What Is the Great Tribulation?

Introduction: The Question Everyone Asks

Walk into almost any Christian bookstore and you'll find shelves filled with end-times novels, prophecy charts, and speculation about "the tribulation." Movies depict it as seven years of apocalyptic horror. Preachers warn about it. Christians debate whether they'll go through it or be "raptured" before it begins.

But step back and ask a simpler question: What does the Bible actually say about the Great Tribulation?

Not what do modern prophecy teachers say. Not what popular fiction depicts. But what does Scripture itself teach?

The answer might surprise you. Because when we look carefully at what Jesus and the apostles actually said, we find:

1. Some of it already happened (in 70 AD)
2. Some of it is still future (before Jesus returns)
3. The focus is on faithfulness, not fear or speculation

Let's examine what the Bible really teaches about the Great Tribulation.

Part 1: Where the Phrase Comes From

Jesus's Original Statement

The phrase "Great Tribulation" comes directly from Jesus in the Olivet Discourse:

"For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again." (Matthew 24:21)

In Greek, this is thlipsis megalē (θλίψις μεγάλη) - literally "tribulation great" or "great affliction/distress."

This is the primary biblical source for the concept. Jesus is describing a period of unprecedented suffering.

The Context: When Did Jesus Say This?

Remember what prompted Jesus's prophecy. His disciples had just asked Him three questions:

"Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3)

They asked:

1. When will the temple be destroyed?
2. What will be the sign of your coming?
3. What will be the sign of the end of the age?

Jesus's answer addresses all three questions—but not in neat chronological order. Understanding which parts answer which questions is crucial.

Old Testament Background

Jesus's language echoes Daniel's prophecy:

"There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1)

Daniel prophesied about a time of unprecedented trouble for God's people, followed by deliverance and resurrection (Daniel 12:2-3).

Jesus is saying that Daniel's prophecy will be fulfilled—but in stages, with both near-term and ultimate fulfillments.

Part 2: Two Tribulations or One?

Here's where it gets interesting. The Bible seems to describe tribulation in two senses:

The Historical Tribulation: 70 AD

Near fulfillment: The destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by Rome in 70 AD.

Let's look at Jesus's words more carefully:

"So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains... For then there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again." (Matthew 24:15, 21)

Key details that point to 70 AD:

1. "Let those who are in Judea flee" - Specific geographic location
2. "Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath" (v. 20) - Practical concerns for Jews in Judea
3. "Let the reader understand" - Urgent warning for the original audience

Historical fulfillment:

In 66-70 AD, exactly as Jesus predicted:

• Roman armies surrounded Jerusalem (the "abomination")
• There was a brief window when Christians could escape
• Those who heeded Jesus's warning fled to Pella (in the mountains)
• Those who stayed faced horrific tribulation

The Jewish historian Josephus describes the siege of Jerusalem as one of the worst catastrophes in human history:

• Over 1 million Jews killed
• Starvation, disease, internal fighting
• Mothers eating their own children
• The temple completely destroyed—not one stone left on another
• Survivors enslaved and scattered

This was literally a "great tribulation" unlike anything before or since for the Jewish nation. Jesus's prophecy was fulfilled within that generation (Matthew 24:34).

The Future Tribulation: Before Christ's Return

Ultimate fulfillment: A final period of worldwide tribulation before Jesus returns.

But Jesus doesn't stop with 70 AD. He continues:

"Immediately after the distress of those days 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven..." (Matthew 24:29-30)

These cosmic signs and Jesus's visible return did not happen in 70 AD. They're still future.

So we have:

• Near tribulation: Fulfilled in 70 AD (temple destroyed)
• Far tribulation: Still future, before Christ's return (the end of the age)

Or perhaps:

• One continuous period of tribulation for God's people throughout history, reaching its climax just before Jesus returns

Let's explore both possibilities.

Part 3: What the Book of Revelation Adds

Revelation provides more detail about tribulation, though it's written in highly symbolic language.

The Great Tribulation in Revelation 7

"Then one of the elders asked me, 'These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?' I answered, 'Sir, you know.' And he said, 'These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'" (Revelation 7:13-14)

John sees a great multitude who have come out of the great tribulation.

Notice:

• They came through it (didn't escape it)
• They were purified by it
• They're now before God's throne

The Judgments in Revelation

Revelation describes three series of judgments:

• Seven seals (Revelation 6)
• Seven trumpets (Revelation 8-9)
• Seven bowls (Revelation 16)

These judgments bring:

• War, famine, death
• Natural disasters
• Persecution of believers
• Cosmic disturbances
• The fall of "Babylon" (symbolic of godless world systems)

The Beast and the Mark

Revelation describes:

• A beast rising from the sea (Revelation 13:1)
• A false prophet (Revelation 13:11)
• A mark required for buying and selling (Revelation 13:16-17)
• War against the saints (Revelation 13:7)

"This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God's people." (Revelation 13:10)

Duration: Three and a Half Years?

