There are few subjects in Christian theology that are more engaging than that of eschatology. And within the eschatological framework, there are few more contentious subjects that that of the timing of the “rapture” of the church as mentioned by the apostle Paul in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. (The actual word Paul uses here is the Greek word ἁρπαγησόμεθα which means “caught up” or “snatched away”. Most English-speaking theologians use the word “rapture” which is a form of the word “rapiemur” from the Latin verb “rapio” which carries the same meaning as the Greek work ἁρπαγησόμεθα . This use comes from the Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible.)
As mentioned above, the timing of this rapture within the unfolding of end-time events is currently clouded in much confusion or, might we say, much debate. This debate centers around another Biblical term, the great tribulation, which Jesus described would occur near the end of the current world order.
Matthew 24:21: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be."
Differing Opinions
Most eschatological scholars agree on the veracity of the rapture as taught in scripture. They all agree that the rapture will indeed occur, but disagree on the placement of the rapture within the eschatological timetable.
There are three main schools of thought regarding where the timing of the rapture might occur in its relation to the great tribulation. Some say the rapture will occur right before the tribulation. Some say it will come in the middle of the tribulation and some say it will occur after the tribulation.
(Although there are some other lesser-held theological interpretations of these events, we will stick to these three, since they comprise the greatest body of eschatological thinking.)
The main dividing point in this great debate, then, is whether or not the church will be taken out of the earth and escape the great tribulation or whether it will go through the troubles with the rest of the world. There is no less than a raging debate as each side states its case.
So when did this controversy begin with regard to these schools of thought regarding the rapture and the great tribulation? Let’s go way back.
Early Church Fathers
If you research what the early church fathers taught on the great tribulation, the rapture (or gathering together) of the church, it becomes clear that there was differing views even then.
Irenaeus
For example, Irenaeus, who lived from 130–202 AD, was an influential early church father, theologian, and bishop of Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon, France). A disciple of Polycarp, who had been taught by the Apostle John, Irenaeus played a pivotal role in shaping early Christian doctrine, particularly in defending orthodoxy against Gnostic heresies. Irenaeus taught a post-tribulation rapture.
In “Against Heresies” (Book 5, Chapters 29 and 30), Irenaeus explains that the antichrist will rise to power, reigning for three and a half years, followed by a period of tribulation. This time of suffering will occur before Christ's second coming, at which point Jesus will destroy the antichrist and establish His millennial kingdom. Irenaeus draws on scriptures from Daniel and Paul, underscoring that believers will endure these events before being resurrected or taken up with Christ.
Of the Antichrist he writes:
… one who sums up in his own person all the apostasy of the devil, and assumes to himself the power of the devil.
This one shall concentrate in himself all the error and apostasy and blasphemy that has occurred in previous ages; he shall perform wonders and signs to deceive, and he shall persecute the saints.
He shall sit in the temple of God, boasting himself as God, and leading astray them that worship him, as if he were the Christ. But his coming shall be after the working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish.
And again:
He shall slay the righteous, and persecute those who refuse to worship him; and when he has reigned for a short time, he shall be destroyed by the glorious advent of the Lord.
Therefore it is fitting that we should wait for the fulfillment of the prophecy and not venture to pronounce the name beforehand; but when Antichrist shall have devastated all things in this world, he shall reign for three years and six months, and sit in the temple at Jerusalem; and then the Lord shall come from heaven in the clouds, in the glory of the Father, sending this man into the lake of fire, but bringing in for the righteous the times of the kingdom.
There is no mention of a pretribulation escape anywhere in his writings.
Ephraim the Syrian
Then there is Ephraim the Syrian who was a prominent Christian theologian, poet, and hymn author from the 4th century. He was born around 306 AD in Nisibis (modern-day Nusaybin, Turkey) and died in 373 AD in Edessa (now in southeastern Turkey). Some historians make the claim that Ephraim taught a pre-tribulation rapture of the church. One text often attributed to him states:
For the elect shall be gathered prior to the tribulation, so they shall not see the confusion and the great tribulation coming upon the unrighteous world.
However, many scholars reject the claim that this quote actually originated with Ephraim, but attribute the quote to a much-later work written between the 6th and 8th centuries AD entitled, “Pseudo-Ephraim”, and contend that Ephraim himself did not hold with the pretribulation rapture belief.
For the reader who would like to investigate this further, read the booklet, “Pseudo Ephraem Is NOT a Pretribulation Document” by Dr. Alan Kurchner (see alankurschner.com). Also of value in this discussion is the writings of Roger Pearse who wrote, “Did pseudo Ephraim believe in the Rapture? (This document can be found at roger-pearse.com)
Cyprian of Carthage
Next we look at Cyprian of Carthage (200–258 AD) who was born in Carthage, modern day Tunisia. He was ordained bishop of Carthage around 248 AD. He also seems to be a pre-tribulation rapture proponent.
In his "Treatise of Cyprian," he writes:
"We who see that terrible things have begun, and know that still more terrible things are imminent, may regard it as the greatest advantage to depart from it as quickly as possible."
While this does not explicitly mention the “great tribulation,” some historians feel that this passage alludes to one and the same. However, many claim that his desire “to depart from it” may just as well refer to death as some sort of pre-trib rapture escape.
Justin Martyr
Another early church father who held post-tribulation views was Justin Martyr who lived from 100 to 165 AD. Martyr was born in Flavia Neapolis (modern-day Nablus, in the West Bank). He converted to Christianity after pursuing various schools of philosophy, including Stoicism and Platonism. He was beheaded during the reign of Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius after being arrested for his Christian faith.
In “Dialogue with Trypho”, chapter 110, Justin Martyr discusses the rise of the antichrist and the persecution that believers would endure before Christ’s second coming.
….the Antichrist, being full of the devil, shall wage war against us Christians, and that God will send His Christ, and they who believe in Him shall be saved, and those who do not shall be burned up in everlasting fire
He emphasizes that the antichrist will speak blasphemous things against God and act unlawfully, specifically targeting Christians for persecution. Justin contrasts this period of suffering with the ultimate hope of Christ’s return in glory to bring justice and restoration.
Hippolytus
Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170–235 AD) was an early Christian teacher who wrote in detail regarding eschatology. In two of his works, “Treatise on Christ and Antichrist” and “Commentary on Daniel” he taught that Christians would go through the great tribulation and compared that time to the fiery furnace in Daniel, seeing it as a similar test for the righteous.
So we see that even in the early days of Christian thought, there was no definitive and unified doctrine regarding the rapture and the great tribulation. Some early church fathers held the position that the church would escape the tribulation and some taught that she would suffer persecution throughout the tribulation period.