Barnes New Testament Notes

Verse 31. When the Son of man, etc. This is in answer to the question which the disciples proposed to him respecting the end of the world, Mt 24:3. That this refers to the last judgment, and not, as some have supposed, to the destruction of Jerusalem, appears

(1.) from the fact that it was in answer to an express inquiry respecting the end of the world.

(2.) All nations were to be assembled -- which did not take place at Jerusalem.

(3.) A separation was to take place between the righteous and the wicked -- which was not done at Jerusalem.

(4.) The rewards and punishments are declared to be eternal. None of these things took place at the destruction of Jerusalem.

In his glory. In his own proper honour. With his glorified body, and as the Head and King of the universe, Ac 1:11; Ep 1:20-22; 1 Th 4:16

1 Co 15:24,25.

The throne of his glory. This means, in the language of the Hebrews, his glorious or splendid throne. It is not to be taken literally, as if there would be a material throne or seat of the King of Zion. It expresses the idea that he will come as a King and Judge to assemble his subjects before him, and to appoint them their rewards.

{v} "When" Da 7:13; Zec 14:5; Mt 16:27; 19:28; Mr 8:38; Ac 1:11; 1 Th 4:16

2 Th 1:7; Jude 1:14; Re 1:7