Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 167

(Hebrews Part 23b):

Hebrews 10:26 Continued

So, they are being told that if you go back into old Judaism, you're not going to find any sacrifice there that's going to take care of your sin problem if you leave Christ. You see, they had a choice to make. They could either surrender to Christ, knowing that they would be persecuted and ostracized by their own family and fellow Jews, or, they could go back and remain in Judaism. So, they received the knowledge of the truth, and now they are being told that they either receive Jesus as their Messiah (Savior), or they can go back into their old sacrificing that can never take away their sin.

So, this verse does not teach that a saved person can lose their salvation as some claim!

(Hebrews Part 23a):

Hebrews 10:26 - For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

This is another section of scripture that I believe is very important. This is one of the verses in the Bible that some use to show that salvation can be lost.

It says, "For if we sin willfully, that is, we go back to serving the principle of sin, after that we have received the knowledge of the truth," and again, we saw back in Chapter 6 those who were enlightened, that are no longer coming for fellowship. But just because they were enlightened doesn't mean they're saved. The Lord can enlighten someone as to the knowledge of the truth, they know the truth, they have seen the truth, they understand the truth but have never surrendered their life to Christ.

It goes on to say, "Now if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins."

The writer is speaking to Hebrew people here. These people were following along within a mixed group of Hebrews, and they were all hearing the same truth. So, this crowd consisted of Hebrew believers, Hebrew non-believers, and Hebrew people who were following along and receiving the knowledge of truth, probably agreeing with what they were hearing, but would not denounce Judaism and surrender their life to Christ because they knew what this would mean if they did. They would be rejected by their own family, they would no longer be allowed in their temple, they wouldn't be able to work, and they would be severely persecuted if they surrendered to Christ.

(Hebrews Part 22):

Hebrews 10:23 - Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

Some of these Hebrews who have been enlightened to the truth but have never been saved are thinking of going back into old Judaism. If you remember back in Chapters 4 and 5, what is the confession of our faith? There are two things. Number one, Jesus Christ is our apostle. He is the one who has come from God and represents God to us. The second thing in our confession as believers is that Jesus Christ is our high priest.

Now you can imagine a Hebrew or Jewish person making that confession in and amongst the other Hebrew and Jewish people who have rejected Christ as Messiah. That's going to create problems! And so that's why he says let's hold firm, the profession or confession of our faith; (for he is faithful that promised;) That's the Lord!

Thirdly, the third hortatory, or encouragement, is in Verse 24.

Hebrews 10:24 - And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

And let us consider one another. KATANOEO is the Greek word, and it has to do with having a perception upon others. Perceive what others are going through.

And we are to consider one another for two things: Number one, for provoking. Let us consider one another for provoking. In fact, the word provoke in Greek means to irritate, and there are a lot of Christians who are home on that one!

To irritate unto love and to good works: The word good is the word for right, correct works, doing things right in the eyes of the Lord. So, unto love and to good works.

(Hebrews Part 21):

Hebrews 10:19 - Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,

That's the holy of holies in heaven.

Now in Verses 19 through 25, it speaks about the sufficiency of the provision of Christ. From the Greek text, there are what are called three Hortatory Subjunctives. In the Greek, a subjunctive presents a possibility or probability or purpose. A Hortatory Subjunctive is an encouragement that's in the Subjunctive Mood, and it's translated by the English "Let us."

It almost sounds like it's a command but it isn't. It's an encouragement. And there are three of them, and I'll point them out as I go through Verses 19 through 25.

Hebrews 10:22 - Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.

Here is our first encouragement: Let us draw near. And notice what he says, with a true heart, genuine, sincere, in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and that's an allusion to the sprinkling of the blood over the mercy seat. Our consciences have been sprinkled from an evil conscience. And our bodies washed with pure water.

Those last two are ceremonies that the priests had to go through in order to enter into the presence of God. So, he's saying, using the shadows, spiritually speaking, with boldness, come into the holy of holies in heaven into the presence of Christ because of our high priest, because of the place where He is, because of the provision made for us, our evil consciences have been sprinkled with blood, our bodies washed with pure water, in symbolic form of what He's done for us in the Spirit.

