Verses 1-2 obviously refer to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D., so that part has already been fulfilled. Likewise, verse 4-9 describe the current church age quite well. However, I will note again that the tribulations and afflictions mentioned here are nothing compared the Tribulation, which is uniquely described as the Wrath of God and the time of Jacob's Trouble.
This fact is important as we see that Christ shifts to talk about the abomination of desolation in verses 15-28. The abomination of desolation is also mentioned in Daniel 8:9-11, 13-14, 23-26, and Daniel 11:31. These passages are stated to take place during "the latter indignation", another name for the Tribulation. The Abomination of Desolation specifically occurs during the latter half of this 7 year period. Here's an article that breaks down Daniel, specifically rebutting the theory that Antiochus IV already fulfilled Daniel:
Matthew 24:17 talks about the need to flee, because the Abomination of Desolation basically consists of the Antichrist suddenly betraying the agreement that he set up with Israel and invading. Jesus also notes that they should pray that the flight not take place on the sabbath, something that only applies to Jews as Christians don't observe the sabbath. Therefore verse 15-28 are specifically for the nation of Israel. Verse 21 states "for then there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be". This imo rules out most of the lesser tribulations and trials that Christians and Jews alike have experienced in the past 2,000 years, though arguably the Holocaust may approximate some of the horrors of the real Tribulation. Lastly, verse 22 says that if those days weren't cut short, no flesh would survive. This again rules out the events of the past 2,000 years, as there are 8 billion people and millions of Jews left on the planet. The numerous catastrophes of Revelation are much better candidates for plausibly wiping out the human population were they allowed to continue for more than 7 years.
Unfortunately, your pastor seems to be incorrect that the Tribulation has been going on for 2,000 years. While I understand the confusion, as both Christians and Jews have faced fierce persecution throughout history, the scriptural evidence doesn't seem to support it. When Daniel and Revelation are read together, it's extremely difficult to come away with anything else than a specific 7 year period:
For more reading on arguments for a pre Trib Rapture and a general chronology of the events of the Tribulation, check out these links as well (this guy backs up his arguments with lots of Scripture and sound reasoning):
I'm glad you're interested in this subject and willing dive deeply into what the Bible says regarding the end times. I hope you find these resources helpful in your studies.
Alright, lets look through Matthew 24.
Verses 1-2 obviously refer to the destruction of the Temple in 70 A.D., so that part has already been fulfilled. Likewise, verse 4-9 describe the current church age quite well. However, I will note again that the tribulations and afflictions mentioned here are nothing compared the Tribulation, which is uniquely described as the Wrath of God and the time of Jacob's Trouble.
This fact is important as we see that Christ shifts to talk about the abomination of desolation in verses 15-28. The abomination of desolation is also mentioned in Daniel 8:9-11, 13-14, 23-26, and Daniel 11:31. These passages are stated to take place during "the latter indignation", another name for the Tribulation. The Abomination of Desolation specifically occurs during the latter half of this 7 year period. Here's an article that breaks down Daniel, specifically rebutting the theory that Antiochus IV already fulfilled Daniel:
https://www.barrysetterfield.org/Daniel%208/Daniel8.html
Matthew 24:17 talks about the need to flee, because the Abomination of Desolation basically consists of the Antichrist suddenly betraying the agreement that he set up with Israel and invading. Jesus also notes that they should pray that the flight not take place on the sabbath, something that only applies to Jews as Christians don't observe the sabbath. Therefore verse 15-28 are specifically for the nation of Israel. Verse 21 states "for then there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be". This imo rules out most of the lesser tribulations and trials that Christians and Jews alike have experienced in the past 2,000 years, though arguably the Holocaust may approximate some of the horrors of the real Tribulation. Lastly, verse 22 says that if those days weren't cut short, no flesh would survive. This again rules out the events of the past 2,000 years, as there are 8 billion people and millions of Jews left on the planet. The numerous catastrophes of Revelation are much better candidates for plausibly wiping out the human population were they allowed to continue for more than 7 years.
Unfortunately, your pastor seems to be incorrect that the Tribulation has been going on for 2,000 years. While I understand the confusion, as both Christians and Jews have faced fierce persecution throughout history, the scriptural evidence doesn't seem to support it. When Daniel and Revelation are read together, it's extremely difficult to come away with anything else than a specific 7 year period:
https://www.gotquestions.org/tribulation.html
For more reading on arguments for a pre Trib Rapture and a general chronology of the events of the Tribulation, check out these links as well (this guy backs up his arguments with lots of Scripture and sound reasoning):
https://www.barrysetterfield.org/Pre-Tribulation_Rapture.html
https://www.barrysetterfield.org/Tribulation_Events_Timeline.html
I'm glad you're interested in this subject and willing dive deeply into what the Bible says regarding the end times. I hope you find these resources helpful in your studies.
Yes, thank you very much for sharing. I appreciate it.