Problem: Critics claim that Jesus’ predictions about the fall of Jerusalem must late date the gospel of Luke, making this an ex eventu prophecy (Latin: “after the fact”). Is this the case?
Solution: A number of observations can be made:
First, ample evidence supports an early dating of Luke-Acts. We’ve already explained this evidence elsewhere (see “Introduction to Luke-Acts”). Jesus’ prediction about the fall of Jerusalem is the central reason why critics late-date the book. But this begs the question: how do we know this prophecy wasn’t made before AD 70? This is an overt case of a naturalistic bias. The critic hasn’t proved naturalism; they have merely assumed it.
Second, Luke never records the fulfillment of this prophecy. If Luke was trying to make Jesus seem like he was a prophet by recording this prediction, why doesn’t he record the fulfillment in the book of Acts?
Third, Jesus’ prediction is too messy to be an “after the fact” prophecy. Jesus told his disciples to “flee to the mountains” (Lk. 21:21). Yet, historically, Eusebius and Epiphanius tell us that Christians fled to Pella, which is lower than Jerusalem. In other words, Jesus said to go up to the mountains, but historically, the early Christians went down to Pella. If Luke recorded this prophecy after the fact, why would he say that Jesus taught the Christians to go to mountains, which they didn’t follow?
“And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people. And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:20-24)”
