Here's the question: we have numerous statements in the NT that indicate that the early church writers believed that the time of the return would be soon. However, it's obviously been nearly 1900 years, and there's been no return. So why did they believe this? Here's a sampling of a few statements:
"29 And I say this, brothers and sisters: The time is short. So then those who have wives should be as those who have none, 30 those with tears like those not weeping, those who rejoice like those not rejoicing, those who buy like those without possessions, 31 those who use the world as though they were not using it to the full. For the present shape of this world is passing away." 1 Cor. 7:29-31 (NET)
"7 So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. 8 You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be judged. See, the judge stands before the gates! Jas. 5:7-9 (NET)
"20 The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all." Rev. 22:20-21 (NET)
As a matter of fact, some members of the early church apparently believed that the day of the Lord was already here:
"Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to be easily shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here." 2 Thess. 2:1-2 (NET)
"18 They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith." 2 Tim. 2:18 (NET)
So, why did the early church writers believe that the time of the return was something that was going to happen soon?
"29 And I say this, brothers and sisters: The time is short. So then those who have wives should be as those who have none, 30 those with tears like those not weeping, those who rejoice like those not rejoicing, those who buy like those without possessions, 31 those who use the world as though they were not using it to the full. For the present shape of this world is passing away." 1 Cor. 7:29-31 (NET)
"7 So be patient, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s return. Think of how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the ground and is patient for it until it receives the early and late rains. 8 You also be patient and strengthen your hearts, for the Lord’s return is near. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be judged. See, the judge stands before the gates! Jas. 5:7-9 (NET)
"20 The one who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! 21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all." Rev. 22:20-21 (NET)
As a matter of fact, some members of the early church apparently believed that the day of the Lord was already here:
"Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to be easily shaken from your composure or disturbed by any kind of spirit or message or letter allegedly from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord is already here." 2 Thess. 2:1-2 (NET)
"18 They have strayed from the truth by saying that the resurrection has already occurred, and they are undermining some people’s faith." 2 Tim. 2:18 (NET)
So, why did the early church writers believe that the time of the return was something that was going to happen soon?
