Scripture clearly teaches that Daniel's AOD seen in Matthew 24:15 "Causes" the start of the great tribulation seen in Matthew 24:21, with Matthew 24:33-34 clearly stating that the generation that witnesses the described event will not pass/die until "All Is Fulfilled"
Christ does not say AOD was the beginning of "great tribulation" for the Church. He tells them and us that there shall be AOD where it should not be. IOW warning there shall be great tribulation, apostasy, spiritual adultery, turning away from Christ among believers in the Church. "See" in this verse means understanding, discerning, have knowledge of tares from the wicked one among us.
Matthew 24:15 (KJV) When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
Matthew 24:24 (KJV) For
there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
Acts 20:28-31 (KJV) Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For
I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
"Generation" is representative of the type or manner of people, not years, in this instance either 'evil' or 'ethnic nation'. IOW antichrists that shall always be among the Church.
Luke 11:29 (KJV) And when the people were gathered thick together, he began to say,
This is an evil generation: they seek a sign; and there shall no sign be given it, but the sign of Jonas the prophet.
1Jo 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that
antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jo 2:22 Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ?
He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.
1Jo 4:3 And
every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
2Jo 7 For
many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.