Understanding Jesus' Words on Being "Taken"

The passage in Luke 17:34-37, where Jesus speaks of "one shall be taken, and the other left," is often interpreted in various ways, particularly in relation to the concept of the rapture. However, a careful examination of the context and related scriptures suggests a different meaning. The key to understanding this passage lies in the symbolism used and the overall message Jesus conveys about judgment and the fate of the righteous and the wicked.

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The phrase "one shall be taken, and the other left" (Luke 17:34-36) is often misinterpreted to support the idea of a pre-tribulation rapture, where believers are secretly removed from the earth before a period of tribulation. However, Jesus' subsequent statements and the surrounding context provide a different interpretation. The verses immediately following this statement, specifically Luke 17:37, offer a crucial clue: "And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together." This verse clarifies the meaning of "taken." The "eagles" (or vultures, as translated in some versions like the Amplified Bible) symbolize death and divine judgment, not a secret rescue or rapture.[1]

Therefore, the "taken" in this context refers to those who will face judgment, not those who will be rescued. This interpretation aligns with the broader biblical narrative of judgment, where the wicked are separated from the righteous. The example of Noah's flood further illustrates this point: the wicked were "taken" away by the flood, while Noah and his family were preserved.[1] The Book of Enoch, an ancient text, also supports this view, depicting a time of great tribulation where the wicked are removed, and the elect are blessed and survive.[2]

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