JOSEPH W. TKACH
August 1988
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your question regarding the "times of the
gentiles," which Jesus mentioned in Luke 21:24.
Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 are all accounts of Jesus'
teaching about how to recognize the signs of His coming and the
end of this age. The "times of the gentiles" are one of those
signs which Jesus said would occur shortly before He returns.
Several other prophecies help us understand the "times of
the gentiles." Daniel 12:7, for example, tells us that in the end
time a gentile power will succeed in occupying Jerusalem, as well
as other portions of the Holy Land, for "a time, times, and an
half [a time]." These are the "times of the gentiles" Jesus spoke
of. But, what does this mean?
Revelation 11:2 clarifies this by telling us that this
gentile power -- the beast -- will be allowed to trample on the
city of Jerusalem for 42 months. During this same time, God's two
witnesses will testify against this power in Jerusalem for 1260
days (verse 3). This all occurs at the same time as the Great
Tribulation and the day of the Lord. The faithful people of God
will be granted protection (Rev. 12:14) during the time that the
beast exercises authority and rule (Rev. 13:5).
Therefore, we can know that the "times of the gentiles"
which Jesus spoke of are the final three and a half years of this
age. They end when Jesus comes back to save the world and to set
up His Government in Jerusalem!
If you would like to receive additional information about
the coming beast power, please feel welcome to request a copy of
our booklet WHO OR WHAT IS THE PROPHETIC BEAST? It is free for
the asking.
Whenever we may be of additional assistance to you in your
study of the Bible, we hope you will let us know. It is our
pleasure to serve you.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL