Bible Discussion Thread

Seeking in Scripture this morning attempting to discern through God's Holy Spirit Verse 10 where Jesus says on the back of the verse "nor yet staves;". Why did He use the word "yet" to the disciples? What was left for the Disciples to receive later but The Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit could be likened to a Stave, for doesn't one lean upon a stave? Doesn't one who is weak rely upon a staff to rest upon? And doesn't The Holy Spirit in Psalm 23 Verse 4 say of Jesus Himself saying "Thy Rod (Word) and Thy Staff (Spirit?) they comfort me."

Now throughout the Old Testament everywhere else, I find no reference of The Holy Spirit as a Staff only that of a wooden walking stick to rest upon. And in Mark 6:8 Jesus commanded " 'save' a staff only," here referring to a staff of wood to lean or rest upon when walking or standing. So what of the meaning of 'yet' and 'save' in each Gospel? So I am at a crossroads in my mind and must pray to Christ for discernment. If you desire to assist, feel free. Peace.

I'm afraid that I would have to leave you to search for & consider the 'other' meanings of 'staff & stave' & find answers, as I can only read these passages as given - as instructions to the disciples on what they should take with them in their ministry.

In Matthew chapter 10 verse 9, they were told to not to carry 'cash', rather to trust God to meet their daily needs. In verse 10, they should not be burdened with extra baggage, but to go just as they were & to trust God when their sandals wore out or another need arose. The word 'staves' are used elsewhere in the Gospels along with 'swords'. When those people approached Jesus to arrest him, some came with swords & others 'staves', or sticks. It could be that whether some of the disciples used 'staves' as for support/help in their journeyings or to fend off undesirables, Jesus is saying that these things were unimportant, rather the urgent ministry to the "lost sheep of the house of Israel".

Sorry that I can't help you with your enquiry - I don't go in much for allegorizing, unless indicated in the Scriptures. I generally understand the Scriptures as given unless there is a spiritual meaning intended (as in the parables) or veiled in abstract forms (as in the Book of Revelation).

I believe you are correct. After more praying, I see that staff is exactly that, a staff. The confusion I had with Matthew wasn't there with Mark and certainly not in Hebrews or elsewhere used in the old testament. No allegory at all, crystal clear as a staff is a stick. Matthews verse threw me because it said " nor yet" before staff. But 'yet' is likened to 'though' same as 'save' in Marks verse is likened to 'though or only or but'. So as you said it is what is stated. Thank you for your response. Peace.