Journal: Journal of Ministry and Theology
Volume: JMAT 21:1 (Spring 2017)
Article: The Times Of The Gentiles
Author: Gary R. Gromacki

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The Times Of The Gentiles

Gary Gromacki

Professor of Bible and Homiletics
Baptist Bible Seminary
South Abington Twp., Pennsylvania

Introduction

Jesus made this prediction in his Olivet Discourse:

But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled” (Luke 21:20–24, NKJV).

What did Jesus mean when he referred to “the times of the Gentiles?”1 When did the times of the Gentiles begin? When will the times of the Gentiles end? What events will happen during this period of time when Gentiles conquer Jerusalem?

The times of the Gentiles refers to the period of time that began with the destruction of Jerusalem and Solomon’s temple by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians in 586 BC. The times of the Gentiles included the destruction of Jerusalem and the second temple by Titus and the Romans in AD. 70.2 The times of the

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Gentiles also includes a future time during the last half of the tribulation period when Jerusalem will be surrounded and conquered by Gentile armies (Zech 12:3; 14:2; Matt 24:15–31; Rev 11:1–3). The times of the Gentiles will end with the second coming of Messiah Jesus who will defeat the Gentile armies led by the Antichrist at the battle of Armageddon and deliver the Jewish remnant in Jerusalem (Zech 14:3–9; Rev 19:11–21).

The times of the Gentiles started during the dispensation of law, includes the dispensation of grace and will end at the conclusion of the seven year tribulation period before the start of the dispensation of the kingdom. The times of the Gentiles includes all of the 70 weeks (490 years) of Daniel�...

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