What Preterists Get Wrong about Matthew 23:34

The dispensational response to the preterist interpretation of Matthew 23:34, which states, “Therefore I am sending you prophets and wise men and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town,” emphasizes a literal hermeneutic, continuity in God’s plan for Israel, and the future fulfillment of Christ’s prophetic warnings. Here’s a structured dispensational critique of the preterist view:

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1. Preterist View on Matthew 23:34

Preterists interpret this passage as primarily fulfilled in the events leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. They argue that Jesus is addressing the religious leaders of His time, condemning their rejection of God’s messengers, and prophesying the consequences that would come upon their generation, culminating in the destruction of the temple and city.

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2. Dispensational Response

A. A Future Fulfillment Beyond A.D. 70

Dispensational theology holds that while Matthew 23:34 contains elements fulfilled in the first century, its full realization points to a future time during the Tribulation. Jesus’ reference to sending “prophets and wise men” aligns with His continued plan for Israel, particularly during the Tribulation, when God will raise up witnesses (e.g., the 144,000 and two witnesses in Revelation 7 and 11) who will face rejection and persecution.

B. The Scope of Judgment

While preterists confine the judgment described in this passage to the first-century destruction of Jerusalem, dispensationalists see it as part of a broader eschatological framework. The full judgment on Israel for rejecting the Messiah includes future events tied to Daniel’s seventieth week (Daniel 9:27) and culminates in national repentance and restoration (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:25-27).

C. Israel’s Enduring Role in God’s Plan

Dispensationalism rejects the idea that A.D. 70 represents the final judgment on Israel. The nation remains central to God’s redemptive purposes. Matthew 23:39, which follows this verse, promises a future restoration when Israel will say, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” This expectation is not fully realized in the first century but awaits Christ’s Second Coming.

D. Literal Interpretation of Prophetic Texts

Dispensationalists prioritize a literal interpretation of prophecy, distinguishing between immediate fulfillment and future ultimate fulfillment. They argue that preterism spiritualizes or limits the scope of texts like Matthew 23:34, failing to account for the eschatological themes interwoven throughout Scripture.

E. A Broader Historical Context

While preterists focus on the immediate historical context of A.D. 70, dispensationalists see Jesus’ words as addressing a pattern of Israel’s rejection of God’s messengers throughout history. This pattern began with Old Testament prophets, continued with Christ’s apostles, and extends into the end times when Israel’s rejection will turn to repentance.

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3. Summary

The dispensational interpretation of Matthew 23:34 affirms that it has a partial historical fulfillment in the first century but points to a greater eschatological reality. The rejection of God’s messengers and the associated judgment reflect a recurring pattern in Israel’s history that finds its ultimate resolution in the future Tribulation and subsequent restoration of Israel at Christ’s Second Coming. This view maintains the integrity of biblical prophecy and God’s enduring covenant with Israel.

If you want to dig in deep on this verse I recommend Peter Goeman’s fantastic discussion. He spends an hour and a half looking closely at preterist claims and why their view is the least likely to be correct. You can find it on Youtube by clicking here.