Then, why did Jesus say he would come again on the clouds? First, it was to prevent the delusions of antichrists. It was better to let the people continue to believe that he would come on the clouds until the actual time of his coming. If it had been clarified that Christ would come on earth in the flesh, the confusion caused by the delusions of many antichrists could hardly have been prevented. But when the time is full, God will surely tell us.

Second, it was to encourage the disciples' religious life by shifting their attention heavenward. Regarding the Second Coming, Jesus said things that were not clearly understandable but were meant to encourage his followers to fulfill God's will as rapidly as possible. He said, "Surely I am coming soon: (Rev. 22:20). In Matt. 10:23, ". . . for truly I say to you, you will not have bone through all the towns of Israel, before the Son of man comes." Also in Matt. 16:28, he said, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they seen the Son of man coming in his kingdom." And in John 21:18-22, he also spoke as though he would come again in their lifetime. But what was Jesus' intention in speaking this way?

Because the early Christians believed that Jesus' Second Coming was near, and that he would come on the clouds from heaven in the power and glory of God, they would remain enthusiastic and zealous and have strength to withstand the oppression and persecution of the Roman Empire, thus building the early Christian Church.