One of the most common misunderstandings about this chapter and its companion chapters (Matt 24; Luke 21) is that the text is speaking to the events immediately preceding the end of the world or the error commonly known as dispensational premillennialism.
Many wild and fanciful theories have been concocted using these synoptic texts and the book of Daniel, none of which are in harmony with Bible teaching.
Consider some of the clear statements within the text, starting with verse 14: “When you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet.” We see here that Jesus is addressing people who would literally see the fulfillment of His statements made here. Yet, nearly 2000 years later, we continually hear confused teachers talking about the signs of the end times, etc.
Consider also the end of verse 14, “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.” And verses 15-16, “Let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter to take anything out of his house. And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes.”
Ask yourself… Does this sound like reasonable advice for those looking for the end of the world? Jesus Himself said that His coming at the end of time will be as a thief in the night (Matt 24:43). Both Paul and Peter affirmed that no man would know of the Lord’s return until it came suddenly and without warning (1 Thes 5:2; 2 Peter 3:10).
Also for consideration – If this teaching of Jesus was given to those who were faithfully watching and awaiting “the rapture” (another doctrine foreign to Scripture), why would someone who is going to be secretly snatched away “in the twinkling of an eye” (I am noting the premillennialists’ misuse of 1 Cor 15:50-54) need to run? How could they run if they were snatched up without warning???
There are just too many plain statements in this text to misunderstand the events to which this refers, namely the destruction of Jerusalem which took place in AD 70.
Let me encourage you to go back and read the post on Matthew 24 for more information on properly understanding this text.
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