The setting in Luke 21 is far different from that in Matthew or Mark. Luke’s review of one attack is in 17:22-37. The admonition of not going back for a coat if in the field or into the house if on the rooftop is missing in the Luke 21’s Jerusalem discourse.

• Those illustrations were metaphors for urgency. Thus, the setting here is more
  “casual.”

• The word “flee” (pheugetosan) is used in each place but implied differently. It is a different imperative flow of thought:

“Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto” (Luke 21:21).

• It is invitational, almost pastoral, to entreat action when God’s people will be morally attacked – seek spiritual safety when that occurs.

• Escape from the danger.

We get insight for this eschatologic prophecy from its first historical application (not in Luke’s parameters).

• “Not one Christian perished in the destruction of Jerusalem. Christ had given his disciples warning, and all who believed his words watched for the promised sign. ‘When ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies,’ said Jesus, ‘then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out.’ [Luke 21:20, 21.] After the Romans under Cestius [Gaius Cestius Gallus – Roman general who had been assigned to Syria A.D. 63-65 and came to squelch the Jewish revolt by Nero’s orders] had surrounded the city, they unexpectedly abandoned the siege when everything seemed favorable for an immediate attack. The besieged, despairing of successful resistance, were on the point of surrender, when the Roman general withdrew his forces, without the least apparent reason. But God's merciful providence was directing events for the good of his own people. The promised sign had been given to the waiting Christians, and now an opportunity was afforded for all who would to obey the Saviour's warning. Events were so overruled that neither Jews nor Romans should hinder the flight of the Christians. Upon the retreat of Cestius, the Jews, sallying from Jerusalem, pursued after his retiring army, and while both forces were thus fully engaged, the Christians had an opportunity to leave the city. At this time the country also had been cleared of enemies who might have endeavored to intercept them. At the time of the siege [66 A.D. – beginning of the three and a half year period], the Jews were assembled at Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Tabernacles, and thus the Christians throughout the land were able to make their escape unmolested. Without delay they fled to a place of safety,–the city of Pella, in the land of Perea, beyond Jordan.”[10]

This was the onset of a three and a half year war against God’s people. It would have to end at Passover.

• It was the symbolic end-time beginning of the 42 months of persecution noted elsewhere (Revelation 11:2, 13:4).

• “But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months” (Revelation 11:2).

This was in turn echoing Daniel.

• “And I heard the man clothed in linen, which was upon the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these [things] shall be
  finished” (Daniel 12:7).

Notice that the end-time persecution is related to the world of non-Jews (Gentiles), just like Cestius (11:2) – civil powers.

• Here, Luke notes the same with similar language:
  
  “And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled” (Luke 21:24). The “time of the Gentiles” followed the gospel to the Jews, which ended in A.D. 33-34.

• Christ called these “days of vengeance” (Luke 21:22) – persecution.

For the remnant – in the end-time application – God does not promise a total escape from this persecution or even martyrdom. But – He does give counsel on how to minimize its impact (by fleeing):

• “Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto” (Luke 21:21).

• At the onset of the three and a half years the Sunday laws will be a signal for God’s people to act to minimize hostilities! We know that from cross-reference to Daniel.

• “The time is not far distant, when, like the early disciples, we shall be forced to seek a refuge in desolate and solitary places [that will apply to Matthew’s discourse]. As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal for flight to the Judean Christians [leaning now on Luke’s account], so the assumption of power on the part of our nation [the United States] in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mountains.”[11] (This latter will not occur until close to the end of the three and a half years.)

Here, expositor White notes that “fleeing” at the onset of the siege on God’s people was to get out of the cities. Her message there becomes progressive! But there is more.

Jesus said here that when armies would encompass Jerusalem, desolation would not be far away.

• In Matthew 24:15 Jesus said that an abomination would lead to desolation.

• He said that that was explained in Daniel.

• There:

Chp. 8:     Place of God’s sanctuary is cast down (representing law, justice, righteousness) (12)

A specific sin related to this hostility leads to desolation and the sanctuary and God’s  “host” is trodden down (13) (persecution).

After 2300 years, the sanctuary where God resides is totally cleansed (14) (9:24).

Chp. 9:     Satan makes desolate God’s sanctuary (27) (apostate church) right up until the consummation because of his abomination.

Chp. 11:   A “king” “person” pollutes the sanctuary – military might on his part (31), by an abomination that leads to desolation.

Chp. 12:   An abomination makes desolation (12:11).

