Matthew 24:14

KJV

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} this {G5124} gospel {G2098} of the kingdom {G932} shall be preached {G2784} in {G1722} all {G3650} the world {G3625} for {G1519} a witness {G3142} unto all {G3956} nations {G1484}; and {G2532} then {G5119} shall the end {G5056} come {G2240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And this Good News about the Kingdom will be announced throughout the whole world as a witness to all the Goyim. It is then that the end will come.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a testimony unto all the nations; and then shall the end come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 24:14, a pivotal statement within Jesus' Olivet Discourse, declares that the "gospel of the kingdom" must be proclaimed globally to all nations as a definitive witness before the eschatological "end" arrives. This verse establishes a divine timetable for the consummation of history, highlighting the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the indispensable role of the church in fulfilling the Great Commission as a prerequisite for Christ's return and the ushering in of the new age.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 24:14 is situated within the Olivet Discourse, Jesus' extensive prophetic teaching delivered on the Mount of Olives, as recorded in [Matthew 24](/matthew/24 "Matthew 24 - The Olivet Discourse") and [Matthew 25](/matthew/25 "Matthew 25 - Parables of the Kingdom"). The disciples had asked Jesus about the signs of His coming and the end of the age ([Matthew 24:3](/matthew/24-3 "Matthew 24:3 - Disciples' Questions")). In the preceding verses ([Matthew 24:4-13](/matthew/24-4-13 "Matthew 24:4-13 - Signs of the End")), Jesus warns of various tribulations: false Christs, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, widespread apostasy, and increasing lawlessness. Amidst these dire predictions of distress and deception, verse 14 stands as a beacon of divine purpose and a definitive sign, indicating that despite the chaos, God's mission will not be thwarted but will indeed reach its global fulfillment as a necessary precursor to the ultimate culmination of history. It serves as a counterpoint to the negative signs, offering a positive, active, and global mission for the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' discourse was delivered to His Jewish disciples, who understood "the end of the age" through the lens of Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messianic era and the Day of the Lord. The concept of "all nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethnē*) would have resonated with Old Testament promises of God's blessing extending beyond Israel (e.g., [Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "Genesis 12:3 - Abrahamic Covenant")). In the Roman world of the 1st century, the "world" (Greek: *oikouménē*) often referred to the inhabited Roman Empire, but Jesus' use here, coupled with "all nations," clearly transcends geographical or political boundaries, pointing to a truly universal scope. The act of "preaching" (Greek: *kērýssō*) was a familiar concept, akin to a herald making a public proclamation, which in this context implies an authoritative declaration of divine truth. The disciples, predominantly Jewish, would have needed to grasp the radical shift from a primarily Israel-centric focus to a global, Gentile-inclusive mission, laying the groundwork for the future expansion of the early church.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within Matthew and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **The Global Proclamation of the Gospel**, emphasizing that the "gospel of the kingdom" must reach every corner of the earth, highlighting the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the mission given to His followers, echoing the later Great Commission in [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"). Secondly, the phrase **"The Gospel of the Kingdom"** (Greek: *euangelion tēs basileias*) is central to Matthew's theology, emphasizing not merely salvation from sin but the good news that God's reign is breaking into human history, culminating in Christ's kingship over all the earth. It speaks to the comprehensive rule and redemptive plan of God being made known. Thirdly, the purpose of this worldwide preaching is described as a **"Witness Unto All Nations"** (Greek: *martýrion*), implying a testimony or declaration that makes God's truth known to all peoples, ensuring that no nation is left without the opportunity to hear. This does not necessarily imply universal conversion but universal exposure to the message, establishing humanity's accountability before God. Finally, the verse explicitly links this global witness to **The Timing of the End**, establishing a divine timetable where the completion of global evangelization is a prerequisite for the final culmination of human history, leading to the [return of Christ](/matthew/25-31 "Matthew 25:31 - The Son of Man's Return") and the final judgment.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gospel (Greek, _euangélion_):** This term, meaning "good message" or "good news," refers specifically to the divine truth of God's redemptive plan. In Matthew, it is consistently qualified as the "gospel of the kingdom," emphasizing the good news concerning God's active, sovereign reign breaking into the world through Jesus Christ, culminating in His future, visible rule. It is not merely a message of personal salvation but a declaration of God's cosmic kingship.