He's saying let us draw near. We should draw near, not stay away for fear of the God of the Old Covenant who is a consuming fire. So, the first encouragement is draw near. Verse 23 is the second encouragement.

(Hebrews Part 20):

Hebrews 9:10 - Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation.

Reformation in Greek means restoring that which is crooked, or to make straight that which is crooked, which will be completed at the second coming of Christ.

Hebrews 10:14 - For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.

Sanctified is a verb form of the word holy. HAGIOS is the Greek word for holy. It's also the word for saint. It's not the word for holy in the sense of purity, but holy in the sense of position. It means to be set apart. For instance, the vessels in the temple were said to be holy and set apart for God's use. But that didn't mean that they weren't scratched or dented or didn't have flaws. It meant their position and use was set apart for God's use.

When the Holy Spirit comes into our lives, it's the word holy. Holy is an adjective. He's the Holy Spirit of God. He's the Holy Spirit of Christ. Holy is an adjective that describes what kind of Spirit He is. He's set apart. He only belongs to God, He only represents God, and He only does the things of God. He doesn't do the common things outside of God's will because He's the Spirit of God.

When the Holy Spirit comes into my spirit, or my soul, I am then called a saint. It's the same word (HAGIOS). Once His Spirit comes into my life, I am set apart for Him. I'm not a saint because of my performance. Whether a Christian understands it or not, that's where our biggest struggle is. God already has us set apart for His purposes, but we keep trying to go the other way. We keep trying to do our purposes. Our struggle is more with the Lord than it is with Satan.

The verb form (HAGIADZO) that represents the coming of the Holy Spirit into my life, that's called my sanctification. I have been set apart. A saved person is sanctified, and everybody that is sanctified has been perfected, completed!

(Hebrews Part 19):

Hebrews 6:12 - That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.

This word slothful is a Greek word (NOTHROI) that means lazy.

Hebrews 7:3 - Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.

Melchisedec was without father, and notice how it's translated. It doesn't say he did not have a father. The Greek text indicates that there is no record of a father. No record of a mother, and he is without descent. There's no record. Obviously, he came from somewhere. He was a man. He was real. There were no records at all about this guy.

Having neither beginning of days, nor end of life;

That is, we have no idea where he came from, how old he was, when he died, if he died, whatever!

But made like unto the Son of God;

There is a parallel between Melchisedec and Christ. But this text says that he was made like to the Son of God. It doesn't say he was the Son of God. That's important!

Abides a priest continually. The parallel here is that we know that Jesus had a birth. We know who His mother is and who His Father is. But that's not the parallel. The parallel is that Jesus, let's put it this way, the Christ never had a beginning, and doesn't have an end. And that's why the Lord's priesthood is according to Melchisedec, because Melchisedec is parallel to the eternal existence of Christ.

Hebrews 8:2 - For there was a tabernacle made; the first, wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shewbread; which is called the sanctuary.

There are never any candles mentioned in the scripture, even though it's in the translation. It's translated lamp. And there was a lamp and a table in what is called the holy place.

i want to ask for prayer that the Lord will help me to be wise this Holy Weekend. i know it's not right to call a bunch of people to my battles, like Gideon did in Judges 7.

verse 2 says:

"The Lord God said to Gideon:

You have too many people, so I can't let you defeat the Midianites.

If I did, you might think you had won without my help."

but I'm managing to look at my life path and listen to my preacher Sarah's advice. I've been following her advice to the letter.

i no longer want to defraud God's Word.

Revelation 19:13 is what He makes me see as a Good Shepherd are my iniquities

Matthew 27-The Crucifixion

I believe it was Josh McDowell who originally did a study on the death of Christ; along with others who have done medical analysis as to what the crucifixion would have entailed. We have the Shroud of Turin which certainly seems to be the linen that bears Christ's image; explained as to the apparent later date as being material taken as a sample on the outer edges of the garment that were repaired after fire damage in the 1300's.

