Mystery of the Gospel

It is no wonder that the Apostle Paul used the word ‘mystery’ on numerous occasions in his writings (epistles), because when it comes down to the relationship of the Gentile Christian Church and the role of the Jews (Israelites) in the plan of God, there is quite a bit of confusion. The fact remains that Israel is very important in the salvation of humanity and is still the “apple” of God’s eye; in a manner of speaking. Let’s take a look at some Scriptures that address this very point, as below in the following.


Romans 11: 1a, 11
I ask then: Did God reject His people? By no means! Again I ask: Did they [Israel] stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression [blindness/error] salvation has come to the Gentiles.


Romans 11: 25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this “mystery”. . . Israel has experienced a hardness [blindness] in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.


Romans 11: 28b
But as far as election is concerned, they [Israel] are loved on account of the patriarchs [Abraham/Isaac/Jacob]. For God’s gifts and His calling are irrevocable.


Ephesians 2: 11a, 12-13a
Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called uncircumcised [by the circumcised]- Remember that at that time [formerly in times past] you were separated from Christ (Messiah), excluded from the citizenship of Israel, foreigners (aliens) from the covenant of promise, without hope, and without God in the world.


Ephesians 2: 19
Consequently, you [Gentiles] are no longer foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God’s people [Israel] and members of God’s household.


Ephesians 3: 3a, 6
The “mystery” made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. This ‘mystery’ is that through the Gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together of the promise in Christ Jesus.


NOTE: This last part is important because there have been some preachers in the Christian Church who claim that God has forgotten about Israel or has rejected His people of the covenant in favor of the Gentile believers and followers of Jesus Christ. For many individuals in modern times, when they think of Israel what comes to mind is the political State of Israel established by UN Charter; but such was probably not conceived of 2,000 years ago. This is not to say that many Jews living in Palestine and throughout the world are not to be included as the redeemed of Israel when Jesus returns to judge the world.


Isaiah 62: 3-5
You [Israel] shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of God. You shall no more be termed (called) forsaken; neither shall the land anymore be termed desolate; but you shall be called ‘Hephzibah’ (“My delight is her”) and your land ‘Beulah’ (“Married”). For the LORD delighted in you and your land [and people] shall be married [to the LORD]. For as a young man marries a virgin so shall your sons [Heb. “Redeemer”] marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride so shall your God rejoice over you.




Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 31, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

Fire worship and the ancient Israelites

This study is to trace the early pre-history of the Hebrews, starting with Abraham in Ur of the Chaldeans (Ara. “Ur Kasidim”), and how fire became a frequent representation of deity (God).

Joshua 24: 2

Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says, ‘Long ago your forefathers, including Terah the father of Abraham and Nahor, lived beyond the River [Euphrates] and worshipped other gods.’”

Acts 7:2b

The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran [Turkey]. So he left the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran.

Genesis 11: 2, 4a, 5

As men moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar [Mesopotamia??] and settled there. They said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city with a tower that reaches to the heavens. . .” But the LORD came down to see the city and the tower that the men were building.

Genesis 11: 27a, 28

Terah became the father of Abram (Abraham), Nahor, and Haran. While his father was still alive, Haran died in Ur of the Chaldeans.

NOTE: According to Holman’s Bible Dictionary (p. 1640), during the third dynasty Ur was the most prosperous and highly developed city in the region at that time. Archaeological evidence has uncovered remains of a three-staged pyramidal structure [‘ziggurat’] which is probably the famed Tower of Babel.

Genesis 11: 36

They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar.

NOTE:

Certain tools would have been required for stone masonry but to make bricks required kindling a fire in an oven to harden the clay blocks. Also, just as interesting is the place name for ‘Ur’ means “fire oven/”

Now let’s look at some Biblical text regarding how God is revealed to the Hebrews/Israelites:

Exodus 3: 1b, 2a

Moses led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to Horeb the mountain of God. There the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from a bush.

Exodus 19: 18

Mount Sinai [Horeb] was covered with smoke because the LORD descended upon it in fire.

Exodus 40: 38a

So the cloud [“Shekinah”] of the LORD was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night.

Leviticus 9: 24

Fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed the burnt offerings and the fat portions on the altar.

Deuteronomy 4: 24a

For the LORD is a consuming fire.

Exodus 20: 4

You shall not make for yourself any graven image in the form of anything in heaven above, the earth beneath, or in the waters below.

FINAL THOUGHT:

Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary defines graven image as an object of worship carved out of wood or stone. A statue representing fire cannot be constructed out of materials but a drawing or painting can be used to symbolize it, I suppose. The evidence is circumstantial and conjecture at best to prove that the patriarchs, starting with Abraham being introduced to God [the LORD] in the ‘fire oven’ city of Ur and then the deity becoming representative of Israel’s national God under Moses, and ultimately as the Creator of the Universe.

Word Play:
Elyon ("Most High God"-Daniel 4: 2b; 4: 17b, 34b; 5: 18) in Babylon.

Bab(el)yon (??)= Babylon

Babel (the god Bel)

El

 

Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 29, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

A discussion of 1 Corinthians 15: 3-6

This is one of the more interesting chapters in the New Testament and these few verses should provoke curious readers and Bible students to examine the text with a sense of astonishment, as the following brief study will attest.

1 Corinthians 15: 3b-6

Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Peter, then to the Twelve.

Jesus appeared to Peter, then to The Twelve??

Matthew 28: 1, 9-10

Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary [there were several] and commands them to go tell His brothers.

NOTE: There is nothing in the gospels that mention Jesus calling the disciples His brothers.

Matthew 28: 16

Jesus commands the Eleven [not Twelve] disciples to go to the mountain in Galilee where He would meet with them again.

