During a particular worship service, some individuals among the congregation were brought forward before the altar for healing. The first thing was invoking the “Name of Jesus,” praying, and laying on of hands in behalf of the persons who were brought forward and invocation to the Lord was made in their behalf. It did come as a surprise to me that this occasion did not result in either of them being unbound from their infirmity and I had to wonder why that was so. We believe in the ‘anointing’ of the Holy Spirit and the signs as well as authority, privilege, and right that when we call upon Jesus’ Name in full assurance of ‘Faith,’ that if we ask anything in His Name, that He will do it. All this being said, people should have been loosed from their affliction and Satan bound by the power of God in our assembly on that day.
This caused me to inquire into the matter by soliciting an explanation from the Pastor, and what I was informed is that in some instances people are not healed immediately; and the healing is also dependent on some precondition or demonstration of “faith” that the individual wants to healed, by cooperating with some particular request from the man of God. This caused me to reflect on how healings took place in Jesus’ days on Earth and in the subsequent years after His ascension back to heaven. The following is what I have found.
Matthew 8: 5-1, 13
Jesus healed the Centurion’s servant based on the Centurion’s “faith” and the Scripture does not mention anything about the servant asking for Jesus to heal him; and not only that, but the servant was healed that ‘same’ hour.
Matthew 8: 14-15-16
Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever and she got up and served them. Jesus healed many who were demon-possessed with but a ‘word.’
NOTE: There were no prerequisites recorded here.
Matthew 8: 26-34
Jesus healed two demon-possessed men.
NOTE: There were no prerequisites recorded here.
Matthew 9: 1-8
Jesus healed a paralytic who was lying on a bed.
NOTE: There were no prerequisites recorded here and Jesus did not tell the man to discard his bed ‘first’ to show he believed Jesus would really him. Also, the person was healed almost immediately.
Matthew 9: 18-26
Jesus brought back to life the daughter of a ruler of the synagogue and healed the woman with a blood hemorrhage [“flow”].
NOTE: Jesus brought “life” back to the daughter based on her father’s act of ‘faith’ and the woman with the “issue” of blood acted in ‘faith’ also in behalf of herself.
Matthew 9: 27-31
Jesus heals two blind men who followed along (??) as they implored Him.
NOTE: There was a precondition, namely, Jesus asked them if they “believed” He was able [and ‘willing’??] to do this. He also said, “According to your ‘faith’ let it be to you.”
Matthew 9: 32-34
Jesus heals a mute, demon-possessed man who was brought to Him.
NOTE: There were no prerequisites recorded here and again, the healing was immediate.
There are numerous examples of healings in the Gospels, and after Jesus chose the “Twelve” and commanded as well as gave them the ‘Authority’ in Matthew 10: 7-8:
“And as you go [to the lost sheep of ‘Israel’], preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand,’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.’”
Jesus said in John 14: 12-14, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to the Father. AND WHATEVER YOU ASK IN MY NAME, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My Name, I will do it.”
If this is the case then the results should be the same without any set of additional requirements or under different exigent circumstances. The Apostle Paul reminds us in I Corinthians 4: 20 that the kingdom of God is not in word but in “power.”
II Timothy 3: 5
Having a form of godliness but denying its “power.” And from such people turn away.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
July 4, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Sunday, June 21, 2009
The real Strongman of the Bible
One of the first names which come to mind is the Danite hero Samson, recorded in the Old Testament book of JUDGES. Starting as far back as the antediluvian-Earth, there are sons of the “Nephilim” (Genesis 6: 2, 4); Nimrod (Genesis 10: 8; I Chronicles 1: 10); the sons of Anak (Numbers 13: 33; Deuteronomy 2: 11); King Og of Bashan(Deuteronomy 3: 11); Goliath (I Samuel 17: 1-11); a youthful KingDavid (I Samuel 17: 12, 26-27, 38-51; 21: 8-9); Elhanan the son of Jaareroregim a Bethlehemite(II Samuel 21: 19; I Chronicles 20: 5); Josheb-Basshebeth who was called Adino the Eznite (II Samuel 23: 8); Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite (II Samuel 23: 9-10); Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite (II Samuel 23: 11-12); Abishai the brother of Joab (II Samuel 23: 18); and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada (II Samuel 23: 20-21).
Apparently, even the Apostle Peter was a rugged and physically rigorous person; as evidenced by John 21: 11, 18: Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
There is someone however, who is far mightier, more dangerous and sinister than all these men combined. Jesus reveals this person’s identity in Matthew 12: 26, 29 in this way: “If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? “Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Revelation 12: 7-9, 12b
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast with him. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.
Luke 10: 18
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Job 1: 7
And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
I Chronicles 21: 1
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.
Luke 4: 6
And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give you, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” (Cp. John 12: 31; 16: 11)
Luke 13: 11, 16
And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. “So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound-think of it-for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”
Luke 22: 3
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.
Luke 22: 31
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.”
I John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Indeed, the Devil is not like the well-dressed prankster played by Ray Wise of the hit TV show, “Reaper” airing on KSTW Channel 11 [Seattle], but is a murderer (I John 3: 8a, 12a). The lion is called the “king of the beasts” and the serpent [“devil”] is likewise, according to Genesis 3: 1a; and not only that, but in I Peter 5: 8, it reads: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, and seeking [“all"] whom he may devour.
And Satan is deadly serious, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira (Cp. Acts 5:
1-11). He sets traps or snares for people (Cp. Ephesians 4: 27; 6: 11; I Timothy 3: 6-7; II Timothy 2: 26), and will cast some into prison (Revelation 2: 10b). Satan disrupts marital relationships (I Corinthians 7: 5b), had the power of death (Hebrews 2: 14b), and can even transform himself into an angel of light
(II Corinthians 11: 14). Yet, no matter how formidable this strong man is, God provides us with the victory in Jesus.
I John 4: 4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He [the “Holy Spirit”] that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Revelation 12: 10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the power of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 20: 1-2, 10
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 21: 4-6a
And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 21, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Apparently, even the Apostle Peter was a rugged and physically rigorous person; as evidenced by John 21: 11, 18: Simon Peter went up and dragged the net to land, full of large fish, one hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not broken. “Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.”
There is someone however, who is far mightier, more dangerous and sinister than all these men combined. Jesus reveals this person’s identity in Matthew 12: 26, 29 in this way: “If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? “Or how can one enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods unless he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house.
Revelation 12: 7-9, 12b
And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast with him. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has a short time.
Luke 10: 18
And He said to them, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.”
Job 1: 7
And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.”
I Chronicles 21: 1
Now Satan stood up against Israel, and moved David to number Israel.
Luke 4: 6
And the devil said to Him, “All this authority I will give you, and their glory; for this has been delivered to me, and I give it to whomever I wish.” (Cp. John 12: 31; 16: 11)
Luke 13: 11, 16
And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way raise herself up. “So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound-think of it-for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”
Luke 22: 3
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve.
Luke 22: 31
And the Lord said, “Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat.”
I John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.
Indeed, the Devil is not like the well-dressed prankster played by Ray Wise of the hit TV show, “Reaper” airing on KSTW Channel 11 [Seattle], but is a murderer (I John 3: 8a, 12a). The lion is called the “king of the beasts” and the serpent [“devil”] is likewise, according to Genesis 3: 1a; and not only that, but in I Peter 5: 8, it reads: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, and seeking [“all"] whom he may devour.
And Satan is deadly serious, as in the case of Ananias and Sapphira (Cp. Acts 5:
1-11). He sets traps or snares for people (Cp. Ephesians 4: 27; 6: 11; I Timothy 3: 6-7; II Timothy 2: 26), and will cast some into prison (Revelation 2: 10b). Satan disrupts marital relationships (I Corinthians 7: 5b), had the power of death (Hebrews 2: 14b), and can even transform himself into an angel of light
(II Corinthians 11: 14). Yet, no matter how formidable this strong man is, God provides us with the victory in Jesus.
I John 4: 4
You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is He [the “Holy Spirit”] that is in you, than he that is in the world.
Revelation 12: 10
And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ: for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the power of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
Revelation 20: 1-2, 10
Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. He laid hold of the serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
Revelation 21: 4-6a
And God shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 21, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 11, 2009
What would you do if Tomorrow Never Came?
I read a very inspirational testimony from by youngest sister as she witnessed to the glory of God in a dream, and whereupon she experienced the Celestial splendor of Heaven; accompanied by her Guardian Angel. She was enraptured and overcome with so much joy, which was unspeakable and inexpressionable such that the only words that came from her mouth as tears came streaming down her face, were those directed by the Holy Spirit through speaking in Tongues. It was for her an intimate, very personal, deeply moving, spiritual epiphany and she just had to share it because it was too overwhelming and powerful to just keep it bottled up inside her. I, for one, was honored and appreciated the portion of Divine grace that touched my heart and spirit after reading such an unexpected and wondrous email.
Since I hadn’t written an article for about a week or so, and certainly not one quite so personal, it did cause me to ponder another aspect, which serves as the title and theme for reflection in this writing. One of the relative certainties of the human experience and it is what most profoundly gives us a sense of hope, stability, rationality, and confidence, is that of looking forward to a “Tomorrow.” We never question that expectation because for whatever instinctive or innate reasoning as a sentient ‘being,’ it is as predictable and autonomic as breathing, something done without conscious thought, that indeed there will always be a tomorrow. But, “WHAT IF” today is the last day, and there is not another one to look forward to, ever again? We live in a world of materiality and physical substance, or as the Hindu sage would called it, ‘Maia’ [‘illusion’]; as though we have a guarantee of experiencing a future, that things will always work out and get done eventually; if not tomorrow then on some other day because after all, we have nothing to worry about because we have all the time in the world; but is that true?
Job 14: 1
Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
James 4: 14
Whereas you do not know what will happen ‘tomorrow.’ For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
The notion that people would be busy with their daily routines, lifestyle, and habits when the Lord returns is underscored by the statement of Jesus recorded in Matthew 24: 36-39, 42, 44; 25: 13:
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, but My Father only. But, as in the days of Noah were, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away; so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
I Thessalonians 5: 1-4
But concerning the times and the seasons brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly well that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and Safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
A very poignant as well as explicit statement of arrogance, stubbornness and willful disregard for the longsuffering of God was penned by the Apostle Peter.
I Peter 3: 3-7, 9:
Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the Last Days, walking according to their own lusts [self-interests], saying, “Where is the promise [‘evidence {philosophical reasoning or scientific proof’}??] of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation [“The Big Bang”??]. For this they are willfully forget [they don’t want to know or accept the ‘TRUTH’]: that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the Heavens and the Earth which are now preserved by the same Word, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that “all” should come to repentance.
Hebrews 3: 7-8; 15
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today,” if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
One of the more startling things that Jesus said is recorded in Matthew 7: 22-23, which reads: “Many will say to Me in that Day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons in Your Name, and done many wonders [‘miracles’] in Your Name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
This is all the more incredible because in Mark 9: 38-41:
Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your Name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us. But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My Name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
I Peter 4: 17-18
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely [‘barely’] saved; where will the ungodly and sinner appear?”
Luke 18: 8b
“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find ‘Faith’ on the earth?”
This article started off on a positive note and it would only seem reasonable to end it that way after some of the more dire and solemn admonitions previously, so here are a few passages which administer grace:
I Peter 1: 3-4-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation; ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Whom having not seen you love. Though, now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith- the salvation of your souls.
Ephesians 3: 20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 21: 4
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have [‘all’] passed away. (Cp. Isaiah 65: 17??)
Lastly, to quote the Scripture used by my sister, which is found in
I Corinthians 2: 9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor has it entered into the heart of man the Things which God has prepared for those who love Him
(Cp. Isaiah 64: 4).”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 11, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Since I hadn’t written an article for about a week or so, and certainly not one quite so personal, it did cause me to ponder another aspect, which serves as the title and theme for reflection in this writing. One of the relative certainties of the human experience and it is what most profoundly gives us a sense of hope, stability, rationality, and confidence, is that of looking forward to a “Tomorrow.” We never question that expectation because for whatever instinctive or innate reasoning as a sentient ‘being,’ it is as predictable and autonomic as breathing, something done without conscious thought, that indeed there will always be a tomorrow. But, “WHAT IF” today is the last day, and there is not another one to look forward to, ever again? We live in a world of materiality and physical substance, or as the Hindu sage would called it, ‘Maia’ [‘illusion’]; as though we have a guarantee of experiencing a future, that things will always work out and get done eventually; if not tomorrow then on some other day because after all, we have nothing to worry about because we have all the time in the world; but is that true?
Job 14: 1
Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.
James 4: 14
Whereas you do not know what will happen ‘tomorrow.’ For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.
The notion that people would be busy with their daily routines, lifestyle, and habits when the Lord returns is underscored by the statement of Jesus recorded in Matthew 24: 36-39, 42, 44; 25: 13:
But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of Heaven, but My Father only. But, as in the days of Noah were, so also will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away; so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming. Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.
I Thessalonians 5: 1-4
But concerning the times and the seasons brethren, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves know perfectly well that the Day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night. For when they say, “Peace and Safety!” then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape. But you, brethren are not in darkness, so that this Day should overtake you as a thief.
A very poignant as well as explicit statement of arrogance, stubbornness and willful disregard for the longsuffering of God was penned by the Apostle Peter.
I Peter 3: 3-7, 9:
Knowing this first: that scoffers will come in the Last Days, walking according to their own lusts [self-interests], saying, “Where is the promise [‘evidence {philosophical reasoning or scientific proof’}??] of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation [“The Big Bang”??]. For this they are willfully forget [they don’t want to know or accept the ‘TRUTH’]: that by the Word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of water and in the water, by which the world that then existed perished, being flooded with water. But the Heavens and the Earth which are now preserved by the same Word, are reserved for fire until the Day of Judgment and perdition of ungodly men. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish, but that “all” should come to repentance.
Hebrews 3: 7-8; 15
Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today,” if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.
One of the more startling things that Jesus said is recorded in Matthew 7: 22-23, which reads: “Many will say to Me in that Day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your Name, cast out demons in Your Name, and done many wonders [‘miracles’] in Your Name?’ “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.”
This is all the more incredible because in Mark 9: 38-41:
Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your Name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us. But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My Name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. For he who is not against us is on our side. “For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My Name, because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
I Peter 4: 17-18
For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? Now “If the righteous one is scarcely [‘barely’] saved; where will the ungodly and sinner appear?”
Luke 18: 8b
“Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find ‘Faith’ on the earth?”
This article started off on a positive note and it would only seem reasonable to end it that way after some of the more dire and solemn admonitions previously, so here are a few passages which administer grace:
I Peter 1: 3-4-9
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a lively hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation; ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it be tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ; Whom having not seen you love. Though, now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith- the salvation of your souls.
Ephesians 3: 20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
Revelation 21: 4
“And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have [‘all’] passed away. (Cp. Isaiah 65: 17??)
Lastly, to quote the Scripture used by my sister, which is found in
I Corinthians 2: 9
But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor has it entered into the heart of man the Things which God has prepared for those who love Him
(Cp. Isaiah 64: 4).”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 11, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Sunday, June 7, 2009
What People said in the Shadow of Jesus' Cross
Matthew 27: 39-43
(1) And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads (Cp. Psalms 109: 25) and saying, (2) “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days
(Cp. 26: 61; John 2: 19), (3)save Yourself! You are (4) the Son of God, (5) come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, (6) “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. [If He is (7) the King of Israel, let Him (5) come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. (8) He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him (Cp. Psalms 22: 18); for He said, “I am (4)the Son of God.”]
Mark 15: 19-22
(1) And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads (Cp. Psalms 109: 25) saying, “Aha! (2) You who destroy the temple and build it in three days (Cp. 26: 61; John 2: 19), (3) save Yourself, and (5) come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, (6) “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. “Let Christ, (7) the King of Israel, (5) descend now from the cross that we may see and believe.”
Luke 23: 35-37
And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying,
(6) “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If you are (7) the King of the Jews, (3)save Yourself.”
The last thing anyone wants to hear before they die are words laced with disdain, scorn, ridicule, insult, and rejection. The Lord of Heaven and Earth, bloodied, as His face was beaten almost beyond recognition from the constant pummeling by the fists of the Roman soldiers. He was spat upon, a crown of thorns placed around His forehead, and His limbs were stretched out on a living tree of wood in the form of a crucifix (‘T’ shaped) whereby His hands and feet were pierced with metal spikes, then His body was raised upon this beam and made secure.
