Hebrew: yohm hash-shabbath', from verb sha.vath', to rest, desist from exertion; Greek: he he.me'ra tou sab.ba'tou, the day of complete cessation, making to cease.
The observance begins in the wilderness in the second month after their exodus from Egypt. God had told Moses that the miraculous provision of the manna would be double on the sixth day. When this proved true, the chieftains of the assembly reported the matter to Moses and then the arrangement for the weekly sabbath was announced. (Ex. 16: 22, 23). That Israel was obligated from that time forward is shown by God's words at Exodus 16: 28, 29.
The sabbath was celebrated as a sacred day (Deut. 5:12), a day of rest and rejoicing for all : Israelites, servants, alien residents and animals. They ceased from all labors. (Isa. 58; Hos. 2; Ex.20; 34; Deut. 5; Jer. 17). A special Burnt Offering, along with grain and drink offerings, was made, in addition to the regular daily "constant burnt offering." (Num. 28). The showbread was renewed in the sanctuary and a new division of priests took up their duties. (Lev.24: 1Chron. 9; 2Chron.23).
The desisting from all labor and observing other God-given sabbath requirements, provided opportunity for the individual to demonstrate his faith and obedience. It was occupied in taking in knowledge of God and attending to spiritual needs. The Levites, that were scattered throughout the land, took the sabbath to teach the law to the people of Israel. (Deut. 33; Lev. 10). Its violation was regarded as rebellion against God and was punished by death. (Ex. 31; Num. 15). Their observing in a whole-hearted way was a vital factor to their continued existence as a nation on their God-given land.
As an example of what happens when this observance was violated we see the land of Judah. Their failure to honor the sabbath laws contributed largely to their downfall and the desolation of the land for 70 years to make up for it. (Lev.26; 2Chron. 36).
The sabbath originally intended to be a joyous and spiritually upbuilding time. But in their zeal to distinguish themselves from the non Jews as much as possible, the Jews religious leaders after the return from Babylonian exile and gradually made it a burdensome thing by greatly increasing the sabbath restrictions.
JESUS, being a Jew under the Law, observed the sabbath as God's Word (not the Pharisees) directed.
The apostle Paul shows in Hebrews 3 and 4, that God's own rest, referred to at Genesis 2 and Psalm 95, is one of unbroken continuity into which the ones in the wilderness could not enter because of lack of faith and disobedience. (Heb. 3; Num.14). Paul continues, a sabbath remains "for the people of God" (Heb.4) who are obedient and exercise faith in Christ, thereby enjoying the real sabbath-rest from their own selfish works or works of self-justification. (Compare Rom.9; 10; Heb. 6; 9). Men were entering into God's sabbath in Paul's day and the opportunity remains open until now.
Monday, 29 June 2015
The GOSPEL according to LUKE, what it means?
The Gospel according to Luke presents JESUS as both the promised Saviour of Israel and as the Saviour of all mankind.
Luke records that JESUS was called by the Spirit of the Lord to "preach the Good News to the poor," and this Gospel is filled with a concern for people with all kinds of spiritual need.
True joy is a quality of the heart and can affect the whole body for good. This emotion of joy, excited by the acquisition or expectation of good, or a state of happiness or, and exultation, is prominent in the Gospel according to Luke, especially in the opening chapters that announce the coming of JESUS, and again at the conclusion, when JESUS ascend to heaven.
Luke emphasizes in the Gospel that the true joy comes through the Good News to all who wants to enjoy salvation. His teachings to the believers were to enjoy the meaning of the seasonal festivals that God arranged for them, to rejoice their life in the true worship for God. They were to speak out about God joyfully. If they did not serve with joy of heart, then, something was wrong with their hearts and the appreciation of God's loving-kindness and goodness was replaced by the love of material things that were short-lived.
The Good News that Luke proclaimed was announced by God's angel as "good news of a great joy that all the people will have." (Luke 2:10).
JESUS spoke of some who would hear the truth and receive it with joy, but without getting the real sense of it. Such false joy do let that the implanted WORD in their hearts grow, and as a consequence soon lose that sentiment when they are being stumbled when tribulation or persecution comes from, for reason of the WORD. Wickedness, sickness and death will prevent those individuals from full and undiminished joy. When true joy exists, then, sorrow is removed and the true heart is filled with hope.
The story of growth and spread of the Christian faith after the ascension of JESUS is also told by Luke in the Book of Acts.
The Gospel of Luke contains so much material that is only found in this account. The Book tells us the events of JESUS' early ministry. It presents an accurate record in logical order, verifying the certainty of it (what Theophilus had been taught orally). (Luke 1: 3,4). The account has unique stories such as the one about the song of the angels, another mentioned the shepherd's visit at the birth of JESUS, the account about JESUS in the temple as a boy, and the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Lost Son.
Great emphasis is placed on prayer, the Holy Spirit, the role of women in the ministry of JESUS, and God's forgiveness of sins, throughout the Gospel.
Luke records that JESUS was called by the Spirit of the Lord to "preach the Good News to the poor," and this Gospel is filled with a concern for people with all kinds of spiritual need.
True joy is a quality of the heart and can affect the whole body for good. This emotion of joy, excited by the acquisition or expectation of good, or a state of happiness or, and exultation, is prominent in the Gospel according to Luke, especially in the opening chapters that announce the coming of JESUS, and again at the conclusion, when JESUS ascend to heaven.
Luke emphasizes in the Gospel that the true joy comes through the Good News to all who wants to enjoy salvation. His teachings to the believers were to enjoy the meaning of the seasonal festivals that God arranged for them, to rejoice their life in the true worship for God. They were to speak out about God joyfully. If they did not serve with joy of heart, then, something was wrong with their hearts and the appreciation of God's loving-kindness and goodness was replaced by the love of material things that were short-lived.
The Good News that Luke proclaimed was announced by God's angel as "good news of a great joy that all the people will have." (Luke 2:10).
JESUS spoke of some who would hear the truth and receive it with joy, but without getting the real sense of it. Such false joy do let that the implanted WORD in their hearts grow, and as a consequence soon lose that sentiment when they are being stumbled when tribulation or persecution comes from, for reason of the WORD. Wickedness, sickness and death will prevent those individuals from full and undiminished joy. When true joy exists, then, sorrow is removed and the true heart is filled with hope.
The story of growth and spread of the Christian faith after the ascension of JESUS is also told by Luke in the Book of Acts.
The Gospel of Luke contains so much material that is only found in this account. The Book tells us the events of JESUS' early ministry. It presents an accurate record in logical order, verifying the certainty of it (what Theophilus had been taught orally). (Luke 1: 3,4). The account has unique stories such as the one about the song of the angels, another mentioned the shepherd's visit at the birth of JESUS, the account about JESUS in the temple as a boy, and the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Lost Son.