Mark 16: 9-11

Jesus first appears to Mary Magdalene [alone] and she went and told those who had been with Him as they were weeping and mourning about Jesus’ death, telling them that he was alive [had risen], but they did not believe her.

Mark 16: 14

Later, Jesus appears to the Eleven as they were eating and rebuked them for their unbelief.

Luke 24: 9-12

The women came back from the tomb and told these things (Cp. 24: 2-8) to the Eleven and the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James and the others [women] with them. They did not believe them because their words seem as nonsense. However, Peter went to the tomb and seeing the strips of linen by themselves, went away wondering as to what happened.

Luke 24: 18, 33-34

They (Clopas and another unnamed disciple), after meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus returned to Jerusalem and found the Eleven, and those assembled with them, confirming that the LORD has arisen and appeared to Simon [huh??].

John 20: 1-9

Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw the stone rolled away, and she went and told Simon Peter and the disciple that Jesus loved [only here]. Simon Peter ran to the tomb and entered first, seeing the strips of linen lying there and the burial cloth that was around Jesus’ head folded up by itself separate from the linen. The other disciple (whom Jesus loved) went inside the tomb and he saw and believed.

John 20: 10-18

The disciples went back to their homes but Mary stood outside the tomb crying, Jesus appears to her and commands her to go tell His brothers. [Afterward] Mary Magdalene went to the disciples and told them that she had seen the LORD and He had said these things to her.

John 20: 24

Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came.

CONCLUSION:

The Apostle writes that Jesus appeared to Simon but the gospels abundantly show that that he appeared first and almost exclusively to Mary Magdalene before any of His followers, so it seems that the priority given Simon Peter was somehow to diminish the role of Mary Magdalene, or women in the Messianic movement. Since Luke was a companion of Paul his narrative is the only one that says Jesus appeared to Simon, so this incorporation into the Corinthian letter should not be all that surprising. In the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, The Eleven are mentioned. Matthew 27: 1-10, supported by Acts 1: 15-17, esp. verse 26 mention about Judas hanging himself, but John’s gospel explodes this because he mentions the Twelve. If Judas killed himself then this would only leave eleven disciples and a replacement wasn’t found until after Jesus ascended back to heaven. It also means that if Judas killed himself or somehow left the group of “the Twelve” then apparently the writer of John’s gospel and the Apostle Paul knew nothing about it.

 

Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 27, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

Exegesis of Genesis chapters 1-6

It seems that just a cursory reading of the book of Genesis tells the same old story of Creation that many readers are familiar with, but upon closer inspection it just might reveal precious cosmic mysteries that go largely unnoticed. The most startling thing to me is that the narrative is not one continuous narrative but a composite of several stories that the redactor or editor pieced together in the present order that appear in the Old Testament Scriptures and Christian Bible. So now it is time to start the journey of rediscovery in the following excerpts below:

(Version 1)
Genesis 1: 1-2
In the beginning God created the heavens and earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface (face) of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering [vibrating] over the waters.

Genesis 1: 20
And God said, “Let the water teem with living creatures. . .”

Genesis 1: 24
And God said, “Let the land produce living creatures. . .”

Genesis 1: 26-28
Then God said, “Let Us make Man [Adam] in Our image, in Our likeness, and let “them” rule. . .” So God created Man in His own image; in the image of God He created him- male and female [pairs??] He created them [Man-Adam-mankind??]. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number and replenish (fill) the earth and subdue (??) it. . . .”

NOTE: In this story the Creator God makes not just a single man and woman but several whom are called the family name ‘Adam’ (“mankind”) and are commanded to fill or populate the entire earth and bring it under subjection. This is quite different from the other version which has as its centerpiece a single male who is placed in a garden to take care of it, and only subsequently is given a mate as helper because none of the animals or other creatures are compatible.

Genesis 2: 1-3
Thus the heavens and earth were completed in their entire vast array. By the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing, so on the seventh day He rested (ceased) from all His work. And God blessed the seventh day and make it holy, because on it He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.
THE END

(Version 2)
Genesis 2: 4
This is the account of the heavens and earth in the day [eon??] when they were created, when the LORD God made the heavens and the earth.

NOTE: Chapter 2 appears to be out of sequence and verse 4 should actually be verse 1 (in my opinion). Also, instead of God, the term LORD God is used.

Genesis 2: 5-6
The LORD God had not sent rain upon the earth; there was no man (Adam) to work the ground; streams came up from the earth and watered the entire surface of the ground.

NOTE: One would think that even if some underground streams supplied water some vegetation would still grow, unless it was too briny or salty to produce anything. The LORD God in this account seems different from the Creator in chapter 1, Who seems to just “speak” things into existence and qualifies everything as good, very, good and blesses creation.

Genesis 2: 7-8
The LORD God formed man (the Adam) out of the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man (the Adam) became a living soul (“person”). The LORD God planted a garden in the east, in Eden.

NOTE: This is quite different from chapter 1 in quantity as well as quality-

Comparison/Contrast:
1. Them [Adam/mankind]   
1a.Him [the Adam/man].
2. Be fruitful, replenish/fill and subdue the earth
2a.Dress and keep the garden.
3. Man [Them-male/female pairs] to rule the earth
3a. Woman as a helper for the Adam (man).
4. Adam (Man/mankind) made in the image and likeness of God
4a. Adam (the man) made from the dust of the ground.

Genesis 2: 10-14
A river watering the garden flowed out of Eden and from there [the garden] it separated into four headwaters- Pishon that winds through the entire land of Havilah; Gihon that flows through the land of Cush [Ethiopia??]; Tigris runs along the east side of Asshur [Ninevah/Babylon (modern Iraq)]; and the Euphrates river.