At present I don't feel it would be edifying or that I am even worthy of doing an analysis of this chapter. The story unfolds in all its graphic detail; fulfilling numerous prophecies; especially poignant to the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22. It is said that the spiritual suffering of Christ being separated for that moment from the Father was worse than the physical agony but can't be ignored; certainly. Satan is no half hearted foe as to the level of destruction he brings in this hour of darkness (see Luke 22:53). God allowed him to bring forth the circumstances leading to His death; Jesus still gave up the ghost when the work was done in saying "it is finished" ( John 19:30). Once again when the "restrainer" is removed from the earth ( 2 Thess. 2:6-8) the powers of evil will have full control for a short time ( Daniel 8:24).

Matthew 28-The Resurrection

Jesus of course came back to life early Sunday morning which we celebrate this week. Hallelujia and Maranatha (Lord come soon). It is hard to fathom how I could live until 18 years old and not know the Lord as I have for the last 42 years. The Gospels are clear that even with one raising from the dead wicked people won't believe (as illustrated in the Parable of the rich man in hell). The nation of Israel still largely is blind until the time the Lord has set for Jacob's trouble. Jeremiah 30:7 says: Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.

Conclusion of foolish servant in Matthew 25.

This servant according to verse 30 was cast into "outer darkness". It sounds like hell although some could argue it means into the Tribulation such as the portion with the hypocrites passage in Matthew 24:51. I wouldn't want to chance anything though.

These are among the hardest sayings of the Lord; and we certainly can consider that God may indeed give potential to some with natural abilities and perhaps the potential exists for doing things for the Lord that is wasted. We contrast this with verses about those who are also shut out that say that they did many good works for Him which sounds like investing in the Kingdom in Matthew 7:22-23. This is food for further discussion as I feel ill prepared dealing with these verses.

The narrow road certainly comes into focus with these passages. The last section of Matthew 25: 31-46 show the "sheep and goat" judgment which I would argue is at the end of the Tribulation and relates to the works of those supporting the 144,000 and other suffering believers at that time of persecution. Visiting them and supporting them would likely cost them their lives.

What we can't say is that just doing such works saves somebody; but again we have to look at what works we are doing now and make sure we don't neglect the needs of those in our midst. These are sobering passages.

Conclusion of Matthew 24.

The prophetic implications of this statement 2 days before Passover are in general a near (AD 70) and far prediction. Jesus was warning all His followers through the Church Age and even beyond into the Tribulation things that would come to pass in Israel.

Escaping (verses 15-28) would be the only option to avoid physical death at that time. Specific instructions were given to flee immediately. If we look at AD 70 it apparently took months to totally destroy the city and Temple. Sudden destruction as described here would likely involve modern armies and warfare controlled by Antichrist.

Matthew 25 gets into parables once again accentuating what is said at the conclusion of Matthew 24 on being ready for His coming. Verses 1-13 involve the famous well known Parable of the 10 Virgins. Some have suggested this relates to those in the church who are and aren't truly prepared for the Rapture with half being left out; some others seem to suggest it relates to the Second Coming. It is easier to take this as a warning in a general way but the text is there for apurpose. People will argue it means believing Christians can lose their salvation because of the assumption that they are all preparing for the Bridegroom.

Knowing them not would seem to indicate being lost; although I have offered the concept that perhaps they can be refined as gold in the Tribulation when they truly come to faith. At that time at least He doesn't know them; I can't be sure He won't afterwards; nonetheless these are sobering reminders; we note that even the wise virgins slumbered and slept with Him tarrying. I would state that since many expected Christ since the 1980s when such end time subjects were popular it is even more important now.

Verses 14-30 discuss the good and foolish servants. The Lord expects fruit from our lives for heavenly treasures and riches to His glory. We need to bear fruit and give to others in ministry (v. 27).

Final thoughts on woes to Pharisees in Matthew 23.

