JOHN THE BAPTIST STUMBLES

Christ April 28, 2026 Leave a comment

PMW 2026-030 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

John the Baptist was a remarkable saint, though he was not the Messiah as some believed. But he very knows very clearly who is. For he declares of Jesus “This was He of whom I said, He who comes after me has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me” (John 1:15). Thus when he sees Jesus coming to him, he declares “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

He also baptizes Jesus — though with great reluctance because he knows of Jesus’ superiority (Matt. 3:13–15). God confirms Jesus’ identity to John by the heavens being opened, the Spirit descending on Jesus like a dove, and by God’s voice declaring to Jesus, “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well-pleased” (Mark 1:9–11; cp. John 1:32–34).

Yet despite of all of this positive confirmation, something surprisingly unexpected happens:

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“AGE” OR “WORLD”?

Age(s) (Two Ages) April 24, 2026 Comments: 2

PMW 2026-029 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

A Question Presented

A long-time reader has recently sent me a question on this site. Mr. Cardona asks:

“In Hebrews 1:2, how do you understand αιωνας, “worlds,” “ages,” “universe”? I tried looking for how you understand that word in this context, but I can’t seem to find it. And how would you translate it?”

This is an important question for helping to understand Scripture properly. It is especially helpful for understanding scriptural eschatology, which is so easily abused (and I do not just mean by the “Latter-day Saints”). The word aion, which is generally translated either by “age” or by “eternal,” is an important Greek term that is found frequently in the New Testament. I am currently writing a book on “The Two Ages of Redemptive History” in which I will be discussing this word and its Old Testament counterpart olam. This two age phenomenon provides an important Reformed theological insight into the meta-narrative of Scripture, greatly impacting eschatology.

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TWO AGES IMPACT ON THE NEW TESTAMENT

Age(s) (Two Ages), New Testament April 21, 2026 Comments: 4

PMW 2026-028 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

I am currently working on a book on the two ages of redemptive history. In this posting I will simply present the key passages demonstrating the two age presence in the New Testament. These verses will be presented in biblical order. I will highlight in bold font the English words translated from the Greek aion.

In my book I will provide full exegetical analysis of these (and other) texts which are misconstrued by hyper-preterists as they have created a new unorthodox — and still evolving and mutating — theological paradigm. I am hoping this book will change the minds of some who are being tempted by hyper-preterism. It would be hard to change the mind of an actual hyper-preterist, because they developed a new (and heretical) holistic worldview. But it can be done and we should pray to that end. Demons can be cast out!

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DID JOHN THE BAPTIST DOUBT?

Jesus April 17, 2026 Leave a comment

PMW 2026-027 BY KENNETH L. GENTRY, JR.

In this posting I will focus on the question as to whether John experienced doubt regarding Jesus’ identity as the Messiah. As I approach this question, I would note that we need to be aware that “there was messianic ferment in the land of Israel in the first century” (Scott 1995: 320). Because of this anticipation, many who meet Jesus or hear him speak and see him perform miracles are convinced he is the expected Christ/Messiah (John 1:41; 4:29; 7:31, 41; 10:24).

Even though Jesus had indeed come as such, he initially warns his own disciples to “tell no one that He was the Christ” (Matt. 16:20). This was due to the problem of widespread apocalyptically-charged anticipation. This could lead to a wrong-headed and dangerous response from the populace. We see this danger operating, for instance, on one occasion when the people tried to “take Him by force to make Him king” (e.g., John 6:15). Indeed, because of the messianic excitability in these times, Jesus warns that “many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many” (Matt. 24:14; cp. vv. 23–24).

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“WE WHO ARE ALIVE” IS NOT A TIME TEXT

hyperpreterism, Second Coming April 14, 2026 Comments: 2

PMW 2026-028 by Jason Bradfield

Gentry note:
Jason Bradfield once again applies devastating logic and destructive grammatical analysis to hyper-preterism. In this article he offers a master class in how NOT to interpret Scripture. He demonstrates this from the hyper-preterism in Gary DeMar’s writings. He also provides a warning regarding the necessity of understanding Greek grammar before writing about it. I highly commend Bradfield’s work and recommend you sign up to receive his new articles on a regular basis. I certainly have! (https://www.reformation.blog)

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THE BEST MATTHEW COMMENTARIES

AD 70, Interpretation, Matthew 24, Olivet Discourse April 10, 2026 Comments: 3

PMW 2026-027 by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

As I am working on a new book, tentatively titled The Two Ages of Redemptive History, I am investigating a number of commentaries on Matthew (I do not fly by the seat of my pants as some preterist enthusiasts do!). I have found help in many of them, even when they do not hold to a preterist understanding of Olivet. Yet, several commentaries have become absolutely essential in my investigation. And I highly recommend them to my reader.

In this brief article I will recommend some good commentaries for you. If you are interested in the the Two Ages concept, especially regarding how it impacts the Olivet Discourse in particular  or the Gospel of Matthew in general, you really need to get hold of these. Continue reading →

CONFUSED DISCIPLES THEN AND NOW

AD 70, Age(s) (Two Ages), hyperpreterism, Olivet Discourse April 7, 2026 Comments: 10

PMW 2026-026  by Kenneth L. Gentry, Jr.

I am researching a book on the Two Ages of Redemptive History. This issue of the biblical function of “this age” and “the coming age” arose during my research on a new expanded study Olivet Discourse.

In my research I have a large and important section showing how confused were Jesus’ twelve disciples — despite having the best teacher possible! Their confusion plays a large role in their misunderstanding Jesus’ prophecy of the destruction of the temple (Matt. 24:2). They ask two questions of him, the second of which shows their confusion. They ask when shall these things be, then they ask what shall be the sign of your parousia and of the end of the age (Matt. 24:3). As per much first century Jewish and apocalyptic expectations, they believed the temple could not be destroyed without history ending and that the Messiah would wage war against pagans.
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