ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Luke 21

Luke 21:1–4 offering box. One of the 13 collection chests in the temple.

Luke 21:5–24 Jesus foretells the destruction of the temple and Jerusalem (vv. 5–24) and the coming of the Son of Man (vv. 25–38). As is also the case earlier in Luke (17:22; 19:43–44), the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70 is used by Jesus as a pattern or a “type” of the ultimate destruction at the end of the age when Christ returns.

Luke 21:5–6 how it was adorned. The beauty and size of Herod the Great’s Temple Mount exceeded that of most of the Seven Wonders of the World. It was more than twice the size of the Acropolis in Athens (see Herod’s Temple Complex in the Time of Jesus). It was 0.96 miles (1.55 km) around and enclosed a space equivalent to one-sixth of the entire city. noble stones. One of the stones of the temple complex still remaining measures 45 x 11.5 x 12 feet (13.7 x 3.2 x 4 m) and is estimated to weigh 570 tons. offerings. Tapestries, gold and bronze doors, golden grape clusters, etc. The days will come refers not to the second coming but to a time in history before that (see 5:35; 17:22; 19:43; 23:29). not . . . one stone upon another. Fulfilled in a.d. 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem and the temple.

Luke 21:7–9 when will these things be, and what will be the sign? See notes on Matt. 24:3; Mark 13:4–37. For many introduces what the disciples should not be led astray by. in my name. People claiming the title “Messiah.” These imposters will say I am he, that is, “I am the Messiah,” and therefore the time is at hand! (compare Dan. 7:22; Rev. 1:3; 22:10). Do not go after them, for these pretenders are not Christ himself.

Luke 21:12 before all this. Before the events of vv. 6–11.

Luke 21:14 not to meditate beforehand how to answer. Compare 12:11–12.

Luke 21:16 You will be delivered up even by parents intensifies 12:53; 14:26; 18:29. Some of you suggests that there will be only a few martyrs, but there will be some.

Luke 21:18 In light of the prediction that some disciples will be “put to death” (v. 16), it is best to take not a hair of your head will perish as a metaphorical way of saying that God’s people will suffer no eternal spiritual harm.

Luke 21:19 gain your lives. That is, will be enabled to share in the full benefits of final salvation in the end times; see 9:24.

Luke 21:20–24 In vv. 8–19 the audience is Jesus’ followers (“you”). Here it is described as “those,” “women,” “this people,” and “they,” indicating that Jesus’ followers are not the ones being directly addressed.

Luke 21:20 Jerusalem surrounded by armies. The first fulfillment of this was the destruction of Jerusalem in a.d. 70. Some of what Jesus predicted in vv. 5–24 may also find fulfillment in events that precede Christ’s second coming.

Luke 21:21 Then (while there is still time) . . . flee to the mountains (see note on Matt. 24:16). Those who are inside the city (should) depart before the Roman siege occurs.

Luke 21:22 Days of vengeance refers to God’s vengeance and judgment, not Rome’s. to fulfill all that is written. Compare 18:31; 24:44; Acts 13:29.

Luke 21:23 women who are pregnant and . . . nursing. In war, they are the most vulnerable. What was normally a blessing would now present a great difficulty.

Luke 21:24 the edge of the sword. Compare Jer. 21:7; Heb. 11:37. Until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled may point to a later time when Israel/Jerusalem will repent and be restored to God’s favor (see Rom. 11:11–32).

Luke 21:25–28 Signs in sun and moon and stars and the powers of the heavens will be shaken describes great changes in the skies (see note on Matt. 24:29). they will see. The second coming involves the visible return of the Son of Man from heaven (Acts 1:11; see notes on Matt. 8:20; 24:30). These things . . . take place refers to Luke 21:25–27. Redemption refers to the time of Christ’s return (Rom. 8:23).

Luke 21:31 So also introduces the reality to which the fig tree analogy of vv. 29–30 points. These things refers to the second coming (vv. 25–28). The kingdom of God is near means the consummation of the kingdom (see Introduction: Key Themes), when the Son of Man returns.

Luke 21:32 this generation will not pass away. See note on Matt. 24:34.

Luke 21:33 my words will not pass away. This applies to all of Jesus’ teaching, but specifically to his teaching about the certainty of his return and the events leading up to it.

Luke 21:34 that day. When the Son of Man comes (v. 27) and the kingdom comes in its fullness (v. 31).

Luke 21:35 The warnings of vv. 34 and 36 apply to people throughout the whole earth, not just “those who are in Judea” (v. 21).

Luke 21:36 to escape all these things. That is, to avoid being harmed by the difficult times before Christ’s return.