Bible Ministries International

Bible Studies

A series of verse by verse studies by Gunther von Harringa Sr

Act 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

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2 Peter - Part 29

Air Date: July 2, 2017

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. {17} For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. {18} And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. {19} We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: {20} Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. {21} For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.”

He Received [lambano:G2983] From [para:G3844] God [theos:G2316] The Father [pater:G3962]

We have lingered a bit on verse 17 in our study of 2 Peter 1 to consider the first four words, as they only appear one other time in Acts 2:33,

“Therefore being by the right hand of God [theos:G2316] exalted, and having received [lambano:G2983] of [para:G3844] the Father [pater:G3962] the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”

As I mentioned last Sunday, Peter in Acts 2, is referring to the miraculous declaration of the Gospel in the native languages of all the Jews from various nations who had come to Jerusalem to commemorate the Feast of First Fruits (or Feast of Weeks), or Pentecost (pentekoste:G4005 = “fiftieth day”) The salvation of “about three thousand souls” on that day not only marked the beginning of the New Testament church era (from May 22, 33 AD - May 21, 1988), but was also the spiritual fulfillment of the Feast of First Fruits (which was to take place 50 days after the Feast of Passover - which had also been fulfilled spiritually when Christ hung on the Cross - as the sacrificial Lamb of God - in demonstration of the actual atonement for sin “from the foundation of the world”).

We are keenly interested in the immediate contexts surrounding Acts 2:33 along with 2 Peter 1, as both passages touch on the very critical doctrine of the Atonement. In these closing verses of 2 Peter 1, Peter, under divine inspiration, is recalling what happened that day on the Mount of Transfiguration. In the Luke 9 account, God raises a very salient point in verses 30-31 that is not included in the Matthew and Mark reports.

“And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias [Elijah]: {31} Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”

Likewise in Acts 2:25-35 God gives us more details regarding the Atonement; also Psalm 16:9b-10 is also being quoted in Acts 2:27 and 31. When this occurs, as I have noted before, we have a “word bridge” between the Hebrew and corresponding Greek words in both portions of Scripture.

In our last study we discovered that there are 8 “sets” of Hebrew and Greek terms (actually there are 9 in Greek, as two very closely related words are used for “leave/left”) that we want to consider in this “word bridge,” as follows, the first three of which we were able to examine last week:

Greek: Because [G3754] thou wilt [egkataleipo:G1459] [G0] not [G3756] leave [egkataleipo:G1459] / not [G3756] left [kataleipo:G2641]

Hebrew: For thou wilt not leave [`azab:H5800]

2. Greek: soul [psyche:G5590]

Hebrew: my soul [nephesh:H5315]

3. Greek: hell [hades:G86] - from eido (G1492)

Hebrew: in hell [she’owl:H7585]

______________________________________________________________________________

4. Greek: neither [oude:G3761] wilt thou suffer [didomi:G1325]

Hebrew: neither wilt thou suffer [nathan:H5414]

5. Greek: thine [sou:G4675] Holy One [hosios:G3741]

Hebrew: thine Holy One [chaciyd:H2623]

6. Greek: flesh [sarx:G4561]

Hebrew: my flesh [basar:H1320]

7. Greek: to see [eido:G1492]

Hebrew: to see [ra’ah:H7200]

8. Greek: corruption [diaphthora:G1312]

Hebrew: corruption [shachath:H7845]

If God permits, by examining each of these sets, our understanding of both of these citations - with respect to the atonement that took place “from the foundation of the world” - should be amplified.

Summary Of The First Three “Sets”

It might be helpful to review the summary I gave in our last study with respect to these first three “sets” of words:

We can understand that Christ’s soul was not left in hell (which is the grave) in the demonstration in 33 AD because He rose from the dead very early on the third day, Sunday morning. We know that He was not making payment for sins at that time, but revealing in that living tableau, what had already taken place prior to the foundation of the world, when His soul was left in the grave, since He was annihilated. This is why we encounter the language of “corruption,” for example, in Job 17:14, and other places: “I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister,” along with the prison-like experience in the belly (or womb) of hell (the grave), as we saw in Jonah 2. Moreover, you will recall that on the Cross Christ uttered these words in both Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:44, “ My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” In the Old Testament we noted this in Psalm 22 and Psalm 71. Again this was because He was forsaken by the Father in the atonement at “...the foundation of the world”…but He was also resurrected, because He is stronger than death, as He is the essence of Eternal Life, and thus He was given the title, “firstborn (or “firstbegotten) from the dead.” Notice that God frequently couples death and resurrection together. We also saw that Christ had to lay down his “life” or “soul” for His sheep (revealing His everlasting love for them), because that is the payment required by the Law of God for sin - as Leviticus 17:11 insists:

“For the life [nephesh:H5315] of the flesh [is] in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar [Christ IS the ALTAR] to make an atonement for your souls: [nephesh:H5315] for it [is] the blood [that] maketh an atonement for the soul. [nephesh:H5315]

I’ll quote the two passages again in this “word bridge,” although this is easier to grasp in writing, especially when it’s color-coded, so one can more readily see the corresponding Hebrew and Greek words:

We read in Acts 2:27 and 31, “Because [G3754] thou wilt [G1459][G0] not [G3756] leave [G1459] my [G3450] soul [G5590] in [G1519] hell, [G86] neither [G3761] wilt thou suffer [G1325] thine [G4675] Holy One [G3741] to see [G1492] corruption. [G1312]... {31} He seeing this before [G4275] spake [G2980] of [G4012] the resurrection [G386] of Christ, [G5547] that [G3754] his [G846] soul [G5590] was [G2641][G0] not [G3756] left [G2641] in [G1519] hell, [G86] neither [G3761] his [G846] flesh [G4561] did see [G1492] corruption. [G1312]

Similarly, Psalm 16:9b-10 reveals: “Therefore my heart [H3820] is glad, [H8055] and my glory [H3519] rejoiceth: [H1523] my flesh [H1320] also shall rest [H7931] in hope.[H983] {10} For thou wilt not leave [H5800] my soul [H5315] in hell;[H7585]

neither wilt thou suffer [H5414] thine Holy One [H2623] to see [H7200] corruption.” [H7845]

So, let’s begin with Set # 4 today:

Set # 4: Greek: neither [oude:G3761] wilt thou suffer [didomi:G1325]

Hebrew: neither wilt thou suffer [nathan:H5414]

In this fourth set, we have the two Greek words, “neither” (oude:G3761) and “wilt thou suffer” [or “allow”] (didomi:G1325) and the one Hebrew expression, “neither wilt thou suffer” [or “allow”] (nathan:H5414).

Neither [oude:G3761] Wilt Thou Suffer (“Allow”) [didomi:G1325]

These two Greek terms appear in verse 33 of Luke 12:32-44, which speaks to our day in particular, and please note the term “corrupteth” (diaphtheiro:G1311) at the end of verse 33, which is the root or “parent” word for “corruption” (diaphthora:G1312) in both Acts 2:27 and 31:

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. {33} Sell that ye have, and give [didomi:G1325] alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither [oude:G3761] moth corrupteth. [diaphtheiro:G1311] {34} For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. {35} Let your loins be girded about, and [your] lights burning; {36} And ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. {37} Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. {38} And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find [them] so, blessed are those servants. {39} And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. {40} Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. {41} Then Peter said unto him, Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all? {42} And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom [his] lord shall make ruler over his household, to give [them their] portion of meat in due season? {43} Blessed [is] that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. {44} Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath.”

These same two terms are also included in verse 5 of Acts 7:2-8, which is part of Stephen’s testimony in front of the “council” (aka: Sanhedrin) “synedrion” (G4892), in which God highlights the Promised Land (pointing to the Kingdom of God), as well as the promised Seed (underscoring the believers’ eternal inheritance). Notice too, the reference to “the covenant [or Gospel] of circumcision” (peritome:G4061 - a Greek noun); its root word appears next as the Greek verb “circumcised” (peritemno:G4059) in verse 8, which essentially, has to do with Christ being “cut-off” for the sins of His people, at the foundation of the world, which I’ll explain after I read this citation:

“And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, {3} And said unto him, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come into the land which I shall shew thee. {4} Then came he out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and dwelt in Charran: and from thence, when his father was dead, he removed him into this land, wherein ye now dwell. {5} And he gave him none inheritance in it, no, not [oude:G3761] [so much as] to set his foot on: yet he promised that he would give [didomi:G1325] it to him for a possession, and to his seed after him, when [as yet] he had no child. {6} And God spake on this wise, That his seed should sojourn in a strange land; and that they should bring them into bondage, and entreat [them] evil four hundred years. {7} And the nation to whom they shall be in bondage will I judge, said God: and after that shall they come forth, and serve me in this place. {8} And he gave him the covenant of circumcision [peritome:G4061]: and so [Abraham] begat Isaac, and circumcised [peritemno:G4059] him the eighth day; and Isaac [begat] Jacob; and Jacob [begat] the twelve patriarchs.”

The verb, “circumcised” (peritemno:G4959) in verse 8 is a compound word, comprised of the prefix, “peri” [as in English, “all around” - like the word, periscope] and “temno” or (tomos:G5114), which is only found in one verse - Hebrews 4:12, as the Greek adjective “sharper”:

“For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper [tomos:G5114] than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”

You can see how this applies to Christ being “cut-off” (or annihilated) by the Law of God, before Whom He had become guilty with the sins of His people, and had to suffer the penalty of death and annihilation, “...from the foundation of the world.”

Neither Wilt Thou Suffer (“Allow”) [nathan:H5414]

The Hebrew equivalent of “neither wilt thou suffer” (nathan:H5414) is employed over 2000 times in the Old Testament, and it is rendered in scores of different ways; most frequently, it is translated as “give,” “put,” “deliver,” and “made,” as these next verses indicate:

Exodus 12:23 highlights God’s protection of His people from the plague of the firstborn: “For the LORD will pass through to smite the Egyptians; and when he seeth the blood upon the lintel, and on the two side posts, the LORD will pass over the door, and will not suffer [nathan:H5414] the destroyer to come in unto your houses to smite [you].”

