Having examined in the previous chapter the two conceptual elements which provide the framework for Matthew's scheme of apocalyptic eschatology, we are now in a position to begin our study of Matthew's eschatological material. As noted in the previous chapter, Matthew upholds the notion of the two ages (cf. 12:32); the present age will come to an end and be replaced by a new era. This chapter will be concerned with the initial phase of his eschatological scheme, his description of the end-time woes and the arrival of Jesus the Son of Man as a saviour figure at the end of the age. While Matthew has taken from Mark and Q the specific idea that Jesus would return as Son of Man, the notion that Jesus would return in glory at the end of the present era was universal within early Christianity and is either affirmed or presumed right throughout the New Testament. While the origins of the notion of ‘the second coming’ are not absolutely clear, this doctrine presupposes the fundamental Christian conviction that Jesus had been resurrected from the dead and now resided in heaven. But as much as Matthew shared in common with other Christians the belief in the return of Jesus, it will become clear that the evangelist had his own thoughts concerning the significance of this event.

In the course of his narrative, Matthew often refers to the coming of the Son of Man without mentioning the events which precede it.