NOTE: There was no need to explain the location of the Euphrates because the recipients of this oral narrative were familiar with its route. That must have been some enormous river that flowed out of Eden (downstream) and still was able to continue as some major waterways into other countries-if literally true. Also, verse 18 seems out of place and makes a little better sense as far as sequence if it were placed before verse 21 (maybe).

Genesis 2:21
The LORD God took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh.

NOTE: We know the story that Eve (woman) was formed from this rib, but Aramaic Bible translator Vic Alexander has an intriguing theory about this event. He speculates that since man has a YX chromosome pair, God took one of the ‘ribs’ and replicated the X chromosome to produce the female “XX” pair. It is interesting because the Hebrew word for rib (‘tsala’) can also mean side, so one of the side chromosome genetic markers or sites was used to fashion the female type. Whether true or not I thought it is just as plausible as anything else, and besides all this, it does seem that the woman (Eve) was fashioned from the man’s (Adam) genetic substance or material.

Genesis 3: 15
The LORD God said [to the serpent], “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring. He will crush your head and you will strike his heel.
NOTE: This prophesy is revealed in the heavens in the study of astrology (the Zodiac). SEE “Witness of the Stars” by E.W. Bullinger and read especially pages 54-62. To fully appreciate the enormity of the scheme of redemption it would be beneficial to read the entire book.

Genesis 4: 16
So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod, east of Eden. Cain lay with is wife and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch.

NOTE: The million dollar question is where did Cain find a wife? The answer is from among the people who populated the earth after the first creation in Genesis chapter 1. It could not be from the other daughters of Adam and his lineage since the birth of Seth because Cain was already in the land of Nod and married before Seth was born (Cp. Genesis 5: 1).

Genesis 4: 25-26
Adam lay with his wife again and she gave birth to a son and named him Seth, saying, “God has granted me another child in place of Abel, since Cain killed him. Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh.

Genesis 5: 1, 3
This is the written account of Adam’s line. When Adam lived 130 years, he had a son in his own image and likeness and he named him Seth.

NOTE: Is this another separate Creation fragment and what form such as hieroglyphic, cuneiform, or when was some type of script writing invented? Is not Cain and Abel part of Adam’s line so why are they omitted, here? Why was it necessary to mention that Seth was made in the image and likeness of Adam, since it seems at this time that Adam had fallen from grace and was banished/driven from the garden?

Genesis 5: 4-32
NOTE: The long lives of these antediluvians stems from the fact that they are the ones from Genesis chapter 1 that some editor extrapolated or placed in this genealogy of this Adam; of course that ideal and efficient diet of plant-based foods from rich soil probably helped the Adam prime male/female pairs live for a long time, too. Interestingly, those Bible literalists who interpret the days of creation in 7/24 hr. cycles find difficulty in accepting these great ages of Adam made in the image and likeness of the Creator. Besides, it would mess up their chronology for the age of planet earth being 6,000 years old because adding up the 9 generations of Adam comes to 7,625 years; and when you add in Noah’s age and the time until the flood you get 8,225 years up until then.

Genesis 6: 3b
His days will be 120 years.

NOTE: This is supposedly how long God decreed that humans live from now on but Abraham’s father Terah lived 205 years (Genesis 11: 32). I think the one hundred-twenty years is roughly the time that the human race had from Noah’s 500th birthday until the earth was destroyed by the Great Deluge (“Flood”) one hundred years later.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
May 5, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

The Abomination of Desolation: future event or has it already taken place?

The book of Daniel is considered such a complicated narrative that foreshadows the time of the end, but of which generation- the one in the past or is it yet to occur in the future? Jesus is talking to His disciples and describing the cataclysmic events as well as upheavals that will bring about the end of the age [world], but he says in Matthew 24: 15 these interesting words: “So when you see the ‘Desolation of Abomination’ [“desolating sacrilege” New Oxford Annotated Bible] standing in the holy place, as was spoken by the prophet Daniel (let the reader understand). The rest of Matthew present a panoramic view of destruction and chaos as cosmic forces are unleashed that will shake the heavens and rend the very fabric of reality asunder. One could ask about Jesus’ knowledge or understanding of apocalyptic prophetical writings or if He even said those words at all. This study will utilize the book of Daniel as well as the non-canonical Apocryphal book of Maccabees to help shed some light on what is to come or has already passed.


Daniel 8: 1-2, 5, 8-9
In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, had a vision after the one that had already appeared to me. In my vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa in the province of Elam. In the vision I was beside the Ulai Canal. As I was thinking about this, suddenly a goat with a prominent horn between its eyes came from the west, crossing the entire earth without touching the ground. The goat became very great but at the height of his power his large horn was broken off, and in its place four prominent horns grew up toward the four winds of heaven. Out of one of them came another horn which started small but grew in power to the south and to the east and to the Beautiful Land.


1 Maccabees 1: 1, 7-8
After Alexander the Macedonian [the Great], Phillip’s [of Macedon] son, who came from the land of Kittim [Greece], had defeated Darius III, king of the Persians and Medes, he became king in his place. Alexander had reigned twelve years [336-323 BC] when he died. So his officers [generals] took over his kingdom, each in his own territory. There sprang from these a sinful offshoot, Antiochus Epiphanes IV, son of King Antiochus.


Daniel 8: 10-12
It [the horn/Antiochus Epiphanes IV] grew until it reached the host of the heavens, and it threw some of the starry hosts down to the earth and trampled on them (‘figuratively’ speaking). It set itself up to be as great as the Prince of the host. It took away the daily sacrifice from him, and the place of his sanctuary was brought low. Because of 1rebellion, the host of the saints and the daily sacrifice were given over to it. It prospered in everything it did and truth was thrown to the ground [and trampled underfoot??].


