This may come through as a little beyond what some may be willing to receive, but we open ourselves to the Scripture even when it does seem to go beyond the ideas we already hold. Here’s what may seem a little difficult: the word translated when at the beginning of the verse is from the Greek hótan. It carries with it the meaning of “whenever.” This would seem to indicate that there may come an appearance of Christ before He comes in His Parousía. Paul could certainly believe this; Christ appeared to Him on the Damascus road.

And, not only did Christ appear unto Paul, but there was so much glory in His appearing that the manifestation of it came all over Paul and completely changed him. So, why shouldn’t he tell others that this might happen to them?

And, let us remember this, Paul is writing to people who are being prepared for their usefulness in God’s Kingdom. That’s us, today, as well as people through ages past. As the time of the end comes on, similar appearances will empower us through the time of tribulation that will come against us from the anti-Christ. It is his design to wear us out. Read Daniel 7:25,26. But, read also Daniel 11:32.

Oh, dear LORD, how thankful I am for the hope that is ours now! Please cause Your Spirit to come upon us and release into our hearts the understanding and convictions that will carry us through the time of trouble during which the enemy hopes to do away with us. Help us know, with assurance, that his attacks on us will only serve to strengthen us.

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