John Lightfoot

Jesus closes His explanation of the “great tribulation” sign with a promise to deliver the elect Jews from that catastrophe: “Unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened” (Matt 24:22). He also tells His disciples what they must…

God has said that the kingdom of God, as it now exists, will transform the earth through our obedience to the Great Commission (Matt 28:18–20). One day, “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isa 11:9). Three of the four…

Our last two posts on First Thessalonians provided key information about Paul’s “rapture” passage (i.e., 1 Thess 4:13–5:11). First, his aim was to assure the Thessalonians that their dead brothers and sisters would be at no disadvantage during the messianic-age parousia (presence) of the Lord Jesus with his people. Second, the…

For our new readers, a brief review may be in order. We are building a model to help us better understand biblical prophecy. We began in the Olivet discourse for reasons listed here. Jesus foretold the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, prompting his disciples to ask for a sign…