1 Kings 17: 23b
So Israel was carried away from their land to Assyria, “as it is to this day.”
NOTE: Assyria [Asshur] anciently comprised the whole region between the Armenian mountains of the North, the South country of Baghdad [Iraq], and on its Eastern boundary are the mountains of Kurdistan, and Westward it was bounded by the Mesopotamian desert as it reached the Euphrates.
2 Kings 11: 32-33
In those days the LORD began to cut off parts of Israel; and Hazael conquered them in all the territory of Israel from the Jordan eastward; all the land of Gilead-Gad, Reuben, and Manasseh-from Aroer, which is by the River Arnon, including Gilead and Bashon.
2 Kings 15: 29
In the days of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser [Pul] king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maachah, Janoah, Kedesh, Hazor, Gilead, and Galilee, and all the land of Naphtali, and he carried them captive to Assyria.
2 Kings 17: 6
In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah, and by the Habor, the River Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes (Cp. 2 Kings 18: 11).
NOTE: Halah is a region in northern Mesopotamia, possibly northeast of Nineveh the capitol city of Assyria. The Habor is a major tributary of the Euphrates River and the Gozan is a Syrian city-state and probably modern Tel Halaf in northwestern Mesopotamia on the southern bank of the River Khabut. Cities of the Medes is a designation for Media proper- An ancient Iranian people and sister nation of the “Persians.” Their empire stretched from the Southern shore of the Black Sea and Aran province (Republic of Azerbajani) to North and Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Amos 5: 4
For thus says the LORD to the house of Israel: “Seek Me and live; but do not seek Bethel, nor enter Gilgal, nor pass over to Beersheba; For Gilgal will go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing.
Amos 6: 14
But, behold, I will raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel, says the LORD God of Hosts; And they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the valley of the Arabah.
NOTE: Hamath is the principal city of upper Syria. The valley of the Arabah extends from Mount Hermon to the Elanitic Gulf (Gulf of Akabah) of the Red Sea.
Hosea 9: 3
They shall not dwell in the LORD’S land, but Ephraim [Israel] shall return to Egypt, and shall eat unclean things in Assyria.
Hosea 10: 6
The idol shall be carried to Assyria as a present for king Jareb. Ephraim shall be ashamed of his own counsel.
Hosea 11: 5
He shall not return to the land of Egypt; But the Assyrian shall be his king.
John 7: 35b
Does He [Jesus] intend to go to the Dispersion [Jewish] among the Greeks [Gentiles] and teach the Greeks?
James 1: 1b
To the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad: Greetings.
1 Peter 1: 1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims [sojourners] of the Dispersion [Jewish] in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.
NOTE: Pontus- Located on the SE coast of the Black Sea in modern-day NE Turkey, extending from the borders of ‘Colchis’ [modern-day Republic of Georgia] well into Paphlagonia in the West. Galatia- An area in the highlands of Central Anatolia in modern-day Turkey. Cappadocia- An extensive inland district of Asia Minor bounded on the South by the Mt. Taurus chain, the East by the Euphrates River, the North by Pontus, and on the West by Lake ‘Tuz’ in Central Anatolia [“Turkey”]. Bithynia- A Roman province in the upper region of NW Asia Minor, joining the Propontis, Thracian Bosporus and Euxine [Black Sea].
Acts 2: 1, 5, 7-11
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And there were dwelling [visiting-not permanently residing] in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? “And how is it that we hear, each in his own language [dialect] in which we were born? “Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphilia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs [Arabians]-we hear them speaking in our own tongues [languages] the wonderful works of God.”
TABLE OF NATIONS:
Parthians/Parthia- Located in NE Iran.
Medes/Media- An ancient Iranian people and sister nation of the “Persians.” Their empire stretched from the Southern shore of the Black Sea and Aran province (Republic of Azerbajani) to North and Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Elam/Elamites- Located in SW Iran, East of Mesopotamia and the lowlands of Khuzestan and Ilam Province.
Mesopotamia- Region of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers bordering Iraq, Syria, Turkey, and Iran.
Judea- Mountainous Southern part of the historical land of Israel and modern-day West Bank.
Cappadocia- An extensive inland district of Asia Minor bounded on the South by the Mt. Taurus chain, the East by the Euphrates River, the North by Pontus, and on the West by Lake ‘Tuz’ in Central Anatolia [“Turkey”].
