But the one who perseveresThis phrase emphasizes the necessity of endurance in the Christian faith. In the context of
Matthew 24, Jesus is speaking about the trials and tribulations that will occur before His second coming. The call to persevere is a common theme throughout the New Testament, as seen in
James 1:12, which speaks of the blessedness of those who endure trials. The Greek word for "perseveres" (hypomenō) implies a steadfastness and patience under pressure, suggesting that true faith is demonstrated through continued faithfulness despite challenges.
to the end
The "end" here can be understood in multiple ways. It may refer to the end of one's life, the end of the age, or the culmination of the trials mentioned earlier in the chapter. In the immediate context, Jesus is addressing the end times, but the principle of enduring to the end applies to all believers throughout history. This echoes the teachings inRevelation 2:10, where believers are encouraged to be faithful until death to receive the crown of life. The concept of "the end" also ties into eschatological themes, where perseverance is linked to the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.
will be saved
Salvation in this context is both a present reality and a future hope. While believers experience salvation through faith in Christ, the ultimate salvation is realized in the eschatological sense, when Christ returns and establishes His kingdom. This future aspect of salvation is consistent with the teachings inRomans 13:11, which speaks of salvation being nearer now than when we first believed. The assurance of salvation for those who persevere is a promise that underscores the security and hope found in Christ, aligning with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Jesus ChristThe speaker of this verse, delivering the Olivet Discourse to His disciples, providing prophetic insights about the end times.
2.
DisciplesThe immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to understand the signs of the end times.
3.
Mount of OlivesThe location where Jesus delivered this discourse, a significant place in biblical prophecy and Jesus' ministry.
4.
End TimesThe period Jesus is describing, characterized by trials, tribulations, and the ultimate return of Christ.
5.
PerseveranceThe key action required of believers, emphasizing steadfastness in faith amidst challenges.
Teaching Points
The Call to PerseveranceBelievers are called to remain steadfast in their faith, even when faced with trials and tribulations.
Understanding SalvationSalvation is not just a one-time event but involves a continuous journey of faith and endurance.
The Role of TrialsTrials are not to be feared but embraced as opportunities to strengthen faith and reliance on God.
Endurance as Evidence of FaithTrue faith is evidenced by the ability to endure and remain faithful to the end.
Encouragement in CommunityBelievers should support and encourage one another in their journey of perseverance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Matthew 24:13?
2.What does "the one who perseveres" mean in Matthew 24:13 for believers today?
3.How can we apply perseverance in our daily walk with Christ?
4.What scriptural examples illustrate perseverance leading to salvation?
5.How does Matthew 24:13 encourage us during trials and tribulations?
6.In what ways can our church support each other to "stand firm to the end"?
7.What does "the one who perseveres to the end will be saved" mean in Matthew 24:13?
8.How does Matthew 24:13 relate to the concept of eternal security?
9.Does Matthew 24:13 imply that salvation can be lost?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Matthew 24?
11.Does enduring to the end ensure our salvation?
12.What does "Dominion and Endure to the End" mean?
13.What does the Bible say about perseverance?
14.What does the Bible say about perseverance?What Does Matthew 24:13 Mean
But• The verse drops into Jesus’ end-times discourse with a contrasting “but,” setting endurance against the backdrop of mounting troubles (Matthew 24:9–12).
• Earlier He warned of betrayal, hatred, and “the love of many” growing cold; the “but” signals hope that faith can survive those pressures (John 16:33;2 Timothy 3:1–5).
• This contrast reassures disciples that circumstances do not have the final word—God does.
The one• Jesus narrows His promise to each individual believer rather than a crowd.
• Personal responsibility is stressed: “Each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).
• Corporate apostasy cannot nullify individual faithfulness (Revelation 3:4–5).
Who perseveres• Perseverance means clinging to Christ through suffering, rejection, and temptation.
• Scripture pairs endurance with active obedience, not mere passive waiting (Hebrews 10:36;James 1:12).
• Practical expressions:
– Steadfast confession of Jesus under pressure (Matthew 10:32).
– Continuing good works when weary (Galatians 6:9).
– Holding to sound doctrine when error abounds (2 Timothy 4:3–4).
To the end• “The end” points both to the climax of history and to the finish line of one’s earthly life (Matthew 10:22).
• Paul modeled this when he declared, “I have fought the good fight… I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7–8).
• Endurance is measured not by a momentary burst of zeal but by lifelong fidelity, whatever the length of remaining time.
Will be saved• Salvation here carries its full, final sense—complete deliverance into God’s kingdom glory (1 Peter 1:5;Romans 13:11).
• It does not suggest earning salvation, but reveals the inseparable link between genuine faith and perseverance (John 8:31;Revelation 21:7).
• The promise sustains believers: ultimate safety is guaranteed for those who stay true to Christ, even if earthly circumstances unravel.
summaryMatthew 24:13 places a bright promise inside dark prophecies. By highlighting the contrast (“but”), Jesus personalizes the call (“the one”), defines the requirement (“perseveres”), sets the duration (“to the end”), and announces the reward (“will be saved”). True discipleship is proven over time, yet the assurance of final salvation empowers that very endurance. Hold fast to Him; He will carry you safely across the finish line.
(13)
He that shall endure unto the end. . .--The words have at once a higher and lower sense. Endurance to the end of life is in every case the condition of salvation, in the full meaning of the word. But the context rather leads us to see in the "end" the close of the period of which our Lord speaks,
i.e., the destruction of Jerusalem; and so the words "shall be saved" at least include deliverance from the doom of those who were involved in that destruction.
Verse 13. -
He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (
Matthew 10:22). Here is a note of consolation amid the refrain of woe. Patience and perseverance shall be crowned at the last. "The end" means primarily the destruction of Jerusalem, and the salvation promised is safety in that day of peril. It is believed that no Christians perished in the siege or after it (see ver. 16). But
τέλος, being here used without the article (differently from vers. 6 and, 14), must not be restricted to one allusion, but must be taken more generally, as indeed a universal axiom, equivalent to "finally," as long as endurance is needed. And the salvation must refer to the soul's sentence at the last day, not to any mere safety of body and life. What the maxim says is this: patient continuance in well doing, resignation under persecutions and afflictions, holding fast the one faith even though it lead to the martyr's death, - this shall win the crown of eternal blessedness. The Christian must not be led astray by false teachers nor offended by the prevalence of scandals, nor let his love be chilled, if he would gain the reward, share in Messiah's glory, and save his soul.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Butδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.the [one who]ὁ(ho)Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.perseveresὑπομείνας(hypomeinas)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5278:From hupo and meno; to stay under, i.e. Remain; figuratively, to undergo, i.e. Bear, have fortitude, persevere.toεἰς(eis)Preposition
Strong's 1519:A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.[the] endτέλος(telos)Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5056:(a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax.will be saved.σωθήσεται(sōthēsetai)Verb - Future Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4982:To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.
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NT Gospels: Matthew 24:13 But he who endures to the end (Matt. Mat Mt)