The End; Completion of the Age; the End of Light Amid Darkness

The end or the end of the end? What did Jesus mean when he said he would be with us until the end of the age? What is the end of the age? Is it the time at the end of this administration before the tribulation? Is it the time of the millennial kingdom? Is it the time of the new heaven and earth? If Jesus is with us every day, what could we possibly be concerned about and why do we live cautious and fearful lives? As we will see, Jesus is not only with and in those who believe, he is Messiah and Lord today, and he will be with us for a good long while.

In the Greek, there is an end, and there is an absolute end. A good description I heard many, many years ago regarding some of these Greek words is an example of a dog and his tail. Telos is the tail of the dog, and it is his end, but sunteleia or sunteleo is the complete end, the absolute end. The tail is an approximate end, the tip of the tail is the very end. We won’t look at telos, but we will look at the word sunteleia/sunteleo. Jesus says he will be with us to the very close of the age. When is that? 

Matt 28:20 Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close and consummation [4930] of the age. Amen (so let it be).AMP

Matt 28:20 Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I'll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end [4930] of the age."  (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

4930

Dodson: συντέλεια a completion, consummation, end.

Strong's: συντέλεια entire completion, i.e. consummation (of a dispensation) Derivation: from G4931; KJV Usage: end.

G4931 Thayer: 1) completion, consummation, end

συντέλεια
sunteleia
soon-tel'-i-ah
From G4931; entire completion, that is, consummation (of a dispensation)

4931

LSJ Gloss: συντελέω to bring quite to an end, complete, accomplish

Dodson: συντελέω I fulfill, accomplish I bring to an end, fulfill, accomplish.

Strong's: συντελέω to complete entirely; generally, to execute (literally or figuratively)
Derivation: from G4862 and G5055; KJV Usage: end, finish, fulfil, make.

G4862 G5055

Thayer:

1) to end together or at the same time
2) to end completely
2a) bring to an end, finish, complete
3) to accomplish, bring to fulfilment
3a) to come to pass
4) to effect, make, (conclude)
5) to finish
5a) to make an end of
5b) to bring to an end
5c) destroy

συντελέω
sunteleō
soon-tel-eh'-o
From G4862 and G5055; to complete entirely; generally to execute (literally or figuratively)

Matt 28:20G1321Teaching G1473them G5083to give heed to G3956allG3745as much as G1781I gave charge G1473to you. G2532And G2400behold, G1473I G3326[²with G1473³you G1510.2.1¹am] G3956all G3588the G2250days G2193until G3588the G4930completion G3588of the G165age. G281Amen.

Jesus tells the disciples to teach nations what he commanded them to do. He said he would be with us all days, perpetually, to the completion of the age.  Colossians says it is Christ IN YOU, Christ is in the ones who believe on him, that is the mystery of this dispensation. Those people who have Christ in them become a tribe.

Col 1:25-29 Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God;26 Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:29 Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily. KJV

It is a wealth of splendor that is the hidden secret which is the anointed one in us, the hope of the renown, which we declare. That is why Jesus in his resurrected body could say he would be with us until the consummation of the age. Let’s take a look at this word suntelia/sunteleo from the Old Testament.

Job is pointing out to his friends that God has appointed times, one of which will be the completion of the time that light will exist with darkness. If we think through to the time of the New Heavens and Earth we will see a time when there will not be any darkness.

Job 26:10G4366.2By order G1135.2he made the curvature G1909upon G4383the face G5204of the water G3360till G4930the completion G5457of light G3326with G4655darkness.

The word with could read “among or amid”.  The word darkness is the same word as in Genesis 1:2 “darkness above the abyss”, and light is the same word as in Genesis 1:3, “exist light”, or “be born, light!” It is the idea of “radiance” versus “gloom”. There will be a time when radiance will not exist among gloom, or in perspective, there will only exist light. Let’s read the context of Job’s rebuttal to his friend Bildad.