Pontus- Located on the SE coast of the Black Sea in modern-day NE Turkey, extending from the borders of ‘Colchis’ [modern-day Republic of Georgia] well into Paphlagonia in the West.
Asia- a Roman province on the west of Asia Minor who capital was Ephesus, generally comprising the southwest portion of Anatolia [Turkey].
Phrygia- Located in West Central Anatolia [Turkey].
Pamphylia- A region in the South of Asia Minor [Turkey??] between Lucia and Cilicia, North by Pisidia extending from the Mediterranean Sea to Mt. Taurus.
Egypt- Located in North Africa with the Mediterranean Sea to the North between the Gaza Strip and Israel to the NE.
Libya- Located in North Africa around the Mediterranean Sea to the North, between Egypt to the East and Sudan to the SE, Chad and Niger to the South, Algeria and Tunisia to the West.
Cyrene- A Greek colony in Eastern Libya.
Rome- The capitol city of Italy and Lazio on the Central Western portico of the Italian Peninsula, on the Tiber River.
Crete/Cretans- The longest of the Greek islands and home of the Minoan civilization;
Arabia/Arabs- Peninsula of SE Asia at the junction of Africa and Asia.
Amos 8: 9, 11, 14-15
For surely I will command, and will sift the house of Israel among the nations, as grain is sifted in the sieve; yet not the smallest grain will fall to the ground [be lost or unaccounted for]. On that day I will raise the tabernacle [House] of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins and rebuild it as in the days of old. I will bring back the captivity [from Assyria] of My people Israel; They will build the waste cities and inhabit them; They shall plant vineyards and drink wine from them; They shall also make gardens and eat fruit from them. I will plant them in their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up from the land that I have given them, says the LORD your God.
COMMENT: It seems that the supposed lost ten tribes of the house of Israel were known at the time of Jesus and the apostles to be residents of Europe, Asia and Asia Minor, Africa and the Middle East. Interestingly, of the sixteen regions that are listed, five of them are in the vicinity of Turkey (31.25%). In fact, some historical records indicate that there were more Jews living in Turkey than in Judea, with Alexandria, Egypt being the next most populous area. Prophetic announcements about the house of Israel going into captivity was penned as far back as 560 BC or even later around 425 BC, and their exile or banishment seemed to have continued in effect since that time onward. The prophet Amos envisions a scattered remnant will be returned back to the land from all parts of the world in a type of mass immigration or resettlement at some future time period. The thing is, what will happen to the people and their descendants who have been occupying the land for millennia; where will they go?
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 3, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Brief overview on Colossians/Philemon
The reason that these books should be linked together is much like reading Luke/Acts as a single or combined volume. The narratives compliment one another and should be read concurrently. Bible scholars date this writing around the year 61 AD, and it was probably addressed to the saints at Colossae while the Apostle Paul was held as a prisoner in Caesarea (Cp. Acts 25: 4; Colossians 4: 3b; Philemon 1: 1, 9b, 13b), awaiting extradition to appear before Caesar Augustus in Rome (Cp. Acts 25: 10, 21).
Colossians 4: 7-9
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the LORD, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They [Tychicus and Onesimus] will make known to you all things which are happening here [Caesarea??].
Colossians 3: 22-24; 4: 1
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
NOTE: This is a revolutionary concept as it challenges the power relationship between servant and master, as well as the obligation of the servant to faithfully perform his duties as to the LORD and not man.
Philemon 8-10, 12, 15-17
Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you-being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ- I appeal to you for my son [in the gospel] Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. I am sending him back to you. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart. For perhaps he departed for awhile for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave-a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the LORD.
COMMENTARY: It appears that Onesimus was from Colossae but it is not known how he became a slave to Philemon. Onesimus fled the service of his master and must have been led to the LORD by the teaching of the Apostle Paul during his two year incarceration in Caesarea. This is one of the few, if not the only truly personal letters from the Apostle Paul that does not strictly deal with doctrinal issues and Church organization. This is a very passionate appeal and a softer side of the Apostle that is not presented elsewhere in the New Testament from his pen, and is remarkable because it reorients the relationship between master and slave. The Apostle Paul did not start this Church but heard about the saints there from Epaphras, as below:
Colossians 1: 4, 7
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints, as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.
