Fullness of the Gentiles and Times of the Gentiles. Is there a difference?

When studying eschatology, the study of last things, eventually you will encounter the phrases "times of the Gentiles" and "fullness of the Gentiles." Are these terms synonymous, or do they differ in meaning? They actually refer to two separate differing events involving the Gentiles. The phrases can cause confusion, and can cause you to inadvertently misapply scripture concerning the timing of last things in relation to Gentiles.

Here are the Bible verses:
"When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then recognize that its desolation has come near. Then those in Judea must flee to the mountains. Those inside the city must leave it, and those who are in the country must not enter it, because these are days of vengeance to fulfill all the things that are written....They will be killed by the sword and be led captive into all the nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled by the Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled." Luke 21:20-24

"I don't want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you will not be conceited: A partial hardening has come upon Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in." Romans 11:25

Firstly, both phrases are discussing Gentiles. Gentiles are all those people-groups which are not Hebrew/Jewish. The Hebrew word for Gentile is Goy and is typically used as meaning heathen or nation, implying a people-group that is not Hebrew. So, the difference in these two phrases comes down to the meaning of “times” and “fullness” of the Gentiles.

“Times” as used specifically in the context of this verse is the Greek word Kairos, and means a fixed and definite time. “Fullness” as used in the context of the above verse is the Greek word Pleroma, and means the full number of something. So how are these phrases different, and what time-period are they actually referring to?

Times of the Gentiles refers to the period of human history where Gentile kingdoms dominate the world scene. Daniel prophesied about these kingdoms in Daniel chapters two and seven.  In chapter two, Daniel is given understanding to interpret the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar concerning a tall statue of a man made from different types of metals. The statue represents four successive kingdoms of Gentiles beginning with the Babylonian kingdom, and continuing through history culminating with the revived Roman kingdom of the antichrist in the last days. This kingdom is brought down by the “rock not made by human hands” striking the iron and clay feet of the statue.

In chapter seven, Daniel is given a vision of four beasts. The beasts represent the same four kingdoms as seen in the statue in chapter two. The last kingdom again is the kingdom of the antichrist which is destroyed by the coming of the “Ancient of Days.”

Luke chapter 21 is part of what is known as the Olivet Discourse where Jesus is telling His disciples about the destruction of the temple. They ask Him to tell them when this will occur, and what the signs will be of His coming and the end of the age. So, everything Jesus tells them during the Olivet discourse sections applies to the time after the rapture, specifically the tribulation period at the end of the age. The "times of the Gentiles" therefore refers to the last gentile kingdom of the antichrist and the fixed, definite time that kingdom is brought to an end by the return of Jesus at the end of the seven year tribulation period.

The "fullness of the Gentiles" used by Paul in Romans chapter eleven refers to the period of time known as the "church age". Paul is discussing the church, and when the "partial hardening" of Israel will come to an end. We know from other verses in the Old and New Testament that the remnant of Israel will be grafted back into the cultivated olive tree at some point during the last days. This will occur after the church is raptured to be with the Lord. The book of Revelation details the process of remnant Israel feeling remorse and mourning the Messiah they rejected, and the elect remnant being grafted back into the cultivated tree fed by the root of God's blessing. The “fullness of the Gentiles” therefore refers to the point in time when the full number of those who are to be added to the church, the Body and Bride of Christ, is achieved. At that moment, the rapture of the church will occur and the partial hardening on Israel will be rescinded by God and His focus will return to bringing in the remnant elect of Israel during the tribulation period.

Here are some verses referring to the elect of Israel being grafted back into the cultivated tree:
“I ask, then, has God rejected his people? Absolutely not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Or don't you know what the Scripture says in the passage about Elijah -- how he pleads with God against Israel? 3 Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars. I am the only one left, and they are trying to take my life! 4 But what was God's answer to him? I have left seven thousand for myself who have not bowed down to Baal. 5 In the same way, then, there is also at the present time a remnant chosen by grace.” Romans 11:1-5

“On that day the remnant of Israel and the survivors of the house of Jacob will no longer depend on the one who struck them, but they will faithfully depend on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel. 21 The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God. 22 Israel, even if your people were as numerous as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. Destruction has been decreed; justice overflows. 23 For throughout the land the Lord God of Armies is carrying out a destruction that was decreed.” Isaiah 10:20-23

"Then I will pour out a spirit of grace and prayer on the house of David and the residents of Jerusalem, and they will look at me whom they pierced. They will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child and weep bitterly for him as one weeps for a firstborn." Zechariah 12:10

