Jack Abeelen
Let's Get Real
Ecclesiastes 7:15-29
"I think when I got saved is when my life became optimistic. The world hadn’t
changed, but I had, and I had come to know the God who changes lives. And though
I know where I’m headed, and I know what His promises are, I don’t want to deny
the reality of the place that we live. I think it was Charles Colson who wrote that
life isn’t a book. It isn’t logical or sensible or orderly. Life’s a mess. And most of
the time your theology and relationship with God, you have to live out in the midst
of the mess." -JA
"It is the inconsistency of seeing good people get the shaft and the absolute
dirtbag skate through life that frustrates people. There’s a theological term for
it, by the way. The term is theodicy. It means to reconcile a powerful, good God
with the existence of evil." -JA
"There are many folks who, looking at the world’s evil and then trying to consider a
good God – the God that we share and preach, become deists. Deism by definition
reduces God to being the cause. He’s like the great clockmaker in the sky who
wound up the universe and then let go of it and then walked away. Really doesn’t
have any involvement with it anymore... George Washington was a deist. So was Benjamin Franklin. So was Thomas
Jefferson. They identified themselves as Unitarians, which is kind of a nonTrinitarian form of Christianity that emphasizes rationality and skepticism. Deism,
by the way, was birthed in the 17th-18th century during the Age of Enlightenment.
Not very enlightened, but there you go. " -JA
"Be not overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself? Be not overly wicked, neither be a fool. Why should you die before your time? It is good that you should take hold of this, and from that withhold not your hand, for the one who fears God shall come out from both of them. Ecclesiastes 7: 16-18
So he says this, in application of the imbalances of life and the claims of folks who
don’t know God, “Be wise. No one gets away from being a sinner. We’re all sinners.
There’s not a just man on the earth.” Then he says, “Remember this when you
listen to people speak,” verse 21, “Also do not take it to heart everything people
say, lest you hear your servant cursing you.” If you want to be sure of the
sinfulness of man, just listen to the way people talk. Backbite. What they say, how
they say it. And, unfortunately, sometimes you’re going to be the subject of that.
“Not me.” Oh, yeah, you. -JA
That’s the way that sin is addressed in the life of those in the world, and this
position of self-righteousness and this excusing of personal sinfulness – that’s not
reality because you’re not all that good, and you are that sinful. -JA
Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Ecclesiastes 7: 1-14
Jack Abeelen
Some Wisdom For A Better Life
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Lots of practical but intangible wisdom in this chapter
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
From the transcribed sermon at Morningstar:
"Jesus comes along in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:4, and He said, “Blessed are those who mourn,” Really? “For they shall be comforted.” Sounds ridiculous on the surface, but it isn’t because to be mourning is to look for answers. And in the context there, Jesus is talking about man mourning over his sinfulness, over his inability to change his heart, to correct his behavior, to make things better……..promises he can’t keep. And in mourning over his sin, the Lord comes with His solution, and I find life. I’m comforted, and I get saved. Sorrow is one of life’s best teachers for it boils things down to the basics, and it pushes you to look at the reality of things. There’s an old Arab saying that “sunshine every day makes a desert.” -Abeelen
"It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Ecclesiates 7:5-6
"Look what Solomon says. “A rebuke from a wise person is better for you than to be praised and sang about by fools who really could care less about you.” In fact, in his own poetic style he said, “You know, the praise of fools is kind of like throwing thorns in a campfire. Being so dry, they burn quickly. They snap, crackle and pop. They’re quite a show, and then they’re gone. And then you need to throw more into the fire to keep it going.” Yet, what happens when someone who cares for you rebukes you? Points out something they see clearly in your life, and you listen. Man, that can change your life forever." -Abeelen
"If you want to live a better life, be willing to hear constructive God-led rebuke from those who will be honest with you rather than just the praises of men who could care less about you. Sometimes we need a hug. But other times, a kick in the backside ain’t so bad." -Abeleen
"So, look, rebuke is better than praise. Praise will make you feel good, but it won’t change you. Rebuke will. It’ll confront you with you. It’s a good thing if it comes from godly people who care about your life. Want to live a better life? Be willing to receive a rebuke." -Abeleen
"Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Ecclesiastes 7:8
James 1:3-4, “the testing of your faith produces patience. If patience has its perfect work, you’ll lack nothing.” “I didn’t ask for that. I didn’t want that.” Jesus said of the parable of the sower, where the seed of God’s Word fell on a soft and willing heart, He said of them there in Luke 8:15, “They hear the Word of God with a good heart, and they keep it and bear fruit with patience.” The Lord said in Luke 21:19, to the disciples, “By your patience possess your souls.” The long haul is superior. The end is better than the beginning. -Abeleen
"Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." Eccleasiates 7:10
Time diminishes reality. It chromes over it. One day you’ll look back at these days. These will be the “good old days.” So what are you doing with them? The good old days were good because God was working in them. They can be good now if God is working in them. -Abeleen
And finally, I think this is number seven. Always consider God in everything. Verse 13, “Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?
"You know your eternal future, but you don’t know what tomorrow holds. You can make plans, but God can overrule them. His eternal plan is far better than your five-year plan. And like a doctor, he’ll write a prescription and go, “Here, you need this.” From feasting to mourning, from laughter to sorrow, from praise to rebuke – enough blessings to keep you happy, enough trials to keep you humble – just where you need to be. He knows when it’s time to bless you to keep you going and when it’s time to make you sweat. Because His interest is in you. Consider God in all that you do." -Abeleen
"That guy, Agur, that wrote Proverbs 30, said to the Lord there in verse 8, “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” “I won’t want to be so poor, Lord, that I’ll think about stealing from someone else, and I don’t want to be so rich that I’ll forget about You.” Keep the tension high on both sides. It’s a good prayer."
Some Wisdom For A Better Life
Ecclesiastes 7:1-14
Lots of practical but intangible wisdom in this chapter
"It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for this is the end of all mankind, and the living will lay it to heart. Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth." Ecclesiastes 7:2-4
From the transcribed sermon at Morningstar:
"Jesus comes along in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:4, and He said, “Blessed are those who mourn,” Really? “For they shall be comforted.” Sounds ridiculous on the surface, but it isn’t because to be mourning is to look for answers. And in the context there, Jesus is talking about man mourning over his sinfulness, over his inability to change his heart, to correct his behavior, to make things better……..promises he can’t keep. And in mourning over his sin, the Lord comes with His solution, and I find life. I’m comforted, and I get saved. Sorrow is one of life’s best teachers for it boils things down to the basics, and it pushes you to look at the reality of things. There’s an old Arab saying that “sunshine every day makes a desert.” -Abeelen
"It is better for a man to hear the rebuke of the wise than to hear the song of fools. For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fools; this also is vanity. Ecclesiates 7:5-6
"Look what Solomon says. “A rebuke from a wise person is better for you than to be praised and sang about by fools who really could care less about you.” In fact, in his own poetic style he said, “You know, the praise of fools is kind of like throwing thorns in a campfire. Being so dry, they burn quickly. They snap, crackle and pop. They’re quite a show, and then they’re gone. And then you need to throw more into the fire to keep it going.” Yet, what happens when someone who cares for you rebukes you? Points out something they see clearly in your life, and you listen. Man, that can change your life forever." -Abeelen
"If you want to live a better life, be willing to hear constructive God-led rebuke from those who will be honest with you rather than just the praises of men who could care less about you. Sometimes we need a hug. But other times, a kick in the backside ain’t so bad." -Abeleen
"So, look, rebuke is better than praise. Praise will make you feel good, but it won’t change you. Rebuke will. It’ll confront you with you. It’s a good thing if it comes from godly people who care about your life. Want to live a better life? Be willing to receive a rebuke." -Abeleen
"Better is the end of a thing than its beginning, and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." Ecclesiastes 7:8
James 1:3-4, “the testing of your faith produces patience. If patience has its perfect work, you’ll lack nothing.” “I didn’t ask for that. I didn’t want that.” Jesus said of the parable of the sower, where the seed of God’s Word fell on a soft and willing heart, He said of them there in Luke 8:15, “They hear the Word of God with a good heart, and they keep it and bear fruit with patience.” The Lord said in Luke 21:19, to the disciples, “By your patience possess your souls.” The long haul is superior. The end is better than the beginning. -Abeleen
"Say not, “Why were the former days better than these?” For it is not from wisdom that you ask this." Eccleasiates 7:10
Time diminishes reality. It chromes over it. One day you’ll look back at these days. These will be the “good old days.” So what are you doing with them? The good old days were good because God was working in them. They can be good now if God is working in them. -Abeleen
And finally, I think this is number seven. Always consider God in everything. Verse 13, “Consider the work of God; for who can make straight what He has made crooked?
"You know your eternal future, but you don’t know what tomorrow holds. You can make plans, but God can overrule them. His eternal plan is far better than your five-year plan. And like a doctor, he’ll write a prescription and go, “Here, you need this.” From feasting to mourning, from laughter to sorrow, from praise to rebuke – enough blessings to keep you happy, enough trials to keep you humble – just where you need to be. He knows when it’s time to bless you to keep you going and when it’s time to make you sweat. Because His interest is in you. Consider God in all that you do." -Abeleen
"That guy, Agur, that wrote Proverbs 30, said to the Lord there in verse 8, “Give me neither poverty nor riches.” “I won’t want to be so poor, Lord, that I’ll think about stealing from someone else, and I don’t want to be so rich that I’ll forget about You.” Keep the tension high on both sides. It’s a good prayer."
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Ecclesiastes 6
Notes from the sermon:
Jack Abeelen
Some Dead-End Streets
Ecclesiastes 6
Three points:
1. Wealth without joy.
Wealth creates more needs often, not joy. Joy is found in knowing God.
Mirror and glass analogy--with a little silver, you only see you.
Joy in the Bible is never found by direct pursuit; it's always a byproduct of seeking Him, knowing Him.
2. Long life without satisfaction.
The understanding of the ancient world is that children and family are an inheritance and blessing.
His soul is not satisfied "saba"---full, enough with the blessing of God.
It's not quantity that determines satisfaction but thankfulness.
David--of increase, you don't have to set your heart upon them...because his satisfaction was in God.
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts and be thankful.--Paul
Don't look around regrettably, look around thankfully.
Make a list of thankfulness in the morning.
Thankfulness--during a time when they were digging seven graves per house.
3. Work without fulfillment.
Those who work solely for the benefit of his mouth--done it all, but his work doesn't fulfill.
Poor man good at social skills but continually driven to make ends meet. Rich man has material things but not satisfaction.
Work less for your mouth and more for your soul. We are working way too hard in the wrong place.
Forget health care, worry about soul care. Your soul will live forever.
Jack Abeelen
Some Dead-End Streets
Ecclesiastes 6
Three points:
1. Wealth without joy.
Wealth creates more needs often, not joy. Joy is found in knowing God.
Mirror and glass analogy--with a little silver, you only see you.
Joy in the Bible is never found by direct pursuit; it's always a byproduct of seeking Him, knowing Him.
2. Long life without satisfaction.
The understanding of the ancient world is that children and family are an inheritance and blessing.
His soul is not satisfied "saba"---full, enough with the blessing of God.
It's not quantity that determines satisfaction but thankfulness.
David--of increase, you don't have to set your heart upon them...because his satisfaction was in God.
Let the peace of God rule in your hearts and be thankful.--Paul
Don't look around regrettably, look around thankfully.
Make a list of thankfulness in the morning.
Thankfulness--during a time when they were digging seven graves per house.
3. Work without fulfillment.
Those who work solely for the benefit of his mouth--done it all, but his work doesn't fulfill.
Poor man good at social skills but continually driven to make ends meet. Rich man has material things but not satisfaction.
Work less for your mouth and more for your soul. We are working way too hard in the wrong place.
Forget health care, worry about soul care. Your soul will live forever.
Friday, July 26, 2019
Ecclesiastes 4
Jack Abeelen
Why Emptiness Increases
Ecclesiastes 4
Why Emptiness Increases
Ecclesiastes 4
Driven by....
1. Oppression
Oppression drives people to separation and isolation.
"Then I saw that all toil and all skill in work come from a man's envy of his neighbor." Ecclesiastes 4:4
2. Competition
Competition separates. It's a worldly concept for the individual. He's not talking about corporate competition (capitalism), but the competition that exists on the individual level.
Solomon is not a friend of laziness.
3. Compulsion--compulsive desire to acquire
Hebrew poets would emphasize something by increasing or decreasing a value...one, two, three....
one==singular value
one==singular value
obsessive compulsion to be the successor
Two are better than one (Biblical concept, right out of Genesis...man alone not good)
reciprocal benefit, like body heat, both benefit
You don't have to go to church to be a Christian, but you do if you want to stay one.
There is safety in numbers.
The church is a practical outworking of Jesus--sometimes we need the physical outworking, the body.
The crowds will both cheer and hang you.
Ecclesiastes 5
Jack Abeelen
The Worshiper Before His God
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil." -Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Solomon noticed mechanical worship and called it "a sacrifice of fools."
There are many religious folks work their way into formalism. They substitute this for relationship.
Offerings can be a covering for lack of relationship.
Cain brought an offering.
Saul brought many offerings.
Isaiah sent to people to complain about the abomination of their sacrifices.
"God is never impressed with pageantry that hides wicked hearts."
"Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2
People became with careless speech. The formalization of prayer is also useless. Written out prayers don't engage the heart. Changing the tone of your voice doesn't change the reception.
The Pharisee "prayed with himself"--God not involved!
Prayer is meant to express, "pour out your heart before God."
Negatives:
*mechanical worship
*formalized prayer
*written, prescribed
*taught length is advantage
Positive:
*walk prudently--be careful when you go to church, come to church prepared. Prepare inwardly as well as outwardly. Are you expectant? Be like Samuel, hear God's voice when he speaks.
Church is all about handling spiritual truth and truth becomes stale very quickly if you don't apply it to your life.
It's important that you come to hear God.
Paul: The word of God is powerful....sharper than any two edged sword
Hebrew word for "open" is trachea.
God's word goes for the jugular.
"Formality can steal your life with God, no matter how "non-denominational" you become."
**************************
Jack Abeelen
Wisdom About Wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
For some people, money supremely matters.
1. Poverty is all around us.
Rich men control things for their benefit. Don't be surprised.
Our response to poverty is typically reactionary. Is this the best way to respond not react.
Elect officials that best represent the heart of God. If the policies are more moral....
2. Prosperity will never satisfy.
It doesn't bring peace of mind or fill the heart.
3. Productivity can ruin you. v 13
Hoarding riches is destructive. They can be removed from you even within the same generation in which they were made.
Proverbs 23:5 "In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."
The Worshiper Before His God
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
"Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil." -Ecclesiastes 5:1-2
Solomon noticed mechanical worship and called it "a sacrifice of fools."
There are many religious folks work their way into formalism. They substitute this for relationship.
Offerings can be a covering for lack of relationship.
Cain brought an offering.
Saul brought many offerings.
Isaiah sent to people to complain about the abomination of their sacrifices.
