One of the statements of Jesus that is most misunderstood is—“But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father..Mark 13:32 (NKJV)
While it is true that no men would know the day and the hour of Christ’s parousia . It is equally as true that Jesus never said that his people would NOT know “the month and year or events” after his parousia. While no man know the day and hour of Jesus’ parousia. Jesus clearly gave the first century Church a (time frame) that would point to his parousia. Time frames are like a fence sounding events leading up to his parousia. No man would know the day or hour however they would know the timeline and events leading up to his promised parousia..
The statement was never meant to say that the first century Church could never know the timing of the Messiah's parousia in advance. That would conflict with many other scriptures if it were the intent.
For example a good book of the Bible that both Jews and Christians accept as highly messianic is the book of Isaiah. It should become apparent very quickly that Isaiah did not know of any “second coming” that would take place a thousand years in the future, For the day of vengeance is in My heart. And the year of My redeemed has come. (Isaiah 63:4) The language used closely connects the coming of the Lord with both vengeance (judgment) and salvation. There is no distinguish in time made by the old testament prophets between "a coming in redemption and vengeance.” This is how John the Baptist understood the timeline when he said to the Pharisees."Who warned you to flee from the (wrath about to come)?" (Matthew. 3:7 NKJV)
Jesus is speaking to his disciples lays out a “time frame for them”. And this gospel of the kingdom will be (preached in all the world) as a witness to all the nations, and (then the end will come). (Matthew. 24:14 NKJV) The year 1st 33 A.D.
Paul, his missionary journeys completed, writes from his imprisonment in Rome to the saints in Colosse.... (gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven), of which I, Paul, became a minister." (Colossians. 1:23; NKJV) The year is 64 A,D. What happened a few short years after Paul said these words” The end came! The year is 70 A.D
Jesus near the end of His ministry set the condition for the end of the age in a timeline. Paul, thirty one years later, proclaimed the condition within the timeline was fulfilled. This is not Paul’s opinion, this is inspired writ, i.e, God’s opinion.
While the Lord was to come as thief in the night. (Revelation 16:15) The saints were not in darkness, but of the light so that Day did not overtake them as a thief. (1 Thessalonians. 5:4) This was so clear, so simple, and easily understood. That all the saints understood the time frame within the parousia of Christ.
1. John the Baptist speaking to the Pharisees . "Who warned you to flee from the (wrath about to come)?" (Matthew. 3:7 NKJV)
2. John the Baptist speaking to the Pharisees. "And (even now) the ax is laid to the root of the trees." (Matthew. 3:10 NKJV)
3 Jesus speaking to his disciples “You shall (not finish going through the cities of Israel, until the Son of Man comes.)" (Matthew. 10:23)
4. Jesus speaking to his disciples. "The Son of Man (is about to come) in the glory of His Father with His angels; and will then recompense every man according to his deeds." (Matthew. 16:27 YLT)
5. Jesus speaking to his disciples. I tell you the truth, (some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.)" (Matthew. 16:28; cf. Mark. 9:1; Luke. 9:27 NIV)
6. Jesus speaking to the Pharisees. “Therefore, when the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vinedressers?” They said to Him, “(He will destroy those wicked men miserably), and lease his vineyard to other vinedressers who will render to him the fruits in their seasons.” Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘ The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the LORD’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes’? “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whoever falls on this stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.”