"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her. How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing! 38 "See, your house is left to you desolate. 39 "For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord'! " Matt 23"37-39

"So this is what the Lord GOD says: Now I will restore the fortunes of Jacob and have compassion on the whole house of Israel, and I will be jealous for my holy name. 26 "They will feel remorse for their disgrace and all the unfaithfulness they committed against me, when they live securely in their land with no one to frighten them. 27 "When I bring them back from the peoples and gather them from the countries of their enemies, I will demonstrate my holiness through them in the sight of many nations. 28 "They will know that I am the LORD their God when I regather them to their own land after having exiled them among the nations. I will leave none of them behind. 29 "I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel." This is the declaration of the Lord GOD." Ezekiel 39:25-29

Who are the Beast and False Prophet of Revelation?

Everyone speculates about the identities of the “Beast” and “False Prophet” in the book of Revelation.  But, did you know the Bible tells us exactly who, or maybe more precisely, what they are?  According to the Bible, the Beast and False Prophet are angels, fallen angels to be more specific.  

Fallen angels are also known as “demons.”  Let’s discuss what a demon is first.  God created heavenly beings which we call “angels”.  They are classified as different types in the Bible, and even into rank and order with specific duties.  The Bible refers to several different types of angels.  There is of course what we could call the common angel.  Additionally, scripture mentions three other types of heavenly beings; cherubim, seraphim, and “living creatures”. It also differentiates common angels from “archangels” who appear to be angels with assigned authority.  There are two archangels mentioned by name: Michael and Gabriel.  There is also another angel mentioned by name:  Lucifer.  Lucifer, also known as “Satan”, is described as a covering cherubim in the book of Ezekiel.  A covering cherubim, also called a living creature by Ezekiel, is an angel with a specific function to accompany and cover God.  We see them described more fully by Ezekiel in chapters 1 and 10, and by John in Revelation chapter 4 as well.

Note:  this verse is addressed to the “king of Tyre” but appears to actually be directed at Satan.  "Son of man, lament for the king of Tyre and say to him, 'This is what the Lord GOD says: You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty.  You were in Eden, the garden of God. Every kind of precious stone covered you: carnelian, topaz, and diamond, beryl, onyx, and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and emerald. Your mountings and settings were crafted in gold; they were prepared on the day you were created. You were an anointed guardian cherub, for I had appointed you. You were on the holy mountain of God; you walked among the fiery stones.  From the day you were created you were blameless in your ways until wickedness was found in you. Through the abundance of your trade, you were filled with violence, and you sinned. So I expelled you in disgrace from the mountain of God, and banished you, guardian cherub, from among the fiery stones. Your heart became proud because of your beauty; For the sake of your splendor you corrupted your wisdom. So I threw you down to the ground; I made you a spectacle before kings.”  Ezekiel 28:10-17.

When Lucifer was cast out of heaven by God, he convinced a third of the other heavenly beings to follow him.  We are not told what types of angels sinned along with Satan, but it is possible that cherubim, seraphim, and living creatures in addition to common angels and possibly archangels all joined in the rebellion and were cast out along with Satan.  John refers to this event in the book of Revelation, and Isaiah describes the same event referring to Satan as “Star of the Morning”.  

“Then another sign appeared in heaven: There was a great fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and on its heads were seven crowns.  Its tail swept away a third of the stars in heaven and hurled them to the earth….”  Revelation 12:3-4

"How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning, son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth, You who have weakened the nations!  But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’”  Isaiah 14:12-14 

These fallen angels (demons) are also referred to as "evil spirits," "unclean spirits," and "angels of Satan" (Matthew 10:1; Mark 1:27; Revelation 12:9).  Most roam free on the earth.  Jesus encountered demons regularly in the scriptures.    

“And He healed many who were ill with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew who He was.”  Mark 1:34

“And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," for many demons had entered him. And they were pleading with Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.”  Luke 8:30-31

The Bible also tells us that some demons are kept in “eternal bonds” in a place known as “the abyss”, “the bottomless pit”, and “Tartarus”.  This place is described as a pit, perhaps a place located in the depths below Hades/Sheol.  There is apparently a “king angel” of the abyss named “Abaddon”.  Satan himself will be bound there for one-thousand years during the millennial kingdom period on earth.  

