All Queries received before the 10th, will be answered, if possible, on the 1St of the following month, i.e., in three weeks.
A. The Israelites were not to eat fat, “the inward excellence or perfection” of the animal, nor the blood “the life,” because both belonged to God. The passage in Nehemiah is probably figurative, as “the fat of the land” means the best part, just as “the sweet” would not mean what had a sweet taste, but what was pleasant.
A. We can hardly accept this interpretation, seeing that the children of Israel baked it when it was first given (Exodus 16:2323And he said unto them, This is that which the Lord hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the Lord: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning. (Exodus 16:23).) in accordance with the Lord’s word. Fresh oil would by no means be considered nauseous in the East, where it is an accompaniment of most dishes. It would rather signify a rich taste. See Q. 303, B. S. p. 66.
Q. 355. Does Matthew 25 refer to the present time, or to the Jews, and to take place after the Church is taken away? M. S.
A. The parable of the Ten Virgins refers to Christ’s coming, for which we wait, and the companion parable of the Talents, chews our work during His absence, the two thus giving both sides of the Christian’s position down here. The latter part of the chapter is the judgment by Christ of the living nations on earth just before the Millennium and at his public appearing. The Jews come in as “my brethren” (v. 40.) See “Notes for Young Bible Students.” Y. B. vol 2, p. 74.
A. (1) In the sense of being their preserver, referring to temporal mercies. (2) Probably some foam of possession. (3) Compare 1 Corinthians 5:55To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Corinthians 5:5), where it is connected with putting away from the communion of saints. Probably from the addition “and my spirit” this “delivering” goes beyond mere discipline and refers to a special apostolic power. Compare the history of Peter and Simon (Acts 8). The object was the destruction of the flesh, not of the spirit.
Q. 357. Did the Israelites after leaving Egypt still adhere to the instructions given them to select the lamb for the Passover four days before it was to be killed? F. P.
A. We have no reason to doubt it, for unfortunately they were far more punctilious about the ceremonial than the moral law.
Q. 358. (1) Matthew 10:1010Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. (Matthew 10:10), says the disciples were not to provide scrip, or staves, but Mark 6:88And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no scrip, no bread, no money in their purse: (Mark 6:8) on the same occasion commands them to take “a staff only.” Please explain. (2) Also, where was Jesus from the time He sent the disciples out till they returned (ver. 30.)
A. (1) The explanation of the difference generally given is that in Matthew, weapons of offense are meant, in Mark, a stick for walking, but we fear that this is not quite satisfactory. We shall be glad to get a better explanation. (2) Do we not get the answer to this in Matthew 11:11And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities. (Matthew 11:1) “And it came to pass when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and preach in their cities.”
Q. 359. Ought the word “Lord” to be Jehovah in Matthew 1:20, 22, 24; 2:13, 15, 19; 3:3; 4:7, 10; 5:3320But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:20)
22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (Matthew 1:22)
24Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (Matthew 1:24)
13And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. (Matthew 2:13)
15And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son. (Matthew 2:15)
19But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, (Matthew 2:19)
3For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. (Matthew 3:3)
7Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. (Matthew 4:7)
10Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. (Matthew 4:10)
33Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: (Matthew 5:33). E. B.
A. All these passages mean Jehovah, being either quotations from the old Testament or else distinguished by having no article “the” prefixed, being literally “the angel of Jehovah” etc.
Q. 360. Please explain clearly about the punishment of the heathen (Hindoos, Brahmins, etc.) who have never heard the gospel? C. S. B.
