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& The FALL of REASON & REVELATION JERUSALEM A Monthly Journal of Christian Evidences April 2021•Vol. 41•No. 4 NEW Book Behemoth & Leviathan

Jesus' Prophecy of heartbroken cry for the capital city of Jerusalem, and the Jewish nation, the Fall oifnJeAru.Dsa.l7em0 when He lamented, “O Jerusalem, Kyle Butt, M.Div. Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are Article In Brief... sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a While Jesus was on the Earth, everything He predicted about His hen gathers her chicks under her own life and death came true to the smallest detail. His accuracy wings, but you were not willing!” extended, however, even beyond His own earthly lifespan to (Matthew 23:37). include what would happen to the Jewish nation and the city of Jerusalem in the future. The secular, historical record of events that The text of Matthew’s account led to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70 perfectly matches of Jesus’ life transitions from His Jesus' detailed prophecy. The take-away lesson from this study sorrow over Jerusalem into an epi- is that Jesus is God the Son and always speaks the truth. In light sode when Jesus’ disciples wanted of this fact, all people should be preparing and watching for His to bring their Teacher’s attention Second Coming. to the majestic stones and architec- ture of the “buildings of the temple” While Jesus was on Earth, He per- or the establishment of the Church (Matthew 24:1). Jesus responded formed amazing miracles that veri- after His ascension (Matthew 16:18; to their fawning over the physical fied His claim to be the Son of God. Acts 1:4-8). One of Jesus’ most pro- structures of Jerusalem with a star- He often used these miracles as legit- found and easily verified predictions, tling pronouncement. “Do you not imate evidence that would lead any however, had to do with events that see these things? Assuredly, I say reasonable person to conclude that would occur years after His time on to you, not one stone shall be left He was Who He declared Himself Earth. With meticulous detail, Jesus here upon another, that shall not to be. He presented a challenge to predicted the destruction of Jerusa- be thrown down” (24:2). Such a those who disbelieved: “If I do not lem, an event that took place almost declaration from the Christ would do the works of My Father, do not four decades after His ascension. have shocked even His most ardent believe Me; but if I do, though you Not only does this prophecy verify disciples. do not believe Me, believe the works, His deity, it adds another powerful that you may know and believe that piece of evidence to the case for the First, in the minds of virtually the Father is in Me, and I in Him” inspiration of the Bible. every first-century Jew, the Messiah (John 10:37-38). Jesus’ proposal was was supposed to usher in a glorious simple: if He accomplished things JESUS’ PREDICTION new Kingdom. “Of the increase of that mere mortals could not do, His government and peace there will then He must be Who He claimed Even the most casual reader of be no end, upon the throne of David to be. One such evidence of Jesus' the Gospel accounts in the New and over His kingdom to order it divinity was the fact that He often Testament quickly discovers that and establish it with judgment and predicted the future. Many times the majority of the Jewish leaders in justice from that time forward, even those predictions had to do with the first century wanted Jesus dead. forever” (Isaiah 9:7). Furthermore, immediate events that would occur In spite of Jesus’ healings, teachings this Kingdom surely would have for within a brief time after He made about love, sermons on the coming its seat of government the Holy City, the predictions, such as His own Kingdom of God, and invitations Zion, Jerusalem, as Isaiah predicted, capture by the Jews and His death to enjoy God’s forgiveness, the “For out of Zion shall go forth the and resurrection (Matthew 16:21), Jewish nation, in large part, com- law, and the word of the Lord from pletely rejected Him. We hear His Jerusalem” (Isaiah 2:2). If the Mes- siah was to reign on the throne of David “forever,” and if the center of governmental power was to be in Jerusalem, then foretelling the city’s, and especially the Temple’s, destruction approached blasphemy. Second, the actual, physical destruction of Jerusalem seemed virtually impossible to Jesus’ hearers, R&

and for good reason. First-century could identify that would signal the deluded the multitude. Yet did Jewish historian, Josephus, writ- destruction of Jerusalem.5 Felix catch and put to death many of ing about the stones of the Temple, those impostors every day, together stated: “Now the outward face of 1: False Christs and Prophets with the robbers.”11 the temple in its front wanted noth- ing that was likely to surprise either In enumerating the events that In recording events during these men’s minds or their eyes, for it was would precede the fall of Jerusalem, years, Luke, the writer of the book covered all over with plates of gold of Jesus stated: “Then if anyone says to of Acts, stated: “But there was a great weight…. Of its stones, some of you , ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or certain man called Simon, who them were forty-five cubits in length, ‘There!’ do not believe it. For false previously practiced sorcery in the five in height, and six in breadth.”1 christs and false prophets will arise city and astonished the people of Such massive stones have been esti- and show great signs and wonders, Samaria, claiming that he was some- mated to weigh several hundred so as to deceive, if possible, even the thing great, to whom all gave heed, tons. Furthermore, the towers that elect. See, I have told you before from the least to the greatest, saying, adorned and protected the Temple hand” (Matthew 24:23-25, also ‘This man is the great power of were magnificent in and of them- 24:5, 11).6 When we scour the pages God’” (Acts 8:9-10). Origen, who selves. “Now as these towers were so of history between the years of A.D. lived from A.D. 185-253, wrote in very tall…. The largeness also of the 30 and A.D. 70 we find a host of ref- his book Contra Celsum: “And after stones was wonderful, for they were erences that verify Jesus’ prophecy. the times of Jesus, Dositheus the not made of common small stones Samaritan also wished to persuade for of such large ones only as men Josephus wrote: “Theudas per- the Samaritans that he was the could carry…each stone was twenty suaded a great part of the people… Christ predicted by Moses; and he cubits in length, and ten in breadth, to follow him…for he told them he appears to have gained over some to and five in depth.”2 After all, it had was a prophet, and that he would by his views.”12 He further stated that taken over 40 years just to build the his own command, divide the river Dositheus proclaimed himself to be Temple (John 2:20). The Roman and afford them an easy passage “the Son of God.”13 It is evident to all historian Tacitus was struck by the over it; and many were deluded by who give this period of history the city’s defenses as well. He noted that his words.”7 When writing of events most casual glance that it was rife “the commanding situation of the that happened during the reign of with people claiming to be prophets, city had been strengthened by enor- Felix (A.D. 52-60), he stated: “There saviors, and divinely inspired christs. mous works which would have been was also another body of wicked a thorough defence even for level men gotten together…. These 2: Wars and Conflict ground.” He went on to comment were such men as deceived and that “two hills of great height were deluded the people under pretense Jesus predicted, in no uncertain fenced in by walls” and “within were of divine inspiration…and these terms, that prior to the fall of Jeru- other walls surrounding the palace, prevailed the multitude to act like salem there would be “wars and and rising to a conspicuous height, madmen, and went before them rumors of wars,” and that nation the tower of Antonia.”3 In view of into the wilderness, as pretending would “rise against nation, and Jerusalem’s excellent military defen- that God would show them the kingdom against kingdom” (Mat- sive position with a high elevation signals of liberty.”8 The historian thew 24:6,7; Luke 21:10). While it and massive walls, Jesus’ prediction further recorded: “Moreover, there is true that wars and talk of wars seemed outlandish. came out of Egypt about this time are fairly common, Jesus’ prediction to Jerusalem, one that said he was corresponds precisely to the world- Naturally, such a sweeping state- a prophet…. He said further that… wide increase in hostilities during ment of destruction piqued the at his command the walls of Jerusa- the years between A.D. 30 and 70. curiosity of the dubious disciples, lem would fall down.”9 And “there and they further questioned their was an Egyptian false prophet…he Tacitus wrote of the months Leader, saying, “Tell us, when will was a cheat, and pretended to be leading up to A.D. 70 and the strife these things be? And what will be a prophet also.”10 Josephus wrote that raged during this time, when he the sign of Your coming, and of despairingly of the prevalence of stated: “I am entering on the history the end of the age?”4 In answer to such false prophets when he stated, of a period rich in disasters, frightful their questions, Jesus proceeded to “Now, as for the affairs of the Jews, in its wars, torn by civil strife, and explain events that His disciples they grew worse and worse continu- even in peace full of horrors. Four ally, for the country was again filled emperors perished by the sword. with robbers and impostors, who There were three civil wars; there were more with foreign enemies; R&R

