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NASB | Acts 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Acts 1:7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority. |
Bible Question: I have found that in a lot of churches today, Biblical Prophecy is never preached behind the pulpit. I would like to know why? And what scriptures can be found that supports teaching it. |
Bible Answer: gkidder, You should consider yourself blessed that you are not hearing Bible Prophecy preached behind a lot of pulpits. Particularly when it is treated in the sensationalistic way in which some are presenting it today. I would challenge you to examine Scripture in light of Scripture in the area of prophecy. In particular, ask yourself these questions before you read through the New Testament prophecies in order to understand them in the proper context: 1. Who was the author? (Ultimately, God Himself) 2. When was the passage written? 3. To whom was it written? 4. What was the time frame for it to take place, if any? 5. Where did (or would) it take place? As you read you'll notice words like: shortly, soon, near, at hand, a little while, about to be, etc. (Rom. 13:12, Heb. 10:37, 1 Pet. 4:7, 1 John 2:18, Rev. 1:1-3, 3:10, 22:6,10 etc.) You'll also notice that the writer had his immediate audience in mind. For example: 1 Cor. 10:11...they were written down for OUR instruction, ON WHOM the end of the ages has come. And, 2 Thess. 1:6...God considers it just to repay with affliction THOSE who afflict YOU, 7and to grant RELIEF TO YOU who are afflicted as well as to US, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels 8in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on THOSE who do not know God... Now, let's try to determine the context of the following passage using the questions above: Matthew 24 verse: 3 ...the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell US..." 9 Then they will deliver YOU up to tribulation and put YOU to death... 15 So when YOU see the abomination of desolation spoken of by the prophet Daniel...(Daniel was a book that was previously sealed up!) 25 See, I have told YOU beforehand. 26 So, if they say to YOU, 'Look, he is in the wilderness,'... 33 So also, when YOU see all these things, YOU know that he is near...(See James 5:7-9) 34 Truly, I say to YOU, THIS generation will not pass away until ALLL these things take place. 42 Therefore, stay awake, for YOU do not know on what day YOUR Lord is coming. (ESV-Emphasis added) 1. Who was the author? Answer: Matthew recorded the words of Jesus. 2. When was the passage written? Answer: The Olivet Discourse was given a few days prior to the crucifixion. 3. To whom was it written? Answer: Jesus was speaking specifically to Peter, James, John and Andrew. The events would also directly affect those of their generation. 4. What was the time frame for it to take place, if any? Answer: Since it was addressed to the disciples, it was to take place in their generation. 5. Where did (or would) it take place? Answer: The words were spoken on the Mount of Olives, the events were to take place in and around Jerusalem. I pray that your perspective will broaden greatly as you follow these guidelines and work to place the prophecies in the proper context. God Bless, Coper |