Matthew
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In both accounts, you will note that those monarchs were elevated to an incredibly high position, both in terms of their kingdoms (Babylonia & Phoenicia), their wealth & power, & also in their own eyes. Yet, we see some strange descriptions of them which simply cannot be applied to an earthly ruler (e.g. falling from Heaven, I will ascend into Heaven, exalt my throne above the stars of God. And to Tyre: having been in Eden, anointed cherub, perfect in all thy ways till iniquity was found in thee).
Some see that none other than earthly rulers are spoken of here, but others see the reason for their pride, belief in their invincibility, & eventual downfall of these kings as pertaining to the spirit that controlled them. It is as when Jesus spoke against Peter ( Matthew 16:23); Jesus was certainly looking at Peter, but heard Satan's voice coming through again (as in Matthew 4:3-10), a spirit pressing Peter to blurt out those words that were in opposition to Jesus' Words that the Cross was truly God's Plan. When one utters words that are contrary to God's Word, believing them to be true, those words are Satan-generated, for the enemy will always seek to distort the Truth (remember Eden?).
Even Jesus spoke about Satan's fall from Heaven in John 10:18, "I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven", though unsure whether Jesus specifically quoted the Isaiah passage. Yet, there was that occasion when Satan & his angels were cast out from Heaven ( Revelation 12:9; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6). Therefore, I too understand that those OT passages have references to both those rulers, but also to the satanic spirit that moved in them, hence the very specific references to Satan being cast out as well. And yet, Satan will once again manifest himself mightily in the person of Anti-Christ ( 2 Thessalonians 2:3,4).
"And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence." Colossians 1:18 KJV
"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church:" Colossians 1:24 KJV
"Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house." Colossians 4:15 KJV
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Matthew 16:18 KJV
"As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed." Romans 9:33 KJV
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4 KJV
"And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:" Galatians 1:22 KJV
"For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body." Ephesians 5:23 KJV
"That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." Ephesians 5:27 KJV
"For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:" Ephesians 5:29 KJV
"For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones." Ephesians 5:30 KJV
"This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church." Ephesians 5:32 KJV
Leaven in scripture is known as sin and/or false doctrine.
Matthew 16:8-12.
Notice here in Leviticus 23:16-17
Israel is commanded to eat leaven on a particular day.
"Even unto the morrow after the seventh sabbath shall ye number fifty days; and ye shall offer a new meat offering unto the LORD.
Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves of two tenth deals: they shall be of fine flour; they shall be baken with leaven; they are the firstfruits unto the LORD."
This day is called Shavuot or feast of Pentecost. "Some recognize as the birth of the Church.
The leaven here seems to suggest in a prophetic way the false doctrine that is to enter the Church.
I hope this helps.
God bless.
If I may give another understanding of why Jesus told Peter "Get the behind me Satan". We find this in Matthew 16:23 and Mark 8:33. It may seem that Satan was influencing Peter, but Satan wanted Jesus to be killed because that would stop Jesus the Messiah from setting up the kingdom on earth, God's plan was hidden, even from the disciples.
Everyone and the disciples thought when the Messiah came, He would set up the Kingdom and set up the new world order. Jesus told them several times He would be killed and be resurrected, Matthew 16:21 Matthew 17:22-23 Mark 8:31 Mark 9:31-32 Mark 10:32-34. In Luke 9:44-45 it was hidden from them until He was resurrected Luke 24:6-8, and later the Holy Spirit would bring all remembrance to them, John 14:26.
The understanding of those sayings was hidden, and Peter took Jesus aside and was saying surely God would have mercy and not let this happen. Jesus turned away and when He said what He did all the disciples heard what He said. The word Satan was originally a common noun meaning adversary.
The disciples were amazed Jesus was going to Jerusalem and they were afraid Mark 10:32. Even though they were told what was going to happen it was hidden they did not have a clue, they were still looking for Jesus to overthrow the Romans and set up the kingdom. That was the reason they all scattered when Jesus was arrested and Peter's denial, they all were devastated and shocked because the Messiah when He came was to set up the kingdom not to be killed.
