rwb
Well-Known Member
- Jun 19, 2020
- 1,776
- 368
- 72
- Country
- United States
- Faith
- Christian
- Marital Status
- Married
The great tribulation is the days of vengeance, great distress, and wrath of God “on this people”. It is never defined as the persecution of Christians.
That doesn't make sense? Why would Christ warn His disciples the "great tribulation" would result from "gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" if this tribulation never affects them? You are confusing the "days of vengeance" toward the apostate people of Jerusalem with "great tribulation" as the Gospel is proclaimed unto all the world.
The "days of vengeance" is when Jerusalem is compassed with armies. That is the focus of Luke. But "great tribulation" according to Matthew will come as the Gospel is preached unto all the nations. Just as Luke makes no mention of the preaching of the Gospel to all nations, neither does Matthew mention the armies surrounding Jerusalem. That's because the focus is not the same for these two disciples of Christ.
Luke 21:20-22 (KJV) 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.
Vengeance and tribulation are two different words for a reason. Vengeance is retribution and punishment for a nation wholly committed to apostasy, and therefore had become an abomination unto the Lord. But great tribulation is affliction, anguish, trouble the disciples of Christ will endure as they preach the Gospel unto all the nations. The days of vengeance is that which was fulfilled when Jerusalem and the Temple were destroyed. But great tribulation will not end until the Gospel is no longer being preached unto all nations.
Matthew, though focusing on what they will endure as the Gospel is preached also seems to indicate some of what Luke does regarding the judgment of God coming against the apostate nation. It is not surprising that there is a blending of the two for Matthew. This was a very confusing time for the Jewish Christians. We have to remember how hard it must have been for them to hear the Holy City and the Temple would not endure forever. Until the Spirit was sent to indwell them how could they really understand all that Christ was telling them. Only after receiving the Holy Spirit would they be able to understand and remember all that Christ told them.
John 14:25-27 (KJV) These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
Upvote
0