With the full weight of Jesus’ body now uncomfortably supported by the extremities of His arms, shoulders, and upper back, the pain must have been excruciating and almost beyond human endurance as the sinews and tendons began to strain and tear away; not to mention the enormous pressure on His heart and lungs. Jesus endured this torture for six hours but it must have felt like an eternity to Him, and when God the Father’s Plan was finally accomplished for the Salvation of mankind and reconciling all creation back to Himself, in John 19: 30b, it reads: He [‘Jesus’] said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Although MATTHEW, MARK, and LUKE give slightly different variations of Jesus’ actual last words or those of His blasphemers, the one constant theme in all these accounts was when they derided Jesus by saying that He couldn’t save Himself; mocking Him in their words of poisonous envy, spiritual blindness, vacillation and ignorance. When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and in act of violence, one of the disciples cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in order to protect Jesus from His destiny or mission, Jesus said in Matthew 26: 53-54: “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will not provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? “How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
In John 3: 14; 12: 32, it reads: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people unto Me.” Jesus said in John 10: 17-18: “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it [up] again. “No one takes it from Me." I have power [Gr. ‘exousia, dunamis’] to lay it down, and I have ‘power’ to take it [up] again. This command I have received from My Father.
So, the answer to Jesus’ accusers and those who don’t fully understand why the Lord of Glory and our Blessed Savior would undergo such an ordeal, Hebrews 12: 2, gives a little hint of that as it reads: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Now, what is this ‘joy’ so enormous and compelling that Jesus would freely and lovingly sacrifice Himself?
Hebrews 2: 9-11, 14-15
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for everyone {NOTE: It does Not say “like” }. For it was fitting for Him [‘Jesus’], for Whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory (Cp. 12: 2), to make the captain of their salvation perfect [complete] through suffering. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil (Cp. I Corinthians 15: 5), and release those who through fear of death were their entire lifetime subject to bondage.
Lastly, the final triumphal victory that we have in Jesus is summed up in Revelation 20: 14; 21: 4: Then Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the Second Death. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away [‘forever’].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 7, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
(1) And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads (Cp. Psalms 109: 25) and saying, (2) “You who would destroy the temple and build it in three days
(Cp. 26: 61; John 2: 19), (3)save Yourself! You are (4) the Son of God, (5) come down from the cross.” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking with the scribes and elders, said, (6) “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. [If He is (7) the King of Israel, let Him (5) come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. (8) He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him (Cp. Psalms 22: 18); for He said, “I am (4)the Son of God.”]
Mark 15: 19-22
(1) And those who passed by blasphemed Him, wagging their heads (Cp. Psalms 109: 25) saying, “Aha! (2) You who destroy the temple and build it in three days (Cp. 26: 61; John 2: 19), (3) save Yourself, and (5) come down from the cross!” Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, (6) “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. “Let Christ, (7) the King of Israel, (5) descend now from the cross that we may see and believe.”
Luke 23: 35-37
And the people stood looking on. But even the rulers with them sneered, saying,
(6) “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” The soldiers also mocked Him, coming and offering Him sour wine, and saying, “If you are (7) the King of the Jews, (3)save Yourself.”
The last thing anyone wants to hear before they die are words laced with disdain, scorn, ridicule, insult, and rejection. The Lord of Heaven and Earth, bloodied, as His face was beaten almost beyond recognition from the constant pummeling by the fists of the Roman soldiers. He was spat upon, a crown of thorns placed around His forehead, and His limbs were stretched out on a living tree of wood in the form of a crucifix (‘T’ shaped) whereby His hands and feet were pierced with metal spikes, then His body was raised upon this beam and made secure.
With the full weight of Jesus’ body now uncomfortably supported by the extremities of His arms, shoulders, and upper back, the pain must have been excruciating and almost beyond human endurance as the sinews and tendons began to strain and tear away; not to mention the enormous pressure on His heart and lungs. Jesus endured this torture for six hours but it must have felt like an eternity to Him, and when God the Father’s Plan was finally accomplished for the Salvation of mankind and reconciling all creation back to Himself, in John 19: 30b, it reads: He [‘Jesus’] said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.
Although MATTHEW, MARK, and LUKE give slightly different variations of Jesus’ actual last words or those of His blasphemers, the one constant theme in all these accounts was when they derided Jesus by saying that He couldn’t save Himself; mocking Him in their words of poisonous envy, spiritual blindness, vacillation and ignorance. When Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane and in act of violence, one of the disciples cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant in order to protect Jesus from His destiny or mission, Jesus said in Matthew 26: 53-54: “Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will not provide Me with more than twelve legions of angels? “How then could the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen thus?”
In John 3: 14; 12: 32, it reads: And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up. “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people unto Me.” Jesus said in John 10: 17-18: “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it [up] again. “No one takes it from Me." I have power [Gr. ‘exousia, dunamis’] to lay it down, and I have ‘power’ to take it [up] again. This command I have received from My Father.
So, the answer to Jesus’ accusers and those who don’t fully understand why the Lord of Glory and our Blessed Savior would undergo such an ordeal, Hebrews 12: 2, gives a little hint of that as it reads: Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the Cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Now, what is this ‘joy’ so enormous and compelling that Jesus would freely and lovingly sacrifice Himself?
Hebrews 2: 9-11, 14-15
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for everyone {NOTE: It does Not say “like” }. For it was fitting for Him [‘Jesus’], for Whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory (Cp. 12: 2), to make the captain of their salvation perfect [complete] through suffering. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren. Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil (Cp. I Corinthians 15: 5), and release those who through fear of death were their entire lifetime subject to bondage.
Lastly, the final triumphal victory that we have in Jesus is summed up in Revelation 20: 14; 21: 4: Then Death and Hell were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the Second Death. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away [‘forever’].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 7, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The Exclusion of Some Miracles of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels
Another method in studying the Gospels is to look not only for areas of agreement between all the authors or sources but to notice divergence and exclusion because this could be an important key to discover subtle, but significant clues to underlying religious, psychological, social, political, or cultural differences which may have existed during that time period among the many groups with whom Jesus and His disciples came into contact with; or with those who were taught by Jesus' followers or their immediate successors in subsequent later generations.
Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit at a synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 1: 21-28; Luke 4: 31-37
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand at a synagogue on the Sabbath.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 3: 1-6; Luke 6: 6-11
Jesus heals two demon-possessed men in the country of Gadarenes.
Matthew 8: 28-34; Mark 5: 1-20 [“one man”]; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee [after feeding the five thousand].
Matthew 14: 2-33 [coming down from the mountain]; Mark 6: 45-52 [coming from the plain]; NOT IN LUKE
Many people touch Jesus’ garment and are healed in the land of Gennesaret.
Matthew 14: 34-36; Mark 6: 53-56; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus heals the demon-possessed daughter of a Greek Syro-phoenician woman in the region of Tyre.
Matthew 15: 21-28; Mark 7: 24-30; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus heals a deaf mute while departing Tyre & Sidon, going through “Decapolis” to the Sea of Galilee.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 7: 31-37; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus raises the son of the widow in Nain after healing the Centurion’s servant in Capernaum.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 7: 11-17
Jesus feeds the four thousand.
Matthew 15: 32-39 [departs to “Magadan”]; Mark 8: 1-10 [departs to “Dalmanutha”]; NOT IN LUKE
John tells Jesus about someone casting out a demon who was not one of their number and they tried to prevent him.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 9: 38-41; Luke 9: 49-50
A Samaritan village rejects Jesus because He had His sight set towards Jerusalem.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 9: 51-56
Jesus sends out the ‘Seventy.’ [from “Samaria”??]
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 9: 51-52, 56b-57; 10: 1
Mary and Martha from a certain village [“Bethany”] worship and serve Jesus.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 10: 38-42
Jesus teaches the Lord’s [‘Model’] Prayer as part of the Sermon on the Mountain in the area around the Sea of Galilee.
Matthew 6: 9-13; NOT IN MARK; Luke 11: 1-4
Jesus heals a mute, demon-possessed man in Capernaum.
Matthew 9: 32-34; 12: 22-24; NOT IN MARK; Luke 11: 14-15
Jesus was told about those Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices while He was at one of the synagogues in Galilee.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 13: 1-5
Jesus heals a woman with a spirit of infirmity.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 13: 10-17
Jesus heals a man with dropsy.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 14: 1-6
Jesus heals ten lepers but only one of them [a ‘Samaritan’] came back to thank Him.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 17: 11-19
Jesus curses a fig tree.
Matthew 21: 18-22 [in ‘Bethany’]; Mark 11: 12-14, 20-24 [leaving from ‘Bethany’];
NOT IN LUKE
Jesus on trial before Herod [Cp. Luke 3: 1a; ‘Tetarch’??]
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 23: 6-12
COMMENTARY: Of these 21 incidents in this study, MATTHEW excludes 13 (61.9%), MARK does not include 11 of them (52.4%), and LUKE leaves out only 7 (33.3%). MATTHEW and MARK omit the same 9 events, and since MARK only had a total of 11 in the first place, that's a whopping 81.8%.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 3, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Jesus heals a man with an unclean spirit at a synagogue in Capernaum on the Sabbath.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 1: 21-28; Luke 4: 31-37
Jesus heals a man with a withered hand at a synagogue on the Sabbath.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 3: 1-6; Luke 6: 6-11
Jesus heals two demon-possessed men in the country of Gadarenes.
Matthew 8: 28-34; Mark 5: 1-20 [“one man”]; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus walks on the Sea of Galilee [after feeding the five thousand].
Matthew 14: 2-33 [coming down from the mountain]; Mark 6: 45-52 [coming from the plain]; NOT IN LUKE
Many people touch Jesus’ garment and are healed in the land of Gennesaret.
Matthew 14: 34-36; Mark 6: 53-56; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus heals the demon-possessed daughter of a Greek Syro-phoenician woman in the region of Tyre.
Matthew 15: 21-28; Mark 7: 24-30; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus heals a deaf mute while departing Tyre & Sidon, going through “Decapolis” to the Sea of Galilee.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 7: 31-37; NOT IN LUKE
Jesus raises the son of the widow in Nain after healing the Centurion’s servant in Capernaum.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 7: 11-17
Jesus feeds the four thousand.
Matthew 15: 32-39 [departs to “Magadan”]; Mark 8: 1-10 [departs to “Dalmanutha”]; NOT IN LUKE
John tells Jesus about someone casting out a demon who was not one of their number and they tried to prevent him.
NOT IN MATTHEW; Mark 9: 38-41; Luke 9: 49-50
A Samaritan village rejects Jesus because He had His sight set towards Jerusalem.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 9: 51-56
Jesus sends out the ‘Seventy.’ [from “Samaria”??]
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 9: 51-52, 56b-57; 10: 1
Mary and Martha from a certain village [“Bethany”] worship and serve Jesus.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 10: 38-42
Jesus teaches the Lord’s [‘Model’] Prayer as part of the Sermon on the Mountain in the area around the Sea of Galilee.
Matthew 6: 9-13; NOT IN MARK; Luke 11: 1-4
Jesus heals a mute, demon-possessed man in Capernaum.
Matthew 9: 32-34; 12: 22-24; NOT IN MARK; Luke 11: 14-15
Jesus was told about those Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices while He was at one of the synagogues in Galilee.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 13: 1-5
Jesus heals a woman with a spirit of infirmity.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 13: 10-17
Jesus heals a man with dropsy.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 14: 1-6
Jesus heals ten lepers but only one of them [a ‘Samaritan’] came back to thank Him.
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 17: 11-19
Jesus curses a fig tree.
Matthew 21: 18-22 [in ‘Bethany’]; Mark 11: 12-14, 20-24 [leaving from ‘Bethany’];
NOT IN LUKE
Jesus on trial before Herod [Cp. Luke 3: 1a; ‘Tetarch’??]
NOT IN MATTHEW; NOT IN MARK; Luke 23: 6-12
COMMENTARY: Of these 21 incidents in this study, MATTHEW excludes 13 (61.9%), MARK does not include 11 of them (52.4%), and LUKE leaves out only 7 (33.3%). MATTHEW and MARK omit the same 9 events, and since MARK only had a total of 11 in the first place, that's a whopping 81.8%.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 3, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
The Son of God problem for the Jews
The Jewish religion from its inception was monotheistic, at least in belief and practice, with the unique distinction separating it from those of their Canaanite and Mesopotamian neighbors is mentioned in Deuteronomy 6:4, which says: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!.” Any idea that the Lord (YHVH) God of Israel could have a Son is totally inconceivable and anathema. One of the characteristics of nearly all divine pantheons of the gods is that of having a consort and offspring, so the idea of Jesus as being born the Son of God, and taking this a step further: to accept the divinity known as God, Whose very nature is transcendent, immortal, invisible, incorporeal, dwelling in unapproachable light, infinite in power, and existing on a spiritual (supernatural) plane far beyond human comprehension could condescend [empty Himself] to be involved in this physical substance called matter to undergo a physical birth by surrendering, or setting aside the prerogatives of Godhood, takes a great leap of faith, indeed!
The Old Testament writings prophesy that God would send a Mighty Deliver, Messiah, or Ruler and descendant from the House of David, who would redeemn His people Israel and destroy her enemies, as this is certainly what the contemporary Jews in Jesus' day were looking forward to (Matthew 2: 6;Luke 1: 68-75; 3: 15; John 1: 19-27).
Even Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 18: 15, 18-19: The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from among your brethren. Him shall you hear. I will raise up from them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My Name, I will require it of him [he shall be destroyed from among the people].
Jesus’ earthly and public ministry commenced with His baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, the anointing by the Spirit of God like the form of a dove which sat upon Him, and the voice from heaven which said, “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3: 13-17). The narrative does not say if anyone else heard the voice besides Jesus and possibly John. Outside of Satan knowing who Jesus really was (Matthew 4: 6) and demons (Matthew 8: 28-29), Jesus referred to Himself by the enigmatic title, “Son of Man.” Interestingly, when the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph regarding Mary’s pregnancy, he said that she would bring forth a Son and you [Joseph] shall call His name Jesus (Matthew 1: 18-21).
In the book of Isaiah 7: 14, the Son is to be named Immanuel.
The multitudes thought Jesus was the Son of David (Matthew 12: 23b) and Herod the tetrarch thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead (Matthew 14: 1-11). Although Jesus alluded to His divinity in private with His disciples, it was apparent that they didn’t fully grasp the concept as recorded in Matthew 16: 13-17 because the rumor mill had it that Jesus was thought to be [a resurrected] John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets; until God finally revealed to Peter Who Jesus is. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the multitudes hailed Him as the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee (Matthew 21: 11). The Pharisees, disciples of the Herodians, and Sadducees saw in Jesus a great teacher (Matthew 2: 15-16, 23-24, 33). Also, the Pharisees thought the “Christ” was the Son of David (Matthew 22: 41-42).
When Jesus appeared before the ‘Sanhedrin’ (Jewish Supreme Court), they put Him under an oath before the living God to testify, or rather admit to being the Son of God; His reply was, “It is as you say [if you say so].” Jesus did quote
Daniel 7: 13, so in a way He did answer their question; for which He was accused of blasphemy. Although this was a kangaroo Court and an insult to the very rule of Law, jurisprudence, and legal precedent, still the deeply entrenched theological and psychological ramifications cannot be so easily ignored by the truth of this revelation.
If God can have a Son or become One, then what does that mean about the ‘Oneness’ of God, and not only that, but what about the implication of possibly a feminine aspect of deity (Divine Consort, Mother, Wife, or Goddess)? Since the children received God’s Law at Mount Sinai through Moses and written by the “finger of God,” the Jewish people have been warned about other gods and Asherah/Asherim. In the book of Jeremiah (44: 15-19) the people were quite obstinate and rebellious, refusing to listen to the word of the Lord as they continued offering incense, making cakes and pouring out drink offerings to the “Queen of Heaven.”
Now, as Jesus was delivered before Pontius Pilate, He was accused of being King of the Jews; posing a rather embarrassing problem for the political machinations of Rome in the region since Caesar had already appointed a King [an 'Edomite'] over the Jews. It is interesting that Jesus was not accused by the Jewish authorities of being the Son of God before the Governor of Judea, which might have been interesting to see if Pilate would have been more cautious in his dealings with Jesus. The immemorial words of Jesus which was spoken from the Cross of His Crucifixion, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, My God, My God,” why have You forsaken Me?” [recorded in MATTHEW and MARK]was lost in translation by the people in Judea who spoke Hebrew, and they thought He was calling for Elijah instead upon God His Father (Matthew 27; 45-47); that is because Jesus was from Galilee and spoke Aramaic.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 2, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
The Old Testament writings prophesy that God would send a Mighty Deliver, Messiah, or Ruler and descendant from the House of David, who would redeemn His people Israel and destroy her enemies, as this is certainly what the contemporary Jews in Jesus' day were looking forward to (Matthew 2: 6;Luke 1: 68-75; 3: 15; John 1: 19-27).
Even Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 18: 15, 18-19: The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your midst, from among your brethren. Him shall you hear. I will raise up from them a Prophet like you from among their brethren, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My Name, I will require it of him [he shall be destroyed from among the people].
Jesus’ earthly and public ministry commenced with His baptism in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, the anointing by the Spirit of God like the form of a dove which sat upon Him, and the voice from heaven which said, “This is My Beloved Son in Whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3: 13-17). The narrative does not say if anyone else heard the voice besides Jesus and possibly John. Outside of Satan knowing who Jesus really was (Matthew 4: 6) and demons (Matthew 8: 28-29), Jesus referred to Himself by the enigmatic title, “Son of Man.” Interestingly, when the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph regarding Mary’s pregnancy, he said that she would bring forth a Son and you [Joseph] shall call His name Jesus (Matthew 1: 18-21).