Jesus' response to Peter and the disciples was drastic but it was a message relevant to them all, a message they all needed to hear to get them through what was shortly to happen. One other thing, when Jesus came it was for the lost sheep of Israel only, even after Pentecost it was still for the house of Israel until the mystery of the gospel of grace was revealed.
Jesus only lost one, Judas who He called the son of perdition, John 17:12.
Hope this helps
God bless,
RLW
Ephesians 5:28-29,
Luke 16:18,
2Timothy 3:1-10,
James 1:19-27
Hopefully you will find many of these useful to your situation. I pray the HOLY Spirit teach you & guide you into HIS way.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock
I WILL BUILD my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 1 Corinthians 10:4
[ Luke 9: the account of Jesus's Transfiguration]
28-29 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, Jesus took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And as Jesus prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Verses 33-35
And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three (CHURCHES) tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: NOT knowing what he said.
While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: HEAR HIM.
Mishael comment: it was the wrong time to start planning 3 Churches. In the verse from Matthew, it's clear that Jesus will build His Church. A church not made with hands.
No. 2. Do You Think Jesus (DIDN'T KNOW) That He Was Calling (The Wrong Disciple) SATAN /A DEVIL: OR, Do You Think Jesus Decided To Go Against Scripture: And Choose "TWO" Devil's.
I think my response above, answers your question about Jesus calling both His disciples, Devil; that these men didn't turn into devils (nor can they), but allowed THE Devil to fill them & use them to work against God. Jesus was hearing devilish words/seeing a devilish act from these men, just as would be expected from THE Devil. As I mentioned, there can only be one Devil/Satan - others are either his spirit devils or those whom he fills to do his work.
Re: "Get thee behind me Satan" ( Matthew 16:23). Remember the Lord used the same words to Satan in Luke 4:8. In both accounts, Jesus was speaking to Satan - at the first time, Satan stood in Jesus' Presence; at the second time, Satan was present in Peter, in Jesus' Presence. Jesus saw the man Peter being used of Satan & Satan received Jesus' scolding. Peter suffered because of it but was forgiven - Satan will suffer into eternity never finding forgiveness ( Revelation 20:10).
To your questions Linda:
No. 1. (IF) Judas Was (That One Devil) Then (Why On Earth) Did Jesus Call Simon Peter (SATAN)?
As far as the Bible records, there is only one Devil (Satan) & many devils (or, demons/evil spirits). Jesus referred to both Judas & Peter as Devil & Satan. In Luke 22:3 we read, "Then entered Satan into Judas surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve." Judas didn't turn into the (or, a) Devil but the Devil entered him to cause him to betray Jesus (fulfilling the Scriptures, of course).
In Luke 22:31, Jesus said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat" and "But he (Jesus) turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men." ( Matthew 16:23). Same thing again: from Peter's almost valiant stand to protect Jesus' Honor & Life, Jesus came back to him, calling him Satan.
Both Judas & Simon acted against Jesus: one an outright betrayal & the other, a refusal to accept Jesus' Mission. When they or anyone believes or works contrary to God's Word, they don't become a Devil, but they are moved by the Devil to act according to his Will & not God's. Jesus saw the work of a living Devil in both these men - both these men eventually realized their errors - one in suicide, the other in the furtherance of the Gospel & building up of Christ's Church. Devils don't repent - but their work in people's hearts is severely obstructed when they have to deal with the Living God in regenerated lives. Peter was forgiven & lived out his life in the Power & Joy of the Holy Spirit. Sadly, Judas chose to end his life, maybe fulfilling Satan's wish for him.
