By biblical accounts, Jesus should have come by now.
Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Mt 24:14). In the first century, the Gospel was preached in all the nations (Rm 1:8; 16:26; Col 1:6, 23).
Jesus said that abounding lawlessness is another sign of the imminence of the end (Mt 24:12). In the first century, even before the end of the age, the mystery of lawlessness was already at work (2 Thes 2:7).
Israelites were anxious for Elijah’s return, for that was another sign of the end of the age (Mal 4:5-6). In the first century, Elijah returned (Mt 17:12).
Jesus said he would raise up a new temple within days of the current temple’s destruction (Jn 2:19). In the first century, the new temple was being raised (1 Pt 2:5).
Jesus said many false prophets would lead many astray (Mt 24:11). The New Testament canon is replete with such occurrences in the first century, such as Acts 5:36-37.
In the first century, prophecy seems to have been fulfilled. So where’s Jesus?
Residential Bob said:
↑
Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (
Mt 24:14). In the first century, the Gospel was preached in all the nations (
Rm 1:8; 16:26;
Col 1:6, 23).
DamianWarS said:
↑
"nations" in greek is "ethnos", this word is not talking about political boundaries but rather people groups. Today there are thousands of unreached and unengaged people groups who have yet to hear the gospel. The end has not come because the gospel is not strong enough in many parts of the world to be sufficient testimony to all people groups.
Paul uses "world" colloquially and would be referring to the known world as he knows it but not the entire world as we know it. Mt 24:14 can be said to use similar language of only addressing the known world or the Roman world but withholding the gospel to the "outside world" would actually be inconsistent with the gospel itself.
John 3:16 says "God so loved the word...." what "world" is this? do you think it's "God so loved the Roman world" or do you think this word stretches to all people groups that inhabit even the unknown places of the world? if the latter than it would be consistent to interpret Mt 24:14 in like manner.
Residential Bob said:
↑
Correct. Jesus and Paul are referencing Palestine and the Levant 2,000 years ago.
The gospel was preached in the world 2,000 years ago.
And so to my mind, the gospel is not weak; it is quite strong enough.
DamianWarS said:
↑
Were there unreached ethnos 2000 years ago? Does the word transcend it's colloquial meaning?
If you answer no to both of these then we fundamentally disagree on the scope and design of the Gospel.
parousia70 said:
↑
Well, the Gospel has no expiration date.
It is EVERLASTING. (
Revelation 14:6)
It is designed to FOREVER call sinners to Salvation.
That said, it also had a SPECIFIC scope/mission in the 1st century which scripture confirms was completed in the 1st century.
The successful completion of that mission in no way negates its everlasting design.
DamianWarS said:
↑
Were there unreached ethnos 2000 years ago? Does the word transcend it's colloquial meaning?
parousia70 said:
↑
How is that at all relevant to its specific 1st century Mission you seem to agree with when you said:
"Paul uses "world" colloquially and would be referring to the known world as he knows it but not the entire world as we know it. Mt 24:14 can be said to use similar language of only addressing the known world or the Roman world"
If you agree
Matthew 24:14 CAN BE SAID to be addressing only the known world, then where or what is your objection exactly?
Do you believe the Gospel is truly EVERLASTING? Or do you believe one day in the future it will cease being preached to sinners on earth, calling them to salvation?
I thought my questions were clear enough, although intended for the OP you are free to answer them. Do you wish me to ask them again?
Were there unreached ethnos 2000 years ago? Does the word transcend it's colloquial meaning?
parousia70 said:
↑
I understand the questions as stated.. I still have no idea how they are relevant to the topic. Thanks for affirming my freedom to address them.
Yes.
No, not in the context both Jesus and Paul used it.
The etymology of a word cannot be expanded beyond the scope of the context it is being used within, when one is determining (or attempting to determine) the specific, or intended meaning of the word within that context.
In other words, Context trumps Etymology.
DamianWarS said:
↑
so what of
John 3:16? Does this verse really mean
"for God so loves the Roman world..." or can kosmos in this example transcend its colloquial use?
parousia70 said:
↑
What does the context of
John 3:16 tell you?
why this avoidance game? I asked you if "Kosmos" is unique to the Roman world or if it goes beyond it as it pertains to John 3:16. Why not just answer the question? I already know what I think of the text, I'm interested in what you think of the text.
When in doubt, do what the spirit led Preterists do, go to the Greek......
Just found another tie in with Luke's 70ad Temple Jerusalem discourse to Revelation.
G2889 (
kosmos), occurs 187 times in 152 verses
Luke 11:50
that the blood of all the prophets, that is being poured forth from the foundation<2602> of the world<2889>,
may be required from this generation; [
Revelation 13:8 Revelation 17:8]
Matthew 23:
31 so that ye testify to yourselves, that ye are sons of them who did murder the prophets;
32 and ye -- ye fill up the measure of your fathers.
35
that on you may come all the righteous blood being poured out on the land<1093>.......
Mat 24:21
for there shall be then great tribulation, such as was not from
the beginning of the world<2889> till now, no, nor may be
=====================
G2889 used only
3 times in the entire book of Revelation, 2 of those in reference to the book of life:
Revelation 11:15
And the seventh Messenger trumpets, and became great voices in the heaven, saying,
"Became the kingdom of the
world<2889> of the Lord of us and of the Christ of Him,
and He shall be reigning into the ages of the ages. Amen
Revelation 13:8
And shall be worshiping all the ones dwelling upon the land of those not written his name in
the scroll of the of the life of the lambkin<721>,
of the One having been slain/slaughtered<4969
from foundation<2602> of world<2889>
Revelation 17:8
“The beast which thou saw was and not is, and is being about to be ascending out of the Abyss and into destruction<684> to be going away<5217>.
And shall be marveling the one dwelling upon the land of whom not has been written the names upon
the scroll of the life from foundation<2602> of world<2889>
observing the Beast that was and not is and shall be being<3918>
The Great City/Harlot/Queen Revelation chapts 17-19