* **Preached (Greek, _kērýssō_):** Derived from the word for a herald, this verb signifies a public, authoritative proclamation or declaration. It implies not a quiet sharing, but an open, bold, and official announcement. The passive voice ("shall be preached") suggests a divine impetus and assurance that this proclamation will indeed occur, though carried out by human agents.
* **World (Greek, _oikouménē_):** While sometimes referring to the Roman Empire, in this eschatological context, *oikouménē* denotes the entire inhabited earth, encompassing all geographical regions and peoples. Combined with "all nations," it underscores the truly universal and global scope of the gospel's reach, leaving no part of the human sphere untouched by its witness.
* **End (Greek, _télos_):** This word signifies a definite point or goal, the conclusion of an act or state, or a termination. In this context, it refers to the eschatological culmination of the age, marking the transition from the present order to Christ's full, manifest kingdom. It is not merely an arbitrary close but the divinely appointed completion of God's redemptive purposes.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this gospel of the kingdom":** This clause identifies the specific message to be proclaimed. It is not just any good news, but the unique "gospel of the kingdom," which encapsulates the good news of God's sovereign rule, inaugurated by Christ's first coming and to be fully consummated at His second coming. It speaks to the comprehensive reign of God over all creation and humanity.
* **"shall be preached in all the world":** This specifies the scope and method of the proclamation. The gospel will be actively and publicly declared ("preached") throughout the entirety of the inhabited earth ("in all the world"). This highlights the universal mandate and the expansive reach of the Christian mission, ensuring that the message is made accessible globally.
* **"for a witness unto all nations;":** This defines the purpose and target audience of the global preaching. The gospel is proclaimed "for a witness" (a testimony or evidence) to "all nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethnē*, encompassing all ethnic groups and peoples, not just political states). This implies that the message serves as a divine declaration, providing every people group with the opportunity to hear and respond, thus establishing a just basis for judgment.
* **"and then shall the end come.":** This final clause establishes the divine timetable. The global proclamation of the gospel to all nations is presented as a necessary prerequisite and a definitive sign. Only *after* this universal witness has been accomplished will the eschatological "end" (the culmination of the age, leading to Christ's return and the final judgment) arrive. This provides both a clear condition and a profound motivation for missionary endeavor.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 24:14 employs several significant literary devices. **Prophecy** is the overarching device, as Jesus delivers a predictive statement about future events, specifically linking the global spread of the gospel to the timing of the end. This prophetic utterance serves to both inform and motivate His disciples. The phrase "gospel of the kingdom" functions as a **Key Term** or **Theological Motif**, recurring throughout Matthew's Gospel to define the central message of Jesus' ministry. The structure of the verse itself, with its clear "if/then" or "until/then" implication ("this shall be preached... and *then* shall the end come"), functions as a form of **Conditional Statement** or **Divine Prerequisite**, establishing a causal link between human action (preaching) and divine timing (the end). Furthermore, the repeated use of "all" (in "all the world" and "all nations") is a form of **Hyperbole** or **Emphasis** to stress the truly universal and comprehensive nature of the mission, leaving no people group untouched by the witness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 24:14 is a cornerstone verse for understanding Christian eschatology and missiology. It unequivocally links the completion of the church's global evangelistic mission to the timing of Christ's return and the consummation of the age. This verse underscores God's sovereign control over history, demonstrating that His ultimate plan for redemption and judgment will unfold according to His precise timetable, with the universal proclamation of the "gospel of the kingdom" serving as a non-negotiable prerequisite. It refutes notions of a secret rapture before the church's mission is complete and emphasizes the active participation of believers in God's redemptive drama. The "gospel of the kingdom" is not merely a message for individual salvation, but a declaration of God's rightful reign over all creation, calling all peoples to submit to His kingship. This global witness ensures that every nation has the opportunity to hear, thus establishing the justice of God's final judgment.

