What Are the Signs of the End Times — In Biblical Context
Jesus described signs including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, persecution, the gospel preached worldwide, and increasing lawlessness before His return.
Jesus described signs including wars, famines, earthquakes, false prophets, persecution, the gospel preached worldwide, and increasing lawlessness before His return.
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places." — Matthew 24:6-7 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
In the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21), Jesus outlined signs preceding His return. These include wars and rumors of wars, nation rising against nation, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, false prophets and false Christs, persecution of believers, betrayal, lawlessness increasing, love growing cold, and the gospel being preached to all nations. Paul added that the 'falling away' (apostasy) would come first (2 Thessalonians 2:3). Jesus warned against setting dates (Acts 1:7) but urged watchfulness (Matthew 24:42-44). Many see current global trends—geopolitical instability, natural disasters, moral decline, and technology enabling the mark of the beast—as indicators. However, each generation has seen these signs, and Jesus' point was not date-setting but readiness: 'Therefore be ye also ready' (Matthew 24:44).
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 24:6-7, sits inside Matthew 24. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places."
Supporting Passages
"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh."
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