“For if God did not spare angels who sinned, but cast them into the pit (Tartarus) and delivered them to chains of darkness, being kept for judgment…”   2 Peter 2:4

“And angels who did not keep their own domain, but abandoned their proper abode, He has kept in eternal bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day,”  Jude 1:6-7

“And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion," for many demons had entered him.  And they were pleading with Him not to command them to go away into the abyss.”  Luke 8:30-31

“He opened the shaft to the abyss, and smoke came up out of the shaft like smoke from a great furnace so that the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the shaft. ...  They had as their king the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he has the name Apollyon.”  Rev. 9:2,11

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven holding the key to the abyss and a great chain in his hand.  He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.  He threw him into the abyss, closed it, and put a seal on it so that he would no longer deceive the nations until the thousand years were completed. After that, he must be released for a short time.”  Rev. 20:1-3

In the book of Revelation, John is told that the Beast and the False Prophet come out of the abyss.  This confirms for us that both of these entities are in actuality demons.  These demons are then given power and authority by Satan (the dragon) for forty-two months (1260 days) the last three and a half years of the tribulation period.  The Beast is a demonic spirit that comes out of the abyss in the middle of the tribulation and inhabits the body of the antichrist.  His first act is to kill the two witnesses of Revelation, most likely Moses and Elijah.  The Beast’s next act is to desecrate the Holy Place in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem.  Jesus speaks about this act, and points out that Daniel prophesied about this “abomination of desolation” committed in the temple during the last days.  The False Prophet is a demonic spirit that comes out of the abyss at the same time and is described as looking like a lamb but speaking like a dragon (Satan).  The False Prophet causes everyone to worship the Beast, and exercises the authority of the Beast.  An interesting thing to note is the Beast is described as coming “out of the sea” and the False Prophet out of “the earth”.  This may possibly be a hint that the Beast inhabits the body of the antichrist who is a gentile, and the False Prophet inhabits the body of someone who is Jewish. 

"Therefore when you see the ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION which was spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),  then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains. ... For then there will be a great tribulation, such as has not occurred since the beginning of the world until now, nor ever will.”  Matthew 24:15-16, 21

“When they finish their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war on them, conquer them, and kill them.”  Rev. 11:7

“And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names.  The beast I saw was like a leopard, its feet were like a bear's, and its mouth was like a lion's mouth. The dragon gave the beast his power, his throne, and great authority.  One of its heads appeared to be fatally wounded, but its fatal wound was healed. The whole earth was amazed and followed the beast.  They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it? "  The beast was given a mouth to utter boasts and blasphemies. It was allowed to exercise authority for forty-two months. It began to speak blasphemies against God: to blaspheme his name and his dwelling -- those who dwell in heaven.  And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.  All those who live on the earth will worship it, everyone whose name was not written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slaughtered.”  

Rev. 13:1-8

“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.  It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.  It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people.  It deceives those who live on the earth because of the signs that it is permitted to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who live on the earth to make an image of the beast who was wounded by the sword and yet lived.  It was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. And it makes everyone -- small and great, rich and poor, free and slave -- to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead,  so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark: the beast's name or the number of its name.”  Rev. 13:11-17

It is appointed for mankind to die once, and then judgement. Every person ever created will be resurrected bodily we are told...some to life and some to death. The wicked will face judgement at what is known as the Great White Throne of judgement. Those whose names are not found in the Lamb's Book of Life will be thrown into the Lake of Fire, which is the second death. 

"And just as it is appointed for people to die once -- and after this, judgment" Heb. 9:27.

"Do not be amazed at this, because a time is coming when all who are in the graves will hear his voice and come out -- those who have done good things, to the resurrection of life, but those who have done wicked things, to the resurrection of condemnation." John 5:28-29.

"Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire." Rev. 20:11-15.

But, in Revelation chapter 19 we are told about the Beast (antichrist) and False Prophet being defeated at the battle of Armageddon by the Lord Jesus Christ at His second coming, which occurs at the end of the tribulation period.  Both are "thrown alive" into the lake of fire. No judgement at the Great White Throne is mentioned.  There is no mention of checking for their name in the Lamb's Book of Life.  They are simply thrown directly into the Lake of Fire, created for Satan and his demons.  After one-thousand years, we find they are still there when Satan is thrown into the Lake of Fire too.

"Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse. Its rider is called Faithful and True, and with justice he judges and makes war. ... then I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and against his army. But the beast was taken prisoner, and along with it the false prophet, who had performed the signs in its presence. He deceived those who accepted the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image with these signs. Both of them were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur." Rev. 19:11, 19-20.

