J.C. Ryle- On “The Times of The Gentiles”

(from Expository Thoughts On Luke, 1859)

“A fixed period is here foretold, during which Jerusalem was to be given over into the hands of Gentile rulers, and the Jews were to have no dominion over their ancient city.  A fixed period is likewise foretold which was to be the time of the Gentiles’ visitation, the time during which they were to enjoy privileges, and occupy a position something like that of Israel in ancient days.–Both periods are one day to end.  Jerusalem is to be once more restored to its ancient inhabitants.  The Gentiles, because of their hardness and unbelief, are to be stript of their privileges and endure the just judgments of God.  But the times of the Gentiles are not yet run out.  We ourselves are living within them at the present day.

“The subject before us is a very affecting one, and ought to raise within us great searchings of heart.  While the nations of Europe are absorbed in political conflicts and worldly business, the sands in their hourglass are ebbing away.  While Governments are disputing about secular things, and Parliaments can hardly condescend to find a place for religion in their discussions, their days are numbered in the sight of God.  Yet a few years, and “the times of the Gentiles will be fulfilled.”  Their day of visitation will be past and gone.  Their misused privileges will be taken away.  The judgments of God shall fall on them.  They shall be cast aside as vessels in which God has no pleasure.  Their dominion shall crumble away, and their vaunted institutions shall fall to pieces.  The Jews shall be restored.  The Lord Jesus shall come again in power and great glory.  The kingdoms of this world shall become the kingdoms of our God and of His Christ, and the “times of the Gentiles” shall come to an end.”

Charles R. Erdman- On Mark 13

(from The Gospel of Mark: An Exposition, 1926)

“Jesus takes occasion to predict not only the destruction of Jerusalem but also His personal, future return, of which the fomer event is to be a “sign” and symbol.  Many of the difficulties in this discourse disappear when we remember that our Lord is here describing not one event but two.  He is prophesying the literal overthrow of the holy city by the armies of Rome, but He is using the colors of this tragic scene to paint the picture of His own coming in glory.  So interwoven are these two series of predictions that great care must be exercised in determining which details should be assigned to each one, and generous allowance made for honest differences of opinion in interpeting passages involving analogy, and clothed in language which is frequently figurative.  It seems quite evident that while the destruction of Jerusalem was the starting point of the address, both events are in mind during the first twenty-three verses, and that the closing section deals more particularlly with the return of our Lord.”

Charles Spurgeon- The Saints Will Reign On Earth

(from “The First Resurrection“)

“THE book of Revelation needs another expounder besides those who have loaded our shelves until they groan, for they have generally made confusion worse confounded.  Their expositions have been rather “an obvelation” than a revelation; they have rather darkened counsel by words without knowledge, than made the dark things plain.  I am prepared to go about as far as my predecessor, Dr. Gill went; as far as the old fathers of the Church went; as far as Baxter and Bunyan would have gone, but to go no further than that.  Yet I think we may say this morning, there is in the text a distinct promise that the saints shall reign with Christ a thousand years; and I believe they are to reign with Him upon this earth.”