"God is never impressed with pageantry that hides wicked hearts."
"Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God, for God is in heaven and you are on earth. Therefore let your words be few." Ecclesiastes 5:2
People became with careless speech. The formalization of prayer is also useless. Written out prayers don't engage the heart. Changing the tone of your voice doesn't change the reception.
The Pharisee "prayed with himself"--God not involved!
Prayer is meant to express, "pour out your heart before God."
Negatives:
*mechanical worship
*formalized prayer
*written, prescribed
*taught length is advantage
Positive:
*walk prudently--be careful when you go to church, come to church prepared. Prepare inwardly as well as outwardly. Are you expectant? Be like Samuel, hear God's voice when he speaks.
Church is all about handling spiritual truth and truth becomes stale very quickly if you don't apply it to your life.
It's important that you come to hear God.
Paul: The word of God is powerful....sharper than any two edged sword
Hebrew word for "open" is trachea.
God's word goes for the jugular.
"Formality can steal your life with God, no matter how "non-denominational" you become."
**************************
Jack Abeelen
Wisdom About Wealth
Ecclesiastes 5:8-20
For some people, money supremely matters.
1. Poverty is all around us.
Rich men control things for their benefit. Don't be surprised.
Our response to poverty is typically reactionary. Is this the best way to respond not react.
Elect officials that best represent the heart of God. If the policies are more moral....
2. Prosperity will never satisfy.
It doesn't bring peace of mind or fill the heart.
3. Productivity can ruin you. v 13
Hoarding riches is destructive. They can be removed from you even within the same generation in which they were made.
Proverbs 23:5 "In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle."
Monday, July 22, 2019
Ecclesiastes 2-3
Title: A Moment of Clarity in a Life Out of Focus
Speaker: Jack Abeleen
Solomon was a pessimist.
"Then I turn myself to consider....."
stops doing and starts observing
Compares wise man and fool. Then laborer and not so much laboring. Both viewed in light of death.
He takes a moment at the end to glance up, beyond the clouds, looking at what's beyond, God.
Wisdom should have advantages. Comparison between someone who carefully plans and one who doesn't (fool). One who lives his life with reckless abandonment. There is benefit to how to live one's life.
I can pass my wisdom along to the next ruler...
The wise man lives with alertness.
But then I die...and when all is said and done, no one is going to remember either one of us.
Will "lay up" things for his children....unless....my children are fools (Rehoboam)
Rehoboam was a "wing nut." ; )
Luke 12---build a barn---can't keep it.
God tells us we CAN store up treasures in Heaven.
I can't protect earthly wealth.
The fool has to work to build up for self only to lose it all...
The Christian uses his resources for God's glory because he doesn't find his identity in it.
But with Christ, "Seek first the Kingdom" and He adds all...
"Money is a great servant but a horrible master."
Speaker: Jack Abeleen
Solomon was a pessimist.
"Then I turn myself to consider....."
stops doing and starts observing
Compares wise man and fool. Then laborer and not so much laboring. Both viewed in light of death.
He takes a moment at the end to glance up, beyond the clouds, looking at what's beyond, God.
Wisdom should have advantages. Comparison between someone who carefully plans and one who doesn't (fool). One who lives his life with reckless abandonment. There is benefit to how to live one's life.
I can pass my wisdom along to the next ruler...
The wise man lives with alertness.
But then I die...and when all is said and done, no one is going to remember either one of us.
Will "lay up" things for his children....unless....my children are fools (Rehoboam)
Rehoboam was a "wing nut." ; )
Luke 12---build a barn---can't keep it.
God tells us we CAN store up treasures in Heaven.
I can't protect earthly wealth.
The fool has to work to build up for self only to lose it all...
The Christian uses his resources for God's glory because he doesn't find his identity in it.
But with Christ, "Seek first the Kingdom" and He adds all...
"Money is a great servant but a horrible master."
Ecclesiastes 1-2 Notes
Notes from Jack Abeleen's sermon.
"The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem." -Ecclesiastes 1:1
Preacher
qôheleth
ko-heh'-leth
Feminine of active participle from H6950; a (female) assembler (that is, lecturer); abstractly preaching (used as a ‘nom de plume’, Koheleth): - preacher.
Why study Ecclesiastes?
1. Remember: It's how the world outside the church often views life.
2. Remember: Solomon with all of his assets fell.
Solomon---drifted from God despite wealth and wisdom, he became a philosopher of sorts, an observer
He's an observer without factoring God in.
It's not about how much you know but how much you will incorporate into your life. If your head is full of knowledge of God but your life is not, you are the fool. He played the fool.
Biblical principle: That which is your greatest asset can become your greatest problem.
Person--strength--weakness
Noah--purity--but became drunk
Abraham--faith--but lied and didn't trust
Moses--patience--lost temper.
Peter--loyal to fault--he bailed under pressure
Paul--determined/fearless--2nd missionary journey going to wrong places
Solomon--head filled with knowledge but ignores it all. Tried everything and ended up with nothing. Let his problem be your correction.
Solomon's favorite words:
vanity--37 times in this book, futile, empty, meaningless,
He was the extreme pessimist.
under the sun--29 times--horizontal plane, just the earth and life without God.
God--40 times Elohim--bigness of God, untouchable impersonal, he never uses Jehovah (personal)
We have life IN the Son, not under it.
In the first chapters, here are Solomon conclusions:
1. Nothing changes. We are making a commotion but not a promotion. The sun hastens....chasing his own tail. Jeremiah views the sun totally differently. Solomon views life as painfully routine...like the laundry cycle. The work of the businessman drones on year after year.
labor--amhal--labor until I drop from exhaustion, 11 different words for labor
Moses used it "saw our labor"
2. Nothing new. Without God, we always look for what's new. Look for new things. Entertainment. Clothing, Auto industries all depend upon this. Restlessness.
Moody--
true--not new
new--not true
"All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." Ecclesiastes 1:8
Ecc 3:1 "God has placed eternity in our hearts."
The creation of God was subjected to futility---Romans--Paul
God made us so that we cannot be satisfied with what's around us. God fashioned us for eternity
We think things are new because we refuse to read the minutes from the last meeting...we forget the past.
There's no life, except the one given by the Lord.
Vanity--hebel, emptiness, what's left when everything else is gone.
He starts with his conclusions and then moves to the research data.
He argues deductively---puts his conclusions up front
Three areas:
1. Education, v 12-18
2. enjoyment
3. employment
1. Solomon the Thinker, the Scholar, the Educator--seeking and searching out by wisdom
Apart from God, he sees life as a burdensome (hurtful) task to exercise man (wear him out, afflict him).
Life is just a big hurtful difficult experience that will wear you out.
It was not this way before the fall, but after the fall yes, so Solomon was right.
His kingdom was one of great wealth. He had people from all over in his court. (Queen of Sheba) He had at his hands sources of worldly wisdom.
He was looking inside for wisdom:
"I set in my heart," "I communed with my heart," "I searched in my heart."
His attitude about wisdom is wrong--he's not the smartest guy on the block because he's failed to listen to what God has given him to know. Wisdom doesn't come from years of study and a keen mind; it's something that God grants them.
Smart people are typically arrogant.
Paul: knowledge will puff up but wisdom will edify.
What is crooked cannot be made straight. What is lacking cannot be numbered.
Learning comes up short against our greatest needs. We can't make a crooked heart straight.
With all the legislation, you can't legislate righteousness.
God alone can get to the heart. With us, there is no way. "That which is born of flesh is flesh...."
We are born with a bent in our nature...it's who we are. The more you know, the sorrier you get. Increased knowledge brings increased sorrow. Education is useful, but it's not the answer to life.
Daniel--many will run to and fro, knowledge is increased...
2. Solomon the Pleasure Seeker, Mirth
The Jewish calendar has festival and celebrations built into the year. God is not anti-pleasure.
Pleasure seeking has a law of diminishing returns
3. Solomon the Business Man and Builder
I made myself great....the pursuit of the road of gain. Solomon lost himself in the building. God is a Creator, so creating is good, but it's not the end all, where God wants you to stay.
"The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem." -Ecclesiastes 1:1
Preacher
qôheleth
ko-heh'-leth
Feminine of active participle from H6950; a (female) assembler (that is, lecturer); abstractly preaching (used as a ‘nom de plume’, Koheleth): - preacher.
Why study Ecclesiastes?
1. Remember: It's how the world outside the church often views life.
2. Remember: Solomon with all of his assets fell.
Solomon---drifted from God despite wealth and wisdom, he became a philosopher of sorts, an observer
He's an observer without factoring God in.
It's not about how much you know but how much you will incorporate into your life. If your head is full of knowledge of God but your life is not, you are the fool. He played the fool.
Biblical principle: That which is your greatest asset can become your greatest problem.
Person--strength--weakness
Noah--purity--but became drunk
Abraham--faith--but lied and didn't trust
Moses--patience--lost temper.
Peter--loyal to fault--he bailed under pressure
Paul--determined/fearless--2nd missionary journey going to wrong places
Solomon--head filled with knowledge but ignores it all. Tried everything and ended up with nothing. Let his problem be your correction.
Solomon's favorite words:
vanity--37 times in this book, futile, empty, meaningless,
He was the extreme pessimist.
under the sun--29 times--horizontal plane, just the earth and life without God.
God--40 times Elohim--bigness of God, untouchable impersonal, he never uses Jehovah (personal)
We have life IN the Son, not under it.
In the first chapters, here are Solomon conclusions:
1. Nothing changes. We are making a commotion but not a promotion. The sun hastens....chasing his own tail. Jeremiah views the sun totally differently. Solomon views life as painfully routine...like the laundry cycle. The work of the businessman drones on year after year.
labor--amhal--labor until I drop from exhaustion, 11 different words for labor
Moses used it "saw our labor"
2. Nothing new. Without God, we always look for what's new. Look for new things. Entertainment. Clothing, Auto industries all depend upon this. Restlessness.
Moody--
true--not new
new--not true
"All things are full of labour; man cannot utter it: the eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing." Ecclesiastes 1:8
Ecc 3:1 "God has placed eternity in our hearts."
The creation of God was subjected to futility---Romans--Paul
God made us so that we cannot be satisfied with what's around us. God fashioned us for eternity
We think things are new because we refuse to read the minutes from the last meeting...we forget the past.
There's no life, except the one given by the Lord.
Vanity--hebel, emptiness, what's left when everything else is gone.
He starts with his conclusions and then moves to the research data.
He argues deductively---puts his conclusions up front
Three areas:
1. Education, v 12-18
2. enjoyment
3. employment
1. Solomon the Thinker, the Scholar, the Educator--seeking and searching out by wisdom
Apart from God, he sees life as a burdensome (hurtful) task to exercise man (wear him out, afflict him).
Life is just a big hurtful difficult experience that will wear you out.
It was not this way before the fall, but after the fall yes, so Solomon was right.
His kingdom was one of great wealth. He had people from all over in his court. (Queen of Sheba) He had at his hands sources of worldly wisdom.
He was looking inside for wisdom:
"I set in my heart," "I communed with my heart," "I searched in my heart."
His attitude about wisdom is wrong--he's not the smartest guy on the block because he's failed to listen to what God has given him to know. Wisdom doesn't come from years of study and a keen mind; it's something that God grants them.
Smart people are typically arrogant.
Paul: knowledge will puff up but wisdom will edify.
What is crooked cannot be made straight. What is lacking cannot be numbered.
Learning comes up short against our greatest needs. We can't make a crooked heart straight.
With all the legislation, you can't legislate righteousness.
God alone can get to the heart. With us, there is no way. "That which is born of flesh is flesh...."
We are born with a bent in our nature...it's who we are. The more you know, the sorrier you get. Increased knowledge brings increased sorrow. Education is useful, but it's not the answer to life.
Daniel--many will run to and fro, knowledge is increased...
2. Solomon the Pleasure Seeker, Mirth
The Jewish calendar has festival and celebrations built into the year. God is not anti-pleasure.
Pleasure seeking has a law of diminishing returns
3. Solomon the Business Man and Builder
I made myself great....the pursuit of the road of gain. Solomon lost himself in the building. God is a Creator, so creating is good, but it's not the end all, where God wants you to stay.
Friday, July 19, 2019
Closing the Books on Fourfold
I began this study on the 23rd of February 2018 and finished on the 17th of July 2019. It was a solid time of being immersed in the gospels, slowly drinking in the details and implications. It's been so long since I began, I'd forgotten how I came across this study or what I knew about the authors when beginning it.
From Wikipedia:
John William (J. W.) McGarvey (March 1, 1829 – October 6, 1911) was a minister, author, and religious educator in the American Restoration Movement. He was particularly associated with the College of the Bible in Lexington, Kentucky (today Lexington Theological Seminary) where he taught for 46 years, serving as president from 1895 to 1911. He was noted for his opposition to theological liberalism and higher criticism. His writings are still influential among the heirs of the conservative wing of the Restoration Movement, the Churches of Christ and Christian churches and churches of Christ.
Although McGarvey wrote extensively throughout his lifetime, he is perhaps most remembered for his writings on the book of Acts. He and his wife Ottie lived full lives---rearing eight children, moving several times, and weathering the tumultuous Civil War years. McGarvey held some unconventional views, such as opposing instrumental music in worship, and he was a pacifist. From my few hours of research, I've concluded he was involved in the Church of Christ segment of the original Disciples of Christ movement, though I wouldn't swear to it being clear in my mind.
I could find significantly less information about Philip Y. Pendleton (1863-1930). Online, I could find two pictures, some genealogical threads, and excerpts from a work that compiles speeches and notes from the 1908 World's Temperance Centennial Congress. The work records two of his fervent speeches which proclaim the urgent need to regulate alcohol. In this work he described as a reverend of Winchester, Kentucky.
How did J.W. McGarvey and Philip Pendleton come into acquaintance? First, they were both from the same geographic region in Kentucky. More significantly, McGarvey attended Bethany College from 1847-1850 where he was taught, mentored, and baptized by Philip's father, William Kimbrough Pendleton (1817-1899).
W.K. Pendleton's "mother was an Episcopalian, but his father claimed no religious affiliation until about 1833 when he became intensely interested in the writings of Alexander Campbell." W.K. Pendleton attended the University of Virginia and originally planned to pursue a career in law and politics. Alexander Campbell visited him while at the university and once brought his daughter Lavina along. Eventually W.K. and Lavina fell in love and married. Lavina died young from consumption, and so did her sister, Clarinda, his second wife. Philip Pendleton was born from Pendleton's third marriage with Catherine Huntington King.
I imagine that J.W. McGarvey adn Philip Pendleton met at Bethany College, both counting Alexander Campbell as a strong influence in their spiritual formation and lives. McGarvey's parents were influenced by the teachings of this movement, and Alexander influenced McGavey during his time at Bethany.
Alexander Campbell has his own story of legacy and influence stemming from his father:
Alexander Campbell (12 September 1788 – 4 March 1866) was a Scots-Irish immigrant who became an ordained minister in the United States and joined his father Thomas Campbell as a leader of a reform effort that is historically known as the Restoration Movement, and by some as the "Stone-Campbell Movement." It resulted in the development of non-denominational Christian churches, which stressed reliance scripture and few essentials.
