What Patrick said: how do we define nations? Or, more importantly ask yourself: how did the people of Jesus day define nations?

In the NT, one of the most common uses of 'ethnos' (nation) is Gentiles (vs. Jews). This does not refer to countries (as in our day) but people groups (see Bruce's argument from Revelation 5:9) Additionally, in Matthew's 'Jewish' gospel, this word is most often used to dichotomize the faithful Jew and the godless Gentile. I would understand Jesus use of 'ethnos' (nation) in Matthew 24:9 to be consistent with this understanding since the context brings up the 'abomination of desolation'.

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Rev. Daniel Kok
Pastor of Grace Reformed Church (URCNA)
Leduc, Alberta CANADA
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"there is no creature, either in heaven or on earth, who loves us more than Jesus Christ"
Belgic Confession, Article 26

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