Posted on 11/25/2019 8:18:07 AM PST by Miztah
----How long is “A Little While”? Can “A Little Wile” be an “elastic” term that can mean any amount of time? Does the bible use the term “A Little While” with any consistency that we can at least allow scripture to interpret scripture? ...I think if we look at the uses in the New Testament we can gain some confidence in how to interpret and apply this elusive term.
“Then said Jesus unto them, Yet A LITTLE WHILE (μικρόν χρόνον) am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me.” John 7:33 μικρόν χρόνον (micron chronon)—Literally, A Little Time.
----Jesus was informing his disciples that he would only be with them, that is present with them for “A Little While”. We know that from this point in John it is months or maybe a little more than a year that this time frame refers to.
“Then Jesus said unto them, Yet A LITTLE WHILE (μικρόν χρόνον) is the light with you. Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” John 12:35
----Here in John 12:35 Jesus was warning them that the time which they would have access to the “light” was short. Darkness was soon to overtake them. Here again, however, Jesus is speaking of his presence. His presence is light, and when he leaves the opportunity to behold “That” light would be gone. This little while is again a reference to Christ’s bodily presence on earth. From this passage it is a matter of days-even hours that this “Little While” would elapse.
“Little children, yet A LITTLE while (μικρόν) I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.” John 13:33
----This is similar to the previous two, it gives the disciples warning that Christ would not be with them for much longer. Only a “Little While” would he be with them.
“A LITTLE while (μικρόν), and ye shall not see me: and again, A LITTLE while (μικρόν), and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A LITTLE while (μικρόν), and ye shall not see me: and again, A LITTLE while (μικρόν), and ye shall see me: and, Because I go to the Father? They said therefore, what is this that he saith, A LITTLE while (μικρόν)? We cannot tell what he saith. Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A LITTLE while (μικρόν), and ye shall not see me: and again, A LITTLE while (μικρόν), and ye shall see me?” John 16:16-19
----Here are two different “Little While’s”. Tthe first one is that Jesus would not be in the presence of his disciples but for a “Little While”. “A Little While” and they would NOT see Him. But then the next “A Little While”, they (ye) SHALL See me because I go to the Father. This brought no light confusion to the disciples. What??? We shall not see him, but then we shall see him? And they were baffled. But Jesus explains simply that He (Jesus) would be going back to His Father (in “A Little While). Then, in another “Little While” they would see him again at His return.
----Jesus uses the term “A Little While” to describe the time from His last evening prior to His departure to His (at the ascension). Then He uses it again to describe the time between his departure and his return. So from the last supper evening until His ascension would be, “A Little While”, and then from his ascension to His return would be “A Little While”.
“For yet a (very very) LITTLE while, (μικρόν όσον όσον) and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.” Hebrews 10:37
----In Hebrews, the author modifies the micron (Little while) adding to it a repeated word, “Very Very”--μικρόν όσον όσον -- micron oson oson Here the greek is emphasizing the shortness of the time, but adding oson oson (very very) the repetition of the word adds emphasis to the shortness of the Very Very Little while in which the first century audience should have expected his coming. So the return of Christ cannot be 2000+ years after his ascension unless you can twist, distort, and warp the biblical language in order to stretch it that far. Truly the biblical authors knew nothing of “A Little While” meaning a very long period of time. In each case (at least) the phrase had its application to events that were to take place in the lifetime of the hearers and authors of those words.
3 days for the resurrection..3000 years for His Kingdom to return. IMO
"Truly I tell you, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
- New International Version
How many of those standing there have still not tasted of death?
Regards,
The Kingdom is already here. It came at Pentecost. I know you don’t agree - let me explain.
The US invaded Iraq to defeat Saddam Hussein. One Day one, we controlled a little territory, after 3 months, a significant amount, and after 6 months, the whole country, but there were meanwhile still opposition. During this phase (what military type call pacification), the enemy did everything he could do to cause hurt, pain and suffering.....but at some point, the war is *over*.
We are in the “pacification” phase of the Kingdom of God. Jesus has won the victory, and the end is in sight, but meanwhile the enemy has his strongholds. Yes, they are very strong, and in most cases the enemy can gain back territory.
BUT - Jesus himself will come back and finish the battle here on earth in last days.
Just because we have not yet complete victory does not mean this is not the Kingdom.
Recall, Satan’s dominion is the earth. Jesus’s death and resurrection made it possible for a believe to go from being a subject of the dark forces to a subject of the Light of the world.
Scripture is perfect. Our understanding is not.