Thomas Campbell (1 February 1763 – 4 January 1854) was a Presbyterian minister who became prominent during the Second Great Awakening of the United States. Born in County Down, he began a religious reform movement on the American frontier.[1] He was joined in the work by his son, Alexander. Their movement, known as the "Disciples of Christ", merged in 1832 with the similar movement led by Barton W. Stone to form what is now described as the American Restoration Movement (also known as the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement).-Wikipedia
Thomas Campbell's journey was inspired by the writings of Enlightenment thinker John Locke:
"Campbell proposed the same solution to religious division as had been advanced earlier by Herbert and Locke: "[R]educe religion to a set of essentials upon which all reasonable persons might agree." The essentials he identified were those practices for which the Bible provided "a 'Thus saith the Lord,' either in express terms or by approved precedent." Unlike Locke, who saw the earlier efforts by Puritans as inherently divisive, Campbell argued for "a complete restoration of apostolic Christianity." Thomas believed that creeds served to divide Christians. He also believed that the Bible was clear enough that anyone could understand it and, thus, creeds were unnecessary." -Wikipedia
Stone and Campbell were influential in the American Reformist tradition and in the creation of the Disciples of Christ movement, which was an effort to unify the Church as opposed to all of the denominational tendencies.
From the Disciples in Christ Historical Society website: "In Kentucky, Barton Warren Stone (1772-1844) was a Presbyterian minister who, along with others, called for a return to simple New Testament Christianity. In fact, Stone believed that followers of Christ should go by no other name than “Christian.” In Pennsylvania and what is now West Virginia, father and son Thomas Campbell (1763-1854) and Alexander Campbell (1788-1866) championed the idea of “one Church of Christ upon earth.” They, too, believed that followers of Christ should not be identified by sectarian names and asked that only “Disciples” be used."
What a web of truth seeking through the ages--from John Locke, to Thomas Campbell, to his son Alexander, who sought to unify the Church but ironically created new denominations instead. J.W. Garvey and Philip Pendelton were the offspring of their mentors, yet another link in the influential chain of Christian thinkers. I'm sure I could lose myself in researching John Locke's key influences and the influencers or his influences and so on.
I'm inspired by this chain---each generation seeking truth and influencing those around them to continue to do so. Along the way, each effort is imperfect but earnest nonetheless. I'm humbled because the groups born from these beginnings are uneven and some even cultish (International Church of Christ). I'm not sure that I agree even with all of the teachings of the Christ of Christ which was born out of the Disciples of Christ. I'm confirmed in my thinking that humankind is excellent at division and horrible at unity. As much as we long for the harmony and peace of full unity, our efforts seem doomed to failure until Christ comes again. Perhaps this is an appropriate prelude for my study of Ecclesiastes, which is where I'm thinking I'll head next. No family, no government, no movement, no little "church" is able to create or perpetuate a perfectly unified and harmonious anything on earth.
Despite the fragmentation and mutations of the Stone-Campbell tradition, it seems it was founded on solid principles:
"Stone-Campbell churches fall into the category of Protestant free-church. That is, individual congregations are seen as the pinnacle of church expression, are independent/autonomous organizations, and advocate the separation of church and state.
The Stone-Campbell churches are characterized by a focus on New Testament teaching, shared governance between clergy and laity, baptism by immersion, ecumenism, and the regular celebration of communion during worship." -discipleshistory.org
Getting back to J.W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton, my faith has been strengthened by their insights in The Fourfold Gospel, and by the sincerity of their hearts for Christ as it shines through their comments. It's comforting and humbling to think upon the lives of the faithful who have walked before me. Their words, though increasingly obscure, continue to impact lives long after they rest waiting for His return.
From Wikipedia:
John William (J. W.) McGarvey (March 1, 1829 – October 6, 1911) was a minister, author, and religious educator in the American Restoration Movement. He was particularly associated with the College of the Bible in Lexington, Kentucky (today Lexington Theological Seminary) where he taught for 46 years, serving as president from 1895 to 1911. He was noted for his opposition to theological liberalism and higher criticism. His writings are still influential among the heirs of the conservative wing of the Restoration Movement, the Churches of Christ and Christian churches and churches of Christ.
Although McGarvey wrote extensively throughout his lifetime, he is perhaps most remembered for his writings on the book of Acts. He and his wife Ottie lived full lives---rearing eight children, moving several times, and weathering the tumultuous Civil War years. McGarvey held some unconventional views, such as opposing instrumental music in worship, and he was a pacifist. From my few hours of research, I've concluded he was involved in the Church of Christ segment of the original Disciples of Christ movement, though I wouldn't swear to it being clear in my mind.
How did J.W. McGarvey and Philip Pendleton come into acquaintance? First, they were both from the same geographic region in Kentucky. More significantly, McGarvey attended Bethany College from 1847-1850 where he was taught, mentored, and baptized by Philip's father, William Kimbrough Pendleton (1817-1899).
W.K. Pendleton's "mother was an Episcopalian, but his father claimed no religious affiliation until about 1833 when he became intensely interested in the writings of Alexander Campbell." W.K. Pendleton attended the University of Virginia and originally planned to pursue a career in law and politics. Alexander Campbell visited him while at the university and once brought his daughter Lavina along. Eventually W.K. and Lavina fell in love and married. Lavina died young from consumption, and so did her sister, Clarinda, his second wife. Philip Pendleton was born from Pendleton's third marriage with Catherine Huntington King.
I imagine that J.W. McGarvey adn Philip Pendleton met at Bethany College, both counting Alexander Campbell as a strong influence in their spiritual formation and lives. McGarvey's parents were influenced by the teachings of this movement, and Alexander influenced McGavey during his time at Bethany.
Alexander Campbell has his own story of legacy and influence stemming from his father:
Alexander Campbell (12 September 1788 – 4 March 1866) was a Scots-Irish immigrant who became an ordained minister in the United States and joined his father Thomas Campbell as a leader of a reform effort that is historically known as the Restoration Movement, and by some as the "Stone-Campbell Movement." It resulted in the development of non-denominational Christian churches, which stressed reliance scripture and few essentials.
Thomas Campbell (1 February 1763 – 4 January 1854) was a Presbyterian minister who became prominent during the Second Great Awakening of the United States. Born in County Down, he began a religious reform movement on the American frontier.[1] He was joined in the work by his son, Alexander. Their movement, known as the "Disciples of Christ", merged in 1832 with the similar movement led by Barton W. Stone to form what is now described as the American Restoration Movement (also known as the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement).-Wikipedia
Thomas Campbell's journey was inspired by the writings of Enlightenment thinker John Locke:
"Campbell proposed the same solution to religious division as had been advanced earlier by Herbert and Locke: "[R]educe religion to a set of essentials upon which all reasonable persons might agree." The essentials he identified were those practices for which the Bible provided "a 'Thus saith the Lord,' either in express terms or by approved precedent." Unlike Locke, who saw the earlier efforts by Puritans as inherently divisive, Campbell argued for "a complete restoration of apostolic Christianity." Thomas believed that creeds served to divide Christians. He also believed that the Bible was clear enough that anyone could understand it and, thus, creeds were unnecessary." -Wikipedia
Stone and Campbell were influential in the American Reformist tradition and in the creation of the Disciples of Christ movement, which was an effort to unify the Church as opposed to all of the denominational tendencies.
From the Disciples in Christ Historical Society website: "In Kentucky, Barton Warren Stone (1772-1844) was a Presbyterian minister who, along with others, called for a return to simple New Testament Christianity. In fact, Stone believed that followers of Christ should go by no other name than “Christian.” In Pennsylvania and what is now West Virginia, father and son Thomas Campbell (1763-1854) and Alexander Campbell (1788-1866) championed the idea of “one Church of Christ upon earth.” They, too, believed that followers of Christ should not be identified by sectarian names and asked that only “Disciples” be used."
What a web of truth seeking through the ages--from John Locke, to Thomas Campbell, to his son Alexander, who sought to unify the Church but ironically created new denominations instead. J.W. Garvey and Philip Pendelton were the offspring of their mentors, yet another link in the influential chain of Christian thinkers. I'm sure I could lose myself in researching John Locke's key influences and the influencers or his influences and so on.
I'm inspired by this chain---each generation seeking truth and influencing those around them to continue to do so. Along the way, each effort is imperfect but earnest nonetheless. I'm humbled because the groups born from these beginnings are uneven and some even cultish (International Church of Christ). I'm not sure that I agree even with all of the teachings of the Christ of Christ which was born out of the Disciples of Christ. I'm confirmed in my thinking that humankind is excellent at division and horrible at unity. As much as we long for the harmony and peace of full unity, our efforts seem doomed to failure until Christ comes again. Perhaps this is an appropriate prelude for my study of Ecclesiastes, which is where I'm thinking I'll head next. No family, no government, no movement, no little "church" is able to create or perpetuate a perfectly unified and harmonious anything on earth.
Despite the fragmentation and mutations of the Stone-Campbell tradition, it seems it was founded on solid principles:
"Stone-Campbell churches fall into the category of Protestant free-church. That is, individual congregations are seen as the pinnacle of church expression, are independent/autonomous organizations, and advocate the separation of church and state.
The Stone-Campbell churches are characterized by a focus on New Testament teaching, shared governance between clergy and laity, baptism by immersion, ecumenism, and the regular celebration of communion during worship." -discipleshistory.org
Getting back to J.W. McGarvey and Philip Y. Pendleton, my faith has been strengthened by their insights in The Fourfold Gospel, and by the sincerity of their hearts for Christ as it shines through their comments. It's comforting and humbling to think upon the lives of the faithful who have walked before me. Their words, though increasingly obscure, continue to impact lives long after they rest waiting for His return.
Wednesday, July 17, 2019
Section 144 & 145, The Ascension
Section 144
THE ASCENSION
(Olivet, between Jerusalem and Bethany)
MARK 16:19, 20
LUKE 24:50-53
ACTS 1:9-12
"How strangely calm and brief is this record of so stupendous an event! Do these sparing and reverent words sound to you like the product of devout imagination, embellishing with legend the facts of history? To me their very restrainedness, calmness, matter-of-factness, if I may so call it, are a strong guarantee that they are the utterance of an eyewitness, who verily saw what he tells so simply. There is something sublime in the contrast between the magnificence and almost inconceivable grandeur of the thing communicated, and the quiet words, so few, so sober, so wanting in all detail, in which it is told." -MacLaren
"And while they were looking steadfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men [angels in human form] stood by them in white apparel; who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven." Acts 1:10-11
"But the decision to depart, and the choice of a time, came not from Him: He did not go, but was taken." -Expositor's Bible
"He was received up into heaven!" What sublime mysteries are covered by that simple phrase. It was He who taught us to make, even of the mammon of unrighteousness, friends who shall welcome us, when mammon fails and all things mortal have deserted us, into everlasting habitations. With what different greetings, then, do men enter the City of God." -Expositor's
"His High Priesthood is with authority. "Every high priest standeth," but He has forever sat down on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens, a Priest sitting upon His throne (Heb_8:1; Zec_6:13). And therefore it is His office, Who pleads for us and represents us, Himself to govern our destinies." -Expositor's Bible
Section 145
OUR LORD APPEARS AFTER HIS ASCENSION
I. COR. 15: 8.
"...and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also." 1 Corinthians 15:8
"Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts 7:55) and John (Rev. 1:9- 17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For completeness' sake we might also add the words of Jesus at Acts 20:35, viz.: It is more blessed to give than to receive. These words quoted by Paul are not found in the gospel. The earthly life of Jesus shades off into the celestial, but we think that he have now given all that may be rightly included in the former." -Fourfold
THE ASCENSION
(Olivet, between Jerusalem and Bethany)
MARK 16:19, 20
LUKE 24:50-53
ACTS 1:9-12
"How strangely calm and brief is this record of so stupendous an event! Do these sparing and reverent words sound to you like the product of devout imagination, embellishing with legend the facts of history? To me their very restrainedness, calmness, matter-of-factness, if I may so call it, are a strong guarantee that they are the utterance of an eyewitness, who verily saw what he tells so simply. There is something sublime in the contrast between the magnificence and almost inconceivable grandeur of the thing communicated, and the quiet words, so few, so sober, so wanting in all detail, in which it is told." -MacLaren
"And while they were looking steadfastly into heaven as he went, behold, two men [angels in human form] stood by them in white apparel; who also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye looking into heaven? this Jesus, who was received up from you into heaven shall so come in like manner as ye beheld him going into heaven." Acts 1:10-11
"But the decision to depart, and the choice of a time, came not from Him: He did not go, but was taken." -Expositor's Bible
"He was received up into heaven!" What sublime mysteries are covered by that simple phrase. It was He who taught us to make, even of the mammon of unrighteousness, friends who shall welcome us, when mammon fails and all things mortal have deserted us, into everlasting habitations. With what different greetings, then, do men enter the City of God." -Expositor's
"His High Priesthood is with authority. "Every high priest standeth," but He has forever sat down on the right hand of the throne of the majesty in the heavens, a Priest sitting upon His throne (Heb_8:1; Zec_6:13). And therefore it is His office, Who pleads for us and represents us, Himself to govern our destinies." -Expositor's Bible
Section 145
OUR LORD APPEARS AFTER HIS ASCENSION
I. COR. 15: 8.
"...and last of all, as to the child untimely born, he appeared to me also." 1 Corinthians 15:8
"Since Paul reckons this among the bodily appearances of our Lord, we have included it in our work; but it borders upon those spiritual appearances which belong rather to apostolic history and may be classed with the vision of Stephen (Acts 7:55) and John (Rev. 1:9- 17), to which it was near kin. Accounts of the appearance will be found in the ninth, twenty-second and twenty-sixth chapters of Acts. For completeness' sake we might also add the words of Jesus at Acts 20:35, viz.: It is more blessed to give than to receive. These words quoted by Paul are not found in the gospel. The earthly life of Jesus shades off into the celestial, but we think that he have now given all that may be rightly included in the former." -Fourfold
Section 142 & 143, The Great Commission
Section 142
THE GREAT COMMISSION GIVEN
(Time and place same as last section.)
MATT. 28:18-20
MARK 16:15-18
LUKE 24:46, 47
It's easy to glide over this passage--it's familiar, it's grand, it's hard to get traction with. All authority? Go?
Always with me? Of course, I know the pat answers, and that's why it's easy to just keep sliding through it instead of intentionally engaging and wondering.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations — rather, “make disciples of all nations”; for “teaching,” in the more usual sense of that word, comes in afterwards, and is expressed by a different term. -JFB
"The adaptation of the Gospel message to all. It deals with all men as on one level. It addresses universal humanity. ‘Unto you, O men, I call, and My voice is to the sons of men.’ It speaks the same language to all sorts of men, to all stages of society, and in all ages. Christianity has no esoteric doctrine, no inner circle of the ‘initiated.’ Consequently it introduces a new notion of privileged classes." -MacLaren
"and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
This is a promise not of bare companionship, but of full sympathy and support (Isa. 43:2; Ex. 33:15; Josh. 1:5). The duration of this promise shows that it is intended for all disciples.
