In the New Testament, the second coming of Christ is referred to often in the epistles (the letters written by Paul, James, Peter, Jude, and John). While there is a common belief among some evangelicals that there are two futuristic comings of Christ (at the rapture, and the second coming 7 years later), no writer in the New Testament teaches this. There is only one second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Below we’ll consider some of the texts in the epistles which speak of the coming of Christ.  The coming of the Lord is sometimes referred to as his appearing.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom… ~ 2 Timothy 4:1

His appearing and his kingdom means his appearance and the appearance of his Kingdom. The Interlinear Bible says, by the appearing of him and of the kingdom of him. So when Jesus comes, his Kingdom is going to appear. And I might add, take over!

According to Paul, Jesus will judge the quick (the living) and the dead. This is one of the themes that repeatedly arises when the coming of the Lord is referred to in the Bible. Consider for example, the words of Jesus from John 5.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. ~ John 5:21-29

Jesus speaks of the resurrection of both the just and the unjust occurring at the same time. They that have done good will be raised to the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation. Jesus’s words should be the plumb line for how we interpret and understand scripture regarding the coming resurrection of the just and the unjust.

In Acts 24 Paul says something that aligns with the words of Jesus.

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets: And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. And herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void to offense toward God, and toward men. ~ Acts 24:14-16

Notice that Paul refers to a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.

Now, consider how we might read Paul’s words differently, in 1 Thessalonians 4, if we read them in view of Paul’s belief that there would be a resurrection of the just and unjust, while also considering Jesus’s words that the resurrection of the just and unjust occurs at the same time.

Consider with me that when Paul describes the resurrection of the saints in 1 Thessalonians 4, that just maybe he is describing the same event that he mentions in Acts 24.  If not, we would have to conclude that Paul believed in more than one resurrection of the saints, and there is nothing in the New Testament that would lead us to this conclusion. 

We’ll consider 1 Thessalonians 4 shortly, but first let’s look again at the wording in 2 Timothy 4:1.

I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick (the living) and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom… ~ 2 Timothy 4:1

Notice that this judgment happens when the Lord appears, and when his Kingdom appears. With this in mind, consider Peter’s description of the coming of the Lord and notice how it aligns with Jesus’s words from John 5, and Paul’s words from Acts 24. Remember that Paul says, herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men, because of his belief that there would be a resurrection of the just and unjust.

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. ~ 2 Peter 3: 9-14

Notice that Peter’s exhortation regarding the coming of the Lord is to be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless. This matches Paul’s conviction, herein do I exercise myself, to always have a conscience void of offense toward God, and toward men.

When the coming of Christ is studied from the New Testament epistles, the message to believers is not that we should engage in political conspiracies while looking for various fulfillments of prophecy in current events. The message is to always be ready and to keep our hearts pure before God. This is a recurring theme. 

As we move forward, we will see this recurring theme, but first, consider Peter’s reference to the coming of the Lord as a thief in the night. Paul actually uses this language within the flow of thought in his description of the coming resurrection in 1 Thessalonians 4 & 5. The reason this is often missed as part of the flow of thought is that it appears in chapter 5, and rapture eschatology often stops at the end of chapter 4. Sometimes 5:9 (God hath not appointed us to wrath) is tacked on. Rapture eschatology doesn’t often lead people to read Paul’s entire thought process about the coming of the Lord as it is laid out in chapters 4 and 5 as one flow of thought.

Let’s look now at the Thessalonians section of scripture.

Before Paul gets into what is often viewed by some as the “rapture verses”, Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to pursue godliness and purity, which, as already stated, is a theme that appears over and over in conjunction with the coming of the Lord.

In chapter 3, Paul says, Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. ~ 1 Thessalonians 3:11-13

Notice the words in bold in the text above, and take note how they align with Paul’s words regarding having a conscience void of offense towards God and towards man in Acts 24. Notice also how they align with Peter’s words to be diligent to be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Paul wanted the Thessalonians to have hearts that were blameless in holiness when the Lord Jesus comes again. He specifically refers to it as the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

Paul then speaks of possessing our body in holiness in chapter 4 and this is what leads into what is referred to by some as the rapture verses. Seriously though, Paul isn’t introducing an escape from this world and from the antichrist. Rather, he’s going into detail about the very same thing he speaks of in Acts 24, namely, the resurrection of the just and the unjust. The only difference is he details what will happen with the just. Notice the comparison in Paul’s description with that of Peter’s.