Numbers 21:23 states the Amorites’ reaction to Israel’s request: “And Sihon would not suffer [nathan:H5414] Israel to pass through his border: but Sihon gathered all his people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness: and he came to Jahaz, and fought against Israel.”

We also saw this same word in Judges 1:34, with regard to the Amorites as well: “And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain: for they would not suffer [nathan:H5414] them to come down to the valley:”

If the LORD allows us to get to Judges 15, we will encounter this term again in verse 1: “But it came to pass within a while after, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited his wife with a kid; and he said, I will go in to my wife into the chamber. But her father would not suffer [nathan:H5414] him to go in.”

Christ under the wrath of God is typified by Job as Job 9:18 records, “He will not suffer [nathan:H5414] me to take my breath, but filleth me with bitterness.”

Lastly Psalm 121:3 affirms God’s everlasting care for His “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.”

Set # 5: Greek: thine [sou:G4675] Holy One [hosios:G3741]

Hebrew: thine Holy One [chaciyd:H2623]

The next two Greek words in set # 5 appear in only two other verses:

Acts 13:32-35 is very similar to what we read in Acts 2:25-31, “And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, {33} God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. {34} And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption, he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. {35} Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm], Thou shalt not suffer thine [sou:G4675] Holy One [chaciyd:H2623]

to see corruption.”

Revelation 15:4 also declares: “And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. {2} And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, [and] over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. {3} And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous [are] thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true [are] thy ways, thou King of saints.{4} Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy [sou:G4675] name? for [thou] only [art] holy [chaciyd:H2623] : for all nations shall come and worship before thee [sou:G4675]; for thy [sou:G4675] judgments are made manifest.”

Well, it looks like we’ll have to stop here today, and continue looking at the Hebrew word for “flesh” next week, Lord willing.

2 Peter - Part 30

July 9, 2017

He Received [lambano:G2983] From [para:[Gen 17:9-14 KJV] [look G3844] God [theos:G2316] The Father [pater:G3962]

We have lingered a bit on verse 17 in our study of 2 Peter 1 to consider the first four words, as they only appear one other time in Acts 2:33,

“And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias [Elijah]: {31} Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.”

To make this easier to grasp, I’ve color-coded the corresponding Greek and Hebrew words accordingly:

neither wilt thou suffer [H5414] thine Holy One [H2623] to see [H7200] corruption.” [H7845]

Below I have listed the 8 “sets” of corresponding Hebrew and Greek terms side by side, the first five of which we have already investigated, leaving the last three: #6: “flesh,” #7: “see,” and # 8: “corruption”:

Greek: Because [G3754] thou wilt [egkataleipo:G1459] [G0] not [G3756] leave [egkataleipo:G1459] / not [G3756] left [kataleipo:G2641]

Hebrew: For thou wilt not leave [`azab:H5800]

2. Greek: soul [psyche:G5590]

Hebrew: my soul [nephesh:H5315]

3. Greek: hell [hades:G86] - from eido (G1492)

Hebrew: in hell [she’owl:H7585]

4. Greek: neither [oude:G3761] wilt thou suffer [didomi:G1325]

Hebrew: neither wilt thou suffer [nathan:H5414]

5. Greek: thine [sou:G4675] Holy One [hosios:G3741]

Hebrew: thine Holy One [chaciyd:H2623]

6. Greek: flesh [sarx:G4561]

Hebrew: my flesh [basar:H1320]

7. Greek: to see [eido:G1492]

Hebrew: to see [ra’ah:H7200]

8. Greek: corruption [diaphthora:G1312]

Hebrew: corruption [shachath:H7845]

__________________________________________________________________

Let’s begin with set # 6:

Set # 6: Greek: flesh [sarx:G4561]

Hebrew: my flesh [basar:H1320]

Flesh [sarx:G4561]

As we consider how God uses this word elsewhere in the New Testament, we want to bear in mind that it is part of the phrase in Acts 2:31, “...neither did his flesh see corruption,” comprised of these last three sets of terms that we want to investigate:

This word, “flesh” is also found in Acts 2:17, 26, and 30: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh [sarx:G4561]: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: ... {26} Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh [sarx:G4561] shall rest in hope: ... {30} Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh [sarx:G4561], he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;”

This same word surfaces in verse 22 of Col 1:15-23, “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature [“creation”]: {16} For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: {17} And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. {18} 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. {19} For it pleased [the Father] that in him should all fulness dwell; {20} And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven. {21} And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled {22} In the body of his flesh [sarx:G4561] through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: {23} If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and [be] not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, [and] which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;”

Verse 20 of Hebrews 10:12-20 includes this expression as well: “But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; {13} From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool. {14} For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. {15} [Whereof] the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, {16} This [is] the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; {17} And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more. {18} Now where remission of these [is, there is] no more offering for sin. {19} Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, {20} By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh [sarx:G4561];”

Verse 18 of 1 Peter 3:17-22 also renders this term as “in the flesh”: “For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh [sarx:G4561], but quickened by the Spirit: {19} By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison; {20} Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. {21} The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: {22} Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”

My Flesh [basar:H1320]

Let’s now take a look at the Hebrew equivalent for the word, “flesh” (basar:H1320).

Verse 4 of Lamentations 3:1-19 translates this word as “my flesh” is this passage which speaks of Christ under the wrath of God, “...from the foundation of the world”: “I [am] the man [that] hath seen affliction by the rod of his wrath. {2} He hath led me, and brought [me into] darkness, but not [into] light. {3} Surely against me is he turned; he turneth his hand [against me] all the day. {4} My flesh [basar:H1320] and my skin hath he made old; he hath broken my bones. {5} He hath builded against me, and compassed [me] with gall and travail. {6} He hath set me in dark places, as [they that be] dead of old. {7} He hath hedged me about, that I cannot get out: he hath made my chain heavy. {8} Also when I cry and shout, he shutteth out my prayer. {9} He hath inclosed my ways with hewn stone, he hath made my paths crooked. {10} He [was] unto me [as] a bear lying in wait, [and as] a lion in secret places. {11} He hath turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces: he hath made me desolate. {12} He hath bent his bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow. {13} He hath caused the arrows of his quiver to enter into my reins. {14} I was a derision to all my people; [and] their song all the day. {15] He hath filled me with bitterness, he hath made me drunken with wormwood. {16}He hath also broken my teeth with gravel stones, he hath covered me with ashes. {17} And thou hast removed my soul far off from peace: I forgat prosperity. {18} And I said, My strength and my hope is perished from the LORD: {19} Remembering mine affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.”

Similarly, verse 20 of Job 19:6-20 renders this word, “and to my flesh” in this second illustration of Christ under God’s judgment, prior to creating our present universe by speaking it into existence: “Know now that God hath overthrown me, and hath compassed me with his net. {7} Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but [there is] no judgment. 8 He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and he hath set darkness in my paths. {9} He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown [from] my head. {10} He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree. {11} He hath also kindled his wrath against me, and he counteth me unto him as [one of] his enemies. {12} His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle. {13} He hath put my brethren far from me, and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me. {14} My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. {15} They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. {16} I called my servant, and he gave [me] no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. {17} My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children's [sake] of mine own body. {18} Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. {19} All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. {20} My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh [basar:H1320], and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth.”

Verse 5 of Job 7:1-21 continue in the same vein: “ [Is there] not an appointed time to man upon earth? [are not] his days also like the days of an hireling? {2} As a servant earnestly desireth the shadow, and as an hireling looketh for [the reward of] his work: {3} So am I made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me. {4} When I lie down, I say, When shall I arise, and the night be gone? and I am full of tossings to and fro unto the dawning of the day. {5} My flesh [basar:H1320] is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome. {6} My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope. {7} O remember that my life [is] wind: mine eye shall no more see good. {8} The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no [more]: thine eyes [are] upon me, and I [am] not. {9} [As] the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no [more]. {10}He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more. {11} Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. {12} [Am] I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me? {13} When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint; {14} Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions: {15} So that my soul chooseth strangling, [and] death rather than my life. {16} I loathe [it]; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days [are] vanity. {17} What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? {18} And [that] thou shouldest visit him every morning, [and] try him every moment? {19} How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle? {20} I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? {21} And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I [shall] not [be].”

Verse 11 of Genesis 17:9-14 declares: “ And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations. {10} This [is] my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. {11} And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. {12} And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which [is] not of thy seed. {13} He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant. {14} And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.”

Set # 7: Greek: to see [eido:G1492]

Hebrew: to see [ra’ah:H7200]

To See [eido:G1492]

Let’s proceed with the next set involving the Greek term, “to see” (eido:G1492) in the phrase in Acts 2:31, “...neither his flesh did see corruption,” which indicates that his flesh did not experience or was not subjected to the normal process of decay. This term has manifold connotations: “know” (281x), “cannot tell” (with G3756) (8x), “know how” (7x), “wist” (6x), “miscellaneous” (19x), “see” (314x), “behold” (17x), “look” (5x), “perceive” (5x), vb. “see” (3x), vb. “know” (1x).

This is the same word that we find in the following familiar passages, in which it is rendered as “ye shall see” (with spiritual eyes), and “knoweth” respectively:

Mark 13:14 and 32: “But when ye shall see [eido:G1492] the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains: ... {32} But of that day and [that] hour knoweth [eido:G1492] no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.”