there were often wars that had both of very great advantage to the people The fulfillment of Jesus’ proph- characters at once.”14 In addition, of Jerusalem, for whereas a famine ecy is so well documented it hardly Josephus wrote an entire book titled did oppress them at that time, and even needs verification. The book of The Jewish Wars, because the vari- many people died for want of what Acts records this persecution thor- ous wars, conflicts, and battles that was necessary to procure food….”18 oughly. Acts 5:18,40 state: “Then the Jews were involved in during In addition, Acts 11:27-30 records the high priest rose up, and all those this time literally required an entire that Agabus, a prophet, foretold who were with him…and laid their volume to document. Jesus’ allusion of “a great famine throughout all hands on the apostles and put them to wars and strife during this time the world,” which severely affected in the common prison…. And when cannot be gainsaid by even the most those in Judea. they had called for the apostles and ardent skeptic of divine prophecy. beaten them, they commanded that Seneca the Younger, in writing they should not speak in the name 3. Famines, Pestilences, about a specific earthquake that of Jesus.” Stephen was murdered in and Earthquakes occurred in the A.D. 60s, stated: Acts 7. King Herod killed James “This tremor was on 5 February the brother of John with a sword In answering His disciples’ ques- in the consulship of Regulus and (Acts 12:2), and proceeded to cap- tion about the signs that would pre- Verginius, and it inflicted devasta- ture Peter with the obvious intent of cede the destruction of Jerusalem, tion on Campania…. For part of the doing him harm (12:4). The Jewish Jesus foretold that there would “be town of Herculaneum too fell down leaders brought Paul before the San- famines, pestilences, and earth- and even the structures that remain hedrin (Acts 22:3). He was then quakes in various places” (Matthew are unstable.”19 Tacitus noted that sent to the governor Felix (24:10), 24:7; Luke 21:11). History could not an “earthquake too demolished a then to Festus (24:27), and stood be more abundantly clear that Jesus large part of Pompeii.”20 before King Agrippa (24:26). knew what He was talking about. One remarkable aspect to all The early church historian Euse- When recording events from these historical events is the fact that, bius stated: “It is therefore recorded the year A.D. 51, Tacitus wrote, in reality, we have very little that is that Paul was beheaded in Rome “This year witnessed many prodi- recorded about the first century. itself, and that Peter likewise was gies…. Houses were flattened by Yet, what little we do have includes crucified under Nero. This account repeated earthquakes…. Further direct verification of exactly what of Peter and Paul is substantiated portents were seen in shortages Jesus predicted. by the fact that their names are of corn, resulting in famine…. In preserved in the cemeteries of that this year war broke out between 4. Persecution of the Disciples place even to the present day…. And Armenians and Iberians, and seri- that they both suffered martyrdom ously disturbed relations between In looking into the future at the at the same time is stated by Dio- Rome and Parthia.”15 Concerning trials that His followers would face, nysius, bishop of Corinth, in his the years A.D. 65-66, Tacitus wrote: Jesus predicted: “But before all these epistle to the Romans.”21 Suetonius things, they will lay hands on you wrote that during the reign of Nero, Heaven, too, marked this crime- and persecute you, delivering you “Punishments were also inflicted on stained year with tempest and up to the synagogues and prisons, the Christians, a sect professing a pestilence. Campania was and you will be brought before new and mischievous religious ravaged by a hurricane which kings and rulers for My name’s belief.”22 And Tacitus added that destroyed houses, orchards, and sake” (Luke 21:12). Those of us in Nero “inflicted the most exquisite crops…. At Rome, a plague dev- the 21st century, aware of the per- tortures on a class hated for their astated the entire population. secution experienced by the early abominations, called Christians…. No miasma was discernible in Christians, hardly find such a pre- Mockery of every sort was added to the air. Yet the houses were full diction remarkable. In truth, how- their deaths. Covered with the skins of corpses, and the streets of ever, the idea that Jews who were of beasts, they were torn by dogs and funerals. Neither sex nor age con- former fishermen, tax collectors, perished, or were nailed to crosses, ferred immunity. Slave or free, all and zealots who became followers or were doomed to the flames and succumbed just as suddenly.16 of a carpenter from Nazareth would burnt, to serve as a nightly illu- Roman historian Suetonius docu- be so infamous in secular circles that mination, when daylight expired. mented that “a series of droughts had they would stand before the most Nero offered his garden for the caused a scarcity of grain” during the politically powerful rulers of the age spectacle.”23 Additional testimony reign of Claudius.17 Josephus details was a rather bold prediction. the story of Helena visiting Jerusa- lem, stating, “Now her coming was R&

