The Second "Parousia" Of Christ
-- Re-Examined

Part 3

Please find below

15 Scriptural Examples

showing first century Christians EXPECTED the imminent return of Jesus in their own lifetimes.

Please find below 15 scriptural examples showing first century Christians expected the imminent return of Jesus in their own lifetimes:

Example #1.

2 Peter 3:3, 4

“For you know this first, that in the last days there will come ridiculers with their ridicule, proceeding according to their own desires and saying; Where is this promised presence [parousia or
coming] of his? Why, from the day our forefathers fell asleep [in death], all things are continuing exactly as from creation’s beginning.”

Why were the brothers “ridiculed” back then in the first century? Why?

They evidently taught something…something that disturbed their neighbors.

And what was that? Well, they taught a “Promised” return/presence/coming of the Lord, in the first century, in their lifetime! And they were ridiculed for teaching this….this “promised [parousia] of Jesus.”

Ask yourself, how could Christians have been “ridiculed” for something they did not teach. The Watchtower Society says they did not teach Jesus’ return would occur in the first century. But if they did not teach this, then why were they “ridiculed” for believing this, teaching that Jesus would return in their lifetime, their generation. They evidently believed this and was KNOWN FOR THIS TEACHING and were heavily persecuted for teaching and believing such a thing.

This belief of a first century “return” or “parousia,” “coming of Jesus…

...they were ridiculed for believing such and were known in the community to believe and teach such., because no else believed it.

They must have believed such and taught it…namely that Jesus was going to return in their lifetime…their generation. They evidently taught this, and they were consequently “ridiculed” for teaching this.

Does this make sense to you?

Example #2.

1 John 2:28 says:

“So now, little children, remain in union with him, that when he made manifest we may have freeness of speech and not be shamed away from him at his [parousia/coming].

Christians were expecting Jesus to come while they would still be alive. To be "shamed away," would clearly mean they were alive...alive to become ashamed away from the face of Christ, in that they had not measured up as true Christians. They would need to be alive, to be put to "shame." THINK: If they had died and went to the grave, they could never experience "shame."

But "shame" would surely come if what Jesus promised happened to them...

"Then [at Christ's first century 2nd coming] two men will be in the field: [and unexpectedly] one will be
TAKEN ALONG [resurrected to heavenly, instantly] and the other be ABANDONED [left behind]; two women will be grinding at the hand mill: one will be TAKEN ALONG [resurrected to heaven, instantly...in a "twinkling of an eye"] and the other be ABANDONED [left behind]. -- Matthew 24:40, 41

Now, that could cause some serious "shame," if you were LEFT BEHIND, "ABANDONED" before your Lord and Savior, Jesus. That would be so "shameful," so "shameful", that you wouldn't want to tell anyone, let no know that this had indeed happened...no and in fact, who would you tell any...all the good Christians were gone...only to leave the WICKED...I don't think they would want to discuss such a possibility...so nothing was ever recorded or said about from a church or congregation point of view...it was hushed up. It never happened.

Many Bible Scholars give serious credence to the fact that the Book of Revelation could have been written, yes before 70 C.E. Yes, before. And then, too, it appears that just a few years after 70 c.e., strange Bible teachings began to surface. Even doubt as to whether the Name of God was important in worship or not, shortly after 70 c.e. It was not long after the destruction of the temple in 70 c.e. that "Christians" began to teach "different doctrine," and entertain different ideas about Church Creed, Tradition, and Doctrine. Viewpoints began to vary among religious leaders of the church, Jesus established shortly after this date.

Example #3.

1 Thessalonians 2:19 says:

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of exaltation – why, is it not in fact you? – before our Lord Jesus at his [parousia/coming].”

It appears that these ones would be alive at the parousia of the Lord. This scripture seems to convey the same idea as the others concerning parousia.

Example #4.

1 Thessalonians 4:15 which says:

“For this is what we tell you by Jehovah’s Word, that we the living who survive to the [parousia] of the Lord shall in no way precede those who have fallen asleep [in death]”

First century Christians expected to “survive to the [parousia] of the Lord. They expected this. Looked forward to this…to the “parousia” of the Lord. They knew it would occur in THEIR lifetime. Some would even “survive” until it came, in their lifetime.

This particular verse, is a powerful proof of a first century parousia of Jesus Christ.

Example #5.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 which says:

“May the very peace of God sanctify you completely. And sound in every respect may the spirit and soul and body of you brothers be preserved in a blameless manner at the [parousia/coming] of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Christians, their “body,” “spirit,” and “soul” expected to have them all “preserved” until the parousia of Christ, in the first century...until his second coming.

Example #6.

1 Corinthians 5:5 says:

“You hand such a man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, in order that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

Paul is saying, “remove this wicked man from your midst," so that, Jehovah will continue to give you brothers His Holy Spirit. In other words, Paul advised: Let’s “save that spirit,” during the “Lord’s Day.” During the "Lord's day", which was during the time of Paul, in the first century. So, then, the _expression, the “day of the Lord,” could apply during the first century. Something not understood by the Watchtower Society.