The way “he should see” is utilized in Hebrews 11:5 is identical to Acts 2:31, “By faith Enoch was translated that he should [eido:G1492] G0 not see [i.e., “experience” - eido:G1492] death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Verses 26 and 30 of Luke 2:25-30 is an excellent illustration of how God uses this word in two differing ways in the same passage; the first instance is identical to both Hebrews 11:5 as well as Acts 2:31: “And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name [was] Simeon; and the same man [was] just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. {26} And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should [eido:G1492] G0 not see [i.e., “experience” - eido:G1492] death, before he had seen [i.e., “look upon” - eido:G1492] the Lord's Christ. {27} And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, {28} Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, {29} Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: {30 }For mine eyes have seen [eido:G1492] thy salvation,”

Acts 13:12, 35-36 presents the same scenario as Luke 2:26 and 30: “Then the deputy, when he saw [eido:G1492] what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. ... {35} Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm - 16:10], Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see [eido:G1492] corruption. {36} For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw [eido:G1492] corruption: {37} But he, whom God raised again, saw [eido:G1492] no corruption.” [diaphthora:G1312]

Lastly, in Luke 17:22 we see yet another example of this term being used in the sense of desiring to experience “the day of salvation” again: “And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see [eido:G1492] one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see [it].”

To See [ra’ah:H7200]

Let’s now consider the Hebrew term for “to see” (ra’ah:H7200). This word appears 1313 times, and is used in many, many different ways; here are some citations to analyze:

Earlier today in Lamentations 3:4 we noted the term “my flesh” (basar:H1320) and here again in verse 1 this term “to see” is translated as “[that] hath seen”: “I [am] the man [that] hath seen [ra’ah:H7200] affliction by the rod of his wrath.”

As I mentioned before, this chapter is a spiritual portrayal of Christ being under the wrath of God.

Ecc 1:14 and 3:10 also renders this term as “I have seen” in both references, and in this case we can understand that both ideas - “physical observation” as well as “experience” - are expressed in these verses: “I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and, behold, all [is] vanity and vexation of spirit….{10} I have seen [ra’ah:H7200] the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.”

Verse 9 of Psalm 49:6-9, includes this word as “and not see”: “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; {7} None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: {8} (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) 9 That he should still live for ever, [and] not see [ra’ah:H7200] corruption.”

Set # 8: Greek: corruption [diaphthora:G1312]

Hebrew: corruption [shachath:H7845]

Well, we’ve come down to the last set - set #8 - and the two corresponding terms for “corruption”:

Corruption [diaphthora:G1312]

The Greek noun, rendered as “corruption” as found in Acts 2:27 and 31 that we have been examining in this “word bridge,” is found four times in chapter 13 of Acts, in verses 34-37:

“And as concerning that he raised him up from the dead, [now] no more to return to corruption [diaphthora:G1312], he said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David. {35} Wherefore he saith also in another [psalm], Thou shalt not suffer thine Holy One to see [eido:G1492] corruption [diaphthora:G1312]. {36} For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw [eido:G1492] corruption [diaphthora:G1312]: {37} But he, whom God raised again, saw [eido:G1492] no corruption.” [diaphthora:G1312]

By the way, the root word for “corruption” is the Greek verb diaphtheiro (G1311), and it is found six times - twice as “corrupt,” once as “perish” and three times as “destroy.”

I think that I would like to do further study on the Hebrew word for “corruption,” as it is used 23 times in the Old Testament, so I will wait until next Sunday to discuss that, and then we can move on to the rest of 2 Peter 1:17, Lord willing.

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2 Peter - Part 31

Air Date: July 16, 2017

A Word Bridge (Cont.): Acts 2:27 and 31 - Psalm 16:9b-10

As I mentioned last Sunday, today we are going to look at the Hebrew word, “corruption” found in set # 8 of this “word bridge” comparing Acts 2:27 and 31 on the one hand, and Psalm 16:9b-10 on the other hand:

neither wilt thou suffer [H5414] thine Holy One [H2623] to see [H7200] corruption.” [H7845]

Set # 8: Greek: corruption [diaphthora:G1312]

Hebrew: corruption [shachath:H7845]

You might recall that he Greek noun, rendered as “corruption” as found in Acts 2:27 and 31 that we have been examining in this “word bridge,” is only found four other times and only in chapter 13 of Acts, in verses 34-37:

By the way, the root word for “corruption” is the Greek verb diaphtheiro (G1311), and it is found six times - twice as “corrupt,” once as “perish” and three times as “destroy.”

Alright, let’s proceed and consider this Hebrew term, “corruption,” which because of the number of times that it appears, will require more time than its Greek counterpart.

Hebrew: corruption [shachath:H7845]

It is found 22 times in the Old Testament (besides Psalm 16:10) and is translated in the following ways: “corruption” (4x), “pit” (14x), “destruction” (2x), “ditch” (2x), and once as “grave,” accordingly, and is one of the chief terms in helping us to understand what took place before Creation, as Christ was undergoing the fierce anger of God Almighty, which we can hardly understand, as we contemplate that eternal God is killing eternal God, so that those in the will (or Last Testament in legal terms) of God could receive forgiveness of sins, and eternal inheritance.

The first entry for this word is found in verse 31 of Job 9:30-31, in which it is rendered as “me in the ditch”: “If I wash myself with snow water, and make my hands never so clean; {31} Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch [shachath:H7845], and mine own clothes shall abhor me.”

Although it does not contain this term “corruption” Job 9:20 is similar in thrust to verses 30-31: “If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: [if I say], I [am] perfect, it shall also prove me perverse.”

Whenever we discuss Job (‘lyowb:H347) we have to remember that he is a spiritual representation of Christ under the wrath of God, and his name means “enemy,” as it is derived from its root word (’ayab:H340), which is only found in one verse - Exodus 23:22, as Guy Berry mentions this many times in his excellent study on the Book of Job.

“But if thou shalt indeed obey his voice, and do all that I speak; then I will be an enemy

[’ayab:H340] unto thine enemies, and an adversary unto thine adversaries.”

This term appears next in verse 14 of Job 17:13-16, “If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness. {14} I have said to corruption [shachath:H7845], Thou [art] my father: to the worm [rimmah:H7415], [Thou art] my mother, and my sister. {15} And where [is] now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it? {16} They shall go down to the bars [bad:H905] of the pit, [she’owl:H7585] when [our] rest together [is] in the dust.”[`aphar:H6083]

Notice the very intimate identification that Christ is expressing by the phrases, “I have said to corruption, [shachath:H7845] Thou [art] my father:...” as well as “...to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.” We cannot comprehend the crushing magnitude of what Christ was exposed to, as a result of having become sin at the foundation of the world, as 2 Corinthians 5:21 affirms:

“For he [God the Father] hath made him [Christ] [to be] sin for us [all the elect], who [Christ] knew no sin; that we [the elect] might be made the righteousness of God in him”[Christ]

Although we don’t have the time in this study to consider them individually, the words “to the worm” (which I covered in some detail in the Devotional series #41-45 on Job 25:6), “to the bars,” “to the pit” (the grave or hell), and “in the dust” portray various aspects of annihilation, and emphasize what Christ was subjected to, in His atonement for the elect “...before the foundation of the world...” as verse 4 of Ephesians 1:4-6 so beautifully proclaims:

“Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ: {4} According as he [God the Father] hath chosen us in him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: {5} Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, {6} To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”

Now we’ll consider the passage in which this term surfaces the most, namely Job 33:18, 22, 24, 28, and 30; I’ll read verses 8-30, in which Elihu is speaking to Job:

“Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of [thy] words, [saying], {9} I am clean without transgression, I [am] innocent; neither [is there] iniquity in me. {10} Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, {11} He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. {12} Behold, [in] this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man. {13} Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters. {14} For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not. {15} In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed; {16} Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction, {17} That he may withdraw man [from his] purpose, and hide pride from man. {18} He keepeth back his soul from the pit [shachath:H7845], and his life from perishing by the sword. {19} He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong [pain]: {20} So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. {21} His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones [that] were not seen stick out. {22} Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave [shachath:H7845], and his life to the destroyers. {23} If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness: {24} Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit [shachath:H7845]: I have found a ransom. {25} His flesh shall be fresher than a child's: he shall return to the days of his youth: {26} He shall pray unto God, and he will be favourable unto him: and he shall see his face with joy: for he will render unto man his righteousness. {27} He looketh upon men, and [if any] say, I have sinned, and perverted [that which was] right, and it profited me not; {28} He will deliver his soul from going into the pit [shachath:H7845], and his life shall see the light. {29} Lo, all these [things] worketh God oftentimes with man, {30} To bring back his soul from the pit [shachath:H7845], to be enlightened with the light of the living.”

Verse 15 of Psalm 7:11-16, renders this word as “into the ditch”: “God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry [with the wicked] every day. {12} If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. {13} He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors. {14} Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood. {15} He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch [shachath:H7845] [which] he made. {16 His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” [“head”]

Verse 15 of Psalm 9:6-8, and 15-17 translates this word again as “in the pit”: “O thou enemy, destructions are come to a perpetual end: and thou hast destroyed cities; their memorial is perished with them. {7} But the LORD shall endure for ever: he hath prepared his throne for judgment. {8} And he shall judge the world in righteousness, he shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. ... {15} The heathen are sunk down in the pit [shachath:H7845] [that] they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. {16} The LORD is known [by] the judgment [which] he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. {17} The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.”

Verse 9 of Psalm 30:1-12, “[A Psalm [and] Song [at] the dedication of the house of David.]] I will extol thee, O LORD; for thou hast lifted me up, and hast not made my foes to rejoice over me. {2} O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. {3} O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. {4} Sing unto the LORD, O ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness. {5} For his anger [endureth but] a moment; in his favour [is] life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy [cometh] in the morning. {6} And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. {7} LORD, by thy favour thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, [and] I was troubled. {8} I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. {9} What profit [is there] in my blood, when I go down to the pit [shachath:H7845] ? Shall the dust praise thee? shall it declare thy truth? {10} Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. {11} Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; {12} To the end that [my] glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.”

