The End Time Bible Commentary

In May 2024, I wrote my review of Christian Widener's book, 'Witnessing the End', which presents the stunning revelation that the Daniel 9:25 decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem had a further fulfilment in 1537. This decree by Suleiman the Magnificent, the Ottoman Caliph, is written in stone and visible in plain sight on the Temple Mount, and was also inscribed in stone upon the moat walls of the Tower of David (although this inscription was buried in 1898). The upshot of this revelation is that Daniel's prophecy of 70 weeks may have a double fulfilment, starting in 1537 and ending in 2027.

A year ago, while I found this revelation striking and compelling, I struggled to see how the Revelation timeline could be completed in 2027. By May 18, 2024, events already appeared to be behind schedule. However, since then I have been following Widener's regular YouTube postings, and I have to admit that I am becoming more and more convinced he is right, at least that Daniel's 70th week started in 2020 and ends in 2027.

Key Points in the above video (interspersed with my responses in a green background)

0.00 Two periods of tribulation, 1) the birth pains, equivalent to the seals, and 2) the great tribulation, equivalent to the Day of the Lord, which includes the trumpets and bowls

What's new here is that the first part lasts 7 years, and the second part is much shorter. Traditionally, the tribulation has been equated with Daniel's 70th week and understood to be in two equal parts, each lasting three and a half years, with the abomination of desolation occurring at the mid-point. But Widener is now proposing a seven year tribulation that equates with the 7 seals and lasts 7 years (still with the abomination occurring in the middle - on Oct 7), then the Rapture, and then the Great Tribulation extending beyond Daniel's 70th week and comprising the trumpet and bowl judgments. This does make sense to me. But does it fit with Daniel 9:24, "Seventy weeks have been determined concerning your people and your holy city to put an end to rebellion, to bring sin to completion, to atone for iniquity, to bring in perpetual righteousness, to seal up the prophetic vision, and to anoint a most holy place"?

2:27 The decree everyone missed.
2:46 Daniel's decree starting 70 sevens is a double prophecy.

This point alone makes Widener's book, 'Witnessing the End' an absolute must-read for anyone interested in end times!

3:34 The 4th seal results in the death of a quarter of the earth by sword, famine, disease, and the wild beasts of the earth (Rev 6:8). Christian now suggests that the 7 seals last seven years, ending in 2027, and expects an exponential increase in deaths in the next 2 years.

5:20 References a video by Dr John Campbell about global excess deaths.

The statement in Rev6:8 that the four horsemen will be given authority over a fourth of the earth to kill its population by sword, famine, disease, and by the wild animals of the earth could be understood in two different ways:-

1) that a quarter of the earth's global population will perish. Currently that would equate to about 2 billion people out of a global population of about 8 billion, leaving about 6 billion survivors. This is a worst-case interpretation.

Or:

2) that the events associated with the four horsemen will affect approximately one quarter of the earth's geographical area, and that within that limited area, many people will die. This interpretation would imply a much more limited total death toll.

It is said that they will kill people "by sword, famine, disease, and by the wild animals of the earth". Although wild animals could be interpreted literally, it is much more likely that this alludes to the wild beasts of Daniel 7 which metaphorically represent conquering nations and empires.

14:00 The idea that the 5th seal has been opened and persecution is increasing around the earth is more serious than people have considered.

I agree. The number of martyrs in Nigeria is especially worrying. Why is the international community doing nothing to prevent this?

15:10 The key is understanding that 'The Day of the Lord is a year of Jubilee'.

So we should expect the big event in 2027. But this big event is the 'parousia', the glorious appearing of Jesus on the clouds (Daniel 7:13-14, Matthew 24:30, Revelation 6:14-17). It is followed by the rapture (Daniel 7:14 & 27, Matthew 24:31, Revelation 7:9-17). And yes, it marks the beginning of the Day of Wrath (Revelation 6:17) which includes the trumpet and bowl judgments, but the big event is the parousia, not the rapture or judgments.

16:20 The Fig Tree parable (Matthew 24:32-35).

Yes, I do agree that the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 should be understood as the new beginning portrayed in the parable by the fig tree sprouting leaves. And taking a generation as 80 years (Psalm 90:10), we should therefore expect the second coming by 2028.

16:55 The Abomination of Desolation is in 2 parts:
1) The massacre of October 7 in which Hamas committed numerous abominations against Israel (Proverbs 6:16-19)
2) The Man of Lawlessness takes his seat in God's temple and declares himself to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:3-4)

I agree. It seems to me that the second part occurs when Jerusalem falls to the Antichrist (Zechariah 14:1-2, Ezekiel 38:18). This is the trigger for Christ's second coming (Zechariah 14:3-5, Ezekiel 38:18-20).

