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Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And this Gospel of the kingdome shalbe preached through the whole world for a witnes vnto all nations, and then shall the end come.
Young's Literal Translation
and this good news of the reign shall be proclaimed in all the world, for a testimony to all the nations; and then shall the end arrive.
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Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers . Public domain.
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DidacheAD 100
The Didache, Chapter 16
Watch for your life's sake. Let not your lamps be quenched, nor your loins unloosed; but be ye ready, for ye know not the hour in which our Lord cometh. But often shall ye come together, seeking the things which are befitting to your souls: for the whole time of your faith will not profit you, if ye be not made perfect in the last time. For in the last days false prophets and corrupters shall be multiplied, and the sheep shall be turned into wolves, and love shall be turned into hate; for when lawlessness increaseth, they shall hate and persecute and betray one another, and then shall appear the world-deceiver as Son of God, and shall do signs and wonders, and the earth shall be delivered into his hands, and he shall do iniquitous things which have never yet come to pass since the beginning. Then shall the creation of men come into the fire of trial, and many shall be made to stumble and shall perish; but they that endure in their faith shall be saved from under the curse itself. And then shall appear the signs of the truth; first, the sign of an out-spreading in heaven; then the sign of the sound of the trumpet; and the third, the resurrection of the dead; yet not of all, but as it is said: The Lord shall come and all His saints with Him. Then shall the world see the Lord coming upon the clouds of heaven.
Origen of Alexandria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 253
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
When every nation shall have heard the preaching of the Gospel, then shall come the end of the world. For at this time there are many nations, not of barbarians only, but of our own, who have not yet heard the word of Christianity.
Morally; He who shall see that glorious second coming of the word of God into his soul, must needs suffer in proportion to the measure of his proficiency assaults of opposing influences, and Christ in him must be hated by all, not only by the nations literally understood, but by the nations of spiritual vices. And in such enquiries there will be few who shall reach the truth with any fulness, the more part shall be offended and fall therefrom, betraying and accusing one another because of their disagreement respecting doctrines, which shall give rise to a mutual hatred. Also there shall be many setting forth unsound words concerning things to come, and interpreting the Prophets in a manner in which they ought not; these are the false Prophets who shall deceive many, and who shall cause to wax cold that fervour of love which was before in the simplicity of the faith. But he who can abide firmly in the Apostolic tradition, he shall be saved; and the Gospel being preached to the minds of all shall be for a testimony to all nations, that is, to all the unbelieving thoughts of the soul.
Hilary of PoitiersAD 367
Such Was Nicolaus, one of the seven deacons, who led astray many by his pretences. And Simon Magus who, armed with diabolic works and words, perverted many by false miracles.
Hilary of Poitiers (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 367
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Such was Nicolaus, one of the seven deacons, who led astray many by his pretences. And Simon Magus who, armed with diabolic works and words, perverted many by false miracles.
Apostolic ConstitutionsAD 380
Apostolic Constitutions (Book VII), Section 2, XXXII
For in the last days false prophets shall be multiplied, and such as corrupt the word; and the sheep shall be changed into wolves, and love into hatred: for through the abounding of iniquity the love of many shall wax cold. For men shall hate, and persecute, and betray one another. And then shall appear the deceiver of the world, the enemy of the truth, the prince of lies, [2 Thessalonians 2:3-12] whom the Lord Jesus "shall destroy with the spirit of His mouth, who takes away the wicked with His lips; and many shall be offended at Him. But they that endure to the end, the same shall be saved. And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven;" [Isaiah 11:4; Matthew 24:1-51] and afterwards shall be the voice of a trumpet by the archangel; and in that interval shall be the revival of those that were asleep. And then shall the Lord come, and all His saints with Him, with a great concussion above the clouds, with the angels of His power, [Matthew 16:27] in the throne of His kingdom, to condemn the devil, the deceiver of the world, and to render to every one according to his deeds. "Then shall the wicked go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous shall go into life eternal," [Matthew 25:46] to inherit those things "which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, such things as God has prepared for them that love Him;" [1 Corinthians 2:9] and they shall rejoice in the kingdom of God, which is in Christ Jesus.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 25
This, we may observe, He saith elsewhere also; "This gospel shall be preached in all the world for a testimony to all the nations, and then shall the end come;" to the nations, to them that obey not, to them that believe not. Thus, lest any one should say, "And wherefore preach to all, if all are not to believe?"-it is that I may be found to have done all my own part, and that no man may hereafter be able to find fault, as though he had not heard. For the very preaching shall bear witness against them, and they will not be able hereafter to say, "We heard not;" for the word of godliness "hath gone out unto the ends of the world."