We also see this word, “[in] a pit” in verse 7 of Psalm 35:1-10, “[A Psalm] of David.] Plead [my cause], O LORD, with them that strive with me: fight against them that fight against me. {2} Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for mine help. {3} Draw out also the spear, and stop [the way] against them that persecute me: say unto my soul, I [am] thy salvation. {4} Let them be confounded and put to shame that seek after my soul: let them be turned back and brought to confusion that devise my hurt. {5} Let them be as chaff before the wind: and let the angel of the LORD chase [them]. {6} Let their way be dark and slippery: and let the angel of the LORD persecute them. {7} For without cause have they hid for me their net [in] a pit, [shachath:H7845] [which] without cause they have digged for my soul. {8} Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall. {9} And my soul shall be joyful in the LORD: it shall rejoice in his salvation. {10} All my bones shall say, LORD, who [is] like unto thee, which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him, yea, the poor and the needy from him that spoileth him?”

In verse 9 of Psalm 49:1-20 this term is expressed again as “corruption”: “[To the chief Musician, A Psalm for the sons of Korah.] Hear this, all [ye] people; give ear, all [ye] inhabitants of the world: {2} Both low and high, rich and poor, together. {3} My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart [shall be] of understanding. {4} I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp. {5} Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, [when] the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? {6} They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; {7} None [of them] can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: {8} (For the redemption of their soul [is] precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) {9} That he should still live for ever, [and] not see corruption. [shachath:H7845] {10} For he seeth [that] wise men die, likewise the fool and the brutish person perish, and leave their wealth to others. {11] Their inward thought [is, that] their houses [shall continue] for ever, [and] their dwelling places to all generations; they call [their] lands after their own names. {12} Nevertheless man [being] in honour abideth not: he is like the beasts [that] perish. {13} This their way [is] their folly: yet their posterity approve their sayings. Selah. {14} Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling. {15} But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. {16} Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; {17} For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. {18} Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and [men] will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. {19} He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. {20} Man [that is] in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts [that] perish.”

Verse 23 of Psalm 55:22-23 renders this term as “of destruction”: “Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved. {23} But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction [shachath:H7845]: bloody and deceitful men [referring to the non elect] shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.”

Verse 13 of Psa 94:1-15 and 23 translates this word as, “until the pit”: “O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself. {2} Lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth: render a reward to the proud. {3} LORD, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? {4} [How long] shall they utter [and] speak hard things? [and] all the workers of iniquity boast themselves? {5} They break in pieces thy people, O LORD, and afflict thine heritage. {6} They slay the widow and the stranger, and murder the fatherless. {7} Yet they say, The LORD shall not see, neither shall the God of Jacob regard [it]. {8} Understand, ye brutish among the people: and [ye] fools, when will ye be wise? {9} He that planted the ear, shall he not hear? he that formed the eye, shall he not see? {10} He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct? he that teacheth man knowledge, [shall not he know]? {11} The LORD knoweth the thoughts of man, that they [are] vanity. {12} Blessed [is] the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; {13} That thou mayest give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit [shachath:H7845] be digged for the wicked. {14} For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. {15} But judgment shall return unto righteousness: and all the upright in heart shall follow it. ... {23} And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; [yea], the LORD our God shall cut them off.”

Next let’s consider verse 4 of Psalm 103:1-4, which is another wonderful paean of praise to God for His incomparable mercies: “[A Psalm] of David.] Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, [bless] his holy name. {2} Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: {3} Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; {4} Who redeemeth thy life from destruction [shachath:H7845]; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;”

Continuing on with this Hebrew word “corruption,” we see it utilized in Proverbs 26:27 as “a pit”: “Whoso diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that rolleth a stone, it will return upon him.”

Verse 17 of Isaiah 38:9-19, “The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick, and was recovered of his sickness: {10] I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years. {11} I said, I shall not see the LORD, [even] the LORD, in the land of the living: I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world. {12} Mine age is departed, and is removed from me as a shepherd's tent: I have cut off like a weaver my life: he will cut me off with pining sickness: from day [even] to night wilt thou make an end of me. {13} I reckoned till morning, [that], as a lion, so will he break all my bones: from day [even] to night wilt thou make an end of me. {14} Like a crane [or] a swallow, so did I chatter: I did mourn as a dove: mine eyes fail [with looking] upward: O LORD, I am oppressed; undertake for me. {15} What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done [it]: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. {16} O Lord, by these [things men] live, and in all these [things is] the life of my spirit: so wilt thou recover me, and make me to live. {17} Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul [delivered it] from the pit [shachath:H7845] of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. {18} For the grave cannot praise thee, death can [not] celebrate thee: they that go down into the pit cannot hope for thy truth. {19} The living, the living, he shall praise thee, as I [do] this day: the father to the children shall make known thy truth.”

Verse 14 of Isaiah 51:14 renders this word, as “in the pit”: “The captive exile hasteneth that he may be loosed, and that he should not die in the pit, [shachath:H7845] nor that his bread should fail.”

Please note the reference to Abraham (“father”) and Sarah (“mother”) which ties back to what we read at the beginning of our study in Job 17:13-14,

“If I wait, the grave [is] mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness. {14} I have said to corruption [shachath:H7845], Thou [art] my father: to the worm [rimmah:H7415], [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.

When we read in this in the light of Romans 4:17-19, we recognize the resurrection of Christ coming out of death and annihilation, as typified by the terms relating to Abraham’s “body” and Sara’s “womb”:

“(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, [even] God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. {18} Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. {19} And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara's womb [in the Old Testament the “belly of hell” can also be rendered as the “womb of hell”]

Verse 6 of Jon 2:1-6 translates it as “from corruption”: “Then Jonah prayed unto the LORD his God out of the fish's belly, {2} And said, I cried by reason of mine affliction unto the LORD, and he heard me; out of the belly of hell cried I, [and] thou heardest my voice. {3} For thou hadst cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas; and the floods compassed me about: all thy billows and thy waves passed over me. {4} Then I said, I am cast out of thy sight; yet I will look again toward thy holy temple. {5} The waters compassed me about, [even] to the soul: the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head. {6} I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars [was] about me for ever: yet hast thou brought up my life from corruption [shachath:H7845], O LORD my God.”

Lord willing, in our next study we will continue examining the rest of verse

2 Peter - Part 32

Air Date: July 23, 2017

“For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but were eyewitnesses of his majesty. {17} For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. {18} And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount. {19} We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: {20} Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. {21} For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.”

In our study of Chapter 1 we have arrived at verse 17, in which we read: “For he received from God the Father honour and glory...” We also want to bear in mind that this account of the Transfiguration of the Lord Jesus Christ that Peter is recalling under divine inspiration, is highlighting the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as the nature and authority of the Word of God itself, which the Savior embodies. Let’s consider the four terms:

He Received [lambano:G2983]...Honour [time:G5092] And [kai:G2532] Glory [doxa:G1391]

We have encountered these same terms earlier in verse 9 of 2 Peter 1:9-10, which we discussed in Part 16:

The term “he received” (lambano:G2983) appears as part of the expression “and hath forgotten,” which is made up of two different words - “receiving” or “taking on” (lambano:G2983) and “forgetfullness,” which unfortunately does not appear to be a very good translation:

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten [lethe:G3024/lambano:G2983] that he was purged from his old sins. {10} Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:”

In Jay P. Green’s Interlinear Bible it is translated this way:

“(he) For in whom not is present these things, blind, is being short-sighted, forgetfullness [lethe:G3024] taking [lambano:G2983] of the cleansing of time past of his sins.”

Although I am by no means a Greek expert, this also does not seem to correctly render what the Greek is saying. This word (lethe:G3024) is only found in this one verse, but its root (or parent word) that it derives from is lanthano (G2990). G2900 is highly significant, because of the way in which God utilizes it; it is rendered in the following ways in 6 places: “be hid” (3x), “be ignorant of” (2x), and once as “unawares.” When you couple this with the surrounding terms in verse 9, “blind” (typhlos:G5185) and “cannot see afar off” (myopazo:G3467), as well as the admonition in verse 10, the implication that this is speaking about someone who in unsaved is pretty evident, so it might be better expressed as:

“(he) For in whom not is present these things, blind, is being short-sighted, ignorant/unaware taking of the cleansing of time past of his sins.”

He Received [lambano:G2983]...Honour [time:G5092] And [kai:G2532] Glory [doxa:G1391]

Let’s go back to our four words - “He received...honour and glory…” which only appear together in the following passages:

Verse 11 of Revelation 4:6-11 affirm, in which these four “living creatures” (not “beasts” as we compare this with the “living creatures” in Ezekiel 1 - recognizing that this refers to the glory of God - they have the same “faces” as well) symbolize the Godhead: “And before the throne [there was] a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, [were] four beasts [zoon:G2226] [“living creature”] full of eyes before and behind. {7] And the first beast [was] like a lion, and the second beast [zoon:G2226] [“living creature”] like a calf, and the third beast [zoon:G2226] [“living creature”] had a face as a man, and the fourth beast [zoon:G2226] [“living creature”] [was] like a flying eagle. {8] And the four beasts [zoon:G2226] [“living creatures”] had each of them six wings about [him]; and [they were] full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. {9} And when those beasts [zoon:G2226][“living creatures”] give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, {10} The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, {11} Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive [lambano:G2983] glory [doxa:G1391] and [kai:G2532] honour [time:G5092] and [kai:G2532] power: for thou hast created all things, and [kai:G2532] for thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Similarly, verse 12 of Revelation 5:5-14 declare: “And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof. {6} And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, [zoon:G2226] [“living creatures”] and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth. {7} And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne. {8} And when he had taken the book, the four beasts [zoon:G2226] [“living creatures”] and four [and] twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. {9} And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; {10} And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.{11} And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts [zoon:G2226] [“living creatures”] and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; {12} Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing. {13} And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, [be] unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever. {14} And the four beasts [zoon:G2226] [“living creatures”] said, Amen. And the four [and] twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.”