Great emphasis is placed on prayer, the Holy Spirit, the role of women in the ministry of JESUS, and God's forgiveness of sins, throughout the Gospel.
LUKE, one of the chosen ones.
A physician and faithful companion of the apostle Paul. The name appears three times in the New Testament. (Col.4:14; 2 Tim.4:11; Phlm.24). Traditionally identified as the author of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
Luke did not speak of himself as an eyewitness of the events in the life of Christ that are recorded in his Gospel account. (Luke 1:2). He became a believer sometime after the Festival of Harvest (Ex.23:16) or Festival of Weeks (Ex.34:22), or called also "the day of the first ripe fruits." (Num.28:26). Pentecost was a later name used to denote the Festival.
The Festival of Pentecost came at the end of the early harvest of the year. The Israelites were not allowed to begin harvest until the first fruits of the barley had been presented to God on the month of Nissan, the second week of the month. Every male was required to attend, and, in connection with this Festival, it is also stated: "You must rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter and your man salve and your slave girl and the Levite who is inside your gates and the alien resident and the fatherless boy and the widow, who are in your midst, in the place that the Lord your God will choose to have his name reside there." (Deut.16:11).
The first fruits of the wheat harvest were to be treated differently from the barley first fruits. Two-tenths of an ephah of fine wheat flour (1/8 bushel; 4.4 liters) was to be baked into two loaves along with leaven. They were to be "out of your dwelling places," which meant that the service of those chosen from the wheat harvest were to be on daily basis and not expressly for holy purposes. (Lev. 23:17).
By way of characterizing Luke, 2 Tim. 4:11 highlights Luke's faithfulness in comparison with some who are said to have deserted Paul. In Phlm. 24 Like is identified as a "fellow worker," not simply one of Paul's "traveling companions" or "assistants," but a person of comparable stature, a "missionary colleague." Col.4:14 refers to Luke as "beloved physician." Apparently, his knowledge and skills as a healer had won his respect, placing him in the company of those physicians known in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, who enjoyed high status as students of medicine and philosophy.
In the Book of Acts, Luke is referred to in an indirect way by the use of the pronouns "we" and "us."
(Acts 16; 20; 27). He was with Paul at Troas on the apostle's second missionary tour and accompanied him from there to Philippi, where he remained until Paul's return on his third missionary journey.
Luke accompanied Paul to Palestine at the end of that missionary tour (Acts 21) and, while the apostle was imprisoned for about two years at Caesarea, Luke wrote his Gospel account there.
He accompanied Paul on his trip to Rome for trial (Acts 27; 28), completing the Book of Acts in Rome.
Luke joined Paul in sending greetings to Christians at Colossae when Paul wrote to them from Rome and the apostle identified him as "the beloved physician." (Col. 4:14).
In writing to Philemon from Rome, Paul include greetings from Luke, referring to him as one of his "fellow workers." (Philem. 24). Luke stuck close to Paul and was with him shortly before the apostle's martyrdom is evident from Paul's remark, "Luke alone is with me." (2 Tim 4:11).
Luke did not speak of himself as an eyewitness of the events in the life of Christ that are recorded in his Gospel account. (Luke 1:2). He became a believer sometime after the Festival of Harvest (Ex.23:16) or Festival of Weeks (Ex.34:22), or called also "the day of the first ripe fruits." (Num.28:26). Pentecost was a later name used to denote the Festival.
The Festival of Pentecost came at the end of the early harvest of the year. The Israelites were not allowed to begin harvest until the first fruits of the barley had been presented to God on the month of Nissan, the second week of the month. Every male was required to attend, and, in connection with this Festival, it is also stated: "You must rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter and your man salve and your slave girl and the Levite who is inside your gates and the alien resident and the fatherless boy and the widow, who are in your midst, in the place that the Lord your God will choose to have his name reside there." (Deut.16:11).
The first fruits of the wheat harvest were to be treated differently from the barley first fruits. Two-tenths of an ephah of fine wheat flour (1/8 bushel; 4.4 liters) was to be baked into two loaves along with leaven. They were to be "out of your dwelling places," which meant that the service of those chosen from the wheat harvest were to be on daily basis and not expressly for holy purposes. (Lev. 23:17).
By way of characterizing Luke, 2 Tim. 4:11 highlights Luke's faithfulness in comparison with some who are said to have deserted Paul. In Phlm. 24 Like is identified as a "fellow worker," not simply one of Paul's "traveling companions" or "assistants," but a person of comparable stature, a "missionary colleague." Col.4:14 refers to Luke as "beloved physician." Apparently, his knowledge and skills as a healer had won his respect, placing him in the company of those physicians known in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, who enjoyed high status as students of medicine and philosophy.
In the Book of Acts, Luke is referred to in an indirect way by the use of the pronouns "we" and "us."
(Acts 16; 20; 27). He was with Paul at Troas on the apostle's second missionary tour and accompanied him from there to Philippi, where he remained until Paul's return on his third missionary journey.
Luke accompanied Paul to Palestine at the end of that missionary tour (Acts 21) and, while the apostle was imprisoned for about two years at Caesarea, Luke wrote his Gospel account there.
He accompanied Paul on his trip to Rome for trial (Acts 27; 28), completing the Book of Acts in Rome.
Luke joined Paul in sending greetings to Christians at Colossae when Paul wrote to them from Rome and the apostle identified him as "the beloved physician." (Col. 4:14).
In writing to Philemon from Rome, Paul include greetings from Luke, referring to him as one of his "fellow workers." (Philem. 24). Luke stuck close to Paul and was with him shortly before the apostle's martyrdom is evident from Paul's remark, "Luke alone is with me." (2 Tim 4:11).
Friday, 19 June 2015
THE STRANGE CITY OF RABBAH
Rabbah (Rab'bah) [great], was a capital city of the ancient kingdom of Ammon. It was situated close to the East region of the Jordan River, on the North bank of a tributary of the upper Jabbok River, and was thus in position to benefit from the rich fertility of the region. Also it was an important link in the trade route between Damascus and Arabia.
Ammon (Am'mon) [relative; kinsman] was Lot's son by his younger daughter and the progenitor of the Ammonites. (Gen.19). He was conceived when they were residing in a cave in a mountainous region.
The name given to Ammon by his mother was Ben-am'mi, meaning literally, "son of my people," that is, "son of my relatives" and not foreigners like the Sodomites.
"Ammon" is also used at Psalm 83:7 to refer to the nation of his descendants, thereby understood as "sons of my kinsman," recalling to the Israelites the relationship existing between them. This evidence God took into account by his direction to the Israelites not to molest Ammon nor to engage in strife with them since they were sons of Lot, Abraham's nephew. (Deut. 2).