Luke 19:41-44 seems to parallel the time when Jesus was bewailing the inevitable destruction of Jerusalem in Matthew 23:37-39 at the end of the chapter. This would indicate weeping either associated with or divergent from the rage He had with the righteous indignation talking (if we can use that phrase); more like shouting to the Pharisees. I would think both emotions at the same time were happening because all of that could have been avoided and the Pharisees should have known better. Overall rejection of Christ also was a factor and of course everyone was accountable to some extent for their actions and the end result.

It isn't often when these passages are read in conjunction with the Passion week; nonetheless it was part of what went down at that time.

It looks like I covered Matthew 26 already; so I will tackle Matthew 24 then 25.

Matthew 24

I set out to analyze Christ's unique aspects as the perfect God man but ended up basically doing a study of the entire book of Matthew. Others here I am sure could do a better job. It would be better for this study to focus on general observations rather than an eschatological hypothesis of these passages; particularly Matthew 24.

Jesus had a particular admonition and prophetic insight for Peter after the Resurrection ( John 21:18-19). The rest of the Disciples needed to hear this; so verse 3 is a private conference with them following His statements on the destruction of the Temple at the beginning of this chapter. It seems that most of this chapter is discussing the end time Tribulation; and much is clearly indicating things at that time such as the Abomination of Desolation. Verse 9 seems to be the only thing which had specific fulfillment with the Apostles; and verse 34 was only true as to the Temple being destroyed. There is something to be said in terms of natural phenomenon that occurred in AD 70 but most things predicted are yet future.

Woe number five from Matthew 23. (25-26)

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess.

26 Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also.

Apparently hand washing as a ritualistic practice was strictly enforced along with cleaning all objects. I would suspect that had to do with certain traditions today where foods can't be mixed and items carefully sanitized among Orthodox Jews. We are reminded of Jesus' comment and not handwashing in Matthew 15:2 and His response in verse 3. Things weren't going to get any better...

Woe #6 verses 27-28

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

The Temple and it's artifacts no doubt were very beautiful; hence the shock to the Disciples when it's total destruction was prophesied by Christ ( Matt. 24:2). The rest of this is rather self explanatory; and finally:

Woe #7 (I am skipping to verse 34 and 35)

Wherefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: and some of them ye shall kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city:

35 That upon you may come all the righteous blood shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel unto the blood of Zacharias son of Barachias, whom ye slew between the temple and the altar.

This passage indicates that they had accumulated enough guilt for all those who were unrighteously slayed that were true prophets and Godly men from the beginning with Abel to Zacharias (text analysis not sure if this was the Prophet Zechariah but 1 Chronicles account seems to verify.)

Matthew 23: Woe number 4

23 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

24 Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel.

Good thing they weren't straining a camel as chewing tobacco is bad for you...

Anyway; the concept of tithing was still held as an O.T. custom; and naturally; since the Pharisees were rich a tenth of their own moneys made for a big show but wasn't anything compared to the widow's mites (see Luke 21:1-4). Righteous not perverted judgment was expected (see Isaiah 10:1; James 2:13). Apparently Pharisees were involved with the Sanhedrin but primarily over civil matters. (Wikipedia).

Let me see if I'm allowed to mention them; posting now

Matthew 23: Second "woe"

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. (verse 14).

True religion according to scripture involves supporting orphans and widows; there are many DOZENS of scriptures on the subject including Psalms in the O.T. and the book of James in the N.T. Not making long prayers to be showy is also mentioned in Matthew 6:7 as to how the "heathen" pray; but of course it can be used of those who seek to appear righteous as the Pharisees did things to get approval of men as to their "piety" (see Matthew 6:5). Greed was apparently a major problem with these elites; and we can't help but see today how many "ministries" usually named after their leader manipulate people to give what they can't afford and promise their wealth will multiply (name and claim scheme). It seems doubtful the Pharisees told people they would get rich giving them a lot of their money; I would suspect.

Woe unto you, ye blind guides, which say, Whosoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but whosoever shall swear by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!