1 Maccabees 1: 11, 20-22
In those days there appeared in Israel 1men who were breakers of the law [Torah] and they seduced many people saying, “Let us go and make an alliance with the Gentiles all around us; since we separated from them many evils have come upon us.” After Antiochus Epiphanes IV had defeated Egypt in the year one hundred and forty-three [169 BC] he returned and went up to Israel and Jerusalem with a mighty force. He insolently invaded the sanctuary [Temple] and took away the golden altar, the lampstand for the light and all the fixtures, the offering table, the cups and bowls, the golden censers, the curtain, the crowns, the golden ornament on the façade of the temple.


1 Maccabees 1: 41-49, 52
Then king Antiochus Epiphanes IV wrote to his entire kingdom that all should be one people, each abandoning his particular customs. All the Gentiles conformed to the command of the king, and 1many Israelites were in favor of his religion, and they sacrificed to idols and profaned the Sabbath. The king sent messengers to Jerusalem and to the cities of Judah, ordering them to prohibit holocausts [burnt offerings], sacrifices, libations in the sanctuary, to profane the Sabbath and feast days, to desecrate the sanctuary and sacred ministers, to build pagan altars, temples, and shrines; to sacrifice swine and unclean animals [on the altar], to leave their sons uncircumcised, and to let themselves be defiled with every kind of impurity and abomination so that they might forget the law [Torah] and change all their observances [ritual customs]. 1 Many of the people, those who abandoned the law [Torah], joined them and committed evil in the land.


Daniel 8: 13-14
Then I heard a holy one [‘watcher’] speaking, and another holy one said unto him, “How long will it take for the vision to be fulfilled- the vision concerning the daily sacrifices, the rebellion that causes [the Abomination of] desolation (desecration/sacrilege), and the surrender of the sanctuary and of the host that will be trampled underfoot?” He said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and mornings: then the sanctuary will be cleansed (reconsecrated).”


1 Maccabees 4: 36, 38, 42-43
Then Judas [Maccabees] and his brothers said, “Now that our enemies have been crushed (defeated), let us go up and purify the sanctuary {Temple] and rededicate/consecrate it.” They found the sanctuary desolate, the altar desecrated, the gate burned, weeds growing in the courtyard as if in a forest or some mountain, and the priests chambers demolished. He (Judas) chose blameless priests dedicated to the law [Torah]; these purified the sanctuary and carried away the stones of the [desolation of] Abomination to an unclean place.


1 Maccabees 4: 52-55
Early in the morning, on the twenty-fifth day of the ninth month, that is the month ‘Chislev’ [December], in the year one hundred and forty-eight [164 BC], they arose and offered sacrifice according to the law [Torah] on the new altar of holocausts [burnt offerings] that they had made. On the anniversary of the day on which the Gentiles had defiled it, on that very day (Cp. 1 Maccabees 1: 54-55). It was reconsecrated with songs, harps, flutes, and cymbals. All the people prostrated themselves and adored and praised Heaven, who had given them success.


1 Maccabees 1: 54-55
On the fifteenth [twenty-fifth??] day of the month Chislev {December], in the tear one hundred and forty-five [167 BC], king Antiochus Epiphanes IV erected the horrible abomination [“Abomination of Desolation”] upon the altar of holocausts [burnt offerings], and in the surrounding cities of Judah they built pagan altars. 1They also burnt incense at the doors of the houses and in the streets. Whoever was found with a scroll of the covenant, and whoever observed the law [Torah] was condemned to death by royal decree.


NOTE: Using the lunar chronology of 30 days in a month which amounts to 360 evenings and mornings in a year, but the prophetical number seems to be a total combination of 2,300 evenings and mornings, so instead of 2,300 it should be half of that; so then it should be 1,150/360= 3.20 years more or less. This corresponds roughly to the culmination of events described by the holy one in the eight chapter of the book of Daniel as supported by the Maccabean account.



Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 26, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

Exactly what is or who are the Bride of Christ?

The Christian Church has historically considered itself to be the celestial bride of wife of Christ; Catholic nuns notwithstanding, but is it as simple as that? To start on this journey it will be helpful to begin with a few statements by the Apostle Paul below in the following:

2 Corinthians 11: 2
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. I promised you to one husband, to Christ, so that I may present you as a pure virgin [bride] to Him.

Ephesians 5: 25-27
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present to Himself a radiant [glorious] church [bride], without stain, wrinkle, or blemish; but [that she be] holy and blameless.

Now, let’s look at the description of the Lamb’s [Christ’s] bride as found in the book of Revelations in the following:

Revelation 19: 7, 9
Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. Then the angel said to me, “Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb.”

Revelation 21: 1, 9-11
And I saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues cams [near] and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb. And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain, great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. It was shining with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like jasper, clear as crystal.

NOTE: At this point we have read two theological inconsistencies- either the Church (Jews and Gentiles who believe that Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world) is the bride of the Lamb [Christ] or it is the supernaturally restored city of New Jerusalem; it seems unlikely that it can be both.

Revelation 21: 3
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will be with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.

NOTE: This is all fine and good but King Solomon posed the question in 1 Kings 8: 27- But will God really dwell on the earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven cannot contain thee.
Let’s look at what the prophet Jeremiah has to say about this future event:

Jeremiah 3: 17
At that time they will call Jerusalem the Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD.

Revelation 21: 23
The city [New Jerusalem/the Lamb’s bride] does not need the sun or the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb [Christ] is its lamp. The nations will walk in its light and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor [tribute??] into it. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it.

