Introduction
In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), Jesus prophesies His second coming (Greek Parousia) , warning against false messiahs and describing His return as an unmistakable “daylight” or “sunshine” shining from east to west (Matthew 24:27, AENT). This chapter examines Matthew 24:23–31, alongside Mark 13:21–27, Luke 21:25–28, and Luke 17:20–24, emphasizing the radiant imagery of Christ’s coming and its realization of the spiritual kingdom physically unseen and “within” believers (Luke 17:21-24). Drawing on translations like the Aramaic English New Testament (AENT) and A Faithful Version (AFV), we connect this prophecy to Old Testament texts (Malachi 4:2, Isaiah 45:6, Isaiah 60–65, Daniel 12:3) and New Testament parallels (Matthew 13:43, Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:18–23 YLT). These depict Christ’s AD 70 coming as a transformative act of judgment on apostate Israel, glorification of the faithful, and covenantal resurrection, fulfilling the New Covenant. Contrasting the secretive claims of false messiahs with the undeniable “sunshine” of Jesus’ return, this study highlights AD 70 as the moment when Christ’s radiant presence vindicated His messiahship, filled His people with divine glory, and established the kingdom within them.
Matthew 24:23–31 (ESV, with AENT for v. 27):
Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, ‘Look, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out. If they say, ‘Look, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. For as the daylight comes from the east and is seen even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man (AENT). Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather. Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will 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 with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.
Mark 13:21–27 (ESV):
And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘Look, there he is!’ do not believe it. For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But be on guard; I have told you all things beforehand. But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven.
Luke 21:25–28 (ESV):
And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.
Luke 17:24 (A Faithful Version):
For as the sunshine that shines from one part under heaven to the other part under heaven, so also shall the Son of Man be in His day.
Comparative Analysis of the Olivet Discourse
The Olivet Discourse presents a unified prophecy of Christ’s AD 70 coming, tied to the destruction of Jerusalem. Matthew 24:23–31 provides the most detailed account, with the “daylight” of verse 27 (AENT) and the “corpse” and “vultures” of verse 28 echoing Malachi 4:2’s “sun of righteousness” and Daniel 7:13’s “Son of Man.” Mark 13:21–27 and Luke 21:25–28 reinforce this timing with phrases like “after that tribulation” (Mark 13:24) and “when these things begin to take place” (Luke 21:28), linking the parousia to the tribulation and the flight of Christians to Pella (Eusebius, Ecclesiastical History 3.5.3). Matthew 24:30’s mourning of the tribes connects to Zechariah 12:12, emphasizing judgment on Israel.
Comparison Chart:
| Theme | Matthew 24:23–31 | Mark 13:21–27 | Luke 21:25–28 |
| False Messiahs | Warns against “Here is the Christ!” (vv. 23–26) | Similar warning (vv. 21–23) | Implied in distress and deception context |
| Son of Man’s Coming | Daylight from east to west (v. 27, AENT); clouds with glory (v. 30) | Clouds with power and glory (v. 26) | Cloud with power and glory (v. 27) |
| Cosmic Signs | Sun darkened, moon dim, stars fall, heavens shaken (v. 29) | Same signs (vv. 24–25) | Signs in sun, moon, stars; heavens shaken (v. 25) |
| Timing | “Immediately after the tribulation” (v. 29) | “After that tribulation” (v. 24) | “When these things begin to take place” (v. 28) |
| Gathering of Elect | Angels gather elect from four winds (v. 31) | Angels gather elect from earth to heaven (v. 27) | Implied in redemption drawing near (v. 28) |
This chart highlights the shared emphasis on the immediacy of Christ’s coming, with Matthew’s “daylight” imagery uniquely tying to the spiritual kingdom’s realization.
Parallels with Luke 17:20–37
Luke 17:20–37 strongly parallels Matthew 24, reinforcing the AD 70 context and the spiritual nature of Christ’s coming. The “sunshine” imagery in Luke 17:24 (AFV) mirrors Matthew 24:27 (AENT), portraying the parousia as a radiant, universal event that contrasts with the secretive claims of false messiahs. Luke 17:21’s declaration that the kingdom is “within you” (or “in your midst”) underscores the internal, spiritual fulfillment of Christ’s coming. As the “sunshine” illuminates from east to west, Christ’s presence indwells believers, transforming them into bearers of His glory and righteousness (cf. Colossians 1:27; Romans 8:18–23 YLT). This internal kingdom realization aligns with the covenantal resurrection, where the faithful shine as the New Covenant dawns (Matthew 13:43; Daniel 12:3).
