From Wikipedia we see that the word eschatology originates from the Greek ἔσχατος/ἐσχάτη/ἔσχατον, eschatos/eschatē/eschaton meaning “last” and -logy meaning “the study of”. Therefore, it means study of last things. In reference to Biblical events, generally speaking it relates to the “end of the age.” The phrase “last days” occurs between 4 and 7 times (depending on your translation) in the New Testament. For example, using the Contemporary English Version we see 7 incidences of this phrase. They are as follows:
Acts 2:17 “When the last days come, I will give my Spirit to everyone. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will have dreams.
1Cor 10:11 These things happened to them as a warning to us. All this was written in the Scriptures to teach us who live in these last days.
1Tim 4:1 God’s Spirit clearly says that in the last days many people will turn from their faith. They will be fooled by evil spirits and by teachings that come from demons.
2Tim 3:1 You can be certain that in the last days there will be some very hard times.
Jas 5:3 Your money has rusted, and the rust will be evidence against you, as it burns your body like fire. Yet you keep on storing up wealth in these last days.
1Pet 1:20 Christ was chosen even before the world was created, but because of you, he did not come until these last days.
2Pet 3:3 But first you must realize that in the last days some people won’t think about anything except their own selfish desires. They will make fun of you
Even from these few verses, it is clear that the New Testament Bible writers clearly thought they were in the last days, but the last days of what? They are speaking of the last days of the age in which they were living. Notice how they asked Jesus the question in Matthew 24:3 (from the English Standard Version):
Matt 24:3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?”
This is question was answered by Jesus in what is commonly called “The Olivet Discourse” which simply means a discourse that Jesus gave on the Mount of Olives. This can be found in the synoptic Gospels at Matthew 24 -25, Mark 13, and Luke 21.
As you will find in various places on this site, this spoke of the end of the Jewish age which occurred in AD70 with the complete destruction of the city of Jerusalem, Herod’s Temple, and the scattering of those who remained. This end marked the complete end of the Jewish sacrificial system, which has still never been restored some 2000 years later.
Under this category you will see a discussion of the Olivet Discourse, and other articles (coming soon) relating to this event and the significance of it. I encourage you to read these articles with an open mind, as much error is continually being taught concerning this topic.
Truth in Living 