The Greek adjective eschatos, translated “last,” pertains:• to being at the farthest boundary of an

area, farthest, last;• to being the final item in a series, least, last

in time;• to furthest extremity in rank, value, or

situation, last: last, least, most insignificant [BDAG].

The English word “eschatology,” derived from the Greek eschatos, entering common usage in 1844, pertains to• a branch of theology concerned with the final

events in the history of the world or of mankind;• a belief concerning death, the end of the world,

or the ultimate destiny of mankind; specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment” [Webster].

Physical Usage: the last place at the table (Luke 14:7-11), or the last day of the feast (John 7:37-39).

Spiritual Usage: the Messianic Age, future days of trouble, and the Final Day of Judgment.

The last days may point to the forthcoming Messianic Age, future from the standpoint of the Old Testament, but present reality in the Gospel dispensation (Heb. 1:1-2; Acts 2:15-21; Joel 2:28-32; Isa. 2:1-4; Mic. 4:1-5; Dan. 2:27-30, 44-45; 10:14; Jer. 48:46-47; 49:37-39; Hos. 3:1-5).

The last days often refers to the future days of trouble, i.e., from the standpoint of the writer (Deut. 4:25-31; 31:24-29; Jer. 23:20-22; 30:23-24; Ezek. 38:14-16; Acts 20:25-32; 1 Tim. 4:1-5; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:3-7; 1 John 2:18-24; Jude 17-23).

The last days may also anticipate the final day of judgment, when God will reward the righteous and punish the wicked (John 6:35-40, 41-45, 52-58; 11:21-26; 12:48; James 5:1-6).

Do you share in the spiritual blessings of Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:3-6; Gal. 3:26-29)?

Are you prepared to stand before God in judgment (Acts 17:30-31; 2 Cor. 5:6-11)?