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Jesus, Paul and the End of the World

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Witherington is a noted NT scholar and prolific writer. In this volume he seeks to answer the hypothesis if Jesus and Paul believe that the apocalyptic kingdom was to appear very soon.

He is conservative in his approach and conclusions, and exhaustive in his consideration of others' conclusions as well.

I agree that Paul walked a tightrope between realized and unrealized eschatology, or the now but not yet tension. He considers the important topic of the kingdom of God, one of Jesus' favorite sermon topics.

He correctly concludes that the intermediate state (what is going on with the departed between the Ascension and Return of Christ) is silent in Scripture.

He is afterall a academic exegete, so he is careful with his conclusions, and meticulous in his exegesis. He turns to no hyper millenial speculation.

Only serious NT students and those interested in eschatology will enjoy this study. Not a place to begin.

Dr. Witherington concludes that Jesus and Paul shared a common understanding of how the end of the world would pan out. They both saw a time in the future when the Messiah would return and save national Israel and they both taught that we are in essence living in the last days already.

Witherington also defines the word basileia (kingdom) as referring to both a realm and a reign. It can refer to the saving power and presence of Jesus Christ (Luke 17:21), and it can also refer to a place to be entered (Matthew 7:21).

Basically, Ben is a premillennial posttribulationist. He rejects the notion that there could be a rapture at any moment where Jesus returns and takes us to heaven. He contends that there will be one coming of Christ at the end of the age and that we will reign with Him on the earth.

I should also say that although this book is published by Intervarsity Press, it is not one of their light reading popular releases. You'll need to wear your thinking cap for this book. But those who read it will be greatly rewarded with rich discussions of the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, and the meaning of the Yom Yahweh (The Day of the Lord). Although I might demur on some specifics (the question of whether or not the coming of Christ is imminent), the book is one of the best studies of the end times out there. Buy this book and read it.