All these refer to the same sin/desolation!

There, the sin (transgression) that led to desolation is rebellion against the Sabbath (chapter 8). Later, in the rest of Daniel, Jesus called that transgression an “abomination.”

• Combining Luke and Daniel, the armies surrounding Jerusalem represent:
  ●  Preparation  to use force against God's people to honor a false Sabbath.
      Everything is now in place.
  ●  There are Sunday laws, but they aren’t enforced.

That becomes a sign to God’s people to relocate – seek a place of spiritual security (symbolically, this is called a “wilderness” (i.e., where God can protect).

• Cestius Gallus attacked in the fall of 66 A.D.

• He retreated – and it appears that by 68 A.D. all of God’s remnant had escaped. The window of time was long.

Sunday laws will be like the armies surrounding Jerusalem with the intent to penetrate its boundaries. But the laws are not initially enforced.

• Though there are possibilities for adverse encounters to occur – time to escape/relocate is clearly given.

• As it was in the “Jerusalem surrounded” imagery, time to leave the cities will then be given. God will provide the opportunity to liquidate assets and relocate to a more secure place.

• Finishing the work still lies ahead – thus it won’t be a time for
  isolation.

• This is a key to understand this prophecy.

We know Luke’s narrative relates to the end of time because:

• Those “days” relate to when “all things which are written may be fulfilled” (Luke 21:22) – Written where? Daniel.
  
  And

• “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh” (Luke 21:28).

• When the collective events that Christ presented begin to trend upward – the end is upon us.

What does Luke mean by:

• If in Judea – flee to the “mountains”?

• If in Jerusalem – depart to a safe place?

• If in the country – don’t go into the city?
  
  (We’ll look at these more when we move into Matthew’s account.)

• For now, the context is – “move to a more secure place spiritually.” Don’t expose yourself unnecessarily to danger.

Again, we know these things because they represent the beginning of the final three and a half years that E. G. White applied this to also!

Mark Records His End-Time Impressions (Mark 13)

“But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:” (Mark 13:14).

The imagery of “standing where it ought not” is couched in language of great urgency (like Matthew). This is very different from Luke! The city has been penetrated. The force of apostasy is in the body of Christ.

• If on housetop (roofs were flat and a place to relax/socialize). Don’t go into the house – flee (vs 15).

• If in the field, don’t return to where your coat is (vs 16) – flee.

The picture is one where the abominable laws against the Sabbath have now begun to be a threat – “standing where it ought not” – suggesting:

• They might be forced on God’s people. They could prohibit Sabbath worship.

• The churches could be coerced.

• “Standing” means “control over” wherever it is positioned.

• Legal measures have been taken to force Sunday worship – the abomination of Daniel – and restrict conscience.

• Religious liberty is now in peril.

 Daniel wasn’t appealed to in Luke!! Here he is. The issue is now specific.

• God’s people are being asked to honor something detestable to God.

• A sacrilege is being forced on the world.

Again, this represents a time of persecution noted in Daniel and Revelation.

• “And it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground, and stamped upon them” (Daniel 8:10b) (referring to the saints).

• “And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days” (Daniel 11:33) (referring to the remnant).

• “When he held up his right hand and his left hand unto heaven, and sware by him that liveth for ever that it shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished” (Daniel 12:7b). God, here, promises a time limit on Satan/Antichrist’s persecution!“

• “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Revelation 2:10) (ten days – “short period of time”).

• “And the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months” (Revelation 11:2b). This “city” is symbolic of God’s people.

This is tied to Revelation 12:17 (cf. 13:7): “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”

• God’s people have gone to the mountain of God.

• “And they overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death” (Revelation 12:11).

It is now assumed that the three and a half year period is far along. In the end-time metaphor, God’s people are out of the cities, in smaller hamlets. Now everything needs to be done to minimize a direct confrontation. If a threat comes, urgent action to alleviate it and prevent its reoccurring is advised. This coincides with General Vespasian’s attack. He had full control of Judah. The lives of God’s people were suppressed, like the time when they must work on the Sabbath.

At the time of Cestius Gallus only a part of Palestine was under siege; and when he and his forces were routed, the Jewish Christians were given time to escape. When Vespasian came in it became suppressive, but a small reprieve came right near the end.

That was opportunity two to “flee” like Luke directed. That was in 66-68 A.D.

