Did 1st century Christians think Christ would return?

[Rev216]

Hey all,
Lately I've begun to wonder if the 1st century Christians (those who actually knew Christ first hand or early converts) believed Jesus would return very soon after he died and rose. Were the apostles and Paul expecting Christ to return within their life times? And being Christian in these times, almost 2,000 years later, do you think they imagined it would have taken this long?

Thanks all

 

[samuel]

I think it would be safe to say, that since the beginning of Christianity. Those who have trusted in Christ have looked forward to his return, and expected it within their lifetime.

As for the Apostles, I think in general they felt the same, as can be seen from some of their comments.

The Lord left us with the immanent nature of his return, when he said no man knew the day or hour, not even the Angels in heaven, but only the Father.

Peter could have been possibly pointing to a lengthy wait, by this statement. Then possibly just as I have said immanent return, with encouragement not to be discouraged.
2Pet. 3:8, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

 

[Shilohsfoal]

I think it would be safe to say, that since the beginning of Christianity. Those who have trusted in Christ have looked forward to his return, and expected it within their lifetime.

As for the Apostles, I think in general they felt the same, as can be seen from some of their comments.

The Lord left us with the immanent nature of his return, when he said no man knew the day or hour, not even the Angels in heaven, but only the Father.

Peter could have been possibly pointing to a lengthy wait, by this statement. Then possibly just as I have said immanent return, with encouragement not to be discouraged.
2Pet. 3:8, But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

2 Peter was the first thing to come to my mind after reading the question.Ive always thought this to be the case,then I read the general epistle of Barnabus and it confirmed my thoughts .
After 6 thousand years from Adam would come the sabbath.It all makes sense.Two thousand years ago would have been two days and the resurrection would then take place the third day.

 

[samuel]

Here is another interesting passage, to carry along the same chain of thought. We are now in that third day!.

Hos.6:1, Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn, and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up.
Hos.6:2, After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight.
Hos.6:3, Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the LORD: his going forth is prepared as the morning; and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter and former rain unto the earth.

AD 1 - AD 1000 1st day, AD 1000 - AD 2000 second day, also revival (waking up) of Jerusalem 1948 in that second day period. Since Ad 2000 up to today - the Third Day!, raising up (resurrection day) can a Nation be born in a day? - Isaiah 66:8.