Revelation repeatedly mentions time periods:

• 42 months (Revelation 11:2, 13:5)
• 1,260 days (Revelation 11:3, 12:6)
• "A time, times and half a time" (Revelation 12:14)

All these equal approximately three and a half years or half of seven years.

Is this literal or symbolic? Revelation is apocalyptic literature, so it could be:

• Literal: An actual 3.5-year period of intense persecution
• Symbolic: Representing a limited but intense time of trial (not necessarily exactly 3.5 years)

The important point: The tribulation is limited. God sets boundaries on how long His people will suffer.

Part 4: Different Views of the Tribulation

Christians have held different views about the Great Tribulation throughout history:

View #1: Preterism (Mostly Past)

Belief: Most or all of Revelation was fulfilled in the 1st century, particularly in the destruction of Jerusalem (70 AD) and the fall of Rome.

Reasoning:

• Revelation says events will happen "soon" (1:1, 22:6)
• The "great tribulation" was the Roman persecution and Jerusalem's destruction
• Much of Revelation uses symbolic language about contemporary events

Strengths:

• Takes seriously the "soon" language
• Explains why early Christians understood Revelation as relevant to them
• Recognizes that 70 AD was literally a "great tribulation"

Weaknesses:

• Jesus's return with cosmic signs didn't happen in 70 AD
• The resurrection didn't happen then
• Some events in Revelation don't fit 1st-century history well

View #2: Historicism (Throughout Church History)

Belief: Revelation describes events throughout church history from the 1st century until Jesus returns.

Reasoning:

• The tribulation has been ongoing throughout history
• Different parts of Revelation correspond to different historical periods
• Persecution of Christians has occurred in every age

Strengths:

• Recognizes that tribulation has been a constant reality for believers
• Makes Revelation relevant to every generation
• Avoids speculation about the future

Weaknesses:

• Difficult to match specific prophecies to specific historical events
• Different interpreters identify different historical fulfillments
• May miss the intensification before the end

View #3: Futurism (Mostly Future)

Belief: Most of Revelation (chapters 4-22) describes events still future, occurring shortly before and during Christ's return.

Reasoning:

• Revelation 4:1 says "what must take place after this"
• The cosmic signs haven't happened yet
• The final judgment and resurrection are clearly future

Strengths:

• Clearly some events (resurrection, new earth) are future
• Explains why Jesus's return hasn't happened yet
• Provides hope that evil will finally be defeated

Weaknesses:

• May ignore what was relevant to the original audience
• Can lead to excessive speculation about current events
• Doesn't explain the "soon" language well

View #4: Idealism (Timeless Principles)

Belief: Revelation teaches timeless spiritual truths about the ongoing conflict between good and evil, not specific historical events.

Reasoning:

• Apocalyptic literature uses symbolic imagery
• The principles apply to every generation
• It's about spiritual realities, not a timeline

Strengths:

• Avoids speculation about timing
• Makes Revelation applicable to all Christians
• Focuses on the message rather than the timeline

Weaknesses:

• May miss actual prophetic predictions
• Can become too abstract
• Doesn't explain specific historical references

The Most Likely Answer: A Combination

The best approach probably combines elements of all these views:

1. Some things were fulfilled in the 1st century (70 AD, Roman persecution)
2. Some things describe patterns throughout church history (ongoing tribulation)
3. Some things are still future (Christ's return, resurrection, final judgment)
4. All of it teaches spiritual principles for faithful living

Don't get locked into one view. Hold the clear truths firmly and be humble about the unclear details.

Part 5: The Rapture Question

One of the biggest debates among Christians: Will believers go through the tribulation or be "raptured" before it?

Let's look at what Scripture actually says:

The "Rapture" Passage

"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." (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17)

The word "rapture" comes from the Latin rapere ("caught up"). It refers to believers being gathered to meet Jesus when He returns.

Everyone agrees this happens. The question is: When does it happen relative to the tribulation?

Three Main Views

Pre-Tribulation Rapture

Belief: Christians will be removed from earth before the tribulation begins.

Reasoning:

• God hasn't appointed us to wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:9)
• The church isn't mentioned in Revelation 4-18
• God will keep us from "the hour of trial" (Revelation 3:10)

Timeline: Rapture → 7-year Tribulation → Jesus Returns to Earth

Mid-Tribulation Rapture

Belief: Christians will be removed halfway through the tribulation (after 3.5 years).