A. We quote as follows from a well-known work. “The Gentiles will be judged according to the light of nature and of conscience neglected and resisted. St Paul’s sermon in Athens is no less clear as regards the condition of the heathen. As he said at Lystra (Acts 14:8-188And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who never had walked: 9The same heard Paul speak: who stedfastly beholding him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10Said with a loud voice, Stand upright on thy feet. And he leaped and walked. 11And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, The gods are come down to us in the likeness of men. 12And they called Barnabas, Jupiter; and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people. 14Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes, and ran in among the people, crying out, 15And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: 16Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. 17Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. 18And with these sayings scarce restrained they the people, that they had not done sacrifice unto them. (Acts 14:8‑18).) they were not left without a witness, in that God did good and gave rain and fruitful seasons, filling their hearts with food and gladness. By such things, he declares again in another place, (Romans 1:2020For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (Romans 1:20)) God’s eternal power and Godhead are clearly seen, so that they are without excuse, and so here (Acts 17:22-3122Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars' hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. 23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. 24God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; 26And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; 27That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: 28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. 29Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device. 30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:22‑31).) God left the heathen to themselves, not that they should forget Him, but that they should seek Him, even though it were in utter darkness, so that they should need to grope for Him “to feel after Dim and find Him “and though there was ignorance of God, He could w ink at the ignorance and give blessing notwithstanding, for “ He is a rewarder of diligent seekers. If it be asked, whether any have, in fact, been saved thus, I turn from the question, though I have no doubt as to the answer, (See Acts 10:34, 3534Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: 35But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. (Acts 10:34‑35)) In addition we may add that in Hell there are differences of punishment of which we have no conception. These are indicated by the fact that it is the one who knew his Lord’s will and did it not, for whom the outer darkness is reserved.
A. The Pharisees who “need no repentance,” who said “we see,” and therefore their sin remained, (John 9:4141Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. (John 9:41)). Observe these are never brought “home rejoicing,” but are left in their fold in the wilderness.
Q. 362. What is the state after death of the heathen, of all who have had no opportunity to hear the gospel. Is there any Scripture to spew that an offer of salvation can be made in another life? S. B.
A. See answer to query above. Their present abode is in Hades, where they await the last judgment which will not be merely a casting of the wicked into hell, but a deliberate judgment of each unregenerate man according to his work and light. Then will be shown that “the judge of all the earth” knows how to “do right.” 1 Peter 3 is the only Scripture that is supposed to give color to the views you allude to. In refutation of this see Q. 93, Y. B. vol. ii., p. 140, and Q. 117, same vol, p. 196.
A. In Song of Solomon 2:22As the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. (Song of Solomon 2:2), we find His Bride compared by Christ to a lily, and while the expression you refer to may be taken generally, as expressive of satisfaction and rest, the word “ lilies” may convey the deeper meaning of the pleasure Christ takes in being among His people. Compare, walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks, Revelation 1.
A. Does not verse 2 explain it? “Ceiled” means “roofed.” Please say what is the difficulty.
A. Paran is Sinai, and refers to God’s glorious appearance to his people there. Teman is the name given to the region extending from the South of Palestine. The Prophet here refers to God’s manifestations of His glory at various times after Sinai.
Q. 366. Please explain the Lord’s words “Touch me not” in John 20:1717Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17), when they “held Him by the feet and worshipped Him,” in Matthew 28:99And as they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. (Matthew 28:9).
A. Both are in beautiful harmony with the character of the Gospel. In John the “Son of God” says “Touch me not” to Mary, who was to know Him henceforth by faith, (John 14:11Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1).) not by sight or sense. Mary is here a type of Christ’s heavenly brethren. His earthly brethren (represented by these women,) will surround the “King of Israel” at His return, and to them He will be known by sight and sense, not, as now to us, by faith. (See John 20:2929Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (John 20:29).)
A. (1) Leaven throughout Scripture is a type of what is evil, never of what is good,—of hidden “malice and wickedness.” Leaven was not to be burned before the Lord; the offering of Leviticus 7:1313Besides the cakes, he shall offer for his offering leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings. (Leviticus 7:13), was not burned by fire (See Leviticus 2:1111No meat offering, which ye shall bring unto the Lord, shall be made with leaven: for ye shall burn no leaven, nor any honey, in any offering of the Lord made by fire. (Leviticus 2:11).) and the offering of it there shows that though we are not in the flesh, it is still in us. (2) Christ here is the true Nazarite, and is separate from all earthly joys (of which wine is here the type) until the kingdom. Observe this occurs characteristically in Matthew, where He is the “King of Israel.”
Q. 368. (1) Please say how the 14 generations in Matthew 1 are calculated, the same plan does not seem to have been followed in each of the three cases. (2) Please explain the difference between Spirit and Soul in 1 Thessalonians 5:2323And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:23). A. A. R.
