The exact expression "times of the Gentiles," or "appointed times of the nations," is only found at one place in the Scriptures, Luke 21:24, where Jesus said the following: "Jerusalem will be trampled on by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." (NIV)
Sacolton,
While this it true, the subject of such appointed times of the Nations or Gentile Times is not limited to Luke. We find it in Matthew Mark and Daniel as well. If we put the Gospels side by side and include Daniel Chapter 12 we will learn not only when they began but when they end.
I did this over 30 years ago and learned that they began with the creation of the human race, at its beginning in fact and end when our Lord returns in clouds of glory for resurrection and judgment. It is simple. But by ignoring all these relevant texts and taking Luke by itself the WT makes anything out of it that it wants. It is not exact wording but what the scriptures are teaching that matters and they ignore all this so they can promulgate their own ideas. Take Matthew for example.
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. 22 And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.
This and Daniel referred to in this section (actually more than just chapter 12 as you show) describe the appointed times of the Nations from beginning to end. Mark does the same thing like this:
13:19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation which God created unto this time, neither shall be. 20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
All this involves such Gentile times in their totality. Luke simply covers the end of them and ignores their totality as it was already well covered. No need to use exact words like Gentile or Appointed Times. We know the entire human race or Nations are involved and not just the few that live at the end. Daniel confirms that the resurrection and Judgment is an integral part of such Nations discussed by Luke who was only concerned with their end. But your comments are spot on and anyone can see from the news or by just looking out their windows that such Gentile Times have not yet ended. They should read the next few verses in all these texts where they teach that ouir Lord's return in the clouds (the way He ascended in the flesh at Acts 1:11) is what ends them.
Joseph