"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels…”  Matthew 25:41

”When the thousand years are completed, Satan will be released from his prison and will go out to deceive the nations at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle. Their number is like the sand of the sea. They came up across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the encampment of the saints, the beloved city. Then fire came down from heaven and consumed them.  The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet are, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”  Rev. 20:7-10

Why is this?  Why are these two individuals handled differently than everyone else ever to exist in mankind who are included with the "wicked" according to God?  What makes them different in that they are not sent to Hades/Sheol to await judgement like every other wicked person?  Why are they not held until the Great White Throne of judgment and then condemned to the lake of fire after their names are not found written in the Lamb’s Book of Life like the rest of mankind?  I believe it is because, as we have seen in scripture, they are both demons, more specifically, men who have been totally possessed by the demons known as the Beast and the False Prophet, filled with power and authority directly from Satan himself.

“And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sits upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them.  Then I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.  And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them, and they were judged, every one [of them] according to their deeds.  Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.  And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.”  Rev. 20:10-15

The most engaged-with verse in 2025: Isaiah 41:10

The You Version Bible App recently announced that Isaiah 41:10 was "the most engaged-with verse throughout 2025."  The announcement went on to say "This marks the fourth time in six years the verse has claimed the top spot, which is a testament to the enduring need for God’s reassurance in uncertain times."  Here is the verse:  "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand."  

In my opinion, this verse speaks volumes about the current condition of humanity...an anxiety and fear that constantly invades our lives as humans, whether saved or unsaved.  This of course is due to one thing and one thing alone:  Sin.

Sin causes separation between you and God.  Satan delights in this separation and uses it to attack you and drive further wedges between God and you whenever he can, and wherever he can gain a foothold.  Don't give Satan or sin an opportunity, one translation says don't give Satan a foothold, in your life. "and do not give the devil an opportunity."  Ephesians 4:27.

Everyone deals with anxiety and fear.  Don't let Satan convince you that you are all alone in this.  Seek out God.  Talk to Him.  Invite the Holy Spirit into your life to fill you and strengthen you for the battle.  Get into God's Word daily.  Pray without ceasing.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 4:6-7

"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment."  2 Timothy 1:7

Now, let's take this in a completely different direction regarding this verse.  This verse that as reported was the most engaged-with verse in the year 2025, worldwide.  When we read it in context, it brings up a completely different issue that we should also discuss.  An issue that has been growing around the world in the last several years:  antisemitism.  Hatred towards Jews and the nation of Israel.

When we read the verses just prior to and after the Isaiah 41:10 verse, we see the verse in context:  “But you, Israel, my servant, Jacob, whom I have chosen, descendant of Abraham, my friend --  I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are my servant; I have chosen you; I haven't rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.   Be sure that all who are enraged against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will become as nothing and will perish. You will look for those who contend with you, but you will not find them. Those who war against you will become absolutely nothing. For I am the LORD your God, who holds your right hand, who says to you, "Do not fear, I will help you."  Is. 41:8-13

This verse about not having fear we find out is addressed to Israel, from God.  He calls them “my servant”, “whom I have chosen”, and “my friend”.  He tells Israel “I haven’t rejected you.”  God gives a warning to those who go against Israel that they will be ashamed and disgraced.  Those who contend with Israel “will become as nothing and perish.”  And, those who go to war against Israel “will become absolutely nothing.”

Wow.  Immediately what comes to my mind is the terror attacks by Hamas and Palestinian militants on October 7th of 2023.  Israel retaliated against Hamas in Gaza and decimated the territory.  It reminds me of this tiny country which was reformed from dry bones in 1948 as the Nation of Israel, and how they have been attacked over and over by their neighbors since then.  But yet they remain, and they flourish.

It is a reminder that God has His hand on Israel.  They are called “chosen by God”.  God has a purpose for Israel even to this day and will provide His covering and protection over them as their “friend”.  That is so important for us as Christians to remember.  God’s promises are still in effect to Israel.  

The church is not the replacement for Israel.  We are grafted into God’s kingdom, we are spiritual Israel in a sense, but God still has a plan and purpose for the actual historical nation of Israel.  This plan will begin after the rapture, after the church is removed and escorted to the Father's house by the Bridegroom.  God's program and plan involving the nation of Israel, specifically the remnant He has set aside, will kick back into full gear during the seven-year tribulation period.  Paul discusses this at length in his letter to the Romans in chapters 9, 10, and 11 (Romans 9:1).  John lays out the sequence of events and end result in the book of Revelation (Revelation 1:1).

Pray for the peace of Israel.  Pray that Jews find the true Messiah Jesus Christ.  Be the church.  Expand God’s kingdom.  Look for His soon return to take us to be with Him forever.  Maranatha!