In the book of Isaiah 7: 14, the Son is to be named Immanuel.
The multitudes thought Jesus was the Son of David (Matthew 12: 23b) and Herod the tetrarch thought Jesus was John the Baptist risen from the dead (Matthew 14: 1-11). Although Jesus alluded to His divinity in private with His disciples, it was apparent that they didn’t fully grasp the concept as recorded in Matthew 16: 13-17 because the rumor mill had it that Jesus was thought to be [a resurrected] John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets; until God finally revealed to Peter Who Jesus is. When Jesus entered Jerusalem the multitudes hailed Him as the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee (Matthew 21: 11). The Pharisees, disciples of the Herodians, and Sadducees saw in Jesus a great teacher (Matthew 2: 15-16, 23-24, 33). Also, the Pharisees thought the “Christ” was the Son of David (Matthew 22: 41-42).
When Jesus appeared before the ‘Sanhedrin’ (Jewish Supreme Court), they put Him under an oath before the living God to testify, or rather admit to being the Son of God; His reply was, “It is as you say [if you say so].” Jesus did quote
Daniel 7: 13, so in a way He did answer their question; for which He was accused of blasphemy. Although this was a kangaroo Court and an insult to the very rule of Law, jurisprudence, and legal precedent, still the deeply entrenched theological and psychological ramifications cannot be so easily ignored by the truth of this revelation.
If God can have a Son or become One, then what does that mean about the ‘Oneness’ of God, and not only that, but what about the implication of possibly a feminine aspect of deity (Divine Consort, Mother, Wife, or Goddess)? Since the children received God’s Law at Mount Sinai through Moses and written by the “finger of God,” the Jewish people have been warned about other gods and Asherah/Asherim. In the book of Jeremiah (44: 15-19) the people were quite obstinate and rebellious, refusing to listen to the word of the Lord as they continued offering incense, making cakes and pouring out drink offerings to the “Queen of Heaven.”
Now, as Jesus was delivered before Pontius Pilate, He was accused of being King of the Jews; posing a rather embarrassing problem for the political machinations of Rome in the region since Caesar had already appointed a King [an 'Edomite'] over the Jews. It is interesting that Jesus was not accused by the Jewish authorities of being the Son of God before the Governor of Judea, which might have been interesting to see if Pilate would have been more cautious in his dealings with Jesus. The immemorial words of Jesus which was spoken from the Cross of His Crucifixion, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, My God, My God,” why have You forsaken Me?” [recorded in MATTHEW and MARK]was lost in translation by the people in Judea who spoke Hebrew, and they thought He was calling for Elijah instead upon God His Father (Matthew 27; 45-47); that is because Jesus was from Galilee and spoke Aramaic.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
June 2, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
There is Power “In the Name of Jesus”
Far too often the Christian believer forgets that we are in a war, a battle royale to the finish, between the forces of the Devil; and those of God our Father and His anointed, our Lord Jesus Christ. The terror which inaugurated “9-1-1” is nothing compared to that which had been waged since the beginning of time for the salvation of mankind as well as restoration to the original harmony between the Creator and the rest of creation. Souls are being lost while we tremble and cower before the seemingly unending onslaught from the satanic forces, and a relentless enemy who will stop at nothing to destroy us.
This should not be a cause of great despair or anxiety because of the encouragement found in I John 4: 4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Jesus says of His Church in Matthew 16: 18b: “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” What we need are some reminders of what our privilege entitles us to, and to redirect and expand the focus of our mission. It is more than just the worship of praise, thankfulness, and offering supplication; but rather it is deadly serious. Although the Apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 4: 20: For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power; but what good and benefit is all of that if we are ignorant of this great supernatural equipment for spiritual warfare or are afraid to use it?
Acts 3: 2, 6, 16
And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And His name, through faith in His name [‘Jesus’], has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness.
Acts 5: 17-20, 25, 27-28a
Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and they laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this Name [‘Jesus’]?”
John 1: 12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the “authority” to become children of God, to those who believe in His name [‘Jesus’].
John 14: 12-14
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to the Father. “And whatever you ask in My name [‘Jesus’], that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If you ask anything in My name [‘Jesus’], I will do it.”
Philippians 2: 9-11
Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and those under the earth [‘demons’??], and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 28: 18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Acts 10: 35
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
NOTE: The name of ‘Jesus’ carries within itself all the prerogatives of deity as conveyed in (Gr. ‘dunastes’-great responsibility or high position, rank; ‘exousia’-right or authority; ‘dunamis’-great force, might, or power; ‘kratos’-the right of a ruler or sovereign; and ‘energes’-unbounded energy to accomplish something.
I John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the
works [‘all’] of the devil.
Luke 10: 17
Then the ‘Seventy’ returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name [‘Jesus’].”
II Corinthians 10: 4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal [‘physical’], but mighty [Gr. ‘dunamis’??] in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing [even] every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Ephesians 6: 12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against (1) principalities, against
(2) powers, against (3) the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
(4) spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
This should not be a cause of great despair or anxiety because of the encouragement found in I John 4: 4 says, “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. Jesus says of His Church in Matthew 16: 18b: “And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” What we need are some reminders of what our privilege entitles us to, and to redirect and expand the focus of our mission. It is more than just the worship of praise, thankfulness, and offering supplication; but rather it is deadly serious. Although the Apostle Paul writes in I Corinthians 4: 20: For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power; but what good and benefit is all of that if we are ignorant of this great supernatural equipment for spiritual warfare or are afraid to use it?
Acts 3: 2, 6, 16
And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give to you: In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” And His name, through faith in His name [‘Jesus’], has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness.
Acts 5: 17-20, 25, 27-28a
Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation, and they laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. But at night, an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out, and said, “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” So one came and told them, saying, “Look, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people!” And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, saying, “Did we not strictly command you not to teach in this Name [‘Jesus’]?”
John 1: 12
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the “authority” to become children of God, to those who believe in His name [‘Jesus’].
John 14: 12-14
Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do because I go to the Father. “And whatever you ask in My name [‘Jesus’], that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. “If you ask anything in My name [‘Jesus’], I will do it.”
Philippians 2: 9-11
Therefore God has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every other name, that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and those under the earth [‘demons’??], and that every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Matthew 28: 18
And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
Acts 10: 35
How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him.
NOTE: The name of ‘Jesus’ carries within itself all the prerogatives of deity as conveyed in (Gr. ‘dunastes’-great responsibility or high position, rank; ‘exousia’-right or authority; ‘dunamis’-great force, might, or power; ‘kratos’-the right of a ruler or sovereign; and ‘energes’-unbounded energy to accomplish something.
I John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the
works [‘all’] of the devil.
Luke 10: 17
Then the ‘Seventy’ returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name [‘Jesus’].”
II Corinthians 10: 4-5
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal [‘physical’], but mighty [Gr. ‘dunamis’??] in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing [even] every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.
Ephesians 6: 12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against (1) principalities, against
(2) powers, against (3) the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
(4) spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 26, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Thursday, May 21, 2009
These Signs shall Follow Those Who Believe
One area that is sorely underutilized in the Christian Church and of which augments the preaching of the Gospel, the neglected and badly needed ministry of exercising power over demons; to wit, healing any person suffering from any disease, sickness, or infirmity. This work is left for others in the medical profession, whether surgeons or psychiatrists, to treat or prescribe some kind of clinical therapy by either chemical substances or invasive and sometimes dangerous interventions. The thinking is that all maladies that humans suffer from have some sort of natural cause at the root; but is that always the case?
Perhaps one of the reasons that Christians as well as non-Christians have mixed feelings about this subject is the behavior of some ‘charlatan’ in the past who have misled people by claiming to be some kind of God-inspired “Faith-healer,” who as it turns out was nothing more than a self-serving, pseudo-religious snake oil salesman and ‘Flim-Flam-Man.’ On the other side of the coin are the Ecclesiastical Christian Church Fathers and Theologians who believe that these supernatural or supra-natural gifts ceased with the completion of the Biblical Canon or that Jesus, after His resurrection, cleansed the land [‘world’] of demons and unclean spirits.
If ever there was a need for this special ‘unction’ of Divine Grace, it is today. So many people are suffering and in constant pain and even the crimes that are reported on the television news and published in the newspapers are so shocking, depraved, and horrendous that it is hard to believe that a mere human being exercising their freewill without any external [‘subjective’] influence could commit such atrocities. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6: 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Someone will say that sickness and contracting a virulent or dreaded disease is just the miserable lot in life that one experiences and is part of being ‘human;’ then why did Jesus heal everybody that was sent to Him? Before going into the matter with a lot more detail, it is perhaps prudent first to look at a passage in
Luke 13: 10-12, 14a, 15a-16:
Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a ‘spirit of infirmity’ eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way straighten herself. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Himself and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. The Lord answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?” So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound- think of it- for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”
Matthew 4: 23-24
And Jesus went about in Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout Syria (??); and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
I John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy [‘all’] the works of the devil.
NOTE: The ‘works’ of the devil are not just limited to sin and death, but includes physical and mental infirmities [‘diseases’] as well.
Matthew 10: 1
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power
[Gr. ‘Dunamis’], over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Matthew 17: 14-15, 18-19, 20a, 21
And when they had come to the multitudes, a man came to Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an ‘epileptic’ and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and the water. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “However, this kind [‘demon’??] does not go out [from a person??] except by “prayer and fasting.”
NOTE: Two other Gospel narratives mention about Jesus granting the ‘Twelve’ this extraordinary authority (Cp. Mark 3: 14-15; 6: 7; Luke 9: 11). Curiously, JOHN doesn’t mention in his narrative anything about Jesus casting out demons or unclean spirits at all.
Now it is time to look at another incident regarding the ‘Twelve’ and the issue of the empowerment which was granted to them as portrayed in Mark 9: 38-40:
Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow [‘with’??] us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. “For he who is not against us is on our side.”
Jesus says in Mark 16: 17-18:
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name (1) they shall cast out demons; (2) they will speak with new tongues, (3) they will take up serpents; and (4) if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; (5) they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
COMMENTARY:
Besides the Lord Jesus casting out demons and unclean spirits the Scriptures are silent on whether the ‘Twelve’ ever did. In Luke 10: 1, 17, 18a, 19, it states:
After these things the Lord appointed seventy [‘seventy-two??] others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where he Himself was about to go. Then the ‘Seventy’ returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “Behold, I give you the authority to (3) trample on serpents, scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and (4) nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Cp. Mark 16: 17-18)
In the book of Acts (19: 11-13, 15-16), it reads:
Now God worked unusual miracles by the hand of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” And the evil spirit(s) answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man [‘men??] in whom was the evil spirit(s) leaped on them, overpowered them and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of the house naked and wounded. Of course, here too, it does not mention at this point whether the Apostle Paul did drive the evil spirit(s) out, but in all likelihood he probably did at a later point.
Now what does all of these things that happened two millennia ago in the Middle East have to do with modern times; much in every respect. If the Christian Church wants to distinguish itself as the ‘Truth,’ then it will have to manifest something which will authenticate or give witness to the theology. It is not enough merely to revere a sacred book and participate in a variety of liturgical rites or faith practices because that is common in just about all religions. Indeed, I Corinthians 4: 20 says: For the kingdom of God is not in word [‘only’] but in power [Gr. ‘Dunamis’]. And lastly, the Apostle Paul admonished his son in the Gospel about those believers in the body of Christ who appear on the surface to be righteous, but as he mentions in II Timothy 3: 5: Having a [‘outward’??] form of godliness, but denying the power [Gr. ‘Dunamis’] thereof: from such turn away.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 20, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Perhaps one of the reasons that Christians as well as non-Christians have mixed feelings about this subject is the behavior of some ‘charlatan’ in the past who have misled people by claiming to be some kind of God-inspired “Faith-healer,” who as it turns out was nothing more than a self-serving, pseudo-religious snake oil salesman and ‘Flim-Flam-Man.’ On the other side of the coin are the Ecclesiastical Christian Church Fathers and Theologians who believe that these supernatural or supra-natural gifts ceased with the completion of the Biblical Canon or that Jesus, after His resurrection, cleansed the land [‘world’] of demons and unclean spirits.
If ever there was a need for this special ‘unction’ of Divine Grace, it is today. So many people are suffering and in constant pain and even the crimes that are reported on the television news and published in the newspapers are so shocking, depraved, and horrendous that it is hard to believe that a mere human being exercising their freewill without any external [‘subjective’] influence could commit such atrocities. The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 6: 12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Someone will say that sickness and contracting a virulent or dreaded disease is just the miserable lot in life that one experiences and is part of being ‘human;’ then why did Jesus heal everybody that was sent to Him? Before going into the matter with a lot more detail, it is perhaps prudent first to look at a passage in
Luke 13: 10-12, 14a, 15a-16:
Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had a ‘spirit of infirmity’ eighteen years, and was bent over and could in no way straighten herself. But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Himself and said to her, “Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity.” But the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus healed on the Sabbath. The Lord answered him and said, “Hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his donkey from the stall, and lead it away to water it?” So ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound- think of it- for eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath?”
Matthew 4: 23-24
And Jesus went about in Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout Syria (??); and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them.
I John 3: 8b
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy [‘all’] the works of the devil.
NOTE: The ‘works’ of the devil are not just limited to sin and death, but includes physical and mental infirmities [‘diseases’] as well.
Matthew 10: 1
And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power
[Gr. ‘Dunamis’], over unclean spirits to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.
Matthew 17: 14-15, 18-19, 20a, 21
And when they had come to the multitudes, a man came to Him and saying, “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is an ‘epileptic’ and suffers severely; for he often falls into the fire and the water. And Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him; and the child was cured from that very hour. Then the disciples came to Jesus privately and said, “Why could we not cast it out?” So Jesus said to them, “However, this kind [‘demon’??] does not go out [from a person??] except by “prayer and fasting.”
NOTE: Two other Gospel narratives mention about Jesus granting the ‘Twelve’ this extraordinary authority (Cp. Mark 3: 14-15; 6: 7; Luke 9: 11). Curiously, JOHN doesn’t mention in his narrative anything about Jesus casting out demons or unclean spirits at all.
Now it is time to look at another incident regarding the ‘Twelve’ and the issue of the empowerment which was granted to them as portrayed in Mark 9: 38-40:
Now John answered Him, saying, “Teacher, we saw someone who does not follow us casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow [‘with’??] us.” But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who works a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. “For he who is not against us is on our side.”
Jesus says in Mark 16: 17-18:
And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name (1) they shall cast out demons; (2) they will speak with new tongues, (3) they will take up serpents; and (4) if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; (5) they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.
COMMENTARY:
Besides the Lord Jesus casting out demons and unclean spirits the Scriptures are silent on whether the ‘Twelve’ ever did. In Luke 10: 1, 17, 18a, 19, it states:
After these things the Lord appointed seventy [‘seventy-two??] others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where he Himself was about to go. Then the ‘Seventy’ returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “Behold, I give you the authority to (3) trample on serpents, scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and (4) nothing shall by any means hurt you.” (Cp. Mark 16: 17-18)
In the book of Acts (19: 11-13, 15-16), it reads:
Now God worked unusual miracles by the hand of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them. Then some of the itinerant Jewish exorcists took it upon themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We solemnly command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.” And the evil spirit(s) answered and said, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” Then the man [‘men??] in whom was the evil spirit(s) leaped on them, overpowered them and prevailed against them, so that they ran out of the house naked and wounded. Of course, here too, it does not mention at this point whether the Apostle Paul did drive the evil spirit(s) out, but in all likelihood he probably did at a later point.
Now what does all of these things that happened two millennia ago in the Middle East have to do with modern times; much in every respect. If the Christian Church wants to distinguish itself as the ‘Truth,’ then it will have to manifest something which will authenticate or give witness to the theology. It is not enough merely to revere a sacred book and participate in a variety of liturgical rites or faith practices because that is common in just about all religions. Indeed, I Corinthians 4: 20 says: For the kingdom of God is not in word [‘only’] but in power [Gr. ‘Dunamis’]. And lastly, the Apostle Paul admonished his son in the Gospel about those believers in the body of Christ who appear on the surface to be righteous, but as he mentions in II Timothy 3: 5: Having a [‘outward’??] form of godliness, but denying the power [Gr. ‘Dunamis’] thereof: from such turn away.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 20, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
INRI: Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews
These four letters are probably the most recognizable ‘acronym’ throughout the entire Western Hemisphere and many parts of the entire planet Earth, especially where Christianity has been carried into. The ‘specialness’ and recognition ascribed to these four characters of the English/Latin alphabet isn’t unlike that of the “Tetragramatton”(‘YHVH’), the sacred and unpronounceable Name of the Lord God of Israel, revered by all the Jews.
Each of the Gospel narratives present a slightly differing account of exactly what was written and by whom on a sign placed above the head of Jesus as He lay outstretched with His hands and feet driven through with spikes, lifted up and hanging on the wooden cross at Golgotha Hill on Mount Calvary. The question is why there is such variation in an event that was observed by eyewitnesses, and to what purpose would there be to leave out certain details of the crucifixion?