Let’s read verse 17 again:

“For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice [phone:G5456] to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

A Voice [phone:G5456]

This Greek word for “a voice” is found 141 times in the New Testament, and is translated in these ways: “voice” (131x), “sound” (8x), “be noised abroad” (with G1096) (1x), and once as “noise.” It also surfaces in verse 18:

“And this voice [phone:G5456] which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”

Here are a few other illustrations of how God has employed this particular term to impart spiritual truth:

Revelation 21:3 gloriously proclaims God’s intention for all the elect that He purchased with His life, “...from the foundation of the world”: “And I heard a great [megas:G3173] voice [phone:G5456] [where we get the word “megaphone”] out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God.”

Both words are also included in Revelation 1:10, and in verse 15, as “voice” by itself; note how God likens this “great voice” to a “trumpet” and to “the sound of many waters”: “I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great [megas:G3173] voice [phone:G5456], [where we get the word “megaphone”] as of a trumpet, ... {15} And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.”

Keep in mind that “waters” can spiritually incorporate salvation as well as judgment.

John 5:25 pertains to the elect that God saved during “the day of salvation,” while verses 28-29 is focused on the resurrection of the bodies of God’s saints at the end of the world: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice [phone:G5456] of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. ... {28} Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice [phone:G5456], {29} And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”

John 10:3-4, 16, and 27 emphasize the truth that God’s redeemed people only listen (and obey) their Master’s Voice, which is His divine Word: “To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice [phone:G5456] : and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. {4} And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice [phone:G5456]... {16} And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice [phone:G5456]; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd. ... {27} My sheep hear my voice [phone:G5456], and I know them, and they follow me:”

On the other hand, Hebrews 3:7 and 15, along with 4:7 offers this severe warning to all those who do not heed God’s Word, although outwardly they might claim to: “Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith, To day if ye will hear his voice [phone:G5456] , ... {15} While it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice [phone:G5456] , harden not your hearts, as in the provocation… {4:7} Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice [phone:G5456], harden not your hearts.”

Along the same lines, Hebrews 12:19 and 26 provide a further admonition related to our present “day of judgment,” comparing it to when God appeared on top of Mount Sinai in Exodus 19 : “And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice [phone:G5456] of words; which [voice] they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: ... {26} Whose voice [phone:G5456] then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven.”

This same term also crops up in Matthew 3:17 at Christ’s baptism, which marked the official start of His ministry: “And lo a voice [phone:G5456] from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

And Luke 23:46 reveals Jesus’ last words, prior to His death on the Cross, in demonstration of the Atonement which occurred “...before the foundation of the world,” in which the two terms for “megaphone” surface again, as “with a loud” and “voice” : “And when Jesus had cried with a loud [megas:G3173] [where we get the word “megaphone”] voice [phone:G5456], he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost.”

One last passage that we can take a look at, is Acts 22:14, which is a record of Ananias’ words to the apostle Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus), in which God saw fit to include the all important term, “of his mouth,” identifying “the voice” with God’s “mouth;” additionally please take note of the language of “choosing” (i.e., election), “knowledge of God’s will,” and lastly, “see that Just One” (Christ) - this last element was the prerequisite of a true apostle: “And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice [phone:G5456] of his mouth.”

This [houtos:G3778] Is [esti:G2076] My [mou:G3450] Beloved [agapetos:G27] Son [huios:G5207]

The next phrase - “This is my beloved Son” - consists of five words, and is only found in four other references, besides here in 2 Peter 1:17,

Earlier I quoted Matthew 3:17, in which Christ’s baptism is in view: “And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This [houtos:G3778] is [esti:G2076] my [mou:G3450] beloved [agapetos:G27] Son [huios:G5207], in [en:G1722] whom [hos:G3739] I am well pleased.”[eudokeo:G2106]

Matthew 17:5 is the account of Transfiguration, as Matthew, under divine inspiration, testified: “While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This [houtos:G3778] is [esti:G2076] my [mou:G3450] beloved [agapetos:G27] Son [huios:G5207], in [en:G1722] whom [hos:G3739] I am well pleased [eudokeo:G2106]; hear ye him.”

Mark 9:7 chronicles the same event, accordingly: “And there was a cloud that overshadowed them: and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, This [houtos:G3778] is [esti:G2076] my [mou:G3450] beloved [agapetos:G27] Son [huios:G5207]: hear him.”

Lastly, Luke 9:35 presents this portrayal, under God’s holy direction: “And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This [houtos:G3778] is [esti:G2076] my [mou:G3450] beloved [agapetos:G27] Son [huios:G5207]: hear him.”

In [en:G1722] Whom [hos:G3739] I Am Well Pleased [eudokeo:G2106]

The last phrase in verse 17 is: “...in whom I am well pleased” which in Greek is comprised of three words, and they are found in two passages which I just mentioned a few minutes ago - Matthew 3:17, and 17:5 (both of which I have highlighted in red), and one other citation - Mark 1:11, which states:

“And there came a voice from heaven, [saying], Thou art my beloved Son, in [en:G1722] whom [hos:G3739] I am well pleased.” [eudokeo:G2106]

We next read in Verse 18:

“And this voice which came from heaven we heard, when we were with him in the holy mount.”

Which Came [phero:G5342] From [ek:G1537] Heaven [ouranos:G3772]

Referring to the “voice,” the three words, “...which came from heaven...” express the origin of God’s Word, which is in Heaven, where the Godhead resides eternally in all of His glory and splendor. These three terms appear in one other passage - Acts 2:2 - denoting the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost (aka: “the former rain”) on May 22, 33 AD, fulfilling that Feast spiritually, and initiating the “church age” which continued for 1955 years until May 21, 1988, when God finished using that specific external representation of the Kingdom of God on earth:

“And suddenly there came a sound from [ek:G1537] heaven [ouranos:G3772]

as of a rushing [phero:G5342] mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.”

We [hemeis:G2249] Heard [akouo:G191]

The next two terms that we want to investigate are “we heard,” which crop up 11 verses; here are just a few examples:

Mark 14:58, We [hemeis:G2249] heard [akouo:G191] him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

John 12:34, The people answered him, We [hemeis:G2249] have heard [akouo:G191] out of the law that Christ abideth for ever: and how sayest thou, The Son of man must be lifted up? who is this Son of man?

Acts 2:8, And how hear [akouo:G191] we [hemeis:G2249] every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?

Acts 4:20, For we [hemeis:G2249] cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. [akouo:G191]

Colossians 1:9, For this cause we [hemeis:G2249] also, since the day we heard [akouo:G191] [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

Lord willing, in our next lesson, we will continue our examination of 2 Peter 1.

2 Peter - Part 33

Air Date: July 30, 2017

In our study of 2 Peter, we have come down to the closing verses of this chapter, and we are at the second to the last phrase in verse 18, “when we were with him…”

When We Were [on:G5607] With [syn:G4862] Him [autos:G846]

This phrase appears in 9 other passages, and is comprised of three Greek words; the following reflect some of the ways that God utilizes these God-breathed terms to hide spiritual truth, illustrating the tremendous importance of comparing “spiritual with spiritual,” as 1 Corinthians 2:13 and Nehemiah 8:8 instruct.

In verse 26 of Mark 2:23-28 we find the Lord Jesus taking the opportunity to explain to the Pharisees the true nature of the seventh day Sabbath (Saturday), using an Old Testament illustration involving David, found in 1 Samuel:

“And it came to pass, that he went through the corn fields on the sabbath day [sabbaton:G4521 - plural] ; and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn. {24} And the Pharisees said unto him, Behold, why do they on the sabbath day [sabbaton:G4521 - plural ] that which is not lawful? {25} And he said unto them, Have ye never read what David did, when he had need, and was an hungred, he, and they that were with him? {26} How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the shewbread, which is not lawful to eat but for the priests, and gave also to them which were [on:G5607] with [syn:G4862] him [autos:G846]? {27} And he said unto them, The sabbath [sabbaton:G4521 - plural] was made for man, and not man for the sabbath [sabbaton:G4521 - plural] : {28} Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.” [sabbaton:G4521 - plural]

1 Samuel 21:1-6 records the original account: “Then came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: and Ahimelech was afraid at the meeting of David, and said unto him, Why [art] thou alone, and no man with thee? {2} And David said unto Ahimelech the priest, The king hath commanded me a business, and hath said unto me, Let no man know any thing of the business whereabout I send thee, and what I have commanded thee: and I have appointed [my] servants to such and such a place. {3} Now therefore what is under thine hand? give [me] five [loaves of] bread in mine hand, or what there is present. {4} And the priest answered David, and said, [There is] no common bread under mine hand, but there is hallowed bread; if the young men have kept themselves at least from women. {5} And David answered the priest, and said unto him, Of a truth women [have been] kept from us about these three days, since I came out, and the vessels of the young men are holy, and [the bread is] in a manner common, yea, though it were sanctified this day in the vessel. {6} So the priest gave him hallowed [bread]: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.”

The Lord Jesus is highlighting a number of important truths in the Mark passage, namely:

The Sabbath was meant for man’s spiritual benefit - not the other way around, keeping in mind that the seventh day sabbath pointed to the fact that one cannot work for salvation - Christ did all the work “...before the foundation of the world” in the Atonement.
The Pharisees looking at the situation with carnal minds, accused Christ and His disciples of “working” on the Sabbath, seeing them plucking “...the ears of corn.”
And indeed, on the surface, this would appear to be so... until we read the Luke 6:1 account, in which the Saviour gives additional details in order for us to see the spiritual reality that He wants us to grasp:

“And it came to pass on the second [deuteroprotos:G1207] G0 sabbath [sabbaton:G4521 - singular] after the first [deuteroprotos:G1207], that he went through the corn fields; and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing [them] in [their] hands.”