Matthew 3-7, Matthew 5, Matthew 5:20, Matthew 9:10-13, Matthew 9:14-17, Matthew 9:27-34, Matthew 12:14, Matthew 12, Matthew 15, Matthew 16, Matthew 16:6,12, Matthew 19:3, * Matthew 21, Matthew 22, Matthew 22:15, it appears they were wrongfully referring to the book of Tobet, in 1611 version, Tobit 3:7,8, Matthew 22:29,
* Matthew 23:2, whole chapter Matthew 23, Matthew 27:62,
Matthew 23:13,14,
Mark 2:16, Mark 2, Mark 3:1-6, Mark 7:1-23, Mark 8:11,15, Mark 10:2, Mark 12:13,
Luke 5:17-39, Luke 6:2-11, Luke 7:29-50, Luke 11:37-54, Luke 12:1, Luke 12:31, Luke 14:1-24, Luke 14, Luke 16:14-31, Luke 16, Luke 19:35-39,
John 1:19-34, John 3:1-21, John 7:28-32, John 7:43-53, John 8:3-22, John 9, John 9:15,16, John 11:37-57, John 12:19, John 12:42, John 18:3,
Acts 15, Acts 23,
Hopefully these are helpful in your study, I included several Chapters to read next to verses, to read within context, for better understanding
When Jesus saw Simon coming to him with his brother Andrew, He said to Simon, 'you are Simon the son of Jona (or, in Gk. Ioannes = John). In Matthew 16:17, Jesus calls him Simon Barjona, which is Simon, son of Jona (or, John).
Then Jesus says 'thou shalt be called Cephas (Gk. Kephas, meaning a rock), which is by interpretation, A stone (Gk. Petros = a stone or boulder).
So Simon could be referred to in several ways: His actual name (Simon Barjona), or Simon Petros (Peter), or even Cephas (as in 1 Corinthians 1:12; 1 Corinthians 3:22): in 3:22, Paul was referring to three people, Paul (himself), Apollos, & the Rock. So you have a selection here of which name you want to refer to Peter - all these names point to the one person.
(Also, i question who this Simon was? Could it be a mix between Peter and Simon here. And not be the same person. For before in Matthew 16:17. And afterwards it's just to Peter. Here i hope some readers can say something more, for understanding).
It will be the same as if I were to doubt this KJV website. And start speaking from another scripture or from myself. Here we must debate, and it is good for the heart if the debate gets a saving conversion. :) There would be confusion and outcry. But no one can deceive the Lord Jesus Christ!
God bless us all in Jesus name, love u all in Christ. John 7 and 8 Chapter
I will attempt to answer your questions with guidance from the HOLY Spirit. With scripture.
Hebrews 4:12-15, Matthew 25:31-46,
Matthew 3:7, Matthew 16:1, Matthew 16:6, Matthew 16:12,
Romans 14:12, Matthew 18:23, 1Peter 4:1-19,
Hopefully these are helpful.
Linda,
To believe as you are stating, we have to misinterpret scripture, and ignore much scripture.
Jesus held Apostle Peter in very high regard so much so that Jesus stated the following:
Matthew 16:18-19
"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."
"And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Read and believe!
Christ is the ANGEL OF THE LORD. Above all angels, he is the archangel Michael.
This is a mystery because he can be inside you as the Holy Ghost, or walk in the flesh as a man. His ministry on earth was in sinful flesh, exactly like we have now; but he was resurrected with the same glorified body that he existed in, with the father, from NO BEGINNING.
Angels are God's messengers.
Malachi 2:7 ...for he is the messenger of the Lord ....
Malachi 3:1 ....even the messenger of THE COVENANT ...
John 17:21 ...that the WORLD MAY BELIEVE that thou hast SEND ME.
Ephesians 4:4 There is ONE BODY ....
You are the body of Christ.
Moses was the body of Christ.
A mind of FLESH (Satan, lies, deceptions, falsehoods) rules our body (of Christ).
When Christ rebukes Satan (lies, deception, falsehoods) he is bring HIS BODY (us) into subjection to TRUTH.
Mosses, with his mind of flesh, didn't think he was up to the task to be a god ( Exodus 7:1) over pharaoh, Christ rebuked Mosses (Satan, lies, deception,,]falsehoods) and caused him to have knowledge of the TRUTH, Mosses was only the BODY that contained the Spirit of Christ, who would be the god over pharaoh.
Matthew 16:23 ...and he turned, and said unto Peter, get thee behind me, Satan ...
A mind that is OF THE FLESH is in direct opposition to the MIND OF CHRIST, therefore a MIND OF FLESH is ANTI-CHRIST, or a mind of Satan, lies, deceptions and falsehoods.
At the time Mosses and Peter were rebuked, there was a war for their BODY, Christ through the WORK of HIS SPIRIT, cast out the one (Satan, lies, deception, falsehoods) contending for their body, which is CHRIST BODY.
Christ rebukes Satan, our mind of Flesh, controlled by lies, deception, and falsehoods, and we become a new creation, with the mind of Christ, learning that we are the BODY that contains the Spirit of God, who WILL BE the god over this world.
Beware of doctrines demons.
There are some that supposedly have a deeper understanding of the word of God that has crept in the church.
Strategically they converse with you, " Not to convert you but to use the platform you provide them to confuse the simple.
They stand in the way of salvation for those who seek Christ through his word.
ENCOURAGEMENT.
However God is aware of Satan's tares in the congregation, And he that the Lord calls WILL come to him!!
Jude 1:4. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Galatians 1:8-9. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
2 John 1:10-11. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
Encouragement!!
The gates of hell shall not prevail against the Church.
Matthew 16:18.
God bless.
For the entire 3 1/2 years of Christ's ministry; they had never had a moment to doubt His victory over any circumtance; and had seen a few who were raised from the dead (Lazarus being only a week or so before Christ's crucifixion.) After Christ's repeated warnings "let this saying sink into your ears" ( Luke 9:44) where He predicted His crucifixion; AND all the related prophecies of the 'man of sorrows" from Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; and numerous other passages; they simply weren't prepared for the sudden letdown of His being arrested; tortured and killed. In human strength; during His agonies at Gethsemene; they simply fell asleep. When He was crucified; they simply were too emotionally spent to conceive that somehow He would be resurrected. Therefore they didn't even believe when the women reported the angels and the stone removed from the tomb.
It could be surmised that their betrayal in their minds led to Christ's death as though somehow it wasn't in the plan of redemption. After He came to them "incognito" in Luke 24; they finally got it only after he chastised their unbelief.
Up until this point; perhaps they weren't themselves prepared or having the strength to die themselves and to fulfill the Great Commission themselves. Christ in the flesh was all they knew; but after Pentecost; they were given what was promised from above with the Spirit indwelling after He had ascended to heaven; was seated in heavenly places; and ever interceding for us ( Hebrews 7:25).
Matthew 10:38-39
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it.
Matthew 16:24-25
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If anymanwill come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
This concept is so important that Jesus said these nearly identical words at least twice. When Jesus said this the disciples had no idea what He really meant to the point that Peter later even tried to rebuke Jesus over it. However, by the time these words were written in Matthew's Gospel the Holy Spirit had been given and the disciples understanding had been so changed that virtually all of the Apostles were violently killed for Christ. Jesus calls us to follow Him all the way and He was always up front that He demands our willingness to submit to our own deaths for His sake like He willingly submitted to His death for our sake. He overcame the world and so must we.
So count the cost and follow Him. And if anyone says it is either us or them to try to scare us or anger us over anything in this world to tempt us away from Christ's true calling of the cross, Christ has shown us the response we must give them. "Get behind me Satan
There are other verses throughout scripture; starting with the "Elohim" in Genesis where man is said to be made in "our image" ( Genesis 1:26); other verses in Psalms about the presence of the Spirit or Christ ( Proverbs 8) since the beginning further prove this point. 1 Peter 1:2 shows all 3 parts of the Godhead; and that is repeated many other places. Perhaps the greatest proof to many is Isaiah 53 which mentions clearly that "God is with us". It is prophetic of Christ being "King of Kings" along with His sufferings and deity. It is only by divine revelation that Christ is known as being Lord and worshipped as Christ stated to Peter in Matthew 16:17. It is only by the Holy Spirit that Christ can be acknowledged (or fully understood) as coming in the flesh and any other spirit that says he didn't is not from God ( 1 John 4:2).
Truly; the righteousness of God coming in the form of a man was the only thing that could forgive us since the fall. He had to be as the second Adam ( 1 Cor. 15:45). The completion of this is the Rapture and or resurrection where we shall be in a glorified body! What is most sobering is that although He is the first of the Firstfruits risen from the dead; He alone will bear the scars as Psalm 22:16 states that they have "pierced His hands and feet." The hatred of the Pharisees was that He claimed to be God forgiving men's sins ( Luke 5:21). Hopefully this is a good start in your search for an answer to your question.