17 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

18 And, Whosoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it, he is guilty.

19 Ye fools and blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

This third woe describes the debtor owing the value of the gold in the Temple to God (essentially for the Pharisee's ownership) if they didn't fulfill what was vowed. Verses 20-22 explain that what is important is the altar itself and God in heaven; although Jesus warned about not swearing and making foolish vows ( Matt. 5:36-37; also repeated in James 5:12). Vows to God must be fulfilled as we see in Judges 11:36-37. As a footnote pressuring people to make vows isn't right

Matthew 23 first woe

13 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.

Matthew 23 has seven woes; almost like seven judgments in Revelation. At this point we need to remember along with the constant barrage of interruptions and questions the Pharisees had as we saw in chapter 22; we also know that they blasphemed Christ and stated that Beelzebub was the source of His power to do miracles. They were afraid of the crowds but wouldn't acknowledge which should have been obvious to them before anyone else; that the prophecies pointed to Christ as the awaited Messiah. Again; as I stated in the last posting it seems with just a few days until the crucifixion that this seemed unnecessary.

The sacrifices would remain until the Temple was destroyed in AD 70 but once the Temple curtain was rent ( Matt. 27:51) the inner sanctuary was accessible to every true believer where the Holy Spirit dwelt. It would seem here that the damage done which would result in the city being destroyed in AD 70 and about a million people perishing was enough to motivate this speech. It is said historically that all the Christians left before things hit due to the prophecies about all things happening in that generation (I would say that was a partial fulfillment of that prophecy).

In any event; this first woe showed how the Pharisees unbelief kept them blind to the truth and the general population that was seeking to be obedient to God was overwhelmed by their behavior and likely all the extra laws they added on with their traditions so that initial efforts to get to know the Lord were snuffed out trying to meet impossible standards; no doubt in an attempt to emulate their leaders. We note that Jesus did tell them to obey what was commanded. It would appear that these extra laws put them in a class above the general populace.

Hi Lionheart.

In John 5:38-40 we have Jesus speaking to the Pharisees.

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

Jesus is referring to the old testament scriptures. The new testament haven't been recorded yet.

I mention this because the old testament/covenant established under the Levitical priesthood was a foreshadowing of the new covenant that Christ brought in on the cross.

So you see, the Gospel of salvation is mentioned throughout the Bible starting with Genesis. Most notably ( Genesis 3:15 )

You may be able to parallel John 5:38-40 with Hebrews 10:5-10.

Here's just a few notable verses.

Genesis 22:16-18.

Galatians 3:6-9.

Galatians 3:16-19.

John 3:16-18.

Acts 4:12.

Romans 10:9-11.

Ephesians 2:8-10.

Revelation 22:17.

I hope this helps.

God bless you.

On the topic of 666 my opinion is that it is based on the first wicked man Cain, in the bible and his son, Lamech. Also it is restated in the geneology line Adam to Noah. Lamech precedes Noah in this line and s the representation of sin as was in Cain's history.

Hi Jerry.

Throughout the Bible the number 7 often represents Completeness or finished". However sometimes the number 7 is just one number higher than number 6.

I hope this helps.

God bless.

Dave, I will pray for you. Keep in mind that you can spend time with the Lord anywhere and anytime. He is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Sometimes spending some one on one time with him is exactly what we need. Hang in there and read the Bible. God loves you so much!

The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:

3 All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not.

4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.

5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.

8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.

9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.

10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Verse 1 mentions speaking to the crowds and disciples. Verses 2 and 3 emphasize that for that time people were to observe and do what the Pharisees said since they were the de-facto leaders sitting in Moses' seat. This would end; of course once the Temple was destroyed in AD 70 and would begin to end after the Crucifixion in particular at the day of Pentecost. There are certainly themes there which are relevant today; such as calling no one father in verse 9 which is a tradition in one large branch of "Christendom". We also aren't to call anyone masters (verse 10) which is common among many occult groups; one in particular all througout the US in lodges today. The sin of pride and covetousness for attention and money also shouldn't characterize Godly men but instead; humility.

could you give me a list of all verses that talk about being saved

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You are welcome and thank you for the nice comment! I agree, it is very easy to claim to be a believer while at the same time being void of God's Spirit. I know a few of these people. Some are friends, and some are relatives who claim to be Christian but the way they conduct themselves and treat others would make any "fruit inspector" like myself a little suspicious if you know what I mean.