Motif Comparison:
| Motif | Luke 17:20–37 | Matthew 24:1–41 |
| Fleeing | Flee from housetops and fields (vv. 31–33) | Flee from housetops and fields (vv. 17–18) |
| Son of Man’s Coming | Sunshine from east to west (v. 24, AFV) | Daylight from east to west (v. 27, AENT) |
| Vultures and Corpse | Vultures gather at corpse (v. 37) | Vultures gather at corpse (v. 28) |
| Days of Noah | Like Noah’s days (vv. 26–30) | Like Noah’s days (vv. 37–39) |
| One Taken, One Left | One taken, one left (vv. 34–36) | One taken, one left (vv. 40–41) |
The “sunshine” imagery in both passages emphasizes the unmistakable clarity of Christ’s AD 70 coming, which, unlike localized false messiahs, radiates universally and fulfills the kingdom “within” believers, marking the transition from the old covenant’s darkness to the New Covenant’s eternal light (Isaiah 60:19–20; Romans 8:18–23 YLT).
Old Testament and New Testament Background
The “sunshine” imagery of Matthew 24:27 and Luke 17:24 draws on a rich tapestry of Old and New Testament texts, portraying Christ’s AD 70 coming as a radiant act of judgment, glorification, and resurrection, culminating in the spiritual kingdom.
Malachi 4:2: The Sun of Righteousness “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (ESV). Set in the “day of the Lord” (Malachi 3–4:1–6), this depicts Christ’s AD 70 judgment on apostate Israel and healing for the elect (Matthew 24:22). The “daylight” of Matthew 24:27 and “sunshine” of Luke 17:24 echo this, portraying Christ’s coming as a radiant vindication that indwells believers, fulfilling the kingdom “within” (Luke 17:21).
Isaiah 45:6: Universal Sovereignty “That people may know, from the rising of the sun and from the west, that there is none besides me” (ESV). The “east to west” imagery parallels Matthew 24:27 and Luke 17:24, affirming Christ’s universal lordship through Jerusalem’s destruction (Josephus, Jewish War 6.5.3), realized spiritually within His people.
Isaiah 60–65 and Revelation 21–22: The New Jerusalem Isaiah envisions a New Covenant Jerusalem where God’s people shine with divine radiance (Isaiah 60:19–20; 62:1–2), free from the old covenant’s darkness (Isaiah 65:17–25). Revelation 21–22 fulfills this as the New Jerusalem, where God’s presence is the eternal light (Revelation 21:3, 23), realized in AD 70 (Revelation 22:10). This aligns with Luke 17:21’s kingdom “within,” as believers embody Christ’s light.
Daniel 12:3: The Righteous Shine “Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above” (ESV). In the “time of the end” (Daniel 12:1–4), linked to AD 70, the righteous shine, echoing Matthew 24:27 and Luke 17:24’s “sunshine,” signifying their glorification in the internal kingdom.
Matthew 13:43: Shining in the Kingdom “The righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (ESV). Echoing Daniel 12:3, this ties the “end of the age” to AD 70, where Christ’s coming glorifies believers, fulfilling the kingdom “within” (Luke 17:21).
Colossians 1:27: Christ in You “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (ESV) reflects the AD 70 transformation, where Christ’s presence indwells believers, enabling them to shine (Matthew 13:43; Daniel 12:3) as the kingdom is realized within them (Luke 17:21).
Romans 8:18–23 (YLT): Glory and Redemption “For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory about to be revealed in us… the creation itself also shall be set free from the servitude of the corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God… waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body” (YLT). Paul’s use of “about to be revealed” (mello) and “redemption of the body” points to an imminent AD 70 fulfillment, where Christ’s coming as “sunshine” (Matthew 24:27; Luke 17:24) liberates believers from the old covenant’s corruption, filling them with glory in the spiritual kingdom (Luke 17:21; Romans 13:11–12).
Scriptural Connections Chart:
| Scripture | Imagery | Context | AD 70 Fulfillment |
| Malachi 4:2 | Sun of righteousness | Judgment and healing | Christ judges Israel, restores faithful |
| Isaiah 45:6 | Rising sun, east to west | God’s sovereignty | Universal recognition of Christ’s lordship |
| Daniel 12:3 | Shining like the sky | Righteous glorified | Faithful shine in New Covenant |
| Matthew 13:43 | Shining like the sun | End of age | Righteous glorified in kingdom |
| Colossians 1:27 | Hope of glory | Christ’s indwelling | Believers filled with Christ’s presence |
| Romans 8:18–23 YLT | Glory about to be revealed | Redemption of the body | Believers liberated in spiritual kingdom |
Historical Context: False Messiahs vs. Christ’s Coming
Matthew 24:23–26 warns against false messiahs claiming, “Look, he is in the wilderness!” or “in the inner rooms!” (erēmos, tameiois), reflecting figures like Theudas (Josephus, Antiquities 20.5.1) or John of Gischala (Jewish War 4.3.5). In contrast, Christ’s coming as “daylight” (Matthew 24:27, AENT; Luke 17:24, AFV) is universally evident in AD 70’s destruction of Jerusalem (Josephus, Jewish War 6.5.3), fulfilling the kingdom “within” believers (Luke 17:21).
