What period of time is Jesus describing in Matthew 24:21?
The period is the final seven years of human history, including the three-and-a-half-year period when His wrath is poured out. It is the great tribulation, unlike anything since the world began and never to be equaled again, involving events beyond human comprehension.
Les explains that in Matthew 24:21 Jesus, speaking to the Twelve on the Mount of Olives, describes the final seven years of human history. Les says this will be great tribulation such as was not since the world began. He contrasts it with the flood, noting the flood was not His wrath but an act of mercy, because they were instantaneously wiped off the face of the earth. The coming wrath, however, will be three and a half years of things beyond human comprehension. Les then points to Revelation to show it speaks of this same period of time.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.