Thanks for the research and analysis.
I still don't see the apostles, in any way shape or form, asking the question the way modern interpreters (WTS) indicate because it doesn't logically fit the discussion Jesus and them were having (unless the apostles were partially clairvoyant sp?). Come on, why would the apostles ask such an ackwardly stated question? These were simple Jewish, blue collar type guys. I just don't see them asking that loaded and deep of a question- it doesn't fit. The question as some translate into English (Presence & concl of the sys of things) would only be appropriate if the apostles knew the context of what they were asking (which they didn't). In other words they would have had to understood that Jesus would at some undisclosed time in the future have an invisible presence while the Gentile nations still ruled the earth and would continue to do so for and undisclosed period ( a so-called generation?) of time till the great trib started? This is way too far of a stretch. This concept wasn't even conceived till recently in history. And still doesn't fit with what is actually taking place. Time has run out (for the Dub explanation anyway).
They were simply asking when the end would come, just like someone (anyone, not just a Dub) would ask at any time in history. A concept of "the end coming" seems to have existed as long as man. We're always anticipating and afraid of an "end". I don't know if we're hard wired that way or if organized religion has just used this concept as a tool of fear since man started dominating man. It's very effective. And no doubt an "end" will indeed come at some point (even if it's just our individual death).
It's not often I feel I have an original observation regarding scripture- but this is one I came up with on my own, no one else "led" me to it.
Let me know if you have more thoughts on this and.... THANK YOU!
u/d