The Apostles expected the Rapture at any moment?
Summary
The apostles Peter and Paul knew that certain events were about to happen in their lives and therefore the rapture cannot happen at any time.
According to the pre-tribulation doctrine, the rapture can happen at any moment, from the time of the apostles until today. No prophetised event or sign necessarily has to happen beforehand. The imminence of the rapture is a central doctrine.
Did the apostles expect the Rapture at any time?
Comment | |
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Peter: John 21:18-19 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish. 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, Follow Me. | The Lord confirms to Peter - that he will die old - and will not be raptured first |
2 Peter 1:13-14 13 Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up with reminders, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ made known to me. | The apostle Peter knows - that he will soon die - and will not be raptured first |
Paul: Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departure vicious wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. | The apostle Paul knows - that ravening wolves are coming - and not the Rapture beforehand |
Acts 22:21 Then He [= the Lord] said to me, Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles [= to the nations]. | The Lord says to Paul - that he will send him far away to the nations - and he will not be raptured first |
Acts 23:11 But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, Be of good courage, Paul; for as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome. | The Lord says to Paul - that he must bear witness in Rome - and will not be raptured first |
Acts 27:23-24 23 For there stood by me this night an angel of God, to whom I belong and whom I serve, 24 saying, Do not be afraid, Paul; you must be brought before ‹the› Caesar; and indeed God has granted you all those who sail with you. | An angel of God says to Paul - that he must be brought before ‹the› Caesar - and will not be raptured first |
1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, being devoted to corrupting spirits and doctrines of demons, | The Holy Spirit explicitly says - that in later times some will fall away (depart from the faith) - and that the Rapture will not come first |
2 Tim 3:1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: | The apostle Paul tells Timothy that he knows - that in the 'last days' there will be hard times - and not the Rapture beforehand |
Conclusion
The Lord…
and the Holy Spirit…
and an angel of God…
and the apostle Peter…
and the apostle Paul…
… they all knew that the Rapture could NOT happen at any moment.