1. Do I understand that your reference to the Iraq Conflict is a mere analogy - and that you are not saying that any recent events in the Middle East - like the Iraq Conflict, the formation of the modern state of Israel, etc. - can be viewed as "markers" for the advent of Christ's Kingdom?
2. You say that the "Kingdom of God" has already come (but with the restriction that we are still in a so-called "Pacification Stage"), right?
QUESTION: What, specifically, marked the actual beginning of Christ's Kingdom, as he meant it in Matthew 16:28? When, looking back, can we now recognize as the day on which "the Son of Man, etc."?
What proportion of Christ's listeners "there" in that room at the time of the pronouncement of Matthew 16:28 had not yet tasted of Death when the Son of Man came into his Kingdom? Was it six weeks later? Six months? Six years? Six decades? Six centuries? Please be as concrete as you can.
Now, given an event of such magnitude of which you have personal (secret) knowledge, would you use that formulation ("some of you right here will not have tasted of Death" before that event occurs) to explain to your listeners when that event will happen?
Would you, as a listener, have heard that and thought, "Oh, He probably means that He will come into his Kingdom in one month!"?
If you knew that that event would take place within one month, would you have formulated it in that way? "Not all of you will be dead by the time that happens."
Or does Christ's formulation rather strongly suggests that, in all probability, decades would transpire before the event of which He was speaking would transpire?
Very much looking forward to your reply!
Regards,
This is immediately suggested. "Christ’s coming," and "Christ’s coming in his kingdom," must be phrases used with a variety of meanings and with a variety of references. We begin to feel that it must be used as a proverbial phrase. Various explanations of our Lord’s meaning have been given. Examine three. I. CHRIST CAME IN HIS KINGDOM AT THE TRANSFIGURATION. This meaning is suggested by the fact that the narrative of the Transfiguration immediately succeeds, and the evangelist appears designedly to set them in close connection. That was a very sublime manifestation of his glory, but it is difficult to understand how it could be called a "coming of the kingdom." Moreover, there is no point in saying that some would be spared to the coming of the kingdom, when all were to be spared over the Transfiguration. That explanation cannot be regarded as satisfactory. II. CHRIST CAME IN HIS KINGDOM AT THE DAY OF PENTECOST. That is properly regarded as the actual starting of Christ’s new and spiritual kingdom. In part it may fulfil the reference of our Lord. But here again the difficulty occurs that the apostolic band was intact at the Day of Pentecost, with the exception of the traitor Judas, who had "gone to his own place." It is hardly possible to rest satisfied with this explanation. III. CHRIST CAME IN HIS KINGDOM AT THE FALL OF JERUSALEM. "This was a judicial coming, a signal and visible event, and one that would happen in the lifetime of some, but not of all, of those present." John certainly lived beyond this event. "In a sense which was real, though partial, the judgment which felt upon the Jewish Church, the destruction of the holy city and the temple, the onward march of the Church of Christ, was as the coming of the Son of man in his kingdom." This is altogether the most satisfactory suggestion; and we need only suppose that Christ was carried away in his thoughts beyond the present, and was helped in thinking of the sufferings that were immediately before him, by comforting visions of the success and glory which would follow his suffering and his sacrifice in the world’s by and by.—R.T.
--Pulpit commentary
Shall not taste death, till they see the Son of man. The reference is not to his final coming to judge the world, but to his spiritual coming to establish his kingdom. This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost. Mark (Mar_9:1) shows the meaning by substituting, "Till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power." The "coming of the Son of man in his kingdom" means, therefore, the same as "the kingdom of God come with power." Compare Act_1:8, and Luk_24:49. The kingdom came with power on the day of Pentecost (Act_2:1).
--BW Johnson
That's what a teenage girl uses to trick her boyfriend into buying dinner. A little WHILE is a short period of time.
A little longer than you've been here.........
Strangest post that I’ve seen in a long while.
From the beginning of the church, it was known that the return of Christ to set up His kingdom would happen at an indeterminate date. It was understood that God operates on a different time table than we might imagine.
Acts 1:7 (NKJV)
And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.”
Romans 9:28 (NKJV)
For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness,
Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.
2 Peter 3:8 (NKJV)
But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
Peter was referring to Psalm 90:4 and applying this in context of the return of Christ. (See 2 Peter 3:4-10.)
Christ’s return will happen suddenly and surprisingly to those who are not watching and waiting for His SOON return.
Matthew 24:44 (NKJV)
Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.
Revelation 3:3 (NKJV)
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and repent. Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know what hour I will come upon you.
What leapt out at me is the fact that “while” is merely inferred in the later verses you translate.
Nice explanation!
What is it to you if He wants him to live until He returns?