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 75
For in proof that He meant this, and that before the taking of Jerusalem the gospel was preached, hear what Paul saith, "Their sound went into all the earth;" and again, "The gospel which was preached to every creature which is under Heaven." And seest thou him running from Jerusalem unto Spain? And if one took so large a portion, consider what the rest also wrought. For writing to others also, Paul again saith concerning the gospel, that "it is bringing forth fruit, and growing up in every creature which is under Heaven."
But what meaneth, "For a witness to all nations?" Forasmuch as though it was everywhere preached, yet it was not everywhere believed. It was for a witness, He saith, to them that were disbelieving, that is, for conviction, for accusation, for a testimony; for they that believed will bear witness against them that believed not, and will condemn them. And for this cause, after the gospel is preached in every part of the world, Jerusalem is destroyed, that they may not have so much as a shadow of an excuse for their perverseness. For they that saw His power shine throughout every place, and in an instant take the world captive, what excuse could they then have for continuing in the same perverseness? For in proof that it was everywhere preached at that time, hear what Paul saith, "of the gospel which was preached to every creature which is under Heaven."
Which also is a very great sign of Christ's power, that in twenty or at most thirty years the word had reached the ends of the world. "After this therefore," saith He, "shall come the end of Jerusalem." For that He intimates this was manifested by what followed.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on the Gospel of Matthew 75
"Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you."
In good season did He introduce their ills, having a consolation from the common miseries; and not in this way only, but also by His adding, that it is "for my name's sake. For ye shall be hated," He saith, "of all men for my name's sake. Then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and many false Christs and false prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold; but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."
This is the greater evil, when the war is intestine too, for there were many false brethren. Seest thou the war to be threefold? from the deceivers, from the enemies, from the false brethren. See Paul too lamenting over the same things, and saying, "Without were fightings, within were fears;" and, "perils among false brethren," and again, "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ."
After this again, what is more grievous than all, they shall not have so much as the consolation from love. Then indicating, that these things will in no degree harm the noble and the firm, He saith, Fear not, neither be troubled. For if ye show forth the patience that becomes you, the dangers will not prevail over you. And it is a plain proof of this, that the word shall surely be preached everywhere in the world, so much shall ye be above the things that alarm you. For, that they may not say, how then shall we live? He said more, Ye shall both live and preach everywhere. Therefore He added moreover, "And this gospel shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all nations, and then shall the end come," of the downfall of Jerusalem.
John Chrysostom (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 407
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
Or otherwise; The disciples when they heard these things which were spoken of Jerusalem might suppose that they should be beyond reach of harm, as though what they now heard was the sufferings of others, while they themselves should meet with nothing but prosperous times, He therefore announces the grievous things which should befal them, putting them in fear for themselves. First He had bid them be on their guard against the arts of false teachers, He now foretels to them the violence of tyrants. In good season He thus introduces their own woes, as here they will receive consolation from the common calamities; and He held out to them not this comfort only, but also that of the cause for which they should suffer, showing that it was for His name's sake, And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
Having named two sources of opposition, that from seducers, and that from enemies, He adds a third, that from false brethren; And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. See Paul bewailing these same things, Without were fightings, within were fears; (2 Cor. 7:5. 2 Cor. 11:26. v. 13.) and in another place; In perils among false brethren, of whom he says, Such are false Apostles, deceitful workers.
And He adds, what is still more cruel, that such false Prophets shall have no alleviation in charity; Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.
Then that they should not say, How then shall we live among so many evils? He promises not only that they should live, but that they should teach every where. And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world.
That before the taking of Jerusalem the Gospel was preached every where, hear what Paul says, Their sound is gone out into all the earth; (Rom. 10:18.) and see himself travelling from Jerusalem into Spain. And if one had so large a province, think how much all must have done. Whence writing to certain, he says of the Gospel, It bears fruit, and increases in every creature under heaven. (Col. 1:6.) And this is the strongest proof of Christ's power, that in thirty years or a little more, the word of the Gospel filled the ends of the world. Though the Gospel was preached every where, yet all did not believe, whence He adds, For a witness unto all nations, in accusation, that is, of such as believe not, they who have believed bearing witness against them that believed not, and condemning them. And in fit season did Jerusalem fall, namely, after the Gospel had been preached throughout the world; as it follows, And then shall the consummation come, i. e. the end of Jerusalem. For they who have seen Christ's power shining forth every where, and in brief space spread over the whole world, what mercy did they deserve when they continued still in ingratitude?
JeromeAD 420
COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 4.24.14
The sign of the Lord’s coming is that the gospel will be preached throughout the entire world, leaving no one any excuse. We believe that this has already been accomplished or is about to be accomplished, since it appears to me that there remains no nation that does not know the name of Christ. Even if they haven’t been visited by an evangelist themselves, certainly they have heard about the Christian faith from neighboring countries.
