I recently blogged on Matthew 24, suggesting that in it Jesus was discussing the end of the age of the Jewish sacrificial system, not the end of the world.
A question that may arise in response to this interpretation is based on Jesus’ prophecy in verse 14: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.”
One might argue the gospel was not preached to the whole world before 70 A.D. Therefore, the end Jesus is talking about must mean the end of the world, not the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D. and end of the Jewish sacrificial system. However, the Bible says the opposite.
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, writes: “We give thanks. . . because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel which has come to you , just as in all the world also it is constantly bearing fruit and increasing…” (Colossians 1:3-6).
Paul’s wrote to the Romans: “Now to him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ . . . which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets . . . has been made known to all the nations…” (Romans 16:25-26).
Paul’s letters to the Colossians and Romans were both written before 70 A.D., which is just more proof Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled just as he promised. GS