“How many of those standing there [when Jesus spoke Matthew 16:28] have still not tasted of death?”
Matthew 17:1-2 (NKJV)
Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light.
This is the very next verse (and the original text did not have chapters and verses). The author is clearly connecting these two events.
Peter later describes this very event this way:
2 Peter 1:16-18 (NKJV)
For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For He received from God the Father honor and glory when such a voice came to Him from the Excellent Glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” And we heard this voice which came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
Further, other passages support the possibility that some who were present then will also be present at the end of this age. There are two witnesses who will prophesy for three-and-a-half years near the return of Christ. One of these appears to be Elijah, an Old Testament saint who did not die. We know at least one other—Enoch—who did not die. It is quite possible that some who were present when Christ spoke these words, and similar ones, did not die. For example, the record of John’s death is uncertain. And there were many in the early church, according to the scriptures, who thought John would not die. According to Tertullian, John escaped certain death after being thrown into a caldron of boiling oil. He said John was unharmed, and the onlooking crowds converted to Christianity because of this miracle.
Interestingly, John was told he would prophesy again in the passage in Revelation just before the two witnesses are introduced:
Revelation 10:11 (KJV)
And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.
(Some translations render this differently, possibly because there is no record of John prophesying after writing Revelation, which is the end of the biblical canon.)
Matthew 17:1-2 (NKJV) Now after six days Jesus took [...]
Do I understand you to say that Christ's "coming unto His Kingdom" was SIX DAYS after his utterance of "Some of you shall not have tasted of death before the Son of Man comes unto His Kingdom."???
Regards,
Our pastor likens it to Normandy. At that point the war was won - and even the Germans knew it. Although the Germans (as does Satan) knew the war was lost, they did their worst in the meantime.
Perhaps it can be looked at in the wording when Stephen was stoned “to death”...
Acts 7: 59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Instead of saying he died, it states that Stephen fell asleep - IOW, he did not taste death.
I can't imagine Jesus indulging in sophistry - i.e., using the excuse that "Well, technically speaking, some of you who were there didn't actually die, so when the Son of Man finally did 'come unto His Kingdom' (in the year A.D. 7575), that statement was not, in the strict sense, falsified!"
That would be akin to retorting, "It depends upon the meaning of the word 'is.'"
I'd bet anything that none of the people there in that room when Christ made that statement (later recorded in Matthew 16:28) understood it to mean, "Yeah, possibly thousands of years from now!"
They understood that the life expectancy in that era was measured in fractions of a century, that saying "some of ye shall not taste" meant "sixty or seventy years from today, tops!"
Unless Christ was intentionally trying to deceive them...
Also, those who might try the other sophistic tactic - that "coming unto His Kingdom" was perhaps some "invisible" or "purely spiritual" or subtle event: Christ's listeners certainly wouldn't have accepted that. They wanted to know, "Christ, when will the Roman oppression cease? When will it be 'peaches and cream' for us all - for the whole world?"
Regards,
“Do I understand you to say that Christ’s ‘coming unto His Kingdom’ was SIX DAYS after his utterance of ‘Some of you shall not have tasted of death before the Son of Man comes unto His Kingdom.’?”
Not exactly. Christ returning to establish His kingdom is only an event that brings this kingdom to fruition. He taught that the kingdom of God was already within His disciples and was invisible. Yet, His kingdom will become manifest in the external, visible reality when He returns “with power and great glory.” The transfiguration foreshadows this visible establishment of the Kingdom and Christ being exalted in His glory on the earth.
I think what Christ said may be a prophecy with a dual fulfillment, as many Biblical prophecies are. For example, the Olivet Discourse prophesied some events that happened in 70 A.D. while others have not happened yet. I think “some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom” may refer to both the transfiguration and that at least one eye-witness will return to give his testimony at the end of the age, before Christ returns. If so, I suggest that John is the best candidate.
Prophecies do not tell us everything that is going to happen, but they do confirm that God was in control of the outcome and things have worked out according to His plan when viewed in retrospect. I am not suggesting that John or anyone else who was standing there MUST return like Elijah in order to fulfill Christ’s words, but I do think that this or something similar is what will happen.
We know Elijah is going to come before the Day of the Lord:
Malachi 4:5 (NKJV)
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet
Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.
It is not unreasonable to think John might also return as one of the two witnesses, along with Elijah. There are a number of scriptures that support this. However, just to clarify, what I am saying is highly speculative. I’m NOT purporting it to be a Biblical doctrine that everyone must adhere to. It is just my opinion. Nothing more.
Down here in the South we say “We’re fixing to do something.”
That means in a little while.
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