Some of the prophecies which we will cover include:

• 1. First warning of desolation of the Temple (Matthew 23:38); no stone left upon another (Matthew 24:2).
• 2. Beginning of birth pangs; Many come in Christ's name and mislead many.
• 3. Wars, rumors of wars, nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom, famine and earthquakes.
• 4. Tribulation for His disciples, falling away of some, betrayal and hatred of one another. (Matthew 24:9).
• 5. This gospel of the kingdom preached into all the world for a witness to all nations. (Matthew 24:14).
• 6. The sign to indicate the beginning of the "great tribulation," "the abomination of desolation."
• 7. "Great tribulation" such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall. (Matthew 24:21, Mark 13:19).
• 8. False Christs and false prophets, performing great signs and wonders, misleading, if possible, even the elect. (Matthew 24:24, Mark 13:22).
• 9. Time-table: All upon this generation (Matthew 23:36 and Matthew 24:34).
• 10. Jerusalem trampled underfoot by the Gentiles until the times of Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24).

There is much to be learned by the study of chapter 21 of Luke's Gospel concerning these things, and it is really the key to understanding most of the prophecies of Matthew 24. Luke's Gospel gives us the insight to recognize these prophesied events as they occur.

If we want to be pleasing to the Lord, we must take a more responsible approach than just taking someone else's word for what we believe. We must study it for ourselves. Only then can we be sure of what we believe, and have confidence to face the future. Please begin by reading Luke 21 in your own Bible.

The word "tribulation," found in our English Bibles, comes from a Greek word, "thlipsis," which is defined as "affliction, distress, oppression."

This Greek word is used at least forty-two times in the New Testament, in various forms, but it is not always rendered "tribulation." It is sometimes "distress," "trial," or even "suffering." Sometimes it describes "anguish of mind or heart," or "afflictions," or again, it could be "trials," depending upon which English translation of the Bible you read. (See II Corinthians 1:4, 2:4 and Matthew 13:21)

Jesus warned His disciples of personal tribulation, which would come upon them before the "great tribulation" of Matthew 24:21.  He said, "In this world ye have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."  John 16:33.

Paul stated in Romans 2:9 and 10, "there will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil". . ."but glory and honor and peace to every man who does good...." NASB.

Ever since sin entered the world, there has been some form of tribulation.

  Some of the Scriptures which tell of personal tribulation for those who follow Jesus are:  Acts 14:22b, "...and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God."  This statement was made by some of the Apostles, who knew that they were to go through personal tribulation.  Romans 5:3, "And not only so, but we glory in tribulation also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;" This indicates  that personal tribulation can be good for us.

Some other places where tribulation is mentioned in the Bible include: Romans 12:12, "Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;"  II Corinthinans 1:4, "Who comforteth us in all our tribulations...,"  Ephesians 3:13, "Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations...,"  and II Thessalonians 1:4, "So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God, for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure."

These are not all the references to tribulation to be found in the Bible, but are representative of them.

Both the Bible and history record that the early church suffered much personal tribulation, and in fact, such persecution was not unique to the early church. Even today, persecution and tribulation continues in many parts of the world. However, the kind of tribulation that is common throughout history is not the subject of this writing.

Not all tribulation found in the Bible is "great tribulation."   But Jesus, in the Olivet discourse of Matthew 24, Mark 13 and luke 21, did predict a time of "great tribulation," and that is what this writing is about.

"For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."  Matthew 24:21.

The word for tribulation, used here, is "thlipsis," followed by the word "megale," meaning "great." In Mark 13, it is rendered "affliction:" "For in those days shall be affliction such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be." Mark 13:19.     This is the same Greek word used for "tribulation" in Matthew 24:21.

It is from these two Scriptures that the end-time doctrines of the "great tribulation" originate.

Several other Scriptures in the Bible use the word "thlipsis," referring to "tribulation," but not to a specific period of time."Great tribulation" is named twice in the book of the Revelation (2:22 and 7:14), and "tribulation" is mentioned in Revelation 1:9. We will discuss these verses later, to show how they relate to the "great tribulation" of Matthew 24:21.

Matthew 24:29 says: "...after the tribulation of those days...,"  and Mark 13:24 says: "...after that tribulation...."
Both of these Scriptures refer to a specific time of tribulation, the worst since the beginning of the world, found in Matthew 24:21. The entire prophecy of the "great tribulation" is contained in seven verses, Matthew 24:15-21.

Let's lay aside our preconceived ideas and prejudices, and let Scripture and history speak for themselves.

Continue with:  The Key to Understanding Scripture

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