Matthew 24:30 - Coming on the clouds with angels (1st century historical fulfillment?)

Matthew 24:30 (1st century historical fulfillment?)


Matthew 24:29 - Sun, moon, stars (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:30 - The sign of the Son of Man (1st century historical understanding & fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:30 - Tribes of the earth will mourn (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:30

Matthew 24:31 - Angels gather together His chosen ones (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Matthew 24:30: "And at-that-time the sign (of) the Son (of) Man will-appear in (the) heaven. And at-the-time all the tribes (of) the earth will-strike(-their-breasts-to-mourn). And they-will-see the Son (of) man coming on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory."


1st century audience?

Jesus said in Matthew 24:30-31: "they-will-see the Son (of) man coming on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels".

Jesus addressed His 1st century disciples when He said these things. 

Jesus said 2 verses later to His 1st century disciples: "So also YOU — when YOU-see all these (things), YOU know that it-is near, at (the) doors. Truly I-say (to) YOU that this generation by-no-means will-pass-away until all these (things) take-place" (Matthew 24:33-34).


1st century events

Historians wrote about an event that happened around AD 66, in which armies of glittering appearance were seen in the clouds around the start of the First Jewish-Roman War that led to the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple.


The 1st century historian Josephus wrote in "The Wars of the Jews":

(6.5.3): "[o]n the twenty-first day of the month of Artemisius [Iyyar], a certain prodigious and incredible phenomenon appeared; I suppose the account of it would seem to be a fable, were it not related by those that saw it, and were not the events that followed it of so considerable a nature as to deserve such signals; for, before sunsetting, chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor were seen running about among the clouds, and surrounding of cities."


The Roman historian Tacitus (who was born in the 1st century) wrote in "The Histories":

(5.13): "in the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of glittering armor."


Pseudo-Hegesippus, a conventional title for a 4th century adaptor of "The Jewish War" of the 1st century historian Josephus, described:

"a certain figure appeared of tremendous size, which many saw, just as the books of the Jews have disclosed, and before the setting of the sun there were suddenly seen in the clouds chariots and armed battle arrays by which the cities of all Judea and its territories were invaded"


A Jewish historian around the 10th century wrote in "Sepher Yosippon":

"moreover, in those days were seen chariots of fire and horsemen, a great force flying across the sky near to the ground coming against Jerusalem and all the land of Judah, all of them horses of fire and riders of fire."


How could these people see that?

How could people see these things? God may have opened their eyes momentarily to see that in a vision, as He did for example with the servant of Elisha when "Elisha prayed, and said, “LORD, open the eyes of the servant, and let him see.” And the LORD opened his eyes, and he saw; and, behold, the mountain (was) full of horses, and chariot(s) of fire round about Elisha!" (2 Kings 6:17).

This event in 2 Kings 6:17 was in the context of the attack of a city. The apparitions of the armies of glittering armor in the clouds around the start of First Jewish-Roman War were also in the context of the soon coming attack of Jerusalem during that war.


A coming on the clouds can happen in the context of the destruction of a city or nation

A coming on the clouds is not a first instance in the Bible. 

For example, in the context of the destruction of Egypt in the 6th century B.C it was written: "Behold, the LORD sits on a swift CLOUD, and will-come to Egypt" (Isaiah 19:1). Egypt later ended up being destroyed. 

Similarly the apparitions of the armies of glittering armor in the clouds around the start of First Jewish-Roman War were also in the context of the soon coming destruction of Jerusalem during that war around AD 70. 

For more information on the destruction of Jerusalem around AD 70:

Matthew 24:15 & Luke 21:20 - Jerusalem surrounded by armies (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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"Armies in conflict of glittering armor in the sky" can describe angels?

Tacitus reported that "in the SKY appeared a vision of ARMIES in CONFLICT, of glittering armor". Those "ARMIES in CONFLICT" were "in the SKY".

In the Bible, angels can be described as a host or an army, for example: "suddenly (a) multitude (of the) heavenly HOST was WITH THE ANGEL, praising God" (Luke 2:13) and then it is written 2 verses later that "THE ANGELS departed from them into HEAVEN" (Luke 2:15). An angel can have a sword in the hand, as for example it is written: "the ANGEL of God having stood opposite in the way, and HIS SWORD having been drawn in His hand" (Numbers 22:23). This can explain how these "ARMIES" could have been "in CONFLICT" according to Tacitus. Revelation for example describes that angels can fight one another, as it is written: "there-was (a) WAR in heaven. MICHAEL and his ANGELS (were) TO-FIGHT against the dragon. And the dragon and his ANGELS FOUGHT" (Revelation 12:7). "MICHAEL" (Revelation 12:7) described here would be "MICHAEL the ARCHANGEL" (Jude 1:9).


