Question 33: In what way can the Christian throw his pearls before swine, or give the holy things unto the dogs? J. H. J.
Answer: Matthew 7:6: By arguing and discussing the precious things of God with unconverted men, or pressing truth, precious in itself, on those who are not exercised about it. We need to bear a testimony in this world to those around, but it is to be in the spirit of meekness, and with prayer that we may minister the right word 2 Timothy 2:23-26.
Question 34: Was it disobedience on the part of the healed ones in the gospels in not heeding the Lord’s charge to say nothing about their being healed? Why is it mentioned in one gospel and not in another? J. H. J.
Answer: The Lord had always a reason for telling anyone not to speak about what had been done. Sometimes, it was because He was rejected. Other times, because as a Servant, He was hiding Himself. This is specially in Mark’s Gospel. You should specify what instances you desire light about.
Those who were healed, and told it, did disobey, but acted out of the fullness of their gratitude, and failed to enter into His purpose at the moment.
Question 35: Please explain John 10:16. H. S.
Answer: “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one flock, and one Shepherd.”
“One flock” is the right translation in this last occurrence of the word.
A fold is an enclosure. A flock is a number of sheep; this is a contrast between Judaism and Christianity. Circumcision, laws and ordinances, kept the Jews hedged in and separate from the nations or Gentiles.
Jesus came into this fold to deliver His sheep out of it; this He did through His death and resurrection. Christ went before them, and through His death the sheep are brought out of the sheepfold (John 10:3, 4).
John 10:9 is salvation for “Any man” and liberty and pasture. This is what the believers have in Christ (Eph. 2:8,13-18). They have life more abundantly (John 10:10). There is now no fold. Christians are the flock of God (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). They are not under law nor ordinances (Rom. 6:14; Col. 2:20).
They have a good and great Shepherd to gather round and to follow (John 10:27-30). He watches over them, He gives them eternal life, they shall never perish, none can pluck them out of His and the Father’s hand.
“Truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ” 1 John 1:3.
All in the fold being under the law are under its curse (Gal. 3:10).