What is the Tribulation? Steve Gregg

https://thenarrowpath.com/ In this teaching, Steve Gregg addresses the concept of the Tribulation, particularly the "Great Tribulation" referenced in Matthew 24:21, and challenges common assumptions about its nature and timing. He approaches the topic from a partial preterist perspective, arguing that the Great Tribulation is not a future, seven-year period tied to dispensationalist end-times theology but rather a historical event largely fulfilled in the first century during the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.

Gregg begins by examining Jesus’ words in Matthew 24, where He predicts “great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be.” He emphasizes the context: Jesus is responding to the disciples’ question about the temple’s destruction, indicating that the Tribulation is tied to events within that generation (Matthew 24:34). Gregg argues that this unparalleled suffering refers to the Roman siege of Jerusalem, which historical records (e.g., Josephus) describe as a time of extreme famine, violence, and death, unmatched in its intensity for the Jewish people at that time.

He contrasts this with futurist views that place the Tribulation in an end-times scenario involving a rapture, Antichrist, and global catastrophe. Gregg critiques the dispensationalist framework, noting that the seven-year period often linked to Daniel 9:27 (the "70th week") lacks clear scriptural support as a future event. Instead, he suggests Daniel’s prophecy was fulfilled in the first century, with the "abomination of desolation" (Matthew 24:15) pointing to the Roman armies’ desecration of the temple before its destruction.

Gregg also addresses the term "tribulation" more broadly, noting that the Bible uses it to describe various periods of hardship for believers (e.g., John 16:33, Acts 14:22). However, the "Great Tribulation" is distinct due to its specific historical and prophetic significance. He argues against sensationalized interpretations, urging listeners to focus on the text’s original audience and intent rather than modern apocalyptic speculation.

Practically, Gregg encourages Christians not to fear a future Tribulation but to live faithfully in the present, enduring trials as part of the normal Christian experience. His teaching reflects his broader approach: grounding theology in scripture and history rather than popular end-times narratives.

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