Jerome (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 420
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
These all are the beginnings of sorrows, is better understood of pains of labour, as it were the conception of the coming of Antichrist, and not of the birth.
Observe, He says, the love of many, (Rom. 8:35.) not 'of all,' for in the Apostles, and those like them, love would continue, as Paul speaks, Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
And the sign of the Lord's second coming is, that the Gospel shall be preached in all the world, so that all may be without excuse.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Matthew
(Verse 14) And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, as a testimony to all nations; and then the end will come. The sign of the Lord's coming is the preaching of the Gospel in the whole world, so that no one may be without excuse; which has either already been fulfilled, or is about to be fulfilled very soon. For I do not think that any nation remains which does not know the name of Christ. And although it may not have had preachers, it cannot ignore the expectation of faith from neighboring nations.
Augustine of Hippo (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 430
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(Ep. 199, 46.) But that this preaching the Gospel of the kingdom in all the world was accomplished by the Apostles, we have not any certain evidence, to prove. There are numberless barbarous nations in Africa, among whom the Gospel is not even yet preached, as it is easy to learn from the prisoners who are brought from thence. But it cannot be said that these have no part in the promise of God. For God promised with an oath not the Romans only, but all nations to the seed of Abraham. But in whatever nation there is yet no Church established, it must needs be that there should be one, not that all the people should believe; for how then should that be fulfilled, Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake, unless there be in all nations those who hate and those; who are hated? That preaching therefore was not accomplished by the Apostles, while as yet there were nations among whom it had not begun to be fulfilled. The words of the Apostle also, Their sound hath gone out into all the world, though expressed as of time past, are meant to apply to something future, not yet completed; as the Prophet, whose words he quotes, said that the Gospel bore fruit and grew in the whole world (Ps. 19:4.), to show thereby to what extent its growth should come. If then we know not when it shall be that the whole world shall be filled with the Gospel, undoubtedly we know not when the end shall be; but it shall not be before such time.
Remigius of Rheims (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 533
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
As the capture of Jerusalem approached, many rose up, calling themselves Christians, and deceived many; such Paul calls false brethren, John Antichrists.
That is, true love towards God and our neighbour, in proportion as each surrenders himself to iniquity, in that proportion will the flame of charity in his heart be extinguished.
Whoso shall endure unto the end, i. e. to the end of his life; for whoso to the end of his life shall persevere in the confession of the name of Christ, and in love, he shall be saved.
For the Lord knew that the hearts of the disciples would be made sad by the destruction of Jerusalem, and overthrow of their nation, and He therefore comforts them with a promise that more of the Gentiles should believe than of the Jews should perish.
But the whole passage might be referred to the end of the world. For then shall many be offended, and depart from the faith, when they see the numbers and wealth of the wicked, and the miracles of Antichrist, and they shall persecute their brethren; and Antichrist shall send false Prophets, who shall deceive many; iniquity shall abound, because the number of the wicked shall be increased; and love shall wax cold, because the number of the good shall diminish.
Rabanus Maurus (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 856
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
For what desert so many evils are to be brought upon Jerusalem, and the whole Jewish province the Lord shows, when He adds, Then shall they deliver you up,&c.
Theophylact of OhridAD 1107
. Take courage, you will not be hindered from preaching. For the Gospel will be preached to all the nations as a witness, that is, as a reproof, a condemnation of those who do not believe, and then the end will come, not of the world, but of Jerusalem. For prior to the taking of Jerusalem, the Gospel was already preached [as a witness to all the nations], for St. Paul, in writing to the Colossians, speaks of "the Gospel which was preached to every creature under heaven" (Col. 1:23). That Christ is speaking of the end of Jerusalem is clear from what follows, for He says:
Glossa Ordinaria (as quoted by Aquinas, AD 1274)AD 1274
Catena Aurea by Aquinas
(non occ.)c. But it is possible to maintain both applications of the passage, if only we will take this diffusion of Gospel preaching in a double sense. If we understand it of fruit produced by the preaching, and the foundation in every nation of a Church of believers in Christ, as Augustine (in the passage above quoted) expounds it, then it is a sign which ought to precede the end of the world, and which did not precede the destruction of Jerusalem. But if we understand it of the fame of their preaching, then it was accomplished before the destruction of Jerusalem, when Christ's disciples had been dispersed over the four quarters of the earth. Whence Jerome says, (Hieron. in loc.) I do not suppose that there remained any nation which knew not the name of Christ; for where preacher had never been, some notion of the faith must have been communicated by neighbouring nations.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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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
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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 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). 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), and His redemptive work on the cross made it possible for humanity to enter into this kingdom (Colossians 1:13-14). 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). 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), when His kingdom will be fully and visibly established, bringing about the new heavens and new earth (Revelation 21:1-4), 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.