Brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath rehearsed how first God did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After these things I will return, and I will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: that the residue of men may seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who maketh these things known from the beginning of the world. Acts xv. 13-18. Rev. Ver.
This Scripture is a part of the Biblical language upon which the second-Adventists, and those who believe in the second personal coming of the Saviour, rely. They also similarly construe passages such as these: "And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1: 10, 11. "So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation." Heb. 9: 28.
They also believe that when this is accomplished, a period of unexampled tribulation will occur, basing the claim upon such passages as this: "for then shall be great tribulation. such as was not from the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Matt. 24: 21. The following is also considered by them: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt. 24: 14.