A. (1) In verse 8 the three Kings “Ahaziah, Joash, and Amaziah” are left out (1 Chronicles 3:1111Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, (1 Chronicles 3:11).) being Athaliah’s children to the third generation. About seven generations have been omitted in the last fourteen. It was a common practice in Jewish genealogies to arrange these in periods with the same number in each, thus in the writings a Philo the genealogy from Adam to Moses is arranged in two tens and a seven by the repetition of Abram, while in a Samaritan poem the same period is arranged into two tens only by leaving out the six least important names. (2) The spirit (what we call “soul”) is the highest part of man, wherein he differs from a beast and the “soul” is the animal life wherein he resembles one. See Y. B. vol iii., p. 140, Q. 211.
Q. 369. (1) Is there any difference in words, sayings, and word (John 14:23, 2423Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. 24He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:23‑24),) also in “word” Revelation 3:88I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8). “sayings” 22:7. Are all the same, and do they mean the written word? (2) Does Revelation 22:77Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book. (Revelation 22:7), “this book” strictly apply to Revelation only and is Revelation 3:88I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. (Revelation 3:8) more general? J. H.
A. The word in verse 23 is singular, and in verse 24 first plural then singular, but the word is the same. The plural means the positive commands of Christ, the singular rather the whole tenor of His thoughts and wishes, apart from express command as revealed to us in the Scripture by the Spirit. (2) Yes, it refers to prophecy only; in 3:8, it is Christ’s word in general as explained above.
A. The sweet savor was that of Christ’s name which is spread abroad by preaching, whether the result of that preaching to man be life by receiving it, or death by rejecting it. In either case Christ is proclaimed.
A. There is such a thing as righteous indignation, but it is not to be treasured up against a person. (2) Earthly joy at its best must fail, and the best joy in the millennium (of which this may be a figure) must all come from Christ, “good wine” thus means real joy. See Q. 367.
A. Some unknown country beyond the limits of the Nile and Euphrates, that will come with light vessels to the assistance of Israel, “Shadowing” or “whirring with wings” would signify protection, of which wings are the symbol.
A. You will see the R. V. rightly reads “For there are three who bear witness, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood, and these three are one.” There are three witnesses to the gift of eternal life through Christ; the spirit of God bringing home to our hearts the testimony of the value and meaning of the death of Christ (Hebrews 10:1515Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, (Hebrews 10:15)), the water that flowed from His side the word of God cleansing and regenerating, the blood of Christ atoning and expiating; by the first two we are born again (John 3:55Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5), comp. 1 Peter 1) by the latter cleansed from our sins. (Revelation 1:55And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, (Revelation 1:5).)
A. (1) Probably in contrast to Saul who was a man after the people’s heart, being tall and commanding in every way, but God looketh not on the outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:77But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. (1 Samuel 16:7)) (2) No doubt this applies specially to those to whom He spoke, and who afterward wrought the miracles in the Acts; the latter part especially applies to those who labor in the energy of Holy Ghost, which Christ sent down at. Pentecost, this is why He says, “because I go to my Father.”
Q. 375. (1) Please explain 1 Peter 3:1919By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; (1 Peter 3:19)? (2) On what Scripture is this based, “He wears our nature on the throne?” C. E. S.
A. (1) We must refer you for an answer to Y. B. vol. 2. p. 140, Q. 93, also same vol. p. 196, Q, 117. (2) We presume on the fact that our Lord has still a body though a glorified one. Like many hymns it goes a little beyond Scripture, the nearest is perhaps in the end of Hebrews
A. “The rose of Sharon” refers to Christ, and it is He who speaks the latter half of the verse, supposed by some to read, “and as the lily of the valley” referring to and connected with verse 2, and thus meaning the church. Perhaps the new translation will clear it up.