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 

Notice that Paul describes this event as happening at the coming of the Lord, rather than 7 years before the coming of the Lord. Paul is not teaching a secret escape (rapture) of believers into Heaven. He’s revealing what will happen when the just are resurrected.

Let’s continue.

For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Notice that Paul says, so shall we ever be with the Lord. He does not say we will be whisked away into Heaven.

According to Paul, the second coming of Christ and our gathering to him will resemble that which occurred in ancient times when a King who had journeyed to a far away land returned. The citizens under his ruler-ship would go outside the city or country to meet him and escort him back into the country.

This aligns more with the whole of scripture than vanishing from the earth for 7 years. Remember that Peter exhorts us to be blameless and holy, looking for the new heavens and new earth at the coming of the Lord. Peter does not mention vanishing from earth into Heaven for 7 years.

Let’s continue.

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

Notice that Paul is still talking about the same event (in the same timeframe) and he calls it the day of the Lord just as Pater does, and the timing as a thief in the night just as Peter does. Paul then says the following:

For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Notice that Paul tells the church at Thessalonica that they are not in darkness, so that that day should overtake them as a thief. Why would Paul even say this if he was teaching them that they would have already been taken out of this world 7 years prior?

Do you see the problem in interpreting Paul’s word in 1 Thessalonians 4 and a secret escape from this world before the coming of Christ? I certainly do!

According to Paul, believers are going to experience resurrection at the coming of the Lord, on the day of the Lord when the Lord’s coming overtakes those in darkness as a thief in the night. This is exactly what Peter is teaches as well.

Paul continues:

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

Watch and be sober of what? For the coming of the day of the Lord which is going to come suddenly as a thief in the night and overtake those in darkness.

For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. ~ 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11

When the entire flow of thought is read together, it becomes clear that Paul is not setting forth a rapture doctrine that occurs 7 years before the coming of the Lord, but a revelation of the resurrection of the just at the coming of the Lord.

In 1 John we read the following:

And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. ~ 1 John 2:28-3:3 

The words, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is, echoes Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12

This matches Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15.

Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. ~ 1 Corinthians 15: 51-57 

Paul’s words above reveal how those who have not yet died physically will experience the same resurrection as those who have died in Christ. We will be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and according to Paul’s words in chapter 13 we will be changed into Christ’s likeness for we will see him face to face.

Now consider Paul’s words to the Colossians:

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. ~ Colossians 3:1-4 

All these verses are talking about the same event from different angles. Paul tells Titus, the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ … ~ Titus 2:11-13 

To Timothy, Paul exhorts, But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ…  ~ 1 Timothy 6:11-14 

In 2 Timothy 4:8 there is a crown of righteousness, laid up for those who love his appearing. In Hebrew 9:28 He will appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Peter also speaks of his appearing as the motivation for our perseverance in the faith.

Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory… ~ 1 Peter 1:6-8

A few verses later Peter says, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ… ~ v.13

Finally, consider Peter’s words to those who are faithful to shepherd the sheep.

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. ~ 1 Peter 5:1-4

The flow of thought throughout the New Testament, with regards to the coming of the Lord is not conspiratorial. It is the day of the Lord, when both Jesus and his Kingdom appear, and the new heavens and new earth commence. It is the time in which those who have followed him are changed completely into his likeness by resurrection power. It is also the day when those in darkness are overtaken as a thief in the night.

Many have not rightly divided the word of truth, and misinterpret Jesus’s prophesy concerning the fall and destruction of Jerusalem and the temple which occurred in the first century, as end times yet to be fulfilled. This has led to much confusion, division, and much vulnerability to conspiracy theories, looking to everything but Jesus. Yet we who love him are to be looking for His appearing with blameless hearts!

Heavenly Father, take what I have written here, and encourage the seeking heart and those searching for the truth.

The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. ~ Isaiah 40:3

The New Testament reveals that Isaiah the prophet was speaking of John the Baptist in the text above.

In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias (Isaiah), saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. ~ Matthew 3:1-3 

Before the birth of John the Baptist, the angel Gabriel had appeared to his father, Zacharias, to inform him that he and his wife, Elisabeth, were going to have a child. Among other things, Gabriel announced the following concerning John the Baptist:

…thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth. And many of the children of Israel shall he turn to the Lord their God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of Elias, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord. ~ Luke 1:15-17

Notice that Gabriel says of John’s ministry, “he shall make a people ready for the Lord.” Keep in mind that this is a reference to those within Israel, for John the Baptist was sent to the people of Israel, to prepare them for the coming of Jesus.