Rabbah (Rab.bath' beneh' 'Am.mohn') is the only city of the Ammonite kingdom that is named in the Biblical record.
Rabbah was one of the cities given to the tribe of Judah in its territorial allotment. Its exact location is unknown. In Joshua 15 it is listed with KIRIATH-JEARIM, which was in the hill country of Judah.
"Rabbah of the sons of Ammon" is first mentioned in the Bible as being the location of the Iron Bier of OG king of Bashan. (Deut.3). The city is mentioned again in connection with the War resulting from the abuse of David's messengers by king Hanun of Ammon. (2Sam.10; 1Chron.19). It was during this campaign that David in Jerusalem sinned with Bath-sheba. In time David's army captured the city that was known at that specific point as "the city of the waters." (2Sam.12). Joab, the army's chief, ravaged the country of the Ammonites, and came and besieged Rabbah. David remained at Jerusalem. Joab, then smote Rabbah, and overthrew it. Joab did not want to take the credit for the ramsake and went to David and informed the king of the situation so that the king would come and complete the conquest and thus get credit for capturing Rabbah, but Joab did not mention his way of taking it.
"And David took the crown of their king from his head; he found that it weighed a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone; and it was placed on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city, a very great amount. And he brought forth the people who were in it, and set them to labour with saws and iron picks and axes; and thus Davis did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then Davis and all the people returned to jerusalem." 1 Chron. 19: 2-3.
"Satan stood up against Israel, and incited David to number Israel... from Beer-sheba to Dan. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the the sword.
But Jo'ab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king's command was abhorrent to Jo'ab. But God was displeased with this thing, and he smote Israel. And David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, I pray thee, take away the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly." And the Lord spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, "Go and say to David, ... Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you... either three years of famine; or three months of devastation by your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you; or else three days of the sword of the Lord, pestilence upon the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel".... Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress; let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but let me not fall into the hand of man." So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel; and there fell 70,000 men of Israel. And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but when he was about to destroy it, the Lord saw, and he repented of the evil; and he said to the destroying angel, "It is enough; now stay your hand." And the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jeb'usite. And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said to God, "Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray you, O Lord my God, be against me and against my father's house; but let not the plague be upon your people."Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and rear an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jeb'usite. So David went up at Gad's word which he had spoken in the name of the Lord. Now Ornan was threshing wheat; he turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went forth from the threshing floor, and did obeisance to David with his face to the ground. And David said to Ornan,"Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the Lord -give it to me at its full price- that the plague may be averted from the people." Then Ornan said to David, "Take it; and let my lord the king do what seems good to him; see, I give the oxen for Burnt Offerings, and the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for a cereal offering, I give it all." But King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will buy it for the full price; I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer Burnt Offerings which cost me nothing." So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings, and called upon the Lord, and he answered him with FIRE FROM HEAVEN upon the altar of Burnt Offering. Then the Lord commanded the angel; and he put his sword back into its sheath. 1 Chronicles 21.
Eventually the Ammonites became independent again. In the 9th century, Amos foretold judgment against the Ammonites and he specifically mentioned that Rabbah would be burned. (Amos1). Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel also delivered messages against Rabbah. The prophecies were fulfilled in the time of Nebuchadnezzar. (Jer.49; Ezek.21; 25). In the 3rd century BCE Ptolemy Philadelphus rebuilt Rabbah and renamed the city Philadelphia. It was later included among the cities of the Decapolis.
Ammon (Am'mon) [relative; kinsman] was Lot's son by his younger daughter and the progenitor of the Ammonites. (Gen.19). He was conceived when they were residing in a cave in a mountainous region.
The name given to Ammon by his mother was Ben-am'mi, meaning literally, "son of my people," that is, "son of my relatives" and not foreigners like the Sodomites.
"Ammon" is also used at Psalm 83:7 to refer to the nation of his descendants, thereby understood as "sons of my kinsman," recalling to the Israelites the relationship existing between them. This evidence God took into account by his direction to the Israelites not to molest Ammon nor to engage in strife with them since they were sons of Lot, Abraham's nephew. (Deut. 2).
Rabbah (Rab.bath' beneh' 'Am.mohn') is the only city of the Ammonite kingdom that is named in the Biblical record.
Rabbah was one of the cities given to the tribe of Judah in its territorial allotment. Its exact location is unknown. In Joshua 15 it is listed with KIRIATH-JEARIM, which was in the hill country of Judah.
"Rabbah of the sons of Ammon" is first mentioned in the Bible as being the location of the Iron Bier of OG king of Bashan. (Deut.3). The city is mentioned again in connection with the War resulting from the abuse of David's messengers by king Hanun of Ammon. (2Sam.10; 1Chron.19). It was during this campaign that David in Jerusalem sinned with Bath-sheba. In time David's army captured the city that was known at that specific point as "the city of the waters." (2Sam.12). Joab, the army's chief, ravaged the country of the Ammonites, and came and besieged Rabbah. David remained at Jerusalem. Joab, then smote Rabbah, and overthrew it. Joab did not want to take the credit for the ramsake and went to David and informed the king of the situation so that the king would come and complete the conquest and thus get credit for capturing Rabbah, but Joab did not mention his way of taking it.
"And David took the crown of their king from his head; he found that it weighed a talent of gold, and in it was a precious stone; and it was placed on David's head. And he brought forth the spoil of the city, a very great amount. And he brought forth the people who were in it, and set them to labour with saws and iron picks and axes; and thus Davis did to all the cities of the Ammonites. Then Davis and all the people returned to jerusalem." 1 Chron. 19: 2-3.
"Satan stood up against Israel, and incited David to number Israel... from Beer-sheba to Dan. In all Israel there were 1,100,000 men who drew the sword, and in Judah 470,000 who drew the the sword.
