Servus Christi raises an important question about the relationship between Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4-5 in his video “The Pretrib Rapture Deception: A False Hope.” While his concern for biblical consistency is commendable, a careful examination of these passages reveals that they are describing distinct events rather than the same event. Let’s explore this issue with generosity and attention to detail.
Acknowledging Similarities
It’s understandable why Servus Christi and others see parallels between Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4-5. Both passages describe a coming of Christ, mention clouds, angels, and a gathering of believers. As Dr. Robert Gundry notes, there is “parallel terminology in Paul’s Thessalonian discussion of the Church’s rapture, where we read of a trumpet, clouds, and a gathering of believers just as in the Olivet Discourse.”
These similarities should not be dismissed lightly. They indicate that both passages are describing eschatological events related to Christ’s return. However, similarities alone do not prove the passages are describing the exact same event.
Key Differences Between the Passages
While there are surface-level similarities, a closer examination reveals significant differences that suggest Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4-5 are describing separate events:
- Order of events: In 1 Thessalonians 4, believers are gathered in the air and taken to heaven. In Matthew 24, they are gathered after Christ’s arrival on earth.
- Who does the gathering: In Matthew 24, angels gather the elect. In 1 Thessalonians 4, the Lord Himself gathers believers.
- Resurrection: 1 Thessalonians 4 emphasizes the resurrection of dead believers, which is not mentioned in Matthew 24.
- Cosmic signs: Matthew 24 describes dramatic cosmic signs (darkening of sun/moon, stars falling) that are absent from 1 Thessalonians 4.
- Mourning: Matthew 24 mentions all tribes of the earth mourning, which is not in 1 Thessalonians 4.
- Visibility: Matthew 24 emphasizes that all will see Christ’s coming, while 1 Thessalonians 4 focuses on believers meeting Christ in the air.
As Dr. Steven McAvoy points out, “the differences between Paul’s Thessalonian statements and Matthew 24:30-31 far outweigh any alleged similarities.”
Context and Purpose of Each Passage
To understand why these passages differ, we must consider their distinct contexts and purposes:
- Matthew 24 – Jewish Focus: The Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24 is primarily addressing Jewish concerns about the future of Israel and the coming of the Messiah. Terms like “gospel of the kingdom,” “holy place,” “Sabbath,” and “Messiah” indicate a Jewish orientation.
- 1 Thessalonians 4 – Church Focus: Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians is addressing concerns specific to the predominantly Gentile church, particularly questions about deceased believers and the rapture event.
- Different Audiences: Jesus is speaking to His Jewish disciples in Matthew 24, while Paul is writing to a Gentile church in 1 Thessalonians. This naturally leads to different emphases and terminology.
- Distinct Purposes: Matthew 24 is providing a broad overview of end-times events leading up to Christ’s return to earth, while 1 Thessalonians 4 is focused specifically on comforting believers about the fate of deceased Christians and explaining the rapture event.
The “Elect” in Matthew 24
A key point of contention is the identity of the “elect” mentioned in Matthew 24:31. While some argue this refers to the church, the context suggests it more likely refers to the Jewish remnant who come to faith during the tribulation period:
- Dr. Stanley Toussaint observes that terms like “gospel of the kingdom,” “holy place,” “Sabbath,” and “Messiah” in Matthew 24 indicate that “Israel as a nation is in view.”
- Dr. Renald Showers explains that in the Old Testament, particularly Isaiah 65:7-16, God uses the term “elect” to refer to the believing Israelite remnant.
- The gathering of the elect in Matthew 24:31 appears to be connected to Old Testament prophecies about the regathering of Israel, particularly Deuteronomy 30:4.
This understanding of the “elect” in Matthew 24 further distinguishes it from the church-focused rapture described in 1 Thessalonians 4.
Harmonizing Without Conflating
Servus Christi rightly emphasizes the importance of harmonizing Scripture. However, harmonization does not require conflating distinct events. A more nuanced approach recognizes that Christ’s second coming may involve multiple stages or phases:
- The rapture of the church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
- The tribulation period (Matthew 24:4-28)
- Christ’s visible return to earth (Matthew 24:29-31, Revelation 19)
This view, often called the “pre-tribulation rapture,” allows for a harmonious reading of these passages without forcing them to describe the same event. It recognizes each text’s unique features and purposes while maintaining a coherent eschatological framework.
Conclusion
While Servus Christi’s desire for biblical consistency is commendable, his assertion that Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 4-5 must describe the exact same event oversimplifies the complex nature of biblical prophecy. A careful examination of these passages reveals significant differences in details, context, and purpose that suggest they describe related but distinct events in God’s eschatological plan.
This understanding does not undermine the unity of Scripture or create contradictions between the Gospels. Instead, it recognizes the multifaceted nature of Christ’s return and the different aspects emphasized by various biblical authors for their specific audiences.
As we engage with these challenging texts, we should approach them humbly, recognizing that godly scholars have long debated these issues. While we may disagree on the precise details of end-times chronology, we can unite around the central hope of Christ’s return and our ultimate redemption.
Let us continue to study these passages diligently, always being ready to answer the hope that is within us (1 Peter 3:15), while maintaining a spirit of grace and unity with fellow believers who may interpret some details differently.