Gabriel also declared that John would go forth in the spirit and power of Elijah.

This visitation from the angel Gabriel left Zacharias startled and bewildered in unbelief, and resulted in Zacharias being struck dumb (mute) because of his unbelief until after the birth of John (Luke 1:20). After his birth, when John was eight days old, Zacharias and his wife, Elisabeth, brought the young child to be circumcised. ~ Luke 1:59

Some of the people thought that the child should be named Zacharias after his father, but Elizabeth had told them that his name was to be John. So they enquired of Zacharias as to what the child’s name would be.

Zacharias then signaled for a writing table, and wrote, “His name is John.” The people were all amazed and Zacharias’s mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, and praised God. ~  Luke 1:63-64

Next we read the following:

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judaea. And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, what manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him. ~ v.65-66

Luke then tells us that Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied the following:

Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people, And hath raised up an horn of Salvation for us in the house of his servant David; As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us; To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant; The oath which he sware to our father Abraham, That he would grant unto us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies might serve him without fear, In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins, Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the Dayspring on high hath visited us, To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. ~ Luke 1:68-79

Then, in verse 80, Luke says of John the Baptist: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

John the Baptist was the messenger whom God sent to Israel to prepare them for the salvation he had promised to Israel. The specific reason that John came baptizing was to make the Messiah known to Israel!

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. ~ John 1:30-31

All the prophets before John had prophesied by the Spirit concerning the coming salvation in Christ. The apostle Peter tells us the prophets inquired and searched diligently, regarding the salvation and grace that was to come through Christ. ~ 1 Peter 1:10John the Baptist was the last of all the prophets which would testify of Christ to Israel, and according to Jesus, there was no prophet ever who was greater than John. While the other prophets had the honor of testifying of Christ, only John had the honor of introducing Christ. Again, John came baptizing for this one purpose: to reveal the Messiah to Israel! ~ John 1:29-34

In Daniel 9, God revealed to Daniel that the 70 literal years of exile of the Jews into Babylon had a spiritual parallel of 70 weeks of years which would bring an end, not to the physical exile, but the spiritual exile. Through the Messiah, God would bring an end to sin (the domination of sin over God’s people).

Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and three score and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. ~ Daniel 9: 24-27

According to this prophecy there were 70 weeks of years which were determined for the Jewish people: Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city… ~ 9:24

• weeks, (Hebrew – Shaw-boo-ah, literally sevened)
• In prophecy, one day equals a year ~ Ezekiel 4:6; Numbers 14:34
• Thus 7 days or 1 week equals 7 years.
• Seventy weeks equal (7 x 70) 490 years.
• determined, (cut off or separated). 
• thy people – the Jews, Israel, God’s covenant nation under the law, the captives.
• The holy city – ancient Jerusalem, in Israel.

The seventy weeks would began at the time that the command was given to rebuild Jerusalem. This coincides with the edict of King Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-3; Isaiah 44:24-28) and the decree of Artaxerxes (Ezra 7:12-13, 21).

The edict of King Cyrus

Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all his people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. ~ Ezra 1:1-3

Thus saith the Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the Lord that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself; That frustrateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish; That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof: That saith to the deep, Be dry, and I will dry up thy rivers: That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. ~ Isaiah 44:24-28 

The edict of Cyrus was reinforced by the decree of King Artaxerxes.

Artaxerxes, king of kings, unto Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect peace, and at such a time. I make a decree, that all they of the people of Israel, and of his priests and Levites, in my realm, which are minded of their own freewill to go up to Jerusalem, go with thee… And I, even I Artaxerxes the king, do make a decree to all the treasurers which are beyond the river, that whatsoever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done speedily… ~ Ezra 7:12-13, 21

Ironically, the Jewish Talmud, which is very blasphemous against Christ, espouses hate against the words of Daniel 9:24-27. In the Jewish Talmud, there is a Rabbinic curse pronounced against those who seek to learn the meaning of this text: “May the bones of the hands of the fingers decay and decompose, of him who turns the pages of the book of Daniel, to find the time of Daniel 9:24-27, and may his memory rot from off the face of the earth forever” (Talmudic Law, pg 978, Section 2, Line 28)

Daniel’s prophecy gives the exact time frame of the coming of the Messiah.

Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. ~ Luke 3:1, 21. Tiberius reigned from 14 A.D. until 37 A.D. This places the baptism of Jesus around 27-29 A.D. This is consistent with the time frame of commands of the rebuilding of the temple after the captivity.

He shall confirm the covenant for one week (7 years – which is the 70th week).