Demonstrating this point, we remember, this _expression is also found in the book of Revelation, where John is transferred “into the day of the Lord,” miraculously. This is the special time of the “Lord.” It is called, the “day of the Lord.” All of the events of the book of Revelation, are said to occur during…the “day of the Lord.” – Revelation 1:10

And yet, Paul said that they were
ALREADY IN THAT DAY, in that day of the Lord, which forces to see the need to “save the spirit” of God and its operation upon the congregation, which was in their midst, now…during the day of the Lord, Jesus. His “day” , the “Lord’s Day,” “Jesus’ day,” was conceived with the birth of the first century congregation at Pentecost, in which he became head of…during the first century. This was the “Lord’s Day” – in the first century.

But Revelation points forward to another "day of the Lord", in the future.

Example #7.

1 Corinthians 1:7, 8 which says:

“so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift, as you wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ; who will sustain you to the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

First Century were “waiting” for the “revealing” of Jesus. They expected this to happen in their lifetime and in their generation.

Example #8.

2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7 says:

“This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you but, to you who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the Revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels.”

How could first century Christians experience “relief” at the revelation of the Lord Jesus if they were not alive, when he returned?

Example #9.

2 Thessalonians 1:10 which says:

“on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.”

The ones who “believed” were first century Christians…these are the ones that would “marvel” when he "came.” They would live to see him when he “comes to be glorified.”

Example #10.

1 Peter 4:7 which says:

“But the end of all things has drawn close…”

How shall we understand the above words -- the “end of all things.” It should be understood as being, The “End” of the Jewish system of things…the system of things…which ended in 70 c.e. when General Titus destroyed the entire city of Jerusalem, and its magnificent Temple, and Priesthood. The end, when Jesus was due to come. The "end" had "drawn close" because as Jesus promised, one "generation" would live to see it all come to an "end"…their generation. This leads us to the next powerful scriptural proof.

Additional Scriptural Proof: Did not Jesus pointedly say, "Truly I say to you that THIS GENERATION [of the first century that he was speaking to] will by no means pass away until all these things occur." What did he mean? Clearly, Jesus meant that particular "generation" of the first century, that he was speaking about and to, would indeed NOT die off. Clearly that is what he meant! No, they would not die off but they would be alive when all of these things occurred that he spoke of. And that included being alive to see Jesus' second coming, his "parousia," too. Some would be alive to see his "return". Some of that particular "generation." That is the generation of the first century. -- Matt. 24:34; Mark 13:30

Example #11.

John 11:25, 26 says:

“Jesus said to her: I am the resurrection and the life. He that exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life; and everyone that is living and exercises faith in me will never die at all. Do you believe this?”

These can only be understood one way…this all happens in the generation of these people, in the first century. Some of them could live to the “end,” of the Jewish system, like the John, the apostle. In such a case, he would not need to experience “death” at all, but would be “changed, in the twinkling of an eye…” to heavenly life…an instantaneous change for him and many others who would be alive when Jesus made his “second coming,” his second “parousia” in the first century.

Example #12.

John 8:51 says:

“Most truly I say to you, if anyone observes my word, he will never see death at all.”

Same conclusion. Only possible unless, Jesus makes his return and performs a resurrection at his second “parousia” or second coming in the first century, before these individuals could die of old age.

Example #13.

Mark 8:38 says:

“For whoever becomes ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of man will also be ashamed of when he arrives in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

These same people…these same people, not different people, but these same people…are accountable to Jesus…He says so. They must face him. So, we see, the Individual accountability…this could only be possible unless the same people are alive and have to face Jesus, as a “generation.” They have to face their judgment, their accountability, as individuals…as a Jewish nation of people.

Example #14.

Luke 21:34-36 says:

“But pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then all, the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined occur, and in standing before the Son of Man.”

First century Christians would have to “escape ALL THESE THINGS,” which included the “return” of the Messiah…one generation gets to see it all, including the return of the “master.” They would all have to “stand before the Son of man,” finally, in their lifetime…succeed in “escaping” all of these things mentioned by Jesus, the “Son of Man.”

Example #15.

1 Peter 1:7 and 13 says:

“in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being proved by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ…Hence brace up your senses completely; set your hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

First century “tested quality of your faith” would be “found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” … during their lifetime, they would live to see this…in their generation.

So, now we have considered some 15 examples …but there many more examples that prove that Jesus Christ did indeed, “come” in the first century, true to his promises to the faithful, the first century Christians.

 

Written By Donald C. Burney

Questions for article: "The Second Coming of Christ – Re-examined"
First Century "Parousia" of Jesus – Could It Have Happened?



