Matthew 24:29

This verse and the following two give a positive description of Messiah’s coming. "But" (NASB, Gr. de) introduces the contrast from the negative warning that preceded. At the very end of the Tribulation there will be signs in the sky. The sun and moon will darken and the stars will fall from the sky (Isaiah 13:9-10; Isaiah 34:4; Ezekiel 32:7; Joel 2:31; Joel 3:15; Amos 8:9). This is probably the language of appearance. The "powers of the heavens" (NASB) or the "heavenly bodies" (NIV) probably is a collective reference to the sun, moon, and stars. [Note: M’Neile, p. 352.] However the descriptions of the Tribulation in the Book of Revelation suggest that God may fulfill these predictions literally.