A. (1) This does not speak of children, the word “if such” refers to verse 34, and means one who is humble, and has the spirit of Christ, of which the child was the figure. Compare Matthew 18:5, 65And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receiveth me. 6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matthew 18:5‑6), &c. where “such little child” all through means a believing disciple. (2) This refers to the law under which a child even of the Israelites is unclean unless circumcised, but under grace, if even one parent be a believer the child is holy by birth, that is in virtue of having one Christian parent, according to God’s blessed order of “thou and thy house.” The child being thus holy by birth it is to be brought up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Q. 378. (1) Does the word “cleanseth” (1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)) refer to time? (2) Are the white robed multitude of Revelation 7:9-179After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; 10And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. 11And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, 12Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. 13And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they? 14And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 16They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. 17For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. (Revelation 7:9‑17), to live on the earth with the 144,000 sealed servants? A. W. G. W.
A. (1) It is abstract-past, present, future, or rather in the eternal present. (2) Yes, they are before the throne, not around it, and are the Gentile inhabitants of the millennial earth, the 144,000 being the Jewish ones.
A. (1) It refers to man as set over all by God; so far as he was a type of Christ. In this place however Adam failed, so that all is taken up and made good by the Last Adam as man. (2) Psalms 18:22The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. (Psalm 18:2), the “Him “is God, not the churches.
Q. 380. (1) What is the difference between Christ as Head of the Church and as Head of all principality and power? (2) What is Christ’s yoke? (Matthew 11) Do we get it from Christ or go under it with Him? C. E. S.
A. (1) One gives His position as Christ in relation to His heavenly people the other as Son of man over the whole universe (See Psalms 2) (2) The yoke is entire submission to God’s will, which Christ had manifested so perfectly in this very Chapter. Christ asks us to take it; so that it is His as given to us, but also His as having borne it. When we bear it we have the consciousness that we are walking with Him in His path.
A. (1) It would be better simply “righteousness of God” there being no article in Greek and it refers to the new righteousness which is in contrast to righteousness of law. By the righteousness of God we refer rather to the whole doctrine connected with the subject. (2) R.V. says “suffer hardship.” Another rendering is “Take thy share therefore in suffering;” the expression also occurs 1:8.
Q. 382. (1) When was Peter converted? (2) Was it a sacrifice for Paul to count all things but loss in Philippians 3? (3) Please explain John 5:3939Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39), is it a command? C. E. S.
A. (1) It depends on what you mean by conversion. Peter was born again in John 1 He became wholly a follower of Christ in Luke 5 and was restored or converted after the resurrection. (2) Naturally of course it was, or the act would have had no value, but it was not felt by him to be such when be thought of Christ. (3) See Y. B. vol. 2 p. 51, Q. 58. It is a command or exhortation.
Q. 383. Please explain the “book of life” in Exodus 32:3232Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written. (Exodus 32:32), Philippians 4:33And I entreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlaborers, whose names are in the book of life. (Philippians 4:3), Revelation 3:55He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5), Revelation 20:12,1512And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (Revelation 20:12)
15And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15). “Book of the living” Psalms 69:2828Let them be blotted out of the book of the living, and not be written with the righteous. (Psalm 69:28), “The book,” Daniel 12:11And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. (Daniel 12:1), “ book of life of the Lamb,” Revelation 13:88And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8), “ Lamb’s book of life,” Revelation 21:2727And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life. (Revelation 21:27). A. W. G. W.
A. These expressions refer generally to the register kept in heaven of all God’s people. Many may make a loud profession here which will pass away and be blotted out, while none but those whose names are inscribed above will enter heaven or escape hell (Revelation 20) Observe that the names (Revelation 13:88And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)) are written in this book of life from the foundation of the world and that it is the book “of the Lamb slain.” The expression “slain from the foundation of the world “ is erroneous and misleading. This Scripture shows that it is a book of electing grace, and that the names there are the names of those who have a part in the slain Lamb.
Q. 384. Will you explain why the blood of the red heifer was burned (Numbers 19:55And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; her skin, and her flesh, and her blood, with her dung, shall he burn: (Numbers 19:5).) whereas in Leviticus it was poured out at the bottom of the altar. G. K. B.
