Luke 21 Study Notes

21:23-24 Wrath is God’s anger against sin expressed as righteous judgment. The survivors of the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 were spread all over the known world, even more extensively than the Diaspora that occurred during the Babylonian exile hundreds of years earlier. From AD 70 until the emergence of the modern State of Israel in the mid-twentieth century, Jerusalem was controlled by Gentiles. The times of the Gentiles refers to the current opportune time in which Gentile nations embrace the gospel. Meanwhile, Israel is spiritually hardened and will remain so until near the end (Rm 11:25-26).

The most common Greek word in the NT to describe God’s wrath is orgÄ“, normally translated wrath or anger. Only five occurrences of orgÄ“ in the NT do not refer to God’s wrath (Eph 4:31; Col 3:8; 1Tm 2:8; Jms 1:19,20). Mark alone refers specifically to the orgÄ“ (“anger”) of Jesus (3:5); Matthew refers to God’s orgÄ“ once (3:7); and Luke does so twice (3:7; 21:23). A threefold dynamic exists as an expression of God’s orgÄ“: (1) His wrath is a present reality for everyone who does not be-lieve in his Son (Jn 3:36; Rm 1:18-32), but unbelievers do not recognize God’s wrath when they see it; (2) his wrath on unbelievers will intensify as the day of Christ’s return approaches (1Th 5:9; Rv 6:16,17; 11:18; 16:19); and (3) the ultimate demonstration of his wrath is reserved for the final judgment of his enemies (Rv 14:10; 19:15).

21:25-26 Signs in the sun, moon, and stars, probably referring to Jl 2:28,31, were mentioned earlier (Lk 21:11). These cosmic effects will cause great anxiety among the world population.

21:27 The second coming of Christ is described in words that echo the prophecy of Dn 7:13 (the Son of Man coming . . . with . . . great glory). This passage is also cited in relation to Christ’s return in Rv 1:7.

21:28-31 Instead of cowering in the face of these signs, believers should be encouraged because they indicate that the divine plan for redemption is being completed and the advent of the kingdom of God is near. It is like watching trees sprouting leaves in the spring and knowing that summer is at hand.

21:32-33 This generation probably refers to those who will be alive when the various phenomena described by Jesus begin to take place in rapid succession. Since “generation” occasionally means “family” or “posterity,” some believe that it refers specifically to the people of Israel. On heaven and earth . . . but my words, see Mt 5:17-18.

21:34-36 That day refers to the time of Christ’s return. Those caught up in a worldly lifestyle (carousing, drunkenness) or the worries of life will be caught off guard when Christ comes back. The proper outlook is prayerful alertness (18:8), which will prepare the believer to stand and not be ashamed before the Son of Man at his return (see 1Jn 2:28).

21:37-38 During the day . . . in the evening refers to the schedule that Jesus kept during each day of Passion Week. The mention of the Mount of Olives previews the incident in which he was betrayed and arrested (22:39,47-54).