In this letter to the Colossians the believers in Laodicea are mentioned several times, as in the following:
Colossians 2: 1
For I want you to know what a great conflict [anxiety] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh.
Colossians 4: 13, 15a-16
Now I bear him [Epaphras] witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea. Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
It seems that quite a few of Paul’s fellow workers whom he mentions in this letter to the Colossians are included in the epistle to Philemon, too, such as: Mark, Luke, Archippus, Demas and Aristarchus (Cp. Colossians 4: 10, 14, 17; Philemon 2, 24). Interestingly, Epaphras, who was also one of them [Colossians] was their minister (Cp. Colossians 1: 4, 7), but by the time Philemon receives Paul’s letter [probably in the same year] he end’s up being a prisoner right along with the apostle (Cp. Philemon 23).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 30, 2011
Robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Colossians 4: 7-9
Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the LORD, will tell you all the news about me. I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They [Tychicus and Onesimus] will make known to you all things which are happening here [Caesarea??].
Colossians 3: 22-24; 4: 1
Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the LORD and not to men, knowing that from the LORD you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the LORD Christ. Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
NOTE: This is a revolutionary concept as it challenges the power relationship between servant and master, as well as the obligation of the servant to faithfully perform his duties as to the LORD and not man.
Philemon 8-10, 12, 15-17
Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you what is fitting, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you-being such a one as Paul the aged, and now a prisoner of Jesus Christ- I appeal to you for my son [in the gospel] Onesimus, whom I have begotten while in my chains. I am sending him back to you. You therefore receive him, that is, my own heart. For perhaps he departed for awhile for this purpose, that you might receive him forever, no longer as a slave but more than a slave-a beloved brother, especially to me but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the LORD.
COMMENTARY: It appears that Onesimus was from Colossae but it is not known how he became a slave to Philemon. Onesimus fled the service of his master and must have been led to the LORD by the teaching of the Apostle Paul during his two year incarceration in Caesarea. This is one of the few, if not the only truly personal letters from the Apostle Paul that does not strictly deal with doctrinal issues and Church organization. This is a very passionate appeal and a softer side of the Apostle that is not presented elsewhere in the New Testament from his pen, and is remarkable because it reorients the relationship between master and slave. The Apostle Paul did not start this Church but heard about the saints there from Epaphras, as below:
Colossians 1: 4, 7
Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints, as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf.
In this letter to the Colossians the believers in Laodicea are mentioned several times, as in the following:
Colossians 2: 1
For I want you to know what a great conflict [anxiety] I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh.
Colossians 4: 13, 15a-16
Now I bear him [Epaphras] witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea. Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.
It seems that quite a few of Paul’s fellow workers whom he mentions in this letter to the Colossians are included in the epistle to Philemon, too, such as: Mark, Luke, Archippus, Demas and Aristarchus (Cp. Colossians 4: 10, 14, 17; Philemon 2, 24). Interestingly, Epaphras, who was also one of them [Colossians] was their minister (Cp. Colossians 1: 4, 7), but by the time Philemon receives Paul’s letter [probably in the same year] he end’s up being a prisoner right along with the apostle (Cp. Philemon 23).
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 30, 2011
Robertrandle51@yahoo.com
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Parables of the kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 3: 1, 5-6, 11
In those days John the Baptizer came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. I indeed baptize you with [in] water unto repentance, but he who is coming [The Coming One] after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with [in] the Holy Spirit [and fire].
Mark 1: 14-15
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel [of the kingdom] of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Matthew 4: 12-13, 17
Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth [His city], He came and dwelt in Capernaum. From that time [after the Baptizer’s arrest] Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Mark 4: 26
And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter [sow] seed on the ground.
Matthew 13: 24
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: (1) “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field (Cp. verses 36-42).
Mark 4: 30-31
Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? “It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown [scattered] on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on the earth; but when it is sown it grows up and becomes greater than all the herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.
Matthew 13: 31-32
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: (2) “The kingdom of heaven is like mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds, but when it is grown it is greater than all the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
Luke 13: 18
Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? “It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and out in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”
Matthew 13: 33
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: (3) “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened.
NOTE: Leaven is usually depicted as something corrupt and undesirable, so why is it used here in reference to the kingdom of Heaven? Is there any significance to precisely three measures of meal? In Genesis 18: 6, Sarah uses this exact amount in a cake recipe for the angelic visitors [including the LORD] before they headed down to judge and ultimately destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
Luke 13: 20-21
And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? “It is like (3) leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened.”