Job 26:5 Shall giants be born mid-wives from under the water and the inhabitants thereof? 6 Hell is naked before him, and destruction has no covering. 7 He stretches out the north wind upon nothing, and he upon nothing hangs the earth; 8 binding water in his clouds, and the cloud is not rent under it. 9 He keeps back the face of his throne, stretching out his cloud upon it. 10 He has encompassed the face of the water by an appointed ordinance, until the end of light and darkness. 11 The pillars of heaven are prostrate and astonished at his rebuke. 12 He has calmed the sea with his might, and by his wisdom the whale has been overthrown. 13 And the barriers of heaven fear him, and by a command he has slain the apostate dragon. 14Behold, these are parts of his way; and we will hearken to him at the least intimation of his word: but the strength of his thunder who knows, when he shall employ it? http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/Job/index.htm

The allusion to darkness in Genesis, Job, and in Revelation is both figurative and literal as Revelation 21:25-27 and 22:5 show us that there will not be night or defilement. But we are also speaking about spiritual darkness as opposed to a cloudy day or night time. The New Heavens and New Earth have no need for the sun or the moon to shine because the glory of God illuminates it and the Lamb is the light. Therefore, at the end of the age only light will exist.

Daniel was praying and repenting because he recognized that Jeremiah’s prophecy regarding the end of the dispersion was upon them. The angel gave him some future insights regarding the completion of sin and the completion of the times of filthy devastation and the last devastation.

Dan 9:24G1440Seventy G1439.1periods of seven G4932were rendered concise G1909upon G3588 G2992your people, G1473 G2532and G1909upon G3588the G4172[²city G3588 G39¹holy], G3588 G4931to finish off G266sin, G2532and G3588 G4972to set a seal upon G266sins, G2532and G524.1to wipe out G3588the G458lawless deeds, G2532and G3588 G1837.2to atone G93for iniquities, G2532and G3588 G71to bring G1343[²righteousness G166¹eternal], G2532and G3588 G4972to set a seal upon G3706vision G2532and G4394prophecy, G2532and G3588 G5548to anoint G39the holy G39of holies

Dan 9:27G2532And G1412he shall strengthen G1242covenant G4183with many G1439.1[²period of sevens G1520¹one]; G2532and G1722in G3588the G2255half G3588of the G1439.1period of seven G142shall be lifted away G2378sacrifice G2532and G4700.2libation offering, G2532and G1909upon G3588the G2413temple G946an abomination G3588of the G2050desolations G1510.8.3will be; G2532and G2193until G3588the G4930completion G2540of time, G4930completion G1325shall be given G1909untoG3588the G2050desolation.

Here the angel tells Daniel the exact day that Jesus would be hailed as Messiah. But because the anointed one will be destroyed, the city is appointed to desolations and the people will be cut off as a flood. Notice that there are desolations (plural), not one desolation but several. Then there will be a seven year time period when there will be a covenant established, but halfway through the seven years, sacrifices and offering will be taken away. Then there will be devastations and then the end of devastation. Let’s read this in context.

Daniel 9:20 And while I was yet speaking, and praying, and confessing my sins and the sins of my people Israel, and bringing my pitiful case before the Lord my God concerning the holy mountain; 21 yea, while I was yet speaking in prayer, behold the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, came flying, and he touched me about the hour of the evening sacrifice. 22 And he instructed me, and spoke with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to impart to thee understanding. 23 At the beginning of thy supplication the word came forth, and I am come to tell thee; for thou art a man much beloved: therefore consider the matter, understand the vision.

24 Seventy weeks have been determined upon thy people, and upon the holy city, for sin to be ended [4931], and to seal up transgressions, and to blot out the iniquities, and to make atonement for iniquities, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal the vision and the prophet, and to anoint the Most Holy.

25 And thou shalt know and understand, that from the going forth of the command for the answer and for the building of Jerusalem until Christ the prince there shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks; and then the time shall return, and the street shall be built, and the wall, and the times shall be exhausted.

26 And after the sixty-two weeks, the anointed one shall be destroyed, and there is no judgment in him: and he shall destroy the city and the sanctuary with the prince that is coming: they shall be cut off with a flood, and to the end of the war which is rapidly completed he shall appoint the city to desolations.