* [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 24:14 serves as both a profound assurance and a powerful call to action for believers today. It assures us that God's plan for global redemption will ultimately succeed, despite the tribulations and challenges that may arise. The "end" will not come until His purposes for the worldwide proclamation of the gospel are fulfilled. This provides immense hope and confidence in the face of global unrest or spiritual apathy. Simultaneously, it lays a clear mandate upon the church: we are God's chosen instruments for this global witness. Our participation in sharing the "gospel of the kingdom"—whether through direct missionary work, financial support, prayer, or simply living out the kingdom values in our daily lives—is not merely optional but integral to God's eschatological timetable. This verse compels us to consider our role in reaching the unreached, to pray for open doors for the gospel, and to live with an urgent, kingdom-minded perspective, understanding that our efforts contribute directly to the hastening of Christ's return and the full establishment of His reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of the "gospel of the kingdom" differ from or expand upon your understanding of the gospel?**
* **In what practical ways can you contribute to the global proclamation of the gospel, even if you are not a full-time missionary?**
* **How does the promise that "then shall the end come" motivate or challenge your perspective on living faithfully in the present age?**
* **What does it mean for the gospel to be a "witness unto all nations," and what responsibility does that place on the church?**

### FAQ

**Does "all the world" mean every single person, or every people group?**

Answer: While the term "all the world" (Greek: *oikouménē*) and "all nations" (Greek: *panta ta ethnē*) suggest a comprehensive reach, the primary emphasis is on every distinct ethnic or people group having access to the gospel message, rather than every single individual necessarily converting. The purpose is "for a witness," meaning a testimony or declaration that makes God's truth known to all peoples, ensuring that no nation is left without the opportunity to hear. This aligns with the vision in [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation") of a multitude from "every nation, tribe, people and language" standing before the throne.

**Does this verse imply that the church's mission will be completed before the tribulation, or during it?**

Answer: Matthew 24:14 is part of a discourse that describes events leading up to "the end," including significant tribulation and persecution ([Matthew 24:9-13](/matthew/24-9-13 "Matthew 24:9-13 - Persecution and Endurance")). Therefore, the global proclamation of the gospel is understood to occur *during* this period of increasing tribulation, not necessarily before it. The verse implies that despite the difficulties, the mission will continue and be completed, serving as a sign that the end is near. This demonstrates the resilience and divine empowerment of the church's mission even in challenging times.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 24:14 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus, who is both the content and the enabler of the "gospel of the kingdom." The "gospel of the kingdom" itself is the good news that God's reign has broken into human history through Christ's incarnation, life, death, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus inaugurated this kingdom ([Mark 1:15](/mark/1-15 "Mark 1:15 - Jesus Preaches the Kingdom")), and His redemptive work on the cross made it possible for humanity to enter into this kingdom ([Colossians 1:13-14](/colossians/1-13-14 "Colossians 1:13-14 - Delivered from Darkness")). Furthermore, it is Christ, as the resurrected Lord, who commissions His followers to carry this gospel to "all nations," empowering them with the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The global witness is not merely a human endeavor but a divine imperative, accomplished through the church by the power of the Spirit, ensuring that Christ's universal Lordship is proclaimed to every people group. The "end" that comes is the return of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords ([Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11-16 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ's Return as King")), when His kingdom will be fully and visibly established, bringing about the new heavens and new earth ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "Revelation 21:1-4 - New Heaven and New Earth")), thereby fulfilling the very "gospel of the kingdom" that was preached. Thus, Christ is the Alpha and Omega of this prophetic declaration, initiating the mission and being the one who ultimately brings it to its glorious conclusion.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Revelation 14:6

¶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,

Romans 10:18

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Romans 16:25

¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

Romans 16:26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

Luke 24:47

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.