Even Jesus did works: Matthew 11:2, Luke 19:37, & said greater works we shall do. John 14:20,
Matthew 16:27,
Matthew 23:3,5,23, hypocrisy not ok, you can read whole chapter & those chapters around it for context. John 8:39,
Romans 3:27-28, helps clarify, 'law of faith' Romans 4, Romans 9:30-33,
What is argued is: Romans 11:6, but in context it's the grace extended to Gentiles Romans 11:16-27, also read whole chapter Romans 11,
& Galatians 2:16, "knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.'' the works of the law are in Gen. Exodus, Deuteronomy, Leviticus. Galatians 3,
& Galatians 2:8,9, but we can't ignore Galatians 2:10,
& 2Timothy 1:9 , Titus 3, Hebrews 4, Hebrews 4:11,
However again we can't ignore 2Timothy 3:16-17, Titus 1:15,16, Titus 2, Hebrews 10:24, James 3:13, 1Peter 2:12, Revelation 2:26,
* James 2,
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build MY CHURCH; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 1 Corinthians 10:4
[ Luke 9: the account of Jesus's Transfiguration]
28-29 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, Jesus took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.
And as Jesus prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.
Verses 33-35
And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three (CHURCHES) tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: NOT knowing what he said.
While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.
And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: HEAR HIM!!
Here is my reply on Sabbath arguments: God doesn't care about our rituals, buildings or projects, which day of the week, etc.
It causes strife, arguing, anger and Chaos. WHO is the god of Chaos? Satan laughs at us!
When the doors are open for services and communion, attend. It's that simple. What God said, is the bottom line. It was Jesus's custom to attend church when he was in town. He is the Church. If his life is inside of us, we are a member of that Church.
I have church in my home often. I turn off tv, internet, the phone-put on simple praise music
And enter into worship. It's Jesus's Church. We are IN CHRIST. This is what God meant. Hear Jesus.
We are mobile Churches. We are his hands, his feet, we carry his Word within us. Go Ye into the community.
We know "who" is the originator of anger, disgust, rebellion. His TIME is short. He's advancing on Jesus's Church. Resist it in Jesus Name. Let Jesus love flow out instead. It's a daily choice.
I love you
Thanks to Brother Chris I did some more research on why Jesus referred himself as the son of man in certain instances.
Part 1.
Jesus' favorite designation, in referring to Himself, was the "Son of Man." The Gospels record some seventy-eight times that Jesus used this title for Himself. For example, when He asked His disciples the question about His identity, He said,
Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am? ( Matthew 16:13).
Though the Bible does not define its exact meaning, the title "Son of Man" probably refers to the fact that Jesus was perfect humanity. He, as God, came down and lived among us as the perfect human being. By doing this, He fulfilled the Law of Moses and did what no other human being was able to do. By using this title, He is identifying with the people He had come to save.
It Is Connected With His Earthly Life
The title is connected with the earthly life of Jesus.
But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins - he said to the paralytic ( Mark 2:10).
Jesus said
So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath ( Mark 2:28).
Jesus also said.
And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head ( Matthew 8:20)
Jesus gave the reason for His coming to earth.
For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost ( Luke 19:10).
It Is Connected With His Sufferings
"Son of Man" is also connected with the sufferings of Jesus on behalf of humanity.
And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again ( Mark 8:31).
This Speaks Of His Exaltation And Rule
The title "Son of Man" also has to do with his exaltation and rule over humanity.
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory ( Matthew 25:31).
I will make a bet with the advanced Bible readers that they will not know Elijah when he comes, before the day of the Lord. Why, because they hadn't noticed anything thus far.
When Elijah comes preaching, you won't give it a thought. You might even think satan sent him.
Matthew 16:2-4
Part 3.