But Jo'ab did not include Levi and Benjamin in the numbering, for the king's command was abhorrent to Jo'ab. But God was displeased with this thing, and he smote Israel. And David said to God, "I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing. But now, I pray thee, take away the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly." And the Lord spoke to Gad, David's seer, saying, "Go and say to David, ... Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you... either three years of famine; or three months of devastation by your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you; or else three days of the sword of the Lord, pestilence upon the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel".... Then David said to Gad, "I am in great distress; let me fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is very great; but let me not fall into the hand of man." So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel; and there fell 70,000 men of Israel. And God sent the angel to Jerusalem to destroy it; but when he was about to destroy it, the Lord saw, and he repented of the evil; and he said to the destroying angel, "It is enough; now stay your hand." And the angel of the Lord was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jeb'usite. And David lifted his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord standing between earth and heaven, and in his hand a drawn sword stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces. And David said to God, "Was it not I who gave command to number the people? It is I who have sinned and done very wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray you, O Lord my God, be against me and against my father's house; but let not the plague be upon your people."Then the angel of the Lord commanded Gad to say to David that David should go up and rear an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Ornan the Jeb'usite. So David went up at Gad's word which he had spoken in the name of the Lord. Now Ornan was threshing wheat; he turned and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. As David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went forth from the threshing floor, and did obeisance to David with his face to the ground. And David said to Ornan,"Give me the site of the threshing floor that I may build on it an altar to the Lord -give it to me at its full price- that the plague may be averted from the people." Then Ornan said to David, "Take it; and let my lord the king do what seems good to him; see, I give the oxen for Burnt Offerings, and the threshing sledges for the wood, and the wheat for a cereal offering, I give it all." But King David said to Ornan, "No, but I will buy it for the full price; I will not take for the Lord what is yours, nor offer Burnt Offerings which cost me nothing." So David paid Ornan 600 shekels of gold by weight for the site. And David built there an altar to the Lord and presented Burnt Offerings and Peace Offerings, and called upon the Lord, and he answered him with FIRE FROM HEAVEN upon the altar of Burnt Offering. Then the Lord commanded the angel; and he put his sword back into its sheath. 1 Chronicles 21.
Eventually the Ammonites became independent again. In the 9th century, Amos foretold judgment against the Ammonites and he specifically mentioned that Rabbah would be burned. (Amos1). Both Jeremiah and Ezekiel also delivered messages against Rabbah. The prophecies were fulfilled in the time of Nebuchadnezzar. (Jer.49; Ezek.21; 25). In the 3rd century BCE Ptolemy Philadelphus rebuilt Rabbah and renamed the city Philadelphia. It was later included among the cities of the Decapolis.
Thursday, 18 June 2015
WHO WERE THE ANAKIMS?
They were a race of giants of extraordinary size who inhabited the mountainous regions of Judah (the region of Negeb). The Negeb of ancient times embraced an area extending from the district of Beer-sheba in the North to Kadesh-barnea in the South. (Gen. 21; Num. 13; 32).
In the Northern section, occasional springs, wells and pools are found, and the tamarisk is one of the few trees that thrives there. (Gen 21). To the SouthWest of Beer-sheba lie two small areas and one relatively large area of sand dunes. Much of the Negeb is a plateau between 457 and 610 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level, with peaks up to 1,067 meters (3,500 feet) in elevation.
The prophet Isaiah described this region as a land of hard conditions, a haunt of lions, leopards and snakes. Isaiah 30.
Three prominent men of the gigantic race, Ahimah, Sheshai, and Talmai, resided at Hebron. (Num.13).
It was there that the 12 Hebrew spies first saw the giants, and 10 of the spies subsequently gave a frightening report of the experience alleging that these giants were descendants of the pre-Flood Nephilim and that, by comparison with them, the Hebrews were like "grasshoppers." (Deut. 1).
The Israelites sent by Moses entered the Promised Land from the Negeb.
Their great stature of the giants caused them to be used as a standard of comparison in describing even the giant-like men of the EMIM and the REPHAIM.
Their strength produced the proverbial saying: "Who can make a firm stand before the sons of Anak?" Deut. 2; Deut. 9.
ANAK (A'nak) [long-necked], is described as the progenitor of a tribe of giants who inhabited the earth long before the Flood. The tribe itself is mentioned at Numbers 13 and 28 with the name in Hebrew.
In Joshua 15, a descriptive name is applied to ARBA as the original "long-necked giant," and thereafter to his progeny.
ARBA (Ar'ba) [Four or Fourfold], is called the "father" or "great man" of the ANAKIM and appears to have been the founder of KIRIATH-ARBA (city of Arba or fourfold city), later called Hebron. Joshua 14; Joshua 15; Joshua 21.
The cisterns, terrace walls and ruins of many towns that have been found in the Negeb region indicate that the area anciently supported a considerable population. Here the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob found pasturage for their large flocks. (Gen. 13; Gen. 20; Gen. 24; Gen.46). And in Abraham's time the Elamite king Chedorlaomer, with his three allies, defeated the inhabitants of the Negeb. (GEN. 14).
In the Northern section, occasional springs, wells and pools are found, and the tamarisk is one of the few trees that thrives there. (Gen 21). To the SouthWest of Beer-sheba lie two small areas and one relatively large area of sand dunes. Much of the Negeb is a plateau between 457 and 610 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level, with peaks up to 1,067 meters (3,500 feet) in elevation.
The prophet Isaiah described this region as a land of hard conditions, a haunt of lions, leopards and snakes. Isaiah 30.
Three prominent men of the gigantic race, Ahimah, Sheshai, and Talmai, resided at Hebron. (Num.13).
It was there that the 12 Hebrew spies first saw the giants, and 10 of the spies subsequently gave a frightening report of the experience alleging that these giants were descendants of the pre-Flood Nephilim and that, by comparison with them, the Hebrews were like "grasshoppers." (Deut. 1).
The Israelites sent by Moses entered the Promised Land from the Negeb.
Their great stature of the giants caused them to be used as a standard of comparison in describing even the giant-like men of the EMIM and the REPHAIM.
Their strength produced the proverbial saying: "Who can make a firm stand before the sons of Anak?" Deut. 2; Deut. 9.
ANAK (A'nak) [long-necked], is described as the progenitor of a tribe of giants who inhabited the earth long before the Flood. The tribe itself is mentioned at Numbers 13 and 28 with the name in Hebrew.
In Joshua 15, a descriptive name is applied to ARBA as the original "long-necked giant," and thereafter to his progeny.
ARBA (Ar'ba) [Four or Fourfold], is called the "father" or "great man" of the ANAKIM and appears to have been the founder of KIRIATH-ARBA (city of Arba or fourfold city), later called Hebron. Joshua 14; Joshua 15; Joshua 21.
The cisterns, terrace walls and ruins of many towns that have been found in the Negeb region indicate that the area anciently supported a considerable population. Here the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob found pasturage for their large flocks. (Gen. 13; Gen. 20; Gen. 24; Gen.46). And in Abraham's time the Elamite king Chedorlaomer, with his three allies, defeated the inhabitants of the Negeb. (GEN. 14).
Saturday, 13 June 2015
THE CILICIAN "GATES" as POINT of SACRED ENERGY that RULED THE WORLD
The CITY OF TARSUS was the capital of CILICIA in Asia Minor located on both sides of the CYDNUS RIVER, at 19 km (12 mi) inland from the Mediterranean Sea and 40 km (25 mi) South of the CILICIAN GATES, which for three millennia have been the only major PASS through the TAURUS Mountain Range between CILICIA and SYRIA.
