Rapture, The Timing Of

MacArthur, “The time of the Rapture cannot be conclusively determined from this passage alone. However, when other texts such as Revelation 3:10 and John 14:3 are consulted and compared to the texts about Christ’s coming in judgment (Matt. 13:34–50; 24:29–44; Rev. 19:11–21) at the end of a seven year Tribulation, it has to be noted that there is a clear difference between the character of the Rapture in that there is no mention of any judgment, while the other texts feature judgment. So then, it is best to understand that the Rapture occurs at a time different from the coming of Christ in judgment. Thus, the Rapture has been described as pre-Tribulational (before the wrath of God unfolded in the judgments of Rev. 6–19).”

John F. MacArthur Jr., The MacArthur Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2005), 1 Th 4:17.