1. 1 Peter 1:20 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

What does “in the last times” refer to?

1 Peter 1:20 (ESV)

20 He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you

The phrase “the last times” typically sends our thoughts to the brief slice of time just before Christ returns. Throughout Scripture, however, the term denotes the entirety of the new dispensation, a period of history beginning with the appearance and work of Jesus Christ, including his birth, death, resurrection, and ascension, and culminating in his glorious return—and his church-gathering work happening between these two bookends.