“And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?”
Matthew 24:3 — Greek Interlinear
Church Fathers on Matthew 24:3
The Lord continuing His walk arrives at Mount Olivet, having by the way foretold the destruction of the temple to those disciples who had shewn and commended the buildings. When they had reached the Mount they came to Him, asking Him further of this.
They asked Him in private, because they were great things about which they were going to ask Him. They wished to know the day of His coming, for the vehement desire they had to see His glory.
They ask Him three things. First, The time of the destruction of Jerusalem, saying, 'Tell us when shall these things be?' Secondly, The time of Christ’s coming, saying, 'And what shall be the sign of Thy coming?' Thirdly, The time of the consummation of this world, saying, 'And of the end of the world?'