Categories: Gotquestions

What is the Parousia?

Answer

The Greek word parousia (pronounced pair-oo-see-ah) is a noun that means “a coming” or “a presence.” As it is used in the New Testament, it can refer to an individual’s arrival or presence in a specific place or with specific people. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 16:17, Paul mentions “the arrival of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus.” In 2 Corinthians 7:6, Paul talks about “the arrival of Titus.” In Philippians 2:12, it is used to describe Paul’s presence.

However, upon searching the Greek New Testament, it becomes evident that this word primarily signifies the Coming of the Lord Jesus. It can denote either His second coming at the conclusion of the 7-year tribulation period (Matthew 24:27, 37, 39; Revelation 19:11 ff), or His coming to rapture His Church before the tribulation period known as the 7-year tribulation (1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; James 5:8; 1 John 2:28).

Therefore, the Parousia represents the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and one must consider the context to ascertain whether it pertains to His appearance in the air to rapture or snatch away the Church (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), or if it signifies His second coming to Earth to establish His millennial kingdom (Matthew 24-25; Revelation 19:11ff; 20:4-6).

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