide evidence and/or assurance that he could be taken at his word he made the promise of his soon coming kingdom. Here’re Calvin’s words:

VS. 27 In the glory of the Father, with his angels. These are mentioned to guard his disciples against judging of his kingdom from present appearances; for hitherto he was unknown and despised, being concealed under the form
and condition of a servant. He assures them that it will be far otherwise when he shall appear as the Judge of the world………….
28. Verily, I say to you. As the disciples might still hesitate and inquire when that day would be, our Lord animates them by the immediate assurance, that he will presently give them a proof of his future glory…………. To support his disciples in the meantime, our Lord holds out to them, for confirmation, an intermediate period; as much as to say, “If it seem too long to wait for the day of my coming, I will provide against this in good time; for before you come to die, you will see with your eyes that kingdom of God, of which I bid you entertain a confident hope.”

I have a tendency to think that the transfiguration was an early foretaste of that kingdom. Although it was not the ultimate fulfillment of vs.28, I see it as directly connected to the prophecy……..an unveiling of things to come.

Pentecost was also a “coming” of the kingdom. In a similar sense we all see the kingdom of God today. Here’re Matthew Henry’s words:


At the end of time, he shall come in his Father's glory; but now, in the fulness of time, he was to come in his own kingdom, his mediatorial kingdom. Some little specimen was given of his glory a few days after this, in his transfiguration (Mat_17:1); then he tried his robes. But this points at Christ's coming by the pouring out of his Spirit, the planting of the gospel church, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the taking away of the place and nation of the Jews, who were the most bitter enemies to Christianity. Here was the Son of man coming in his kingdom. Many then present lived to see it, particularly John, who lived till after the destruction of Jerusalem, and saw Christianity planted in the world

Vs.28 is incomplete without AD70..... but I see the growing culmination of the transfiguration, Pentecost and then ultimately AD70 as connected in some sense. If Jesus predicted his kingdom would come through his resurrection, Pentecost, and ultimately his destruction of the temple (Mat 16:28, 24:2) then we can take him at his word when he says he’s coming back with his angels to judge (Mat 16:27).

Not much different than what you said Steve but I wanted to through in my 2 cents.

Blessings
Steve F