Luke’s “Looking Up”
Luke 21:27–28 describes the Son of Man coming “in a cloud with power and great glory” (cf. Luke 17:24, AFV’s “sunshine”), urging believers to “straighten up and raise your heads” as redemption nears. This echoes Psalm 18’s deliverance imagery, with believers as God’s garden, tracking Christ’s “sunshine” (Malachi 4:2) and filled with His glory in AD 70 (Romans 8:18–23 YLT). The New Jerusalem, indwelt by Christ’s light (Isaiah 60:19–20; Revelation 21:23), invites all to enter (Revelation 22:17).
“Wherever the Corpse Is, There the Vultures Will Gather” and the Parousia as Resurrection
The parousia in Matthew 24:27 is tied to Matthew 24:4–35’s AD 70 context, culminating in the judgment of verse 28: “For wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather.” Partial preterist Kenneth Gentry interprets this as the demise of Old Covenant Israel, with the “corpse” symbolizing its spiritual and covenantal death and the “vultures” representing Roman armies or divine judgment. Gentry connects this to Matthew 19:28 and Daniel 12:1–2, arguing that AD 70 marks a corporate bodily covenantal resurrection:
“Though in AD 70 elect Jews will flee Judea and be preserved (Matt. 24:22), the rest of the nation will be a corpse: ‘Wherever the corpse is, there the vultures will gather’ (Matt. 24:28).” He adds that the true Israel will arise from old Israel’s carcass, as in a resurrection or “the arising of the new Israel from out of dead, old covenant Israel in AD 70” (cf. Matthew 19:28).[1]
This AD 70 parousia (Matthew 24:27) triggers the judgment of verse 28 and the resurrection of the New Covenant church, aligning with 1 Thessalonians 4:15–17, 1 Corinthians 15, and Romans 8:18–23 (YLT). The “trumpet” and “gathering” in Matthew 24:31 parallel 1 Thessalonians 4:16’s “trumpet” and “caught up” imagery and 1 Corinthians 15:52’s “last trumpet,” while Romans 8:18–23’s “redemption of the body” describes the corporate liberation of the church into the “glory about to be revealed” in AD 70. Christ’s coming as “sunshine” (Matthew 24:27; Luke 17:24) judges Israel, destroys the temple, and glorifies the elect, who “shine like the sun” (Matthew 13:43; Daniel 12:3) as the kingdom is realized “within” them (Luke 17:21-24 AFV; Colossians 1:27; Romans 8:18–23 YLT). However, Gentry’s partial preterism falters here. While he initially places Matthew 24:27 in AD 70, some later writings suggest a future parousia, creating tension with the “analogy of faith” principle, which seeks eschatological unity. This inconsistency undermines a coherent view of the AD 70 resurrection across these passages.
Theological and Historical Implications
Christ’s AD 70 coming as the “sun of righteousness” (Malachi 4:2) was multifaceted: a judgment on apostate Israel, a destruction of the temple, a vindication of His messiahship, and a glorification and resurrection of His people. Isaiah 45:6 affirms His universal lordship, while Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43, and Romans 8:18–23 (YLT) depict the righteous shining with Christ’s glory in the spiritual kingdom (Luke 17:21). Colossians 1:27’s “Christ in you” fulfills the New Covenant, as believers embody His light and presence. As the “cloud rider” (Daniel 7:13–14; Matthew 16:27–28), Christ establishes His divine authority.
Conclusion
Matthew 24:27–28 and Luke 17:20–24, illuminated by Malachi 4:2, Isaiah 45:6, Isaiah 60–65, Daniel 12:3, Matthew 13:43, Colossians 1:27, Romans 8:18–23 (YLT), and Revelation 21–22, present Christ’s AD 70 coming as a radiant act of judgment, glorification, and resurrection. As the “sun of righteousness,” Jesus judged Jerusalem, fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and indwelt His people, enabling them to shine in the spiritual kingdom “within” them. This unmistakable event, clear as daylight, contrasts with false messiahs’ secretive claims, affirming Jesus’ sole authority. Fulfilling prophecies like Malachi 3–4, Daniel 7:13–14, 9:24–27, and 12:1–4, Christ’s AD 70 parousia established Him as the divine cloud rider worthy of the worship of the nations and His saints as bearers of His eternal glory through a covenantal resurrection.
[1] Kenneth L. Gentry Jr., He Shall Have Dominion: A Postmillennial Eschatology, Third Edition: Revised and Expanded (Draper, VA: Apologetics Media, 2009), pp. 338–339.