Matthew 13: 10-12
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries [hidden truths] of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”
Matthew 13: 44
Again, (4) the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13: 45-46
Again, (5) the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13: 47-48
Again, (6) the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some [fish] of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away (Cp. verses 49-51).
Matthew 13: 52
Then Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe [scholar of the Law] instructed concerning (7) the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
Matthew 18: 23
Therefore (8) the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
Matthew 20: 1
For (9) the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Matthew 21: 28-32, 43-45
But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, “Son, go and work today (9) in my vineyard. “He answered and said, ‘I will not.’ But afterwards he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, “I go, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent [regret it/repent] and believe him. Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whomever falls on this stone will be broken, but on whomever if falls, it will grind him to powder. Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
NOTE: Did Jesus mean that the kingdom will be taken from the Jewish people or their leaders and given to the Gentiles who are producing its fruit?
Mark 10: 31
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 22: 2-3
(10) The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
John 1: 11
He [Jesus] came into His own [nation] and His own received Him not.
Matthew 25: 14
For (12) the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
Leviticus 25: 55
For the children of Israel are servants to Me (Cp. Isaiah 49: 3); they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Matthew 25: 1
Then (11) the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Hosea 2: 19-20
I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD.
Luke 19: 11-12
Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore He said, (12) “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and return. So he called ten of His servants, delivered to them ten minas [three months salary], and said to them, ‘Do business until I come [return].’ “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had received by trading (Cp. Matthew 25: 14).”
Luke 22: 29-30
And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Acts 1: 6-7
Therefore, when they [the disciples] had come together, they asked Him, saying, “LORD, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
COMMENTARY: The kingdom of heaven on earth that Jesus preached about was primarily directed to the Jewish people, and not as some New Testament Bible scholars contend, to the Christian Church. One of the main purposes of Jesus’ teaching and coming was to bring the Jewish nation back to a right relationship with the LORD their God. This is based upon the following:
Zechariah 1: 2-4
The LORD has been very angry with your fathers. “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, “Thus says the LORD of Hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” ’ But they did not hear or heed Me,” says the LORD.
Malachi 4: 5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.
Now some Christian believers might want to say that Jesus came to bring in the knowledge of salvation to Gentiles, but which ones? If one carefully reads Matthew 4: 13-17, it says: And leaving Nazareth, He [Jesus] came and dwelt [resided] in Capernaum. Which is by the sea [of Galilee/Tiberias], in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned.” From that time [after John the Baptizer had been imprisoned] Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [has drawn near].”
Matthew 15: 24
But He [Jesus] answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel [Galilee of the Gentiles??].
Finally, it must be remembered that Jesus was from the region of Galilee in the North and this Jewish land is identified with two of the twelve sons of Israel allotted to them [and their descendants] by God. So, the Gentiles under consideration are really Aramaic-speaking inhabitants of this Israelite territory, considered Gentiles as compared to the residents in the Southern territory of Judea [including Jerusalem]; and not Gentiles referred to as the nations[Heb. goyiim] in the usual sense of the word.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 16, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
In those days John the Baptizer came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and the entire region around the Jordan went out to him and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. I indeed baptize you with [in] water unto repentance, but he who is coming [The Coming One] after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with [in] the Holy Spirit [and fire].
Mark 1: 14-15
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel [of the kingdom] of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
Matthew 4: 12-13, 17
Now when Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving Nazareth [His city], He came and dwelt in Capernaum. From that time [after the Baptizer’s arrest] Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Mark 4: 26
And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter [sow] seed on the ground.
Matthew 13: 24
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: (1) “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field (Cp. verses 36-42).
Mark 4: 30-31
Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? “It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown [scattered] on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on the earth; but when it is sown it grows up and becomes greater than all the herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.
Matthew 13: 31-32
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: (2) “The kingdom of heaven is like mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds, but when it is grown it is greater than all the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”
Luke 13: 18
Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? “It is like a mustard seed, which a man took and out in his garden; and it grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air nested in its branches.”
Matthew 13: 33
Another parable He put forth to them, saying: (3) “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened.
