`Biblical Eschatology`

A Biblical study of eschatology and the pre-tribulational & post-tribulational rapture views of the end times.

Blasted Hope or Blessed Hope?

I was asked why Paul says to comfort one another with his words, if the rapture occurs post-trib? Where is the comfort?

1 Thessalonians 4:18 ESV
Therefore encourage παρακαλεῖτε (parakaleo) one another with these words.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV
Therefore encourage παρακαλεῖτε (parakaleo) one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Firstly, it must be pointed out that no where in 1 Thessalonians 5 or 6 does it say you should find comfort because you miss the tribulation. In the context the Greek word parakaleo (παρακαλέω), can mean comfort or encourage. However, just because you encourage or comfort someone doesn't mean you don't suffer. Comfort is given in the midst of suffering. In fact this is almost always the context of parakaleo.

The encouraging or comfort was in the context of Paul's statement in 1 Thessalonians 4:13 "But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope" (NASB).

Our hope is not missing the tribulation. Our hope is the realization of eternal life. This is what we look forward to.

1 Corinthians 15:19 ESV
If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most TO BE PITIED.

Acts 24:15 ESV
having a hope in God, which these men cherish themselves, that there shall certainly be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

Titus 3:7 ESV
so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the HOPE of eternal life.

As you can see from the other scripture references below, parakaleo is used numerous times to show comfort or encouragement for those already going through a hard time.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 KJV
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort. ⁴Who comforteth παρακαλῶν (parakaleo) us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.

2 Corinthians 1:6 KJV
And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation παρακλήσεως (parakaleo) and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.

Acts 14:22 KJV
Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting παρακαλοῦντες (parakaleo) them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

1 Thessalonians 3:7 KJV
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

Therefore, we must conclude that Paul was comforting these believers that their relatives that had died did not miss the resurrection. This is the comfort Paul was giving.

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We Are Not Appointed to Wrath

The Timing of the Rapture

The Testimony and Parables of Jesus

Does apostasia in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 refer to the rapture?

The Church Not Found In Revelation

The Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11, New Doctrine or Just a Clarification?

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Imminence Refuted

John 14 - In My Fathers House

Harpazo the Greek Word for Rapture

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The Dead in Christ & Tribulation Saints

Andy Woods

Revelation is NOT Chronological

Is the Holy Spirit the Restrainer?

What I believe - Day of the Lord Timeline

Understanding Zechariah 14

Blasted Hope or Blessed Hope?

Understanding Greek Pronouns and Their Importance

The Comfort Given by Paul

The Rapture in Revelation 7, Part 1

The Rapture in Revelation 7, Part 2