God Bless!!!

Conclusion on all the Gospel accounts of the last week of Christ's earthly ministry.

I should clarify as to what wasn't in Mark's Gospel; namely all the prayers for the church at large; and explanations of where He was going with personal discussion that I covered in the earlier posting in John 15-17. In retrospect I surely missed a LOT of His prayers and statements in those passages; but this is a preliminary study of the basic collective and differentiating texts of the Passion Week. As to Christ being the perfect man; what can we say? He was more concerned about praying for Peter a betrayer who ran off than focusing on His own problems; more focused about prayer for the future church through all the ages; as well as the preparation of His Disciples for what was to come knowing they would leave Him anyway. What we can't argue about is that Christ accepted worship; no matter how He was as a man no one else can do that without it being blasphemy. Let that sink in; when studying other religions His claims were unique. One can't be halfway in with the Lord; His demands are complete obedience superior to the Pharisees ( Matt. 5:20). He isn't interested in having us just come to Him as we are but to enacting a death sentence on all who are truly Born Again; thus crucifying the flesh ( Gal. 2:20). We come as we are but leave a new man.

This is what unsaved people just can't get; they seem to think they can either earn through good works the key to the Kingdom; or somehow that they or their loved ones are "good hearted" and too kind to be eternally lost. Such was; sadly the case of my mother towards hers despite the fact she never made a confession of faith. There are one or two very disturbing things that I found out about both sides of my family which I may have mentioned before but I won't delve into it.

Next I'll delve into Matthew 23 to see if I can separate all 7 statements of the Pharisees being hypocrites and the significance.

Maranatha. RIch p

The Gospel of Mark and the final week of Christ's earthly ministry

John 12:5 demonstrates what Judas says along with others in Mark 14. At the end of this story Judas went out to plot the betrayal of Christ for a miserable price of 30 pieces of silver. This isn't specified here; just some money. It is ironic that Judas was so concerned about the money "wasted" by this woman pouring nard perfume on Christ's head and his acceptance of something worth much less; about four months wages it is said for betraying Christ compared to the more than a year's value of money of the nard. For a thief all along surely he could have bargained a price enough to maintain him the rest of his life considering the significance of Christ's "threat" to the religious establishment. Matthew 28 shows a whole group of soldiers being bribed to lie about what happened to Christ's body.

The next scene is the Passover or Last Supper. Given that they still seemed confused as to the betrayal at least who would do it they probably were still blinded to the whole concept of His crucifixion. This is what makes the above narrative so interesting; this woman not only honored Christ but prepared Him for His death with a deliberate proactive response. Again this is something I never paid attention to before; just focused on Luke 7 and the account of the sinful woman and perhaps missed the significance of this later event.

The account of Gethsemene as well as the earlier Passover meal has no mention whatsoever in Mark's Gospel of what it does in John; it only covers His prayers for Himself in a life and death battle preceding the cross. Again this is hard to handle seeing the "inner circle" of Peter; James and John along with the rest falling asleep repeatedly with Jesus in His greatest time of need in the final hour before His capture and trial and crucifixion the next day. The denial of Christ is here once more; and finally in verse 72 at the end Peter breaks down. Sobering...

Is there a significance or connection in the use of the number 7 in the Book of Revelation?

Thank you for the detailed breakout of scripture that answers my questions!

The Gospel of Luke

Luke 22:31-32 31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:

32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Ugh. Next to the sufferings of Christ on the cross this may be the hardest scripture to take in. Whew.

Other than Job; there are no other accounts where such an event of permission to attack a saint by Satan himself is mentioned; although there are other occasions when clearly deception was given to the false prophets and collateral damage likely ensued with some of the plagues when David sinned that God allowed but the enemy no doubt wouldn't object to to say the least.