Apparently, the “second Sabbath after the first” is a historical reference to the second of seven Sabbaths that separated the Feast of Passover from the Feast of Pentecost. However the spiritual understanding that is embedded, and that God wants to underscore, is found in Matthew 28:1, which God allowed to be mistranslated by the scores of scholars who labored diligently to produce the Authorized (or King James) Version:

“In the end of the sabbaths [sabbaton:G4521 - plural], as it began to dawn toward the first [day] of the week [“of the sabbaths” - sabbaton:G4521 - plural], came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.”

In other words, Matthew 28:1 is teaching that Resurrection Sunday marked the end of the era of the seventh day sabbath - in which physical work was not to be performed, accentuating the fact that Christ accomplished all the work of salvation prior to Creation. Secondly, Luke 6:1 (and Matthew 28:1) reveal that a new epoch of Sunday sabbaths began on that glorious Resurrection Sunday as well - rendered as “...the second sabbath after the first...” in Luke 6:1. The new Sunday Sabbath - a day of intense spiritual activity - is what the Lord Jesus is referring to in the Mark account, which is why His disciples, “...plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, rubbing [psocho:G5597] [them] in [their] hands.”

One last comment with regard to the parabolic meaning of the word “rubbing,” (only found in this verse): its root word surfaces in the following four passages, as “sing,” emphasizing worship and praise to God on His Holy Day - the new Sunday sabbath - by consuming the “grain” - pointing to the Lord Jesus Christ - the Word of God - the “Bread of Life,” and the “Heavenly Manna”:

Romans 15:9 declares, “And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing [psallo:G5567] unto thy name.”

1 Corinthians 14:15 likewise adds, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing [psallo:G5567] with the spirit, and I will sing [psallo:G5567] with the understanding also.”

And Ephesians 5:19 maintains, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody [psallo:G5567] in your heart to the Lord;”

Lastly James 5:13 offers this admonition: “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” [psallo:G5567]

Isn’t it amazing how much truth God can pack into three seemingly insignificant words? But we know, of course, that not one word in the Bible is insignificant or inserted haphazardly, without any purpose. Each term is God-breathed and spiritually harmonious with every other word in the Bible in this magnificent spiritual tapestry, which is the living Word of God. I’m often reminded of the exhortation in Deuteronomy 32:46-47, uttered by Moses, under divine inspiration:

“And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. {47} For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.”

Let’s continue looking at the rest of the verses that contain these three words:

When We Were [on:G5607] With [syn:G4862] Him [autos:G846] (Cont.)

Another passage that contains these three terms is in verse 44 of Luke 24:13-53, when the Lord appeared (unbeknown) to two disciples on the way to Emmaus; please note the reference to “bread” (in light of what we just read in Mark 2) in verses 30 and 35, which occurred prior to the Feast of Pentecost:

“And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem [about] threescore furlongs. {14} And they talked together of all these things which had happened. {15} And it came to pass, that, while they communed [together] and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near, and went with them. {16} But their eyes were holden that they should not know him. {17} And he said unto them, What manner of communications [are] these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? {18} And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? {19} And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people: {20} And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him. {21} But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this, to day is the third day since these things were done. {22} Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulchre; {23} And when they found not his body, they came, saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. {24} And certain of them which were with us went to the sepulchre, and found [it] even so as the women had said: but him they saw not. {25} Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: {26} Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? {27} And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. {28} And they drew nigh unto the village, whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further. {29} But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them. {30} And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed [it], and brake, and gave to them. {31} And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight. {32} And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? {33} And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, {34} Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. {35} And they told what things [were done] in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. {36} And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace [be] unto you. {37} But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. {38} And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? {39} Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. {40} And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them [his] hands and [his] feet. {41} And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? {42} And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb. {43} And he took [it], and did eat before them. {44} And he said unto them [autos:G846], These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while [on:G5607] I was yet with [syn:G4862] you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. {45}Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, {46} And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: {47} And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. {48} And ye are witnesses of these things. {49} And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. {50} And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. {51} And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. {52} And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: {53} And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.”

Verse 17 of Acts 5:12-42 records the reaction of the high priest and the Sadducees who opposed both the words as well as the deeds, that God performed through His people in the early days of the church age:

“And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch. {13} And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them. {14} And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.) {15} Insomuch that they brought forth the sick into the streets, and laid [them] on beds and couches, that at the least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. {16} There came also a multitude [out] of the cities round about unto Jerusalem, bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed every one. {17} Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with [syn:G4862] him [autos:G846], (which is [on:G5607] the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, {18} And laid their hands on the apostles, and put them in the common prison. {19} But the angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said, {20} Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. {21} And when they heard [that], they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught. But the high priest came, and they that were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. {22} But when the officers came, and found them not in the prison, they returned, and told, {23} saying, The prison truly found we shut with all safety, and the keepers standing without before the doors: but when we had opened, we found no man within. {24} Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they doubted of them whereunto this would grow. {25} Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people. {26} Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. {27} And when they had brought them, they set [them] before the council: and the high priest asked them, {28} Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us. {29} Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. {30} The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. {31} Him hath God exalted with his right hand [to be] a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. {32} And we are his witnesses of these things; and [so is] also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. {33} When they heard [that], they were cut [to the heart], and took counsel to slay them. {34} Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space; {35} And said unto them, Ye men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what ye intend to do as touching these men. {36} For before these days rose up Theudas, boasting himself to be somebody; to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed him, were scattered, and brought to nought. {37} After this man rose up Judas of Galilee in the days of the taxing, and drew away much people after him: he also perished; and all, [even] as many as obeyed him, were dispersed. {38} And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: {39} But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. {40} And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten [them], they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. {41} And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name. {42} And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ.”

Verse 2 of 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 also highlights those within the Kingdom of God versus those within the kingdom of Satan, as we just noted with regard to the High Priest and the Sadducees,

“Paul, called [to be] an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes [our] brother, {2} Unto the church of God which is [on:G5607] at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called [to be] saints, with [syn:G4862] all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs [autos:G846], and ours: {3} Grace [be] unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and [from] the Lord Jesus Christ. {4} I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; {5} That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and [in] all knowledge; {6} Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: {7} So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: {8} Who shall also confirm you unto the end, [that ye may be] blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. {9} God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Lastly, verse 13 of Colossians 2:1-15 adds: “For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and [for] them at Laodicea, and [for] as many as have not seen my face in the flesh; {2} That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; {3} whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. {4} And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. {5} For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ. {6} As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, [so] walk ye in him: {7} Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. {8} Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. {9} For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. {10} And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: {11} In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: {12} Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with [him] through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. {13} And you, being [on:G5607] dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with [syn:G4862] him [autos:G846], having forgiven you all trespasses; {14} Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; {15} [And] having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”

In [en:G1722] The Holy [hagios:G40] Mount [oros:G3735]

The next phrase that we want to consider is: “...in the holy mount,” which is comprised of three terms, and only found in one other citation - verse 10 of Revelation 21:1-13, picturing the glorious Kingdom of God coming down from God out of Heaven, as “a New Heaven and a New Earth” are ushered in after the end of this prolonged “day of judgment”:

“And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. {2} And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. {3} And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God [is] with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, [and be] their God. {4} And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. {5} And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. {6} And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. {7} He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. {8} But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. {9} And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. {10} And he carried me away in [en:G1722] the spirit to a great and high mountain [oros:G3735], and shewed me that great city, the holy [hagios:G40] Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, {11} Having the glory of God: and her light [was] like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; {12} And had a wall great and high, [and] had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are [the names] of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: {13} On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.”

Verse 19: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:”

We Have [echo:G2192] Also [kai:G2532] A More Sure [bebaios:G949] Word [logos:G3056] Of Prophecy [prophetikos:G4397]

The first phrase in verse 19 is: “We have also a more sure word of prophecy…,” and is composed of five Greek words, and they only appear together in this one statement, so we will have to consider them individually:

A More Sure [bebaios:G949] Word [logos:G3056]

The two expressions, “a more sure” and “word” only appear together in verse 2 of Hebrews 2:1-4,

“Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. {2} For if the word [logos:G3056] spoken by angels was stedfast, [bebaios:G949] and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; {3} How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; {4} God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

Of Prophecy [prophetikos:G4397]

The word, “of prophecy” only surfaces again in verse 26 of Romans 16:25-27, in the closing benediction:

“Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, {26} But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, [prophetikos:G4397] according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: {27} To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.”

I think we’ll stop here and continue examining the rest of 2 Peter 1 next Sunday, Lord willing.

2 Peter - Part 34

Air Date: August 6, 2017

In our examination of 2 Peter 1, we have arrived at the latter part of verse 19, “...whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts:” These closing verses of 2 Peter 1 are a preeminent testimony to the divine nature of the Word of God, and concurrently glorify the “Word made flesh” - the Lord Jesus Christ.

Whereunto [hos:G3739] Ye Do [poieo:G4160] Well [kalos:G2573] That Ye Take Heed [prosecho:G4337]

Let’s consider the phrase, “...whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…,” which is comprised of four words, and only appear together in this verse. We can break up this phrase into two main parts - “ye do well” and “that ye take heed,” in which the primary emphasis is being placed upon “heeding,” which involves not only listening, but more importantly, obeying, which is really the bottom line of all Scripture, as we understand from passages like 1 John 5:2-3, and verse 26 of Exodus 15:22-26, respectively:

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. {3} For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.”

In this verse God is giving us the very definition of Biblical love, according to Scripture - and not as the world construes.