CILICIA (name comes from Assyrian "Hil akku") is a relatively small and narrow region of the SE Asia Minor. On the South lay the Mediterranean Sea, to the West was Pamphylia, on the North the Taurus Mountain Range separated it from Lycaonia and Cappadocia, and to the East the Amanus Mountain Range (which forms a Southern Branch of the Taurus) divided it off from Syria.
Basically the region of Cilicia was divided into two natural sections: the Western, called Cilicia Tracheia (Cilicia the Rugged) and the Eastern, called Cilicia Pedias (Plain Cilicia).
Cilicia the Rugged, was a wild plateau region of the Taurus Mountains, rich in forest land. Its rugged sea coast, broken by rocky headlands, provided numerous sheltered harbors and inlets. This natural landscape, from early times, was a haven for robbers and for pirates, who preyed on the coastal shipping.
Plain Cilicia embraced the broad coastal plain, a well-watered, extremely fertile section. In Roman times this plain was dotted with some 16 semiautonomous cities, the most prominent of which was the City of Tarsus, the birthplace of the apostle Paul. Acts 21:39; 22: 3; 23:34.
The region of Cilicia occupied a strategic position, both militarily and commercially. The principal Trade Route from SYRIA passed through the SYRO-CILICIAN GATES, a high PASS through the Amanus Range about 32 km (20 mi) North of ANTIOCH, then traversed CILICIA to TARSUS and ascended the Taurus Mountains to the CILICIAN GATES, the sharp defiles or clefts that give access into Central and Western Asia.
The narrow PASSES provided a landscape of easily defensive borders. During its ancient history military forces of many nations marched over this route in search of power and authority.
Assyria and Persia successively dominated Cilicia, and in 333 BCE, Macedonian Alexander's forces passed through the Cilician Gates and defeated the Persian army at the Battle of Issus. Because of the fast journey of Alexander collecting all the power of their world, when he took a bath in the sacred waters of the Cydnus River he got a strange disease that ended his life.
Under the Romans, Cilicia did not became an organized province until 67 BCE, when Pompey subdued the pirates of Western Cilicia.
In 27 BCE, the province was divided, part of the Western portion being included in Cappadocia and part being turned over to the rule of local dynasties, while the Eastern part combined with Syria and Phoenicia as one province.
In 72 CE during the time of Vespasian, the Eastern and Western sections of Cilicia were reunited in a
single province.
During the early part of apostolic times there was an especially close relationship between Cilicia and Syria. Acts 15:23, 41 and Galatians 1: 21.
Acts 27: 5 states that Paul sailed "through the open sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia" on his way to be tried in Rome, "Cilicia" there included the entire region of Eastern and Western Cilicia.
Jews from Cilicia, were among those disputing with Stephen prior to his death (Acts 6 : 9). By about
49 CE. there were already congregations in Cilicia to whom the Christian council in Jerusalem sent a letter. Acts 15: 23. The route for Paul's second and third missionary journeys took him through Cilicia and the Cilician Gates.
CILICIA (name comes from Assyrian "Hil akku") is a relatively small and narrow region of the SE Asia Minor. On the South lay the Mediterranean Sea, to the West was Pamphylia, on the North the Taurus Mountain Range separated it from Lycaonia and Cappadocia, and to the East the Amanus Mountain Range (which forms a Southern Branch of the Taurus) divided it off from Syria.
Basically the region of Cilicia was divided into two natural sections: the Western, called Cilicia Tracheia (Cilicia the Rugged) and the Eastern, called Cilicia Pedias (Plain Cilicia).
Cilicia the Rugged, was a wild plateau region of the Taurus Mountains, rich in forest land. Its rugged sea coast, broken by rocky headlands, provided numerous sheltered harbors and inlets. This natural landscape, from early times, was a haven for robbers and for pirates, who preyed on the coastal shipping.
Plain Cilicia embraced the broad coastal plain, a well-watered, extremely fertile section. In Roman times this plain was dotted with some 16 semiautonomous cities, the most prominent of which was the City of Tarsus, the birthplace of the apostle Paul. Acts 21:39; 22: 3; 23:34.
The region of Cilicia occupied a strategic position, both militarily and commercially. The principal Trade Route from SYRIA passed through the SYRO-CILICIAN GATES, a high PASS through the Amanus Range about 32 km (20 mi) North of ANTIOCH, then traversed CILICIA to TARSUS and ascended the Taurus Mountains to the CILICIAN GATES, the sharp defiles or clefts that give access into Central and Western Asia.
The narrow PASSES provided a landscape of easily defensive borders. During its ancient history military forces of many nations marched over this route in search of power and authority.
Assyria and Persia successively dominated Cilicia, and in 333 BCE, Macedonian Alexander's forces passed through the Cilician Gates and defeated the Persian army at the Battle of Issus. Because of the fast journey of Alexander collecting all the power of their world, when he took a bath in the sacred waters of the Cydnus River he got a strange disease that ended his life.
Under the Romans, Cilicia did not became an organized province until 67 BCE, when Pompey subdued the pirates of Western Cilicia.
In 27 BCE, the province was divided, part of the Western portion being included in Cappadocia and part being turned over to the rule of local dynasties, while the Eastern part combined with Syria and Phoenicia as one province.
In 72 CE during the time of Vespasian, the Eastern and Western sections of Cilicia were reunited in a
single province.
During the early part of apostolic times there was an especially close relationship between Cilicia and Syria. Acts 15:23, 41 and Galatians 1: 21.
Acts 27: 5 states that Paul sailed "through the open sea along Cilicia and Pamphylia" on his way to be tried in Rome, "Cilicia" there included the entire region of Eastern and Western Cilicia.
Jews from Cilicia, were among those disputing with Stephen prior to his death (Acts 6 : 9). By about
49 CE. there were already congregations in Cilicia to whom the Christian council in Jerusalem sent a letter. Acts 15: 23. The route for Paul's second and third missionary journeys took him through Cilicia and the Cilician Gates.
Friday, 5 June 2015
FIG TREE, the first symbolic fruit tree mentioned in the Bible.
The FIG TREE is the first fruit fruit tree mentioned in the Old Testament. It was one of the food items that interested the Hebrews, at the conquest of Canaan. (Numbers 13:23; Deuteronomy 8:8), and the lack of suitability of the wilderness for the fig was a major complaint. (Numbers 20:5).
The Fourth Book of Moses commonly called "Numbers" tells the story of the Israelites during the nearly forty years from the time they left Mount Sinai until they reached the Eastern border of the land that God had promised to give them.
The name of the book refers to the census which Moses took of the Israelites at Mount Sinai before their departure, and again in Moab, East of the Jordan, about a generation later. In the period between the two censuses the Israelites went to Kadesh Barnea on the Southern border of Canaan, but failed to enter the promised land from there. After spending many years in that area, they went to the region East of the Jordan River, where part of the people settled and where the rest prepared to cross the river into Canaan.
