Recap:
[1] This harmonizes with Daniel 2, where the iron-legged kingdom has continuity with the brittle iron-&-pottery feet kingdom, after which Christ annihilates all world government (Daniel 2:35); and with Daniel 7, where the iron-toothed monster (Rome) has another horn (king) pop up on its head (Daniel 7:18, 21-22).
- Daniel predicted the rise of an evil world leader, at the end of this age, which he calls the “abomination that desolates”. Daniel 9:27, 12:11. This evil leader appears to be a continuation of Rome in some sense[1]. Christ re-affirmed Daniel’s prediction, Mt. 24:15.
- The sun will go dark, the moon will not shine its light, meteors will shower down, and Christ will visibly appear in the sky. Mt. 21:29-30, Rev. 6:12-17.
- This language draws on Isaiah 13:6-16, which was originally fulfilled by the Persians against Babylon (13:17-22). The “big” Day of the Lord will be global and much worse.
- Evidently Christ’s words mean “the sun and moon will not shine in a normal way,” since Rev. 6:12 says the light of the moon will turn red, rather than go out entirely.
- “Stars” = meteors. “Stars” being used as an idiom, i.e., “shooting stars.” An actual star would incinerate the earth.
- The “sign of the Son of Man” is the Son of Man. E.g., the sign that is the son of Man. This is called an appositional genitive. He went up into the sky (Acts 1), He will return down through the sky.
- This will be a worldwide day of utter horror for the unrighteous.
- Christ’s angels will gather all believer from around the world. Mt. 25:31-33. This could refer to the Rapture (post-trib rapture view), or it could refer to Christ rescuing His mortal disciples from around the world.
- Fig tree illustration. See 2 Thess. 2:1-4. None of the Caesars ever did what 2 Th. 2 predicted. We are not in the tribulation time. Normal persecutions & troubles for Christians =/= the Tribulation.
- “This generation” = the Jews. 24:34. Not a generation, this generation. Luke 11:30 (Assyrian Ninevites / Jews).
[1] This harmonizes with Daniel 2, where the iron-legged kingdom has continuity with the brittle iron-&-pottery feet kingdom, after which Christ annihilates all world government (Daniel 2:35); and with Daniel 7, where the iron-toothed monster (Rome) has another horn (king) pop up on its head (Daniel 7:18, 21-22).