When Will The Earth End?

In Matthew 10:23, it is said, "[b]ut whenever they persecute you in one city, flee to the next; for truly I say to you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes" (NASB1995). The verse seems to indicate that the second coming of the Messiah would be very soon. However, this is a misreading of the text.

There are several interpretations of this verse that bring context to this passage. As the ESV Study Bible explains, several "interpretations have been suggested: the coming of the Son of Man may refer to (1) Jesus' resurrection, when he came back from the dead, (2) his sending of the Spirit at Pentecost, (3) his coming in judgment on Jerusalem when it was destroyed in A.D. 70" (Crossway 1840-1841). It is possible that Jesus is not referring to the second coming, but one of these many alternatives. The passage is vague, so such options are possible. It could even be that Jesus is using hyperbole here to emphasize the speed of his second coming.

Other scholars have also argued this was a conditional prophecy, i.e., a prophecy that would only result unless certain conditions were met. A judge may say, "unless you pay the fine, you will be arrested". This is a conditional prophecy in a sense, as the judge foretells what is to occur unless the condition is met (c.f. Hays 40; 80-82; Heiser).

Works Cited:

ESV Study Bible. United States, Crossway, 2008

Hays, Christopher M., et al. When the Son of Man Didn't Come: A Constructive Proposal on the Delay of the Parousia. United States, Fortress Press, 2016.

Heiser, Michael. "Was Jesus a Failed Prophet?" MIQLAT, 2007, Dec 20 https://drmsh.com/was-jesus-a-failed-prophet/ .