The Times of the Gentiles
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jul 28, 2024
- 2 min read
And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (Luke 21:24-26)
The followers of Jesus were asking Him what would happen before He returned. What were the things they could watch for in the future as signs of His coming?
Jesus prophesied that one of the first things that would happen would be the fall of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jewish people. This was fulfilled in AD 70 when Roman soldiers destroyed Jerusalem and dispersed the Jews across the world. The word nations here is the Greek word ethnos and signifies the various ethnic groups and regions where the Jewish people would be scattered during this diaspora.
The next thing Jesus said was: “Jerusalem shall be trodden down by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.” This referred to the fact that from the time of the destruction of the temple and for almost 2000 years, Jerusalem was taken over and ruled by Gentiles. Israel regained control of the Holy City in the Six-Day War of 1967. Thus, the times of the Gentiles ended because the Holy City came back into Israel's control.
Jesus also spoke of signs in the heavens and global distress as signs that would tell us of His imminent return. These signs include unusual events in the sun, moon, and stars, widespread fear and turmoil on Earth, and spiritual and governmental upheaval.
We may not know the day and the time - but we know we are in the season of Christ’s return.
Practical Application
Be aware of what is happening all over the globe as signs of the times, but do not become afraid. Watch the happenings with the mindset that you have faith and know Jesus is returning.