Section 143
NINTH AND TENTH APPEARANCES OF JESUS
(Jerusalem.)
LUKE 24:44-49
ACTS 1:3-8
I. COR. 15:7
..."and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Luke 24:47
"And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority. But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. " Acts 1:7-8
"Jesus enlightens them as to their duty, and not as to the kingdom." -Fourfold
So often we want the nitty-gritty of the lofty overview but not the marching orders.
THE GREAT COMMISSION GIVEN
(Time and place same as last section.)
MATT. 28:18-20
MARK 16:15-18
LUKE 24:46, 47
It's easy to glide over this passage--it's familiar, it's grand, it's hard to get traction with. All authority? Go?
Always with me? Of course, I know the pat answers, and that's why it's easy to just keep sliding through it instead of intentionally engaging and wondering.
"And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18
"The adaptation of the Gospel message to all. It deals with all men as on one level. It addresses universal humanity. ‘Unto you, O men, I call, and My voice is to the sons of men.’ It speaks the same language to all sorts of men, to all stages of society, and in all ages. Christianity has no esoteric doctrine, no inner circle of the ‘initiated.’ Consequently it introduces a new notion of privileged classes." -MacLaren
"and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world."
This is a promise not of bare companionship, but of full sympathy and support (Isa. 43:2; Ex. 33:15; Josh. 1:5). The duration of this promise shows that it is intended for all disciples.
Section 143
NINTH AND TENTH APPEARANCES OF JESUS
(Jerusalem.)
LUKE 24:44-49
ACTS 1:3-8
I. COR. 15:7
..."and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name unto all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem." Luke 24:47
"And he said unto them, It is not for you to know times or seasons, which the Father hath set within His own authority. But ye shall receive power, when the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be my witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea and Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. " Acts 1:7-8
"Jesus enlightens them as to their duty, and not as to the kingdom." -Fourfold
So often we want the nitty-gritty of the lofty overview but not the marching orders.
Monday, July 15, 2019
Sections 140 & 141, More Apperances
Section 140 & 141
SEVENTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(Sea of Galilee)
JOHN 21:1-25
My summary: The disciples were fishing at night unsuccessfully. Jesus called them from the shore to cast their nets, and they responded, bringing in a haul of fish. Peter recognized that this was Jesus and swam to him. The rest brought the boat and fish to the shore, where Jesus had a fire and invited them to breakfast of bread and fish. Oddly, Jesus asks Peter three times in slightly different words if he loves him more than the others. When Peter says yes, he replies, "then feed my sheep."
"Some critics have argued that this chapter is anticlimactic after the great conclusion in Joh_20:1-31, and therefore was written by another (anonymous) writer. But the linguistic evidence does not support this notion." -BKC
I find it noteworthy that the gospel of John forgoes the birth narrative of Christ, going all the way back to the foundations of the universe and life. But at the end, John takes greater pains than the others to include additional episodes and details, tying his account together in light of his broader purpose.
I'm not sure if I agree or disagree with this commentary from the BKC:
"Peter went fishing since he may have misunderstood the Lord’s commission (Joh_20:22). Peter also had a family to support and undoubtedly had a sense of failure over his sin in denying the Lord. His leadership quality is evident in that six other disciples went with him. Their lack of success without Jesus’ aid (cf. Joh_15:5) and their great catch with His help gave them direction for their new lives."
"Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat?"
"Jesus does not use the affectionate teknia--"children," but the familiar and colloquial paidia-- "boys." His question was like that of a stranger, or neighbor, who wished to buy fish. Their brevity bespeaks their disappointment at having a purchaser, but nothing to sell him." -Fourfold
"And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."
"The movements of large bodies of fish in the waters of Galilee are frequently visible to one standing on the shore. Supposing that the stranger thus saw fish upon the right side of the boat, the disciples readily obeyed his command, without suspecting who it was that gave it." -Fourfold
"There's the contemplator, the mystic, John.
Literally "stripped for work" to his undergarments, Peter grabs his coat and dives in. That's the doer, the activist, Peter." -MacLaren
"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me." -John 21:22
"It was none of Peter's business whether John's earthly lot was easier or harder than his own; his business was to be faithful in the pathway whither the Lord led him.-Fourfold
Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
The question conveys a gentle rebuke for his former extravagant professions.-VWS
Godet remarks: “There is a remarkable resemblance between the present situation and that of the two scenes in the previous life of Peter with which it is related. He had been called to the ministry by Jesus after a miraculous draught of fishes; it is after a similar draught that the ministry is restored to him. He had lost his office by a denial beside a fire of coal; it is beside a fire of coal that he recovers it.”
Section 141
EIGHTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(A mountain in Galilee.)
MATT. 28:16, 17
I. COR. 15: 6
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted." Matthew 28:16-17
"Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep." 1 Corinthians 15:6
I find myself wishing I had more details and context for these appearances.
SEVENTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(Sea of Galilee)
JOHN 21:1-25
My summary: The disciples were fishing at night unsuccessfully. Jesus called them from the shore to cast their nets, and they responded, bringing in a haul of fish. Peter recognized that this was Jesus and swam to him. The rest brought the boat and fish to the shore, where Jesus had a fire and invited them to breakfast of bread and fish. Oddly, Jesus asks Peter three times in slightly different words if he loves him more than the others. When Peter says yes, he replies, "then feed my sheep."
"Some critics have argued that this chapter is anticlimactic after the great conclusion in Joh_20:1-31, and therefore was written by another (anonymous) writer. But the linguistic evidence does not support this notion." -BKC
I find it noteworthy that the gospel of John forgoes the birth narrative of Christ, going all the way back to the foundations of the universe and life. But at the end, John takes greater pains than the others to include additional episodes and details, tying his account together in light of his broader purpose.
I'm not sure if I agree or disagree with this commentary from the BKC:
"Peter went fishing since he may have misunderstood the Lord’s commission (Joh_20:22). Peter also had a family to support and undoubtedly had a sense of failure over his sin in denying the Lord. His leadership quality is evident in that six other disciples went with him. Their lack of success without Jesus’ aid (cf. Joh_15:5) and their great catch with His help gave them direction for their new lives."
"Jesus therefore saith unto them, Children, have ye aught to eat?"
"Jesus does not use the affectionate teknia--"children," but the familiar and colloquial paidia-- "boys." His question was like that of a stranger, or neighbor, who wished to buy fish. Their brevity bespeaks their disappointment at having a purchaser, but nothing to sell him." -Fourfold
"And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes."
"The movements of large bodies of fish in the waters of Galilee are frequently visible to one standing on the shore. Supposing that the stranger thus saw fish upon the right side of the boat, the disciples readily obeyed his command, without suspecting who it was that gave it." -Fourfold
"There's the contemplator, the mystic, John.
Literally "stripped for work" to his undergarments, Peter grabs his coat and dives in. That's the doer, the activist, Peter." -MacLaren
"Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me." -John 21:22
"It was none of Peter's business whether John's earthly lot was easier or harder than his own; his business was to be faithful in the pathway whither the Lord led him.-Fourfold
Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.”
The question conveys a gentle rebuke for his former extravagant professions.-VWS
Godet remarks: “There is a remarkable resemblance between the present situation and that of the two scenes in the previous life of Peter with which it is related. He had been called to the ministry by Jesus after a miraculous draught of fishes; it is after a similar draught that the ministry is restored to him. He had lost his office by a denial beside a fire of coal; it is beside a fire of coal that he recovers it.”
Section 141
EIGHTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(A mountain in Galilee.)
MATT. 28:16, 17
I. COR. 15: 6
"Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted." Matthew 28:16-17
"Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep." 1 Corinthians 15:6
I find myself wishing I had more details and context for these appearances.
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Section 139, Thomas encounters Jesus
Section 139
SIXTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(Sunday, one week after the resurrection.)
JOHN 20:26-31
I. COR. 15:5
My Summary: Thomas was not with the other disciples when they saw Jesus among them. He commented that he would have to have physical proof to believe.
"But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”" John 20:25
Jesus appears to the disciples a second time, eight days later. Again, John includes the detail that the door was shut:
"This shows that the Lord had now the spiritual body, soma pneumatikon, of 1Co_15:44."-Bullinger
Jon Courson views the initial absence of Thomas as evidence that he was straying and that the disciples and Christ drew him back in. I'm not sure what I think of this. In one way, I can see how his absence was notable--why was he initially missing? In another, I feel like that's a rather big conclusion.
"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."” John 20:27-28
"We have here the first confession of Christ as God. It should be said in Thomas' favor that if his doubts were heaviest, his confession of faith was fullest. He had more doubts as to the resurrection because it meant more to him; it meant that Jesus was none other than God himself." -Fourfold
"In his Gospel, John has traced the development of unbelief, which culminated in Jesus’ enemies crucifying Him. Conversely, John also traced the disciples’ development of faith, which was now climaxed in Thomas." -BKC
"Thomas’ response, My Lord and My God! is the high point of the Gospel. Here was a skeptical man, confronted by the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. He announced that Jesus, the Man of Galilee, is God manifest in the flesh. Thus the truths in the first chapter were realized personally in this apostle (Joh_1:1, Joh_1:14, Joh_1:18)."-BKC
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
"Jesus then pronounced a blessing on all who would come to faith without the help of a visible, bodily manifestation to them (Joh_20:29; cf. 1Pe_1:8). This blessing comes to all who believe on the basis of the proclaimed gospel and the evidences for its validity. Believers living today are not deprived by not seeing Him physically; instead, they are the recipients of His special blessing: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."-BKC
John explicitly states the purpose of his book:
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by
believing you may have life in his name." John 20:30-31
"John explained His purpose in writing this Gospel, that people might contemplate and perceive the theological significance of Jesus’ miracles (sēmeia, “signs”). To ignore, deny, or rationalize them in that day was impossible because the miracles were manifold and manifest. John indicated He was aware of the Synoptic miracles: Jesus did many other miraculous signs. In fact, 35 different miracles are recorded in the four Gospels (see the list at Joh_2:1-11). John selected 7 for special consideration in order that people might come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah, and the Son of God. (The NIV marg. reading, “may continue to believe,” is probably not the correct textual reading; the NIV text correctly renders the Gr. by the words may believe.)" -BKC
"But it is not merely in order to represent Jesus as the Christ of God that these things are written, but it is that that representation may become the object of our faith."-Alexander MacLaren
"Faith sees what the man who lacks faith never does. It's a whole different dimension and an entirely different perspective."-Jon Courson
"Have been or stand written. The perfect tense. John's intent was to write a gospel rather than a biography."-Vincent's Word Studies
SIXTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(Sunday, one week after the resurrection.)
JOHN 20:26-31
I. COR. 15:5
My Summary: Thomas was not with the other disciples when they saw Jesus among them. He commented that he would have to have physical proof to believe.
"But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of the nails, and place my finger into the mark of the nails, and place my hand into his side, I will never believe.”" John 20:25
Jesus appears to the disciples a second time, eight days later. Again, John includes the detail that the door was shut:
"This shows that the Lord had now the spiritual body, soma pneumatikon, of 1Co_15:44."-Bullinger
Jon Courson views the initial absence of Thomas as evidence that he was straying and that the disciples and Christ drew him back in. I'm not sure what I think of this. In one way, I can see how his absence was notable--why was he initially missing? In another, I feel like that's a rather big conclusion.
"Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe." Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God."” John 20:27-28
"We have here the first confession of Christ as God. It should be said in Thomas' favor that if his doubts were heaviest, his confession of faith was fullest. He had more doubts as to the resurrection because it meant more to him; it meant that Jesus was none other than God himself." -Fourfold
"In his Gospel, John has traced the development of unbelief, which culminated in Jesus’ enemies crucifying Him. Conversely, John also traced the disciples’ development of faith, which was now climaxed in Thomas." -BKC
 |
| The Incredulity of Saint Thomas by Caravaggio, c. 1602 |
"Thomas’ response, My Lord and My God! is the high point of the Gospel. Here was a skeptical man, confronted by the evidence of Jesus’ resurrection. He announced that Jesus, the Man of Galilee, is God manifest in the flesh. Thus the truths in the first chapter were realized personally in this apostle (Joh_1:1, Joh_1:14, Joh_1:18)."-BKC
Jesus said to him, “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29
"Jesus then pronounced a blessing on all who would come to faith without the help of a visible, bodily manifestation to them (Joh_20:29; cf. 1Pe_1:8). This blessing comes to all who believe on the basis of the proclaimed gospel and the evidences for its validity. Believers living today are not deprived by not seeing Him physically; instead, they are the recipients of His special blessing: Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed."-BKC
John explicitly states the purpose of his book:
"Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book;
but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by
believing you may have life in his name." John 20:30-31
"John explained His purpose in writing this Gospel, that people might contemplate and perceive the theological significance of Jesus’ miracles (sēmeia, “signs”). To ignore, deny, or rationalize them in that day was impossible because the miracles were manifold and manifest. John indicated He was aware of the Synoptic miracles: Jesus did many other miraculous signs. In fact, 35 different miracles are recorded in the four Gospels (see the list at Joh_2:1-11). John selected 7 for special consideration in order that people might come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the promised Messiah, and the Son of God. (The NIV marg. reading, “may continue to believe,” is probably not the correct textual reading; the NIV text correctly renders the Gr. by the words may believe.)" -BKC
"But it is not merely in order to represent Jesus as the Christ of God that these things are written, but it is that that representation may become the object of our faith."-Alexander MacLaren
"Faith sees what the man who lacks faith never does. It's a whole different dimension and an entirely different perspective."-Jon Courson
"Have been or stand written. The perfect tense. John's intent was to write a gospel rather than a biography."-Vincent's Word Studies
Section 138, Jesus appears to the disciples
Section 138
FIFTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(Jerusalem. Sunday evening)
MARK 16:14
LUKE 24:36-43
JOHN 20:19-25
My summary of Luke: When Cleopas and the other spoke with the disciples in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared among them, "As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”" -Luke 24:36
"Here are the disciples, with questions mounting and confusion rising like waves on the sea—when suddenly, just as before, Jesus comes to them and stills their storm with one word: Shalom. His first word is, "Peace." He doesn't say, "You guys are busted. Where have you been? I'm on the Cross and you're running around, pretending like you don't even know Me. What's the big idea?" No, that's not what Jesus does. He comes to them and says, "Peace." And that's what He says to you (Rom_5:1)." -Jon Courson
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
He asked them why they were troubled and full of doubt, showed them his hands and feet, then asked them for something to eat.
"And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” Luke 24:41
"Note Luke’s explanation of the persistent incredulity, as being ‘for joy.’ It is like his notice that the three in Gethsemane ‘slept for sorrow.’ Great emotion sometimes produces effects opposite to what might have been expected. Who can wonder that the mighty fact which turned the black smoke of despair into bright flame should have seemed too good to be true? The little notice brings the disciples near to our experience and sympathy." -Alexander MacLaren
Although it may seem odd that he would ask about food, the purpose was to affirm to the disciples that he was physically present.