Now when (the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.)” (Matthew 21:40-45 NKJV)
7. Jesus speaking to his disciples. “I tell you the truth, (this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened.)” (Matt. 24:34 NIV)
8. Jesus speaking to the Pharisees. "(How terrible for you)! You build tombs for the prophets. It was your people of long ago who killed them. So you give witness that you agree with what your people did long ago. They killed the prophets, and now you build the prophets' tombs. "So God in his wisdom said, 'I will send prophets and apostles to them. They will kill some. And they will try to hurt others.' So the people of today will be punished. They will pay for all the prophets' blood spilled since the world began. I mean from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the temple. (Yes, I tell you, the people of today will be punished for all these things.)” (Luke 11:47-51 NIRV Matthew 23:34-36)
9. Jesus speaking to the Caiaphas, the chief priest. Jesus replied, “You have said it. (And in the future you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.)” (Matthew. 26:64; NIV Mark. 14:62; Luke. 22:69)
10. John the Baptist speaking to the Pharisees. “The (axe is already) at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire." (Luke. 3:9 NIV)
11. John the Baptist speaking to the Pharisees "(His winnowing fan is in His hand), and He will thoroughly clean out His threshing floor, and gather the wheat into His barn; (but the chaff He will burn with unquenchable fire).” (Luke. 3:17 NKJV)
12. Jesus speaking to his disciples. “But when (you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that her desolation is near). Then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains, and those who are in the midst of the city must leave, and those who are in the country must not enter the city;.” because (these are days of vengeance, so that all things which are written will be fulfilled).” (Luke. 21:22 NASB)
13. Jesus speaking to the women of Jerusalem. “But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For behold, the (days are coming when they will say), 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.' Then they will begin TO SAY TO THE MOUNTAINS, 'FALL ON US,' AND TO THE HILLS, 'COVER US.' ” (Luke. 23:28-30 NASB; Compare Hosea 10:8; Revelation. 6:14-17)
14. Jesus speaking to Peter about the disciple John. "If I want (him to remain until I come), what is that to you?" You follow Me (John. 21:22 NASB)
15. Paul speaking to Felix. “Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the (judgment to come), Felix was afraid and answered, “Go away for now; when I have a convenient time I will call for you.” (Acts 24:25 NKJV)
16. Paul speaking to the saints in Rome. “For I reckon that the sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory (about to be revealed in us)” (Romans. 8:18 YLT)
17. Paul speaking to the saints in Rome. “ And do this, (knowing the time), that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now (our salvation is nearer) than when we first believed. The night is far spent, (the day is at hand). Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” (Romans. 13:11-12 NKJV)
18. Paul speaking to the saints in Rome. “And the God of peace shall bruise (Satan under your feet shortly). The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you..” (Romans. 16:20 ASV)
19. Paul speaking to the church at Corinth. “But this I say, brethren, the (time is shortened), that henceforth both those that have wives may be as though they had none.” (1 Corinthians. 7:29 ASV)
20. Paul speaking to the church at Corinth. ”Those who use the things of the world should not become all wrapped up in them. (The world as it now exists is passing away.)” (1 Corinthians. 7:31 NIRV)
21. Paul speaking to the church at Corinth. “Now these things …were written for our instruction, upon whom (the ends of the ages have come.)” (I Corinthians. 10:11 NASB)
22. Paul speaking to the church at Corinth. "If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. (O Lord, come!)” (I Corinthians. 16:22 NKJV)
23. Paul speaking to the church at Corinth. “Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as (you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.)” (1 Corinthians 1:7 NIV)
24. Paul speaking to the saints in Philippi. Let your gentleness be known of all men. (The Lord is at hand.)” (Phil. 4:5 NASB)
25. Paul speaking to the church of Thessalonians. “Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame (at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.)” (I Thessalonians. 5:23 NASB)
26. Paul speaking to the church of Thessalonians. “For after all it is only just for (God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,) and to give relief to you who are afflicted and to us as well when the Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in flaming fire” (2 Thessalonians. 1:6-7 NAST)
27. Paul speaking to the church of Thessalonians. “the mystery of (lawlessness is already at work.)” (2 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV)
28. Paul speaking to the church of Thessalonians. “He how (now restrains) will do so until He is taken out of the way.” (2 Thessalonians 2:7 NKJV)
29. Paul speaking to Timothy. “to keep this command without spot or blame (until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.)” (I Timothy. 6:14 NIV)
30. Paul speaking to Timothy. “I do fully testify, then, before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, (who is about to judge living and dead at his manifestation and his reign)” (2 Timothy. 4:1 YLT)
31. The Epistle to the Hebrews. “When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old (is ready to disappear.)” (Hebrews. 8:13 NAST)
32. The Epistle to the Hebrews. “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the as (you see the Day approaching.)” (Hebrews. 10:25 NKJV)
33. The Epistle to the Hebrews. “For in just a very little while, (He who is coming will come and will not delay.)” (Hebrews. 10:37 NIV)