The book is a symbolic account of a people who were often discouraged and afraid in the face of hardship, and who rebelled against God and against Moses, the man God appointed to lead them. It is the story of God's faithful, persistent care for "his people" in spite of their weakness and disobedience, and Moses' steadfast, impatient devotion to both, God and "his people."
Numbers 13 : 1) The names of the men who were sent to search the land. 17)Their instructions.
21) Their acts. 26) Their relation.
13:23-24 And they came unto the brook of Eshcol (a torrent valley located short distance N of Hebron), and cut down from there a "branch" with "one cluster of grapes," and they carried it "between two upon a staff;"and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. The "place" was called the "brook Eschol," because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from there.
FIG (Hebrew "teenah"; Greek "syke", "sykon") along with the olive and the vine, is one of the most prominent plants mentioned in the Bible in more than fifty texts. The dominant use of the fig tree is metaphorical. In Jesus' words at Luke 13:6 show that fig trees were often planted in vineyards. (2 Kings
18:31; Joel 2:22). The expression "sitting under one's own vine and fig tree," symbolized a sitting in their own reaches giving a sense of prosperity and secure conditions (1Ki.4:25; Mic.4:4; Zech.3:10). The nation of Israel itself was likened to two kinds of figs by God (Jer.24:1-10). To illustrate how false prophets could be recognized by their bad fruits, Jesus cited the impossibility of getting "figs from thistles."(Matt.7:15,16; James 3:12).
The Fig tree's "putting forth its leaves' toward the middle of the spring season was used by Jesus as a well-known indicator.(Matt.24:32-34). Finally, the ease with which the "unripe figs" are shaken to the ground by high winds is used as a smile by the writer of Revelation. (Rev.6:13)
The Fourth Book of Moses commonly called "Numbers" tells the story of the Israelites during the nearly forty years from the time they left Mount Sinai until they reached the Eastern border of the land that God had promised to give them.
The name of the book refers to the census which Moses took of the Israelites at Mount Sinai before their departure, and again in Moab, East of the Jordan, about a generation later. In the period between the two censuses the Israelites went to Kadesh Barnea on the Southern border of Canaan, but failed to enter the promised land from there. After spending many years in that area, they went to the region East of the Jordan River, where part of the people settled and where the rest prepared to cross the river into Canaan.
The book is a symbolic account of a people who were often discouraged and afraid in the face of hardship, and who rebelled against God and against Moses, the man God appointed to lead them. It is the story of God's faithful, persistent care for "his people" in spite of their weakness and disobedience, and Moses' steadfast, impatient devotion to both, God and "his people."
Numbers 13 : 1) The names of the men who were sent to search the land. 17)Their instructions.
21) Their acts. 26) Their relation.
13:23-24 And they came unto the brook of Eshcol (a torrent valley located short distance N of Hebron), and cut down from there a "branch" with "one cluster of grapes," and they carried it "between two upon a staff;"and they brought of the pomegranates, and of the figs. The "place" was called the "brook Eschol," because of the cluster of grapes which the children of Israel cut down from there.
FIG (Hebrew "teenah"; Greek "syke", "sykon") along with the olive and the vine, is one of the most prominent plants mentioned in the Bible in more than fifty texts. The dominant use of the fig tree is metaphorical. In Jesus' words at Luke 13:6 show that fig trees were often planted in vineyards. (2 Kings
18:31; Joel 2:22). The expression "sitting under one's own vine and fig tree," symbolized a sitting in their own reaches giving a sense of prosperity and secure conditions (1Ki.4:25; Mic.4:4; Zech.3:10). The nation of Israel itself was likened to two kinds of figs by God (Jer.24:1-10). To illustrate how false prophets could be recognized by their bad fruits, Jesus cited the impossibility of getting "figs from thistles."(Matt.7:15,16; James 3:12).
The Fig tree's "putting forth its leaves' toward the middle of the spring season was used by Jesus as a well-known indicator.(Matt.24:32-34). Finally, the ease with which the "unripe figs" are shaken to the ground by high winds is used as a smile by the writer of Revelation. (Rev.6:13)
GOD WILL PUNISH HIS ENEMIES
Isaiah 34: Draw near, O nations (the flesh of the world) to hear, and listen, O peoples(in the flesh)!
Let the earth listen, and all that fills it; the world, and all that comes from it. For the Lord is enraged against all the nations, and furious against all their host, He had doomed them, has given them over for slaughter.
Their slain shall be cast out, and the stench of their corpses shall rise; the mountains (idols of the flesh) shall flow with their blood. All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll.
(The power of the flesh that corrupted God's creation). All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.
For my sword has drunk its fill in the heavens (corruption is there); Behold, it (the sword) descends for judgment upon Edom (for his unrelenting fury expressed against Israel by the unmerciful use of the sword), upon the people I have doomed.
The Lord has a sword; it is sated with blood, it is gorged with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams (the blood of high priests, priests and servants).
For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. Isaiah 34: 1-6
Bozrah, a prominent city of Edom, the house of the father of Jobab, an Edomite king. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Amos under inspiration referred to it as representative of all Edom, due for desolation. Isa.34: 5, 6; 63: 1-4; Jer.49: 12, 13, 17, 22; Amos1: 11, 12. Situated at the South East of the Southern extremity of the Dead Sea on the main road to Petra. it occupied a central position in the Edomite kingdom and guarded the approaches to the copper mines in the Arabah (dessert plains; from a root word meaning dry, burnt up). This long narrow, N-S valley owes its existence to a "fault" line, or long fracture in the earth's crust. The Jordan winds through the northern part of this straight valley, and its steady flow waters a green belt down the center of the valley's floor. South of the Dead Sea, however, the Arabah is fed only by seasonal torrent streams that are insufficient to bring life to the dry soil. The part of the extraordinary depression of the rift valley that extends toward the South from the slopes of Mount Hermon, cradles the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River, and drops far below sea level (400 meters) to form the basin of the Dead Sea, and then continues on southward to the Gulf of Aqabah at the Red Sea.
Wild oxen shall fall with them, and young steers with the mighty bulls. Their land shall be soaked with blood, and their soil made rich with fat.