Some have attempted to insert the anti-Christ into Daniel’s prophecy as the one who confirms the covenant (a supposed 7 year peace treaty between the antiChrist and modern day Israel). Those who do so have created a gap theory between the 69th week and the 70th week. This is nothing but a theory from men who are insistent in promoting a particular end time theology

The first 69 weeks were consecutive, and if we believe the testimony of the New Testament, we will believe that the 70th week is fulfilled in the four Gospels and the book of Acts. Jesus is the Messiah. He is the one who confirms the covenant for one week.

The covenant mentioned in Daniel which is confirmed, is the covenant by which the transgression is finished, and an end of sins is made, and reconciliation for iniquity is accomplished, and everlasting righteousness is established, and the vision and prophecy regarding Israel and redemption is complete, and the Most Holy ONE, Jesus, is anointed as King!

Jesus is the one who confirms the covenant with Israel in Daniel 9. Not the anti- Christ.  Jesus was sent exclusively to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

During the 3 and half years before his death on the cross, and the three and a half years after his resurrection, the gospel was preached exclusively to the Jews, though some Gentiles did seek to follow him. After the Gospel had been fully preached to the people of Israel, it was sent to the Gentiles.

Daniel declares He shall confirm the covenant with many for one week. Paul says the following in Romans: Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers… ~ Romans 15:8

The writer of Hebrews declares: For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward; How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? ~ Hebrews 2:2-4

The miraculous works of Jesus before his death, and the signs and wonders done by the apostles after his resurrection, was the confirmation to the Jewish people of the New Covenant the Messiah was establishing. 

It is this same Jesus, who also brought an end to the defunct temple service by bringing judgment on the temple in Jerusalem. Just as Nebuchadnezzar had been God’s agent to punish the Jews during the time of the Babylonian captivity, So the Romans carried out God’s judgment on the then standing temple in 67-70 A.D.

Christ had both redeemed his people, and brought an end to the overspreading of abominations in the temple!

“…and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”

During the time of Jesus’s earthly ministry, the Jewish people were still a people looking for the full restoration from the captivity. They were looking in hopes for the coming of the Messiah. Yet many were looking for the Messiah to bring a visible kingdom and thought of redemption and deliverance in this way (Luke 19:11). For them, the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah meant freedom from Roman domination.

However, the Gospel came with a jolting shock as the people were called to repentance and warned of the coming judgment upon that which they trusted. God was doing exactly what he had always promised he would do, but in a way many never thought he would do it.

God wasn’t interested in establishing a physical nation, he wanted a spiritual nation: a holy people who would serve him in righteousness and truth, and this cannot be accomplished in the flesh. It must be accomplished by the power of God in the hearts of men, who have been born again and have circumcised hearts.

In Deuteronomy 30, God had told Israel that when they were in exile, he would turn their captivity if they would humble themselves and circumcise their hearts. On the surface this had only a natural application. Yet it had a much deeper spiritual meaning which Paul speaks of in Romans 10.

Paul takes the language of the Torah with regards to the return from exile and applies it to Jesus.

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. ~ Romans 10:6-9

Paul, drawing on Deuteronomy 30:11-14, translates it from the natural to the spiritual, from the Law, to Christ.

Being exiled from the land and then gathered again into the land was only a foreshadowing of the true redemption which the Messiah would bring. During the time of Jesus’s earthly ministry, the anticipation of the coming of the Messiah was understood by many of the Jews to be a national deliverance and restoration. Yet, God had much more lofty and wonderful plans for his people.

When Jesus came, his mission was nothing like many were expecting. The fulfillment of the promises spoken by the prophets would not be a national restoration of a physical kingdom but a spiritual restoration and the creation of a holy nation in the Kingdom of God – in Christ.

The Son of God came in the flesh to bring an end to the real exile for we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. He died for our sins and was raised again and exalted at the right hand of God. This is the fulfillment of God’s promise that the Messiah would be a descendant of David and would sit upon his throne forever. ~ See Luke 1:32; Acts 2:29:36

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of David (Matthew 21:9), seated on the throne of David (Acts 2:29-36), having the sure mercies of David (Acts 13:34), and he holds the Key of David (Revelation 3:7). He is the root and offspring of David (Revelation 5:5; 22; 16) and in him all the Messianic promises of deliverance and redemption are fulfilled.