"They fled to the ready refuge of supposing that they saw ‘a spirit.’ Our Lord has no rebukes for their incredulity, but patiently resumes His old task of instruction, and condescends to let them have the evidence of two senses, not shrinking from their investigating touch. When even these proofs were seen by Him to be insufficient, He added the yet more cogent one of ‘eating before them.’ Then they were convinced." -Alexander MacLaren
"Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen." Mark 16:14
"He rebuked (ōneidisen, a strong verb not used of Jesus elsewhere) their unbelief and hardness of heart (sklērokardian; cf. Mar_10:5) because they refused to believe the testimony of eyewitnesses to His resurrection earlier that day. By hearing about Jesus’ resurrection (before seeing Him) they learned what it was like to believe the testimony of eyewitnesses. This would be necessary for all those to whom they would preach in their coming missionary outreach" -BKC
"Jesus didn't upbraid the disciples for their denying, for their running, for their fear. He upbraided them for one thing only: their unbelief." -Jon Courson
I wonder, why is belief is critically important to God?
John's account adds the door to the room was locked and, more significantly, mentions the Holy Spirit's role in their present and future:
"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:21-23
One question I had is "How is this filling different than the Holy Spirit's infusion at Pentecost?" The BKC explains the difference this way, "This reception of the Spirit was in anticipation of the day of Pentecost and should be understood as a partial limited gift of knowledge, understanding, and empowerment until Pentecost, 50 days later."
A great reminder:
"Let me remind you, too, that the words which our Lord here employs about these great gifts, when accurately examined, do lead us to the thought that we, even we, are not altogether passive in the reception of that gift. For the expression, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost’ might, with more completeness of signification, be rendered, ‘take ye the Holy Ghost.’ True, the outstretched hand is nothing, unless the giving hand is stretched out too. True, the open palm and the clutching fingers remain empty, unless the open palm above drops the gift. But also true, things in the spiritual realm that are given have to be asked for, because asking opens the heart for their entrance....There must be desire before there can be possession" -MacLaren
The role of the will and the Spirit is touched upon here too:
" I suppose no man has ever tried honestly to be what Christ wished him to be amidst his fellows, whether as preacher or teacher or guide in any fashion, who has not hundreds of times clasped his hands in all but despair, and said, ‘Who is sufficient for these things?’ That is the temper into which the power will come. The rivers run in the valleys, and it is the lowly sense of our own unfitness for the task which yet presses upon us, and imperatively demands to be done, that makes us capable of receiving that divine gift." MacLaren
"In Mark 2, when Jesus pronounced forgiveness to a paralyzed man, the Pharisees were aghast. "Only God has the right to forgive sin," they said (see verse Mar_2:7). And they were right. What, then, does this verse mean? It means we as His ambassadors don't provide forgiveness, but we do proclaim it. Therefore, to the one who says, "I don't feel forgiven," it is our responsibility to say, "According to the Word of God, if you open your heart to Jesus Christ and believe in His work on the Cross, your sin is gone." Conversely, to the one who says, "I don't need Jesus Christ. I'm into meditation,"—it is our responsibility to say, "Your sin remains because only the blood of Jesus can wash it away.""-Courson
FIFTH APPEARANCE OF JESUS
(Jerusalem. Sunday evening)
MARK 16:14
LUKE 24:36-43
JOHN 20:19-25
My summary of Luke: When Cleopas and the other spoke with the disciples in Jerusalem, Jesus appeared among them, "As they were talking about these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, “Peace to you!”" -Luke 24:36
"Here are the disciples, with questions mounting and confusion rising like waves on the sea—when suddenly, just as before, Jesus comes to them and stills their storm with one word: Shalom. His first word is, "Peace." He doesn't say, "You guys are busted. Where have you been? I'm on the Cross and you're running around, pretending like you don't even know Me. What's the big idea?" No, that's not what Jesus does. He comes to them and says, "Peace." And that's what He says to you (Rom_5:1)." -Jon Courson
"Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 5:1
He asked them why they were troubled and full of doubt, showed them his hands and feet, then asked them for something to eat.
"And while they still disbelieved for joy and were marveling, he said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?” Luke 24:41
"Note Luke’s explanation of the persistent incredulity, as being ‘for joy.’ It is like his notice that the three in Gethsemane ‘slept for sorrow.’ Great emotion sometimes produces effects opposite to what might have been expected. Who can wonder that the mighty fact which turned the black smoke of despair into bright flame should have seemed too good to be true? The little notice brings the disciples near to our experience and sympathy." -Alexander MacLaren
Although it may seem odd that he would ask about food, the purpose was to affirm to the disciples that he was physically present.
"They fled to the ready refuge of supposing that they saw ‘a spirit.’ Our Lord has no rebukes for their incredulity, but patiently resumes His old task of instruction, and condescends to let them have the evidence of two senses, not shrinking from their investigating touch. When even these proofs were seen by Him to be insufficient, He added the yet more cogent one of ‘eating before them.’ Then they were convinced." -Alexander MacLaren
"Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen." Mark 16:14
"He rebuked (ōneidisen, a strong verb not used of Jesus elsewhere) their unbelief and hardness of heart (sklērokardian; cf. Mar_10:5) because they refused to believe the testimony of eyewitnesses to His resurrection earlier that day. By hearing about Jesus’ resurrection (before seeing Him) they learned what it was like to believe the testimony of eyewitnesses. This would be necessary for all those to whom they would preach in their coming missionary outreach" -BKC
"Jesus didn't upbraid the disciples for their denying, for their running, for their fear. He upbraided them for one thing only: their unbelief." -Jon Courson
I wonder, why is belief is critically important to God?
 |
| Prayers of the People, Ed De Guzman, Phillipino artist |
John's account adds the door to the room was locked and, more significantly, mentions the Holy Spirit's role in their present and future:
"Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.” John 20:21-23
One question I had is "How is this filling different than the Holy Spirit's infusion at Pentecost?" The BKC explains the difference this way, "This reception of the Spirit was in anticipation of the day of Pentecost and should be understood as a partial limited gift of knowledge, understanding, and empowerment until Pentecost, 50 days later."
A great reminder:
"Let me remind you, too, that the words which our Lord here employs about these great gifts, when accurately examined, do lead us to the thought that we, even we, are not altogether passive in the reception of that gift. For the expression, ‘Receive ye the Holy Ghost’ might, with more completeness of signification, be rendered, ‘take ye the Holy Ghost.’ True, the outstretched hand is nothing, unless the giving hand is stretched out too. True, the open palm and the clutching fingers remain empty, unless the open palm above drops the gift. But also true, things in the spiritual realm that are given have to be asked for, because asking opens the heart for their entrance....There must be desire before there can be possession" -MacLaren
The role of the will and the Spirit is touched upon here too:
" I suppose no man has ever tried honestly to be what Christ wished him to be amidst his fellows, whether as preacher or teacher or guide in any fashion, who has not hundreds of times clasped his hands in all but despair, and said, ‘Who is sufficient for these things?’ That is the temper into which the power will come. The rivers run in the valleys, and it is the lowly sense of our own unfitness for the task which yet presses upon us, and imperatively demands to be done, that makes us capable of receiving that divine gift." MacLaren
"In Mark 2, when Jesus pronounced forgiveness to a paralyzed man, the Pharisees were aghast. "Only God has the right to forgive sin," they said (see verse Mar_2:7). And they were right. What, then, does this verse mean? It means we as His ambassadors don't provide forgiveness, but we do proclaim it. Therefore, to the one who says, "I don't feel forgiven," it is our responsibility to say, "According to the Word of God, if you open your heart to Jesus Christ and believe in His work on the Cross, your sin is gone." Conversely, to the one who says, "I don't need Jesus Christ. I'm into meditation,"—it is our responsibility to say, "Your sin remains because only the blood of Jesus can wash it away.""-Courson
Friday, July 12, 2019
Section 136 & 137, The Guards Report Back, Appearances of Jesus
Section 136
SOME OF THE GUARDS REPORT TO THE JEWISH RULERS
MATT 28:11-15
Summary: Some of the guards who were at the tomb went into the city and reported the events to the chief priests. The priests and elders agreed to pay them off, so they would tell the story that Jesus left the tomb.
Esteeming it folly to guard an empty tomb, the soldiers went to their barracks, while their officers returned to those who had placed them on guard to report what had happened. They rightly judged that the plain truth was their best defense. They could not be expected to contend against earthquakes and angels. Their report implies that they saw Jesus leave the tomb, and after the angel opened it.* -fourfold
Section 137
THIRD AND FOURTH APPEARANCES OF JESUS
(Sunday afternoon.)
MARK 16:12, 13
LUKE 24:13-35
I. COR. 15:5
"After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them." Mark 16:12-13
appeared = was manifested. Greek. phaneroo. App-106. Not the same word as in Mar_16:9. -Bullinger
He appeared in another form - In a form unlike his ordinary appearance so much so that they did not at first know him. -Barnes
"This could mean that He took on a form different from that in which He appeared to Mary Magdalene or, more likely, that He appeared to them in a form different from that in which they had previously recognized Him as Jesus." -BKC
"Apparently, despite affirmative statements (cf. Luk_24:34), the disciples initially seemed to regard Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances as apparitions (cf. Luk_24:37)." -BKC
"It is not my business here to discuss questions of harmonising or of criticism. I have only to deal with the narrative as it stands. Its peculiar character is very plain. The manner in which the first disciples learned the fact of the Resurrection, and the disbelief with which they received it, much rather than the Resurrection itself, come into view in this section. The disciples, and not the risen Lord, are shown us. There is nothing here of the earthquake, or of the descending angel, or of the terrified guard, or of our Lord’s appearance to the women. The two appearances to Mary Magdalene and to the travellers to Emmaus, which, in the hands of John and Luke, are so pathetic and rich, are here mentioned with the utmost brevity, for the sake chiefly of insisting on the disbelief of the disciples who heard of them. Mark’s theme is mainly what they thought of the testimony to the Resurrection."-MacLaren
"...and that he appeared to Cephas, [Peter] then to the twelve." 1 Corinthians 15:5
"But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened." Luke 24:12
My summary of Luke: That day, Cleopas and another disciple were walking to Emmaus. They encountered Jesus on the road and began talking with him about recent events, though they did not recognize Jesus. Christ told them they were slow of heart, asked them if it wasn't necessary for the Messiah to suffer all of these things before entering glory. He explained all the the prophecies of the scriptures about him to them, and when they came close to their destination, they implored him to stay with them as it was the end of the day. They sat down to a meal together. Jesus broke the bread. Their eyes were opened. He vanished from their sight. The two reviewed the events of the day and talked about how their hearts "burned" within them when Jesus had earlier expounded the scriptures. They went to Jerusalem and found the eleven and reported all of these events to them.
"It is profoundly interesting and instructive to note the characteristics of the favored ones who first saw the risen Lord. They were Mary, whose heart was an altar of flaming and fragrant love; Peter, the penitent denier; and these two, absorbed in meditation on the facts of the death and burial. What attracts Jesus? Love, penitence, study of His truth. He comes to these with the appropriate gifts for them, as truly-yea, more closely-as of old. Perhaps the very doubting that troubled them brought Him to their help. He saw that they especially needed Him, for their faith was sorely wounded. Necessity is as potent a spell to bring Jesus as desert. He comes to reward fixed and fervent love, and He comes, too, to revive it when tremulous and cold." -Andrew MacLaren
SOME OF THE GUARDS REPORT TO THE JEWISH RULERS
MATT 28:11-15
Summary: Some of the guards who were at the tomb went into the city and reported the events to the chief priests. The priests and elders agreed to pay them off, so they would tell the story that Jesus left the tomb.
Esteeming it folly to guard an empty tomb, the soldiers went to their barracks, while their officers returned to those who had placed them on guard to report what had happened. They rightly judged that the plain truth was their best defense. They could not be expected to contend against earthquakes and angels. Their report implies that they saw Jesus leave the tomb, and after the angel opened it.* -fourfold
Section 137
THIRD AND FOURTH APPEARANCES OF JESUS
(Sunday afternoon.)
MARK 16:12, 13
LUKE 24:13-35
I. COR. 15:5
"After these things he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them." Mark 16:12-13
appeared = was manifested. Greek. phaneroo. App-106. Not the same word as in Mar_16:9. -Bullinger
He appeared in another form - In a form unlike his ordinary appearance so much so that they did not at first know him. -Barnes
"This could mean that He took on a form different from that in which He appeared to Mary Magdalene or, more likely, that He appeared to them in a form different from that in which they had previously recognized Him as Jesus." -BKC
"Apparently, despite affirmative statements (cf. Luk_24:34), the disciples initially seemed to regard Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances as apparitions (cf. Luk_24:37)." -BKC
 |
Jesus and the two disciples On the Road to Emmaus, by Duccio, 1308–1311, Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, Siena |
"It is not my business here to discuss questions of harmonising or of criticism. I have only to deal with the narrative as it stands. Its peculiar character is very plain. The manner in which the first disciples learned the fact of the Resurrection, and the disbelief with which they received it, much rather than the Resurrection itself, come into view in this section. The disciples, and not the risen Lord, are shown us. There is nothing here of the earthquake, or of the descending angel, or of the terrified guard, or of our Lord’s appearance to the women. The two appearances to Mary Magdalene and to the travellers to Emmaus, which, in the hands of John and Luke, are so pathetic and rich, are here mentioned with the utmost brevity, for the sake chiefly of insisting on the disbelief of the disciples who heard of them. Mark’s theme is mainly what they thought of the testimony to the Resurrection."-MacLaren
"...and that he appeared to Cephas, [Peter] then to the twelve." 1 Corinthians 15:5
"But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened." Luke 24:12
My summary of Luke: That day, Cleopas and another disciple were walking to Emmaus. They encountered Jesus on the road and began talking with him about recent events, though they did not recognize Jesus. Christ told them they were slow of heart, asked them if it wasn't necessary for the Messiah to suffer all of these things before entering glory. He explained all the the prophecies of the scriptures about him to them, and when they came close to their destination, they implored him to stay with them as it was the end of the day. They sat down to a meal together. Jesus broke the bread. Their eyes were opened. He vanished from their sight. The two reviewed the events of the day and talked about how their hearts "burned" within them when Jesus had earlier expounded the scriptures. They went to Jerusalem and found the eleven and reported all of these events to them.
"It is profoundly interesting and instructive to note the characteristics of the favored ones who first saw the risen Lord. They were Mary, whose heart was an altar of flaming and fragrant love; Peter, the penitent denier; and these two, absorbed in meditation on the facts of the death and burial. What attracts Jesus? Love, penitence, study of His truth. He comes to these with the appropriate gifts for them, as truly-yea, more closely-as of old. Perhaps the very doubting that troubled them brought Him to their help. He saw that they especially needed Him, for their faith was sorely wounded. Necessity is as potent a spell to bring Jesus as desert. He comes to reward fixed and fervent love, and He comes, too, to revive it when tremulous and cold." -Andrew MacLaren
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Section 135, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene
Section 135
FIRST AND SECOND APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN CHRIST. THE RESURRECTION REPORTED TO THE APOSTLES
(Jerusalem. Sunday morning.)
