What’s the difference between the day-to-day tribulation or persecution that we suffer and the great Tribulation? Let’s research the two. According to Daniel Webster’s 1828 Dictionary, the word tribulation is defined as:

TRIBULA’TION, n. [L. tribulo, to thrash, to beat.] Severe affliction; distresses of life; vexations. In Scripture, it often denotes the troubles and distresses which proceed from persecution.

When tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, he is offended. Mat 13:21

In the world ye shall have tribulation. John 16.

The phrase “great tribulation” occurs three times in the Bible, and only in the New Testament. I find it interesting that the word “great” in the Greek is megas, where we get our English word “mega.” I also find it interesting that the definition for the Greek word megas is:

Including the prolonged forms, femine μεγάλη megalē, plural μέγάλοι megaloi, etc.; compare also G3176, G3187], big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application): – (+ fear) exceedingly, great (-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.

Now put them together and you have a period of time that is worse than any other period of time in history. We have learned how great persecution came upon the early Church when Nero came to power. We have learned how the Jews suffered greatly at the hand of Hitler. But this time it is different. It affects the entire world, according to Jesus!

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

This is no joke! There is a time coming that the Church will NOT be a participant. The Rapture will occur before the Tribulation!

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