Matthew 27:37
GREEK (“This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”)
ουτος εστιν ιησους ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
houtos esti Iesous basileus Ioudaios
HEBREW
זה זה את ישו המלך של היהודים
Yeshūa' ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
LATIN
is est Iesvs Rex Ivdaeorvm
COMMENTARY:
Matthew’s version mentions ‘they’ [presumably the Roman soldiers] wrote this inscription as charge against Jesus and placed the sign above His head, and this would most probably have been written in Latin or Greek. The word “Nazareth” is omitted.
Mark 15:26
GREEK (“The King of the Jews”)
ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
basileus Ioudaios
HEBREW
המלך של היהודים
ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
LATIN
Rex Ivdaeorvm
COMMENTARY:
Mark’s account simply says, “The king of the Jews” without any additional qualifiers such as Jesus’ name or where He was from.
Luke 23:38
GREEK (“This is the King of the Jews”)
ουτος εστιν ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
houtos esti basileus Ioudaios
also sometimes given as:
outos estin o basileus twn ioudaiwn
LATIN
is est Rex Ivdaeorvm
HEBREW
זה זה המלך של היהודים
ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
COMMENTARY:
Luke uses the same title as Mark but he adds that the ‘inscription’ was in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. None of the other authors mention anything about letters of the alphabet or a particular script or type, which may possibly mean that the source possibly didn’t know how to translate the lines of characters which was written on the sign.
John 19:19
GREEK (“Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews”)
Ιησους ουσ.ναζαρέτ ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
Iesous Nazoraios basileus Ioudaios
LATIN
Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm
HEBREW
ישו של נָצְרַת המלך של היהודים
yeshūa' Natz'rat ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
COMMENTARY:
John states that Pilate wrote the inscription that was to be placed over the head of Jesus as He was to be hung on the Cross of Crucifixion, and the writing was in first, Hebrew, then Greek, and lastly, in Latin. It is interesting that the Roman Governor of Judea would give primacy to the Hebrew Language over Latin or Greek, because he certainly didn’t seem to have any particular love or respect for the Jewish people.
To sum it all up then, for whatever reasons, the sources used by Mark and Luke chose not to reveal Jesus’ identity or hometown; perhaps as a deliberate attempt to protect His family and loved ones, or for some unknown purpose that the Scriptures do not reveal. No doubt there have been many individuals who have claimed the mantle as the promised Messiah/Delivered and King of the Jews who have met a similar fate of martyrdom; and for some, this latest person is just “another unnamed one” in the long line of unsuccessful revolutionaries, soon to be forgotten in the dust of the earth; or so they thought! In John’s version, not only is Jesus’ name mentioned but also where He was from, and it is this bold declaration, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” or Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm, that we derive the letters ‘INRI;’ which will be cherished from henceforth, and throughout time immemorial.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 27, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Each of the Gospel narratives present a slightly differing account of exactly what was written and by whom on a sign placed above the head of Jesus as He lay outstretched with His hands and feet driven through with spikes, lifted up and hanging on the wooden cross at Golgotha Hill on Mount Calvary. The question is why there is such variation in an event that was observed by eyewitnesses, and to what purpose would there be to leave out certain details of the crucifixion?
Matthew 27:37
GREEK (“This is Jesus, the King of the Jews.”)
ουτος εστιν ιησους ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
houtos esti Iesous basileus Ioudaios
HEBREW
זה זה את ישו המלך של היהודים
Yeshūa' ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
LATIN
is est Iesvs Rex Ivdaeorvm
COMMENTARY:
Matthew’s version mentions ‘they’ [presumably the Roman soldiers] wrote this inscription as charge against Jesus and placed the sign above His head, and this would most probably have been written in Latin or Greek. The word “Nazareth” is omitted.
Mark 15:26
GREEK (“The King of the Jews”)
ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
basileus Ioudaios
HEBREW
המלך של היהודים
ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
LATIN
Rex Ivdaeorvm
COMMENTARY:
Mark’s account simply says, “The king of the Jews” without any additional qualifiers such as Jesus’ name or where He was from.
Luke 23:38
GREEK (“This is the King of the Jews”)
ουτος εστιν ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
houtos esti basileus Ioudaios
also sometimes given as:
outos estin o basileus twn ioudaiwn
LATIN
is est Rex Ivdaeorvm
HEBREW
זה זה המלך של היהודים
ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
COMMENTARY:
Luke uses the same title as Mark but he adds that the ‘inscription’ was in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew. None of the other authors mention anything about letters of the alphabet or a particular script or type, which may possibly mean that the source possibly didn’t know how to translate the lines of characters which was written on the sign.
John 19:19
GREEK (“Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews”)
Ιησους ουσ.ναζαρέτ ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων
Iesous Nazoraios basileus Ioudaios
LATIN
Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm
HEBREW
ישו של נָצְרַת המלך של היהודים
yeshūa' Natz'rat ūmeleḵ hayĕhūḏīm
COMMENTARY:
John states that Pilate wrote the inscription that was to be placed over the head of Jesus as He was to be hung on the Cross of Crucifixion, and the writing was in first, Hebrew, then Greek, and lastly, in Latin. It is interesting that the Roman Governor of Judea would give primacy to the Hebrew Language over Latin or Greek, because he certainly didn’t seem to have any particular love or respect for the Jewish people.
To sum it all up then, for whatever reasons, the sources used by Mark and Luke chose not to reveal Jesus’ identity or hometown; perhaps as a deliberate attempt to protect His family and loved ones, or for some unknown purpose that the Scriptures do not reveal. No doubt there have been many individuals who have claimed the mantle as the promised Messiah/Delivered and King of the Jews who have met a similar fate of martyrdom; and for some, this latest person is just “another unnamed one” in the long line of unsuccessful revolutionaries, soon to be forgotten in the dust of the earth; or so they thought! In John’s version, not only is Jesus’ name mentioned but also where He was from, and it is this bold declaration, “Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews” or Iesvs Nazarenvs Rex Ivdaeorvm, that we derive the letters ‘INRI;’ which will be cherished from henceforth, and throughout time immemorial.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 27, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?
Jesus had just wrapped up a lengthy discourse in the region of Galilee (Cp. Matthew 17: 22, 24) and was entering the region of Judea beyond the Jordan (Cp. Matthew 19: 1). It was in this vicinity that great multitudes came to Him to be healed and some Pharisees came to Him with questions about ‘a man divorcing his wife for any cause.’ Jesus uses this occasion for another teaching opportunity, and after blessing the little children, someone from the crowd asked Him the very words contained in the title of this study, namely, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus tells him to keep the commandments.
Exodus 20: 1-17{abbr.}
(1) You shall not have other gods before Me (v. 3).
(2) You shall not make for yourself any graven [‘carved/molten’] image (v.4).
(3) You shall not take the Lord’s Name in vain (v. 7).
(4) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (v. 8).
(5) Honor your Father and your Mother (v. 12).
(6) You shall not Murder (v. 13).
(7) You shall not commit Adultery (v. 14).
(8) You shall not Steal (v. 15).
(9) You shall not bear False Witness against your neighbor (v. 16).
(10) You shall not Covet anything that belongs to your neighbor (v. 17).
The man responded back, “Which ones?” The following is Jesus’ reply:
Matthew 19: 18-19
(6) You shall not Murder; (7) You shall not commit Adultery; (8) You shall not Steal; (9) You shall not bear False Witness; (5) Honor your Father and your Mother; and You shall love your Neighbor as yourself.
Mark 10: 19
(7) Do not commit Adultery; (6) Do not Murder; (8) Do not Steal; (9) Do not bear False Witness; Do not Defraud; (5) Honor your Father and your Mother.
*Luke has 2 versions*
10: 25-27 [‘version 1’]
So He answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, and [‘love’] your neighbor as yourself.
NOTE: This account does not contain a single quote from the ‘Decalogue’ [“Ten Commandments”] found originally in Exodus 20, but rather combines Deuteronomy 6: 5 and Leviticus 19: 18b.
After Jesus had commended him on his astuteness the scribe [‘lawyer’] wanted to justify himself, and asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” This leads to the perhaps controversial and not well received, at least in the cultural setting of that time among the Jews, what is now commonly known as, the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Cp. Luke 10: 30-37). Since the first version might not have been palpable to the contemporary Jewish worldview and doubtless received some antagonism or resistance, an alternative version of the narrative was constructed alongside the former one; but without the parable which honors any ‘Samaritan.’
Luke 18: 20 [‘version 2’]
(7) Do not commit Adultery; (6) Do not Murder; (8) Do not Steal; (9) Do not bear False Witness; (5) Honor your Father and your Mother.
Leviticus 19: 1-18 {abbr.}
(5) Every one of you will revere his Mother and Father [‘order reversed’], and (4) keep My Sabbaths. (v. 3)
(1) Do not turn to Idols nor (2) make for yourself molten idols. (v. 4)
(8) You shall not steal, nor (9) deal falsely, nor lie to one another. (v. 11)
(3) You shall not swear by My Name, nor shall you profane the name of the Lord your God. (v. 12)
You shall not cheat [Cp. Mark 10: 19; ‘Defraud’] your neighbor nor (8) rob him. (v.13)
. . . nor shall you (6) take a stand against the life of your neighbor. (v. 16b)
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself (v. 18) {Cp. Matthew 19: 19}.
NOTE: Only Commandments (7) You shall not commit Adultery and (10) You shall not Covet anything belonging to your neighbor are missing from the original ten statutes which were given to Moses on fiery Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 20.
Deuteronomy 5: 6-22 {abbr.}
(1) You shall have no other gods before Me. (v. 7)
(2) You shall not make for yourself a Graven image. (v. 8)
(3) You shall not take the Lord’s Name in vain. (v. 11a)
(4) Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (v. 12a)
(5) Honor your Father and your Mother (v. 16)
(6) You shall not Murder. (v. 17)
(7) You shall not commit Adultery. (v. 18)
(8) You shall not Steal. (v. 19)
(9) You shall not beat False Witness against your neighbor (v. 20)
(10) You shall not Covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. (v. 21)
And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. (vs. 15)
NOTE: This is different from the explanation given in Exodus 20:8-11, which was based on God resting from the six days of ‘creation.’
To sum it all up then, Matthew, Mark, and Luke ver. 2 omit “Commandments” 1, 2, 3,
4, and 10. Matthew and Mark quote Leviticus 19 but use different verses. Luke version 1 and Matthew both use Leviticus 19: 18, but only Luke version 1 adds the additional reference in Deuteronomy 6: 5. Luke version 1 is actually the most profound and significant which encapsulates the very spiritual core of the true meaning, requirements and totality of the Law of God; which is attested by Jesus in
Matthew 22: 36-40 [esp. v. 41]: “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 28, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Exodus 20: 1-17{abbr.}
(1) You shall not have other gods before Me (v. 3).
(2) You shall not make for yourself any graven [‘carved/molten’] image (v.4).
(3) You shall not take the Lord’s Name in vain (v. 7).
(4) Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (v. 8).
(5) Honor your Father and your Mother (v. 12).
(6) You shall not Murder (v. 13).
(7) You shall not commit Adultery (v. 14).
(8) You shall not Steal (v. 15).
(9) You shall not bear False Witness against your neighbor (v. 16).
(10) You shall not Covet anything that belongs to your neighbor (v. 17).
The man responded back, “Which ones?” The following is Jesus’ reply:
Matthew 19: 18-19
(6) You shall not Murder; (7) You shall not commit Adultery; (8) You shall not Steal; (9) You shall not bear False Witness; (5) Honor your Father and your Mother; and You shall love your Neighbor as yourself.
Mark 10: 19
(7) Do not commit Adultery; (6) Do not Murder; (8) Do not Steal; (9) Do not bear False Witness; Do not Defraud; (5) Honor your Father and your Mother.
*Luke has 2 versions*
10: 25-27 [‘version 1’]
So He answered and said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, with all your mind, and [‘love’] your neighbor as yourself.
NOTE: This account does not contain a single quote from the ‘Decalogue’ [“Ten Commandments”] found originally in Exodus 20, but rather combines Deuteronomy 6: 5 and Leviticus 19: 18b.
After Jesus had commended him on his astuteness the scribe [‘lawyer’] wanted to justify himself, and asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” This leads to the perhaps controversial and not well received, at least in the cultural setting of that time among the Jews, what is now commonly known as, the “Parable of the Good Samaritan” (Cp. Luke 10: 30-37). Since the first version might not have been palpable to the contemporary Jewish worldview and doubtless received some antagonism or resistance, an alternative version of the narrative was constructed alongside the former one; but without the parable which honors any ‘Samaritan.’
Luke 18: 20 [‘version 2’]
(7) Do not commit Adultery; (6) Do not Murder; (8) Do not Steal; (9) Do not bear False Witness; (5) Honor your Father and your Mother.
Leviticus 19: 1-18 {abbr.}
(5) Every one of you will revere his Mother and Father [‘order reversed’], and (4) keep My Sabbaths. (v. 3)
(1) Do not turn to Idols nor (2) make for yourself molten idols. (v. 4)
(8) You shall not steal, nor (9) deal falsely, nor lie to one another. (v. 11)
(3) You shall not swear by My Name, nor shall you profane the name of the Lord your God. (v. 12)
You shall not cheat [Cp. Mark 10: 19; ‘Defraud’] your neighbor nor (8) rob him. (v.13)
. . . nor shall you (6) take a stand against the life of your neighbor. (v. 16b)
You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself (v. 18) {Cp. Matthew 19: 19}.
NOTE: Only Commandments (7) You shall not commit Adultery and (10) You shall not Covet anything belonging to your neighbor are missing from the original ten statutes which were given to Moses on fiery Mount Sinai as recorded in Exodus 20.
Deuteronomy 5: 6-22 {abbr.}
(1) You shall have no other gods before Me. (v. 7)
(2) You shall not make for yourself a Graven image. (v. 8)
(3) You shall not take the Lord’s Name in vain. (v. 11a)
(4) Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. (v. 12a)
(5) Honor your Father and your Mother (v. 16)
(6) You shall not Murder. (v. 17)
(7) You shall not commit Adultery. (v. 18)
(8) You shall not Steal. (v. 19)
(9) You shall not beat False Witness against your neighbor (v. 20)
(10) You shall not Covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. (v. 21)
And remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out from there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore, the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. (vs. 15)
NOTE: This is different from the explanation given in Exodus 20:8-11, which was based on God resting from the six days of ‘creation.’
To sum it all up then, Matthew, Mark, and Luke ver. 2 omit “Commandments” 1, 2, 3,
4, and 10. Matthew and Mark quote Leviticus 19 but use different verses. Luke version 1 and Matthew both use Leviticus 19: 18, but only Luke version 1 adds the additional reference in Deuteronomy 6: 5. Luke version 1 is actually the most profound and significant which encapsulates the very spiritual core of the true meaning, requirements and totality of the Law of God; which is attested by Jesus in
Matthew 22: 36-40 [esp. v. 41]: “On these two commandments hang all the Law and the prophets.”
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 28, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, April 27, 2009
The Prosperity Gospel Leaves Christians Spiritually Shortchanged
One of the early expositors of what is commonly referred to as the ‘Prosperity Gospel/Prosperity Theology’ was Norman Vincent Peale, who in 1952 wrote, “The Power of Positive Thinking;” which sold 20 million copies worldwide. He blended a bit of psychoanalysis and Scripture, such as the statement by Jesus, “The kingdom of God is within you [‘in your midst’];” thus laying the groundwork for what is becoming increasing popular today in Evangelical Christian circles. Even that work might have received inspiration from an earlier book by Napoleon Hill, “Think and Grow Rich,” which was published in 1937. Later in Christian circles believers were introduced to “prayer cloths” and anointing with “Holy [‘olive’??] Oil” to receive divine blessings for material things (cars, house, money, jobs, etc.); be that as it may, what does the Bible really say about this subject?
Proverbs 13: 7
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
Matthew 25: 14-30 “Parable of the Talents”
COMMENTARY: This particular story is not a literal interpretation of investment strategies because Jesus states in v. 14a: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country.” If it were used in the contemporary sense for the purpose of financial counseling, then the servant with the one talent perhaps should be commended instead of condemned. For one thing, he had much less money to work with and therefore was prudently more careful with losing the Master’s money and more content to keep his money on the sidelines and wait until market conditions stabilize where the timing was more favorable to invest in the stock market or purchase Corporate/Treasury Bonds, T-Bills, Treasury Notes, Commercial Paper, or a Bank CD.
The other two servants had more money to work with and perhaps they were more risk takers, deciding to roll the dice and take their chances; which fortunately for them, it paid off on this occasion. Any significant incremental movements in the market on the downside could wipe out a small amount of money such as with having only ‘one’ talent, percentage-wise. The thing that sealed the fate [v. 30; ‘cast into outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth’] of the servant with this single talent was not so much that he ‘hid his talent,’ but rather how he tried to justify his course of action by upbraiding his Master and in some way attempt to blame him for his failure. What the Lord Jesus Christ used the illustration for was to teach the disciples about the importance of ‘bearing fruit’ and the dire consequences for not doing so.
