And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
Read it in contextDesolation and false claims
Start reading at Matthew 24:15 (Matthew 24:15 to Matthew 24:28).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Specific warnings about desolation and fleeing are followed by cautions against deceptive reports about the Christ.
24:15When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
24:16Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
24:17Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house:
24:18Neither let him which is in the field return back to take his clothes.
24:19And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!
24:20But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter, neither on the sabbath day:
24:21For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
24:22And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.
24:23Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not.
24:24For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
24:25Behold, I have told you before.
24:26Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not.
24:27For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
24:28For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 24:1–25:46): Jesus teaches His disciples privately on the Mount of Olives in response to their questions about the temple's destruction and His coming. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Desolation and false claims. Read Matthew 24:15 through Matthew 24:28 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Specific warnings about desolation and fleeing are followed by cautions against deceptive reports about the Christ. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Desolation and false claims (Matthew 24:15 to Matthew 24:28).
Start reading at Matthew 24:15. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 24:15, Matthew 24:28, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Other accounts of this event
The prediction concerning the temple and coming troubles
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 24
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings. The Olivet discourse begins with the temple setting in 24:1–3 and continues through 25:46; this chapter is not the complete unit.
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the disciples with warnings against deception and with calls to endurance, placing hardships within a wider witness to the nations.
Connection to the wholeThe discourse turns explicitly to readiness and faithful service. Its warning about an unknown day and hour must not become a date-setting formula.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.