Ans. The needle referred to is the ordinary sewing needle with which everyone is familiar. There is not the slightest ground for the notion that it referred to a small gate in the wall of Jerusalem. Verse 26 would make this clear, as it would by no means be "impossible" for the camel to go through the supposed small gate, even in the judgment of those who advance the "gate" theory. The lesson is that "Salvation is of the Lord." Matthew 27:5757When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: (Matthew 27:57) shows that God is able to do the "impossible"; Joseph was rich, yet he was saved. (See Matthew 27:57-6057When the even was come, there came a rich man of Arimathea, named Joseph, who also himself was Jesus' disciple: 58He went to Pilate, and begged the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock: and he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre, and departed. (Matthew 27:57‑60)).
Ques. What is the typical meaning of the "inn" in the parable of the Samaritan in Luke 10:34-3534And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. (Luke 10:34‑35)?
Ans. The inn being the place in which the delivered man was to be cared for until the return of the "Samaritan," would typify the place where the Lord cares for His own during His absence, and until His return. This would point to the assembly where the Spirit of God operates for the good and blessing of all Christ's members. No doubt, there is the additional, that of the transient character of the church's sojourn; it is an "inn," not a permanent residence as a palace or castle.
Inasmuch as the Samaritan paid but two pence to the innkeeper, we would gather that the Lord intended to teach the brevity of the time until His return.
Ques. What is the meaning of the Seven Spirits in Revelation 4;5, and in other places in the book of Revelation?
Ans. The number "seven" in Scripture suggests completeness, or perfection, either in good or evil. So the "seven Spirits of God" in the book of Revelation would indicate the all-comprehensive, providential workings of that Holy Spirit in God's judgments upon the earth.
Ans. These are Jewish saints, who at that time will be carrying out the ceremonial law of God. The "beast" cannot touch the saints who have been caught up at the coming of the Lord. The "beast" will prevent the Jewish remnant from performing their religious observances.
Ans. This is the authorized version's rendering of one word in the original which means "helper." The Greek equivalent of this word is used once in the New Testament in Hebrews 13:66So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. (Hebrews 13:6):
"The Lord is my helper."