The Great Tribulation

 

Commentary on Revelation

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The Great Tribulation What is it? Will we go though it?

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This is a detailed study of the great tribulation as found in scripture. Below is the summary and introduction. The full study is over 70 pages and can be downloaded as a zipped rtf document here (105k).

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Summary

When we talk about 'The Great tribulation' we are primarily talking about Rev 7:14. However there are about eight events described in the bible that come to mind when we mention this event. These are each examined to see what the scripture says.

The Great Tribulation?

1. The great tribulation of Rev 7:14.
2. The great distress of Mat 24:21, Mark 13:19 and Luke 21:20-24
3. The time of anguish and perplexity in Luke 21:25
4. The man of lawlessness in 2 Thess 2:3
5. The seven trumpets and bowls of Revelation.
6. The beast(s) of Rev 13
7. The time of distress spoken about in Daniel 12:1
8. The hour of trial (Rev 3:10).

The Greek word thlipsis used for tribulation in Rev 7:14 (the great tribulation) is a word that covers a wide range of conditions varying from marriage, hardship, childbirth and persecution to the great distress of Mat 24:21. An examination of scripture confirms that tribulation in its various forms is to be expected by Christians while on earth. Paul and James tell us to rejoice in our sufferings and trials because these produce perseverance, character and maturity. Paul contrasts our temporary afflictions in this life with the eternal glory they achieve for us. Scripture is then examined to see what it says about persecution and its message is that we should not be taken by surprise by persecution even to death. Jesus tells us to rejoice when we are persecuted because great is our reward in heaven.

(2 Tim 3:12 NIV) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

The great distress described in Mat 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21 is examined and it is clear that the elect are on earth during this period and that the rapture occurs after this event. These passages also make it clear that persecution will occur and false prophets will arise before the great distress. However there is significant evidence based on Luke's parallel account that the distress spoken about was fulfilled in AD 70 by the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans (Luke 21:20-24). Luke's account however mentions a second and distinct time, prior to the Second Coming, when there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars and perplexity and anguish on earth because of the tossing of the sea and shaking of the heavenly bodies (Luke 21:25-26).

Although the period of great tribulation in Mat 24:21 is usually thought to be world-wide and to occur at the end of the age a closer look demonstrates otherwise.

• Jesus was answering a question about the destruction of Herod's temple.
• Luke's parallel account (21:20-24) clearly shows that Mat 24:21 refers to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.
• It is localised to the Judea region - it is not world-wide, because those in Judea are told to flee to the mountains in all three parallel accounts (Mat 24:16, Mark 13:14, Luke 21:21).
• The fact that Jesus says that it is "never to be equaled again" should indicate to us that it does not occur at the end of the world.
• Both Mat 23:36 and 24:34 say that this will happen in the generation alive when Jesus spoke.

The Great Tribulation