For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. Isaiah 34: 7-8
Zion, originally the Jebusite stronghold that came to be called the "city of David." (1 Kings 8:1; 1 Chron. 11:5). After capturing Mount Zion, David established his royal residence there. (2 Sam. 5:6,7,9)
Alluding to David's ruling from Zion as God's anointed one are God's words: "I, even I, have installed my king upon Zion, my holy mountain." (Psalms 2:6)
David had the sacred Ark transferred there. (2 Sam. 6:17). Later, the designation "Zion" embraced the temple area on Mount Moriah (where the Ark was moved during Solomon's reign) and the term was, in fact, applied to the entire city of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 1:8; 8:18) Since the Ark represented God's presence, Zion was referred to as the place of God's dwelling and the place from which help, blessing and salvation would come. (Psalms 14:7; 20:2; 50:2; 53:6; 134:3)
For unfaithfulness to Him, God allowed the enemies of Israel to desolate Zion. (Lam. 2:1,4,6,8,10,13)
God restored a remnant of his repentant people to Zion. (Isa.35:10; 51:3; 52: 1-8; Jer. 50:4,5,28; 51:10, 24, 35). This made it possible for Jesus Christ to ride into Jerusalem on the colt of an ass and present himself to Zion as king, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5; John 12 :15)
Let the earth listen, and all that fills it; the world, and all that comes from it. For the Lord is enraged against all the nations, and furious against all their host, He had doomed them, has given them over for slaughter.
Their slain shall be cast out, and the stench of their corpses shall rise; the mountains (idols of the flesh) shall flow with their blood. All the host of heaven shall rot away, and the skies roll up like a scroll.
(The power of the flesh that corrupted God's creation). All their host shall fall, as leaves fall from the vine, like leaves falling from the fig tree.
For my sword has drunk its fill in the heavens (corruption is there); Behold, it (the sword) descends for judgment upon Edom (for his unrelenting fury expressed against Israel by the unmerciful use of the sword), upon the people I have doomed.
The Lord has a sword; it is sated with blood, it is gorged with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams (the blood of high priests, priests and servants).
For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah, a great slaughter in the land of Edom. Isaiah 34: 1-6
Bozrah, a prominent city of Edom, the house of the father of Jobab, an Edomite king. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah and Amos under inspiration referred to it as representative of all Edom, due for desolation. Isa.34: 5, 6; 63: 1-4; Jer.49: 12, 13, 17, 22; Amos1: 11, 12. Situated at the South East of the Southern extremity of the Dead Sea on the main road to Petra. it occupied a central position in the Edomite kingdom and guarded the approaches to the copper mines in the Arabah (dessert plains; from a root word meaning dry, burnt up). This long narrow, N-S valley owes its existence to a "fault" line, or long fracture in the earth's crust. The Jordan winds through the northern part of this straight valley, and its steady flow waters a green belt down the center of the valley's floor. South of the Dead Sea, however, the Arabah is fed only by seasonal torrent streams that are insufficient to bring life to the dry soil. The part of the extraordinary depression of the rift valley that extends toward the South from the slopes of Mount Hermon, cradles the Sea of Galilee and the Jordan River, and drops far below sea level (400 meters) to form the basin of the Dead Sea, and then continues on southward to the Gulf of Aqabah at the Red Sea.
Wild oxen shall fall with them, and young steers with the mighty bulls. Their land shall be soaked with blood, and their soil made rich with fat.
For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion. Isaiah 34: 7-8
Zion, originally the Jebusite stronghold that came to be called the "city of David." (1 Kings 8:1; 1 Chron. 11:5). After capturing Mount Zion, David established his royal residence there. (2 Sam. 5:6,7,9)
Alluding to David's ruling from Zion as God's anointed one are God's words: "I, even I, have installed my king upon Zion, my holy mountain." (Psalms 2:6)
David had the sacred Ark transferred there. (2 Sam. 6:17). Later, the designation "Zion" embraced the temple area on Mount Moriah (where the Ark was moved during Solomon's reign) and the term was, in fact, applied to the entire city of Jerusalem. (Isaiah 1:8; 8:18) Since the Ark represented God's presence, Zion was referred to as the place of God's dwelling and the place from which help, blessing and salvation would come. (Psalms 14:7; 20:2; 50:2; 53:6; 134:3)
For unfaithfulness to Him, God allowed the enemies of Israel to desolate Zion. (Lam. 2:1,4,6,8,10,13)
God restored a remnant of his repentant people to Zion. (Isa.35:10; 51:3; 52: 1-8; Jer. 50:4,5,28; 51:10, 24, 35). This made it possible for Jesus Christ to ride into Jerusalem on the colt of an ass and present himself to Zion as king, thus fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. (Zech. 9:9; Matt. 21:5; John 12 :15)
DISCIPLE and APOSTLE, what is the difference?
DISCIPLE (Greek "mathetes", "a learner"), the word appears in the Greek Scriptures referring to the disciples of Jesus, of John the Baptist, of the Pharisees, and of Moses. (Matt. 9:14; Luke 5:33; John 9:28; Mark 2:18). The context in which the word is mention give us the idea of a follower, pupil, or adherent of a teacher or religious leader. Jewish and Greco-Roman history and literature provide also examples of respected figures who gather disciples in order to teach and lead them.
A general distinction between Jesus' disciples and "the crowds" have to be observed according to their commitment to the leader. The disciples were committed followers while "the crowds" were just onlookers not seriously attached to him. Yet even some of those in the larger group of "disciples" turned away from Jesus and went back to their former lives when they found his teaching difficult to accept (John 6:60, 66).
The principal application of the Gospel to the definition of disciples of Jesus usually applies to the body of intimate followers who travelled with him on his preaching tours and who were taught and instructed by him. The effectiveness of Jesus' teachings continue through the work his disciples do to this very day. They are not making disciples for themselves for it is the teaching not of men, but of Christ, that the people of the world follow.
Jesus' first disciples came from among the disciples of John (John 1: 35-42). The Twelve chosen as apostles are called disciples at Matthew 10: 1 and 11: 1.
APOSTLE (Greek "apostolos", "one sent forth to represent the sender"). This word derives from the common Greek verb "apostellein," meaning simply "to send forth or off." Its basic sense is clearly illustrated in Jesus' statement : "A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one that is sent forth (apostolos) greater than the one that sent him." (John 13 : 16). In these sense the word also applies to Christ Jesus as the "apostle and High Priest whom we confess." (Hebrew 3:1; compare Matthew 10:40; 15:24; Luke 4:18, 43; 9:48; 10:16; John 3:17; 5:36, 38; 6:29, 57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8, 18, 21-25; 20:21). Jesus was sent forth by God as his special appointed and commissioned apostle, a special messenger from God (2 Kings 2:2; 2 Samuel 24:13).
According to Mark 3: 14-15 JESUS' appointed Twelve, whom he also named apostles, to BE with HIM, and to BE SENT OUT to proclaim the message, and to have AUTHORITY to CAST OUT DEMONS" (Matt.10: 1-4; Luke 6: 13-16).