27 And one week shall establish the covenant with many: and in the midst of the week my sacrifice and drink-offering shall be taken away: and on the temple shall be the abomination of desolations; and at the end of time [4930] an end [4930] shall be put to the desolation. http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/Daniel/index.htm

Chapter 12 gives us a little more insight to chapter 9. The end of the sacrifices and offerings in 9:27 are the same as the end of the perpetual sacrifices in 12:11. Daniel’s prophecies in chapter 12 can seem a little complicated, but generally it is due to our English language not making sense of similar words. We have different types of words for “end” and the translators did not use enough detail to inform us as to what kind of end we are speaking of. Let’s observe.

Dan 12:4G2532And G1473you G*Daniel G1719.2obstruct G3588the G3056words, G2532andG4972set a seal upon G3588the G975scroll G2193until G2540the time G4930of completion! G2193until G1321[²should be taughtG4183¹many], G2532and G4129[³be multiplied G3588¹the G1108²knowledge].

Dan 12:7G2532And G191I heard G3588the G435man, G3588of the one G1746being clothed G3588with the G897.1linen clothes, G3739who G1510.7.3was G1883upon G3588the G5204water G3588of the G4215river. G2532And G5312he raised up high G3588 G1188his right hand, G1473 G2532and G3588 G710his left G1473 G1519unto G3588the G3772heaven. G2532And G3660he swore an oath G1722to G3588theG2198one living G1519into G3588the G165eon,G3754that G1519for G2540a time G2532and G2540times G2532and G2255half G2540a time, G1722in G3588the G4931completing G1287.1the dispersing G5495hand G2992of people G37having been sanctified, G1097they shall know G3956all G3778these things.

Dan12:13G2532And G1473you, G1204go, G1519for G378.1satisfying G4930completion. G2532AndG373you shall rest, G2532and G450shall rise up G1519at G3588 G2819your lot G1473 G1519at G4930the completion G2250of days

Let’s read the context here with my notes to understand this better. We read this recently and made note of trying times for the purpose of sanctification.  

Daniel 12:4 And thou, Daniel, close the words, and seal the book to the time of the end completion [4931]; until many are taught, and knowledge is increased.

5 And I Daniel saw, and, behold, two others stood, on one side of the bank of the river, and the other on the other side of the bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was over the water of the river, When will be the end limit [4009] of the wonders which thou has mentioned? 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was over the water of the river, and he lifted up his right hand and his left hand to heaven, and sware by him that lives for ever, that it should be for a time of times and half a time: when the dispersion is ended completed [4931] they shall know all these things.

8 And I heard, but I understood not: and I said, O Lord, what will be the end finality [2078] of these things? 9 And he said, Go, Daniel: for the words are closed and sealed up to the time of the end limit [4009]. 10 Many must be tested, and thoroughly whitened, and tried with fire, and sanctified; but the transgressors shall transgress: and none of the transgressors shall understand; but the wise shall understand. 11 And from the time of the removal of the perpetual sacrifice, when the abomination of desolation shall be set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he that waits, and comes to the thousand three hundred and thirty-five days. 13 But go thou, and rest; for there are yet days and seasons to the fulfillment of the end completion [4930]; and thou shalt stand in thy lot at the end completion [4930] of the days. http://ecmarsh.com/lxx/Daniel/index.htm

We have two more words translated end:

4009 LSJ Gloss: πέρας an end, limit, boundary

2078 Dodson: ἔσχατος last, at the last, finally last, at the last, finally, till the end.

The phrase “the end of wonders” from verse 6 means when will the wonders reach their limit. Then Daniel asks in verse 8 when is the finality of the dispersion complete, when will the people be sanctified, and when shall they know all these things? The angel’s response is “when the limit is reached”. Does this sound like Romans 11:25? Verse 9 adds a new dimension to our understanding. The phrase “time of the end” means “proportion limit” or “due measure boundary”. Which in context of verse 9 the limit or measure of time is “filled to its limit”. As if one was pouring water into a liquid measuring cup, and the proportion of water meets its limit or the measure of water reaches the boundary of the measuring cup. With English, we struggle with so many different words that have been translated the same. This is why we have to study each word. There are ends of limits, finalities, and completed completions. 