Lastly, consider the question the disciples of Jesus asked before His ascension back to heaven. In Acts 1: 6-7 we read: So when they met together, they asked Him, “LORD, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel [Jerusalem/ including Judah and Israel (Cp. Jeremiah chapter 3)]?” He said, “It is not for you to know the times or the dates that the Father has set by His own authority.”

CONCLUSION: Be that as it may the one thing that seems obvious is that God is still very much concerned about the Israelites or Jewish people/Hebrews, and that whatever blessings that the Gentiles receive does not supersede or replace those who are descendants from Abraham and heirs to God’s promises to him along cultural, ethnic, racial, and even religious grounds. In fact the entire book of Revelations is the most pro-Jewish book in the New Testament, along with the book of Hebrews (quite naturally). It is not a matter of choosing one or the other but to consider both sides of the issue as merely food for thought; although to some true believers there is no further need for any other consideration because the Church is the bride of Christ and this settles the matter-simple as that.


Robert Randle
776 Commerce St Apt B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
April 20, 2015
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

What does the Bible teach about Predestination and Freewill?

Several opinion polls have been taken over recent years regarding the viewpoint of the average American citizen pertaining to their view of the afterlife, and by an overwhelming majority, nearly three out of five believe in the existence of 'heaven.' Those same polls, however, by about roughly the same margin, reject the belief in a place called "Hell." To the many respondents, it is inconceivable that a God of LOVE could actually create such an awful place, and not only that, but condemn someone to suffer in agony and torment for all eternity; to wit, how could the righteousness, justice, and holiness of God our heavenly Father who is 'Love' be satisfied with such an outcome since it states in I Timothy 2: 4, that it is God's will for all men to be saved.

Genesis 4: 21

The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.

Romans 9: 18

Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.

Romans 8: 29a, 30a

For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son. . . And those He predestined, He also called [to receive salvation];

Romans 9: 11a, 13

Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad-in order that God’s purpose in election [predestination] might stand: Just as it is written: “Jacob have I loved but Esau I hated.”

Ephesians 1: 4a, 11

For He [God the Father] chose us in Him [Christ] before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us [those of us who are/will be saved] to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ. . . In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined to the plan of Him [God the Father] who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.

John 17: 12

While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name You gave Me. None has been lost except the one doomed (predestined) to destruction (damnation/perdition) so that the Scripture would [must] be fulfilled (Cp. Acts 1: 20; Psalms 69: 25; 109: 8).

Proverbs 16: 4
The Lord has made all for Himself, yes, even the wicked for the day of doom [evil; destruction??].

Romans 9: 20b, 22

Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this? “What if God, choosing to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the objects of His wrath, prepared [beforehand] for destruction?

This serves as a perfect introduction to the concept of freewill and predestination; that is the idea that humans have a 'choice' in their lives and social interactions independent of divine intervention, design, or effect in the decisions they make; and the consequences based upon acting or not acting upon the exercise of actions independent of the influence of God, and the circumstances planned by Him in advance to bring about a certain desired outcome; whether good or bad.

WEBSTER’S COLLEGIATE DICTIONARY:
Freewill 2: The freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or made by divine intervention [or will??].

Predestination 2: The doctrine that God in consequence of His foreknowledge of all events infallibly guides those who are destined for salvation.

NOTE: The converse of this is that God DOES NOT guide others [to be saved], allowing them to choose a path of life which leads to eternal damnation.

Romans 9:21-23
Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known (Cp. 17b), endured with much longsuffering, the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand [before the foundation of the world??] for glory.

Jeremiah 1: 5a

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I set you apart;

CONCLUSION:
Calvinist theology notwithstanding, there does appear to be ample evidence from the Bible that human beings do not have ‘freewill’ in the usual meaning of the word. It is even more than a little troubling to think that in the greater scheme of things the outcomes of our actions or decisions have already been decided. Esau is rejected by God, prenatally; Pharaoh’s haughtiness of heart is reinforced by God; and Judas Iscariot was predestined to betray Jesus up for crucifixion. This is unnerving, complex, and one of the most fundamental issues of human existence that have baffled the most enlightened philosophers and theologians of all time, that is, trying to explain in a rationally intelligent way the purpose of God in this drama called “life.” Is it true that a certain number of interstellar dust particles are selected in the pre-physical, infinite nothingness to become human souls doomed to torment in an eternal lake of fire, and the others granted the experience of endless bliss in the joys of heaven and immortality? The reward and punishment is not merit-based in the strictest sense of the word because the outcome has already been decided. The experiences and choices we make are inconsequential because all of these have been taken into account, and our fate is final and unalterable because anything and everything that can ever be thought and acted upon, only more than convincingly validates the unimpeachable end result. As a final thought, Isaiah 45: 6b-7 is quite interesting, as it declares: “I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create the darkness. I make good and I create evil. I the Lord do all these things.   

Robert Randle

776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
January 24, 2014
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

A rose by any other Name

Let me start at the onset to dispel any expectation of enlightening Shakespearean prose, rhyme or poetry. What this has to do with is: I had written an article several years ago about what name should believers use in the Church, and I am more than a little convinced that perhaps we should consider how the name Christian came about, at least from a historically Jewish/Aramaic identity and religious perspective. While some will contend that “Christ/Christian” identifies us with our Lord and Savior, but the thing is we need to keep in mind that this name has been handed down to us from non-Jewish (for the most part), Western-European Ecclesiastical Church Fathers and Bible theologians, and not from the early disciples and Apostles, or the Scriptures, for that matter. Let’s start at the beginning for a brief overview.

Matthew 2: 23

And He went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene (Heb. Nats’riy).”