Tacitus reported that "in the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of GLITTERING armor." These were "of GLITTERING armor".

In the Bible, angels can be described as having a glittering or shining appearance of light, as for example it is written: "(an) ANGEL (of the) Lord stood-near, and LIGHT SHINED in the cell" (Acts 12:7). Another example: "(an) ANGEL (of the) Lord stood-near them, and (the) glory (of the) Lord SHINED-AROUND them" (Luke 2:9). Another example: Mary saw "two ANGELS" (John 20:12) who were recorded in a parallel account in Luke to be "in GLEAMING clothing" (Luke 24:4).


Consistent with the description of the coming in 2 Thessalonians 1?

Paul in the 1st century about the coming "revelation (of) the Lord Jesus FROM HEAVEN WITH ANGELS (of) His power in FLAMING FIRE" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). 

It was reported in "Sepher Yosippon" that the armies "flying ACROSS THE SKY near to the ground COMING against Jerusalem and all the land of Judah" were "all of them horses OF FIRE and riders OF FIRE". This can be consistent with the description of Jesus coming "FROM HEAVEN WITH ANGELS (of) His power in FLAMING FIRE" (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). In the Bible, ANGELS can be descripted in conjunction with ministers as FLAME of FIRE, as for example it is written: "with-regard-to the ANGELS He-says “The (One) making His ANGELS winds and His ministers (a) FLAME (of) FIRE”." (Hebrews 1:7).

For more similarities between Matthew 24 and 2 Thessalonians 1:


Consistent with the description of the coming in Revelation 1?

It is written in Revelation in the 1st century about "(The) revelation (of) Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to-show His slaves (the things) which must take-place in quickness" (Revelation 1:1). This "revelation" (Revelation 1:1) is showing "(the things) which must take-place in quickness" (Revelation 1:1).

6 verses later, it is written: "Behold, HE-IS-COMING with THE CLOUDS, and every eye WILL-SEE Him — even they who pierced Him. And ALL THE TRIBES (of) THE EARTH WILL-STRIKE(-THEIR-BREASTS-TO-MOURN) over Him" (Revelation 1:7). 

This verse is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 24:30: "ALL THE TRIBES (of) THE EARTH WILL-STRIKE(-THEIR-BREASTS-TO-MOURN). And THEY-WILL-SEE the Son (of) man COMING on THE CLOUDS"

For more similarities between Matthew 24 and Revelation 1:


In Revelation 1:7, "John" (Revelation 1:4) wrote that "every eye WILL-SEE Him — EVEN THEY WHO PIERCED HIM" (Revelation 1:7). The Greek word used here for "PIERCED" is only used 2 times in the entire New Testament, only in Revelation 1:7 and John 19:37. When Jesus was being crucified, it is written in John 19 about the Roman soldiers that "one (of) the soldiers pierced His side (with a) spear" (John 19:34), "For these (things) took-place in-order-that the Scripture might-be-fulfilled [...] “They-will-look at (the One) Whom THEY-PIERCED”." (John 19:36-37). 

Some of those present during that event in John 19 when Jesus was crucified in the 1st century would SEE Him coming with THE CLOUDS, as Revelation 1:7 reads: "He-is-coming with THE CLOUDS, and every eye WILL-SEE Him —EVEN THEY WHO PIERCED HIM" (Revelation 1:7). 

Josephus reported that "chariots and troops of soldiers in their armor WERE SEEN running about among THE CLOUDS, and surrounding of cities" around AD 66 around Jerusalem. People who witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus about 30 years earlier around Jerusalem could still have been alive when this event happened. 

This event was SEEN "surrounding of cities" which can indicate that "every eye" (Revelation 1:7) there could have SEEN that. The expression "every eye" in Revelation 1:7 may have been used to indicate that He would be seen in the open by every eye, in contrast to being seen in secret only by a few select eyes (in the inner rooms for example), like Jesus warned, saying: "if they-say (to) you, ‘Behold — He-is in the wilderness’, do not go-out; ‘Behold — (He is) IN THE INNER-ROOMS’, do not believe (it). For just-as the LIGHTNING comes-out from (the) east and IS-APPEARING AS-FAR-AS (THE) WEST, so will-be THE COMING (of) the Son (of) Man" (Matthew 24:26-27). The Roman historian Tacitus described a "LIGHTNING" after describing the event that happened around AD 66, as he wrote: "in the sky appeared a vision of armies in conflict, of glittering armour. A sudden LIGHTNING flash from the clouds lit up the Temple."

For more information:

Matthew 24:27 - Coming like the lightning (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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Consistent with the description of the coming in Revelation 19?