Daniel is primarily concerned with the end of the dispersion. Even though Israel’s dispersion is still in the ending process, it will be complete after the tribulation. In the millennial kingdom angels will gather the sons of Jacob to Israel. This end is not the same as the end of the age which is concluded with the lake of fire and a new heaven and earth. Jesus gave us an explanation for the story of the tares which has its completion at the end of the age.  

Matt 13:39G3588and the G1161 G2190enemy, G3588the one G4687sowing G1473them G1510.2.3is G3588the G1228devil; G3588and the G1161 G2326harvest G4930[² the completion G3588³of the G165⁴age G1510.2.3¹is]; G3588and the G1161 G2327harvesters G32are angels.G1510.2.6

Matt 13:49G3779Thus G1510.8.3shall it be G1722inG3588the G4930completion G3588of the G165age; G1831[³shall go forth G3588¹the G32²angels], G2532and G873they shall separate G3588the G4190evil ones G1537from G3319the midst G3588of the G1342righteous.

Angels separate the wheat from the tares just like in the story of the drag net. Again we are speaking of the end of the age. This is not the same as Matthew 24:31, when the angels gather the elect. That gathering is the episunogogue, the “above synagogue or assembly”. The time is at the Parousia, when Jesus comes with his armies for judgment. The explanations of Matthew 13 are at the end of the millennial kingdom at the white throne judgment. In Matthew 13:39, the tares come out of the kingdom. Remember at the end of the millennial kingdom satan goes out to deceive the nations, and these angels take all who offend out of the kingdom. In Matthew 13:49, the angels gather the bad fish and throw them into the fire. They gather them from hades or earth but not just the kingdom. At the end of the age comes the white throne judgement, when the evil people are thrown in the lake of fire. So we see a difference between Matthew 13 regarding the completion of the age which is referring to the end of the millennial reign of Christ, and Matthew 24 regarding the beginning of the millennial reign of Christ.

As we have looked into with previous studies, there were three questions the disciples were asking Jesus, and he answers them all. First, they want to know when all the stones of the temple will be thrown down. Second, they ask when the Parousia be. Third, they ask when the completion of the age will be, the New Heavens and earth. To which Jesus says no man knows the day or hour.

Matt 24:3G2521[³sitting down G1161¹And in G1473²his] G1909upon G3588the G3735mount G3588 G1636of olives, G4334there came forward G1473to him G3588the G3101disciples G2596in G2398private, G3004saying, G2036Tell G1473us G4219when G3778these things G1510.8.3will be, G2532and G5100what G3588is the G4592sign G3588 G4674of your G3952arrival, G2532and G3588the G4930completion G3588of theG165age?

The disciples were not concerned with the time of our tribulation, they were concerned with the time of their tribulation, the next dispersion. Then they were concerned with the time of Jesus coming to reign with his armies. And then the time after Jesus’ earthly reign, when there will be a New Heaven and New Earth. We mix this up so often because we do not read the actual questions Jesus was being asked. The next dispersion was a tribulation to those people (70 AD), not as intense of a tribulation as the period Daniel describes, the time that happens after the perpetual sacrifice starts; but nonetheless, it was their immediate future. The tribulation just before the Parousia was not as much of a concern for them as they understood the eight thousand year time frame and recognized where they were in time. They weren’t going to be in the seven year tribulation, which is still future to us. They were looking to the end of the six thousandth year for the Parousia because after that would start Jesus’ reign on earth. Jesus’ millennial reign begins in the seven thousandth year, and the disciples were also looking to the start of the new age in the eight thousandth year. They knew they would be reigning over the twelve tribes during the millennial kingdom, therefore they also knew they would return with Jesus and his armies at the Parousia. They also understood that after that time, they would partake in the New Heaven and Earth. This is why they asked these questions. They did not care as much for the last seven years of the dispensation of grace, as we do today. Today we fear that the last seven years could be upon us soon.

Isaiah mentions what happens to sinners. The things Jesus just old us were already prophesied in Isaiah.  While the KJV says consumed, the Greek is more emphatic, with “shall be finished off entirely”, or “completely completed”.  

Isaiah 1:28G2532And G4937[⁶shall be broken G3588¹the G459²lawless ones G2532³and G3588⁴the G268⁵sinners] G260together; G2532and G3588the G1459ones abandoning G3588the G2962lord G4931shall be finished off entirely.

