Question: What is the meaning of the “needle” in Matthew 19:24?
Answer: 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 27:57 shows that God is able to do the “impossible”; Joseph was rich, yet he was saved. (See Matthew 27:57-60).
Question: What is the typical meaning of the “inn” in the parable of the Samaritan in Luke 10:34-35?
Answer: 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.
Question: What is the meaning of the Seven Spirits in Revelation 4;5, and in other places in the book of Revelation?
Answer: 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.
Question: Who are the saints mentioned in Revelation 13:7? Are not the church saints caught up before them?
Answer: 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.
Question: What is the force of the words “help meet” in Genesis 2:18?
Answer: 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 13:6:
“The Lord is my helper.”