What does Matthew 24:13 mean?

Explanation

The verse, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:13 KJV), speaks to the concept of perseverance amidst trials and tribulations.

On a literal level, it appears to be a promise of salvation for those who remain steadfast in their faith until their life's end or until a significant culmination event, often interpreted as the 'end times' in a Christian eschatological context.

On a deeper level, this verse speaks to the spiritual resilience required to maintain one’s faith through adversity.

It conveys that trials are to be expected, and only through enduring them can one attain the ultimate spiritual reward.

This endurance is not merely passive survival but an active steadfastness in faith, ethics, and action.

Historical Context

Matthew 24 is part of what is often called the "Olivet Discourse," where Jesus speaks to his disciples on the Mount of Olives about the signs of the end times and the coming of the Son of Man.

This chapter contains prophecies and eschatological teachings, addressing the destruction of the temple, the troubles that followers of Jesus will face, the rise of false prophets, and the need for vigilance.

This verse speaks to the early Christian expectation of Christ's imminent return and the turbulent period leading to it. The early church faced persecution from both Jewish and Roman authorities, so this message of endurance would have been particularly poignant and encouraging.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives may interpret this verse variously.

The Preterist view might posit that this verse refers to the endurance of the early church through the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.

The Historicist interpretation may apply it to the enduring church through centuries of tribulation.

Dispensational Premillennialists may see this as a reference to endurance during the Great Tribulation before Christ's second coming.

Meanwhile, the Amillennial and Postmillennial standpoints might suggest a more symbolic interpretation, speaking to the spiritual trials and tribulations that Christians endure throughout the church age.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse serves as encouragement for individuals facing adversity, whether personal, such as illness or loss, or collective, like persecution or societal challenges.

It suggests that perseverance through faith can give strength and hope, and that ultimate salvation or deliverance is not immediate but achieved through sustained commitment.

In daily life, this can inspire believers to hold onto their values and convictions in the face of hardship and to find community support to remain steadfast.

It is a call to long-term faithfulness rather than short-term gains.

Cross-References

• James 1:12: "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
• Revelation 2:10: "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
• Hebrews 3:14: "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word translated as "endure" is "ὑπομείνας" (hypomeinas), which comes from "ὑπομένω" (hypomenō). This verb conveys the meaning of staying behind, to remain instead of fleeing, to stand one's ground, and survive in the face of challenges.

The phrase "unto the end" is translated from "εἰς τέλος" (eis telos), which can signify both a physical point of completion and a more abstract concept of purpose or conclusion.

The term "saved" is "σωθήσεται" (sōthēsetai), a future passive indicative which implies being preserved or delivered, often with connotations of eternal salvation.

Analyzing these words in the original language highlights the active choice of perseverance that leads to a promised future preservation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient myths and religions, the theme of enduring trials to achieve a reward is common. For instance, in Greek mythology, the trials of Heracles (Hercules) were endured as a penance and ultimately led to his immortality.

In Buddhism, the concept of facing and accepting suffering is a key step toward enlightenment and release from the cycle of rebirth. In Islam, the idea of patiently persisting through trials is praised, as seen in the Qur'an which often commends those who show patience.

Scientific Perspectives

From a psychological and sociological perspective, the idea of endurance leading to 'salvation' or a positive outcome aligns with the concept of resilience.

Research in psychology has shown that resilience, the ability to cope with and recover from adversity, is key to long-term mental health and wellbeing.

This can give a secular, scientific backing to the virtue of endurance espoused in the verse.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have provided commentaries on Matthew 24:13:

• John Calvin saw this as a comfort to believers, emphasizing that amidst false prophets and persecution, the one who perseveres in God's truth will be saved.
• William Barclay noted that the original Greek verb for "endure" conveys the active essence of winning a victory over the trials and tribulations.
• Albert Barnes suggested that this "end" could refer to the end of life or the end of Jerusalem, but in either case, it is the endurance of faith throughout that matters.
• John Wesley interpreted it in the context of the "end" as judgement day, proposing that patience in faith is necessary until that final reckoning.