could be added to this, but little surrounding of Jerusalem by armies phus noted that those in Jerusalem need there is for it. Mark it down was so closely connected that Jesus’ could not withstand the forces of as historical fact: Christ’s followers listeners should take action when Cestius. In fact, he stated that “had were subjected to the exact punish- they saw the armies around Jeru- he but at this very time attempted ments and persecutions predicted salem. That being the case, can we to get within the walls by force, he by their Lord. historically document the surround- had won the city presently, and ing of Jerusalem by armies? We most the war had been put an end to at 5. Jerusalem Surrounded by Armies certainly can. once.”25 But Cestius did not press his advantage. In fact, not only did In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ Josephus, at length, explains he refuse to take the walls, he with- prophecy, he recorded that Jesus that the Roman General Cestius drew his entire army. The reader can said, “Therefore when you see the brought a massive Roman army almost hear Josephus’ disgust as he ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken against Jerusalem. In his explana- wrote: “It then happened that Ces- of by Daniel the prophet, standing tion of the event, Josephus further tius was not conscious either how in the holy place (whoever reads, stated: “But now Cestius, observ- the besieged despaired of success, or let him understand), then let those ing that the disturbances that were how courageous the people were for who are in Judea flee to the moun- begun among the Jews afforded him him, and so he recalled his soldiers tains” (24:15-16; Mark 13:14-15). a proper opportunity to attack them, from the place, and by despairing of Admittedly, the term “abomination took his whole army along with any expectation of taking it, with- of desolation” sounds vague to a 21st- him, and put the Jews to flight out having received any disgrace, he century reader. To what does this and pursued them to Jerusalem.”24 retired from the city, without any reference apply? Apparently, from The Roman armies surrounded reason in the world.”26 Matthew’s parenthetical statement Jerusalem as Jesus predicted. “whoever reads, let him understand,” From a military standpoint, Ces- the author was confident that his The attentive reader will note tius’ behavior was inexplicable. In readers would recognize the situ- that Jesus warned His listeners his struggle to understand why the ation when it occurred. Since it is that when they saw Jerusalem sur- events occurred as they did, Jose- generally recognized that Matthew rounded by armies, then they should phus suggested that Cestius could wrote for an early Jewish audience, flee from the city (Luke 21:20-21). have ended the war at that point, but he could assume that they had How would that be possible with the reason he did not, was “owing an understanding of the prophet the Roman army surrounding and to the aversion God had already at Daniel that would help them iden- besieging the city? Cestius’ behavior the city and the sanctuary, that he tify the “abomination of desolation” provides one of the most remarkable was hindered from putting an end (Daniel 9:27). instances of historic verification for to the war that very day.”27 In other any prophecy ever recorded. Jose- Luke’s account, on the other hand, does not leave the warning Reason & Revelation is published monthly by Apologetics Press, Inc. Periodicals postage shrouded in any vagueness. In his paid at Montgomery, AL. Postmaster: Send address changes to Reason & Revelation, parallel passage to Matthew 24, he recorded Jesus as stating, “But when 230 Landmark Dr., Montgomery, AL 36117; issn:[1542-0922] usps# 023415. you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desola- Apologetics Press is a non-profit, tax-exempt work dedicated to the defense of New tion is near. Then let those in Judea flee to the mountains…” (Luke Testament Christianity. Copyright © 2021. All rights reserved. 21:10). The context places Luke’s statement of Jerusalem being sur- Editor: Orders: rounded by armies in the exact place that Matthew positioned Dave Miller, M.A., M.Div., M.A.R., Ph.D.* Phone: (800) 234-8558 Jesus’ statement about the “abomi- Fax: (800) 234-2882 nation of desolation.” Also notice (*Communication, Southern Illinois University) that Luke’s account connects the On-line Web store/catalog, subscription ideas by stating that Jerusalem’s Associate Editor: order/renewal form, current issues, archives, “desolation” would be near when the and other information (all orders processed armies surrounded it. Clearly, the Jeff Miller, M.S., Ph.D.* on a secure server): “abomination of desolation” and the (*Biomechanical Engineering, Auburn University) URL: w w w. A p o l o g e t i c s P r e s s .o r g URL: espanol.ApologeticsPress.org/espanol Annual Subscription Rates: E-mail: [email protected] $14.00 Domestic Discovery—Scripture & Science for $12.00 Domestic Bulk Kids is a sister publication for children. For more information, please contact our offices (5+ TO SAME ADDRESS) or visit the Discovery Web site at: URL: www.DiscoveryMagazine.com $14.00 Canada & Overseas (PLUS SHIPPING) General inquiries, changes of address, or international callers: Phone: (334) 272-8558 Fax: (334) 270-2002 (cont. on p. 44) R&