Mark 14: 67

When she saw Peter warming himself [by the fire], she looked closely at him. “You also were with that Nazarene (Heb. Nats’riy), Jesus,” she said.

Mark 16: 6a

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene (Heb. Yahoshuah ha Nats’riy), who was crucified.”

Acts 11: 26

The disciples were first called “Messianic believers” (Heb. M’shiychiyiym) at Antioch.

NOTE: The Greek translation of the last part of the verse as the word “Christian,” but reading from verse 19, the context seems to suggest that these evangelizing brothers from the region of Judea, who initially spread the word of the Messiah to Jews only, some of them went among the Greeks, but it is doubtful they would have come up with the word “Christian.” Not only that, but this area was not in Western or Northern Europe, but in Syria (the Middle East).

1 Peter 4: 16

However, if you suffer as a “Messianic believer” (Heb. M’shiychiyiym), do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name.

 Acts 22: 8

“Who are you Lord? I asked.  “‘I am Jesus the Nazarene (Heb. Yahoshua ha Nats’ riy), whom you are persecuting.’”

Acts 24: 5b

He [Apostle Paul] is a ringleader of the Nazarene “sect” (Heb. kath ha Nats’riym)

NOTE: Did the Apostle Paul say that he was a Christian? Reading further in Acts 24: 14a, he states: “I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way (Heb. ha Derekh), which they call a sect.” This appears to be associated with the Nazarenes (Netzari) or those who are associated with a belief in Jesus of Nazareth as the Jewish Messiah or Moshiyach.

Acts 26: 28

Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think in such a short time you can persuade me to be a ‘Nazarene/Netzari’” [not Christian; except according to the Greek translators].

NOTE: Why is this unlikely that “Christian” was used? In the same chapter at verse 8, the Apostle Paul mentions that he formerly lived as a Pharisee, the strictest “sect” of the Jewish religion. In the previous two chapters another [new] “sect” was mentioned, namely that of the Nazarene’s. It is to this group (Nazarene/Netzari) who follow in the Way (ha Derekh) of Jesus of Nazareth (Yahoshua Nazaret) that the Apostle Paul belonged. The Greek translation tries to reconcile the principles of Jewish thought and belief by using a derivative word “Christ” (Gr. Christos; “Anointed”); thus extending it out as Christian (Gr. “ianos” is a suffix that was originally applied to that of a ‘slave’). The word “Christian” (Gr. ‘Christianos,’ so it seems, has the denotation or connotation in ancient times to mean an “anointed slave.” A far better usage of a more scripturally appropriate term, then, is to be found in the following: The Hebrew word for Nazareth has the meaning of “branch” which is quite appropriate. Jesus (Yahoshua) is referred to in John 15:2, 5 as the vine (Heb. Ha Gefen) and the disciples as the branches (Heb. Ha sariygiym). In the earlier passages the Hebrew root “riy/riym” is associated with the word for Nazareth/Nazarene, as well as Messianic believer, so instead of using a convenient Greek derivative word (“Christianos”) why not instead use the Hebrew one that that attaches itself to the birthplace, person, and destiny (Messiah/Mashiyach) whereby those who believe in the Jewish Messiah and Son of God are called Nazarenes or Netzari (Heb. Nats’riym)?

Final Thought: This study is not meant to suggest that every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ should abandon the name Christian, using Hebrew names and terminology instead. But it does serve as an interesting background check into the original Hebraic mindset of belief in the long-awaited Jewish Messiah (Moshiyach), and the likelihood that these followers would more closely identify themselves with a more culturally, religiously, and socially relevant name than that adopted by the Gentiles [Greek/Latin Bible translators]. Not only that, in Acts 26: 14-15 the Apostle Paul mentions that the risen Jesus (Heb. Yahoshua) spoke to him from heaven in the native tongue of Hebrew; not Greek or Latin. Why did he mention this particular point, and not simply that the Lord spoke to him from heaven? It would seem, then, that language does matter and the first Jewish disciples and God-fearing Gentiles who believed in Jesus the Messiah from Nazareth (Heb. Yahoshua ha Mashiyach Nazaret) in all probability did not call themselves by the Greek term for “Christians” but rather, used the Hebrew Nats’riym (Nazarenes/Netzari) or M’shiychiyiym (Messianic believers).

 

REFERENCES

 

The Orthodox Jewish Bible Fourth Edition. AFII International Publishers. New York, N.Y. 2002

Stern, David, H. Jewish New Testament. Jewish New Testament Publications. Clarksville, MD. 1989

http://www.bayithamashiyach.com

 

Robert Randle
776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
November 3, 2013
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

The earthly ministry of Jesus thru last Passover Seder

This study is a basic schematic chart, starting from the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River up until the disciples prepare to eat the final Passover with Him in the city of Jerusalem. Although there are parallel and chronological bibles on the market, I thought it would be interesting to construct a basic flowchart of the more interesting and important events during Jesus’ three and one-half year earthly ministry. There are instances in which the gospel narrators are in consistent agreement, not only with what happened, but with the order in which it happened. At the same time there is inconsistency and wide divergence in what is reported; as well as places where an entire section of occurrences is omitted or missing. Since most Bible scholars believe Mark’s gospel is the earliest, I have used him as Matthew’s source but in Luke’s case I consider his source to be independent of the other two. As a helpful tool I use superscript numbers in parenthesis to show where an event occurred in the particular individual gospel, irrespective of where it falls on the chart.