MATT. 28:9, 10
MARK 16:9-11
LUKE 24:9-11
JOHN 20:11-18
My summary: Mary stoops to look into the tomb and sees two angels:
"But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." John 11-12
Then Jesus appears to her:
"Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God." John 17
"Touch me not (μή μοῦ ἅπτου)
The verb, primarily, means to fasten to. Hence it implies here, not a mere momentary touch, but a clinging to. Mary thought that the old relations between her Lord and herself were to be renewed; that the old intercourse, by means of sight, sound, and touch, would go on as before. Christ says, “the time for this kind of intercourse is over. Henceforth your communion with me will be by faith through the Spirit. This communion will become possible through my ascending to the Father.” -Vincent's Word Studies
Alexander MacLaren approaches this portion of scripture with a generous spirit that seeks to grasp the global significance and context more than nit-pick the details:
"The variation in their numbers in the various narratives is not to be regarded as an instance of ‘discrepancy.’ Many angels hovered round the spot where the greatest wonder of the universe was to be seen, ‘eagerly desiring to look into’ that grave. The beholder’s eye may have determined their visibility. Their number may have fluctuated. Mark does not use the word ‘angel’ at all, but leaves us to infer what manner of being he was who first proclaimed the Resurrection." -MacLaren
"This passage is one of well-known difficulty, and Meyer or Ryle may be consulted by those wishing to see how various commentators have interpreted it. We would explain it by the following paraphrase: "Do not lay hold on me and detain yourself and me; I have not yet ascended; this is no brief, passing vision; I am yet in the world, and will be for some time, and there will be other opportunities to see me; the duty of the moment is to go and tell my sorrowing disciples that I have risen, and shall ascend to my Father." -Fourfold
"Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me."and [they] told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.
"The repetition may be due to the reticence of the women remarked by Mark in the last section by the key words "and they said nothing to any one." The women may have been hesitating whether they should tell the disciples. Thus Jesus reiterates the instruction already given by the angel. This is the first time the word "brethren" is applied by our Lord to his disciples." -Fourfold
The disciples reaction is disbelief; it was so outside of their expectations that they couldn't grasp the truth, much as Mary did not initially recognize Jesus for whom he was.
FIRST AND SECOND APPEARANCES OF THE RISEN CHRIST. THE RESURRECTION REPORTED TO THE APOSTLES
(Jerusalem. Sunday morning.)
MATT. 28:9, 10
MARK 16:9-11
LUKE 24:9-11
JOHN 20:11-18
My summary: Mary stoops to look into the tomb and sees two angels:
"But Mary was standing without at the tomb weeping: so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she beholdeth two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain." John 11-12
Then Jesus appears to her:
"Jesus saith to her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended unto the Father: but go unto my brethren, and say to them, I ascend unto my Father and your Father, and my God and your God." John 17
"Touch me not (μή μοῦ ἅπτου)
The verb, primarily, means to fasten to. Hence it implies here, not a mere momentary touch, but a clinging to. Mary thought that the old relations between her Lord and herself were to be renewed; that the old intercourse, by means of sight, sound, and touch, would go on as before. Christ says, “the time for this kind of intercourse is over. Henceforth your communion with me will be by faith through the Spirit. This communion will become possible through my ascending to the Father.” -Vincent's Word Studies
Alexander MacLaren approaches this portion of scripture with a generous spirit that seeks to grasp the global significance and context more than nit-pick the details:
"The variation in their numbers in the various narratives is not to be regarded as an instance of ‘discrepancy.’ Many angels hovered round the spot where the greatest wonder of the universe was to be seen, ‘eagerly desiring to look into’ that grave. The beholder’s eye may have determined their visibility. Their number may have fluctuated. Mark does not use the word ‘angel’ at all, but leaves us to infer what manner of being he was who first proclaimed the Resurrection." -MacLaren
 |
| Mary Magdalene Questions the Angels in the Tomb, James Tissot |
"This passage is one of well-known difficulty, and Meyer or Ryle may be consulted by those wishing to see how various commentators have interpreted it. We would explain it by the following paraphrase: "Do not lay hold on me and detain yourself and me; I have not yet ascended; this is no brief, passing vision; I am yet in the world, and will be for some time, and there will be other opportunities to see me; the duty of the moment is to go and tell my sorrowing disciples that I have risen, and shall ascend to my Father." -Fourfold
"Then saith Jesus unto them, Fear not: go tell my brethren that they depart into Galilee, and there shall they see me."and [they] told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.
"The repetition may be due to the reticence of the women remarked by Mark in the last section by the key words "and they said nothing to any one." The women may have been hesitating whether they should tell the disciples. Thus Jesus reiterates the instruction already given by the angel. This is the first time the word "brethren" is applied by our Lord to his disciples." -Fourfold
The disciples reaction is disbelief; it was so outside of their expectations that they couldn't grasp the truth, much as Mary did not initially recognize Jesus for whom he was.
Section 134, The Empty Tomb
Part XIII
OUR LORD'S RESURRECTION, APPEARANCES AND ASCENSION. JUDEA AND GALILEE
TIME, FORTY DAYS. SPRING AD. 30.
Section 134
ANGELS ANNOUNCE THE RESURRECTION TO CERTAIN WOMEN. PETER AND JOHN ENTER THE EMPTY TOMB
Joseph's Garden. Sunday, very early
MATT. 28:1-8
MARK 16:1-8
LUKE 24:1-8, 12
JOHN 20:1-10
My Summary: Early in the morning on Sunday, the women traveled to the tomb with spices for his burial. There was an earthquake, and an angel rolled back the tombstone and sat upon it. The angel is described as appearing as lightening and wearing white, and the guards stationed at the tomb trembled at his appearance. When the women arrived, they found the stone rolled back and the tomb empty. According to John, Mary Magdalene left and told Peter of the loss of the body.
"The divergences of the Evangelists reach their maximum in the accounts of the Resurrection, as is natural if we realise the fragmentary character of all the versions, the severely condensed style of Matthew’s, the incompleteness of the genuine Mark’s, the evidently selective purpose in Luke’s, and the supplementary design of John’s." -MacLaren
"And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large." -Mark 16:2-4
"To obey the impulse of love and sorrow without thinking, and then to be arrested on their road by a difficulty, which they might have thought of at first, but did not till they were close to it, is surely just what might have been expected of such mourners. Mark gives a graphic picture in that one word ‘looking up,’ and follows it with picturesque present tenses....When love to Christ is brought to a stand in its venturous enterprises by difficulties occurring for the first time to the mind, it is well to go close up to them; and it often happens that when we do, and look steadily at them, we see that they are rolled away, and the passage cleared which we feared was hopelessly barred." -MacLaren
"So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. -John 20:2-4
Those who remained saw two angels--one was young and both in white. They lay prostrate in fear, and the angel reminds them of Jesus' promise that he would rise:
"...And as they were affrighted and bowed down their faces to the earth, {the angel} answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; Be not amazed: a for I know that ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who hath been crucified: Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but he is risen, even as he said. remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying that the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his word."
"Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message." Matthew 28:7
"The women fled from the tomb with mingled shock and panic. They were too afraid to tell anyone what had happened." Mark 16:8
"This is not surprising. The wonder is that they had been so brave and loyal and devoted up to now.
Because two major ancient manuscripts of Mark lack verses 9-20, many modern scholars believe they are not authentic. However, there are strong arguments for their inclusion:
1. Virtually all other Greek manuscripts and many church fathers do contain this passage.
2. Verse 8 is a most strange conclusion, especially in the Greek where the last word is (gar, for). This word is scarcely ever near the end of a sentence, much less of a book.
3. If, as some teach, Mark's original ending is lost, and this is a later summary, then our Lord's words about preservation (Mat_24:35) apparently have failed.
4. The contents of the passage are orthodox."-Believer's Bible
When Peter and John hear of this, they come immediately.
OUR LORD'S RESURRECTION, APPEARANCES AND ASCENSION. JUDEA AND GALILEE
TIME, FORTY DAYS. SPRING AD. 30.
Section 134
ANGELS ANNOUNCE THE RESURRECTION TO CERTAIN WOMEN. PETER AND JOHN ENTER THE EMPTY TOMB
Joseph's Garden. Sunday, very early
MATT. 28:1-8
MARK 16:1-8
LUKE 24:1-8, 12
JOHN 20:1-10
My Summary: Early in the morning on Sunday, the women traveled to the tomb with spices for his burial. There was an earthquake, and an angel rolled back the tombstone and sat upon it. The angel is described as appearing as lightening and wearing white, and the guards stationed at the tomb trembled at his appearance. When the women arrived, they found the stone rolled back and the tomb empty. According to John, Mary Magdalene left and told Peter of the loss of the body.
"The divergences of the Evangelists reach their maximum in the accounts of the Resurrection, as is natural if we realise the fragmentary character of all the versions, the severely condensed style of Matthew’s, the incompleteness of the genuine Mark’s, the evidently selective purpose in Luke’s, and the supplementary design of John’s." -MacLaren
"And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large." -Mark 16:2-4
"To obey the impulse of love and sorrow without thinking, and then to be arrested on their road by a difficulty, which they might have thought of at first, but did not till they were close to it, is surely just what might have been expected of such mourners. Mark gives a graphic picture in that one word ‘looking up,’ and follows it with picturesque present tenses....When love to Christ is brought to a stand in its venturous enterprises by difficulties occurring for the first time to the mind, it is well to go close up to them; and it often happens that when we do, and look steadily at them, we see that they are rolled away, and the passage cleared which we feared was hopelessly barred." -MacLaren
 |
| The Angel at the Tomb of Christ, Benjamin West, circa 1850 |
"So she ran and went to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him.” So Peter went out with the other disciple, and they were going toward the tomb. Both of them were running together, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. -John 20:2-4
Those who remained saw two angels--one was young and both in white. They lay prostrate in fear, and the angel reminds them of Jesus' promise that he would rise:
"...And as they were affrighted and bowed down their faces to the earth, {the angel} answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye; Be not amazed: a for I know that ye seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who hath been crucified: Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but he is risen, even as he said. remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying that the Son of man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his word."
"Now, get on your way quickly and tell his disciples, 'He is risen from the dead. He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see him there.' That's the message." Matthew 28:7
"The women fled from the tomb with mingled shock and panic. They were too afraid to tell anyone what had happened." Mark 16:8
"This is not surprising. The wonder is that they had been so brave and loyal and devoted up to now.
Because two major ancient manuscripts of Mark lack verses 9-20, many modern scholars believe they are not authentic. However, there are strong arguments for their inclusion:
1. Virtually all other Greek manuscripts and many church fathers do contain this passage.
2. Verse 8 is a most strange conclusion, especially in the Greek where the last word is (gar, for). This word is scarcely ever near the end of a sentence, much less of a book.
3. If, as some teach, Mark's original ending is lost, and this is a later summary, then our Lord's words about preservation (Mat_24:35) apparently have failed.
4. The contents of the passage are orthodox."-Believer's Bible
When Peter and John hear of this, they come immediately.
Section 133 D, Jesus is buried
Section 133
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision D
JESUS FOUND TO BE DEAD. HIS BODY BURIED AND GUARDED IN THE TOMB
MATT 27:57-66
MARK 15:42-47
LUKE 23:50-56
JOHN 19:31-42
My summary: John recounts that soliders came to break Jesus' legs, but he was already dead. They "pierced his side with a spear." On that Friday evening (immediately before the Saturday Sabbath) Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, went to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. Pilate released it to him; then he and Nicodemus prepared it with spices and laid it in Joseph's own tomb, rolling a stone in front of it. The women were also there. The chief priests and elders recalled Jesus commenting that he would rise on the third day, so they requested to be able to seal and guard his tomb. Pilate agreed to this.
"It is strange that those who were not afraid to be disciples were afraid to ask for our Lord's body, yet he who was afraid to be a disciple feared not to do this thing." -Fourfold
"Myrrh was a resin and the aloe was pulverized wood. Both were aromatic--Ps. 45:8." -Fourfold
"As Jesus died about three o'clock in the afternoon, and as all work had to stop at sunset, which was the beginning of the Sabbath, Joseph was much hurried in his efforts to bury Jesus. The context, therefore, shows that our Lord was not completely embalmed by him. The body of Jesus might have been kept elsewhere until after the Sabbath; but because the tomb was near it appears to have been used temporarily, and the preparation of spices by the women shows that even that part of the burial was not, in their estimation, completed. This unfinished burial led the women back to the tomb early on the first day of the week, and thus brought to the disciples the glad news of the resurrection without any needless delay." -Fourfold
"But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water."
-John 19:34
"It has been argued very plausibly that this was a natural phenomenon, the result of a rupture of the heart which, it is assumed, was the immediate cause of death, and which was followed by an effusion of blood into the pericardium. This blood, separated into its thicker and more liquid parts, flowed forth when the pericardium was pierced by the spear. I think, however, with Meyer, that John evidently intends to describe the incident as something entirely unexpected and marvelous, and that this explanation better suits the solemn asseveration of Joh_19:35. That the fact had a symbolic meaning to the Evangelist is evident from 1Jn_5:6." -Vincent's Word Studies
Interesting angle from Vincent's Word Studies:
"It is a significant fact that, reckoning the aggregate space occupied by the four Gospels, nearly one-sixth of the whole amount is occupied with the account of the twenty-four hours beginning with the last supper and ending with the burial of Jesus. There is no day in all Bible history narrated with the fulness of that day. If we possessed the whole life of Christ, written with the same detail, the record would occupy one hundred and eighty volumes as large as the whole Bible."
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision D
JESUS FOUND TO BE DEAD. HIS BODY BURIED AND GUARDED IN THE TOMB
MATT 27:57-66
MARK 15:42-47
LUKE 23:50-56
JOHN 19:31-42
My summary: John recounts that soliders came to break Jesus' legs, but he was already dead. They "pierced his side with a spear." On that Friday evening (immediately before the Saturday Sabbath) Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrin, went to Pilate to request the body of Jesus. Pilate released it to him; then he and Nicodemus prepared it with spices and laid it in Joseph's own tomb, rolling a stone in front of it. The women were also there. The chief priests and elders recalled Jesus commenting that he would rise on the third day, so they requested to be able to seal and guard his tomb. Pilate agreed to this.
 |
| The Entombment, Antonio Ciseri, 1883 |
"It is strange that those who were not afraid to be disciples were afraid to ask for our Lord's body, yet he who was afraid to be a disciple feared not to do this thing." -Fourfold
"Myrrh was a resin and the aloe was pulverized wood. Both were aromatic--Ps. 45:8." -Fourfold
"As Jesus died about three o'clock in the afternoon, and as all work had to stop at sunset, which was the beginning of the Sabbath, Joseph was much hurried in his efforts to bury Jesus. The context, therefore, shows that our Lord was not completely embalmed by him. The body of Jesus might have been kept elsewhere until after the Sabbath; but because the tomb was near it appears to have been used temporarily, and the preparation of spices by the women shows that even that part of the burial was not, in their estimation, completed. This unfinished burial led the women back to the tomb early on the first day of the week, and thus brought to the disciples the glad news of the resurrection without any needless delay." -Fourfold
"But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water."
