The Uncertainty of the Time of the Second Advent
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you.…


Of this true advent season of eternity, though much is known, much too is hidden. There are secrets the Divine Bridegroom whispers not; that the "Spirit and the Bride" may still "say, Come." Between the Church and the Church's Head there still subsists, even in this intimate union, a mysterious separation; and on the period of that separation a holy reserve. It has already lasted for ages, and we cannot dare to predict at what epoch it is to close. The veil that hangs before the celestial sanctuary is still undrawn; and it is vain for us to "marvel" as of old the expectants of Zacharias, that the High Priest of our profession "tarrieth so long in the temple." He has willed it that, certain of His eventual arrival, we should remain in uncertainty as to its destined moment. This mingling of ignorance and knowledge on the part of Christ's people is best suited to keep alive in their breasts the hope whose breathed utterance is "Even so, come, Lord Jesus." The Thessalonians knew that the time could not be known, hence there was no need for Paul to write about it.

(J. Hutchison, D. D.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

WEB: But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.




The Second Advent and its Issues
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