By John MacArthur, Jr.

This commentary is an excellent source of information on Christ's Olivet Discourse, recorded in Matthew 24 and 25. Dr. MacArthur explains the way he wrote this commentary in his preface:

Some commentaries are primarily linguistic, others are mostly theological, and some are mainly homiletical. This one is basically explanatory, or expository. It is not linguistically technical, but deals with linguistics when that seems helpful to proper interpretation. It is not theologically expansive, but focuses on the major doctrines in each test and on how they relate to the whole of Scripture. It is not primarily homiletical, although each unit of thought is generally treated as one chapter, with a clear outline and logical flow of thought. Most truths are illustrated and applied with other Scripture. After establishing the context of a passage, I have tried to follow closely the writer's development and reasoning.

My prayer is that each reader will fully understand what the Holy Spirit is sating through this part of His Word, so that His revelation may lodge in the minds of believers and bring greater obedience and faithfulness - to the glory of our great God. John MacArthur, Jr.

MacArthur interprets the "signs of the times" differently from most popular Bible scholars. He argues that the signs Jesus referred to, such as "wars and rumors of wars, "famines" and "earthquakes in diverse places," will occur during the tribulation. He states, "There have been wars and rumors of wars virtually since the Fall, and there have been famines and earthquakes since the beginning of recorded history. But the events of Matthew 24-25 will be unique to the end times in detail, in sequence, in scale, and in extent."

This interpretation of the Olivet Discourse is most consistent with the facts of history and science, related scripture passages, and the pre-millennial pre-tribulational perspectives on prophecy. To interpret it otherwise, is to open the door to logical inconsistencies.

Jesus said more about future events in the Olivet Discourse than He did in any other passage recording His earthly ministry. He mentions the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, false prophets and antichrists, the abomination of desolation, the persecution of the saints, the great tribulation, His second coming, and the judgment of the nations. A serious study of biblical prophecy must come to a clear understanding of our Lord's own words about these great end-time themes. MacArthur's commentary is a useful tool to help you do just that.

Hard Cover, 359 pages, indexed
Published 1989