NOTE: Leaven is usually depicted as something corrupt and undesirable, so why is it used here in reference to the kingdom of Heaven? Is there any significance to precisely three measures of meal? In Genesis 18: 6, Sarah uses this exact amount in a cake recipe for the angelic visitors [including the LORD] before they headed down to judge and ultimately destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
Luke 13: 20-21
And again He said, “To what shall I liken the kingdom of God? “It is like (3) leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until it was all leavened.”
Matthew 13: 10-12
And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries [hidden truths] of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.”
Matthew 13: 44
Again, (4) the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13: 45-46
Again, (5) the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.
Matthew 13: 47-48
Again, (6) the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some [fish] of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away (Cp. verses 49-51).
Matthew 13: 52
Then Jesus said to them, “Therefore every scribe [scholar of the Law] instructed concerning (7) the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
Matthew 18: 23
Therefore (8) the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
Matthew 20: 1
For (9) the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.
Matthew 21: 28-32, 43-45
But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, “Son, go and work today (9) in my vineyard. “He answered and said, ‘I will not.’ But afterwards he regretted it and went. Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, “I go, sir,’ but he did not go. “Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that tax collectors and harlots enter the kingdom of God before you. For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him; but tax collectors and harlots believed him; and when you saw it, you did not afterward relent [regret it/repent] and believe him. Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it. And whomever falls on this stone will be broken, but on whomever if falls, it will grind him to powder. Now when the chief priests and Pharisees heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them.
NOTE: Did Jesus mean that the kingdom will be taken from the Jewish people or their leaders and given to the Gentiles who are producing its fruit?
Mark 10: 31
But many who are first will be last, and the last first.
Matthew 22: 2-3
(10) The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.
John 1: 11
He [Jesus] came into His own [nation] and His own received Him not.
Matthew 25: 14
For (12) the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.
Leviticus 25: 55
For the children of Israel are servants to Me (Cp. Isaiah 49: 3); they are My servants whom I brought out of the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Matthew 25: 1
Then (11) the kingdom of heaven shall be likened to ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom.
Hosea 2: 19-20
I will betroth you to Me forever; Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and justice, in loving-kindness and mercy; I will betroth you to Me in faithfulness, and you shall know the LORD.
Luke 19: 11-12
Now as they heard these things, He spoke another parable, because He was near Jerusalem and because they thought the kingdom of God would appear immediately. Therefore He said, (12) “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom and return. So he called ten of His servants, delivered to them ten minas [three months salary], and said to them, ‘Do business until I come [return].’ “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had received by trading (Cp. Matthew 25: 14).”
Luke 22: 29-30
And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Acts 1: 6-7
Therefore, when they [the disciples] had come together, they asked Him, saying, “LORD, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” And He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.
COMMENTARY: The kingdom of heaven on earth that Jesus preached about was primarily directed to the Jewish people, and not as some New Testament Bible scholars contend, to the Christian Church. One of the main purposes of Jesus’ teaching and coming was to bring the Jewish nation back to a right relationship with the LORD their God. This is based upon the following:
Zechariah 1: 2-4
The LORD has been very angry with your fathers. “Therefore say to them, ‘Thus says the LORD of hosts: “Return to Me,” says the LORD of Hosts, “and I will return to you,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets preached, saying, “Thus says the LORD of Hosts: “Turn now from your evil ways and your evil deeds.” ’ But they did not hear or heed Me,” says the LORD.
Malachi 4: 5-6
Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.
Now some Christian believers might want to say that Jesus came to bring in the knowledge of salvation to Gentiles, but which ones? If one carefully reads Matthew 4: 13-17, it says: And leaving Nazareth, He [Jesus] came and dwelt [resided] in Capernaum. Which is by the sea [of Galilee/Tiberias], in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and those who sat in the region and shadow of death, Light has dawned.” From that time [after John the Baptizer had been imprisoned] Jesus began to preach and say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand [has drawn near].”
Matthew 15: 24
But He [Jesus] answered and said, “I was not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel [Galilee of the Gentiles??].
Finally, it must be remembered that Jesus was from the region of Galilee in the North and this Jewish land is identified with two of the twelve sons of Israel allotted to them [and their descendants] by God. So, the Gentiles under consideration are really Aramaic-speaking inhabitants of this Israelite territory, considered Gentiles as compared to the residents in the Southern territory of Judea [including Jerusalem]; and not Gentiles referred to as the nations[Heb. goyiim] in the usual sense of the word.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 16, 2011
robertrandle51@yahoo.com
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