-John 19:34
"It has been argued very plausibly that this was a natural phenomenon, the result of a rupture of the heart which, it is assumed, was the immediate cause of death, and which was followed by an effusion of blood into the pericardium. This blood, separated into its thicker and more liquid parts, flowed forth when the pericardium was pierced by the spear. I think, however, with Meyer, that John evidently intends to describe the incident as something entirely unexpected and marvelous, and that this explanation better suits the solemn asseveration of Joh_19:35. That the fact had a symbolic meaning to the Evangelist is evident from 1Jn_5:6." -Vincent's Word Studies
Interesting angle from Vincent's Word Studies:
"It is a significant fact that, reckoning the aggregate space occupied by the four Gospels, nearly one-sixth of the whole amount is occupied with the account of the twenty-four hours beginning with the last supper and ending with the burial of Jesus. There is no day in all Bible history narrated with the fulness of that day. If we possessed the whole life of Christ, written with the same detail, the record would occupy one hundred and eighty volumes as large as the whole Bible."
Tuesday, July 9, 2019
Section 133 C, The crucifixion and death of Christ
Section 133
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision C
DARKNESS THREE HOURS
AFTER FOUR MORE SAYINGS, JESUS EXPIRES. STRANGE EVENTS ATTENDING HIS DEATH. MATT. 27:45-56
MARK 15:33-41
LUKE 23:44-49
JOHN 19:28-30
My summary: Jesus is crucified. He's taunted by those around him and several women sit in the distance watching. He's offered wine but refuses. Significantly, he "offers up his spirit" upon his death. Multiple signs occur at this point: the veil in the temple is split, tombs crack open and spirits arise (then or after his resurrection), earthquakes rock the land, and there is darkness during the day.
Lots of thoughts and commentary from others:
http://www.artway.eu/content.php?id=767&lang=en&action=show
"Climactically Mark recorded five phenomena that accompanied Jesus’ death: (a) darkness (Mar_15:33), (b) Jesus’ cry, “My God…” (Mar_15:34), (c) Jesus’ loud cry (Mar_15:37), (d) the temple curtain torn from top to bottom (Mar_15:38), and (e) the Roman centurion’s confession (Mar_15:39)." -BKC
"Some Jewish bystanders apparently misunderstood or more likely, as a mockery, deliberately misinterpreted Jesus’ cry as a call to Elijah. Popular Jewish belief held that Elijah came in times of distress to deliver righteous sufferers."-BKC
"Those who give the vinegar and those who stand by, unite in saying "Let be." This phrase has no reference to the vinegar; it is a general expression, meaning, "Let us do nothing to prevent him from calling upon Elijah, or to prevent Elijah from coming." -Fourfold
"Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last." -Luke 23:46
"Jesus’ loud cry (Luk_23:46) before He breathed His last indicated that He did not die the ordinary death of one who was crucified (cf. Mar_15:39). Normally such a person suffered extreme exhaustion for a long period (often two or three days) and then lapsed into a coma before dying. But Jesus was fully conscious to the end; His death came voluntarily and suddenly. This accounts for Pilate’s surprise (cf. Mar_15:44).-BKC
"Second, Luke noted that Jesus’ death occurred because He willed it. Breathing His last (Luk_23:46), He voluntarily gave up His life (Joh_10:15, Joh_10:17-18)." - BKC
"John recorded the fifth saying, I am thirsty. The wording in Joh_19:28 indicated that Jesus was fully
conscious and was aware of fulfilling the details of prophecies (Psa_42:1-2; Psa_63:1). The paradox of the One who is the Water of life (Joh_4:14; Joh_7:38-39) dying in thirst is striking." -BKC
"The sixth word or saying that Jesus spoke from the cross was the single Greek work tetelestai which means It is finished. Papyri receipts for taxes have been recovered with the word tetelestai written across them, meaning “paid in full.” This word on Jesus’ lips was significant." -BKC
"The Roman officer probably did not use the phrase “the Son of God” in its distinctive Christian sense, as a reference to Jesus’ deity (cf. Luk_23:47). Because of his pagan background he probably viewed Jesus as an extraordinary “divine man” much like the Roman emperor who was acclaimed “son of God” (cf. comments on Mar_12:16). Consequently some interpreters translate the phrase with an indefinite article, “a son of God” (NIV marg.). However, Mark regarded the declaration in its distinctive Christian sense; the centurion unwittingly said more than he knew." -BKC
"A third event mentioned was recorded only by Matthew. The tombs of many holy (righteous) people (Mat_27:52) were opened, probably at a Jerusalem cemetery. The NIV suggests that these saints were resurrected when Jesus died and then went into Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection. A number of commentators agree with this view. Many others, however, say that since Christ is the firstfruits of the dead (1Co_15:23), their resurrection did not occur till He was raised. In this view, the phrase “after Jesus’ resurrection” goes with the words were raised to life and came out of the tombs. This is possible in the Greek, and is suggested in the KJV and the NASB. The tombs, then, broke open at Christ’s death, probably by the earthquake, thus heralding Christ’s triumph in death over sin, but the bodies were not raised till Christ was raised." -BKC
The Fourfold Gospel agrees with the perspective that their resurrection was after Christ's:
"The earthquake, the rending of the rocks, and the consequent opening of the graves, occurred at the moment Jesus died, while the resurrection and visible appearance in the city of the bodies the saints occurred "after his resurrection," for Jesus himself was the "first-born from the dead" (Col. 1:18). Matthew chooses to mention the last event here because of its association with the rending of [731] the rocks, which opened the rock-hewn sepulchres in which the saints had slept." -Fourfold
"These people returned to Jerusalem, (the Holy City) where they were recognized by friends and family. Like Lazarus (Joh_11:43-44), Jairus’ daughter (Luk_8:52-56), and the widow of Nain’s son (Luk_7:13-15), they too passed through physical death again. Or some say they may have been raised with glorified bodies like the Lord’s. Walvoord suggests this event was “a fulfillment of the Feast of the Firstfruits of harvest mentioned in Lev_23:10-14. On that occasion, as a token of the coming harvest, the people would bring a handful of grain to the priest. The resurrection of these saints, occurring after Jesus Himself was raised, is a token of the coming harvest when all the saints will be raised” (Walvoord, Matthew: Thy Kingdom Come, p. 236). -BKC
"And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts."
"The people who had acted under the influence of the priests now yielded to superior influences and began to experience that change of sentiment which led so many to repent and confess Christ at Pentecost." -Fourfold
"There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee." Matthew 27:55-56
"The women, being unable to bear arms in an insurrection, had little to fear. They were not likely to be complicated in the charges against Jesus. But the men were conspicuously absent. They appear to have stood quite close to the cross at one time just before the darkness." -Fourfold
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision C
DARKNESS THREE HOURS
AFTER FOUR MORE SAYINGS, JESUS EXPIRES. STRANGE EVENTS ATTENDING HIS DEATH. MATT. 27:45-56
MARK 15:33-41
LUKE 23:44-49
JOHN 19:28-30
My summary: Jesus is crucified. He's taunted by those around him and several women sit in the distance watching. He's offered wine but refuses. Significantly, he "offers up his spirit" upon his death. Multiple signs occur at this point: the veil in the temple is split, tombs crack open and spirits arise (then or after his resurrection), earthquakes rock the land, and there is darkness during the day.
Lots of thoughts and commentary from others:
http://www.artway.eu/content.php?id=767&lang=en&action=show
"Climactically Mark recorded five phenomena that accompanied Jesus’ death: (a) darkness (Mar_15:33), (b) Jesus’ cry, “My God…” (Mar_15:34), (c) Jesus’ loud cry (Mar_15:37), (d) the temple curtain torn from top to bottom (Mar_15:38), and (e) the Roman centurion’s confession (Mar_15:39)." -BKC
"Some Jewish bystanders apparently misunderstood or more likely, as a mockery, deliberately misinterpreted Jesus’ cry as a call to Elijah. Popular Jewish belief held that Elijah came in times of distress to deliver righteous sufferers."-BKC
"Those who give the vinegar and those who stand by, unite in saying "Let be." This phrase has no reference to the vinegar; it is a general expression, meaning, "Let us do nothing to prevent him from calling upon Elijah, or to prevent Elijah from coming." -Fourfold
 |
| The Isenheim Altarpiece, Matthias Grunewald |
"Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last." -Luke 23:46
"Jesus’ loud cry (Luk_23:46) before He breathed His last indicated that He did not die the ordinary death of one who was crucified (cf. Mar_15:39). Normally such a person suffered extreme exhaustion for a long period (often two or three days) and then lapsed into a coma before dying. But Jesus was fully conscious to the end; His death came voluntarily and suddenly. This accounts for Pilate’s surprise (cf. Mar_15:44).-BKC
"Second, Luke noted that Jesus’ death occurred because He willed it. Breathing His last (Luk_23:46), He voluntarily gave up His life (Joh_10:15, Joh_10:17-18)." - BKC
"John recorded the fifth saying, I am thirsty. The wording in Joh_19:28 indicated that Jesus was fully
conscious and was aware of fulfilling the details of prophecies (Psa_42:1-2; Psa_63:1). The paradox of the One who is the Water of life (Joh_4:14; Joh_7:38-39) dying in thirst is striking." -BKC
"The sixth word or saying that Jesus spoke from the cross was the single Greek work tetelestai which means It is finished. Papyri receipts for taxes have been recovered with the word tetelestai written across them, meaning “paid in full.” This word on Jesus’ lips was significant." -BKC
"The Roman officer probably did not use the phrase “the Son of God” in its distinctive Christian sense, as a reference to Jesus’ deity (cf. Luk_23:47). Because of his pagan background he probably viewed Jesus as an extraordinary “divine man” much like the Roman emperor who was acclaimed “son of God” (cf. comments on Mar_12:16). Consequently some interpreters translate the phrase with an indefinite article, “a son of God” (NIV marg.). However, Mark regarded the declaration in its distinctive Christian sense; the centurion unwittingly said more than he knew." -BKC
"A third event mentioned was recorded only by Matthew. The tombs of many holy (righteous) people (Mat_27:52) were opened, probably at a Jerusalem cemetery. The NIV suggests that these saints were resurrected when Jesus died and then went into Jerusalem after Jesus’ resurrection. A number of commentators agree with this view. Many others, however, say that since Christ is the firstfruits of the dead (1Co_15:23), their resurrection did not occur till He was raised. In this view, the phrase “after Jesus’ resurrection” goes with the words were raised to life and came out of the tombs. This is possible in the Greek, and is suggested in the KJV and the NASB. The tombs, then, broke open at Christ’s death, probably by the earthquake, thus heralding Christ’s triumph in death over sin, but the bodies were not raised till Christ was raised." -BKC
The Fourfold Gospel agrees with the perspective that their resurrection was after Christ's:
"The earthquake, the rending of the rocks, and the consequent opening of the graves, occurred at the moment Jesus died, while the resurrection and visible appearance in the city of the bodies the saints occurred "after his resurrection," for Jesus himself was the "first-born from the dead" (Col. 1:18). Matthew chooses to mention the last event here because of its association with the rending of [731] the rocks, which opened the rock-hewn sepulchres in which the saints had slept." -Fourfold
"These people returned to Jerusalem, (the Holy City) where they were recognized by friends and family. Like Lazarus (Joh_11:43-44), Jairus’ daughter (Luk_8:52-56), and the widow of Nain’s son (Luk_7:13-15), they too passed through physical death again. Or some say they may have been raised with glorified bodies like the Lord’s. Walvoord suggests this event was “a fulfillment of the Feast of the Firstfruits of harvest mentioned in Lev_23:10-14. On that occasion, as a token of the coming harvest, the people would bring a handful of grain to the priest. The resurrection of these saints, occurring after Jesus Himself was raised, is a token of the coming harvest when all the saints will be raised” (Walvoord, Matthew: Thy Kingdom Come, p. 236). -BKC
"And all the multitudes that came together to this sight, when they beheld the things that were done, returned smiting their breasts."
"The people who had acted under the influence of the priests now yielded to superior influences and began to experience that change of sentiment which led so many to repent and confess Christ at Pentecost." -Fourfold
"There were also many women there, looking on from a distance, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him, among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of the sons of Zebedee." Matthew 27:55-56
"The women, being unable to bear arms in an insurrection, had little to fear. They were not likely to be complicated in the charges against Jesus. But the men were conspicuously absent. They appear to have stood quite close to the cross at one time just before the darkness." -Fourfold
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Section 133, A & B The Crucifixion
Section 133
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision A.
ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS
(Within and without Jerusalem. Friday morning.)
MATT. 27:31-34
MARK 15:20-23
LUKE 23:26-33
JOHN 19:17
"And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him."
"Only the women bewailed him. They were not Galilæans, but women of Jerusalem."-FF
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
"Some of these women, and the children of others, would survive till the terrible siege of Jerusalem and suffer in it. Jesus bore his own suffering in silence, but his pity for those upon whom these days of anguish would come caused him to speak."-FF
"And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, they gave {offered} him wine a to drink mingled with gall: {myrrh:} but when he had tasted it, he would not drink. (he received it not).
"This mixture of sour wine mingled with gall and myrrh was intended to dull the sense of pain of those being crucified or otherwise severely punished. The custom is said to have originated with the Jews and not with the Romans. Jesus declined it because it was the Father's will that he should suffer. He would not go upon the cross in a drugged, semiconscious condition."Fourfold
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision B.
JESUS CRUCIFIED AND REVILED. HIS THREE SAYINGS DURING FIRST THREE HOURS. (Friday morning from 9 o'clock till noon.)
MATT. 27:35-44
MARK 15:24-32
LUKE 23:33-43
JOHN 19:18-27
"Simon of Cyrene, a city in North Africa populated with many Jews, was forced… to carry the cross (actually the crossbeam) when Jesus could no longer carry it Himself, being weak from the beatings." -BKC
This makes much more sense to me---the vertical piece of the cross would have to be secured in the ground.
"And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
"Our Lord's prayer here reminds us of the word at Isa. 53:12. It accords with his own teachings (Matt. 5:44), and it was echoed by Stephen (Acts 7:59, 60). Peter and Paul both speak of the Jewish ignorance (Acts 3:17; I. Cor. 2:8). Ignorance mitigates, but does not excuse, crime."-Fourfold
"The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written."