Nero, upset at Gallus’ ineptness, ordered General Vespasian to subjugate completely the Jews. He assembled 60,000 troops and captured all the cities of Judea. In these attacks he slaughtered thousands. Then he laid siege on Jerusalem, totally blocking all movement in or out of the city. But he retreated because of Nero’s death (suicide) and the amazing conflict as to who would lead the empire. This gave another window of two years grace to the Jewish people, especially the Christians. That was opportunity number two – just like Mark notes.

When Vespasian ascended the throne, he ordered his son, Titus, to attack and subdue
Jerusalem. At the end, new laws will be passed to enforce existing religious laws.

“’Support will be withdrawn from those who proclaim God's law as the only standard of righteousness, the only sure test of character. And all who will not bow to the decree of the national councils, and obey the national laws to exalt the Sabbath instituted by the man of sin, to the disregard of God's holy day, will feel not only the oppressive power of the
Papacy, but the oppression of the Protestant world, who will seek to enforce the worship of the image of the beast.’"[12]

The Mathian Record

“When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:” (Matthew 24:15)!!

After giving a dramatic sequence of end-time events, Jesus suddenly became directive: “Flee”! When the abomination is in the “holy place”! Note how this is structured (Matthew 24).

Josephus[13] says that when the Roman soldiers entered the temple they placed their standards [eagle with Emperor’s head underneath (Barnes)] in the temple and in the eastern gate – direction of the rising sun.

• Now it is utterly urgent to escape – destruction had not begun.

A small window of time comes once again.

Josephus tells us that Titus’ Roman Legions marched with standards (or ensigns) that bore the image of the Roman eagle on them.

• Titus suffered many defeats and made many strategic mistakes.[14]

• Once he sent spies into the city and into the temple, then suddenly began slaughtering priests and worshipers.

• In the confusion that followed, including a very successful counterattack by the
  Jewish military against his forces, another window for the Christians to escape came.

• Opportunity number three: This was the last chance for the Christians.

• It was only a brief time till Jerusalem was surrounded again.

Another siege was planned and Titus decided to personally inspect the city walls. He and a force of 600 men were ambushed. Titus barely escaped with his life. 

• He retreated – but still had total control of movement around the city.

• All other Judean cities were secured by the Roman military.

• During this time Titus blocked all food access and permitted no one to leave the city. Travelers could enter Jerusalem but became prisoners there. There’s escape now.

   

• At the end, God’s people won’t be able to buy or sell.

Then, in the few months leading up to
Passover, he planned a major attack while starving the city.

• It was then, in the spring of 70 A.D. that the city was secured

• Then the temple was entered and destroyed.

Thus, the final escape opportunities under Titus came only under extreme urgency – after his spies were routed – just as Matthew reflected!

Three and a half years – Tabernacles to Passover. At the end of time, prophecy declares it would be Passover to Tabernacles! (That’s another beautiful study.)

End-Time Imagery

This brings to the fore a future time (soon) when the forces of law/military will come to control/destroy God’s people.

• The knowledge that Titus killed more than one million Jewish people

• Show that it will be a time when a death penalty has been made

Daniel’s three and a half year prophecy reveals that an abomination (false sabbath day enforcement) would begin the process and eventually become a life and death matter.

The story of the beasts in Revelation 13 notes several times that a decree will go forth to kill all who don’t have the mark of the beast.

• “And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed” (Revelation 13:15).

• That is a death decree that means not only “escape” or fleeing must come but
  “hiding/seclusion” is then required.

“As the decree issued by the various rulers of Christendom against commandment keepers shall withdraw the protection of government and abandon them to those who desire their destruction, the people of God will flee from the cities [some are still there] and villages [that means that they have been living in areas from which they can reach out to help finish the work] and associate together in companies, dwelling in the most desolate and solitary places. Many will find refuge in the strongholds of the mountains. Like the Christians of the Piedmont valleys, they will make the high places of the earth their sanctuaries and will thank God for "the munitions of rocks." Isaiah 33:16. But many of all nations and of all classes, high and low, rich and poor, black and white, will be cast into the most unjust and cruel bondage. The beloved of God pass weary days, bound in chains, shut in by prison bars, sentenced to be slain, some apparently left to die of starvation in dark and loathsome dungeons. No human ear is open to hear their moans; no human hand is ready to lend them help.”[15]

Summary of These Progressive Narratives

This is a graphic progression of what lies ahead. We are not told to escape into solitary places. The key to these prophecies is to flee to places or environments that are spiritually safe. Yet, not until the very end; we must maintain a witnessing/proselytizing contact with the world.