A characteristic mark of the final days of the Old Covenant was the suffering faced by the disciples. The Lord knew the inevitable trials that would come, (John 16:1, 2). He therefore made provisions for their protection.

One such provision made was the cities of refuge promised to the apostles as shelter to which they could flee from the persecution. Couched in the promise is the implied message of Jesus' imminent return.

"When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes." (Matthew 10:23)

The apostles would preach throughout the land of Israel. They flee for refuge from persecution. This activity continues until the Son of Man comes. It is evident that Jesus expected and taught that his second coming would happen in the lifetime of his apostles. He likewise saw no break in their evangelistic mission being interrupted by a rapture from the earth. Their work continued uninterrupted until he came. Their relief was not removal from the earth, but flight to cities in the land of Israel which they sought for relief.

Jesus promised his disciples individually, John 21:22, and collectively, Matthew 16:27, 28, that some would not die until he returned. Since that return occurred within his own generation, (Matthew 24:34) it leaves neither room nor time for a future return or rapture.