Early Christian Beliefs About the Great Tribulation

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

...as met by a beast so large that it could destroy peoples, but through the power of the Lord and His great mercy I escaped from it." She said, "You escaped from it well, because you cast your care on God and opened your heart to the Lord, believing that you can be saved by no other than by His great and glorious name. For this reason the Lord has sent His angel, who has rule over the beasts, and whose name is Thegri, and has shut up its mouth, so that it cannot tear you. You have escaped from great tribulation on account of your faith, and because you did not doubt in the presence of such a beast. Go, therefore, and tell the elect of the Lord His mighty deeds, and say to them that this beast is a type of the great tribulation that is coming. If, then, you prepare yourselves and repent with all your heart, and turn to the Lord, it will be possible for you to escape it, if your heart is pure and spotless, and you spend the rest of the days of your life in serving the Lord blamelessly. Cast your cares upon the Lord, and He will direct them. Trust the Lord, you who doubt, for He is all-powerful, and can turn His anger away from you, and send scourges on the doubters. Woe to those who

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

This then is the type of the great tribulation that is to come.

Hippolytus, Treatise on Christ and Antichrist Direct teaching

...ables and dark sayings, saying, "Here is the mind which has wisdom," Revelation 17:9, then how much greater danger do we face if we dare to declare openly things that they spoke in obscure terms? Therefore, let us look at the things that will happen to this unclean harlot in the last days. And let us consider what tribulation, and what kind of tribulation, is appointed to come upon her in the wrath of God before the judgment, as a foretaste of her doom.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Supporting witness

I have already shown above, that when six thousand years shall be completed this change must take place, and that the last day of the extreme conclusion is now drawing near.

Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Direct teaching

and there will be distress and tribulation, such as there never has been from the beginning of the world.

Hippolytus, Treatise on Christ and Antichrist Direct teaching

...ight for us to take up the Holy Scriptures themselves. From them we should learn what the coming of Antichrist will be, and what kind of coming it will be; on what occasion and at what time that lawless one will be revealed; and from where and from what tribe he will come; and what his name is, which is shown by the number in Scripture; and how he will work error among the people, gathering them from the ends of the earth; and how he will stir up tribulation and persecution against the saints; and how he will glorify himself as God; and what his end will be; and how the sudden appearing of the Lord will be revealed from heaven; and what the burning of the whole world will be; and what the glorious and heavenly kingdom of the saints will be, when they reign together with Christ; and what the punishment of the wicked by fire will be.

Hippolytus, Treatise on Christ and Antichrist Supporting witness

For in distinguishing the kingdoms that are to rise after these things, he showed also the coming of Antichrist in the last times, and the consummation of the whole world.

Hippolytus, Treatise on Christ and Antichrist Direct teaching

...nounced this lion and lion's cub ahead of time. In the same way, we also find what is written about Antichrist. Moses says, "Dan is a lion's cub, and he shall leap from Bashan." Deuteronomy 33:22 But so that no one may go astray by thinking this is said about the Savior, let him pay close attention to the matter. "Dan," he says, "is a lion's cub." By naming the tribe of Dan, he clearly declared the tribe from which Antichrist is appointed to come. For just as Christ comes from the tribe of Judah, so Antichrist is to come from the tribe of Dan. And that this is so, we also see from the words of Jacob: "Let Dan be a serpent, lying on the ground, biting the horse's heel." Genesis 49:17 What, then, is meant by the serpent except Antichrist, that deceiver who is mentioned in Genesis, Genesis 3:1, who deceived Eve and supplanted Adam, bruising Adam's heel? But since it is necessary to prove this claim with enough testimony, we will not draw back from the task.

Tertullian, Against Marcion Direct teaching

... temple of God, and boast himself as being God? 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4. According to our view, he is Antichrist, as both the ancient and the new prophecies teach us, and especially the Apostle John, who says that already many false prophets have gone out into the world, the forerunners of Antichrist. They deny that Christ has come in the flesh, 1 John 4:1-3, and do not acknowledge Jesus to be the Christ, meaning in God the Creator. According to Marcion's view, however, it is really hard to know whether He might not, after all, be the Creator's Christ, because according to him He has not yet come. But whichever of the two it is, I want to know why he comes in all power, and with lying signs and wonders, 2 Thessalonians 2:9. "Because," he says, "they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. For this reason God will send them an instinct of delusion, to believe a lie, so that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness," 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12. If therefore he is Antichrist, as we hold, and comes according to the Creator's purpose, then it must be God the Creator who sends him to fasten in their error those who d

