John Calvin on the Last Days in II Timothy 3
This article examines John Calvin's interpretation of "the last days" in II Timothy 3, exploring how the Genevan Reformer understood this eschatological term as referring to the entire period of the Christian Church from Pentecost onward and the kingdom of Christ. Stewart analyzes Calvin's exegesis to determine its compatibility with postmillennial theology and to clarify what Calvin taught regarding the calling of believers and pastors during this eschatological period.
Rev. Angus Stewart About half of the 27 inspired books of the New Testament Scriptures were penned by Paul. Although all of the apostle’s epistles contain eschatological teaching,1 only I and II Thessalonians treat aspects of the end times in all of their (eight) chapters. Specific chapters in Paul’s letters treat key eschatological subjects, such as God’s purposes with Israel in the New Testament age (Rom. 11), the man of sin (II Thess. 2) and the resurrection of the body (I Cor. 15)....