Matthew 24:14

Matthew 24:14, in plain English

Jesus says the good news about God's kingdom will be shared with every nation on earth, and then the end will come. The mission isn't just a nice idea — it's part of God's plan for history.

Why it's here

This gives incredible purpose to sharing your faith. It's not just about individual conversions; it's about fulfilling God's plan for all of human history.

Who's speaking

Jesus connects the mission of His followers directly to God's plan for the end of the age.

Where it sits in the story

This verse has fueled missionary movements for two thousand years. Every time someone shares the gospel in a new place, they're participating in God's cosmic plan.

The scholarly reading

Jesus declares that 'this gospel of the kingdom' (euangelion tēs basileias) will be preached (kērychthēsetai) in 'the whole world' (holē tē oikoumenē) as a testimony (martyrion) to all nations (ethnesin). Only then will 'the end' (telos) come. This establishes global evangelization as a precondition for the consummation.

Language and setting

This verse provides the missionary motivation for the Great Commission (28:19). The end is not merely awaited but actively brought nearer through faithful gospel proclamation.

Voice

Jesus gives one of the most mission-defining statements in the New Testament, linking the end to the completion of global witness.

Significance

Jesus reveals that the end doesn't come on a random timeline — it waits for the gospel to reach every people group. The church's mission and God's eschatological plan are intertwined.

12Because of the multiplication of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.

13But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.

14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

15So when you see standing in the holy place ‘the abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand),

16then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

Read all of Matthew 24 — The disciples ask when the end will come. Jesus answers with wars, earthquakes, and a warning: stay awake, because no one knows the hour.