The modern Evangelical “SUPER-SALESMEN/WOMEN FOR JESUS” who borrow heavily from some of the highly successful motivational speaker techniques used in Direct Selling Association (DSA) and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) seminars to win over an ever-increasing multitude of ‘true believers’ to this “New Gospel,” and in many ways, it is like ‘the blind leading the blind.’ Some of these gurus will make available their ‘plan for material success/prosperity’ in a taped series on lectures on audio cassette tape/CD, or on a pre-recorded DVD live in front of an audience within the backdrop of an elaborate stage setting, sanctuary, outdoor arena or auditorium, or, as an author with a book published as a bestseller on the New York Times Top 20.
Jesus says in Matthew 6: 31: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life. What you will eat; nor about your body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”
I Timothy 6: 9-10
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money [not necessarily ‘riches/wealth’ per se] is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the ‘Faith’ in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows [‘regrets’].
Matthew 16: 26a
For what profit is it to a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Hebrews 13: 5a
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.
I Timothy 6: 6-8
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and clothing
[‘shelter’/other basic ‘necessities’??], with these we shall be content.
Psalms 37: 25
I have been young and now I am old; yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his [‘their’] seed begging for bread.
So, when one of these preachers expound so eloquently upon how great and awesome our God is and that He is rich and does things in a very big way, get ready for the 'punch line.' They will also tell you about how one is robbing God in the matter of tithes and offerings and about bringing all the tithes into God's storehouse. Just a reminder: You might come to find out that the money collection and contribution of the saints might be filling up their storehouses, not God's.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 27, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Proverbs 13: 7
There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.
Matthew 25: 14-30 “Parable of the Talents”
COMMENTARY: This particular story is not a literal interpretation of investment strategies because Jesus states in v. 14a: “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country.” If it were used in the contemporary sense for the purpose of financial counseling, then the servant with the one talent perhaps should be commended instead of condemned. For one thing, he had much less money to work with and therefore was prudently more careful with losing the Master’s money and more content to keep his money on the sidelines and wait until market conditions stabilize where the timing was more favorable to invest in the stock market or purchase Corporate/Treasury Bonds, T-Bills, Treasury Notes, Commercial Paper, or a Bank CD.
The other two servants had more money to work with and perhaps they were more risk takers, deciding to roll the dice and take their chances; which fortunately for them, it paid off on this occasion. Any significant incremental movements in the market on the downside could wipe out a small amount of money such as with having only ‘one’ talent, percentage-wise. The thing that sealed the fate [v. 30; ‘cast into outer darkness, weeping and gnashing of teeth’] of the servant with this single talent was not so much that he ‘hid his talent,’ but rather how he tried to justify his course of action by upbraiding his Master and in some way attempt to blame him for his failure. What the Lord Jesus Christ used the illustration for was to teach the disciples about the importance of ‘bearing fruit’ and the dire consequences for not doing so.
The modern Evangelical “SUPER-SALESMEN/WOMEN FOR JESUS” who borrow heavily from some of the highly successful motivational speaker techniques used in Direct Selling Association (DSA) and Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) seminars to win over an ever-increasing multitude of ‘true believers’ to this “New Gospel,” and in many ways, it is like ‘the blind leading the blind.’ Some of these gurus will make available their ‘plan for material success/prosperity’ in a taped series on lectures on audio cassette tape/CD, or on a pre-recorded DVD live in front of an audience within the backdrop of an elaborate stage setting, sanctuary, outdoor arena or auditorium, or, as an author with a book published as a bestseller on the New York Times Top 20.
Jesus says in Matthew 6: 31: “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life. What you will eat; nor about your body, what you will put on. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothing.”
I Timothy 6: 9-10
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money [not necessarily ‘riches/wealth’ per se] is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the ‘Faith’ in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows [‘regrets’].
Matthew 16: 26a
For what profit is it to a man to gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
Hebrews 13: 5a
Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.
I Timothy 6: 6-8
Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and clothing
[‘shelter’/other basic ‘necessities’??], with these we shall be content.
Psalms 37: 25
I have been young and now I am old; yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his [‘their’] seed begging for bread.
So, when one of these preachers expound so eloquently upon how great and awesome our God is and that He is rich and does things in a very big way, get ready for the 'punch line.' They will also tell you about how one is robbing God in the matter of tithes and offerings and about bringing all the tithes into God's storehouse. Just a reminder: You might come to find out that the money collection and contribution of the saints might be filling up their storehouses, not God's.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 27, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Seven Churches of Asia Minor in the Book of Revelation
If there was ever a book in the entire Christian Bible which has been the most complex, symbolically confusing, disturbing, and interpretatively challenging, this last written communication from Heaven is number one. A good starting place to begin this journey is to identify the author. Church tradition has it on the word of none other than Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons that the Apostle John is the one who received this inspired vision. There are of course, a couple of problems with this endorsement from the highly respected Ecclesiastical authority; firstly, there is no proof to this assertion and secondly, there is no evidence that ‘John’ ever ventured outside the environs of Judea or Samaria, and even when he did, he was never alone (Cp. Acts 3: 1; 4: 13; 8: 1b, 14; 12: 17b, 19b). And perhaps more importantly, this particular John is not an apostle.
Revelation 1: 9a, 22: 6, 9
I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation, kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. . . Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must take place shortly.” Then he said to me, “I am your fellow servant, and of your brother the prophets.”
Now let’s take a closer look at the Seven Churches of Asia Minor to see what a ‘revelation’ it is to those of the Christian Faith [‘Gentiles’].
The Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2: 1-7)
Ephesus was a Greek city located on the west coast of Anatolia, Turkey. The Apostle Paul entered a Jewish synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews (Cp. Acts 18: 9). Apollos came there and taught in the synagogue but Aquila and Priscilla took him aside to explain the word of God more perfectly to him. (Cp. Acts 18: 24-26). Paul came back to Ephesus and reasoned and persuaded in the synagogue for three months the things concerning the kingdom of God. He later withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus; which he continued for a period of two years (Cp. Acts 19: 1b, 8-10).
Characteristics:
(1) Seven golden lamp stands (Cp. Exodus 25: 31:Zechariah 4: 2b; Hebrews 9: 1-2).
(2) Tested those who say they are Apostles and are not.
(3) The deeds of the ‘Nicolaitans.’
(4) The Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise [‘Persian’ word for “garden”] of God (Cp. Genesis 2: 8a, 9b).
The Church at Smyrna (Revelation 2: 8-11)
This was the ancient city of ‘Izmir’ on the Aegean seacoast of Anatolia, Turkey.
Characteristics:
(5) The blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but the synagogue of Satan.
(6) The First and the Last (Cp. Isaiah 44: 6b; 48: 12b), who was dead and came to life.
The Church in Pergamos (Revelation 2: 12-17)
This was an ancient Greek city in ‘Mysia’ [NW Anatolia, Turkey] near the Aegean Sea.
Characteristics:
(7) I know where Satan’s throne is.
(8) Antipas My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
(9) The doctrine of Balaam (Cp. Numbers 25: 1-2; 31: 16), (10) eat things sacrificed to idols, (11) sexual immorality.
(3) The doctrine of the ‘Nicolaitans.’
(12) The hidden manna to eat, (13) a white stone with a new name written on it
(Cp. Isaiah 62: 2b).
The Church in Thyatira (Revelation 2: 18-29)
This is the modern Turkish city of ‘Akhisar’ on the border between ‘Lydia & Mysia’ [NW Anatolia, Turkey].
Characteristics:
(14) The Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass
(Cp. 1: 13a, 14b-15a; Daniel 10: 6).
The woman (9a) Jezebel who seduce My servants [‘prophets’??] to (10a) commit sexual immorality and (11a) eat things sacrificed to idols.
(15) I will give power over the nations.
(16) I will give him the Morning Star (Cp. 22: 16b).
The Church in Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-6)
It was located in the Manisa province of Turkey, and capitol of the ancient city of ‘Lydia’ [east of ‘Ionia’ and inland ‘Izmir’]. The population spoke an ‘Anatolian’ language known as “Lydian.”
Characteristics:
(17) I will come as a thief in the night (Cp. Matthew 24: 43-44).
(18) He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments (Cp. Ecclesiastes 9: 8a??).
(19) I will not blot out his name from the Book of life (Cp. Exodus 32: 32).
(20) I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels
(Cp. Matthew 10: 32; Mark 8: 38??).
The Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13)
This was a town and district of Manisa province in the Aegean region of Turkey.
Characteristics:
(21) He who has the key of David.
(22) He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens
(Cp. Isaiah 22: 22b).
(5a) Those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not.
(23) I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God.
(24) The name of the city of My God, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from My God.
I will write on him My new name (Cp. 19: 12).
The Church of the Laodiceans (Revelation 3: 14-22)
This was an ancient metropolis built on the river Lyons in Anatolia, near the modern village of ‘Eskihisar,’ Denizli province, Turkey.
Characteristics:
(25) These things say the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God (Cp. Colossians 1: 15).
(26) I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Cp. Matthew 19: 28; 25: 31).
According to ‘Wikipedia’ all of these Churches of Asia Minor are near the vicinity of ‘Anatolia’ in modern-day Turkey, and coincidentally the Apostle Paul’s birthplace in Tarsus [‘Cilicia’] is south of the Anatolian peninsula. This is even more intriguing from a later secular historical perspective because of the genocide of one million Armenian Jews living in Anatolia by the Turks in the year 1915. So is it possible that one of the most influential contributors to Christianity as it is known and practiced throughout the world may have been one of the ancestors of the “Armenian Jews”?
Another point needs to be made, and that is, not only is the imagery and symbolism of the seven churches almost entirely Jewish in content, theme, as well as in other literary expressions, and it should not be co-opted just to fit neatly into eschatological Christian theological interpretations. When John says he was in the Spirit on the ‘Lord’s Day’ (Cp. 1: 1), it is not so obvious that he has in mind the First Day of the week; which is celebrated by Christians as the day when the Lord Jesus rose from the dead (Cp. Matthew 28: 1a; Mark 16: 1-2a; Luke 23: 56b;
John 20: 1) and as a day of worship (Cp. Acts 20: 7??; I Corinthians 16: 1-2).
If, the audience to whom John penned his message were perhaps “Messianic Jews” [Jews who believe in Jesus as the ‘Messiah’], who although are Greek in language and custom, nevertheless they were still religiously devout and faithful to Jewish traditions and aspirations; then identifying to the words, “The Lord’s Day,” would seem to have the meaning as spoken by the Lord Jesus:
Matthew 12: 8
For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath [‘Day’].
Mark 2: 28
Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath [‘Day’].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 18, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Revelation 1: 9a, 22: 6, 9
I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation, kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. . . Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true. And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must take place shortly.” Then he said to me, “I am your fellow servant, and of your brother the prophets.”
Now let’s take a closer look at the Seven Churches of Asia Minor to see what a ‘revelation’ it is to those of the Christian Faith [‘Gentiles’].
The Church at Ephesus (Revelation 2: 1-7)
Ephesus was a Greek city located on the west coast of Anatolia, Turkey. The Apostle Paul entered a Jewish synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews (Cp. Acts 18: 9). Apollos came there and taught in the synagogue but Aquila and Priscilla took him aside to explain the word of God more perfectly to him. (Cp. Acts 18: 24-26). Paul came back to Ephesus and reasoned and persuaded in the synagogue for three months the things concerning the kingdom of God. He later withdrew the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus; which he continued for a period of two years (Cp. Acts 19: 1b, 8-10).
Characteristics:
(1) Seven golden lamp stands (Cp. Exodus 25: 31:Zechariah 4: 2b; Hebrews 9: 1-2).
(2) Tested those who say they are Apostles and are not.
(3) The deeds of the ‘Nicolaitans.’
(4) The Tree of Life, which is in the midst of the Paradise [‘Persian’ word for “garden”] of God (Cp. Genesis 2: 8a, 9b).
The Church at Smyrna (Revelation 2: 8-11)
This was the ancient city of ‘Izmir’ on the Aegean seacoast of Anatolia, Turkey.
Characteristics:
(5) The blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but the synagogue of Satan.
(6) The First and the Last (Cp. Isaiah 44: 6b; 48: 12b), who was dead and came to life.
The Church in Pergamos (Revelation 2: 12-17)
This was an ancient Greek city in ‘Mysia’ [NW Anatolia, Turkey] near the Aegean Sea.
Characteristics:
(7) I know where Satan’s throne is.
(8) Antipas My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
(9) The doctrine of Balaam (Cp. Numbers 25: 1-2; 31: 16), (10) eat things sacrificed to idols, (11) sexual immorality.
(3) The doctrine of the ‘Nicolaitans.’
(12) The hidden manna to eat, (13) a white stone with a new name written on it
(Cp. Isaiah 62: 2b).
The Church in Thyatira (Revelation 2: 18-29)
This is the modern Turkish city of ‘Akhisar’ on the border between ‘Lydia & Mysia’ [NW Anatolia, Turkey].
Characteristics:
(14) The Son of God who has eyes like a flame of fire and feet like fine brass
(Cp. 1: 13a, 14b-15a; Daniel 10: 6).
The woman (9a) Jezebel who seduce My servants [‘prophets’??] to (10a) commit sexual immorality and (11a) eat things sacrificed to idols.
(15) I will give power over the nations.
(16) I will give him the Morning Star (Cp. 22: 16b).
The Church in Sardis (Revelation 3: 1-6)
It was located in the Manisa province of Turkey, and capitol of the ancient city of ‘Lydia’ [east of ‘Ionia’ and inland ‘Izmir’]. The population spoke an ‘Anatolian’ language known as “Lydian.”
Characteristics:
(17) I will come as a thief in the night (Cp. Matthew 24: 43-44).
(18) He who overcomes will be clothed in white garments (Cp. Ecclesiastes 9: 8a??).
(19) I will not blot out his name from the Book of life (Cp. Exodus 32: 32).
(20) I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels
(Cp. Matthew 10: 32; Mark 8: 38??).
The Church in Philadelphia (Revelation 3: 7-13)
This was a town and district of Manisa province in the Aegean region of Turkey.
Characteristics:
(21) He who has the key of David.
(22) He who opens and no one shuts and shuts and no one opens
(Cp. Isaiah 22: 22b).
(5a) Those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not.
(23) I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God.
(24) The name of the city of My God, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from My God.
I will write on him My new name (Cp. 19: 12).
The Church of the Laodiceans (Revelation 3: 14-22)
This was an ancient metropolis built on the river Lyons in Anatolia, near the modern village of ‘Eskihisar,’ Denizli province, Turkey.
Characteristics:
(25) These things say the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God (Cp. Colossians 1: 15).
(26) I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne (Cp. Matthew 19: 28; 25: 31).
According to ‘Wikipedia’ all of these Churches of Asia Minor are near the vicinity of ‘Anatolia’ in modern-day Turkey, and coincidentally the Apostle Paul’s birthplace in Tarsus [‘Cilicia’] is south of the Anatolian peninsula. This is even more intriguing from a later secular historical perspective because of the genocide of one million Armenian Jews living in Anatolia by the Turks in the year 1915. So is it possible that one of the most influential contributors to Christianity as it is known and practiced throughout the world may have been one of the ancestors of the “Armenian Jews”?
Another point needs to be made, and that is, not only is the imagery and symbolism of the seven churches almost entirely Jewish in content, theme, as well as in other literary expressions, and it should not be co-opted just to fit neatly into eschatological Christian theological interpretations. When John says he was in the Spirit on the ‘Lord’s Day’ (Cp. 1: 1), it is not so obvious that he has in mind the First Day of the week; which is celebrated by Christians as the day when the Lord Jesus rose from the dead (Cp. Matthew 28: 1a; Mark 16: 1-2a; Luke 23: 56b;
John 20: 1) and as a day of worship (Cp. Acts 20: 7??; I Corinthians 16: 1-2).
If, the audience to whom John penned his message were perhaps “Messianic Jews” [Jews who believe in Jesus as the ‘Messiah’], who although are Greek in language and custom, nevertheless they were still religiously devout and faithful to Jewish traditions and aspirations; then identifying to the words, “The Lord’s Day,” would seem to have the meaning as spoken by the Lord Jesus:
Matthew 12: 8
For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath [‘Day’].
Mark 2: 28
Therefore the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath [‘Day’].
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 18, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
What Day was Jesus Crucified On?
Sunday, April 14, commemorates the most revered of all holy days in Christendom, namely, observing the ‘Easter’ celebration or Pascha. "Good Friday" culminates the final last days of the sacred week which reached its zenith with worship services and all the liturgical elements which accompany the solemnity of the occasion. While it is almost universally accepted that Friday was the day in which the Lord Jesus Christ was crucified at Golgotha Hill on Mount Calvary, yet, is that really the day on which this sacred event happened?
