A Google search on the word “tribulation” yields front page results about the Tribulation (capital “T”) or even the Great Tribulation. Whether it’s talked about as ‘a tribulation’, ‘the Tribulation’, or even the ‘Great Tribulation’, it all revolves around what is known as eschatology or “end times” doctrine. This genre of Bible study draws heavily from the prophets’ writings and in particular, Revelation. Without speculating about what the Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us, what is said about this Great Tribulation?
How Scripture answers "Is there a Great Tribulation in the Bible?"
The word tribulation occurs sixteen times in the English Standard Version (ESV), yet it is never used in a proper sense1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11. The Bible never speaks of “Tribulation” or “Great Tribulation” in this way. It is always the same Hebrew or Greek word that simply means affliction or persecution that would occur ‘in the course of their lifetime’.
Two of the instances actually use the word to describe the trouble that would come upon the disobedient3,8, but in all the rest tribulation is promised upon all saints1,2,4,5,6,7,9,10,11 by virtue of their obedience5 to the gospel of Christ1,7.
Answer built on scripture-blocks below
1
John addresses his first-century audience as fellow partakers in a common tribulation/persecution that was presently happening “on account of the word of God” (a danger exactly as Jesus taught in the parable of the sower7).
2
In Jesus’ testimony to the church at Smyrna, he describes a “tribulation” to occur from “the devil” that involves them being put in prison for “ten days.” Jesus further encourages them to “be faithful unto death” for a “crown of life” — no mention of a Tribulation or Great Tribulation.
!! scripture-block context extra important here !!
There is no reason from Scripture to take these “ten days” literally. Instead, as is consistent with the use of “ten” and multiples thereof, it implies “complete” or “completed”. Additionally, it is a tribulation whose days are numbered (finite; will end) and, relative to their reign with Jesus for “a thousand years” (e.g. eternity) later in the book, it will be very, very short.
3
In Jesus’ testimony to the church at Thyatira, those committing adultery with “Jezebel” (vs 20) will suffer a “great tribulation”. This is most certainly in their lifetime – a present state of tribulation – that would affect them and their children (“unless they repent”).
4
Shows a scene of saints gathered before the throne of God having been cleansed by the blood of Christ and perserved through great trial and persecution.
5
Moses speaks of tribulation/persecution in a general sense that would take place in the “latter days.” What he describes here that will take place as a result of this “tribulation” is completely consistent with the many other “last days” / “latter days” / “in that day” statements made throughout the prophets’ writings. Furthermore, Scripture tells us the “last days” are the church age (1st century to today).
6
Jesus tells his disciples about troubling events and His return that would happen “immediately after the tribulation of those days” (vs 29). Based on the following context, Jesus places this “great tribulation” during their lifetime and His own second coming on a “day and hour no one knows”.
!! scripture-block context extra important here !!
7
Jesus teaches that tribulation will cause those not well grounded in the word to fall away.
8
Tribulation is a promised condition for any that reject Jesus by doing evil. Based on the context, the “tribulation” will be suffered in the final judgement of God for their deeds.
9
Tribulation is listed among the many physical trials that may inhibit a Christian’s faith and trust in God.
10
Jesus promises his disciples that the world will present tribulation for them.
11
Paul instructs to be “patient in tribulation” — inferring it will come and it will run its course.
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