The last time is not an era in the distant future but a present reality that has begun with the advent of Christ (Acts 2:17; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Galatians 4:4; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 9:26; 1 Peter 1:20). The time between Jesus’ ascension and his return is the last time. This time is an era of prophetic fulfillment when the forces of evil are considered to be especially active (1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1–9).1
18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”