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness

...stion asked by a person and the Spirit responding. Again, in Second Thessalonians, when speaking of Antichrist, he says, “And then the wicked will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus Christ will slay with the Spirit of His mouth, and will destroy with the presence of His coming; even him whose coming is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders.” Here, the word order is: “And then the wicked will be revealed, whose coming is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the Spirit of His mouth, and will destroy with the presence of His coming.” He does not mean that the coming of the Lord follows the working of Satan, but the coming of the wicked one, whom we also call Antichrist. If one doesn't pay attention to the correct reading of the passage and doesn’t present the pauses properly, there will not only be inconsistencies, but also he may utter blasphemy, as if the arrival of the Lord could be according to the working of Satan. Therefore, in such passages, the transposition must be presented by the reading, preserving the apostle’s intended meaning; thus, we do not read “the god o

Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book III Supporting witness

and that the lion, that is, antichrist, rampant against mankind in the latter days, should be trampled down by Him;

Matthew 24:21 Direct teaching

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Matthew 24:29 Direct teaching

“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

Luke 21:23 Supporting witness

But woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck, in those days! for there shall be great distress in the land, and wrath upon this people.

Daniel 12:1 Direct teaching

“At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book.

2 Timothy 3:1 Direct teaching

But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

1 John 2:18 Direct teaching

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.

Revelation 1:9 Direct teaching

I, John, your brother and partner in the tribulation and the kingdom and the patient endurance that are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos on account of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

Revelation 2:10 Supporting witness

Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Mark 13:19 Supporting witness

For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be.

Matthew 24:19 Supporting witness

And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

Luke 21:22 Supporting witness

For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

Cyprian, to the martyrs and confessors in Christ our Lord and in God the Father: everlasting salvation. I gladly rejoice and give thanks, most brave and blessed brothers, when I hear of your faith and courage, in which the Church, our Mother, glories. Recently, she indeed gloried when, because of a steadfast confession, that punishment was endured which drove Christ’s confessors into exile. Yet the present confession is much more shining and greater in honor, because it is braver in suffering. The struggle has grown, and the glory of those who fight has also grown. You were not held back from the battle by fear of tortures. Rather, by the tortures themselves you were stirred up more and more to the conflict. Bravely and firmly you returned, with willing devotion, to contend in the greatest struggle. I find that some of you are already crowned, while some are even now close to the crown of victory. But all whom danger has enclosed together in a glorious company are eager to carry on the struggle with the same common zeal of courage, as is fitting for the soldiers of Christ in the divine camp. Let no attractions deceive the uncorrupted firmness of your faith, no threats terrify you,

Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching

...ed away, grant it in my name." Moreover, all of us whom the Lord has graciously called away in such tribulation have, by our letters and by mutual agreement, given peace to all. You see, then, brother, how I have done this in part because of what Paulus commanded me, and also because of what we all decided in every case when we were in this tribulation. In it, by the command of the emperor, we were ordered to be put to death by hunger and thirst, and were shut up in two cells, so that they might wear us down by hunger and thirst. Moreover, the burning from our torture was so unbearable that nobody could endure it. But now we have reached that very brightness. Therefore, beloved brother, greet Numeria and Candida, who shall have peace according to the command of Paulus, and also the rest of the martyrs whose names I add: Bassus in the dungeon of the perjured, Mappalicus at the torture, Fortunio in prison, Paulus after torture, Fortunata, Victorinus, Victor, Herennius, Julia, Martial, and Aristo, who by God's will were put to death in the prison by hunger. In a few days you will hear of me also as their companion. For it has now been eight days from the day when I was shut up agai

Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Direct teaching

After a few days, I saw him in the same plain where I had also seen the shepherds. He said to me, "What do you want from me?" I said to him, "Sir, I want you to order the shepherd who punishes to leave my house, because he is afflicting me very severely." He replied, "It is necessary for you to be afflicted. For this is what the glorious angel commanded concerning you, because he wants you to be tested." I replied, "Sir, what have I done that is so bad, that I should be handed over to this angel?" He said, "Listen. Your sins are many, but they are not so great that you should be handed over to this angel. But your household has committed great wickedness and sins, and the glorious angel has become angry with them because of what they have done. For this reason, he commanded that you be afflicted for a certain time, so that they also might repent and cleanse themselves from every desire of this world. Therefore, when they repent and are purified, the angel of punishment will leave." I said to him, "Sir, if they have done such things as to make the glorious angel angry with them, then what have I done?" He replied, "They cannot be afflicted at all unless you, the head of the house, a