"The rulers smarted under this title which Pilate had tauntingly written. They had insisted that Jesus' kingship was dangerous enough to justify his crucifixion; but now (if politically and temporally interpreted) they admit that his kingship was an idle claim, a mere matter of words." -Fourfold
Ironic--taken with Judas's regret and the leaders indifference, they point to the futility and folly that results from following the opinions of men:
"They promised to believe if he will come down from the cross, yet his being lifted upon the cross was the very act which would convince them--John 8:28." -Fourfold
"The word paradise is not Greek, but is of Asiatic origin. In Arabic and Persian it signifies a garden, a vineyard, and also the place of the blessed. In the Kushuf ul Loghat, a very celebrated Persian dictionary, the Jenet al Ferdoos, Garden of Paradise, is said to have been “created by God out of light, and that the prophets and wise men ascend thither.”-Adam Clarke
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision A.
ON THE WAY TO THE CROSS
(Within and without Jerusalem. Friday morning.)
MATT. 27:31-34
MARK 15:20-23
LUKE 23:26-33
JOHN 19:17
"And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him."
"Only the women bewailed him. They were not Galilæans, but women of Jerusalem."-FF
But Jesus turning unto them said, Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.
"Some of these women, and the children of others, would survive till the terrible siege of Jerusalem and suffer in it. Jesus bore his own suffering in silence, but his pity for those upon whom these days of anguish would come caused him to speak."-FF
"And when they came unto the place which is called The skull, they gave {offered} him wine a to drink mingled with gall: {myrrh:} but when he had tasted it, he would not drink. (he received it not).
"This mixture of sour wine mingled with gall and myrrh was intended to dull the sense of pain of those being crucified or otherwise severely punished. The custom is said to have originated with the Jews and not with the Romans. Jesus declined it because it was the Father's will that he should suffer. He would not go upon the cross in a drugged, semiconscious condition."Fourfold
THE CRUCIFIXION
Subdivision B.
JESUS CRUCIFIED AND REVILED. HIS THREE SAYINGS DURING FIRST THREE HOURS. (Friday morning from 9 o'clock till noon.)
MATT. 27:35-44
MARK 15:24-32
LUKE 23:33-43
JOHN 19:18-27
"Simon of Cyrene, a city in North Africa populated with many Jews, was forced… to carry the cross (actually the crossbeam) when Jesus could no longer carry it Himself, being weak from the beatings." -BKC
This makes much more sense to me---the vertical piece of the cross would have to be secured in the ground.
"And Jesus said, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."
"Our Lord's prayer here reminds us of the word at Isa. 53:12. It accords with his own teachings (Matt. 5:44), and it was echoed by Stephen (Acts 7:59, 60). Peter and Paul both speak of the Jewish ignorance (Acts 3:17; I. Cor. 2:8). Ignorance mitigates, but does not excuse, crime."-Fourfold
"The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews. Pilate answered, What I have written I have written."
"The rulers smarted under this title which Pilate had tauntingly written. They had insisted that Jesus' kingship was dangerous enough to justify his crucifixion; but now (if politically and temporally interpreted) they admit that his kingship was an idle claim, a mere matter of words." -Fourfold
Ironic--taken with Judas's regret and the leaders indifference, they point to the futility and folly that results from following the opinions of men:
"They promised to believe if he will come down from the cross, yet his being lifted upon the cross was the very act which would convince them--John 8:28." -Fourfold
"The word paradise is not Greek, but is of Asiatic origin. In Arabic and Persian it signifies a garden, a vineyard, and also the place of the blessed. In the Kushuf ul Loghat, a very celebrated Persian dictionary, the Jenet al Ferdoos, Garden of Paradise, is said to have been “created by God out of light, and that the prophets and wise men ascend thither.”-Adam Clarke
Section 132, The remorse and death of Judas
Section 132
REMORSE AND SUICIDE OF JUDAS
(In the temple and outside the wall of Jerusalem. Friday morning.)
MATT. 27:3-10
ACTS 1:18, 19
Summary--The dark tale of Judas. In the end, he was but a pawn of the priests and elders.
"Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind [repented] and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Matthew 27:3-4
metamellomai
met-am-el'-lom-ahee
From G3326 and the middle of G3199; to care afterwards, that is, regret: - repent (self).
"But mere sorrow avails nothing unless it leads to change of mind and life (metanoia), the sorrow according to God (2Co_7:9). This sorrow Peter had when he wept bitterly. It led Peter back to Christ. But Judas had only remorse that led to suicide."-RWP
"But the testimony of Judas, in the free, untechnical court of public opinion, is of vast weight and importance. It shows that one who had every opportunity of knowing Jesus, and who was sordid enough to betray him, was yet forced for conscience' sake to admit that there was no reason why he should have done so."-Fourfold Gospel
"And the chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood."
"The law of God made no provision as to the uses of blood money; it was the tradition of the elders which thus forbade to put it into the treasury. Theirs was a strange conscience indeed, which could take out the Lord's money (and, under the then existing Jewish theocratic government, all public money was the Lord's money) and spend it for blood, but when it was so spent they could not put it back!" -Fourfold
"The field of blood. Aceldama (Act_1:19), the Syriac name. It was so called (διοÌ) from the circumstances attending its purchase, which gave it an evil notoriety, and which the priests must have divulged. "This also," says Chrysostom, taking the blood to be that of Jesus, "became a witness against them, and a proof of their treason. For the name of the place more clearly than a trumpet proclaimed their blood guiltiness."-Pulpit Commentary
REMORSE AND SUICIDE OF JUDAS
(In the temple and outside the wall of Jerusalem. Friday morning.)
MATT. 27:3-10
ACTS 1:18, 19
Summary--The dark tale of Judas. In the end, he was but a pawn of the priests and elders.
"Then when Judas, his betrayer, saw that Jesus was condemned, he changed his mind [repented] and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders, saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood.” They said, “What is that to us? See to it yourself.” Matthew 27:3-4
metamellomai
met-am-el'-lom-ahee
From G3326 and the middle of G3199; to care afterwards, that is, regret: - repent (self).
"But mere sorrow avails nothing unless it leads to change of mind and life (metanoia), the sorrow according to God (2Co_7:9). This sorrow Peter had when he wept bitterly. It led Peter back to Christ. But Judas had only remorse that led to suicide."-RWP
"But the testimony of Judas, in the free, untechnical court of public opinion, is of vast weight and importance. It shows that one who had every opportunity of knowing Jesus, and who was sordid enough to betray him, was yet forced for conscience' sake to admit that there was no reason why he should have done so."-Fourfold Gospel
"And the chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood."
"The law of God made no provision as to the uses of blood money; it was the tradition of the elders which thus forbade to put it into the treasury. Theirs was a strange conscience indeed, which could take out the Lord's money (and, under the then existing Jewish theocratic government, all public money was the Lord's money) and spend it for blood, but when it was so spent they could not put it back!" -Fourfold
"The field of blood. Aceldama (Act_1:19), the Syriac name. It was so called (διοÌ) from the circumstances attending its purchase, which gave it an evil notoriety, and which the priests must have divulged. "This also," says Chrysostom, taking the blood to be that of Jesus, "became a witness against them, and a proof of their treason. For the name of the place more clearly than a trumpet proclaimed their blood guiltiness."-Pulpit Commentary
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Section 131--The People Choose to Condemn Jesus
Section 131
THIRD STAGE OF THE ROMAN TRIAL
PILATE RELUCTANTLY SENTENCES HIM TO CRUCIFIXION
(Friday. Toward sunrise)
MATT. 27:15-30
MARK 15:6-19
LUKE 23:13-25
JOHN 18:39-19:16
Pilate welcomed the demand as a possible escape from his difficulties.-Fourfold
"And the multitude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them."
"It was still early in the morning, and the vast majority of the city of Jerusalem did not know what was transpiring at Pilate's palace. But they came thither in throngs, demanding their annual gift of a prisoner. Pilate welcomed the demand as a possible escape from his difficulties." -FF
And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people.
"He did not wish to seem to take advantage of our Lord's accusers by releasing him during their absence. Possibly he knew of the triumphal entry the Sunday previous, and thought that the popularity of Jesus would be such that his release would be overwhelmingly demanded, and so called the rulers that they might see that he had released Jesus in answer to popular clamor. If he had such expectations, they were misplaced." -FF
For he knew {perceived} that for envy they the chief priests had delivered him up.
"Though Jesus had been declared innocent on the joint finding of himself and Herod, Pilate did not have the courage to deliberately release him. He sought to please the rulers by scourging him, and the multitude by delivering him to them as a popular favorite, and himself by an adroit escape from an unpleasant situation. But he pleased nobody." -FF
And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
This message of Pilate's wife suggests that the name and face of Jesus were not unknown to Pilate's household. Pilate would be much influenced by 226 such a message. The Romans generally were influenced by all presages, and Suetonius tells us that both Julius and Augustus Cæsar attached much importance to dreams.
Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold, the man!
"It was Pilate's original proposition to scourge Jesus and let him go (Luke 23:16)." -FF
"When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid"
The words of Jesus at John 28: 37 (see p. 707) and the message from his wife had already filled Pilate with fear, and this saying added to it because the Roman and Grecian mythologies told of many incarnations; and, influenced by the calm presence of Jesus, Pilate readily considered the possibility of such a thing. -FF
"Pilate condemned the innocent when brought before him, but the Sanhedrin searched out and arrested the innocent that they might enjoy condemning him."-FF
"Carried away by the strong emotions of the moment, the official organs of the Jewish theocracy proclaimed Cæsar to be their only king, thus yielding with Jesus their claims to independence and their hopes in a Messiah." -FF
"Had the Jewish rulers not been frenzied by hatred, the sight of Pilate washing his hands would have checked them." -FF
"But Pilate’s plan did not work. The chief priests incited the emotional crowd to pressure him into releasing Barabbas instead of Jesus. Apparently they knew that the Sanhedrin had already condemned Jesus (cf. Mar_14:64). Strangely, Pilate failed to consider that the crowd would never side with him against their own leaders (cf. Joh_19:6-7)." -BKC
"Since the crowd had rejected Pilate’s offer and requested the release of Barabbas, he inquired (“again” is in the Gr.) about what they wanted done with the One they called the King of the Jews. Pilate did not accept this title for Jesus but his question implied he was willing to release Jesus also if they wished. But without hesitation they shouted back, Crucify Him! The punishment that once awaited Barabbas was now thrust on Jesus." -BKC
"At the siege of Jerusalem they answer in part for the blood of Christ, but God alone determines the extent of their responsibility, and he alone can say when their punishment shall end. But we know that it ends for all when they repentantly seek his forgiveness." -FF
"In spite of Pilate’s four declarations of Jesus’ innocence (Luk_23:14, Luk_23:20, Luk_23:22; Joh_19:4), he fulfilled his commitment to the Jews by releasing Barabbas and turning Jesus over for crucifixion after He had been flogged." -BKC
(Mar_15:16-20; Joh_19:1-5) Jesus was brought into the Praetorium, the common meeting courtyard crowded with Roman soldiers. The Praetorium may have been at Pilate’s residence, the Castle of Antonia, though others suggest Herod’s palace. The Praetorium was a large area, for 600 soldiers were there (“company of soldiers” is lit., “cohort,” one-tenth of a legion). -BKC
THIRD STAGE OF THE ROMAN TRIAL
PILATE RELUCTANTLY SENTENCES HIM TO CRUCIFIXION
(Friday. Toward sunrise)
MATT. 27:15-30
MARK 15:6-19
LUKE 23:13-25
JOHN 18:39-19:16
Pilate welcomed the demand as a possible escape from his difficulties.-Fourfold
"And the multitude went up and began to ask him to do as he was wont to do unto them."
"It was still early in the morning, and the vast majority of the city of Jerusalem did not know what was transpiring at Pilate's palace. But they came thither in throngs, demanding their annual gift of a prisoner. Pilate welcomed the demand as a possible escape from his difficulties." -FF
And Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people.
"He did not wish to seem to take advantage of our Lord's accusers by releasing him during their absence. Possibly he knew of the triumphal entry the Sunday previous, and thought that the popularity of Jesus would be such that his release would be overwhelmingly demanded, and so called the rulers that they might see that he had released Jesus in answer to popular clamor. If he had such expectations, they were misplaced." -FF
For he knew {perceived} that for envy they the chief priests had delivered him up.
"Though Jesus had been declared innocent on the joint finding of himself and Herod, Pilate did not have the courage to deliberately release him. He sought to please the rulers by scourging him, and the multitude by delivering him to them as a popular favorite, and himself by an adroit escape from an unpleasant situation. But he pleased nobody." -FF
And while he was sitting on the judgment-seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that righteous man; for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.
This message of Pilate's wife suggests that the name and face of Jesus were not unknown to Pilate's household. Pilate would be much influenced by 226 such a message. The Romans generally were influenced by all presages, and Suetonius tells us that both Julius and Augustus Cæsar attached much importance to dreams.
Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold, the man!
"It was Pilate's original proposition to scourge Jesus and let him go (Luke 23:16)." -FF
"When Pilate therefore heard this saying, he was the more afraid"
The words of Jesus at John 28: 37 (see p. 707) and the message from his wife had already filled Pilate with fear, and this saying added to it because the Roman and Grecian mythologies told of many incarnations; and, influenced by the calm presence of Jesus, Pilate readily considered the possibility of such a thing. -FF
"Pilate condemned the innocent when brought before him, but the Sanhedrin searched out and arrested the innocent that they might enjoy condemning him."-FF
"Carried away by the strong emotions of the moment, the official organs of the Jewish theocracy proclaimed Cæsar to be their only king, thus yielding with Jesus their claims to independence and their hopes in a Messiah." -FF
"Had the Jewish rulers not been frenzied by hatred, the sight of Pilate washing his hands would have checked them." -FF
"But Pilate’s plan did not work. The chief priests incited the emotional crowd to pressure him into releasing Barabbas instead of Jesus. Apparently they knew that the Sanhedrin had already condemned Jesus (cf. Mar_14:64). Strangely, Pilate failed to consider that the crowd would never side with him against their own leaders (cf. Joh_19:6-7)." -BKC
"Since the crowd had rejected Pilate’s offer and requested the release of Barabbas, he inquired (“again” is in the Gr.) about what they wanted done with the One they called the King of the Jews. Pilate did not accept this title for Jesus but his question implied he was willing to release Jesus also if they wished. But without hesitation they shouted back, Crucify Him! The punishment that once awaited Barabbas was now thrust on Jesus." -BKC
"At the siege of Jerusalem they answer in part for the blood of Christ, but God alone determines the extent of their responsibility, and he alone can say when their punishment shall end. But we know that it ends for all when they repentantly seek his forgiveness." -FF
"In spite of Pilate’s four declarations of Jesus’ innocence (Luk_23:14, Luk_23:20, Luk_23:22; Joh_19:4), he fulfilled his commitment to the Jews by releasing Barabbas and turning Jesus over for crucifixion after He had been flogged." -BKC
(Mar_15:16-20; Joh_19:1-5) Jesus was brought into the Praetorium, the common meeting courtyard crowded with Roman soldiers. The Praetorium may have been at Pilate’s residence, the Castle of Antonia, though others suggest Herod’s palace. The Praetorium was a large area, for 600 soldiers were there (“company of soldiers” is lit., “cohort,” one-tenth of a legion). -BKC
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