It is written in Revelation in the 1st century about "(The) revelation (of) Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to-show His slaves (the things) which must take-place in quickness" (Revelation 1:1). This "revelation" (Revelation 1:1) is showing "(the things) which must take-place in quickness" (Revelation 1:1).

In Revelation, at a later chapter, it is written: "I-saw HEAVEN having-been-opened. And behold — (there was a) white HORSE, and the (One) sitting on it being-called Faithful and True. And He-judges and WAGES-WAR in righteousness. And His eyes (are) like (a) FLAME (of) FIRE" (Revelation 19:11-12), "And His name has-been-called “The Word (of) God”. And the ARMIES IN HEAVEN were-following Him on white HORSES, (the riders) having-been-dressed-in white clean fine-linen" (Revelation 19:13-14).

Tacitus reported that "in the SKY appeared a vision of ARMIES in CONFLICT, of glittering armor". This can be consistent with the description of Jesus coming from "HEAVEN" (Revelation 19:11) as He "WAGES-WAR" (Revelation 19:11) with "ARMIES IN HEAVEN" (Revelation 19:14) following Him.

It was reported in "Sepher Yosippon" that the armies "flying ACROSS THE SKY near to the ground COMING against Jerusalem and all the land of Judah" were "all of them HORSES of fire and riders OF FIRE". This can be consistent with the description of Jesus coming from "HEAVEN" (Revelation 19:11) on a "HORSE" (Revelation 19:11) with "ARMIES IN HEAVEN" (Revelation 19:14) on "HORSES" (Revelation 19:14), and Him having eyes like a "FLAME (of) FIRE" (Revelation 19:12).

For more similarities between Matthew 24 and Revelation 19:


Seen all throughout "Jerusalem" and "Judea"?

In the parallel account to Matthew 24 found in Luke 21, Jesus mentioned JERUSALEM and JUDEA in Luke 21:20-21: "when you-see JERUSALEM being-surrounded by army-encampments, then recognize that her desolation has-drawn-near. At-that-time let the (ones) in JUDEA be-fleeing to the mountains." 6 verses later, Jesus said in Luke 21:27: "at-that-time THEY-WILL-SEE the Son (of) Man COMING in (a) CLOUD with power and great glory."

Pseudo-Hegesippus reported that the armies were "SEEN IN THE CLOUDS chariots in the clouds and armed battle arrays by which the cities OF ALL JUDEA and its territories were invaded."

It was reported in "Sepher Yosippon" that "in those days WERE SEEN" the armies "COMING against JERUSALEM and ALL THE LAND OF JUDAH". The land of Judah would have been located around where JUDEA was in the 1st century. 


"They" will see?

Jesus said about "all the TRIBES (of) THE EARTH" (Matthew 24:30) that "THEY-will-see the Son (of) man coming on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels" (Matthew 24:30-31).

There is evidence to suggest that here "the TRIBES (of) THE EARTH" (Matthew 24:30) would refer specifically to "the TRIBES (of) THE LAND (of Israel)".

For more information:
Matthew 24:30 - Tribes of the earth will mourn (1st century historical fulfillment?):
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If "the TRIBES (of) THE EARTH" (Matthew 24:30) would refer specifically to "the TRIBES (of) THE LAND (of Israel)", then they would be the ones to seen the coming in the clouds, as Jesus said: "all the TRIBES (of) the earth will-strike(-their-breasts-to-mourn). And THEY-will-see the Son (of) man coming on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels" (Matthew 24:30-31). 

Pseudo-Hegesippus reported that the armies were "SEEN IN THE CLOUDS chariots in the clouds and armed battle arrays by which the cities OF ALL JUDEA AND ITS TERRITORIES were invaded."

It was reported in "Sepher Yosippon" that "in those days WERE SEEN" the armies "COMING against JERUSALEM and ALL THE LAND OF JUDAH". 

Here all Judea and its territories & Jerusalem would have been located in THE LAND of Israel in the 1st century, thus all the TRIBES of THE LAND (of Israel) could have seen these events. 


They will "SEE"?

Jesus said in Matthew 24:30-31: "They-will-SEE the Son (of) man coming on the clouds (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His angels".

The Greek word for "They-will-SEE" (Matthew 24:30) was used for example when Paul SAW Jesus appearing to him after the ascension of Jesus in Acts 26, as it is written that to "Paul" (Acts 26:1) "the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus Whom you are-persecuting. But arise and stand on your feet. For I-WAS-SEEN (by) you for this" (Acts 26:15-16). 

Paul actually described in that same passage what He SAW at that time: "I-SAW (a) light FROM-HEAVEN beyond the brightness (of) the sun, HAVING-SHINED-AROUND me and the (ones) going with me" (Acts 26:13). 
This is be similar to what Tacitus wrote, about the armor of the sight being glittering or shining, as he wrote that "IN THE SKY APPEARED a vision of armies in conflict, of GLITTERING armor". 