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words, God was not finished with outrages against Christ and his but the problem was compounded His judgment of Jerusalem. apostles, and totally destroyed by warring factions within the city. that generation of impious men.28 Josephus mentions three “armies” of It is important to remember that Epiphanius, a fourth-century zealots in the city that fought one Josephus was not a Christian and church writer, noted: “This sect of another for control. One of their showed little, if any, awareness of the Nazoraeans is to be found in strategies was to burn the supplies the teachings of Jesus as recorded Beroea near Coele-syria, in Decapo- of the other factions. The result of in the Gospel accounts. He never lis near Pella…. For that was its place this was that the supply of corn that considered these events to be ful- of origin, since all the disciples had the inhabitants laid up for such a filled prophecy and never seemed settled in Pella, after their remove siege that could have sustained them to have been aware of Jesus’ predic- from Jerusalem—Christ having for many years, was destroyed by the tion warning His followers to flee told them to abandon Jerusalem Jews themselves.31 Jerusalem. The reader is urged to and withdraw from it because of remember this fact. Josephus was the siege it was about to undergo.”29 Thus, famine quickly took hold not inspired, nor was he attempt- Josephus mentioned that after Ces- of the city—a famine so horrific ing to validate the biblical account. tius’ retreat many Jews “swam away that the details turn the stomach. Since the events he recorded are so from the city, as from a ship when it The militant factions in the city clearly an exact fulfillment of Jesus’ was going to sink.”30 He did not spe- marauded the streets, killing many prophecy, it is tempting to think cifically mention Christians, but it and confiscating all food. “They that somehow he was “in league” is quite probable that many of those also invented terrible methods with the Bible writers, but even the who fled at that time were followers of torment to discover where any most liberal scholars and skeptics of Christ. food was, and they were these: to recognize that cannot be the case. stop up the passages of the privy Josephus saw absolutely no “reason 7. Great Distress and Death in Jerusalem parts of the miserable wretches, in the world” that Cestius should and to drive sharp stakes up their have withdrawn his army. Those Jesus warned His followers to fundamentals.”32 As the famine attending to Jesus’ words, however, leave Jerusalem because soon after worsened “upper rooms were full have an exceedingly good idea as to the armies surrounded the city He of women and children that were why this strange event occurred. predicted there would be “days dying by famine; and the lanes of of vengeance” and “great distress the city were full of the dead bodies 6. Flight of Christians from Jerusalem in the land and wrath upon this of the aged.” The children and the people” (Luke 21:22-23). Matthew young men “all swelled with famine, Cestius’ retreat provided the recorded Jesus’ foreboding descrip- and fell down dead wheresoever perfect opportunity for the Chris- tion in these words: “For then there their misery seized them.”33 One tians in Jerusalem to flee the city. will be great tribulation, such as has report before the entire ordeal was Jesus had sternly warned them that not been since the beginning of the finished, said the number of dead when they saw the city surrounded world until this time, no, nor ever from the famine was more than by armies, to take no care about shall be” (24:21). Some have ques- 600,000, with many dead bodies their earthly possessions, but run tioned how Jerusalem would suffer not even able to be counted.34 So from the city for their lives. History more destruction, death, and horror much so that “the multitude of car- records that they did precisely that. than those in the Flood, or those casses that lay in heaps one upon Church historian Eusebius wrote: during the time of the Holocaust. another, was a horrible sight, and While it is possible that Jesus was produced a pestilential stench.”35 But the people of the church in using hyperbole, a look at the dev- As the famine continued, those Jerusalem had been commanded astation brought upon Jerusalem dying ate the dead carcasses of ani- by a revelation, vouchsafed to in A.D. 70 reveals a period of pain, mals, the leather off of their shoes, approved men there before the terror, and rapine that easily could girdles, and shields, and old wisps war, to leave the city and to be argued to surpass any in human of hay. Furthermore, in coming to dwell in a certain town of Perea history. an end of his description about the called Pella. And when those famine, Josephus related a story of that believed in Christ had come In the year A.D. 70, Roman gen- a woman killing and roasting her there from Jerusalem, then, as if eral Titus besieged the city in an son, eating half of it, and offering the royal city of the Jews and the assault that would spell doom for the other half to the marauders who whole land of Judea were entirely Jerusalem. Not only did the siege came when they smelled cooking destitute of holy men, the judg- begin to choke the food supplies, ment of God at length overtook those who committed such R&

