I think that like in typical sect, early Christians believed the end of times is a matter of years. They were basically told “join our sect because the world is about to end and this is the only way to be saved”. The message was that world will end before last of the disciples dies. Then it changed into “before everyone who was alive when Christ lived will die” which was more vague so the timeline wasn’t as clear. Then it changed into “no one really knows when it will happen”. Modern sects use the exact same trick.
As I said, they keep using the same trick. “Now the world is REALLY about to end. Quick! Join my sect!”. Jehovah’s Witnesses predicted the end of times multiple times. They claimed that only 144,000 people can go to heaven because at the beginning it looked like a number of members they will never achieve. Once they had 144,000 they had to invent some other story about second class in heaven with more places or something.
I think that like in typical sect, early Christians believed the end of times is a matter of years. They were basically told “join our sect because the world is about to end and this is the only way to be saved”. The message was that world will end before last of the disciples dies. Then it changed into “before everyone who was alive when Christ lived will die” which was more vague so the timeline wasn’t as clear. Then it changed into “no one really knows when it will happen”. Modern sects use the exact same trick.
Jesus told His apostles that they would be alive to see His triumphant return.
They all died, confused and bewildered.
(or perhaps they are still walking the earth to this very day, revenant Highlander apostles are always a possibility)
Meanwhile grifters have been predicting the exact date and time (and making money off those predictions) for centuries.
As I said, they keep using the same trick. “Now the world is REALLY about to end. Quick! Join my sect!”. Jehovah’s Witnesses predicted the end of times multiple times. They claimed that only 144,000 people can go to heaven because at the beginning it looked like a number of members they will never achieve. Once they had 144,000 they had to invent some other story about second class in heaven with more places or something.
They’re one of so many who pull the same scam.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_dates_predicted_for_apocalyptic_events
They claimed 144,000 because that’s the number of “true believers” described in the Bible in Revelation who are rewarded with Heaven.
https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/who-are-the-144000-in-revelation-14-bible-meaning-and-verses.html