Paul also described in the same passage that this was a "HEAVENLY VISION" (Acts 26:19).
This is similar to the language Tacitus used, writing: "IN THE SKY APPEARED a VISION of armies". 

Jesus said that "They-will-SEE THE SON (OF) MAN" (Matthew 24:30). Pseudo-Hegesippus, a conventional title for a 4th century adaptor of "The Jewish War" of the 1st century historian Josephus, described that "A CERTAIN FIGURE APPEARED of tremendous size, which many SAW". 
Jesus added that "They-will-SEE the Son (of) man coming ON THE CLOUDS (of) heaven with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His ANGELS" (Matthew 24:30-31). Pseudo-Hegesippus directly added that "there were suddenly SEEN IN THE CLOUDS chariots and ARMED BATTLE ARRAYS". The "ARMED BATTLE ARRAYS" here could be describing "ANGELS" (Matthew 24:31). Indeed, it is possible for ANGELS in the Bible to be described as being ARMED, as for example an angel can have a sword in the hand, as it written about "the ANGEL of God having stood opposite in the way, and HIS SWORD having been drawn in His hand" (Numbers 22:23). In the Bible, ANGELS can be also described as a host or an army, for example it is written: "suddenly (a) multitude (of the) heavenly HOST was WITH THE ANGEL, praising God" (Luke 2:13) and then it is written 2 verses later that "THE ANGELS departed from them into HEAVEN" (Luke 2:15).


"Angels" or "messengers"?

Jesus said in Matthew 24:30-31: "they-will-see the Son (of) man coming on the clouds (of) HEAVEN with power and great glory. And He-will-send-out His ANGELS".

The Greek word used for "ANGELS" (Matthew 24:31) can be reasonably also translated as "MESSENGERS". In the New Testament, this Greek word for "MESSENGERS" can also refer to humans, as for example: "the MESSENGERS (of) John having-departed, He-began to-speak to the crowds about John" (Luke 7:24). The main way to know if "MESSENGERS" are referring to humans or to what are generally meant by "ANGELS" is the context, and also for example to see if those MESSENGERS are "from HEAVEN" or "in HEAVEN", which can further help knowing the nature of those MESSENGERS.

The only other time in Matthew 24 in which the Greek word for "MESSENGERS" is used is 5 verses later, in which is it written specifically about "the MESSENGERS (in) the HEAVENS" (Matthew 24:36). Because these ones are "in the HEAVENS" (Matthew 24:36), that verse could be reasonably translated as "the ANGELS (in) the HEAVENS" (Matthew 24:36).

In the context of Matthew 24:30, the Son of man is also coming "on the clouds (of) HEAVEN" (Matthew 24:30) and in that context He sends out His MESSENGERS or ANGELS.

Based on these evidences, it is reasonable to infer that Jesus could have been referring in Matthew 24:30-31 specifically to ANGELS in the HEAVENS.

"ANGELS" can be described as being distinct from "PEOPLE", as for example Paul wrote: "we-were-made (a) spectacle (to) the world, BOTH (to) ANGELS AND (to) PEOPLE" (1 Corinthians 4:9).

In the 1st century, some people were saying that an ANGEL could not exist, as for example the "Sadducees say (that) there-is not (a) resurrection, nor (an) ANGEL" (Acts 23:8). Jesus said to His disciples "to-beware of [...] the teaching (of) the [...] Sadducees" (Matthew 16:12).


Consistent with a 1st century Exodus pattern?

A 1st century greater Exodus may have started around the time when Jesus came on the earth. Just as Joshua came around 40 years after the Exodus, Jesus may have been expected to come about 40 years after His departure also, which would land around AD 66-70. The name for "JOSHUA [Iésous 2424 in Greek]" in Hebrews 4:8 for example is also the same Greek word as the name for "JESUS [Iésous 2424 in Greek], the Son of God" in Hebrews 4:14.

For more information:
1st century Exodus (and beyond)?
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Early Christian authors

Early Christian authors wrote about this event. 

Around the 4th century, the Christian historian Eusebius wrote in "The Proof of the Gospel":

Book VIII: "When, then, we see what was of old foretold for the nations fulfilled in our day, and when the lamentation and wailing that was predicted for the Jews, and the burning of the Temple and its utter desolation, can also be seen even now to have occurred according to the prediction, surely we must also agree that the King who was prophesied, the Christ of God, has come, since the signs of His coming have been shewn in each instance I have treated to have been clearly fulfilled."


In the 4th century, a Christian author named Athanasius wrote in "On the Incarnation of the Word":

11: "It is, in fact, a sign and notable proof of the coming of the Word that Jerusalem no longer stands." 


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