flesh. They were so appalled by the “Accordingly the multitude of those spread itself all of the sudden, and sight that even they went out trem- that therein perished exceeded all caught hold of the cloisters.”43 As bling.36 The factions that caused the the destructions that either men for what was left of the Temple, famine inside the city did so much or God ever brought upon the he noted a Roman soldier “being destruction that Josephus said that world.”42 Jesus’ description of great lifted up by another soldier, set fire a list of all the terrible things they distress aptly expresses what horrors to a golden window, through which did could not even be written, but were experienced during the fall of there was a passage to the rooms that because of these men “neither did Jerusalem. were round about the holy house, on any city ever suffer such miseries, the north side.” Josephus detailed nor did any age ever breed a gener- 8. The Destruction of the how Titus tried to stop his soldiers ation more fruitful in wickedness Physical Temple from destroying the remainder of than this was, from the beginning the building, but he was unsuccess- of the world.”37 When the disciples sat marveling ful. And “flames burst out from at the “buildings of the temple,” they within the holy house itself imme- In relating further instances of could not resist drawing Jesus’ atten- diately…and thus the holy house suffering brought on the Jews in tion to the architecture and mag- burnt down.”44 Jerusalem, we read that Romans nificence of the structures. Surely were also responsible for immense they believed that the city and its Thus, the Temple itself was amounts of cruelty. Concerning buildings would continue through destroyed, but what about the stones Jews that attempted to desert to the history. Imagine their surprise when of the “buildings of the temple”? To Romans, the Roman soldiers “out Jesus declared and prophesied, “Do discover that information we must of the wrath and hatred they bore you not see all these things? Assur- turn to archaeology. When we the Jews, nailed those they caught, edly, I say to you, not one stone shall do, we find complete fulfillment one after one way, and another be left here upon another, that shall of Jesus’ prediction. Archaeologist after another, to crosses, by way of not be thrown down” (Matthew Harold Mare wrote: “We do not jest.”38 And many were “whipped, 24:2). Is it true that the buildings of have any remains of the Herodian and then tormented with all sorts of the Temple were destroyed as Jesus temple itself because of the devas- tortures before they died, and were predicted? tating Roman destruction in A.D. then crucified.”39 Other Jews that 70.”45 H.T. Frank noted, “Strictly attempted to desert to the Romans Again, Josephus provides one of speaking, the Temple proper is not met a more gruesome fate. Certain the only first-hand accounts of the a matter of archaeological consid- Jews coming out of the city had destruction of the Temple by the eration since only one stone from swallowed their gold in an attempt Roman armies. He noted how the it and parts of another can be posi- to hide it. Soldiers in the Roman Roman soldiers “put fire to the gates, tively identified.”46 Randall Price army heard of this ploy and “cut and the silver that was over them stated, “In fact, after the destruc- up those that came as supplicants, quickly carried the flames to the tion of the Second Temple, the and searched their bellies.” In one wood that was within it, whence it night, about 2,000 Jews were thus dissected.40 Such instances could Kyle Butt Katy, TX (832) 236-9701 be multiplied extensively. In Jose- April 30-May 2 phus’ summary of the death and Lawrenceburg, TN (931) 766-8020 destruction of the Jews, he wrote Eric Lyons that because the siege happened April 25-27 Murray, KY (270) 489-2219 during the time of the Passover, mil- April 30-May 2 lions of Jews from all over the world Montgomery, AL (334) 264-2985 had congregated in the city. A final, Dave Miller W. Palm Beach, FL (561) 848-1111 estimated number of those killed April 4 in the few months of the siege was April 30-May 1 Denver, CO (303) 986-5800 1.1 million, with another 97,000 sold as prisoners (as Jesus stated in Jeff Miller Denver, CO (303) 986-5800 Luke 21:24, that not only would the April 1,6,8,13 inhabitants of Jerusalem be killed, April 15,27,29 Montgomery, AL (334) 264-2985 but also “led away captive into all April 25 nations”).41 Josephus lamented, R&R

Romans plowed under the Temple “all these things” to mean, he said, be displaced. He was specifically Mount and erected pagan structures “Jesus means the things to occur in addressing those “buildings of the upon it (which themselves were later the following verse 7.” temple” that His disciples pointed destroyed).”47 out. Archaeologist Leen Ritmeyer I then recapped our conversation wrote: “If you read the text in Mat- What about the Wailing Wall? by pointing out that he first claimed thew, the site [the disciples] pointed Not long ago I received an email that Jesus’ statement about the out were the buildings of the Temple. from a skeptic who claimed that stones in Jerusalem not being left Read the exact text—‘the buildings Jesus’ prophecy had been falsified. one on another could not be true of the Temple.’ The only buildings I He stated, “Jesus was flat wrong in because there are stones in the Wail- know that belonged to the Temple saying not one stone will remain on ing Wall. Then when I asked if he were [those] built around it and the top of another. The Wailing Wall is had read the context, he admitted porticos. And all these buildings still there today.” Supposedly, since that Jesus was actually talking about that stood on the Temple Mount the Western Wailing Wall existed the buildings of the Temple, which were indeed left without one stone during the time of Jesus, and since might not have had anything to upon another.”48 Randall Price con- some stones are still intact, then do with the Wailing Wall. Then I cluded, “Obviously Jesus was refer- Jesus’ prediction that “not one stone asked him which buildings Jesus ring to those buildings (including shall be left here upon another” did predicted would be destroyed, and the Temple itself) which were on not come true. Does the Wailing he correctly stated that he did not the huge supporting platform…. Wall disprove Jesus’ prediction? know, since the text does not say. Archaeology has confirmed that To discover the truth on this no trace of these Temple buildings issue, I asked the skeptic to tell me I then asked about his under- exists today, although some of their “where, exactly did Jesus say that standing of “all these things,” and stones may have been put to sec- every stone in Jerusalem would be he said it must be everything that ondary use in the walls and homes knocked down?” He then quoted follows in verse seven. Yet, a close in Old City Jerusalem. Neverthe- Matthew 24:2, “And Jesus said to look at the context shows that less, none remain in their original them, ‘Do you not see all these cannot be the case. Verse two is setting.”49 Indeed, the attempt to things? Assuredly, I say to you, not immediately connected to verse discredit Jesus by pointing to the one stone shall be left here upon one and Jesus is specifically talking Wailing Wall falls down as flat another, that shall not be thrown about the stones of the buildings as the buildings surrounding the down.’” He said, because of the of the Temple (whatever buildings Temple during the destruction of Wailing Wall, “So, I conclude Jesus His disciples were showing Him). Jerusalem. was wrong and cannot be God’s rep- Verse three starts a different discus- resentative.” sion in a different location. Now, CONCLUSION In response, I asked him, “Did if we knew which buildings were you read the context of the passage? under discussion in verse one, and Jesus’ disciples boldly declared What had the disciples specifically we knew that some stones of those that they saw His miracles and asked Jesus about?” He wrote back buildings were left, there might be were eyewitnesses to His marvelous and admitted that in Matthew 24 a case against this prophecy (bar- works (1 John 1:1-3; 2 Peter 1:16-18). the disciples “wanted to draw Jesus’ ring the frequent use of hyperbole, They recorded His prediction that attention to the buildings of the which does not seem to be used here, He would be arrested, killed, and temple.” but is a possibility). But, of course, rise again (Matthew 16:21)—events Again, I responded by saying, we do not know that. Furthermore, about which they had first-hand “Looking closely at the context, it is a historical fact that Jerusalem knowledge. Jesus’ prophecy about could you tell me which buildings was destroyed in A.D. 70, and that the destruction of Jerusalem, how- of the temple…the followers of Jesus destruction included vast numbers ever, was set for a time in the future were showing Him?” He stated, “I of buildings that were connected after Jesus ascended to heaven, but don’t know. It doesn’t say. I don’t see to the Temple that were completely during the lifetime of many of His what difference it would make as demolished. Thus, the existence of hearers. His primary purposes for to which buildings, since Jesus says some intact stones in the structures the predictions were to warn His ‘all these things’ will not have one around Jerusalem cannot be used to followers when to flee Jerusalem, as stone left upon another.” When I logically argue against Jesus’ predic- well as to add further proof for His asked him what he understood tion. divinity by providing yet another example of His ability to foresee the Jesus never predicted that every single stone in Jerusalem would R&

future. The historical record verifies apologeticspress.org/apPubPage. annalsofgeophysics.eu/index.php/ that Jesus’ prophecy was so detailed aspx?pub=1&issue=1176. annals/article/view/4701. and accurate that, after all the signs 5 While some interpreters have 21 Eusebius, Church History, 2:25:5- He predicted occurred, and His fol- attempted to mark Jesus’ statements 8, https://www.newadvent.org/ lowers saw “Jerusalem surrounded in Matthew 24:1-35 as predictions fathers/250102.htm. by armies” (Luke 21:20), they knew about the end of time, the context 22 The Twelve Caesars, 6:16. exactly what to do in order to avoid precludes this as a legitimate option. 23 Annals, 15:44. the fate of the wicked Jews who In Matthew 23:36, Jesus explained 24 Ibid., 2:19:4. refused to recognize Jesus as God. to the audience that Jerusalem’s 25 Ibid. Even so, Jesus has predicted another judgment would “come upon this 26 Ibid., 2:19:7. future event, His Second Coming, generation” and in Matthew 24:34, 27 Ibid., 2:19:6. which will be Universal in its scope. He again stated, “this generation will 28 Church History, 3.5.3, https://www. Concerning this event, there will by no means pass away till all these newadvent.org/fathers/250103.htm. be no signs that enable anyone to things are fulfilled.” Skeptics have 29 Epiphanius, The Panarion of Epipha- predict when it will occur.50 Indeed, seized upon the statements of those nius of Salamis, ed. Frank Williams, it will come with no warning or who teach that Jesus was predicting Nag Hammadi and Manichaean announcements, like a thief in the end times and claim that since the Studies, https://gnosis.study/library night (Matthew 24:43). As surely world did not come to an end dur- /%D0%9A%D1%80%D0%B8%D1 and as accurately as Jesus predicted ing the lifetime of Jesus’ listeners %82%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B0/ the fall of Jerusalem, He has fore- (the term “generation” being gener- ENG/Epiphanius%20of%20Sala- told His Second Coming and the ally understood to be about 40 years), mis%20-%20The%20Panarion,%20 Judgment of all humanity. Let us then Jesus was wrong and could not Book%20I%20(Sects%201-46).pdf, all heed His words: “And what I say be the Son of God. These skeptics 29.7.7-8, p.129. to you, I say to all: Watch!” (Mark and errant biblical interpreters fail 30 Wars, 2:20:1. 