This is just a simple tool as an aid to hermeneutical study or Biblical research, and not as it were, some kind of authoritative or scholarly work. I find it is useful to see the information gaps in certain places and try to perhaps figure out why the author left it that way, and in another case there is information inserted at a particular point where no other writer even refers to it at all. For instance, why does Luke’s gospel mention so much about the Samaritans, or Jesus dining with Pharisees; who were his sources and where did they live? Mark/Matthew leave quite a gap of information after the disciples complaint to Jesus about someone casting out demons in His name until the narratives resume with Jesus being asked about the law on divorce while in the region of Judea [Luke’s gospel fills in this gap]. Interestingly, Luke’s gospel has a noticeable omission after recounting Jesus feeding the five thousand with 5 loaves and 2 fish, but it resumes with Peter confessing Jesus as the Christ [Messiah-“Anointed One”] in Caesarea Phillippi. However, between these two examples, the Mark/Matthew omissions appear, at least to me, to be the more substantive; and I am curious as to why they are this way. Be that as it may, these differences and variations don’t impugn the reliability of the gospels or the veracity of revealed truth; albeit from the recollections and orally transmitted accounts handed down by those who witnessed firsthand these things, and entrusted to faithful men and women to carry forth the message to future generations of believers and nonbelievers alike.

 

Robert Randle

776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 22, 2013
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

Gog, Magog and the destruction of Israel

There are many various interpretations of who are the nations and people who will usher in Armageddon, the final battle between “good and evil” where God will intervene, destroy Satan and the demons in a ‘lake of fire’ and restore Israel to unsurpassed glory and preeminence. To set all of this in motion will be a series of global events, not the least of which will be an invasion against the Jewish people by a coalition of the damned/doomed, led by one called Gog, prince of Magog. Although I am not entirely sure which tribal nations make up this military offensive first-strike, which for them will be MAD (“Mutually Assured Destruction”), still these groups are comprised of Indo-European descendants of Noah’s son, Japheth.

JAPHETH- The progenitor of the Indo-European peoples who lived to the farthest north and west of Israel.

(GENESIS 10: 2-8)

JAPHETH (Gomer-Magog-Madai-Javan-Tubal-Meshech-Tiras).

GOMER (Ashkenaz-Ripath-Togarmah)
JAVAN (Elishah-Tarshish-Kittim and Rodanium )

NOTE: The sons of Japheth are the maritime or seafaring people.

Gomer- Cimmerians/Indo-European people from southern Russia who settled in Cappadocia in Asia Minor [Turkey]. He was the father of the Scythians who dispossessed the ‘Cimmerians’ from their home in Russia.

-Cappadocia- south of Pontus about 300 miles from Galatia eastward toward “Armenia” (land of ‘Ararat’), with Cilicia and the Taurus Mountains to the south. Today the region is in central Turkey, which is 98% Muslim.
-Scythians- Nomadic, Indo-European people, speaking an Iranian (Persian) dialect.
-Armenia- Is referred to as the “land of Ararat” (‘Urartu’) of which modern Turkey, Iran, and Soviet Armenia occupy parts of this ancient land area.

Madai- Ancestor of the Medians or “Medes” (Iranians/Persians); the region south and southwest of the Caspian Sea on the Zagros mountains, inhabited by an ‘Aryan people’ from the north and west. It is north of Elam and west of Assyria.

Javan- The original ancestor of Greek people.

Tubal- Ancestor of a people, likely of Cappadocia or Cilicia in Asia Minor [Turkey].
Meshech- A people of Asia Minor frequently associated with ‘Tubal.’ (Cp. Ezekiel 32: 26; 38: 1 – 40).
Tiras- Possibly thought to be the “Etruscans” of Italy.
Ashkenaz- Ancestry of a people usually associated with the Scythians (Nomadic, Indo-European people, speaking an Iranian (Persian) dialect).
Riphath- Ancestor of an ‘Anatolian’ tribe [Turkey].
Togarmah- The name of a region of Asia Minor and is likely modern ‘Gurun’ 70 miles west of Malatya, or an area in “Armenia” (land of ‘Ararat’).
Elishah- Island of Cyprus mainland of Greece (“Mycenean culture”) and Phoenician trade route.
Tarshish- Ancestor of the Aegean people, most likely of Tartessus at the southern tip of Spain, but possibly Tarsus of Cilicia [home of the apostle Paul in Turkey].
Kittim- Tribal name for the island of Cyprus [Elishah].
Rodanium/Dodanium- Identified with a Greek-speaking people.

NOTE: Reference-Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Holman Bible Publishers, 2003, Nashville, TN.

Ezekiel 38: 1-2a, 5-6

The word of the LORD came to me: “Son of Man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets, also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops- the many nations with you. 

Ezekiel 38: 8b, 11-12a, 18-19, 22b

In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from the nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations and now all of them dwell in safety. You will say, “”I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people- all of them living without gates and bars. This is what will happen in that day: When Gog attacks the land of Israel, My hot anger will be aroused, declares the Sovereign LORD. In My zeal and fiery wrath I declare that at that time there shall be a great earthquake in the land of Israel. I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him.

Ezekiel 39: 6, 9, 12-13, 25, 27

I will send fire on Magog and on those who live in safety in the coastlands, and they will know that I am the LORD. Then those who live in the towns of Israel will go out and use the weapons for fuel and burn them up- the small and large shields, the bows and arrows, the war clubs and spears. For seven years they will use them for fuel. For seven months the house of Israel will be burying them in order to cleanse the land. And the people of the land will bury them, and the day I am glorified will be a memorable day for them, declares the Sovereign LORD. Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will now bring Jacob back from captivity and will have compassion on all the people of Israel, and I will be zealous for My holy name. When I have brought them back from the nations and have gathered them from the countries of their enemies. I will gather them to their own land, not leaving any behind.

