What does Matthew 24:10 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:10 speaks to a time of great tribulation and is part of what is often referred to as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus describes to His disciples the signs of the end times.

This verse predicts that many people will be "offended," a term that implies stumbling or falling away from faith.

It suggests a growing atmosphere of betrayal, disloyalty, and animosity among people.

The deeper meaning touches upon the dangers of deception, persecution, and the challenge of maintaining faith and love in difficult times.

This particular verse warns of a breakdown in societal and interpersonal relationships, highlighting the struggles that will come before the end times.

Historical Context

Matthew 24:10 falls within the conversation Jesus has with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, just outside of Jerusalem.

This discourse is believed to have occurred around 30-33 AD.

Jesus speaks of the destruction of the Temple, a prophecy that came to fruition in 70 AD with the Roman siege of Jerusalem, and moves on to discuss the signs that would precede His Second Coming.

At the time, early Christians faced persecution and ostracism, and the verse reflects the adversities they would continue to endure as part of living a Christian life in a largely non-Christian world.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse is often seen through the lens of eschatology, the study of end times.

Different theologies interpret this passage differently.

Pre-millennialists might see this as a literal series of events predicting the end.

Post-millennialists may interpret it as symbolic of periods of hardship rather than a specific end-time event.

Amillennialists might focus on the ongoing spiritual battles that occur throughout the Christian age.

The common thread is the emphasis on the reality of spiritual struggle and the importance of steadfastness in faith.

Practical Applications

The teachings of Matthew 24:10 can be applied in daily life through vigilance in one's personal faith journey.

Christians are encouraged to be aware of the pressures and challenges that may lead one to betray or be betrayed, to hate or be hated, and to fall away from faith.

Practically, this impulse can be counteracted by fostering strong community ties, practicing forgiveness, and maintaining a commitment to love and empathy even in challenging circumstances.

Cross-References

• Matthew 24:9 - "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake."
• Luke 21:16 - "And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death."
• 2 Timothy 3:1-4 - "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

For men shall be lovers of their own selves..."

Language Study

The key word in this verse is "offended," which in the original Greek text is "σκανδαλισθήσονται" (skandalisthēsontai). This term has a connotation of stumbling or causing to stumble. It implies an action that causes another to sin or fall away from their faith.

The word for "betray" is "προδώσουσιν" (prodōsousin), suggesting the delivering over or forsaking of one another.

"Hate" comes from the Greek "μισήσουσιν" (misēsousin), which denotes an intense dislike or hostility toward someone.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of betrayal and societal collapse can be found in other religious traditions and mythologies.

For example, in Hinduism, similar notions appear in discussions of the Kali Yuga, an age characterized by strife and moral decline.

The Norse legend of Ragnarök also speaks to an end-times filled with betrayal amongst gods and men.

These stories, like the Christian narrative, often serve to remind adherents of their spiritual duties and the transient nature of the world.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the description of widespread offense and discord in Matthew 24:10 can be examined through the lens of psychology and sociology.

The phenomena of group dynamics, mob mentality, and the psychology of persecution can offer explanations for how societal pressures can lead to broad patterns of betrayal and animosity, as well as individual experiences of alienation and moral challenge.

Commentaries

Various experts and biblical scholars have opined on Matthew 24:10.

Some focus on the prophetic nature of the verse, looking at how history has reflected these patterns of persecution and betrayal among Christian communities.

Others emphasize the verse's moral and ethical implications, suggesting that it serves as a warning to remain vigilant against the human propensity toward self-preservation at the expense of others.

Commentators often agree on the verse's call for spiritual resilience and integrity in times of widespread duplicity and adversity.