This is savage; there are no minced words here. Peter had been warned previously; I believe in Matthew 16:23 how wishing to escape death for the Messiah was a Satanically inspired comment. Now; Peter himself though his own fear and weakness would buckle to the pressure and deny Christ to save his own skin. Now we do observe that all the other Disciples also ran off; but they didn't have the audacity to make such a statement that they were ready to die for Him ( John 13:37).

Jesus knew that eventually he would be "converted" and strengthen his brothers; that looking ahead to Pentecost no doubt. There were further admonitions at that point as to the veracity and strength of Peter's love at that point which prophecy about Peter's own death to come.

We have the hard truth here that apparently Jesus granted Satan's request. John 18:8-9 showed prophetically that for the time being the disciples were not to be arrested and killed based on John 17:12 which had just been said before this. This is the only time I know of that Jesus referred to any New Testament statement as a prophetic fulfillment; but Peter should have known His prayers would be answered; as well as the promises for him to be the rock ( Matt. 16:18) of the church.

John and the week before the Crucifixion.

John records in chapters 12-17 the events in the last week of Christ's ministry leading up to his capture in verse 18 and the Crucifixion itself in chapter 19. Once again I hope I read the text carefully in order to say that here there are no further miracles demonstrated in His ministry. The controversy over Lazarus would start events rolling with the insane desire to have both him and Christ killed off ( John 12:9-11). The actual excoriation as I put it of the Pharisees is absent in John's account. Jesus in this Gospel is given much more emphasis as to His discourse with the Disciples which involved themes of the Trinity; His necessity to leave and comfort about the coming Spirit and His coming again and the prayer for the church as a whole in chapter 17. I shouldn't neglect the prophetic warnings in chapter 16 in being put to death.

The fact that 1/3 of the Gospels involves "Passion week" is significant. There was no time to waste; as Jesus knew the great shock to come would catch them off guard; that they would all run away and needed assurance as to the Spirit's role in transformation. Details about His death and resurrection are in all 4 gospels as it is no doubt the most significant aspect of His ministry as pertaining to us; even today. John 19:26 is the last mention of what are said to be 6 mentionings of "the one Jesus loved" in regard to John the author of this Gospel. At first glance that would seem rather arrogant. Maybe someone here has some insight; I would surmise that:

1) John was part of the group who went up in the Transfiguration. Interestingly; this event is NOT covered in John but in the other 3 Gospel accounts as well as 2 Peter. This would constitute the "inner circle" so to speak.

2) John laid across his bosom ( John 13:23).

3) Jesus Himself mentioned "if I want him to remain; what is that to you" in John 21:22 responding to Peter. He would die a natural death before then.

Hello Bibleschooled,

We this in Matthew 19:12 where it says For there are some eunuchs, and a eunuch is somebody who is unable to produce children. That is just a general definition without getting too technical.



But there are some eunuchs, first of all, which were so born from their mother's womb. They were born with a physical defect and are not able to produce children.



And there are some eunuchs, which were made eunuchs of men: That is, people take them and they castrate them, which is what they did for the guards that had to guard the harems for the various royalty and kings. They were castrated so that they would not have a desire for a woman.



And there be eunuchs, which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. That's personal. It's a calling, and it is self-discipline!



In first Corinthians Chapter 7, Paul answered the question, and again this is the area of marriage and divorce, and remarriage for the Gentiles. Paul says it is best if everybody is just a like I am.



But Paul says that he is single, and it is best if you stay like I am. And if you have the grace to do it, stay single. That is 1 Corinthians 7:8.



But, he says in 1 Corinthians 7:9 that if you cannot contain yourself, and you are burning with passion, then it is better to get married.



Those are the three kinds of people. People born with the physical defect, people who have been castrated, or a personal calling that God is giving you the grace to be single, or God hasn't given you the grace to be single, and you are burning with passion. Then he says it is best to get married.

So basically, a eunuch is someone who is incapable of producing children.

Hope this helps!

Throughout the Bible, does the word "eunuch" refer to a person who casts aside his desire for sex and family in order to be fully devoted to serving God or fully dedicated to a king and/or his palace? Or does the word refer to a man's sex organs and sexuality?