17:50 The Gaza war is really about the Temple Mount.

Yes, Hamas called Oct 7 'The Al-Aqsa Flood' for a reason!

19:30 Are we missing the signs that we are already in the tribulation because the signs don't match the expectations that most people had?

Yes! The common expectation of a pre-trib rapture is especially problematic. Too many Christians think we won't be here for the tribulation.

20:00 The Rapture
20:35 The Rapture Elephant

I love the blind guy, "There is no rapture"!!! But what's missing here is the possibility that the rapture is post-parousia.

21:34 The Rapture will likely come at the end of 7 years of tribulation.

Yes, because it comes at the end of the seals (Revelation 7:9-17).

22:00 Revised timetable: 7 years of birth pains and seal tribulation, then the Rapture, then the Day of the Lord, and finally the Rev 19 return.

The only problem I have with the above timetable is that it implies that Rev 19 is the parousia (Christ's initial second coming appearance in glory). In reality, the parousia occurs at the sixth seal (Rev 6:14-17). This is the moment when the veil that separates heaven and earth is torn open and every eye shall see him (Rev 1:7). From that moment onwards, Rev 6:15-17 tells us, "Then the kings of the earth, the very important people, the generals, the rich, the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. They said to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who is seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to withstand it?” This is the fulfilment of Daniel 7:13-14, and from that moment onwards, as people look up at the clouds they can see God visibly seated upon his throne, with Jesus at his right hand. This is what Jesus prophesied in Matthew 26:64, "…You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

Psalm 110:1-3 says, "1Here is the LORD's proclamation to my lord: “Sit down at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool!” 2The LORD extends your dominion from Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies! 3Your people willingly follow you when you go into battle. On the holy hills at sunrise the dew of your youth belongs to you." Verse 1 was fulfilled at Christ's Ascension, when he visibly ascended into glory (Acts 1:9-10) and was seated at God's right hand (Acts 2:34-36). When Stephen was being stoned, he looked up at the sky and was enabled to see Jesus seated at God's right hand upon the clouds (Acts 7:56). This reality will become visible to all at the 6th seal. From that point onwards, up until Armageddon, Jesus must extend his dominion from Zion and rule in the midst of his enemies (Psalm 110:2). Then comes Armageddon, when the resurrected and raptured saints (the Armies of Heaven) will fight with him (Psalm 110:3, Rev 19:14). In other words, during the Day of the Lord, which begins at the 6th seal, when Jesus is visibly seated at God's right hand upon the clouds, Jesus must rule in the midst of his enemies. Antichrist is still at large and ruling the nations during that period.

It is clear from Rev 19:13-14 that Armageddon is not his initial appearance in glory, "He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God. 14The armies that are in heaven, dressed in white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses." Christ's royal robes are dipped / soaked in blood as per Isaiah 63:1-6. He arrives at Armageddon having already fought his way through Edom, and his robes are splattered with the blood of those whom he has slaughtered along the way. He fights his Edom campaign alone (Isaiah 63:5-6). Later, when he arrives at Armageddon, he is joined by the armies of heaven (Rev 19:14) but their / our robes are clean and white because Armageddon is our first battle. Whereas for Jesus, Armageddon is his final battle.

This same order of events is reflected in 1 Corinthians 15:21-25, "For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. 22For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; then when Christ comes, those who belong to him. 24Then comes the end, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when he has brought to an end all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet." Here we see the same order of events are presented in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, i.e. the second coming, then the resurrection of dead believers, then the rapture of living believers. Between verses 23 and 24 we should understand that there is a gap (the Day of the Lord) and by the end of that Jesus has put all his enemies under his feet and he is able to hand the kingdom over to God the Father. At that point, we know from Daniel 7:27, "Then the kingdom, authority, and greatness of the kingdoms under all of heaven will be delivered to the people of the holy ones of the Most High. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom; all authorities will serve him and obey him." In other words, once Jesus had defeated all his enemies and made them his footstool, he hands the kingdom back to God the Father and the Father hands it over to the saints. And so we rule with Christ eternally.

23:30 Christian reads Rev 6:8 and points out that the Day of Wrath / Day of the Lord starts at the 6th seal.