1. When told that Jesus will not return in our day, what objections would a Jehovah’s Witness make?

2. Did the 1st Century Christians equate the activities that are mentioned in the book of Revelation such as the thousand-reign of Christ and the abyssing of Satan as occurring at his ‘second’ coming or parousia?

3. What event did Paul associate with Jesus’ parousia according to 1 Corinthians 15:23, 24?

4. The word "parousia" is translated as presence in the NWT, but what can it also mean depending upon the context? What other Greek words also have this same meaning?

5. What mistake did the WTS make in their translation of these three Greek words, parousia, erchomai and eltho and how did they translate each one?

6. According to WTS doctrine, when does the "presence," the "coming" and the "arrival" all begin?

7. Up until 1995, when would a JW say Jesus "arrived" to "separate the sheep from the goats?"

8. How would they answer the question of when would the celebration of the memorial cease?

9. What was the purpose of the changes made to this doctrine of when "Christ would arrive" in the October 15, 1995 Watchtower?

10. Realizing that the Greek word "parousia" can mean both presence and coming, what would we take into account in order to determine which meaning is appropriate to use?

1
1. Can it be proven scripturally that Jesus’ 1st century disciples believed in an "invisible presence" as taught by the Watchtower Society?

12. By what term did John refer to Jesus in Matthew 11:2, 3, indicating what?

13. While Jesus was on earth during his first coming or visit, he often spoke of his return to gather his disciples and take them to heaven to be with him. How certain were these disciples that this ‘second coming’ would occur in their lifetime?

14. Since 1st Century Christians were convinced of the above fact, why is the time of Jesus’ return such a mystery to many today?

15. Why is Luke 19:11-27 such a powerful example of Biblical proof that Jesus did return in the 1st century?

16. What condition came to exist among those unfaithful Christians who were abandoned by Jesus in the 1st century?

17. Based on the above evidence, what conclusions must we come to regarding what 1st Century Christians believed about Jesus’ return or ‘second coming?’

18. What scriptures support Luke 19:11-27 in proving that Jesus did receive kingly power in the first century?

1
9. When will Jesus’ rule end according to 1 Corinthians 15:24-28?

20. There are fifteen scriptures (below) given that are proof that 1st Century Christians expected Jesus’ return during their lifetime. Match the statement given to the correct scripture.

(1 Peter 1:7, 13; 2 Peter 3:3, 4; 1 John 2:28; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 4:15; Mark 8:38; John 8:51; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7; 1 Corinthians 5:5; John 11:25, 26; 2 Thessalonians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 1:7, 8; Luke 21:34-36; 1 Peter 4:7)

a.
Anyone who was ashamed of Jesus and his words before the Jews, Jesus would be ashamed of him before his Father when he arrived in his glory. __________________

b. The disciples must not allow life’s anxieties to cause them to fall asleep but must keep awake, always praying that they might escape all things including the return of Jesus. ___________________

c. Anyone observing Jesus’ words and lived to his see his return would never see death. ________________________

d. Anyone exercising faith in Jesus and was alive when he make his second parousia or coming would never die. __________________________

e. First Century Christians would be strengthened while they were "waiting" for the "revealing" of Jesus in their lifetime. _______________________

f. Since 1st Century Christians were already living in the "Lord’s Day," it was imperative that they keep the congregation clean in order that Jehovah’s spirit would continue to flow during this period of time. _________________________

g. Paul reminded 1st Century Christians that they would be his "hope, joy, and crown of exaltation" before Jesus at his ‘second coming.’ ______________________

h. Many 1st Century Christians would be alive when Christ returned, but their ascension to heaven would not occur ahead of those who had already died. ________________

i. Paul desired that God would keep Christians sound in spirit, mind and body, preserving them in a blameless manner until the ‘second coming’ or parousia of Christ. __________________

j. First century Christians would experience relief from suffering or tribulation when Jesus returned with his powerful angels to mete out the appropriate punishment. ___________________

k. Those who believed the testimony given by Paul and others will be among those who will "marvel" when Jesus comes to be glorified in his people. ____________________

l. The tested quality of 1st century Christian’s faith would be found a cause for praise and honor at the revelation of Jesus. They were to "set their hope" upon the undeserved kindness they would receive at his coming. __________________________

m. The "end of all things" spoken of in this verse refers to the end of the Jewish system of things. _______________________

n. First century Christians were ridiculed because they believed and taught that Jesus would return in their lifetime. __________________________

o. First century Christians should remain in union with Jesus so that they would have freeness of speech at his return and would not be made ashamed at this time. ________________________


 


To get the answers for the review questions CLICK HERE.

© 1994 - 2024  Donald C. Burney

Text Box:

For a detailed discussion on Luke 17:25 & Matthew 24:34, the “Generation That Will Not Pass Away,” please see the article entitled:

 

Have You Been Preached To By

God’s “REJECTED” Messiah???

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To Return to Part 1 CLICK HERE.