13:37). to recognize that Jesus specifically 31 Ibid., 5:1:4. detailed events in Jerusalem, regard- 32 Ibid., 5:10:3. ENDNOTES ing the physical city and Temple, and 33 Ibid., 5:12:3. the area of Judea, that could not be 34 Ibid., 5:13:7. 1 Josephus, Jewish Wars, 5:5:6. universal in scope. On the contrary, 35 Ibid., 6:1:1. 2 Ibid., 5:4:4. Jesus clearly predicted situations that 36 Ibid., 6:3:4. 3 Tacitus, Histories, 5:11. His disciples could watch that would 37 Ibid., 5:10:5. 4 Luke 21:5-24 and Mark 13:3-23 pro- help them know exactly when Jerusa- 38 Ibid., 5:11:1. lem would be destroyed. 39 Ibid., 5:11:1. vide parallel accounts to these events 6 All emphasis in biblical quotes or his- 40 Ibid., 5:13:4. in Matthew. Some have suggested torical quotations has been added by 41 Ibid., 6:9:3. that these accounts discuss the Sec- the author of the article unless oth- 42 Ibid., 6:9:4. ond Coming of Christ and the events erwise noted. 43 Ibid., 6:4:2. that will precede the end of the world. 7 Josephus, Antiquities of the Jews, 44 Ibid., 6:4:6-7. The clearest facts that show this can- 20:5:1. 45 Harold Mare (1987), The Archaeology not be true are seen in Jesus’ references 8 Jewish Wars, 2:13:4. of the Jerusalem Area (Grand Rapids, to the hardships that would be experi- 9 Antiquities, 20:9:6. MI: Baker), p. 141. enced by pregnant women (Matthew 10 Jewish Wars, 2:13:5. 46 H.T. Frank (1972), An Archaeologi- 24:18-19), that the situation would 11 Antiquities, 20:8:5. cal Companion to the Bible (London: be worse if it happened during the 12 Origen, Contra Celsum, 1:57, https:// SCM Press), p. 249. winter (vs. 20), that those outside the www.newadvent.org/fathers/04161. 47 Randall Price (1997), The Stones Cry city or on their housetops should not htm. Out (Eugene, OR: Harvest House), expend any effort to get their earthly 13 Ibid., 6:11 https://www.newadvent. pp. 257-258. belongings (vs. 20), and that those “in org/fathers/04166.htm. 48 As quoted in Price, p. 257. Judea” should flee to the mountains 14 Tacitus, Histories, 1:2. 49 Ibid. (Luke 21:20). When Christ comes 15 Annals, 12:43-44. 50 Miller. again, none of these precautions will 16 Annals, 16:13. have any bearing or significance. For 17 Suetonius, The Twelve Caesars, 5:18. a more thorough discussion, see Dave 18 Antiquities, 20:2:5. Miller (2014), “Left Behind—Or 19 Seneca the Younger, Natural Ques- Left Bedazzled?” Reason & Revela- tions, 6:1:2. tion, 34[11-12]:121-125,128-131,133- 20 Annals, 15:22:2. J. Antonopoulos 137,140-143, November, http:// documents other seismic events during these years in his 1980 work, “Data From Investigation on Seismic Sea-waves and Events in the Eastern Mediterranean from the Birth of Christ to 500 A.D.”, https://www. R&R

APOLOGETICS PRESS • 230 LANDMARK DRIVE • MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 Periodicals Postage PAID The Ed itor New Book: Behemoth & Leviathan For over 40 years, Apologetics Press has been undoubtedly now extinct, one of which clearly fits defending the biblical view of Creation in opposi- the description of a land-dwelling dinosaur and the tion to the evolutionary framework. We have consistently contended that other an unsurpassed aquatic crea- humans and dinosaurs co-existed ture. AP’s newly released Behemoth & from the very beginning of Creation Leviathan walks the reader through prior to the extinction of the dino- the biblical text’s description of these saurs. (See our powerful book: The incredible beasts to recognize that Dinosaur Delusion.) Since these stu- they were not “mythological,” and pendous animals once lived on Earth, the accounts are not “hyperbolic.” many have wondered why the Bible These literal creatures once lived on doesn’t mention them—given their Earth. They continue to testify to the prominence. Apart from the fact that marvelous Creator Who made them. expecting the Bible to refer to any This volume will increase your number of animal species is an unre- confidence in the Bible, aid you in alistic imposition of personal bias on convincing young people about the text, the fact of the matter is: the the truth of the dinosaurs, and Bible does, in fact, allude to dino- enhance your respect for God. saur and dinosaur-like creatures. Job was an actual historical personage who lived Dave Miller over 3,500 years ago. His intense suffering evoked a response from God that was intended to awaken Suitable for classroom use Job to the wonders of the created order that, in turn, with 180 review questions testify to the living God Who created all things. Those wonders included two awesome creatures, See Center Spread for More Details