I chuckled at this wording and had to include it for your own humor.  This goes along with the tares, the bad fish, and the lawless ones.

Isaiah 32:6G3588For the G1063 G3474moron G3474[²moronish G2980¹shall speak], G2532and G3588 G2588his heart G1473 G3152[²vanities G3539¹shall purpose], G3588 G4931to complete G459lawless deeds, G2532and G2980to speak G4314[²against G2962³ the lord G4106.1¹a delusion], G3588 G1289to scatter G5590[²souls G3983¹hungering], G2532and G3588[³for the G5590⁵souls G3588 G1372⁴thirsting G2756²vain things G4160¹causing].

Only the Holy Spirit can call people morons who do these things as it wouldn’t be politically correct for us to say it today. In His anger there will be a consummation of consuming consummation so that in no way those morons should exist.

Ps 59:13G1722In G4930consummation, G1722by G3709anger G4930of consummation consume, G2532that G3766.2in no way G5224they should exist; G2532that G1097they shall know G3754that G3588 G2316God G1202.1is master G3588 G*of Jacob, G2532and G3588of the G4009ends G3588of the G1093earth. G1316.1PAUSE.

It isn’t politically correct to point out sins but that is something that Jesus atoned for, and it was a completely complete atonement. But it’s not politically correct to mention that Jesus died for our sins either, which is why so many people that reject Jesus want to reject the Book of Hebrews as well.

Heb 9:26G1893since G1163it would have been necessary G1473for him G4178to often G3958suffer G575from G2602the founding G2889of the world. G3568But now G1161 G530once G1909at G4930the completion G3588of the G165eons, G1519for G115annulment G266of sin, G1223[²through G3588 G2378³his sacrifice G1473 G5319¹he has been manifested].

In context:

Heb 9:24-28 For Christ (the Messiah) has not entered into a sanctuary made with [human] hands, only a copy and pattern and type of the true one, but [He has entered] into heaven itself, now to appear in the [very] presence of God on our behalf. 25 Nor did He [enter into the heavenly sanctuary to] offer Himself regularly again and again, as the high priest enters the [Holy of] Holies every year with blood not his own. 26 For then would He often have had to suffer [over and over again] since the foundation of the world. But as it now is, He has once for all at the consummation and close [4930] of the ages appeared to put away and abolish sin by His sacrifice [of Himself]. 27 And just as it is appointed for [all] men once to die, and after that the [certain] judgment, 28 Even so it is that Christ, having been offered to take upon Himself and bear as a burden the sins of many once and once for all, will appear a second time, not to carry any burden of sin nor to deal with sin, but to bring to full salvation those who are [eagerly, constantly, and patiently] waiting for and expecting Him. AMP

Jesus’ blood is a one-time sacrifice of the cleansing of sins for all who believe through to the consummation of the ages. Think that through. Since 32 AD when Jesus died on the cross, through the dispersions, the seven year tribulation, the millennial reign, and the white throne judgment, Jesus’ blood is a onetime offering for everyone’s sins. That is about three thousand years of completed sanctification for humans. Full salvation for those who are expecting Him. And the amazing thing is that it is Christ in us throughout our lives on earth, and our time in paradise, though the time we are harpazo’d to heaven, until the New Heaven and New Earth. Therefore, when Jesus says he is with us to the end of the age, we can have a new appreciation of our time until then. Let’s read Matthew 28 in context.

Matt 28:16-20 The eleven disciples went into Galilee to the hillside to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshipped him, though some had doubts. 18 Then Jesus approached them and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.” ISV

If Jesus is with us every day until the end of the age, should we ever be fearful of the evil around us? Should we ever be concerned about the future? Should we fear death like sinners do? If Jesus is with us every day, and he was our sacrifice once and for all so that we are not among the tares or the bad fish, what then in heaven or earth should we fear? Should we fear the harpazo? If all authority in Heaven and earth is given to Jesus shouldn’t we live as if the Christ in us will be with us every day until the end of the age? That is three thousand years of Christ in you the hope of glory to which our portion of time is more than one thousand years!