Reasoning:

• The "last trumpet" in 1 Corinthians 15:52 is the 7th trumpet in Revelation
• The two witnesses are taken up mid-way through (Revelation 11)
• Believers go through some trials but are protected from final judgments

Timeline: 3.5 years of tribulation → Rapture → 3.5 years of worse tribulation → Jesus Returns

Post-Tribulation Rapture

Belief: Christians will go through the tribulation and be gathered when Jesus returns.

Reasoning:

• Jesus said we'd face tribulation (John 16:33)
• The gathering happens "immediately after the distress" (Matthew 24:29-31)
• Those in white robes "came out of" the tribulation (Revelation 7:14)
• No Scripture explicitly promises escape from tribulation

Timeline: Tribulation → Jesus Returns/Rapture happen together

What's Clear and What's Not

Absolutely clear:

• Jesus is returning
• Believers will be gathered to Him
• We'll receive resurrection bodies
• We'll be with Him forever

Not explicitly stated:

• Whether believers are removed before, during, or after the tribulation
• Whether there's a separate "rapture" event or if gathering happens at the visible return

The honest answer: The Bible doesn't give us a clear timeline. Different passages emphasize different aspects.

Why This Matters Less Than You Think

Here's what's important:

1. Jesus is coming - Be ready
2. We may face tribulation - Be faithful
3. God is sovereign - Trust Him
4. Our hope is resurrection - Not escape, but victory

Whether you're raptured before tribulation or endure through it, the call is the same: Be faithful. Endure. Trust God.

Part 6: What About the "Man of Lawlessness"?

Paul adds another piece to the puzzle:

"Don't let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God." (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

Who Is This Figure?

Paul describes someone who:

• Appears before Jesus returns (v. 3)
• Rebels against God (v. 3)
• Exalts himself as God (v. 4)
• Sits in "God's temple" (v. 4)
• Performs false signs and wonders (v. 9)
• Deceives those who don't love truth (v. 10)

This may be:

• The same figure as Revelation's "beast"
• An individual person empowered by Satan
• A system or succession of godless rulers
• All of the above (a pattern that culminates in one final figure)

What's Restraining Him?

"And now you know what is holding him back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed..." (2 Thessalonians 2:6-8)

Something or someone is restraining this figure. When the restraint is removed, he'll be revealed.

What is the restraint?

• The Holy Spirit?
• The church?
• Law and order/government?
• God's sovereign timing?

Paul doesn't explicitly say, and Christians have debated this for centuries.

The Key Point

Before Jesus returns:

• There will be a final, intense rebellion against God
• A figure will arise who blasphemously opposes God
• This figure will deceive many
• But Jesus will destroy him when He returns (v. 8)

This is part of the tribulation—the final conflict before Christ's victory.

Part 7: The Purpose of Tribulation

Why does God allow tribulation? Scripture gives several reasons:

1. Testing and Purification

"These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:7)

Tribulation tests and purifies faith. It separates genuine believers from false ones.

2. Drawing People to God

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word." (Psalm 119:67)

Sometimes suffering brings people to their senses. The tribulation will lead some to repentance and faith.

3. Defeating Evil

"The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work." (1 John 3:8)

The tribulation is part of God's plan to finally defeat evil. It's the final battle before the victory.

4. Vindicating God's Justice

"They called out in a loud voice, 'How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?'" (Revelation 6:10)

God will judge wickedness and vindicate the righteous. The tribulation includes God's righteous judgment on a rebellious world.

5. Bringing History to Its Conclusion

"Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power." (1 Corinthians 15:24)

History is moving toward a climax. The tribulation is the birth pains (Matthew 24:8) before the new age is born.

Part 8: How Should We Live in Light of This?

Understanding the Great Tribulation should affect how we live now:

1. Don't Be Afraid

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

Jesus warned us about tribulation so we wouldn't be surprised or afraid.

"Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown." (Revelation 2:10)

Fear is not the right response. Faith is.

2. Be Faithful

"But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved." (Matthew 24:13)

Whatever comes—persecution, suffering, tribulation—stand firm.

Don't compromise. Don't abandon your faith. Don't follow false teachers.

Endure.

3. Be Watchful

"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (Matthew 24:42)

Don't be obsessed with signs, but be aware. Watch what's happening in the world. Test everything against Scripture.

"But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief." (1 Thessalonians 5:4)

We should be spiritually alert, not caught off guard.

4. Be Holy

"Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God." (2 Peter 3:11-12)

If this world is temporary and judgment is coming, how should we live?

In holiness. In righteousness. In love.

5. Share the Gospel

"And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)

The gospel must reach all nations before the end. You're part of that mission.

Tell people about:

• The one true God, the Father
• His appointed Messiah, Jesus
• Forgiveness through Jesus's death and resurrection
• The coming kingdom

People need to hear before it's too late.

