The Timing of the Thief

The concept of Christ coming "as a thief" is often associated with the pre-tribulation rapture. However, a closer examination of the relevant scriptures reveals a more complex picture. Let's analyze each reference to understand the timing implications.

Matthew 24:43 - The Unexpected Hour

But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

This verse emphasizes the unexpected nature of the thief's coming. It's part of Jesus' discourse on the end times, suggesting a connection to His return. The reference to "watches" implies a nighttime event, but doesn't specify when in the tribulation period this might occur.

Luke 12:39 - Vigilance Required

And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through.

Similar to Matthew's account, this verse stresses the importance of constant vigilance. The emphasis on the unknown "hour" argues against setting specific dates for Christ's return, whether pre-, mid-, or post-tribulation.

1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord

For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

This verse explicitly connects the "thief" concept with the Day of the Lord. In prophetic literature, the Day of the Lord often refers to the end of the tribulation period, suggesting a post-tribulation timing.

1 Thessalonians 5:4 - Not in Darkness

But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

Paul indicates that believers who are watchful won't be surprised by Christ's return. This implies that Christians will be present during the events leading up to His coming, potentially supporting a post-tribulation view.

2 Peter 3:10 - Cosmic Dissolution

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

Peter associates the "thief" coming with cosmic-level events that align more closely with the end of the tribulation period. This description seems to fit better with a post-tribulation scenario.

Revelation 3:3 - Warning to the Church

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

This warning to the church in Sardis emphasizes the conditional nature of the "thief" coming - it's only unexpected for those who aren't watchful. This doesn't definitively support either a pre- or post-tribulation view.

Revelation 16:15 - Amidst the Bowl Judgments

Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

This verse is crucial for timing, as it's placed between the sixth and seventh bowl judgments, near the very end of the tribulation. This strongly suggests a post-tribulation timing for the "thief" coming.

Conclusion

While the "thief" metaphor consistently emphasizes the unexpected nature of Christ's return, the contextual evidence, especially from Revelation 16:15 and the references to the Day of the Lord, favors a post-tribulation timing. The repeated calls for watchfulness imply that believers will be present during the tribulation events.