Are the Rapture and Jesus 2nd Coming Simultaneous?

AI was asked to analyze the passages below as well as the key 70 weeks in Daniel 9:24-27 and tell me what it thought, BASED ONLY ON THIS INFORMATION. (I did not want it to search the internet for other people's beliefs which could give any bias to its response.)

Rapture passages

• John 14:1-3

• Rom 8:19

• 1 Cor 1:7-8

• 1 Cor 15:1-53

• 1 Cor 16:22

• Phil 3:20-21

• Col 3:4

• 1 Thess 1:10

• 1 Thess 2:19

• 1 Thess 4:13-18

• 1 Thess 5:9

• 1 Thess 5:23

• 2 Thess 2:1

• 1 Tim 6:14

• 2 Tim 4:1

• Titus 2:13

• Heb 9:28

• James 5:7-9

• 1 Pet 1:7, 13

• 1 John 2:28-3:2

• Jude 21

• Rev 2:25

• Rev 3:10 (this is the most obvious single scripture pointing towards a rapture for believers)

Jesus' 2nd Coming passages

• Dan 2:44-45

• Dan 7:9-14

• Dan 12:1-3

• Zech 14:1-15

• Matt 13:41

• Matt 24:15-31

• Matt 26:64

• Mark 13:14-27

• Mark 14:62

• Luke 21:25-28

• Acts 1:9-11

• Acts 3:19-21

• 1 Thess 3:13

• 2 Thess 1:6-10

• 2 Thess 2:8

• 2 Pet 3:1-14

• Jude 14-15

• Rev 1:7

• Rev 19:11-20:6

• Rev 22:7, 12, 20

Copilot AI’s Response:

Based solely on the passages you've listed and Daniel 9:24–27, the rapture and second coming appear to be two distinct events separated by a period of tribulation—likely the final “week” (seven years) of Daniel’s prophecy. They are not simultaneous, but closely linked in sequence.

Rapture Passages: A Promise of Rescue and Transformation

These verses consistently describe a hopeful, imminent, and transformative event for believers:

• John 14:1–3 – Jesus promises to “come and get you” so believers may be with Him.

• 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 – Describes the catching up of believers to meet the Lord in the air.

• Philippians 3:20–21, Colossians 3:4, 1 Corinthians 15:51–53 – Emphasize bodily transformation and glorification.

• Revelation 3:10 – Promises to “keep you from the hour of trial” coming upon the whole world.

• Titus 2:13, 1 John 3:2, Hebrews 9:28 – Speak of a blessed hope and appearing for salvation, not judgment.

These passages suggest:

• A rescue before wrath (1 Thess 5:9)

• A meeting in the air, not a descent to earth

• A focus on the church, not global judgment

Second Coming Passages: Judgment, Glory, and Earthly Reign

These verses describe a visible, dramatic return of Christ to earth:

• Zechariah 14:4 – His feet stand on the Mount of Olives.

• Matthew 24:30–31, Revelation 19:11–20:6 – Christ returns with armies, judges the wicked, and establishes His kingdom.

• Acts 1:11, Revelation 1:7 – Every eye will see Him.

• Daniel 2:44–45, Daniel 7:13–14 – His kingdom crushes all others and lasts forever.

• 2 Thessalonians 1:6–10 – Jesus returns in flaming fire to punish the wicked and glorify the saints.

These passages emphasize:

• A public, global event

• Judgment of the wicked

• Establishment of Christ’s reign

Daniel 9:24–27: The 70 Weeks Framework:

• 69 weeks (483 years) lead to the Messiah’s first coming.

• The 70th week is often interpreted as a future 7-year tribulation.

• The “prince who is to come” (v.26) makes a covenant for one week, then breaks it midweek.

• This aligns with Matthew 24:15 and 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, suggesting the rise of the Antichrist.

Implication:

• The rapture likely occurs before this final week (Daniel’s 70th week).

• The second coming occurs at the end of that week, when Christ defeats evil and reigns.

Sequence Based on These Passages:

1. Rapture – Christ comes for His church (John 14:3, 1 Thess 4:17)

2. Tribulation (Daniel’s 70th week) – Time of global trial and Antichrist’s rise (Matt 24, Rev 6–18)

3. Second Coming – Christ returns with His saints to judge and reign (Rev 19, Zech 14)

Conclusion:

The rapture and second coming are not simultaneous. They are separate events, likely divided by a 7-year tribulation, with the rapture occurring first as a rescue and the second coming as a return for judgment and reign.

Click to see the next section: What about the possibility of a mid-tribulation rapture?