Peter preached to the people of Israel concerning Jesus and said, “Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.” ~ Acts 3:24

The fulfillment of the words of the prophets, even those prophecies concerning the return from exile comes to fruition in and through Jesus Christ.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangeth on a tree: That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. ~ Galatians 3:13-14

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God. But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles. For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region. But the Jews stirred up the devout and honourable women, and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts. But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost. ~ Acts 13:42 

The words highlighted in the section of scripture above have been used by some to defend the Calvinist belief that some, and not all, are chosen to be saved. Yet this scripture doesn’t come to us in any such context. Context, and flow of thought within the context is always the key to correctly understanding any scripture passage. Unfortunately, people often take Bible passages out of the flow of thought of the writer, and place them into another context which is contrary to what the writer is saying both there and elsewhere.

The very documentation by Luke (the author of Acts) regarding Peter and Paul’s ministry is the complete opposite of the Calvinist view of these words. 

These words, as many as were ordained to eternal life believed, are said within the Jewish – Gentile context. First, there were multiple groups of Jews. There were the Jews who were local residents who were Jewish by birth. There were the religious proselytes. There were Jews who held positions of power and religious authority over the rest, and there were those who were of Israeli descent but lived all their life outside the land of Israel.

Conversely, there were many diverse groups of Gentiles who were of every other nation and ethnic group. The number of nationalities outside of the nation of Israel were many. In Acts 10, the conversion of one man (Cornelius) along with his household took divine intervention, and got Peter temporarily into trouble with the Jews in Jerusalem. The idea that God would save people from all nations, families, and ethnic groups had not yet fully set in, even with the apostles.

If you will remember this, it will really help drive home the impact of Paul’s ministry and give you a greater appreciation of what Paul was up against as he was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

Imagine, being a devout Jew all of your life and getting word that God had invited swine eating, pagan gentiles into the same grace as you. That was difficult for many of the devout Jews, to say the least. The words, as many as were ordained to eternal life believed, are given to us within this setting and this is what is being communicated in Acts 13:48. It is a reference to all people of every nationality and not simply those who conform to Jewish culture and religious practices.

The Book of Acts is a continual unfolding of how God’s salvation through grace reached all people groups, which are the as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. Again, this is not a reference to some individual people being chosen by God to be saved and others not being chosen. Paul says to the Jews opposing his gospel, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.

According to Paul, the Jews who rejected the gospel had the right to hear it first, but had themselves put it away and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life. This is contrary to the notion that God didn’t choose them. God chose all of Abraham’s descendants to follow him, and through the gospel Paul preached all families of the earth become the children of Abraham through faith in Jesus Christ.

This advancement of the gospel to all people continuously unfolds throughout the book of Acts. The book of Acts begins with the call to salvation through repentance and faith to the house of Israel. It ends with that same gospel saving all groups of people who will believe.

And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening. And some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word, Well spake the Holy Ghost by Esaias the prophet unto our fathers, Saying, Go unto this people, and say, Hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and not perceive: For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles, and that they will hear it. And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves. And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him. Acts 28:23-31

The Corinthians, who were carnal according to Paul (1 Co 3:1-4), were abusing the gift of tongues much like many within Charismatic and Pentecostal churches today. Yet, Paul does not discredit the gift because of their misuse, nor does he discredit the Corinthians as if they did not have the gift.

Paul gently corrects them by teaching them the proper use of tongues in public assemblies, and explains to them the ramifications if they continue to misuse this gift in a disorderly manner. People need to be taught, not disqualified.

Oftentimes, opponents of speaking in tongues refer to it as gibberish, and one of the main reasons for this accusation is the public chaos that is often on display within charismatic and Pentecostal churches. Yet this is exactly what Paul tells the Corinthians would happen if they did not use the gift of tongues in an orderly manner in their public assemblies.

If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? ~ 1 Corinthians 14:23

How ironic is it that many who feel they are engaging in biblical apologetics in their rebuttal of tongues, are actually reacting exactly as Paul said they would. A careful reading of 1 Corinthians 14 reveals that speaking in tongues can be a blessing when exercised privately in one’s prayer life and devotion to God, but it also can be a hinderance to the work of God if it is exercised in a disorderly manner publicly.

Many modern day Charismatics and Pentecostals treat tongues as a badge of spirituality, but it isn’t. We know this because, as referenced above, the Corinthians were carnal believers (1 Corinthians 3:1-4), and they were out of order in how they used the gift. Thankfully, Paul not only addresses the misuse of tongues publicly in 1 Corinthians 14, but he also teaches about the benefit of tongues privately, and we should learn from this as much as we do from the correction.