6. Don't Speculate

"But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matthew 24:36)

Don't waste time:

• Setting dates
• Creating detailed timelines
• Identifying the Antichrist in current events
• Arguing about pre/mid/post tribulation

No one knows the timing. Even Jesus didn't know when He walked the earth.

Focus on faithfulness, not speculation.

7. Have Hope

"After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb." (Revelation 7:9)

The end of the story is glorious:

• God's people from every nation gathered
• Standing before God and the Lamb
• No more tears, death, or pain
• God dwelling with His people forever

That's what's coming. Not just tribulation, but victory.

Part 9: What We Know for Certain

Amid all the debates and different views, here's what Scripture clearly teaches:

1. Tribulation Is Real

Christians will face tribulation. Jesus promised it (John 16:33). The apostles experienced it. Believers throughout history have endured it.

Don't expect an easy life. Expect trials.

2. It Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better

"Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold." (Matthew 24:12)

Before Jesus returns, things will intensify. Evil will increase. Deception will spread. Many will fall away.

But don't lose heart. This is all predicted. God is still in control.

3. God Sets the Limits

"If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them." (Mark 13:20)

The tribulation won't last forever. God has set boundaries. He will protect His people and limit the time.

4. Jesus Will Return

"Look, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him." (Revelation 1:7)

The tribulation ends with Jesus's glorious return. He will:

• Defeat His enemies
• Rescue His people
• Raise the dead
• Establish God's kingdom

That's certain. It will happen.

5. Victory Belongs to God

"The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15)

No matter how dark things get, God wins.

Satan is defeated. Evil is judged. Death is destroyed. Righteousness reigns.

Hold on to that hope.

Part 10: A Final Word of Encouragement

The Great Tribulation is not meant to terrify you into paranoia. It's meant to:

Warn you: Be ready. Be faithful. Don't be deceived.

Prepare you: Trials are coming. Stand firm. Endure.

Encourage you: God is in control. Victory is coming. Hold on.

Motivate you: Time is short. Share the gospel. Live holy lives.

Remember Who You Are

You are:

• A child of God (if you trust in Jesus)
• Protected by God's power
• Promised resurrection and eternal life
• Called to be faithful, not fearful

Remember Who God Is

God is:

• Sovereign - Nothing happens outside His control
• Faithful - He keeps His promises
• Powerful - He will accomplish His plan
• Good - His purposes are righteous and loving

Remember What's Coming

After the tribulation:

• Jesus returns in glory
• The dead are raised
• God's people are gathered
• The kingdom comes to earth
• God dwells with His people
• No more death, pain, or tears

That's your future. That's your hope.

So whatever comes—tribulation, persecution, suffering—stand firm.

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 22:20)

For Further Study

Key passages about tribulation:

Jesus's Teaching:

• Matthew 24:1-35 (The Olivet Discourse)
• Mark 13:1-37 (Parallel account)
• Luke 21:5-36 (Another parallel with unique details)
• John 16:33 ("In this world you will have trouble")

Paul's Teaching:

• 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (The man of lawlessness)
• 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 (The Lord's coming and the day)
• Romans 8:18-25 (Present suffering, future glory)

Revelation's Teaching:

• Revelation 6:1-17 (The seven seals)
• Revelation 7:9-17 (Those who came out of great tribulation)
• Revelation 13:1-18 (The beast and the mark)
• Revelation 16:1-21 (The seven bowls of God's wrath)
• Revelation 19:11-21 (Jesus returns to defeat His enemies)

Old Testament Background:

• Daniel 7:19-28 (The fourth beast and the saints)
• Daniel 9:24-27 (The seventy weeks)
• Daniel 12:1-13 (Michael stands up, time of distress, resurrection)
• Jeremiah 30:4-9 ("Time of trouble for Jacob")

Questions to Consider:

1. How does knowing some tribulation already occurred in 70 AD help you understand Jesus's prophecy?
2. If you don't know whether you'll face the Great Tribulation or be removed before it, how should that affect how you live?
3. What's the difference between healthy watchfulness and unhealthy speculation about end-times events?
4. How can understanding the purpose of tribulation (testing, purification, defeating evil) help you endure personal trials now?
5. What would it look like to have hope in the midst of tribulation rather than fear?

Your Challenge:

Read through the entire Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24-25) in one sitting. As you read, make two lists:

1. Things Jesus clearly said would happen (facts)
2. Things we don't know (debatable details)

Then ask yourself: Am I spending most of my energy on the clear truths (being faithful, watching, enduring) or on the debatable details (exact timing, identifying figures, creating timelines)?

Focus your attention where Scripture focuses its attention: on faithfulness, endurance, and hope.

The tribulation is real. But so is God's victory.

Be ready. Be faithful. Be hopeful.

Jesus is coming.