Clearly enough, our Lord foresaw the approaching dissolution of the Jewish state. There was no help for it, notwithstanding all that the Baptist and Christ Himself had done. Suddenly and inevitably its doom must befall, as the deluge in the old world and the overthrow of Sodom. The Roman eagles would gather round the devoted city and only instant flight would avail. The early Christian disciples were warned by these words, and escaped to Pella, before Titus struck the last blow.
Since then other catastrophes have befallen, and finally the day of doom will break upon the world-to all of which the Master's words have been and are appropriate. In one sense, the advent of Christ took place at the fall of Jerusalem, the scenes of which were probably a miniature of the travail through which the new heavens and the new earth will be born. Let us not seek our own, but the things that belong to the Kingdom; then all other things "will be added," Matthew 6:33. [source]
Chapter Summary: Luke 17
1Jesus teaches to avoid occasions of offense; 3and to forgive one another 5The power of faith 6How we are bound to God 11Jesus heals ten lepers 22Of the kingdom of God, and the coming of the Son of Man
Greek Commentary for Luke 17:23
Go not away nor follow after them [μη απελτητε μηδε διωχητε] Westcott and Hort bracket απελτητε μηδε apelthēte mēde Note aorist subjunctive with μη mē in prohibition, ingressive aorist. Do not rush after those who set times and places for the second advent. The Messiah was already present in the first advent (Luke 17:21) though the Pharisees did not know it. [source]
What do the individual words in Luke 17:23 mean?
Andthey will sayto youBeholdthereorhereNotgo forthnorfollow
Greek Commentary for Luke 17:23
Westcott and Hort bracket απελτητε μηδε apelthēte mēde Note aorist subjunctive with μη mē in prohibition, ingressive aorist. Do not rush after those who set times and places for the second advent. The Messiah was already present in the first advent (Luke 17:21) though the Pharisees did not know it. [source]