Bible Discussion Thread

Part 2.

Early Witnesses

After the time of the apostles, a number of writings indicate belief in the imminence of Christ's return, which is consistent with pre-tribulationism. Clement of Rome (35-101), Ignatius of Antioch (died 110), The Didache (a late first-century anonymous Christian treatise), The Epistle of Pseudo-Barnabas (circa 70-130), and The Shepherd of Hermas (second century) all reference Christ's imminent return. Even though it appears that the apostolic fathers were largely post-tribulational (because they believed the persecution they were enduring was the tribulation itself), they held to the doctrine of imminency. J. Barton Payne (a post-tribulationist) concluded that "belief in the imminence of the return of Jesus was the uniform hope of the early church.

See part 3.

Just because these believers in a time of widespread persecution expected the return of Jesus anytime reflect the emminent expectation of pre-trib rapture does not equate them.

These believers were being persecuted and thought, as you stated, that they were experiencing the Tribulation that Jesus promised to "cut short". Their expectation has nothing to do with a pre-trib rapture because they thought they we in the Tribulation already and were anticipating Jesus coming and therefore, "cutting short the tribulation"

2 Thessalonians 2:2-3 even says "That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means: For that day shall not come except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition:"

These verses warn believers about those who say that the coming of Christ is eminent!