Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "fullness of time" is a significant theological theme in the Bible, referring to the divinely appointed time when God's purposes are fulfilled. This concept underscores God's sovereignty and perfect timing in the unfolding of His redemptive plan.Biblical References 1. Galatians 4:4-5 : "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." This passage highlights the incarnation of Jesus Christ as the pivotal moment in history, occurring at the precise time ordained by God. The "fullness of time" here indicates the culmination of God's preparatory work through the Law and the Prophets, leading to the coming of the Messiah. 2. Ephesians 1:9-10 : "And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." This passage reveals God's ultimate plan to unite all things under Christ, emphasizing the eschatological aspect of the "fullness of time." It points to the future consummation of God's kingdom when Christ's lordship will be fully realized. 3. Mark 1:15 : "The time is fulfilled," He said, "and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" Jesus' proclamation at the beginning of His ministry indicates that the "fullness of time" had arrived with His advent, marking the inauguration of the kingdom of God. Theological Significance The "fullness of time" reflects God's meticulous orchestration of historical events to achieve His redemptive purposes. It assures believers of God's control over history and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. The concept also emphasizes the centrality of Christ in God's plan, as all things converge in Him. Historical Context In the first-century context, the "fullness of time" can be understood in light of several historical and cultural factors that facilitated the spread of the Gospel. The Pax Romana provided relative peace and stability, while the extensive Roman road system and common Greek language (Koine Greek) enabled easier travel and communication. Additionally, there was a widespread expectation of a coming deliverer, both within Judaism and in the broader Greco-Roman world, creating a ripe environment for the message of Christ. Application for Believers Understanding the "fullness of time" encourages believers to trust in God's timing in their own lives. Just as God orchestrated the events leading to Christ's first coming, He continues to work in the lives of His people, often in ways that are not immediately apparent. This trust in divine timing calls for patience and faith, knowing that God's purposes will be accomplished in His perfect time. The "fullness of time" also serves as a reminder of the urgency of the Gospel message. As Jesus declared the nearness of the kingdom, believers are called to live in anticipation of His return, actively participating in the mission of spreading the Gospel to all nations. Nave's Topical Index Galatians 4:4But when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, Nave's Topical Index Ephesians 1:10 Library "The Fullness of the Time" Therefore at that Time, when the Law Also... Whether the Articles of Faith have Increased with the Passing of ... In what Manner the Son was Sent and Proclaimed Beforehand. How in ... The Analogy Between the Two Advents of Christ. The Son and Holy Spirit are not Therefore Less Because Sent. The ... What is Man? Of the Perfect Man, that Is, Christ; and of his Body, that Is, the ... The Sender and the Sent Equal. Why the Son is Said to be Sent by ... John Chapter xvii. 1 Resources Does the Bible say anything about the possibility of time travel? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org What is the time of Jacob's trouble? | GotQuestions.org Time: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Time in Prophetic Language, Means a Prophetic Year, or 360 Natural Time: All Events of, Predetermined by God Time: All God's Purposes Fulfilled in Due Time Time: Computed by Hours, After the Captivity Time: Daniel's Reckoning of Time, and Times, and Half Times Time: Division of, Into Watches Time: Epochs of Before the Flood Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Accession of Kings Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Building of the Temple Time: Eras from Which, Computed: Nativity of the Patriarchs During the Patriarchal Age Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Captivity Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Exodus from Egypt Time: Eras from Which, Computed: The Jubilee Time: One Day is Like One-Thousand Years Time: Part of a Period of, Usually Counted As the Whole Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Accepted Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Ancient Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Evil Time Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Healing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Need Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Reformation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Refreshing Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Restitution of all Things Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Temptation Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Trouble Time: Particular Periods of, Mentioned: The Time of Visitation Time: Shortness of Man's Portion of Time: should be Spent in Fear of God Time: The Duration of the World Time: The Heavenly Bodies, Appointed As a Means for Computing Time: The Measure of the Continuance of Anything Time: The Sun-Dial Early Invented for Pointing Out Related Terms |
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