Hard passagesDraft · awaiting advisor review
Did Jesus wrongly predict the end within a generation?
In short
In Matthew 24 Jesus answers a question about the destruction of the temple, which happened in AD 70, within a generation. In the same speech he says no one knows the day or hour of his return. Christians differ on exactly how the speech moves between the two.
The Objection
Jesus described his return in glory and said “this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” His generation passed long ago, so he was wrong.
Put as its strongest advocates would put it.
The Christian Case
- Scripture
The speech begins with Jesus predicting that not one stone of the temple would be left on another, and the disciples asking when this would happen.
- Historical evidence
Roman armies destroyed Jerusalem and the temple in AD 70, about forty years later; the Arch of Titus in Rome shows the temple’s treasures carried in triumph.
- Scripture
Right after the “generation” saying, Jesus says no one knows the day or hour of his coming, not even the Son, and tells his followers to stay ready.
- Christians differ
Christians differ on how to read the speech: some see the “coming of the Son of Man” language as describing judgement on Jerusalem in Old Testament imagery; others see the speech moving from AD 70 to the end of history; others read “generation” differently.
Where the Evidence Is Weaker
The speech is difficult and its structure is debated; any reading has to explain some phrases that fit it less well.
Arguments to Avoid
- Setting dates for Christ’s return, which Jesus himself warned against.
Read for Yourself
Matthew 24:1–3
1And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Matthew 24:32–36
32Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: 33So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. 34Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. 35Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. 36But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
Related Finds
Arch of Titus
c. AD 81 · Found: Roman Forum, Rome (never buried)
In place, Rome
A triumphal arch celebrating Rome’s capture of Jerusalem in AD 70.
What it shows
Soldiers carry the temple’s menorah and treasures: the temple’s destruction that Jesus foretold.
What it doesn’t show
It records the destruction, not the prophecy.
Further Reading
- Jesus and the Victory of God · N. T. Wright (1996)
Drafted with Opened AI and awaiting review by Opened’s apologetics advisors. Labels show the kind of support each point has: Scripture is what the Bible says; historical evidence and philosophical arguments can be checked by anyone; “Christians differ” marks questions on which faithful Christians disagree.
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