Keraia
Glossary

Tribulation

An experience of suffering, distress, trouble, or persecution.

What Are Common Examples of Tribulation?

In the New Testament, the word “tribulation” is sometimes used to mean hardships in the lives of common people, such as:

These are all called tribulations. More generally, a severe disaster can be described as “great tribulation.” An example is the famine that struck Egypt and Canaan during the time of the patriarchs (Acts 7:11).

What Did Jesus Teach About Tribulation?

A more specific understanding of the word "tribulation" means a specific Christian experience. The teachings of Christ provide basic definitions for this meaning of "tribulation." Jesus said that whenever the gospel is present in the world, tribulation is unavoidable. As the word of the gospel is spread, tribulation and persecution will also be present (Matthew 13:21).

This idea of tribulation during the church age is carefully developed in the teachings of Jesus on future events. The main source for this teaching comes from the sermon Jesus preached on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24–25; Mark 13; Luke 21). This teaching provides the only description and clear time frame for the tribulation of his followers. Jesus predicted the beginning, the extent, and the end of tribulation. This teaching on the tribulation was given to the 12 disciples privately (Matthew 24:3).

Jesus told the 12 disciples that they would endure tribulation. This tribulation means persecution to the death for his name’s sake (Matthew 24:9). The teaching points to the idea that tribulation would affect Christians in many places throughout history. Jesus told the 12 disciples that they would suffer during the tribulation. He said this at the very beginning of the sufferings (Matthew 24:8). This shows that the tribulation would begin during the disciples’ own lifetimes.

The same group of disciples would witness the "great tribulation" of Jerusalem as predicted by the prophet Daniel (Matthew 24:15–21). It is clear in the passage that Jesus meant the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. The fall of Jerusalem to Roman legions was to be viewed as a symbol of ongoing tribulation. This point is supported by Matthew’s editorial comment in 24:15. He adds the words, "let the reader understand." This comment was meant to alert his original audience that the prediction of Jesus would be fulfilled during their own lifetimes.

The parallel section in Luke 21:20–24 makes it clear that non-Jewish people would rule for a long period after the destruction of Jewish Jerusalem. This is what happened after the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

How Should Christians Respond to Tribulation?

The New Testament warns believers to expect tribulation. The New Testament also defines appropriate responses to tribulation:

  • Christians should rejoice in suffering because of the good fruit. Tribulation produces perseverance and strength of character (Romans 5:3–4).

  • They should be patient because God comforts the faithful (Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:4).

  • They should understand that tribulation prepares believers for glory in eternity (2 Corinthians 4:17).

It is rare in history for Christians to enjoy wealth and freedom. Most believers throughout history have suffered. The normal work of the church has been to endure as a persecuted minority in an unfriendly world. For Christians who are protected from tribulation, it may seem that tribulation applies to a future period in history.

Most Christians suffer oppression, rejection, trouble, and persecution. Because of this, the tribulation Jesus predicted is an ever-present reality. The severity of the tribulation may vary. Yet Christ’s promise remains true: "In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!" (John 16:33).

See Suffering; Eschatology; Persecution.