Luke 21:9
And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Jesus doesn't just say "wars and rumors of wars," but specifically "wars and commotions," with "commotions" referring to internal unrest and violent uprisings. This detail highlights that both external conflicts and internal societal breakdown are signs, unsettling the very foundations of established order.
Jesus has just spoken about the destruction of the magnificent Temple, and His disciples are asking when this will happen and what signs will precede it. In response, Jesus describes a series of upheavals – wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, and terrifying celestial events – that will occur as signs. He reassures them not to be alarmed by these, explaining that they are necessary precursors to the ultimate end, not its immediate arrival.
Understand the original words
telos · Greek Noun
In a theological sense, this refers to the climax of the age, the return of Christ, or the final judgment. It is the culmination of God's redemptive plan for history.
ptoeō · Greek Verb
To be in a state of extreme fear, dread, or agitation. Jesus commands His followers not to be overcome by such fear even when witnessing global catastrophes, as they are under God’s sovereign control.
Jesus' warning in Luke 21:9 about hearing of wars and disturbances wasn't a prophecy of distant, abstract future events, but a direct message to his disciples about the turbulent times that would precede the destruction of Jerusalem, a cataclysmic event for their generation.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus delivers Olivet Discourse
Jesus speaks to his disciples on the Mount of Olives, predicting future events including the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple and signs of the end times.
c. AD 40s-60s
Period of unrest and localized violence
This era saw numerous localized conflicts, insurrections, and civil disturbances within Judea and the surrounding Roman Empire, fitting the description of 'wars and commotions.'
c. AD 58-60
Famines and earthquakes reported
Historical accounts mention famines and significant earthquakes in various parts of the Roman world during this period, aligning with Jesus' predictions.
AD 66-70
The Great Jewish Revolt begins
Massive Roman legions are sent to quell a major Jewish rebellion, leading to widespread warfare, destruction, and immense loss of life across Judea.
Jesus tells his disciples that hearing of wars and rumors of wars is a sign of the end times, but directly cautions them not to be alarmed, echoing Luke's message.
Mark 13:7Similar to Luke, this passage also describes wars and commotions as signs that must occur before the end, reassuring listeners not to be troubled.
Jeremiah 51:57This prophetic passage describes a time of drunkenness and slumber for the nations, a spiritual 'commotion' and a prelude to judgment, resonating with the idea that unrest precedes divine action.
2 Thessalonians 2:3Paul warns against being quickly shaken in mind or alarmed by claims that the day of the Lord has already come, which directly relates to the need for believers not to be terrified by such signs as war.
Isaiah 8:12This verse urges believers not to fear what the people fear or call a conspiracy, providing a strong spiritual parallel to Jesus' command in Luke not to be terrified by the rumblings of war and unrest.
barnesLuke 21:9: "But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by."
Commotions - Insurrections. Subjects rising against their rulers.
pooleLuke 21:9: "But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by."
Ver. 9-11. See Poole on "Matthew 24:6" , See Poole on "Matthew 24:7" , and See Poole on "Mark 13:8" . Time is the best interpreter of prophecies: what shall be seen of these before the end of the world we are yet to observe, but the destruction of Jerusalem is past many hundreds of years since. What commotions were before that, we must learn out o…
Jesus doesn't just say "wars and rumors of wars," but specifically "wars and commotions," with "commotions" referring to internal unrest and violent uprisings. This detail highlights that both external conflicts and internal societal breakdown are signs, unsettling the very foundations of established order.
Jesus has just spoken about the destruction of the magnificent Temple, and His disciples are asking when this will happen and what signs will precede it. In response, Jesus describes a series of upheavals – wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, and terrifying celestial events – that will occur as signs. He reassures them not to be alarmed by these, explaining that they are necessary precursors to the ultimate end, not its immediate arrival.
Jesus has just spoken about the destruction of the magnificent Temple, and His disciples are asking when this will happen and what signs will precede it. In response, Jesus describes a series of upheavals – wars, insurrections, earthquakes, famines, and terrifying celestial events – that will occur as signs. He reassures them not to be alarmed by these, explaining that they are necessary precursors to the ultimate end, not its immediate arrival.
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AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Roman army under Titus besieges and utterly destroys Jerusalem, including its magnificent Temple, fulfilling a key part of Jesus' prophecy.
"And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”" — Jesus doesn't just say "wars and rumors of wars," but specifically "wars and commotions," with "commotions" referring to internal unrest and violent uprisings. This detail highlights that both extern…