Justin Martyr, The First Apology Supporting witness

...ayer to the gods of my country. But, as they did not respond, I called upon those among us known as Christians. Upon investigation, I found a great number and multitude of them and initially acted against them, which was quite inappropriate, as I later understood their power. They began the battle, not with weapons, armor, or bugles, as such preparations are detestable to them because of the God they carry in their conscience. Therefore, it appears that those we think are atheists have God as their guiding force entrenched in their conscience. Throwing themselves on the ground, they prayed not only for me but for the entire army, that we might be saved from the current thirst and hunger. We had been without water for five days because there was none, being deep in Germany, in enemy territory. Simultaneously as they threw themselves on the ground and prayed to God (a God unknown to me), water poured from the sky, refreshingly cool upon us but as withering hail upon Rome's enemies. Immediately we acknowledged the presence of God following their prayer—a God unconquerable and indestructible. Based on this, let us pardon such individuals who are Christians, lest they pray for and ac

Peter of Alexandria, Canonical Epistle Supporting witness

... with those who, as if from sleep, leap into a contest that has long been going on and is likely to last a long time. They bring temptations on themselves like a sea battle and the flooding of many waves. Or rather, for the brothers, they kindle the coals of the sinners. We must also remain in fellowship with them, since they come to this in the name of Christ, even though they pay no attention to His words when He teaches us to pray that we do not enter into temptation, in Matthew 26:41. And again in His prayer, He says to His Father, "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil," in Matthew 6:13. Perhaps they also do not know that the Master of the House and our Great Teacher often withdrew from those who would lay snares for Him, and that sometimes He did not walk openly because of them. Even when the time of His passion drew near, He did not give Himself up, but waited until they came to Him with swords and clubs. Therefore He said to them, "Have you come out, as against a thief, with swords and clubs to take Me?" in Matthew 26:55. And, He says, "they delivered Him to Pilate," in Matthew 27:2. As it was with Him, so it happens to those who walk with Him before

Dionysius of Alexandria, Epistles and Epistolary Fragments Supporting witness

...at this was so by your voluntary retirement. For it would have been your duty to suffer any kind of affliction, so as to avoid rending the Church of God. And a martyrdom borne for the sake of preventing a division of the Church would not have been less honorable than one endured for refusing to worship idols. No, in my opinion, the former would have been a nobler thing than the latter. For in the one case, a person gives such a testimony simply for his own individual soul. Whereas in the other case, he is a witness for the whole Church. And now, if you can persuade or constrain the brothers to come to be of one mind again, your uprightness will be greater than your error. And the latter will not be charged against you, while the former will be commended in you. But if you cannot prevail so far with your recusant brothers, see to it that you save your own soul. My wish is that in the Lord you may fare well as you study peace.

Early Liturgies, Divine Liturgy of St. James Supporting witness

For every Christian soul in tribulation and distress, and needing the mercy and succour of God;

Anonymous, Connection to Revelation 1:9 Supporting witness

but he takes up his name again, and says: "I John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Justin Martyr, The Second Apology Supporting witness

...rvants and indulging in drunkenness and vice and wanting him to do the same, accused her of being a Christian when she left without his consent. She presented a request to the Emperor, asking for permission to settle her affairs before defending against the accusation, which was granted. Unable to prosecute her, her husband targeted a man named Ptolemaeus, her teacher in Christian doctrines, with the help of a centurion who was friendly to him. The centurion took Ptolemaeus, interrogating him only on whether he was a Christian. Ptolemaeus, being truthful, confessed, was imprisoned, and later, when questioned by Urbicus, again affirmed his belief truthfully and was sentenced. Lucius, another Christian, witnessing this unjust judgment, questioned Urbicus: “What cause is there for this judgment? Why punish a man not guilty of adultery, immorality, murder, theft, or any crime, but only for being called a Christian? This judgment does not reflect well on Emperor Pius, nor the philosopher, son of Caesar, nor the sacred senate.” Urbicus responded, “You seem to be like this man,” to which Lucius replied, “Most certainly I am,” and was ordered to be executed. Lucius gave thanks, knowing

Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness

...past the disorders of youth and the slanders of the heathen, as well as the reproaches that are sometimes thrown at many people by certain false brothers, who do not consider the word of God in the Gospel: "Whoever speaks an idle word shall give account of it to the Lord in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36. And again: "By your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned." Matthew 12:37. Therefore, if possible, let him be well educated. But if he is unlearned, let him at least be skillful in the word and of suitable age. But if, in a small parish, no one advanced in years can be found, let some younger man be ordained in peace, if he has a good reputation among his neighbors and is considered by them worthy of the office of a bishop, and if he has conducted himself from his youth with meekness and order, like a much older man, after examination and a general good report. For Solomon was king of Israel at twelve years of age, and Josiah, at eight years of age, reigned righteously, 2 Kings 22:1, and in the same way Joash governed the people at seven years of age, 2 Chronicles 24:1; 2 Kings 11:3-4. Therefore, although the man is young, let him be meek,