John Calvin Commentary Matthew 24:2

"But he answered and said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down." — Matthew 24:2 (ASV)

Verily I say to you. As the vast size and wealth of the temple, like a veil hung before the eyes of the disciples, did not permit them to elevate their faith to the true reign of Christ, which was still future, so he affirms with an oath that those things which occupy their attention will quickly perish. This prediction of the destruction of the temple, therefore, opened a path for the ignorant and weak.¹²⁶

Now, though it was advantageous that the temple should be destroyed, so that its services and shadows would not exercise an undue influence on the Jews, who were already too much attached to earthly elements, yet the chief reason was that God determined, by this dreadful example, to take vengeance on that nation for having rejected his Son and despised the grace brought by him.

Therefore, this threat must have deterred the disciples from siding with a rebellious people. In the same way, the punishments Scripture denounces against the wicked should now deter us from those crimes which provoke the wrath of God.

Everything Scripture tells us, even about the fading and transitory aspect of the world, should correct the vanity of our senses, which too eagerly follow pomp, and luxury, and pleasure.

But especially, what Scripture declares concerning the fearful destruction of Antichrist and his followers should remove every obstacle which hinders us from pursuing the right course of faith.

¹²⁶ “Afin qu’ils ne trouvassent aucun destourbier de ce costé-la;” — “that they might not find any impediment in that respect.;” — “that they might not find any impediment in that respect.