Revelation 20: 7-10

When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison and go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth- Gog and Magog- to gather them together for the battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city He loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

COMMENTARY: The nationalities of seafaring peoples descended from Noah’s son Japheth consists of those from southern Russia, Armenians (“land of Ararat”), Scythians and Medes (Iranians/Persians or Aryan speaking people), Greeks (Aegeans, people of Cyprus), and Etruscans (Italy). It does seem that the leader of the invading forces against Israel in the Last Days will be a coalition led by Greek states, along with Persia (Iran), Cush (southwestern limits of Persian power or land south of Egypt-Sudan), Put (Libya; a region of Africa bordering Egypt),  and Beth Togarmah (Armenia /”land of Ararat”). It seems quite plausible that with the disintegration of the former Soviet Union, some of the independent Balkan states might be home to radical Muslim extremists who hate Israel. With unrest in Chechnya, as well as political and economic instability in Bosnia, Croatia, and other countries [Eastern Europe, Africa, Central Asia, Middle East, etc.,], including Pakistan and bordering nations, the one thing many of them have in common is their feelings about the State of Israel. With the ever-present threat from al-Qaida in these regions and elsewhere, Biblical prophesies just might come true in such a dramatic fashion that one can only conclude the END is not only nigh, but it is here at last!

 

Robert Randle

776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 20, 2013
robertrandle51@yahoo.com

 

The Arrest of Jesus

Matthew 26: 47-55

While He was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And kissed Him. Jesus replied, “[Friend, do what you came for].” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested Him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. [“Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think that I cannot call on My Father, and He will at once put at My disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”] But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled [that say it must happen this way?”] At that time Jesus said to the crowd, “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture Me? Every day I sat in the temple courts teaching, and you did not arrest Me. But this has all taken place that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.

Mark 14: 43-51

Just as He was speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared. With him was a crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, [the teachers of the law], and the elders. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him [and lead Him away under guard]. Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” And kissed Him. The men seized Jesus and arrested Him. Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest cutting off his ear. “Am I leading a rebellion,” said Jesus, “that you have come out with swords and clubs to capture Me? Every day I was with you, teaching in the temple courts, and you did not arrest Me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.” Then everyone deserted Him and fled. [A young man, wearing nothing but a linen garment, was following Jesus. When they seized him, he fled naked, leaving his garment behind.]

NOTE: Why was this last verse placed here because it doesn’t seem relevant to the narrative?

Luke 22: 47-53
While He was still speaking, a crowd came up, and the man who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He approached Jesus to kiss Him, [but Jesus asked him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” When Jesus’ followers saw what was going to happen, they said, “Lord, should we strike with our swords?] And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.  But Jesus answered, [“No more of this!”] and [He touched the man’s ear and healed him]. Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple guard, and the elders who had come for Him, “Am I leading a rebellion that you have come with swords and clubs? Every day I was with you in the temple courts, and you did not lay a hand on Me. [But this is you hour-when darkness reigns].”

John 18: 1-12

When He had finished praying, Jesus left with the disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove; He and His disciples went into it. Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples. So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns, and weapons. [Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to Him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. “I am He,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground. Again He asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” “I told you that I am He,” Jesus answered. “If you are looking for Me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words He had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave Me (Cp. 6: 39).”] [Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus). Jesus commanded Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”]. [Then the detachment of soldiers with its commander] and the Jewish officials arrested Jesus.

ANALYSIS (contrast/comparison):

Since John’s gospel doesn’t name this olive grove like the “synoptic” authors did, it would be interesting to observe what happened there before Jesus was arrested by the officials sent from the Jewish religious authorities.

-Jesus tells the disciples to sit while He goes over there to pray (Matthew 26: 36; Mark 14; 32).

-Jesus took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee (Matthew 26: 37); Peter, James and John (Mark 14: 33).
-My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death (Matthew 26: 38; Mark 14: 34).
-Father, may this cup pass from Me (Matthew 26: 39).
-Jesus prayed, My Father if it would be possible that this cup pass from Me (Matthew 26: 42: Mark 14:36; Luke 22: 42). An angel appeared from heaven and strengthened Him (Luke 22: 43). And being in anguish He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground (Luke 22: 44).
-Jesus returned and found the disciples sleeping and told them to watch and pray that they not fall into temptation (Matthew 26: 41: Mark 14: 37). Jesus tells His disciples to pray that they don’t fall into temptation (Luke 22: 40, 46).
-Jesus prayed a third time saying the same thing, as far as asking that He be spared from the ordeal of crucifixion (Matthew 26: 44; Mark 14: 39).
-Jesus finds the disciples sleeping a third time (Matthew 26: 40, 43, 45: Mark 14: 41).

John’s narrative about Jesus’ arrest in the garden of Gethsemane or the olive grove at the Mount called Olivet, is quite interesting. In Chapter 13, Judas Iscariot is revealed as the betrayer of Jesus but the other disciples didn’t catch on to that point, even after Jesus said to Judas, “What you are about to do, do quickly” (John 13: 21-29). Jesus taught His final lesson from that chapter until Chapter 17, where He started praying and ended it in John 18: 1. It doesn’t seem that Jesus and His disciples ever got a chance to share in the Passover Feast. The events after Jesus and the disciples entered the garden up until the moment when Judas came with the soldiers to arrest Jesus are curiously omitted in this narrative. Not only that, but the encounter between Jesus and this mob are in stark contrast to the other accounts. Even the role of Judas Iscariot in this final encounter is quite muted and doesn’t fit the portrayal as the most blatant betrayer that points out Jesus to the rabble by identifying Him with a kiss.

 

Robert Randle

776 Commerce St. #B-11
Tacoma, WA 98402
October 15, 2013
robertrandle51@yahoo.com