34. Paul to Titus a true son and common in faith. “(looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing) of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.” (Titus 2:13 NKJV)
35. James speaking to the twelve tribes of Israel. ”Be patient, then, (brothers, until the Lord's coming). See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.” (James. 5:7 NIV)
36. James speaking to the twelve tribes of Israel. “You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for (the coming of the Lord is near.)” (James. 5:8 NASB)
37. Peter to pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. “who shall give an account to (Him who is ready to judge living and dead,.)” (I Peter 4:5 NLT)
38. Peter to pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. . “(But end of all things is at hand); therefore, be serious (and watchful) in you prayer.” (I Peter 4:7 NKJV)
39. Peter to pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. "For (it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God;) and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (I Peter 4:17 NASB)
40. Peter to pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. “Elders who are among you, I exhort, who am a fellow-elder, and a witness of the sufferings of the Christ, and of the (glory about to be revealed) a partaker.” (I Peter 5:1 YLT)
41. John’s Epistle to the first century church. “The (darkness is passing away), and the true light (is already shining).” (I John. 2:8 NKJV)
42. John’s Epistle. “The (world is passing away), and also its lusts; but the one who does the will of God lives forever.” (I John. 2:17 NAST )
43. John’s Epistle. “Children, (it is the last hour); and just as you heard that antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have appeared; from this we know that it is the last hour.” (I John. 2:18 NACT) Compare Matthew. 24:23-34)
44. John’s Epistle. “and every spirit that (A)does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and (now it is already in the world.)” (I John. 4:3 NASB )
45. John’s Epistle. “(many antichrists have come), by which (we know that it is the last hour. (They went out from us,) but (they were not of us) for if they had (been of us) they would have (continued with us;) but they went out that they might be made manifest, (that none of them were of us.)” 1 John 2:18-19 NKJV)
46. The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants (things which must shortly) take place.” (Revelation. 1:1 NKJV)
47. “(The time is near.)” (Revelation. 1:3 NKJV)
48. “Nevertheless what you have, (hold fast until I come.)” (Revelation. 2:25 NASV)
49.”Because thou didst keep the word of my endurance, I also will keep thee from the (hour of the trial that is about to come upon all the world), to try those dwelling upon the earth (Revelation. 3:10 YLT)
50. “(I am coming quickly); hold fast what you have, so that no one will take your crown.)” (Revelation. 3:11 NASB)
51. “and she brought forth a male child, (who is about to rule all the nations) with a rod of iron, and caught away was her child unto God and His throne,” (Revelation. 12:5 YLT)
52. “And he said to me, "These words are faithful and true"; and the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent His angel to show to His bond-servants the (things which must soon take place.)” (Revelation. 22:6 NASB)
53. "(Lo, I come quickly); happy he who is keeping the words of the prophecy of this scroll.)" (Revelation. 22:7 YLT)
54. "And he said to me, “)Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.)” (Revelation. 22:10 NKJV ) Compare Daniel. 8:26
55. "(Behold, I am coming quickly), and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.).” (Revelation. 22:12 NASB)
56. "(He that testifies these things says, (Yea, I come quickly). Amen; come, Lord Jesus.)." (Revelation. 22:20 D.T.)
My purpose in displaying these passages (with some cross references) is to lay out in a concise, easy-to-read format the overwhelming testimony that our Lord’s saints in the first century believed (the time frame was accomplished) and the promised parousia (was at hand). If they were wrong about the soon parousia of our Lord what else were they wrong about. Once one starts down that slippery slope anyone can say that Jesus was not Israel Messiah because he did not keep (THE WHEN) part of his promise as may un-believes use that today.
http://jesuswasafalseproph
These words are faithful and true. These testimony are NOT just the opinions, of the writers this is inspired writ, i.e, God’s opinion. And God said through these many inspired writers that the parousia of Christ was at hand in the first century. We can no longer just dismiss the spirit of imminence that saturates the New Testament.
In the Old Testament God gave Moses and the people of Israel a clear way to test a prophet to see if he was a false prophet or not. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 And if you say in your heart, How shall (we know the word which the Lord has not spoken)? (when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord), if (the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the Lord has not spoken) it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Deuteronomy 18:21-22) According to God’s own words every aspect of the words that were spoken by God’s people (must be fulfilled) within (the time frame that it was spoken) or they were not speaking for God.
Many un-believe know about this verse and they use it to try to prove that Christ Jesus was NOT the promise Messiah. http://shemaantimissionary
The fact is that what God said was near to the Apostles, He said was not near to the earlier prophets. Perhaps the clearest illustration of this truth is found in a comparison of Daniel. 8:26 and Revelation. 22:10: The 6th century BC: God told Daniel. "Seal up the vision; for it shall be for many days." (Daniel. 8:26) In the 1st century AD: God told John. "Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near." (Rev. 22:10) We just can no longer dismiss the spirit of imminence.