Yes, because Jesus comes back at the 6th seal. Christ's first coming marked the beginning of the Year of the Lord's favour (Luke 4:19, Isaiah 61:2a), and his second coming will mark the beginning of the Day of Wrath (Rev 6:17, Isaiah 61:2b).

23:50 Luke 12:40, "You also must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him."

Yes, it is Christ's coming that takes the world by surprise. Although the rapture then happens, it is not the rapture that is the big surprise - it is Christ's second coming in glory! Armageddon is not going to be a surprise. After Christ has ruled in the midst of his enemies for the duration of the Day of the Lord, earthly rulers gather their armies to Armageddon to challenge his takeover of the nations of the world. They don't want Jesus to rule the world!

24:30 He shows that Jesus coming back (to gather his elect) and the Day of the Lord both come like a thief in the night, and argues it is because they happen at the same time.

Yes, but his coming back is no secret coming - he comes back in glory for all to see and then gathers his elect (Matthew 24:30-31).

26:00 He reads from 1 Thess 5:2-6:9 and points out that his coming should not be like a thief in the night for Christians who are alert and watching, because we should see it coming.

But sadly, much of the Church is asleep and isn't watching!

29:00 He stresses the need for us to be flexible in our interpretation of eschatology.

Absolutely! In Matthew 16:1-4, Jesus likened observation of the signs of the times to following the weather forecast, "Now when the Pharisees and Sadducees came to test Jesus, they asked him to show them a sign from heaven. He said, “When evening comes you say, ‘It will be fair weather, because the sky is red,' and in the morning, ‘It will be stormy today, because the sky is red and darkening.' You know how to judge correctly the appearance of the sky, but you cannot evaluate the signs of the times. A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign, but no sign will be given to it except the sign of Jonah.” If you are planning an outdoor event for a particular day, perhaps a wedding for example, you are going to pay close attention to the weather forecast. And the closer that particular day comes, the more refined and accurate the weather forecast will be. That is because meteorologists and their computer algorithms are constantly reassessing and updating their predictions based on the latest data. There is no shame in them making changes to their predictions. Likewise, as the second coming approaches, we must keep track of the latest world data and be prepared to adjust our assumptions and predictions.

29:45 "And I'm expecting that the severity of the birth pains will grow exponentially and dramatically worsen over the next two years."

That's ominous, but probably correct.

30:50 He addresses the "falling away" (Gk: apostasia) in 2 Thess 2:3. He stresses it is a departure / falling away from faith, not a departure because of the rapture. It is NOT a synonym for 'harpazo' (being caught up / raptured).

Yes, Christians who argue for a pre-trib rapture completely contradict Paul's argument in 2 Thessalonians 2 as to why the Day of the Lord has not already happened. His argument is that Christ's arrival (the second coming) and our being gathered to him (the rapture) must be preceded by the falling away (apostasia) and the lawless one being revealed (taking his seat in God's temple and declaring himself to be God).

32:05 He sees the Rev 19 return of Jesus later.

32:30 He references his two videos about the dating of Christ's earthly ministry, "The Apocalypse and the Cross" - Part 1 & Part 2.

32:47 He presents his 'Working Timeline'

Daniel 12:11-12 says, "From the time that the daily sacrifice is removed and the abomination that causes desolation is set in place, there are 1,290 days. 12Blessed is the one who waits and attains to the 1,335 days." If we take October 7, 2023 as the starting point, 1,290 days takes us to April 19, 2027, and 1335 days takes us to June 3, 2027. Scripture doesn't tell us what takes place exactly at each of these two points, or what happens in the extra 45-day window of time. But it could well be that April 19, 2027 is the day when the abomination of desolation is completed by part 2, when the Antichrist takes his seat in God's temple and declares himself to be God. My understanding of Zechariah 14 is that it is the fall of Jerusalem that is the trigger for Christ's second coming, and it is at that point that he sets his feet upon the Mount of Olives, splitting it in two and creating an escape route for Jerusalem's refugees (Zechariah 14:4-5a). In that case, we should expect the second coming on or shortly after April 19, 2027. The arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem at this point is portrayed metaphorically in Revelation 12:5 as a kind of rebirth, in line with Christ's use of the birth pains metaphor in Matthew 24:8. Revelation 12:5-6 says, "So the woman (i.e. Israel) gave birth to a son, a male child, who is going to rule over all the nations with an iron rod (i.e. Jesus - see Psalm 2:9). Her child was suddenly caught up to God and to his throne, and she (i.e. Israel's refugees) fled into the wilderness where a place had been prepared for her by God (i.e. the Bozrah sheepfold of Micah 2:12), so she could be taken care of for 1,260 days (after which Jesus will rescue them and lead them out - Micah 2:13)." After his arrival in Jerusalem, he is caught up to God's throne, and I assume this is the point at which he becomes visible to all, seated in glory at God's right hand upon the clouds (Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 6:14-17. Also see Psalms 2 and 110).

