Definition and Overview:
Tribulation, in a biblical context, refers to a period of severe trial, suffering, or distress. It is often associated with the end times and is characterized by widespread hardship and persecution. The term is derived from the Latin “tribulatio,” which means “affliction” or “distress.” In the Bible, tribulation is both a general experience of believers and a specific eschatological event.
Biblical References:
1. General Tribulation:
· Throughout Scripture, tribulation is depicted as a common experience for believers. Jesus Himself warned His followers of the trials they would face. In John 16:33 , Jesus says, “I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world.” This passage highlights the inevitability of tribulation in the Christian life but also offers hope through Christ’s victory.
2. Eschatological Tribulation:
· The concept of a future, intense period of tribulation is most prominently featured in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 7:14 refers to those who have come out of the “great tribulation,” indicating a time of unprecedented suffering. This period is often associated with the end times and the events leading up to the Second Coming of Christ.
3. Purpose and Meaning:
· Tribulation serves multiple purposes in the biblical narrative. It is a means of refining and purifying believers, as seen in Romans 5:3-4 : “Not only that, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Tribulation is also a test of faith and a demonstration of God’s justice and sovereignty.
4. Theological Implications:
· Theologically, tribulation is understood as part of God’s redemptive plan. It is a reminder of the fallen state of the world and the need for divine intervention. Believers are encouraged to endure tribulation with faith and patience, trusting in God’s ultimate deliverance and the promise of eternal life.
5. Encouragement and Hope:
· Despite the challenges of tribulation, the Bible offers encouragement and hope. Romans 8:35-37 assures believers that nothing can separate them from the love of Christ, even in the face of tribulation: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”
Conclusion:
While tribulation is a reality for believers, it is also an opportunity for spiritual growth and a testament to God’s faithfulness. The Bible consistently encourages believers to remain steadfast, knowing that tribulation is temporary and that ultimate victory is assured through Jesus Christ.
Topical Bible Verses
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. Topicalbible.org
John 16:33
These things I have spoken to you, that in me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. Topicalbible.org
Daniel 12:1
And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. Topicalbible.org
Matthew 24:29
Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken: Topicalbible.org
Revelation 13:7
And it was given to him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. Topicalbible.org
Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined on your people and on your holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Topicalbible.org
Matthew 24:22
And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. Topicalbible.org
Easton’s Bible Dictionary
Trouble or affiction of any kind (Deuteronomy 4:30; Matthew 13:21; 2 Corinthians 7:4). In Romans 2:9 “tribulation and anguish” are the penal sufferings that shall overtake the wicked. In Matthew 24:21, 29, the word denotes the calamities that were to attend the destruction of Jerusalem.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) That which occasions distress, trouble, or vexation; severe affliction.
The Greek is thlipsis, a “pressing together” (as of grapes), squeezing or pinching (from verb thlibo); used figuratively for “distress,” “tribulation”; Septuagint for tsar and tsarah; Vulgate (Jerome’s Latin Bible, 390-405 A.D.) tribulatio pressura (from tribulum, “a threshing sledge”). The verb form is rendered “suffer tribulation” (1 Thessalonians 3:4 the King James Version, “suffer affliction” the Revised Version (British and American)); “trouble” (2 Thessalonians 1:6 the King James Version, “afflict” the Revised Version (British and American); compare 2 Corinthians 1:6; 2 Corinthians 4:8; 2 Corinthians 7:51 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 11:37). The noun form is rendered in the King James Version variously as “tribulation,” “affliction,” “persecution,” though more uniformly “tribulation” in the Revised Version (British and American). The word is used generally of the hardships which Christ’s followers would suffer (Matthew 13:21; Matthew 24:9, 21, 29Mark 4:17; Mark 13:19, 24John 16:331 Corinthians 7:28); or which they are now passing through (Romans 5:3; Romans 12:122 Corinthians 4:17Philippians 4:14); or through which they have already come (Acts 11:192 Corinthians 2:4Revelation 7:14).