Matthew 27: 57a, 59-60
Now, when evening [of the ‘Preparation Day before the Sabbath] had come. . . Joseph [of ‘Arimathea’] took the body of Jesus and laid it in his new tomb.
62-65
On the next day which follows the ‘Preparation Day’ [the Sabbath], the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ “Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead;’ So that the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.”
28: 1
Now after the Sabbath, as the ‘First’ day of the week began to dawn.
Mark 15: 42-45
Now, when evening had come, because, it was the ‘Preparation Day,’ that is, the day before the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted the body to Joseph, who wrapped His body in linen and laid Him in a tomb which he had hewn out of the rock.
16: 1-2
Now, when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, brought spices, that they might come and anoint Him; very early in the morning, on the ‘First’ day of the week, they came to the tomb when [‘before’??] the sun had risen.
Luke 23: 50, 52-54
Now, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a good and just man. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. The he took it down, wrapped it in linen and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. That day was the ‘Preparation Day’ (Cp. Mark 15: 42), and the Sabbath drew near.
24: 1
Now, on the ‘First’ day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bearing spices which they had prepared.
John 19: 31, 40, 42
Therefore, because it was the ‘Preparation Day,’ (Cp. Mark 15: 42) that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the ‘Sabbath’ (for the ‘Sabbath’ was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then they[Cp. 19: 38-39; Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus] took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ ‘Preparation Day,’ for the tomb was nearby.
20: 1a
Now, on the ‘First’ day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark.
So, what ‘Day’ was it on that Jesus conquered the power of death and rose victorious from the grave? Well, using the ancient lunar chronology of ‘evening and morning’ as a ‘Day’ (Cp. Genesis 1: 5b) as well as Jesus’ own words in Matthew 12: 40: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be ‘three days and three nights’ in the heart of the earth.”
[CHART]
(1a) Thursday Dawn
(1b) Thursday Dusk ‘Preparation Day’(START)
“Jesus Crucified”
(2a) Friday Dawn
(2b) Friday Dusk ‘Preparation Day’ (END)
‘Sabbath Day’(START)
(3a) Saturday Dawn
(3b) Saturday Dusk ‘Sabbath Day’(END)
‘First Day’ of the week(START)
*Jesus resurrected sometime between late Saturday night [most likely,
after ‘midnight’] and early Sunday morning before dawn.*
(4a) Sunday Dawn
(4a) Sunday Dusk ‘First Day’ of the week (END)
So, it would seem from this illustration that "Holy Friday" may indeed be Holy Thursday; coincidentally, the very day of the week that is named in honor of ‘Thor,’ son of the Viking deity and Father of the Norse gods, ‘Odin.’ It was ordained in the Old Testament Scriptures through the prophesy of King David that God would not allow His Holy One to see corruption [‘decay’], and so, on the ‘Third Day,’ He arose!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 15, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Matthew 27: 57a, 59-60
Now, when evening [of the ‘Preparation Day before the Sabbath] had come. . . Joseph [of ‘Arimathea’] took the body of Jesus and laid it in his new tomb.
62-65
On the next day which follows the ‘Preparation Day’ [the Sabbath], the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate, saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ “Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead;’ So that the last deception will be worse than the first.” Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.”
28: 1
Now after the Sabbath, as the ‘First’ day of the week began to dawn.
Mark 15: 42-45
Now, when evening had come, because, it was the ‘Preparation Day,’ that is, the day before the Sabbath. Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Pilate granted the body to Joseph, who wrapped His body in linen and laid Him in a tomb which he had hewn out of the rock.
16: 1-2
Now, when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, brought spices, that they might come and anoint Him; very early in the morning, on the ‘First’ day of the week, they came to the tomb when [‘before’??] the sun had risen.
Luke 23: 50, 52-54
Now, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a good and just man. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. The he took it down, wrapped it in linen and laid it in a tomb that was hewn out of the rock, where no one had ever lain before. That day was the ‘Preparation Day’ (Cp. Mark 15: 42), and the Sabbath drew near.
24: 1
Now, on the ‘First’ day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain other women with them, came to the tomb bearing spices which they had prepared.
John 19: 31, 40, 42
Therefore, because it was the ‘Preparation Day,’ (Cp. Mark 15: 42) that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the ‘Sabbath’ (for the ‘Sabbath’ was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then they[Cp. 19: 38-39; Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus] took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ ‘Preparation Day,’ for the tomb was nearby.
20: 1a
Now, on the ‘First’ day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark.
So, what ‘Day’ was it on that Jesus conquered the power of death and rose victorious from the grave? Well, using the ancient lunar chronology of ‘evening and morning’ as a ‘Day’ (Cp. Genesis 1: 5b) as well as Jesus’ own words in Matthew 12: 40: “For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be ‘three days and three nights’ in the heart of the earth.”
[CHART]
(1a) Thursday Dawn
(1b) Thursday Dusk ‘Preparation Day’(START)
“Jesus Crucified”
(2a) Friday Dawn
(2b) Friday Dusk ‘Preparation Day’ (END)
‘Sabbath Day’(START)
(3a) Saturday Dawn
(3b) Saturday Dusk ‘Sabbath Day’(END)
‘First Day’ of the week(START)
*Jesus resurrected sometime between late Saturday night [most likely,
after ‘midnight’] and early Sunday morning before dawn.*
(4a) Sunday Dawn
(4a) Sunday Dusk ‘First Day’ of the week (END)
So, it would seem from this illustration that "Holy Friday" may indeed be Holy Thursday; coincidentally, the very day of the week that is named in honor of ‘Thor,’ son of the Viking deity and Father of the Norse gods, ‘Odin.’ It was ordained in the Old Testament Scriptures through the prophesy of King David that God would not allow His Holy One to see corruption [‘decay’], and so, on the ‘Third Day,’ He arose!
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 15, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
The First Sermon that Jesus preached
In the Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, only two include in this study the material comprising the first sermon that Jesus taught in a public way to the masses. One could say that outside of teaching here and there at the various synagogues in and around the region of Galilee and the few occasions at the Temple in Jerusalem, this is His first big outdoor ‘Tent Meeting,’ but only underneath the dome of the sky and not a tarpaulin.
According to Matthew 5: 1-2; 8: 1, this event took place on the ‘Mountaintop’ whereas Luke 6: 17, 20; 7: 1 says it was ‘on a level plain.’ Consider the fact that unlike modern times where one can read all the narrative sources in a single collection, the earliest followers and disciples may have had access to only a single source; whether orally or written down on a scroll. One’s behavior is determined by what you believe and any subsequent actions are greatly influenced by what a person is taught and the level of sacredness or specialness attributed to that source. If someone only had Matthew’s account of what Jesus taught, how would their faith practices, or more importantly, their theology and mentality, psychology, as well as social interactions mesh or conflict with those who only knew Luke’s?
“The Beatitudes”
Matthew 5: 3-12
(1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (3) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (4) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (5) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (6) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (7) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. (8) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God. (9) Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely (9a) for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NOTE: Notice the use of ‘they’ and ‘you’ during Jesus’ discourse.
Luke 6: 20-23
(1) Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (4) Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. (2) Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. (9) Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, (9a) for the Son of Man’s sake; Rejoice in that day and be leap for joy! For indeed; your reward is great in heaven for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
NOTE: Luke’s version omits #’s 3, 5-8 of Matthew’s account and the order is not sequential; but it does use ‘you/your’ exclusively.
“The Law of Love Your Enemies”
Matthew 5: 43-48
You have heard that it has been said; You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies. But I say to you, (1) love your enemies and bless those who curse you; (2) do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven. For He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. (3) For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (4) And if you greet your brethren [‘friends’] only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors [‘Gentiles’??] do so? (5) Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Luke 6: 27-35
But I say to you who hear: (1) Love your enemies; (2) do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. [To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him, who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him, who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise]. (3) But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. (4) And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive back as much.] (1) But love your enemies, do good and lend (??), hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For, He is kind to the unthankful and the evil. (5) Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful (??).
NOTE: There are several points here which are radically different from Matthew’s narrative, namely: ‘turning the other cheek’ {‘passive resistance’}, ‘giving away or allowing your goods to be plundered,’ and ‘lending without expectation of repayment’ or even to hold some sort of asset in the form of collateral/equity as security against the borrower.’ Also, instead of using ‘tax collector’ Luke uses ‘sinners,’ repeats #’s 1&2, and uses phrases in [ ]’s that are not in Matthew at all. Lastly, Matthew ends with being ‘perfect’ as your Father in heaven is perfect and Luke says, being ‘merciful’ as your Father is merciful.
“The Law of Do Not Judge”
Matthew 7: 1-6
(1)Judge not, that you be not judged. (2) For what judgment you judge, you will be judged; (3) and with what measure you use, it will be measured back to you. (4) And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank (‘beam’) in your own eye? (5) Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye?” You hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. [(6) Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine {‘wild hogs/boars’??}, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces].
NOTE: The phrase of the last verse in the [ ] does not seem to reflect the theme of this section.
Luke 6: 37-38
(1) Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [Give; and it will be given you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.] (2) For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
NOTE: Notwithstanding the comments on Matthew’s narrative, Luke is consistent with #’s 1&2 but he excludes Matthew's #'s 4-6; and although not part of the original (??) of Matthew; ‘condemning’ and ‘forgiving’ is consistent with the essence of Jesus’ teaching on this point. There is again, the part contained in the [ ] that just doesn’t seem to fit comfortably at this placing.
“A Tree is known by Its Fruit”
Matthew 7: 16-19
(1) You will know them by their fruits. (2) Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? (3) Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. (4) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.
NOTE: In this account, there is no pruning, replanting in different soil, or a determination made to see if the tree is taking up an adequate supply of nutrients (sunlight, water, nitrogen, etc.) and if ‘photosynthesis’ is taking place; It is just the end results that matter, not the process.
Luke 6: 43-45
(3) For a good tree does not bear bad fruit; nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. (1) For every tree is known by its own fruit. (2) For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. [ A good man out of the treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks].
NOTE: The order is a little mixed up in Luke in comparison to Matthew and #4 is not included. Again, the words enclosed with the [ ] seem to be a little out of place here, too.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 7, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
According to Matthew 5: 1-2; 8: 1, this event took place on the ‘Mountaintop’ whereas Luke 6: 17, 20; 7: 1 says it was ‘on a level plain.’ Consider the fact that unlike modern times where one can read all the narrative sources in a single collection, the earliest followers and disciples may have had access to only a single source; whether orally or written down on a scroll. One’s behavior is determined by what you believe and any subsequent actions are greatly influenced by what a person is taught and the level of sacredness or specialness attributed to that source. If someone only had Matthew’s account of what Jesus taught, how would their faith practices, or more importantly, their theology and mentality, psychology, as well as social interactions mesh or conflict with those who only knew Luke’s?
“The Beatitudes”
Matthew 5: 3-12
(1) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (2) Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. (3) Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. (4) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled. (5) Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. (6) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (7) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God. (8) Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of God. (9) Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely (9a) for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
NOTE: Notice the use of ‘they’ and ‘you’ during Jesus’ discourse.
Luke 6: 20-23
(1) Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. (4) Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. (2) Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. (9) Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, (9a) for the Son of Man’s sake; Rejoice in that day and be leap for joy! For indeed; your reward is great in heaven for in like manner their fathers did to the prophets.
NOTE: Luke’s version omits #’s 3, 5-8 of Matthew’s account and the order is not sequential; but it does use ‘you/your’ exclusively.
“The Law of Love Your Enemies”
Matthew 5: 43-48
You have heard that it has been said; You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemies. But I say to you, (1) love your enemies and bless those who curse you; (2) do good to those who hate you and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the sons of your Father in heaven. For He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. (3) For if you love those who love you, what rewards have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (4) And if you greet your brethren [‘friends’] only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors [‘Gentiles’??] do so? (5) Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Luke 6: 27-35
But I say to you who hear: (1) Love your enemies; (2) do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. [To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And from him, who takes away your cloak, do not withhold your tunic either. Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him, who takes away your goods, do not ask them back. And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise]. (3) But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. (4) And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive back as much.] (1) But love your enemies, do good and lend (??), hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For, He is kind to the unthankful and the evil. (5) Therefore be merciful, just as your Father is also merciful (??).
NOTE: There are several points here which are radically different from Matthew’s narrative, namely: ‘turning the other cheek’ {‘passive resistance’}, ‘giving away or allowing your goods to be plundered,’ and ‘lending without expectation of repayment’ or even to hold some sort of asset in the form of collateral/equity as security against the borrower.’ Also, instead of using ‘tax collector’ Luke uses ‘sinners,’ repeats #’s 1&2, and uses phrases in [ ]’s that are not in Matthew at all. Lastly, Matthew ends with being ‘perfect’ as your Father in heaven is perfect and Luke says, being ‘merciful’ as your Father is merciful.
“The Law of Do Not Judge”
Matthew 7: 1-6
(1)Judge not, that you be not judged. (2) For what judgment you judge, you will be judged; (3) and with what measure you use, it will be measured back to you. (4) And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank (‘beam’) in your own eye? (5) Or how can you say to your brother, “Let me remove the speck from your eye; and look, a plank is in your own eye?” You hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. [(6) Do not give what is holy to the dogs; nor cast your pearls before swine {‘wild hogs/boars’??}, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces].
NOTE: The phrase of the last verse in the [ ] does not seem to reflect the theme of this section.
Luke 6: 37-38
(1) Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. [Give; and it will be given you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom.] (2) For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.
NOTE: Notwithstanding the comments on Matthew’s narrative, Luke is consistent with #’s 1&2 but he excludes Matthew's #'s 4-6; and although not part of the original (??) of Matthew; ‘condemning’ and ‘forgiving’ is consistent with the essence of Jesus’ teaching on this point. There is again, the part contained in the [ ] that just doesn’t seem to fit comfortably at this placing.
“A Tree is known by Its Fruit”
Matthew 7: 16-19
(1) You will know them by their fruits. (2) Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles? (3) Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. (4) A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.
NOTE: In this account, there is no pruning, replanting in different soil, or a determination made to see if the tree is taking up an adequate supply of nutrients (sunlight, water, nitrogen, etc.) and if ‘photosynthesis’ is taking place; It is just the end results that matter, not the process.
Luke 6: 43-45
(3) For a good tree does not bear bad fruit; nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. (1) For every tree is known by its own fruit. (2) For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. [ A good man out of the treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil of his heart brings forth evil. For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks].
NOTE: The order is a little mixed up in Luke in comparison to Matthew and #4 is not included. Again, the words enclosed with the [ ] seem to be a little out of place here, too.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 7, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Is the Garden of Eden real and where was it Located?
According to ‘Wikipedia’ there are roughly thirty names of the most popular and well-known mythical lands. Some of these places evoke a sense of wonder, peaceful serenity, or even sacredness. Whether it is the spade of the archaeologist or the scribbled entries in the journal of seafarers, describing exotic and far away lands, it only arouses our curiosity and adds to the allure of these unsolvable mysteries. So, the question is whether the ‘Garden of Eden’ is a fabled place that was the invention of imaginative, superstitious, religiously-pious Jewish scribes who lived in Mesopotamia several millennia ago, who borrowed from the pagan religions of their fellow Semitic neighbors; refining and reworking the ‘Creation Lore’ to fit their own particular theology. The following references from The Old Testament Scriptures are offered for consideration.
Ezekiel 28: 13a
You were in Eden, the garden of God. (Cp. Genesis 13: 10b).
31: 3, 8-9, 16b
Indeed Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon with fine branches that shaded the forest, and of high stature; and its top was among the deep boughs. The cedars in the garden of God [‘Eden’] could not hide it; No tree in the garden of God [‘Eden’] was like it in beauty. I made it with a multitude of branches, so that all the trees of Eden envied it, that were in the garden of God. Then all the trees of ‘Eden,’ the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the trees were well-watered, were consoled in the earth below.
18a
To which of the trees in Eden will you then be likened in glory and greatness? Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the depths of the earth.
NOTE: Is the description of trees in the Garden of Eden used figuratively and as a ‘metaphor’ for the King of Assyria? It is recommended to read all of Ezekiel 28 & 31.
Isaiah 51: 3b
He will make her wilderness like ‘Eden,’ and her desert like the garden of the Lord.
Now, it is time to look at some geography or physical landscape of the region:
Genesis 2: 8a,
The Lord planted a garden, ‘eastward’ in Eden. NOTE: The direction would be from the standpoint of where Jerusalem [‘Judea’] is located.
10
Now a “river” went out of ‘Eden’ to water the garden, and from “there” it parted and became four riverheads.
NOTE: Using Biblical “cartography” [the ‘science of mapmaking’] and ‘Google Earth’ the “Persian Gulf” is the most likely source that fits the Biblical criteria. It must be kept in mind that due to the shifting of Teutonic plates and large land masses sinking or breaking away to form new Continents, it is possible that this region was once above ground. Not only is that, but the word ‘Eden’ in the Sumerian language is translated, “Plain.”
