“we should know the Times and the Seasons”
A popular misconception.
“we SHOULD know the times and the seasons (1 Thess. 5:1). The signs are everywhere that the Lord’s return is imminent.”
Paul was telling the Thessalonians that they already knew, in relation to times and seasons, the Day of the Lord and return of Christ will happen suddenly and surprisingly. But it will not be a surprise to those who expect Him and watch for Him.
I’ve heard great Bible teachers say, “We can know the times and seasons,” but it’s still an error. Read the scriptures:
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.”
Further, Christ’s return is NOT imminent in the sense He may return at any moment. Since the early Church, it is true that Christ could have returned within any generation. It is in that sense that His return will happen quickly.
If He could come at any moment, there would be no requisite “signs” to watch for. But Hebrews tells us we can “see the Day approaching.” We do not “know the times and seasons,” but we can know the signs. They are found in the Olivet Discourse.
Christ’s return will only become imminent and “at any moment” when ALL of the signs of His appearing have happened. Only then are we told to look up:
Acts 1:10-11 (NKJV)
And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel, who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven.”
Luke 21:28 (NKJV)
Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.
It is only when the celestial signs of Christ’s return happen that we know He is about to appear. These include a simultaneous solar and lunar eclipse, which has never happened and will only happen once in human history.
This sign will mark the end of the Great Tribulation and the imminent arrival of the Day of the Lord.
A somewhat confused post there unlearner. Hard to tell what you are arguing for or against or whether you’re just contentious.
We SHOULD know the times and the seasons which Paul spoke of specifically regarding the return of the Lord (1 Thess 5:1). He goes on to say some of the things to look for and again, specifically with exhortations to be awake, watch, be sober, as children of the light, “that that day should not overtake you as a thief” (v. 4).
Your passage (Acts 1:7) is in regards to the prevailing interest among Jews at the time - the restoration of the nation of Israel, not His second coming.
There are no precise signs which scripture says must come first, but there are a lot of signs that tell us the day is fast approaching. We are supposed to watch and scripture gives us many signs regarding the approach of that day and those signs are not confined to the stars regardless of you pet doctrine.
Don’t be like those Peter spoke about who scoff at the idea the day is fast approaching.