Exodus 15:22-26 records the following incident at the beginning of the 40-year wilderness sojourn: “So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water. {23} And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they [were] bitter: therefore the name of it was called Marah. {24} And the people murmured against Moses, saying, What shall we drink? {25} And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them, {26} And said, If thou wilt diligently hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and keep all his statutes, I will put none of these diseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I [am] the LORD that healeth thee.”

It only took three days from witnessing the second greatest miracle of deliverance in the Old Testament (after Noah’s flood) for the fickle nature of the majority of the Israelites to rear its collective ugly head in rebellion against God, by murmuring and complaining. This is an important admonition for each one of us to remember when we are tempted to complain about personal circumstances, instead of being profusely thankful for the continual outpouring of God’s manifold blessings (physical as well as spiritual) upon each of His chosen people - moment by moment, day by day, week by week, month by month, year by year, and decade by decade!

Ye Do [poieo:G4160] Well [kalos:G2573]

The two terms, “ye do” and “well” appear together in 13 passages, and three of these references, deal with love, as was just mentioned, as James 2:8, for instance, acknowledges:

“If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do [poieo:G4160] well [kalos:G2573]:”

Christ, Who is the very essence of love (“God is love” - as we read in 1 John 4:8b) is set forth as the Preeminent One Who “does well” (in every instance, but especially - as far as believers are concerned - with regard to salvation, as this account so beautifully illustrates) in verse 37 of Mark 7:31-37,

“And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, he came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. {32} And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. {33} And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue; {34} And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. {35} And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. {36} And he charged them that they should tell no man: but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published [it]; {37} And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done [poieo:G4160] all things well [kalos:G2573]: he maketh [poieo:G4160] both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak.”

Verses 26 and 27 of Luke 6:20-36 provide this severe warning when the unsaved unanimously speak well of those who profess to be “true believers,” and also highlights the supremacy of love:

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed [be ye] poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. {21} Blessed [are ye] that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed [are ye] that weep now: for ye shall laugh. {22} Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you [from their company], and shall reproach [you], and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. {23} Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward [is] great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets. {24} But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. {25} Woe unto you that are full! for ye shall hunger. Woe unto you that laugh now! for ye shall mourn and weep. {26} Woe unto you, when all men shall speak well [kalos:G2573] of you! for so did [poieo:G4160] their fathers to the false prophets. {27} But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do [poieo:G4160] good [kalos:G2573] to them which hate you, {28} Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. {29} And unto him that smiteth thee on the [one] cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloke forbid not [to take thy] coat also. {30} Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask [them] not again. {31} And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. {32} For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. {33} And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. {34} And if ye lend [to them] of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. {35} But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil. {36} Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.”

Lastly, verse 6 of 3 John 1:1-8 declares the following with regard to Gaius (apparently his name means “lord”): “The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. {2} Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. {3} For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. {4} I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. {5} Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; {6} Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do [poieo:G4160] well [kalos:G2573]: {7} Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. {8} We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.”

Gaius is one of a number who are mentioned in the New Testament as genuine believers, and hence receive the title (as Christ Himself) of “well beloved.” As such, they epitomize the nature and character of the Lord Jesus Christ, as 1 Timothy 4:12 exhorts,

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation [“lifestyle”] in charity [“love”], in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

That Ye Take Heed [prosecho:G4337]

The next word that we want to turn our attention to in the phrase, “...whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…,” is: “that ye take heed,” which appears in 23 other places; here are a few illustrations:

I just quoted from 1 Timothy 4:12, and the next two verses - 13 and 14 - include this term which is translated as “give attendance” and “giving heed” respectively, showcasing the positive as well as the negative aspect of this expression, which is normally rendered in the negative: “Till I come, give attendance [prosecho:G4337] to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. {14} Not giving heed [prosecho:G4337] to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth.”

The positive side of this word is also seen in verses 6, and 10-11 in Acts 8:3-25,with respect to Phillip’s faithful preaching, and sadly, along with that of Simon the sorcerer:

“As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed [them] to prison. {4} Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. {5} Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. {6} And the people with one accord gave heed [prosecho:G4337] unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. {7} For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed [with them]: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. {8} And there was great joy in that city. {9} But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: {10} To whom they all gave heed [prosecho:G4337], from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. {11} And to him they had regard [prosecho:G4337], because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. {12} But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. {13} Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. {14} Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: {15} Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: {16} (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) {17} Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. {18} And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, {19} Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. {20} But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. {21} Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. {22} Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. {23} For I perceive that thou art in the gall of bitterness, and [in] the bond of iniquity. {24} Then answered Simon, and said, Pray ye to the Lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken come upon me.”

Acts 16:14 records the conversion of Lydia, by God’s bountiful mercy: “And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard [us]: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended [prosecho:G4337] unto the things which were spoken of Paul.”

Verse 34 of Luke 21:34-36 is a very pertinent admonition as God ushered in our current, prolonged “day of judgment” on May 21, 2011: “And take heed [prosecho:G4337] to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and [so] that day come upon you unawares. [aiphnidios:G160] {35} For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. {36} Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape [ekpheugo:G1628] all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”

Incidentally, the word, “unawares” (aiphnidios:G160) only appears in one other highly significant passage - in verse 3 of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, as “sudden”: “But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. {2} For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. {3} For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden [aiphnidios:G160] destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [ekpheugo:G1628] {4} But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. {5} Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. {6} Therefore let us not sleep, as [do] others; but let us watch and be sober. {7} For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night. {8} But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. {9} For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, {10} Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. {11} Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.”

Verse 1 of Hebrews 2:1-4 contains the same word, “take heed,” in addition to the identical term for “escape” in verse 3: “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed [prosecho:G4337] to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let [them] slip. {2} For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; {3} How shall we escape [ekpheugo:G1628], if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard [him]; {4} God also bearing [them] witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?”

As Unto A Light [lychnos:G3088] That Shineth [phaino:G5316]

The admonition “...whereunto ye do well that ye take heed…” has, as its object, the two words - “...as unto a light that shineth…” - which only surfaces in three other citations:

John 5:35 is our Lord’s commentary on the ministry of John the Baptist: “He was a burning and a shining [phaino:G5316] light [lychnos:G3088]: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.”

Verse 23 of Revelation 18:21-24 depicts the spiritual atmosphere of our current day of judgment upon “Babylon” (the kingdom of Satan) which occurred on May 21, 2011 in the world at large, having transitioned from the churches and denominations where it first commenced on May 21, 1988: “And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast [it] into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. {22} And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft [he be], shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; {23} And the light of a candle [lychnos:G3088] shall shine [phaino:G5316] no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. {24} And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”

Revelation 21:23 further adds: “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. {23} And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine [phaino:G5316] in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [is] the light [lychnos:G3088] thereof. {24} And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. {25} And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. {26} And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. {27} And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither [whatsoever] worketh abomination, or [maketh] a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's book of life.”

In [en:G1722] A Dark [auchmeros:G850] Place [topos:G5117]

“In a dark place” is the next phrase we want to investigate. It consists of three words, but they only appear together in 2 Peter 1:19, so we will have to consider them individually. The term “a dark” (auchmeros:G850) is only found here, and its root word is somewhat dubious, and I am unable to verify this. Sometimes when you run across a situation like this, you can try to see if there is a word bridge, or even look up the English words - in this case “a dark place” - to see if the Old Testament can offer any help. I would only recommend doing this in a case like this. I could not find a word bridge, so I began searching for the terms “ ‘dark’ and ‘place’ ” in English in the Old Testament, and I found two such references:

Verse 11 of Psalm 18:1-50 includes both words, and is a Messianic psalm (i.e., one which concerns Christ’s atonement): [[To the chief Musician, [A Psalm] of David, the servant of the LORD, who spake unto the LORD the words of this song in the day [that] the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul: And he said,]] I will love thee, O LORD, my strength. {2} The LORD [is] my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, [and] my high tower. {3} I will call upon the LORD, [who is worthy] to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. {4} The sorrows of death compassed me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. {5} The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death prevented me. {6} In my distress I called upon the LORD, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, [even] into his ears. {7} Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. {8} There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured: coals were kindled by it. {9} He bowed the heavens also, and came down: and darkness [was] under his feet. {10} And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly: yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind. {11} He made darkness [chosek:H2822] his secret place [cether:H5643]; his pavilion round about him [were] dark waters [and] thick clouds of the skies. {12} At the brightness [that was] before him his thick clouds passed, hail [stones] and coals of fire. {13} The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire. {14} Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them. {15} Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at thy rebuke, O LORD, at the blast of the breath of thy nostrils. {16} He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. {17} He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. {18} They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the LORD was my stay. {19} He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me. {20} The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. {21} For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly departed from my God. {22} For all his judgments [were] before me, and I did not put away his statutes from me. {23} I was also upright before him, and I kept myself from mine iniquity. {24} Therefore hath the LORD recompensed me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in his eyesight. {25} With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; {26} With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. {27} For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. {28} For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness. [chosek:H2822] {29} For by thee I have run through a troop; and by my God have I leaped over a wall. {30} [As for] God, his way [is] perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he [is] a buckler to all those that trust in him. {31} For who [is] God save the LORD? or who [is] a rock save our God? {32} [It is] God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. {33} He maketh my feet like hinds' [feet], and setteth me upon my high places. {34} He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms. {35} Thou hast also given me the shield of thy salvation: and thy right hand hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great. {36} Thou hast enlarged my steps under me, that my feet did not slip. {37} I have pursued mine enemies, and overtaken them: neither did I turn again till they were consumed. {38} I have wounded them that they were not able to rise: they are fallen under my feet. {39} For thou hast girded me with strength unto the battle: thou hast subdued under me those that rose up against me. {40} Thou hast also given me the necks of mine enemies; that I might destroy them that hate me. {41} They cried, but [there was] none to save [them: even] unto the LORD, but he answered them not. {42} Then did I beat them small as the dust before the wind: I did cast them out as the dirt in the streets. {43} Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; [and] thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people [whom] I have not known shall serve me. {44} As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me: the strangers shall submit themselves unto me. {45} The strangers shall fade away, and be afraid out of their close places. {46} The LORD liveth; and blessed [be] my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted. {47} [It is] God that avengeth me, and subdueth the people under me. {48} He delivereth me from mine enemies: yea, thou liftest me up above those that rise up against me: thou hast delivered me from the violent man. {49} Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name. {50} Great deliverance giveth he to his king; and sheweth mercy to his anointed, to David, and to his seed for evermore.”