Paul says that when a believer speaks in an unknown tongue, he is speaking not to man, but to God (v.2) and edifies himself (v.4). Some apologists use this (edifying one’s self) to argue against tongues as if it’s a selfish thing to do. Well, that would correct if we are talking about speaking in tongues public assemblies only, but Paul interweaves speaking in tongues in private devotion within his correction of how tongues ought to be used publicly.

Edifying yourself privately is a good thing. The Bible says, David encouraged himself in the Lord (1 Samuel 30:6), and anytime we minister to the Lord in private devotion by worshiping, praising, and thanking him, we are spiritually edified. In fact Paul refers to speaking in tongues as giving thanks well. However in a public assembly where the aim is to edify others, the other is not edified if they don’t know what you are saying.

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:14-17

Notice that tongues are described as praying from our spirit, blessing with our spirit, and giving thanks well. Yet if there is no interpreter we should keep silent publicly because there would be no edification for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Paul follows the words above by saying, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:18-19

In contrast to his much speaking in tongues, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all, Paul’s desire was the edification of others in public assemblies. 1 Corinthians is not rebuke of speaking in tongues, it is gentle correction regarding its proper usage.

Notice that Paul mentions singing with the spirit (singing in tongues), which has been lost by many of today’s churches.

Years ago, me and some friends were praying together and one of them and myself suddenly began singing the same song in other tongues. This would have been impossible for us to fabricate. There is tremendous blessing when singing in other tongues (both in private and public with interpretation), and that needs to be rediscovered by many.

As I close I want to leave you with one other personal experience. Many years ago, I found myself praying in a certain dialect/language that I wasn’t familiar with. Then I visited a church service at an Indian reservation out in the western part of the united States, and guess what I heard when they prayed in their native language.

Speaking in tongues has been a great blessing in my life, and it can be in yours as well, but we need to be mindful to grow spiritually and not display it in a disorderly fashion.

If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:27-28

I hope this helps some who have questions.

For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:14-19 

Paul speaks of praying in an unknown tongue and refers to this as praying with his spirit. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth. Paul goes on to speak of praying with his understanding as well. He explains that this is for the benefit of others because they wouldn’t be edified if they don’t understand what is being said. Even though the one speaking in tongues give thanks well, the others present wouldn’t be edified. Paul then says to the Corinthians I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all.

This statement is a reference to Paul’s private prayer life. We can be certain of this because he follows this statement saying, Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

In contrast to his much speaking in tongues, I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all, Paul’s desire was the edification of others in public assemblies. Speaking in tongues serves two purposes in the life of the believer. First, it serves the purpose for personal edification in the believer’s private prayer life and devotion to God. Evidently, Paul prayed much in other tongues because he claims he spoke with tongues more than all the Corinthians put together.

Secondly, tongues serves the purpose of edifying the body of Christ when it is coupled with interpretation in a public assembly. Thus, tongues with the interpretation equals prophesy. If there is no interpreter present, the believer should exercise restraint and keep his speaking in tongues between him and God. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:28

The Corinthians did not need correction because they spoke with tongues, they needed correction because of their misuse of tongues in public assemblies where others who were unlearned or unbelievers might be present. 1 Corinthians 14 is not a chapter discouraging speaking in tongues, it is a chapter encouraging the proper use of tongues.

Are there some people today who claim to have the gift of tongues but do not? Without a doubt, but the false does not disqualify the real. In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul speaks of another gospel, another Jesus, and another spirit. These do not disqualify the true. Likewise, counterfeit tongues do not discredit the genuine.

it’s important to understand that the Corinthians were not displaying counterfeit tongues, but misusing the genuine.

That which is real and authentic can be misused. This was the case with the Corinthians. They had a lot of things wrong and the misuse of tongues in public assemblies was just one of them. In his letters to the Corinthians Paul also addresses their tolerance for fornication, their mishandling of the Lord’s Supper, their lack of discretion regarding food offered to idols, their propensity to be deceived by false apostles, etc. In fact, Paul’s mention of another gospel, another Jesus, and another spirit is in context to his rebuke of their giving in to false apostles.

The Corinthians were carnal believers, who had not matured in the faith. Consider Paul’s words regarding their carnality.

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? ~ 1 Corinthians 3:1-3

Paul was a spiritually mature man who prayed much in tongues in his own personal prayer life. The Corinthians were carnal and in their carnality they were not considerate of others in their use of the gift of tongues when they gathered in public assemblies. Yet Paul does not tell them to shut it down. He gently instructs them and corrects them regarding the proper use of tongues, as well as prophecy, and then tells them, Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:39-40