According to 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, Christ's second coming is followed by the resurrection of dead believers, and then the rapture of living believers. According to Revelation 7, the second coming is followed first by the sealing of the 144,000 who are descendants of the twelve tribes of Israel (verses 1-8), and then by the rapture of believers from every tribe and nation and language (verses 9-17). Putting these together, we have three key events that follow closely on the heels of the second coming, 1) the resurrection of dead believers, 2) the sealing of the 144,000 Israelites, and 3) the rapture of living believers. Most Christians overlook the significance of Christ's end-time restoration of Israel's ancient tribes, but it is a major theme of old testament prophecy. It is what Paul was referring to in Romans 11:25-27, "For I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: A partial hardening has happened to Israel until the full number of the Gentiles has come in. And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come out of Zion; he will remove ungodliness from Jacob. And this is my covenant with them, when I take away their sins.” Paul is not saying that every individual Jew will be saved, but rather that Jesus will restore all the tribes of Israel. Once the full number of Gentile believers have been gathered in at the rapture, Christ's focus will turn to restoring Israel and defeating her enemies until they become a footstool under his feet. The sealing of the 144,000 is the start of that process, and we see in Revelation 7 that it even precedes the rapture.

If Daniel's 1,290 days are completed on April 19, 2027 with part 2 of the abomination, and that event triggers the second coming shortly afterwards, and the escape of Jerusalem's refugees to a place of safety for 1,260 days, then Israel's 1,260 days in the wilderness take us to about September 30, 2030. Presumably that is the point when Jesus breaks them out of Bozrah and marches ahead of them as their king (Micah 2:13). In other words, that is the beginning of his Edom campaign (Isaiah 63:1-6, Habakkuk 3:1-15). It's not clear how long his Edom campaign lasts, but it suggests that Armageddon will take place sometime towards the end of 2030.

33:50 "What if the rapture isn't until later, like at the seventh trumpet?"

No! I used to think that, but Revelation 7:9-17 is clearly a portrayal of the raptured saints who will inherit the kingdom (Daniel 7:27). I am convinced that the rapture happens after Christ's second coming at the sixth seal.

34:30 He suggests the man of sin may not declare himself to be god in the temple of God until 2027 (1290 days after Oct 7, based on Dan 12:11).

Yes, I think that sounds reasonable. As above, 1,290 days after October 7 takes us to April 19, 2027.

34:40 He talks about the beast rising. He sees the beast as globalism, and plugs his video on that subject, "The 42-month Tribulation Has Begun--The Beast is Now Rising from the Sea".

The beast out of the sea in Revelation 13:1-10 is the same as the 4th beast in Daniel 7, but in its resurrected form after its deadly head wound has been healed. Daniel's 4th beast is most commonly identified as the Roman Empire, and consequently many Christians expect it to be resurrected as some kind of Western or European superpower under the leadership of the Antichrist. Personally, I understand Daniel's 4th beast to be the Islamic Empire, or possibly the Ottoman Empire more specifically. In that case we should expect the end-time beast to be a resurrected Islamic Empire, and it begins as a coalition of ten Islamic nations. See my commentaries on Daniel 7, Revelation 13, and my 'Timeline of Four Empires'. The identity of this 4th Empire is also closely intertwined with the identity of Mystery Babylon - see my commentary on Revelation 17.

34:55 "The most important thing is to be ready for the bridegroom, i.e. rapture..."

37:28 Luke 21:28, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

37:35 "Once the last days arrive, the scriptures must be re-analysed based on the events that are happening. Some call that Newspaper Exegesis, but it's only the wrong approach if it is applied at the WRONG TIME..."

38:05 Christian references his multiple videos on the end times and exhorts us to check them out.

38:25 He asks, "What is the Lord calling you to do about it?" In answer to this he quotes Heb 10:24-25. He then exhorts us to wake up our fellow believers and tell them to get ready for our Lord's return because too many are sleeping.

39:00 He references his two videos giving 7 warnings for the 7 churches of Revelation.

39:35 He references his two books, "The Temple Revealed" and "Witnessing the End".

My Thoughts