Understanding Matthew 24:14

Verse: "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." (Matthew 24:14, KJV)

The verse Matthew 24:14 deals with the proclamation of the Gospel and its significance in the eschatological context.

General Interpretation

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the urgency and necessity of spreading the Gospel to all nations as a precursor to the end times. The culmination of this spread serves not only as a means of witnessing God's truth but also as a divine sign that marks the approach of the end of the age.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary

Matthew Henry notes that this verse reflects God’s great plan of redemption through the Gospel. He underscores that the preaching of the kingdom of God is essential for the fulfillment of God’s promises. The Gospel's dissemination serves as a testimony to all nations, thus the urgency of evangelism is clear; it is both a command and a promise.

Albert Barnes' Commentary

Albert Barnes remarks that the phrase "all nations" reflects God's inclusive plan without boundaries of race or culture. He highlights that the witness is not just verbal but lived, resulting in transformed lives that testify to God’s kingdom. The finality of the phrase "and then shall the end come" suggests that the completion of this mission indicates the nearness of Christ’s return.

Adam Clarke's Commentary

Adam Clarke discusses the significance of the Gospel being preached as a witness to all nations, interpreting it as a divine call for global evangelism. He stresses the notion of 'witness,' indicating that it denotes accountability on both the preacher and the hearers. Clarke also emphasizes the eschatological implications of this mission, aligning it with prophesied events of the last days.

Cross-references for Matthew 24:14

• Mark 13:10: "And the gospel must first be published among all nations."
• Romans 10:14: "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"
• Revelation 14:6: "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth..."
• Matthew 28:19-20: "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost..."
• Acts 1:8: "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."
• Luke 24:47: "And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem."
• 1 Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation..."
• Isaiah 49:6: "And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles..."
• Psalm 67:2: "That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations."
• Galatians 3:8: "And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed."

Thematic Connections

This verse connects several themes throughout the Bible regarding evangelism, witness, and God's universal plan for humanity. It emphasizes the importance of cross-referencing Biblical texts to understand the comprehensive narrative of Scripture.

Cross-referencing Biblical texts

The act of cross-referencing supports deeper comprehension, encouraging believers to explore the connections between verses. For instance, links between the Old Testament prophecies and the New Testament fulfillments shed light on God's unfolding plan.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

• Bible Concordance: A tool that lists words and phrases to help locate verses.
• Bible Cross-Reference Guide: Offers insights and related passages.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Methods to study and understand related scriptures.
• Bible Cross-Reference System: Framework for locating connections within the Biblical text.
• Comprehensive Bible Cross-Reference Materials: Resources that provide a vast array of related verses for deeper study.

Conclusion

Matthew 24:14 serves as both a divine mandate and a powerful reminder of the global mission of the Gospel. Understanding its meaning through the lens of various commentaries and employing tools forBible cross-referencing allows for a rich exploration of its significance. Believers are called to participate actively in the preaching of the Gospel, thus affirming their role in the grand narrative of God’s redemptive work in history.