A. In Leviticus 4 the fat was burned upon the altar and all the blood poured out at the base in the sin offering, to chew the acceptance of the offering by God for the sinner, but in Numbers what is applied to the sinner is not the sacrifice but the water in which the ashes had been sprinkled, and the red heifer alone of all the offerings is burned wholly without the camp; the object being rather to bring before our souls what Christ has suffered for our sakes, than the fact of the (maple-thee of his offering by God, these ashes typically not being used for conversion, but for the restoration of one who is already a child of GA, but has become deified.
A. (1) The first seems general usefulness, the second the gift of rule, the third and last, that which the Corinthians unwisely set first (see ch. 14.) is speaking in different languages by miraculous power. (2) Those in Corinthians included miraculous signs to those outside, as well as for edification, hence the former have now ceased, those in Ephesians are all connected with the building up of the Church, and in a general way continue “till we all come,” &c. Observe the apostles are not specially the twelve, being expressly given from Christ in glory after His resurrection, and though no apostles exist now, the gift of going about founding and establishing fresh assemblies of Christians still remains.
Q. 386. Would you kindly explain 1 Corinthians 7:66But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. (1 Corinthians 7:6), “But I speak this by permission, not of commandment.” Does it mean that the whole of the Bible is not inspired. F. I. F.
A. This very exception proves that Paul regarded his writings as a rule as of Divine authority according to 1 Corinthians 14:3737If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. (1 Corinthians 14:37). These express exceptions however were not divine commands, but the result of his own Christian experience, they are written however and recorded for our instruction by the guidance of the Holy Ghost.
A. In the former case it is Genesis 2:77And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7) over again, only it is the full impartation of resurrection life in the new creation, instead of natural life in the old. Observe the article is wanting here. It is “Receive Holy Spirit “ that is the spirit as life. In Acts 2 we get the fulfillment of Acts 1:88But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. (Acts 1:8) which is the Spirit as a person coming down from heaven to dwell in Christians and to be with them till the Church is taken up. You will find the Spirit as life in Romans 8:9, 109But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:9‑10), which is the same as John 20 and as a distinct person bearing witness with our spirits in v. 16, same aspect as in Acts 2
A. He has borne their iniquities, only according to Leviticus 16 they do not know it till the Priest (Christ) comes out (ver. 17, 18) from God’s presence where he has sprinkled the blood. This will be when Christ comes forth before the millennium to Israel and then they will know for the first time the value of Christ’s work on Calvary. We know it by faith now, for Christ has sent the Spirit down into our hearts for this purpose (Hebrews 10) but a veil is still on their hearts as a nation. (2) We have no clear light as to this verse. Perhaps some correspondent will help. It probably alludes to God’s all-seeing presence. (3) Certainly.
A. (1) Typically the Jewish nation, but he may be taken as a beautiful type of the sinner. (2) Do not complain one against another to others, for such tale bearing only brings down judgment from God, who is “before the door”; a simile which presents vividly His nearness to each one of us. It would be well if tale-bearers and scandal-mongers were to lay this verse to heart.
A. Christ is brought in here instead of God, the thought of the church and the wife (verse 21, 24,) running all through, with whom “Christ” rather than “God” is in immediate connection. (2) We do not know; this passage is not singular in this respect. (3) Yes, the passages are very similar, only the bulk of the magnificent parenthesis in Ephesians 1:3-143Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; 8Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; 9Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: 10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: 11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: 12That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, 14Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3‑14) is wanting in Colossians.
A. The difficulty connected with the last clause of this verse has always been felt. The expression “after the Commandment “has been variously translated; in the Sept., “after vanities” the Vulgate, “after uncleanness.” by Luther, “after a commandment (of men)” It is literally “a precept or commandment” and it manifestly cannot be a commandment of God. See 1 Kings 12:32, 3332And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like unto the feast that is in Judah, and he offered upon the altar. So did he in Beth-el, sacrificing unto the calves that he had made: and he placed in Beth-el the priests of the high places which he had made. 33So he offered upon the altar which he had made in Beth-el the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month which he had devised of his own heart; and ordained a feast unto the children of Israel: and he offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. (1 Kings 12:32‑33), and also compare Isaiah 29:1313Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: (Isaiah 29:13), with Matthew 15:99But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. (Matthew 15:9).