Luke 21:24 – “They will fall by the sword and will be taken as prisoners to all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Jesus gives a prophetic description of the suffering that will come upon the people of Jerusalem when the city is destroyed. He predicts that many will die by the sword and that survivors will be taken captive and scattered among the nations. The city of Jerusalem will be overrun by Gentile (non-Jewish) nations, and this occupation will continue “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.”
Jesus’ words describe both the immediate and long-term consequences of the destruction of Jerusalem. In the short term, there would be massive loss of life and displacement of people. But the mention of the “times of the Gentiles” indicates a longer period when Gentile nations would have control or dominance over Jerusalem and, by extension, influence over world affairs. This period is part of God’s larger plan and points to a future time when His purposes for both Jews and Gentiles will be fulfilled.
Historical Context
Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled in A.D. 70 when the Roman army, led by General Titus, besieged and destroyed Jerusalem. Thousands of Jews were killed, and the survivors were taken as prisoners or sold into slavery. Josephus, a Jewish historian who witnessed these events, wrote about the brutal siege and the suffering it caused. The destruction of the temple and the city marked a major turning point in Jewish history.
After the destruction, the Jewish people were scattered across the Roman Empire and beyond, a dispersion that would continue for centuries. Jerusalem itself came under the control of various Gentile powers, including the Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, and the Ottoman Turks. This Gentile control lasted until the modern era, and many see the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the capture of East Jerusalem in 1967 as significant events related to the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy.
The phrase “times of the Gentiles” refers to the period when Gentile nations would dominate both Jerusalem and world affairs. This period is ongoing, but it will come to an end when God’s redemptive plan is complete and Christ returns.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights several important theological truths. First, it underscores God’s sovereignty over history. The destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jewish people were not random events—they were part of God’s plan and were foretold by Jesus as a consequence of the nation’s rejection of Him. But even in judgment, God’s purpose is redemptive, and His plan for Israel and the Gentile nations will be fulfilled in His perfect timing.
Second, the phrase “times of the Gentiles” points to God’s plan of salvation for all people, not just the Jewish nation. In the Old Testament, God chose Israel to be His covenant people, but through Jesus, salvation was extended to the Gentiles. The current period, often referred to as the “church age,” is a time when God is bringing people from every nation into His kingdom. However, the Bible teaches that God’s promises to Israel have not been forgotten and that He will fulfill them in the future (Romans 11:25-29).
Finally, this verse is a reminder of the seriousness of rejecting God’s truth. The destruction of Jerusalem was a direct result of the people’s rejection of Jesus and their refusal to repent. While God is patient and merciful, persistent rejection of Him leads to judgment.
Literary Analysis
This verse is structured as a prophecy that combines both immediate and long-term elements. The first part of the verse describes the immediate consequences of the destruction of Jerusalem—death and captivity—while the second part shifts to a broader and more long-term perspective, focusing on the “times of the Gentiles.”
The use of the word “trampled” conveys the idea of domination and disrespect, highlighting the suffering and humiliation that Jerusalem would endure under Gentile control. The phrase “until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” introduces a sense of hope and completion, indicating that this period will not last forever but will end when God’s purposes are accomplished.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 28:64 – A warning that disobedience to God would result in the people being scattered among the nations.
- Isaiah 63:18 – A lament about Jerusalem being trampled by enemies.
- Daniel 9:26 – A prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple.
- Romans 11:25 – Paul speaks about the partial hardening of Israel until the full number of the Gentiles comes in.
- Revelation 11:2 – A reference to Gentiles trampling the holy city for a period of time.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of God’s faithfulness to His Word. Jesus accurately predicted the events that would occur, showing that His words can be trusted. Just as His warning about Jerusalem came true, His promises of salvation and His return will also be fulfilled.
This verse also reminds believers of God’s plan to include people from all nations in His kingdom. The “times of the Gentiles” refers to the period when the gospel is being preached to the nations, offering salvation to everyone who believes in Jesus. Christians are called to participate in this mission, sharing the good news and making disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20).
Additionally, this verse encourages Christians to remain hopeful and watchful. The “times of the Gentiles” will not last forever, and Jesus’ return will bring about the fulfillment of God’s promises to both Jews and Gentiles. Believers are called to live with a sense of anticipation, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding and that His kingdom will be fully established in the future.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in His patience and mercy. While the destruction of Jerusalem was a judgment on sin, God’s ultimate goal is redemption. The “times of the Gentiles” is a period of grace, during which God is extending salvation to people from every nation. His desire is not to condemn but to save, as seen in 2 Peter 3:9, which says that God is patient, not wanting anyone to perish but for all to come to repentance.
God’s love is also seen in His faithfulness to His covenant promises. Although Israel experienced judgment, God has not abandoned His people. He promises that a remnant will be saved and that His covenant with them will be fulfilled (Romans 11:26-27). His love ensures that even in judgment, there is hope for restoration.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is central to this verse because He is the one who predicts the events, demonstrating His role as a prophet. But more importantly, Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, He made it possible for both Jews and Gentiles to be reconciled to God and become part of His kingdom.
The “times of the Gentiles” point to the period when the gospel is being preached to the nations, a mission that began with Jesus and continues through His followers. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth, reflecting God’s plan to bring salvation to all people.
Additionally, Jesus’ return will mark the end of the “times of the Gentiles” and the full establishment of God’s kingdom. His return will bring about the fulfillment of all God’s promises, including the restoration of Israel and the reign of Christ over all nations (Revelation 21:1-4).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy about Jerusalem help you trust His promises about the future?
- What does the “times of the Gentiles” mean for the mission of the church today?
- How can you be involved in sharing the gospel and participating in God’s plan of salvation for all nations?
- What can you learn from God’s patience in delaying judgment to give people time to repent?
- How does the promise of Jesus’ return give you hope and encourage you to live faithfully?
This verse is a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and love. Even in times of judgment, His plan is working toward redemption, and through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles have the opportunity to experience the fullness of God’s promises.