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According to the New Testament, after how long an interval did Jesus promise to return to earth?

According to the New Testament, after how long an interval did Jesus promise to return to earth?

Answer:

Jesus' alleged remarks about the parousia, that is, his promised second "presence," "arrival," present a problem for Christianity. Some of his statements anticipate a quick return (Matthew 10:23; Mark 9:1; John 14:3, 21:22-23), other comments are less sure and suppose an indeterminate interval before the return (Matthew 12:31-33, 24:50, 25:13; Mark 13:35-37; Acts 1:7); and in one instance Jesus is reported to have said he does not know when he will return (Mark 13:32).

Jesus made none of these comments. These various statements reveal that the myth of the "second coming" was explained in different ways as the interval following Jesus' death lengthened.

 

© Gerald Sigal