What does Matthew 24:22 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 24:22 is a verse from what is commonly referred to as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus is sharing with His disciples the signs and events that will precede His second coming and the end of the age.

In this particular verse, Jesus speaks of a time of such great tribulation that, if it were allowed to continue unchecked, no life would be saved.

However, He indicates that for the sake of the "elect", those who have been chosen or designated by God, the duration of those days will be curtailed or shortened.

The literal meaning focuses on the intensity and potential destructiveness of the tribulation period, suggesting an intervention for the preservation of the chosen ones.

The deeper meaning could imply that God's mercy and consideration for His elect will ensure the survival of humanity even during the most dire circumstances.

It highlights the providence and sovereignty of God over history and the unfolding of eschatological events.

Historical Context

This passage is set within the broader context of apocalyptic Jewish literature that was prevalent during the time of Jesus.

Expectations of a messianic figure who would bring about an end to oppression and usher in an era of peace were common.

Jesus, speaking to His Jewish disciples on the Mount of Olives, uses this framework to reveal the challenges that would come before the promised restoration and peace.

Matthew 24 is part of a narrative written for a community experiencing persecution and looking for the return of Christ to restore righteousness.

This verse, written in the first century CE, must be understood against the backdrop of Roman occupation, where the threat of catastrophic conflict (like the Jewish-Roman War and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE) was a prevailing concern.

Theological Insights

From the preterist perspective, which interprets prophetic passages as events that have already occurred, this could refer to the events around the destruction of Jerusalem, where the elect could be the early Christian community who heeded the warnings and escaped the city.

Futurist interpretations, on the other hand, apply this verse to a future time of great tribulation. This viewpoint often aligns with a premillennialist eschatology, which expects a literal reign of Christ on Earth for a thousand years following the tribulation.

Amillennialists might interpret the "shortening of days" metaphorically, suggesting God's intervention to limit suffering during the ongoing struggle between good and evil throughout the present church era until Christ's eventual return.

Practical Applications

This verse can provide comfort to believers that no matter how dire circumstances become, God is in control and will mitigate the suffering of His people.

It can also be a reminder that suffering and tribulation are finite and that God has set limits for the duration and intensity of evil in the world.

Christians might be inspired to remain faithful, with the understanding that perseverance through trials is recognized and rewarded by God.

Cross-References

• Mark 13:20: "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days."
• Revelation 7:14: "And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest.

And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."

• Daniel 12:1: "And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book."

Language Study

The original Greek word for "shortened" is "κολοβόω" (koloboo), which means to cut short, abridge, or curtail. The use of this word emphasizes the action of making the tribulation period briefer than it would naturally be.

"Elect" translates from the Greek "ἐκλεκτός" (eklektos), meaning chosen, selected, or favored. This term suggests a group of individuals specifically selected for a purpose or for salvation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Many ancient cultures have myths of cataclysmic tribulations followed by divine intervention.

For instance, the Norse myth of Ragnarok describes a great battle ending in the destruction of the world, followed by its rebirth.

Similar themes appear in the Hindu concept of cyclical Yugas, where each age of the world ends with a transitionary period of decline and renewal.

Within Judaism, the concept of a messianic age is familiar, which aligns with the idea of a period of tribulation followed by redemption.

However, the Christian interpretation brings in the concept of the "elect" or chosen followers of Jesus who would experience salvation during such times.

Scientific Perspectives

While this verse is theological and prophetic in nature rather than empirical, one might consider the implications of global catastrophic risks from a scientific standpoint.

Scientific perspectives on existential risks could parallel the Biblical idea of tribulation in discussing how certain scenarios might threaten global civilization, such as nuclear war, climate change, or pandemics, and the importance of interventions to safeguard humanity's future.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered different insights into Matthew 24:22.

Some, like John Calvin, have emphasized the compassionate providence of God in shortening the days of tribulation for the sake of the elect.

Others, such as dispensationalists, view the phrase "for the elect's sake" as pointing to a future event relating to Israel or the Church during a seven-year tribulation period, as forecasted in Revelation.

Contemporary commentaries often discuss how this verse offers hope and assurance for Christians facing persecution or great difficulties.