Did Paul Think Jesus Was Coming Back?
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul often wrote about the imminent return of Jesus Christ. His letters to various Christian communities reveal a profound belief in the soon return of the Lord. This article explores Paul’s perspective on the second coming of Christ, examining the evidence from his writings and the implications it has for believers today.
Paul’s letters, such as 1 Thessalonians, 1 Corinthians, and 2 Thessalonians, provide clear evidence of his belief in the soon return of Jesus. In 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Paul writes, “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” This passage indicates that Paul expected Jesus to return in his lifetime.
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 15:51-52, Paul describes the resurrection of the dead in Christ and the subsequent rapture of believers: “Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.” Paul’s use of the term “last trumpet” suggests that he believed the return of Christ was near.
The implications of Paul’s belief in the imminent return of Jesus are significant for believers. First, it emphasizes the importance of living a life that is worthy of the Lord (Philippians 2:12-13). Paul encourages believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose.” The knowledge that Jesus could return at any moment motivates believers to live with purpose and integrity.
Second, Paul’s belief in the imminent return of Jesus encourages a spirit of urgency in the mission of the church. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells his disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The belief in the soon return of Christ compels believers to share the good news of salvation with urgency and determination.
In conclusion, Paul’s writings indicate a strong belief in the imminent return of Jesus Christ. His letters emphasize the importance of living a life worthy of the Lord and the urgency of spreading the gospel. While we may not know the exact timing of Jesus’ return, Paul’s perspective encourages believers to live with purpose, urgency, and a deep longing for the day when Christ will come again.