There might have at one time been an ancient, mighty river (??) proceeding from the Persian Gulf region that traversed the Plain into ‘Eden,’ branching off into the Tigris River through Eastern Assyria, the Euphrates River up through Iraq between Syria and Assyria; the other two rivers having dried up over time. This ancient river from the Persian Gulf enters ancient Iraq [‘Chaldea’] where it borders Iran [‘Elam/Persia’], and then it splits into the other rivers; that’s where the Garden of Eden was located from antiquity.
NOTE: The patriarch Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldeans (Cp. Genesis 11: 28, 31), which on a Biblical map of the period is directly west on the area where the ‘Garden of Eden’ might have been.
It is worth noting that in describing the course of the rivers in the book of GENESIS, the Euphrates River didn’t require an explanation because the people or audience to whom this scroll [‘book’] was written, already knew how and where it traversed the land. Also, the river ‘Gihon’ is mentioned as going around the whole land of “Cush” and in II Chronicles 32: 30, an “Upper Gihon” is mentioned; so it stands to reason that if there is an Upper one, there must have been a “Lower Gihon,” which might have continued flowing in its course during that time.
Some other interesting things about Eden:
Ezekiel 27: 23-24
Haran [‘Mesopotamia’], and Canneh, ‘Eden,’ Asshur and Chilmad all send their wares. In your marketplace they traded with you beautiful garments, blue fabric, embroidered work and multicolored rugs with cords twisted and tightly knotted.
Amos 1: 5a
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth-Eden (‘House of Eden’??).
Isaiah 37: 12b
The people of Eden who were in ‘Telassar.’ NOTE: Is ‘Telassar’ the same as ‘Ellasar’ mentioned in Genesis 14: 1, 2, 9 during the battle of the Kings in the valley of ‘Siddim’ (The “Salt Sea”)?
Perhaps it will never be known as to the precise location of the Garden of Eden or whether it can be proven to have ever existed, but one thing is certain, that this place will forever hold a special place in the imagination and hearts of any person who wants to believe that it was ‘real;’ and in the end, this is all that matters.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 3, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Ezekiel 28: 13a
You were in Eden, the garden of God. (Cp. Genesis 13: 10b).
31: 3, 8-9, 16b
Indeed Assyria was a cedar in Lebanon with fine branches that shaded the forest, and of high stature; and its top was among the deep boughs. The cedars in the garden of God [‘Eden’] could not hide it; No tree in the garden of God [‘Eden’] was like it in beauty. I made it with a multitude of branches, so that all the trees of Eden envied it, that were in the garden of God. Then all the trees of ‘Eden,’ the choicest and best of Lebanon, all the trees were well-watered, were consoled in the earth below.
18a
To which of the trees in Eden will you then be likened in glory and greatness? Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the depths of the earth.
NOTE: Is the description of trees in the Garden of Eden used figuratively and as a ‘metaphor’ for the King of Assyria? It is recommended to read all of Ezekiel 28 & 31.
Isaiah 51: 3b
He will make her wilderness like ‘Eden,’ and her desert like the garden of the Lord.
Now, it is time to look at some geography or physical landscape of the region:
Genesis 2: 8a,
The Lord planted a garden, ‘eastward’ in Eden. NOTE: The direction would be from the standpoint of where Jerusalem [‘Judea’] is located.
10
Now a “river” went out of ‘Eden’ to water the garden, and from “there” it parted and became four riverheads.
NOTE: Using Biblical “cartography” [the ‘science of mapmaking’] and ‘Google Earth’ the “Persian Gulf” is the most likely source that fits the Biblical criteria. It must be kept in mind that due to the shifting of Teutonic plates and large land masses sinking or breaking away to form new Continents, it is possible that this region was once above ground. Not only is that, but the word ‘Eden’ in the Sumerian language is translated, “Plain.”
There might have at one time been an ancient, mighty river (??) proceeding from the Persian Gulf region that traversed the Plain into ‘Eden,’ branching off into the Tigris River through Eastern Assyria, the Euphrates River up through Iraq between Syria and Assyria; the other two rivers having dried up over time. This ancient river from the Persian Gulf enters ancient Iraq [‘Chaldea’] where it borders Iran [‘Elam/Persia’], and then it splits into the other rivers; that’s where the Garden of Eden was located from antiquity.
NOTE: The patriarch Abraham was from Ur of the Chaldeans (Cp. Genesis 11: 28, 31), which on a Biblical map of the period is directly west on the area where the ‘Garden of Eden’ might have been.
It is worth noting that in describing the course of the rivers in the book of GENESIS, the Euphrates River didn’t require an explanation because the people or audience to whom this scroll [‘book’] was written, already knew how and where it traversed the land. Also, the river ‘Gihon’ is mentioned as going around the whole land of “Cush” and in II Chronicles 32: 30, an “Upper Gihon” is mentioned; so it stands to reason that if there is an Upper one, there must have been a “Lower Gihon,” which might have continued flowing in its course during that time.
Some other interesting things about Eden:
Ezekiel 27: 23-24
Haran [‘Mesopotamia’], and Canneh, ‘Eden,’ Asshur and Chilmad all send their wares. In your marketplace they traded with you beautiful garments, blue fabric, embroidered work and multicolored rugs with cords twisted and tightly knotted.
Amos 1: 5a
And the one who holds the scepter from Beth-Eden (‘House of Eden’??).
Isaiah 37: 12b
The people of Eden who were in ‘Telassar.’ NOTE: Is ‘Telassar’ the same as ‘Ellasar’ mentioned in Genesis 14: 1, 2, 9 during the battle of the Kings in the valley of ‘Siddim’ (The “Salt Sea”)?
Perhaps it will never be known as to the precise location of the Garden of Eden or whether it can be proven to have ever existed, but one thing is certain, that this place will forever hold a special place in the imagination and hearts of any person who wants to believe that it was ‘real;’ and in the end, this is all that matters.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 3, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The House of Judas
There is hardly a more infamous person in Holy Writ than Judas. He is even more notorious than ‘Jezebel,’ wife of King Ahab or the lovely and seductive ‘Delilah.’ The name, ‘Judas’ will be known throughout the annals of history and time as the ultimate act of ‘betrayal,’ selling out his Master and companions in the ministry for thirty pieces of silver. The bittersweet irony is that the expression of a ‘kiss,’ the usual sign of respect love, affection, and caring became the twisted act of the darkness of his heart in setting in motion a series of events, which ultimately brought Jesus to the Cross of Crucifixion. Nothing more is heard about Judas after Jesus was arrested and only in the book of MATTHEW is the fate which befell Judas finally revealed, but is that the whole story?
The following is of course conjecture, but let’s look at a brief alternative scenario. Because of what Judas did, it would certainly not be safe for him to remain within the environs of Galilee or Judea [‘Jerusalem’], so instead he leaves the region and settles in nearby Syria. Over the intervening years the followers of “Jesus the Nazarene” continue to grow and spread outside the area into neighboring countries, including Syria. There are Jewish communities throughout the land who are descendants of the original captives from the land of Israel who have been exiled there in Damascus, Syria (Cp. II Chronicles 28: 5a). The followers of the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ say that they are of “The Way” [‘Ha-Derekh’] and their faith practices come to the attention of a very zealous Jew who is also a Roman citizen, named ‘Saul.’
This person launches a one-man crusade almost to the level of an obsessive madness to stamp out this perceived menace to the purity of the Jewish traditions, Law of Moses, and the teachings of the elders and rabbis. This vigilante pronounces a ‘Jihad’ [‘Holy war’] on the new religion and essentially all those faithful believers are under a ‘fatwa’ [‘Death sentence’], where they will be caught, sent to prison in Jerusalem, and even killed/murdered. Saul received documentation [authorization]from the high priest in Jerusalem giving him the authority to carry out this edict, and on the way to Damascus [‘Syria’]; he had a life-changing experience where the Lord Jesus Christ was reveled to him in a burst of celestial radiance [light]. A now blinded Saul was led into the city by his companions [‘enforcers’] and came to lodge at ‘the house of Judas.’ There was a disciple there in Damascus by the name of Ananias whom the Lord told, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the “house of Judas” for one called Saul of Tarsus [in ‘Cilicia’], for behold he is praying.”(Cp. Acts 9: 11)
Now the million dollar question is, could this be the ‘One’ of the “Twelve” and son of perdition [‘destruction’], Judas Iscariot? Well, there are some interesting clues, nonetheless. Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon (Cp. John 6: 71a; 12: 4; 13: 26) is mentioned but which Simon is his father? MATTHEW and MARK refer to one of Jesus’ disciples as Simon the Canaanite, which doesn’t reveal much, but LUKE correctly identifies one of Jesus’ disciples as Simon the Zealot (6: 15). Also, it might not be apparent at first, but “Iscariot” is derivative of ‘sicari’/[‘Assassin’] and is a title, not a name as such. Remember that Jesus named James and John the sons of Zebedee, ‘Boanerges’ [“Sons of Thunder”], which was well deserved (Cp. Luke 9: 52-56). Jesus called Simon Peter, ‘Cephas’[“Rock”] in John 1: 42.
The Zealots and Sicarii vehemently opposed Roman rule in the region and waged war and instigated insurrection against their foreign overlords by either; brandishing swords in open combat or using small daggers to kill their victims by stealth. Now, putting all this together might result in the following: After this man [‘Theudas’], Judas of Galilee (??) rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered
(Cp. Acts 5: 37).
Judas was doubtless a native Galilean or at the very least, Judean; and it is doubtful that he or any of the disciples had any great love for the Romans. Matthew 11: 12 reads: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. To whom or what aspect of the kingdom is Jesus referring to? Is it possible that there were some among His followers who were seeking to usher in an ‘apocalyptic’ “end-of-days battle between the forces of Darkness and Light” [‘Good vs. Evil’] rather than bearing the olive branch or turning the other cheek?
In John 18: 10a it states: Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant. It is only in this account that the assailant is named whereas in the other versions the person is unknown or not revealed (??). In Peter’s defense, there doesn’t seem to be anything in his character as revealed in the Scriptures to indicate he would take this sort of action. James and John would be better candidates but Simon Peter is rather doubtful. One person who might be one of the sword-wielding disciples is of course, Simon the Zealot (John 6: 15; 18: 10-11; Matthew 26: 51-52; Mark 14: 47; Luke 22: 36-38). In this instance, the source used for the narrative in JOHN might have gotten it all wrong.
It seems that Simon Peter’s interest centered on fishing(Cp. 5: 1-11; John 21: 1-11; esp. 15, “Simon do you love Me more than these {‘fish’??}?”) and not on becoming a revolutionary or insurrectionist. MATTHEW is the only narrative to record Judas’ death by hanging for his act (Cp. Matthew 27: 3-10), and while he may have indeed hung himself, but it might not be for that reason. If he were indeed the leader of a revolt against Rome then taking his own life through hanging might have been the preferable way to die than endure the agony of crucifixion; which was the fate for criminals that Rome deemed a threat to her imperial power, which ‘Barabbas’ was sentenced to (Cp. Matthew 21: 16; Mark 15: 6-7; Luke 23: 18-19; John 18: 39-40).
It must be kept in mind that MATTHEW has a tendency to embellish or inflate some of his details with literary flourishes (Cp. Matthew 27: 51b-53; 28: 1-2). Lastly, whether the Judas in the Gospels is the same one in ACTS in purely hypothetical, but considering that these accounts were written at different times based upon the sources used, one should not necessarily dismiss it outright. Both could be right but it is just the placement in MATTHEW that seems to be a little odd and it would be interesting to read through the narrative without the passages being there. It just might be the editor’s way to explain a most important concern for believers in future generations and where he placed the explanation of Judas’ fate in the book was where he deemed it would fit best.
Adding this last point to the mystery of Judas Iscariot is the curiously revealing reference by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15: 5, where he states: And that He ['Jesus'] was seen of Cephas ['Simon Peter'], then of the "Twelve." Judas was always numbered among the Twelve Disciples, so if he killed himself during the immediate time period after Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection, there would only be eleven. Since the book of FIRST CORINTHIANS was dated around A.D. 50-55, earlier than any of the Gospels, then at least during this time Jesus appeared to the "Twelve" (including 'Judas'??) after His Resurrection and before His ascension back to heaven; and not just to eleven disciples as reported in the latter version contained within the Gospels.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
March 31, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
The following is of course conjecture, but let’s look at a brief alternative scenario. Because of what Judas did, it would certainly not be safe for him to remain within the environs of Galilee or Judea [‘Jerusalem’], so instead he leaves the region and settles in nearby Syria. Over the intervening years the followers of “Jesus the Nazarene” continue to grow and spread outside the area into neighboring countries, including Syria. There are Jewish communities throughout the land who are descendants of the original captives from the land of Israel who have been exiled there in Damascus, Syria (Cp. II Chronicles 28: 5a). The followers of the risen Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ say that they are of “The Way” [‘Ha-Derekh’] and their faith practices come to the attention of a very zealous Jew who is also a Roman citizen, named ‘Saul.’
This person launches a one-man crusade almost to the level of an obsessive madness to stamp out this perceived menace to the purity of the Jewish traditions, Law of Moses, and the teachings of the elders and rabbis. This vigilante pronounces a ‘Jihad’ [‘Holy war’] on the new religion and essentially all those faithful believers are under a ‘fatwa’ [‘Death sentence’], where they will be caught, sent to prison in Jerusalem, and even killed/murdered. Saul received documentation [authorization]from the high priest in Jerusalem giving him the authority to carry out this edict, and on the way to Damascus [‘Syria’]; he had a life-changing experience where the Lord Jesus Christ was reveled to him in a burst of celestial radiance [light]. A now blinded Saul was led into the city by his companions [‘enforcers’] and came to lodge at ‘the house of Judas.’ There was a disciple there in Damascus by the name of Ananias whom the Lord told, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the “house of Judas” for one called Saul of Tarsus [in ‘Cilicia’], for behold he is praying.”(Cp. Acts 9: 11)
Now the million dollar question is, could this be the ‘One’ of the “Twelve” and son of perdition [‘destruction’], Judas Iscariot? Well, there are some interesting clues, nonetheless. Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon (Cp. John 6: 71a; 12: 4; 13: 26) is mentioned but which Simon is his father? MATTHEW and MARK refer to one of Jesus’ disciples as Simon the Canaanite, which doesn’t reveal much, but LUKE correctly identifies one of Jesus’ disciples as Simon the Zealot (6: 15). Also, it might not be apparent at first, but “Iscariot” is derivative of ‘sicari’/[‘Assassin’] and is a title, not a name as such. Remember that Jesus named James and John the sons of Zebedee, ‘Boanerges’ [“Sons of Thunder”], which was well deserved (Cp. Luke 9: 52-56). Jesus called Simon Peter, ‘Cephas’[“Rock”] in John 1: 42.
The Zealots and Sicarii vehemently opposed Roman rule in the region and waged war and instigated insurrection against their foreign overlords by either; brandishing swords in open combat or using small daggers to kill their victims by stealth. Now, putting all this together might result in the following: After this man [‘Theudas’], Judas of Galilee (??) rose up in the days of the census and drew away some people after him; he too perished, and all those who followed him were scattered
(Cp. Acts 5: 37).
Judas was doubtless a native Galilean or at the very least, Judean; and it is doubtful that he or any of the disciples had any great love for the Romans. Matthew 11: 12 reads: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. To whom or what aspect of the kingdom is Jesus referring to? Is it possible that there were some among His followers who were seeking to usher in an ‘apocalyptic’ “end-of-days battle between the forces of Darkness and Light” [‘Good vs. Evil’] rather than bearing the olive branch or turning the other cheek?
In John 18: 10a it states: Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant. It is only in this account that the assailant is named whereas in the other versions the person is unknown or not revealed (??). In Peter’s defense, there doesn’t seem to be anything in his character as revealed in the Scriptures to indicate he would take this sort of action. James and John would be better candidates but Simon Peter is rather doubtful. One person who might be one of the sword-wielding disciples is of course, Simon the Zealot (John 6: 15; 18: 10-11; Matthew 26: 51-52; Mark 14: 47; Luke 22: 36-38). In this instance, the source used for the narrative in JOHN might have gotten it all wrong.
It seems that Simon Peter’s interest centered on fishing(Cp. 5: 1-11; John 21: 1-11; esp. 15, “Simon do you love Me more than these {‘fish’??}?”) and not on becoming a revolutionary or insurrectionist. MATTHEW is the only narrative to record Judas’ death by hanging for his act (Cp. Matthew 27: 3-10), and while he may have indeed hung himself, but it might not be for that reason. If he were indeed the leader of a revolt against Rome then taking his own life through hanging might have been the preferable way to die than endure the agony of crucifixion; which was the fate for criminals that Rome deemed a threat to her imperial power, which ‘Barabbas’ was sentenced to (Cp. Matthew 21: 16; Mark 15: 6-7; Luke 23: 18-19; John 18: 39-40).
It must be kept in mind that MATTHEW has a tendency to embellish or inflate some of his details with literary flourishes (Cp. Matthew 27: 51b-53; 28: 1-2). Lastly, whether the Judas in the Gospels is the same one in ACTS in purely hypothetical, but considering that these accounts were written at different times based upon the sources used, one should not necessarily dismiss it outright. Both could be right but it is just the placement in MATTHEW that seems to be a little odd and it would be interesting to read through the narrative without the passages being there. It just might be the editor’s way to explain a most important concern for believers in future generations and where he placed the explanation of Judas’ fate in the book was where he deemed it would fit best.
