The Gentile Times Reconsidered Chronology Christ

The “Seven Times” of Daniel 281
(4) seasons for the Gentiles becoming subject to divine
judgments
Advocates of this view argue that the “times of Gentiles” refer to
the period for a judgment of the Gentile nations. This period,
therefore, is still future. As the Roman war against the Jews in the
period 67–70 C.E. was a time for the judgment of the Jewish
nation, so there will also be a time for the judgment of the Gentile
nations. Until these “times of Gentiles” arrive, the Gentiles will
continue to trample on Jerusalem. 77
(5) Opportunities of turning to God
Those holding this view connect the “times of Gentiles” with
Paul’s statement at Romans 11:25 that “a partial hardening has
happened to Israel until the fullness of Gentiles has come in” (NASB).
It is argued that the “times of Gentiles” are related to this “fullness
of Gentiles” and refer to the times of Gentile mission. This
understanding evidently implies that the “times of Gentiles” began
with the conversion of Cornelius. (Acts 10:1–48) These times of
Gentile mission, as well as the times of trampling on Jerusalem by
Gentile nations, wil1 continue “until the fullness of Gentiles has
come in. ”78
(6) Opportunities of possessing the privileges which the
Jews had forfeited
This view is related to the previous one. Due to unfaithfulness
the Jewish nation was judged and the privileges were taken away
from the Jews and offered to the Gentiles. (Matthew 21:43) The
period during which these privileges are made available to the
Gentiles is regarded as the “times of Gentiles.”
As may be seen, there are various possible interpretations of the
phrase “times of Gentiles,” even without the application of the
“year- day principle” to the period. It must be recognized that the
phrase itself is stated in Scripture without any specific
accompanying qualification. To determine which view or views
give greater evidence of validity would require a detailed and
77 For a recent exposition of this view, see Dr. John Nolland, Luke 18:35–24:53. Word
Biblical Commentary 35c (Dallas: Word Books, 1993), pp. 1002–1003.
78 The note to Luke 21:24 in The NIV Study Bible reflects this view: “The Gentiles
would have both spiritual opportunities (Mk 13:10; cf. Lk 20:16; Ro 11:25) and
domination of Jerusalem, but these times will end when God’s purpose for the
Gentiles has been fulfilled.” Compare also Darrell L. Bock, Luke, Vol. 2 (Grand
Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 1996), pp. 1680–1681.