The last days is a common phrase in the Septuagint (Genesis 49:1; Isaiah 2:2; Jeremiah 23:20; Jeremiah 30:24; Ezekiel 38:16; Daniel 2:28; Hosea 3:5; Micah 4:1; Acts 2:17; 2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3).1 It refers to the time between Jesus’ ascension into heaven and his return in glory (see Acts 2:17; Hebrews 1:2). We are living in the last days. This is a time of prophetic fulfillment, also when the evil forces are especially active in their endeavours to prevent God’s truth from spreading throughout the world (1 Timothy 4:1–3; 2 Timothy 3:1–9).2
3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires.