Did the disciples know about a 2nd coming?

Post by **_john b** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 8:55 am

Hi Steve,

If this is addressed elsewhere just point the way.

I've been listening to your teaching on the Olivet Discourse. Concerning the first 3 verses of Matthew 24 (and its parallels in Mark 13 & Luke 21). I've heard you say that it's unlikely that the disciples even knew about the second coming as we know it today so it's unlikely they asked about the second coming in those verses, and then you referenced Acts 1 (Jesus ascension). All of which I can agree with. However, later in Matt.24:35 and the following verses (cf. Luke 13) , we say that we are no longer reading about the destruction of Jerusalem but we are now reading about the second coming because of Matthews topical arrangement. My question is, how can we say Jesus was talking about His second coming in Matt. 24:35 and the following verses (cf. Luke 13), but still hold that the disciples didn’t know about a second coming in Matt. 24:3?

Post by **_mattrose** » Fri Oct 13, 2006 10:50 am

Part of the answer to that questions would seem to be...

There was a time gap b/w the time when the disciples asked questions in the Gospel narrative (around the year 30) and when they wrote the gospels themselves (mid 1st century). When Matthew wrote the gospel He was filled with the Spirit and had been led into all truth.

Post by **_john b** » Fri Oct 20, 2006 7:59 am

Thanx mattrose,
Good point, I didnt even think about it that way. Also, if they did know about a second coming at that time, I still dont think that was what they where asking about.

Anyway - thanx again

Post by **_Sean** » Sat Oct 21, 2006 3:29 am

john b wrote:Thanx mattrose,
Good point, I didnt even think about it that way. Also, if they did know about a second coming at that time, I still dont think that was what they where asking about.

Anyway - thanx again

It was stated in the Gospel(s) that they didn't understand when Jesus spoke about His death and resurrection until after it happened, even though we can see that He said it was going to happen. Based on this I would say that they didn't have a "second coming" in mind like we do, until after they were filled with the Holy Spirit. My point is that in Matthew 24, they wouldn't have even known the ask the question about His second coming, since they didn't know He was "going".