Initially, Jesus sent the Twelve "to the lost sheep of the House of Israel," rather than to the Gentiles or the Samaritans (Matt. 10: 5-6; 15:24). The relevance of the Twelve to the House of Israel becomes explicit in Matt. 19:28, where Jesus remark to his disciples: "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you (the apostles) who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The Twelve thus represent Jesus' mission to bring renewal to all the House of Israel, through his inauguration of the kingdom of God.
(Rev. 21: 12-14).
The New Testament does not restrict the term "apostle" to the ones selected by Jesus in the beginning of his ministry. Instead the title is being applied to the ones divinely selected and commissioned to continue to the apostolic work in the name of Jesus. To fortified the strength of their testimony they continue to exercise the miraculous powers previously granted to the first ones by Jesus and also other gifts of the Spirit mentioned being received from Pentecost forward. (Acts 5;12; 9: 36-40). While other disciples, too, received such miraculous gifts of the Spirit, the accounts shows that such was the case only when one or more of the apostles were present, or by the laying on of the hands of the apostles. Thus the power of transmittal as regards these gifts was unique with the apostles as long as the apostolic strength of their testimony was present and able to be exercised (Acts 2:1, 4, 14; 8: 14-18; 10:44; 19:6).
Paul implies that James, the brother of Jesus, was an apostle (1 Cor. 9:5), and in 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul refers to himself as an apostle (1 Cor. 9:1; 2 Cor. 11:5; Gal.1:1). In Acts 14:14 Luke refers to Barnabas and Paul as apostles, and in Rome 16:7 Paul implies that Adronicus and Junias were apostles at Rome.
Paul, also, distinguished TRUE from FALSE apostles (2 Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2), and he acknowledged "signs of a true apostle," including "signs and wonders and mighty works" (2 Cor. 12:12).
A general distinction between Jesus' disciples and "the crowds" have to be observed according to their commitment to the leader. The disciples were committed followers while "the crowds" were just onlookers not seriously attached to him. Yet even some of those in the larger group of "disciples" turned away from Jesus and went back to their former lives when they found his teaching difficult to accept (John 6:60, 66).
The principal application of the Gospel to the definition of disciples of Jesus usually applies to the body of intimate followers who travelled with him on his preaching tours and who were taught and instructed by him. The effectiveness of Jesus' teachings continue through the work his disciples do to this very day. They are not making disciples for themselves for it is the teaching not of men, but of Christ, that the people of the world follow.
Jesus' first disciples came from among the disciples of John (John 1: 35-42). The Twelve chosen as apostles are called disciples at Matthew 10: 1 and 11: 1.
APOSTLE (Greek "apostolos", "one sent forth to represent the sender"). This word derives from the common Greek verb "apostellein," meaning simply "to send forth or off." Its basic sense is clearly illustrated in Jesus' statement : "A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one that is sent forth (apostolos) greater than the one that sent him." (John 13 : 16). In these sense the word also applies to Christ Jesus as the "apostle and High Priest whom we confess." (Hebrew 3:1; compare Matthew 10:40; 15:24; Luke 4:18, 43; 9:48; 10:16; John 3:17; 5:36, 38; 6:29, 57; 7:29; 8:42; 10:36; 11:42; 17:3, 8, 18, 21-25; 20:21). Jesus was sent forth by God as his special appointed and commissioned apostle, a special messenger from God (2 Kings 2:2; 2 Samuel 24:13).
According to Mark 3: 14-15 JESUS' appointed Twelve, whom he also named apostles, to BE with HIM, and to BE SENT OUT to proclaim the message, and to have AUTHORITY to CAST OUT DEMONS" (Matt.10: 1-4; Luke 6: 13-16).
Initially, Jesus sent the Twelve "to the lost sheep of the House of Israel," rather than to the Gentiles or the Samaritans (Matt. 10: 5-6; 15:24). The relevance of the Twelve to the House of Israel becomes explicit in Matt. 19:28, where Jesus remark to his disciples: "Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man is seated on the throne of his glory, you (the apostles) who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." The Twelve thus represent Jesus' mission to bring renewal to all the House of Israel, through his inauguration of the kingdom of God.
(Rev. 21: 12-14).
The New Testament does not restrict the term "apostle" to the ones selected by Jesus in the beginning of his ministry. Instead the title is being applied to the ones divinely selected and commissioned to continue to the apostolic work in the name of Jesus. To fortified the strength of their testimony they continue to exercise the miraculous powers previously granted to the first ones by Jesus and also other gifts of the Spirit mentioned being received from Pentecost forward. (Acts 5;12; 9: 36-40). While other disciples, too, received such miraculous gifts of the Spirit, the accounts shows that such was the case only when one or more of the apostles were present, or by the laying on of the hands of the apostles. Thus the power of transmittal as regards these gifts was unique with the apostles as long as the apostolic strength of their testimony was present and able to be exercised (Acts 2:1, 4, 14; 8: 14-18; 10:44; 19:6).
Paul implies that James, the brother of Jesus, was an apostle (1 Cor. 9:5), and in 1 Corinthians 15:9 Paul refers to himself as an apostle (1 Cor. 9:1; 2 Cor. 11:5; Gal.1:1). In Acts 14:14 Luke refers to Barnabas and Paul as apostles, and in Rome 16:7 Paul implies that Adronicus and Junias were apostles at Rome.
Paul, also, distinguished TRUE from FALSE apostles (2 Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2), and he acknowledged "signs of a true apostle," including "signs and wonders and mighty works" (2 Cor. 12:12).
Thursday, 4 June 2015
THE LAW OF RECIPROCITY IN THE BIBLE
LUKE 6 On a sabbath, while he was going through the grain fields, his disciples plucked and ate some ears of grain, rubbing them in their hands. But some of the Pharisees said, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the sabbath?"
And Jesus answered,"Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?"
And he said to them, "The Son of man is lord of the sabbath." Luke 6 : 1 - 5
And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed all of them.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
"Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."
"Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied."
"Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh."
"Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets."
"But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation."
"Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger."
"Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep."
"Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets."
"But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well. Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6 : 17 - 31
"But love your enemies, and do good to those who do good to you, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6 : 35 - 36
"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
Luke 6 : 37 - 38
And Jesus answered,"Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?"
And he said to them, "The Son of man is lord of the sabbath." Luke 6 : 1 - 5
And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases; and those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came forth from him and healed all of them.
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
"Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God."
"Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied."
"Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh."
"Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets."
"But woe to you that are rich, for you have received your consolation."
"Woe to you that are full now, for you shall hunger."
"Woe to you that laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep."
"Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets."
"But I say to you that hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To him who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from him who takes away your cloak do not withhold your coat as well. Give to every one who begs from you; and of him who takes away your goods do not ask them again. And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them." Luke 6 : 17 - 31
"But love your enemies, and do good to those who do good to you, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the selfish. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful." Luke 6 : 35 - 36
"Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
Luke 6 : 37 - 38
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