When does the great tribulation begin and how long does it last?
The great tribulation begins at the midpoint of the tribulation, the latter half of the seven-year period, and lasts three and a half years. This final period brings unprecedented suffering, greater than any previous horrors, but it ends exactly on schedule so that survivors remain.
Les explains that the great tribulation begins in the middle of the tribulation period, launching the final three and a half years. He points to Jesus' words in verse 21: 'for then shall be great tribulation such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor ever shall be.' Les contrasts this with past horrors like Israel's Old Testament experiences, the Holocaust, and modern famines and wars, saying none measure up. He clarifies that 'shortened' does not mean reducing the time to three years but that unless it ends right on schedule—if it went an extra month—no one would survive. Yet survivors will remain worldwide.
For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
More Questions
When does the great tribulation begin and how does its severity compare to all other times?
The great tribulation starts at the midpoint and is a time of trouble greater than anything from the beginning of the world or that will ever happen again.
Why will the great tribulation be so awful?
The second half of the tribulation is so terrible because it involves both the outpouring of Satan's wrath and the outpouring of God's wrath on the whole human race.
When does the Great Tribulation begin in the seven-year period?
The entire seven-year period is tribulation, but the tribulation as normally understood—the especially severe three and a half years—begins at Matthew 24:21.