Temple Destruction and Other Signs
(Matthew 24:1–8; Luke 21:5–9)

1As Jesus was going out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, see, master, what stone-work, and buildings are here. 2but Jesus answer'd him, you see this magnificent structure, which shall not be left till it be all demolished, one stone after another.

3and when he was sitting upon the mount of Olives over-against the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew said to him in private, tell us, 4when shall this happen? and what will be the sign that this is going to be accomplished? 5Jesus answer'd by saying, take care not to let any one impose upon you; 6for many shall come in my name, and say, I am the Messiah; and deceive many. 7but when ye shall hear the talk of wars, and the noise of wars, be not alarm'd; for that must happen; but the end is not yet. 8for nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: there shall be earthquakes in divers places, famines and commotions.

Witnessing to All Nations
(Matthew 24:9–14; Luke 21:10–19)

9these are the beginning of sorrows, then look to your selves: for they will deliver you up to the tribunals, and scourge you in the synagogues: you will be brought before governours, and princes upon my account, to be my witnesses against them.

10but the gospel must first be published among all nations. 11now when they shall lead you to deliver you up, be not sollicitous about your defence, don't premeditate upon it; but what shall be suggested to you at the very occasion, that deliver: for it is not you that will plead, but the holy spirit. 12then the brother shall betray his brother to death, and the father his son: children shall prosecute their parents, and be the instruments to take away their lives: 13you will be the object of universal hatred upon my account; but he that shall persevere unto the end, shall be saved.

The Abomination of Desolation
(Matthew 24:15–25; Luke 21:20–24)

14Now when you shall see the-abomination of desolation, mentioned by the prophet Daniel, establish'd where it ought not to be (let the reader observe) then let those, who are in Judea, flee to the mountains: 15he that is upon the battlements let him not descend into the house, nor enter therein to take any thing away: let 16not him that is in the field return back to fetch his garment. 17unhappy the women who are pregnant, and those who nurse children at such a time. 18pray that your flight be not in the winter. 19for the distress of that time will be such as never happen'd since the beginning of the world, which God created, to this present, nor ever shall be. 20so that if the Lord should suffer it to last, no man could escape: but he will not suffer the time to last long, out of regard to his elect. 21Then if any one shall say to you, Christ is here, or, he is there, don't believe it. 22for false Christs, and false prophets shall rise, and shall shew signs and prodigies, so as to seduce, if it were possible, even the very elect. 23be you therefore upon your guard: remember I have forewarned you against all events.

The Return of the Son of Man
(Matthew 24:26–31; Luke 21:25–28)

24Now after the time of that distress, the sun shall be dark, and the moon shall give no light: 25the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken. 26then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds with power and great glory. 27then will he send his angels, and gather his elect from the four winds, from the remotest part of the earth, to the remotest part of heaven.

The Lesson of the Fig Tree
(Matthew 24:32–35; Luke 21:29–33)

28Consider this similitude taken from a fig-tree: when its branch is yet tender, and pushes out its leaves, you know that summer is near: 29so when you shall see these things happen, know that he is nigh, even at your doors. 30I declare unto you, this generation shall not be extinct, till all these things be transacted. 31heaven and earth shall fail, but my words shall never fail.

Readiness at Any Hour
(Matthew 24:36–51; Luke 12:35–48)

32as to the day and hour, that no one knows, neither the angels in heaven, nor even the son; but the father only.

33be circumspect, be vigilant, and devout: because you are uncertain when that time will be. 34when a man travels into foreign parts, he leaves his goods in charge to his servants, he appoints to every one his task, and orders the porter to be vigilant, 35watch ye therefore (for you don't know when the master of the house will return; whether at evening, or at midnight, or at the cock-crowing, or in the morning) 36for fear by his sudden return he should surprize you sleeping. 37what I say to you, I say to all, be vigilant.