(3) There is a fundamental fact of human history. Humanity was created in the image of God ( Genesis 1:26-27). This does not have reference to the physical features of humankind, for God is not physical ( Matthew 16:17; John 4:24; Luke 24:39); rather, as noted above, it alludes to intangible qualities that were created resident in the spirit of the person. This aspect of human personality is what Paul called conscience. The English word derives from the Greek term, syneidesis, a compound term signifying "to know together." It reflects a common knowledge that human beings share with one another of a sense of religious and moral culpability.
As one scholar noted: "According to Romans 2:14-15 conscience is innate and universal. It is not the product of environment, training, habit, race impression, or education, though it is influenced by all these factors" (Rehwinkel 1999, 136). The ancient Gentiles, therefore, were not judged by the same rule as the Jews, but they were not void of law and culpability. Elsewhere the matterhas been described in this way:
[T]he threefold workings of the law, in that the guidance of their heart predisposes them to know the right, the testimony of their conscience bears witness with their heart that the right is preferable, and lastly, after the deed is done, their thoughts or inward reasonings accuse or excuse them according as their act has been wrong or right. These well-known psychological phenomena, observable among the Gentiles, are proof conclusive that they are not without law, with its power and privilege of justification (McGarvey and Pendleton n.d., 313).
See part 4.
Very well put. The same Spirit, also John 15:26-27, during those times, fulfilling the law and the prophets was a purpose. What can be unclear sometimes it was to the Jews first, it was not until all the prophecies concerning this had to be fulfilled. The beginning of the Church was Jews only and the law was still in play until Peters dream and Paul as we see in Acts 10 and Acts 15 and other places.
There is one thing I repeat over and over when I read or study is "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear". It reminds me to shake out my thoughts and preconceived ideas where I can hear what Jesus through the Holy Spirit is ready to show me. I still have much to hear and each time it is a wow, praise God moment.
God bless,
RLW
I believe all through the scripture it supports the view the Holyspirit empowers the believer and as the scriptures you pointed out it took the dwelling of the Holyspirit to perform in them to minister under this new covenant. You see it in the life of Peter here in Luke 22:32. When was Peter strengthened and start to perform? It's obvious in scripture after he was empowered. Christ was preaching his death and resurrection, but they couldn't receive it. In Luke 18:31-34. he declared to them what the Prophets has written, and they still couldn't grasp it because it hidden from them.
Also, in John 16:12-14. seems to suggest the same thing. The preaching of the Cross was hidden from their eyes, and it seems Paul is mentioning the same thing throughout his epistles speaking of the natural man. 1 Corinthians 2:7-14.
The Holyspirirt is essential for understand and walk. Once he reveals his truth to us they're written on our hearts it takes him to exercise those truths in us and perfect our walk. we respond to the truth by the power of the Holyspirit, likewise the Apostles.
For it is God which worketh in you both to "will" and to do of his good pleasure. Philippians 2:13.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63.
The bible is not like our textbooks in school, what we have here has to be revealed to you, 1 Corinthians 1:18-21.
Also: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.
You see the Holyspirits power over the flesh in Romans 8:1-14.
You see the Holyspirirt working in us through baptism given us power to cease from sin in Romans 6:1-18.
You see the contrast of the two natures in Romans 7:1-6. and so on. Here we see the contrast of what we had when we were under the law compared to what we have in Christ.
God bless.
I understand your point of view.
I just think we are to speak truthfully and lovingly about brethren, alive today or who lived long ago. I just think that it is wrong to disparage the apostles when we do not know the content of their minds, hearts,or faith.
Your point is well taken.
Those of us today know Jesus from the perspective of completed Scripture. The apostles lived out the events of Jesus' life and, though believing Hom to be the Messiah and Son of God, they did not come to know Hom as Savior until He rose from the dead and gave them understanding of what He was teaching them. So, yes, they were afraid for good reason. If they crucified Jesus, then they, too, we in danger.
We do not know what was in their minds and hearts during this time, but they believed in Jesus and He preserved their faith through all the events of His differing and death.
Because only Jesus knew the apostles thoroughly and we do not, I defend the apostles when people speak against them. As you mentioned, none of us can be so smug as to think we would act any differently than the apostles if we were in their shoes. We should be respectful of them as those hand picked by Jesus to disciple and then send out into the world to spread the good news of Him in a hostile world.