Adding this last point to the mystery of Judas Iscariot is the curiously revealing reference by the Apostle Paul in I Corinthians 15: 5, where he states: And that He ['Jesus'] was seen of Cephas ['Simon Peter'], then of the "Twelve." Judas was always numbered among the Twelve Disciples, so if he killed himself during the immediate time period after Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection, there would only be eleven. Since the book of FIRST CORINTHIANS was dated around A.D. 50-55, earlier than any of the Gospels, then at least during this time Jesus appeared to the "Twelve" (including 'Judas'??) after His Resurrection and before His ascension back to heaven; and not just to eleven disciples as reported in the latter version contained within the Gospels.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
March 31, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
Monday, March 30, 2009
The Book of JOHN: A Radically Different GOSPEL
One of the things that stand out in the Gospel of JOHN is the silence on “Hell” [‘gehenna’] or unquenchable/eternal fire, of which Matthew is abundant with, and all the other writers refer to it at least twice. There are almost no Parables, very few miracles/healings as compared to the other narratives, and scant mention about the Kingdom of God/Heaven or Son of Man. In quite a few instances the setting is in the region of Judea instead of Galilee. The Samaritans are to be avoided
(Cp. Matthew 10: 5-6, 21-28 [esp. 24]; Mark 7: 20), but in this book the hated ‘Samaritans’ are the very first ones to accept Jesus as the Christ [‘Messiah’] in the fourth chapter.
In the “Synoptic Gospels” (MATTHEW-MARK-LUKE), Peter, James & John the sons of Zebedee form the nucleus of Jesus’ inner circle among the ‘Twelve,’ but in JOHN’s version there doesn’t appear to be any central person, group or trio among His disciples. Another observation is the frequent reference to ‘the Jews;’ either as a social/religious class or race, which includes their religious observances such as the Feast days. Outside of the book of ACTS which mentions the word, ‘Jew,’ a total of 66 times; of which 36 is in a negative context (54.5%). JOHN uses the word 57 times; 23 out of that total is also negative (40%). He uses the term, “for fear of the Jews” 4 times (Cp. 7: 13; 9: 22; 19: 38; 20: 19). The last reference is most intriguing for two reasons, namely: 1) The is no reason suggested to explain why the disciples are hiding behind shut doors in fear of the Jews after Jesus Crucifixion/Resurrection, and, 2) None of the other gospel writers mention this state of mind by Jesus’ disciples.
The following is a list of Significant Omissions:
The Temptation in the Wilderness (Cp. Matthew 1: 4-11; Mark 1: 12-13; Luke 4: 1-13)
John the Baptist taken into Custody (Cp. Matthew 4: 12-27; Luke 3: 20)
John the Baptist in Prison (Cp. Matthew 11: 1-5; Luke 7: 18-22)
Jesus Choosing His Twelve Disciples/Apostles and their Names (Cp. Matthew 10: 1-8; Mark 6: 7-11; Luke 9: 1-6) NOTE: It is only near the end of JOHN that ‘Twelve,’ as in the number of Apostles/Disciples, is mentioned (20: 24).
Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration
(Cp. Matthew 17: 1-9; Mark 9: 2-10; Luke 9: 28-36)
The Sign of the Times/ Destruction of the Temple/End of the Age
(Cp. Matthew 24: 1-31; Mark 13: 1-33; Luke 21: 5-36)
The Lord’s Supper (Cp. Matthew 26: 26-30; Mark 14: 22-26; Luke 22: 14-20)
NOTE: Instead, Jesus institutes the rite of ‘Foot washing.’ (13: 3-15)
JOHN does present several major themes such as: Believe (66 times); Jesus as the Son of God (38 times); Everlasting/ Eternal Life (22 times) in contrast to Condemnation (4 times); Water/wash/baptizing (20 times); Light/Darkness (13 times); The ‘Spirit’
(13 times); Glorifying God (13 times); and Jesus as the King of Israel/Messiah [‘Christ’](11 times). Even in 1: 1; it starts out like the book of GENESIS and not some list of Jewish genealogy and although MARK uses the introductory phrase, “The Gospel of the Son of God,” that theme is not expanded upon to its fullest extent; and even then it is only mentioned 7 times.
In JOHN, the author seems a firsthand witness because of the use of ‘the next day; again the next day; the following day; on the third day,’ etc. (1: 29, 35, 43; 2: 1). MATTHEW thru LUKE indicate that Jesus presumably started His public ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist (Cp. Matthew 4: 12; Mark 1: 14; Luke 3: 20, 23), but there was a period of time when their ministries were concurrent (3: 22-25; 4; 1; 9: 14). In fact, some of the first and earliest followers of Jesus were disciples of John the Baptist (1: 35-37).
A little attention should be reserved for one of the more interesting of the followers of Jesus at the start, and that is Nathanael. He is told by Jesus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, ‘hereafter you shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (1: 51).’” This is quite similar to what Jesus told some of the ‘Disciples’ [Peter, James, and John??], “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”
(Cp. Matthew 16: 28; Mark 9: 1; Luke 9: 27)
Also, if this is not enough of a mystery, remember the wedding in ‘Cana’ (2: 1-5, 12) where Jesus, His disciples, mother, and brothers were invited? It seems that Mother Mary was actively involved and participated in the celebration which would be quite unusual if it were not some very close friends or a relative; not to mention that the identity of the bride and bridegroom is not revealed. It is only in the very last chapter of the book is Nathanael’s city finally disclosed, but why wasn’t it earlier as with his other acquaintances,Philip, Andrew, and Peter
(‘Bethsaida;’ 1: 43??).
This will serve as a nice transition to introduce the “Beloved” Disciple, who, as it is recorded: Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on His breast at the supper. Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me (21: 21-23).” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” JOHN reveals the close intimate social relationship that Jesus had with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary and His ‘love’ for them
(11: 3, 5, {‘Lazarus’} in particular; esp. 35-36). LUKE mentions a little bit about this special bond also.
While Jesus hung on the Cross of Crucifixion, He seemed to entrust the care of His mother to one of His followers, where the Scripture says: And from that very hour he took her to his own home (19: 27). This would seem to be an egregious violation of the social and religious customs of the Jews to allow a woman to be taken into the home of a man who is not her relative or betrothed husband. Not only that, but Jesus had brothers (Cp. Matthew 13: 55 {James, Joses [‘Joseph’], Simon, and Judas}, and sisters {v. 56}, but JOHN mentions only brothers (2: 12). It is of course a long shot, but entirely plausible that the ‘other’ Judas [‘not Iscariot’] in John 14: 22a, could be Jesus’ younger brother; solving the riddle rather nicely of the disciple leaning on Jesus’ breast and of His words to the onlookers at the Cross to whom were told, “Mother behold thy son, Son behold the mother.” Interestingly, in the last chapter (21: 1-2, 7-8), ‘Nathanael’ is mentioned but ‘Judas’ is not listed.
Continuing further:
Let’s finalize one last little bit of information regarding the disciples. Besides the ones already mentioned, Philip, Andrew, Peter, and Nathanael
(1: 40-41, 43-44, 45); there is Judas Iscariot son of Simon (6: 71); Thomas who is called ‘Twin’ {‘whose’??} (11: 16a); and Judas [‘not Iscariot’] (14: 22a). It is only in the 20th chapter is the number of Jesus’ inner circle of Apostles numbered as twelve, and even the last chapter only mentions the sons of Zebedee (‘unnamed’??), ‘two’ other of His disciples were together, and the ‘other’ disciples came in the little boat (21: 2, 8).
Now it is time to identify the disciple who was known to the high priest, accompanying Jesus into the courtyard; and also afterward, brought in Peter who had been waiting by the door outside. (18: 15-16). This person in all probably was not ‘Galilean,’ and the stronger internal evidence seems to point in the direction of ‘Joseph of Arimathea,’ who was a “secret” disciple and member of the ‘Sanhedrin’ [“Jewish Supreme Court”].
(Cp. Matthew 27: 57: Mark 15: 43; Luke 23: 50-51; John 19: 38)
Lastly, where John the Baptist did his preaching and baptizing was located in the vicinity of ‘Qumran,’ where a Bedouin youth found the “Dead Sea Scrolls” in the 1940’s; and coincidentally, this is the place where the community of ascetic Jews called ‘Essenes’ practiced their religious observances and rituals. It would not be a stretch of the imagination to envision John the Baptist as a member of this radical ‘sect’ of Judaism. Even John the Baptist had some doubts about Jesus as the ‘Messiah’ because it is recorded in Matthew 11: 2-3: And when John in prison heard about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him [‘Jesus’], “Are You the ‘One’ or should we look for ‘Another’?”
Be that as it may, this Gospel is so different from the others in style, content, and meaning. JOHN explores much richer and deeper themes, and the deity of Jesus is in full view. In this account, Jesus is not just a miracle-working rabbi who heals the sick and casts out demons, but rather, He is the very Son of God.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
March 28, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
(Cp. Matthew 10: 5-6, 21-28 [esp. 24]; Mark 7: 20), but in this book the hated ‘Samaritans’ are the very first ones to accept Jesus as the Christ [‘Messiah’] in the fourth chapter.
In the “Synoptic Gospels” (MATTHEW-MARK-LUKE), Peter, James & John the sons of Zebedee form the nucleus of Jesus’ inner circle among the ‘Twelve,’ but in JOHN’s version there doesn’t appear to be any central person, group or trio among His disciples. Another observation is the frequent reference to ‘the Jews;’ either as a social/religious class or race, which includes their religious observances such as the Feast days. Outside of the book of ACTS which mentions the word, ‘Jew,’ a total of 66 times; of which 36 is in a negative context (54.5%). JOHN uses the word 57 times; 23 out of that total is also negative (40%). He uses the term, “for fear of the Jews” 4 times (Cp. 7: 13; 9: 22; 19: 38; 20: 19). The last reference is most intriguing for two reasons, namely: 1) The is no reason suggested to explain why the disciples are hiding behind shut doors in fear of the Jews after Jesus Crucifixion/Resurrection, and, 2) None of the other gospel writers mention this state of mind by Jesus’ disciples.
The following is a list of Significant Omissions:
The Temptation in the Wilderness (Cp. Matthew 1: 4-11; Mark 1: 12-13; Luke 4: 1-13)
John the Baptist taken into Custody (Cp. Matthew 4: 12-27; Luke 3: 20)
John the Baptist in Prison (Cp. Matthew 11: 1-5; Luke 7: 18-22)
Jesus Choosing His Twelve Disciples/Apostles and their Names (Cp. Matthew 10: 1-8; Mark 6: 7-11; Luke 9: 1-6) NOTE: It is only near the end of JOHN that ‘Twelve,’ as in the number of Apostles/Disciples, is mentioned (20: 24).
Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration
(Cp. Matthew 17: 1-9; Mark 9: 2-10; Luke 9: 28-36)
The Sign of the Times/ Destruction of the Temple/End of the Age
(Cp. Matthew 24: 1-31; Mark 13: 1-33; Luke 21: 5-36)
The Lord’s Supper (Cp. Matthew 26: 26-30; Mark 14: 22-26; Luke 22: 14-20)
NOTE: Instead, Jesus institutes the rite of ‘Foot washing.’ (13: 3-15)
JOHN does present several major themes such as: Believe (66 times); Jesus as the Son of God (38 times); Everlasting/ Eternal Life (22 times) in contrast to Condemnation (4 times); Water/wash/baptizing (20 times); Light/Darkness (13 times); The ‘Spirit’
(13 times); Glorifying God (13 times); and Jesus as the King of Israel/Messiah [‘Christ’](11 times). Even in 1: 1; it starts out like the book of GENESIS and not some list of Jewish genealogy and although MARK uses the introductory phrase, “The Gospel of the Son of God,” that theme is not expanded upon to its fullest extent; and even then it is only mentioned 7 times.
In JOHN, the author seems a firsthand witness because of the use of ‘the next day; again the next day; the following day; on the third day,’ etc. (1: 29, 35, 43; 2: 1). MATTHEW thru LUKE indicate that Jesus presumably started His public ministry after the arrest of John the Baptist (Cp. Matthew 4: 12; Mark 1: 14; Luke 3: 20, 23), but there was a period of time when their ministries were concurrent (3: 22-25; 4; 1; 9: 14). In fact, some of the first and earliest followers of Jesus were disciples of John the Baptist (1: 35-37).
A little attention should be reserved for one of the more interesting of the followers of Jesus at the start, and that is Nathanael. He is told by Jesus, “Most assuredly, I say to you, ‘hereafter you shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man (1: 51).’” This is quite similar to what Jesus told some of the ‘Disciples’ [Peter, James, and John??], “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who shall not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.”
(Cp. Matthew 16: 28; Mark 9: 1; Luke 9: 27)
Also, if this is not enough of a mystery, remember the wedding in ‘Cana’ (2: 1-5, 12) where Jesus, His disciples, mother, and brothers were invited? It seems that Mother Mary was actively involved and participated in the celebration which would be quite unusual if it were not some very close friends or a relative; not to mention that the identity of the bride and bridegroom is not revealed. It is only in the very last chapter of the book is Nathanael’s city finally disclosed, but why wasn’t it earlier as with his other acquaintances,Philip, Andrew, and Peter
(‘Bethsaida;’ 1: 43??).
This will serve as a nice transition to introduce the “Beloved” Disciple, who, as it is recorded: Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on His breast at the supper. Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “But Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me (21: 21-23).” Then this saying went out among the brethren that this disciple would not die, but, “If I will that he remain till I come, what is that to you?” JOHN reveals the close intimate social relationship that Jesus had with Lazarus, Martha, and Mary and His ‘love’ for them
(11: 3, 5, {‘Lazarus’} in particular; esp. 35-36). LUKE mentions a little bit about this special bond also.
While Jesus hung on the Cross of Crucifixion, He seemed to entrust the care of His mother to one of His followers, where the Scripture says: And from that very hour he took her to his own home (19: 27). This would seem to be an egregious violation of the social and religious customs of the Jews to allow a woman to be taken into the home of a man who is not her relative or betrothed husband. Not only that, but Jesus had brothers (Cp. Matthew 13: 55 {James, Joses [‘Joseph’], Simon, and Judas}, and sisters {v. 56}, but JOHN mentions only brothers (2: 12). It is of course a long shot, but entirely plausible that the ‘other’ Judas [‘not Iscariot’] in John 14: 22a, could be Jesus’ younger brother; solving the riddle rather nicely of the disciple leaning on Jesus’ breast and of His words to the onlookers at the Cross to whom were told, “Mother behold thy son, Son behold the mother.” Interestingly, in the last chapter (21: 1-2, 7-8), ‘Nathanael’ is mentioned but ‘Judas’ is not listed.
Continuing further:
Let’s finalize one last little bit of information regarding the disciples. Besides the ones already mentioned, Philip, Andrew, Peter, and Nathanael
(1: 40-41, 43-44, 45); there is Judas Iscariot son of Simon (6: 71); Thomas who is called ‘Twin’ {‘whose’??} (11: 16a); and Judas [‘not Iscariot’] (14: 22a). It is only in the 20th chapter is the number of Jesus’ inner circle of Apostles numbered as twelve, and even the last chapter only mentions the sons of Zebedee (‘unnamed’??), ‘two’ other of His disciples were together, and the ‘other’ disciples came in the little boat (21: 2, 8).
Now it is time to identify the disciple who was known to the high priest, accompanying Jesus into the courtyard; and also afterward, brought in Peter who had been waiting by the door outside. (18: 15-16). This person in all probably was not ‘Galilean,’ and the stronger internal evidence seems to point in the direction of ‘Joseph of Arimathea,’ who was a “secret” disciple and member of the ‘Sanhedrin’ [“Jewish Supreme Court”].
(Cp. Matthew 27: 57: Mark 15: 43; Luke 23: 50-51; John 19: 38)
Lastly, where John the Baptist did his preaching and baptizing was located in the vicinity of ‘Qumran,’ where a Bedouin youth found the “Dead Sea Scrolls” in the 1940’s; and coincidentally, this is the place where the community of ascetic Jews called ‘Essenes’ practiced their religious observances and rituals. It would not be a stretch of the imagination to envision John the Baptist as a member of this radical ‘sect’ of Judaism. Even John the Baptist had some doubts about Jesus as the ‘Messiah’ because it is recorded in Matthew 11: 2-3: And when John in prison heard about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said to Him [‘Jesus’], “Are You the ‘One’ or should we look for ‘Another’?”
Be that as it may, this Gospel is so different from the others in style, content, and meaning. JOHN explores much richer and deeper themes, and the deity of Jesus is in full view. In this account, Jesus is not just a miracle-working rabbi who heals the sick and casts out demons, but rather, He is the very Son of God.
Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
March 28, 2009
pbks@hotmail.com
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