The second passage is verse 19 of Isaiah 45:1-25, “Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; {2} I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: {3} And I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call [thee] by thy name, [am] the God of Israel. {4} For Jacob my servant's sake, and Israel mine elect, I have even called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me. {5} I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else, [there is] no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: {6} That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that [there is] none beside me. I [am] the LORD, and [there is] none else. {7} I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these [things]. {8} Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the LORD have created it. {9} Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! [Let] the potsherd [strive] with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? {10} Woe unto him that saith unto [his] father, What begettest thou? or to the woman, What hast thou brought forth? {11} Thus saith the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. {12} I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, [even] my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. {13} I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts. {14} Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God. {15} Verily thou [art] a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour. {16} They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together [that are] makers of idols. {17} [But] Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end. {18} For thus saith the LORD that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I [am] the LORD; and [there is] none else. {19} I have not spoken in secret [cether:H5643], in a dark [chosek:H2822] place of the earth: I said not unto the seed of Jacob, Seek ye me in vain: I the LORD speak righteousness, I declare things that are right. {20} Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye [that are] escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god [that] cannot save. {21} Tell ye, and bring [them] near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? [who] hath told it from that time? [have] not I the LORD? and [there is] no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; [there is] none beside me. {22} Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else. {23} I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth [in] righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. {24} Surely, shall [one] say, in the LORD have I righteousness and strength: [even] to him shall [men] come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed. {25} In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.”

Well, I think we’ll stop here, and continue our examination of the rest of 2 Peter 1 next Sunday.

2 Peter - Part 35

Air Date: August 13, 2017

In our examination of 2 Peter 1, we have arrived at the end of verse 20, in which verses 19-21 are concerned with the nature of the Bible itself. It is the living Word of God that God uses to illuminate His elect, who are ignorant of God’s thoughts and ways, unless God in His pity and mercy opens our understanding to the spiritual realities that He has hidden in the Scriptures. Isaiah 55:8-9 explains why God has to lead us into His truth, by His will and according to His perfect timing, which always serves His own divine purposes, and in turn, glorifies the Godhead continually:

“For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. {9} For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Luke 24:27 and 44-45 acknowledges the necessity for Christ to intervene, in order for His people to comprehend the spiritual implications that He desires them to know, but more importantly, to obey:

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. ... {44} And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. {45} Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,”

The reason why it is incumbent upon God to do so is aptly illustrated in verse 34 of Luke 18:31-34, in which God utilizes three distinct terms - “...understood none of these things...,” “...this saying was hid from them...,” and “...neither knew they the things which were spoken...” to underscore the apostles’ inability to grasp what Christ was plainly teaching regarding His death, burial, and resurrection. This underscores how crucial it is for God to open His people’s understanding of even the most elementary doctrines:

“Then he took [unto him] the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. {32} For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: {33} And they shall scourge [him], and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. {34} And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.”

Each child of God must humbly acknowledge this, and prayerfully beseech God for His mercy whenever we approach God’s Word, even though God has been exceedingly gracious to the saints of our generation, by unsealing the “sealed book” (i.e., the Bible) as we read in Revelation 5:1-5,

“And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. {2} And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? {3] And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. {4} And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. {5} And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”

You will recall that the book was previously sealed by the same One who opened it the book as God instructed Daniel (representing the Lord Jesus Christ) in Daniel 12:4 and 9-10,

“But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, [even] to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. ... {9} And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words [are] closed up and sealed till the time of the end. {10} Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”

Until [heos:G2192] [hou:G3757] The Day [hemera:G2250] Dawn [diaugazo:G1306]

Well, in light of that, let’s consider the phrase, “...untl the day dawn…” which is where we left off last Sunday. The word “dawn” (diaugazo:G1306) is only used here, and it is a compound term, made up of the Greek preposition (dia:G1223), commonly translated as “by” or “through” and the Greek verb (augazo:G825), which only appears once as “should shine” in verse 4 of 2 Corinthians 4:1-7,

“Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; {2} But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. {3} But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: {4} In whom the god of this world [God] hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine [augazo:G826] unto them. {5} For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. {6} For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. {7} But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.”

So we can understand that “until the day dawn” is a reference to “waiting upon the Lord” for salvation during the “day of salvation,” and comparable to the next expression “...and the day star arise...” which we can now investigate:

And [kai:G2532] The Day Star [phosphoros:G5459] Arise [anatello:G393]

This phrase consists of three terms; the two major words being “the day star” and “arise;” the Greek conjunction “and” links both of these parallel analogies which relate to the “sunrise,” and we have learned that the “sun” is a picture of God Himself, according to these citations:

Psalm 84:11 affirms, “For the LORD God [is] a sun [shemesh:H8121] and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

Malachi 4:2, “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun [shemesh:H8121] of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”

The “sun” is also in view in Psa 19:4-6, and compared to a “bridegroom” as well as a “strong man to run a race.” These metaphors apply to Christ, even though “the strong man” in the New Testament usually exemplifies Satan: “Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun [shemesh:H8121], {5} Which [is] as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, [and] rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. {6} His going forth [is] from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.”

By the way, this is why the “darkening of the sun” or the “moon turning to blood,” (symbolizing God and the Word of God respectively) is so horrific because it signals that mankind has entered the “day of judgment,” in which salvation is no longer possible, as all of God’s elect were saved by May 21, 2011, as the subsequent passages underscore:

Mark 13:24 records, “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun [helios:G2246] shall be darkened, and the moon [selene:G4582] shall not give her light,”

Verse 10 of Joel 2:1-11 likewise reveals: “Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble: for the day of the LORD cometh, for [it is] nigh at hand; {2} A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains: a great people and a strong; there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, [even] to the years of many generations. {3} A fire devoureth before them; and behind them a flame burneth: the land [is] as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them. {4} The appearance of them [is] as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. {5} Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. {6} Before their face the people shall be much pained: all faces shall gather blackness. {7} They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war; and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks: {8} Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and [when] they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. {9} They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall, they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. {10} The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun [shemesh:H8121] and the moon [yareach:H3394] shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining: {11} And the LORD shall utter his voice before his army: for his camp [is] very great: for [he is] strong that executeth his word: for the day of the LORD [is] great and very terrible; and who can abide it?”

Since both “the day star” and “arise” are only found together in this verse, we’ll have to consider them individually:

The Day Star [phosphoros:G5459]

“The day star” (phosphoros:G5459) only appears here in 2 Peter 1:19, and it is a compound word, comprised of the terms: (phos:G5457) and (phero:G5342). “Phos” (G5457) is predominantly rendered as “light” (68x) and twice as “fire.” “Phero” (G5342), on the other hand, is mostly translated as “bring” or “bear” - in other words the One Who “brings the Light” or is “the Light-bearer” - namely, the Lord Jesus Christ, in the first instance, and secondly, His elect people.

Here are a few illustrations of how God utilizes this word, “phos” (G5457):

Verses 16-18 of 2 Peter 1 are set against the backdrop of the Mount of Transfiguration, as Matthew 17:2 maintains, in which this term, “phos” is translated as “the light”: “And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.” [phos:G5457]

Earlier, I quoted from 2 Corinthians 4:4 when we were discussing the compound word “dawn,” and in verse 6 we discover the word, G5457, rendered as “For God, who commanded the light [phos:G5457] to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Acts 26:23 translates this word as “That Christ should suffer, [and] that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light [phos:G5457] unto the people, and to the Gentiles.

One of the chapters that includes this word frequently is John 1:4-5, and 7-9, “In him was life; and the life was the light [phos:G5457] of men. {5} And the light [phos:G5457] shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. ... {7} The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light [phos:G5457], that all [men] through him might believe. {8} He was not that Light [phos:G5457], but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [phos:G5457] {9} [That] was the true Light [phos:G5457], which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.”

The following exemplify some of the ways that God utilizes the word, “phero” (G5342), or to “bring” or “bear”:

I would like to draw your attention to two passages in particular, as they interestingly deal with the “early” (or Pentecostal) rain, as well as the “latter rain” of our day:

Verse 2 of Acts 2:1-4 provides this vivid description, in which this word is rendered as “of a rushing,” regarding what transpired on the Day of Pentecost on May 22, 33 AD, when God initiated “time and season” of the church age (which lasted 1955 years):“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. {2} And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing [phero:G5342] mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. {3} And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. {4} And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

Verses 10 and 18 of John 21:4-18 translate this word, as “bring” and “carry” respectively in which the “great catch of fish” (outside of the churches and denominations) or “great multitude which no man could number” (according to Revelation 7:9) “But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore: but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus. {5} Then Jesus saith unto them, Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No. {6} And he said unto them, Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast therefore, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. {7} Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt [his] fisher's coat [unto him], (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea. {8} And the other disciples came in a little ship; (for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubits,) dragging the net with fishes. {9} As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread. {10} Jesus saith unto them, Bring [phero:G5342] of the fish which ye have now caught. {11} Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. {12} Jesus saith unto them, Come [and] dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord. {13} Jesus then cometh, and taketh bread, and giveth them, and fish likewise. {14} This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead. {15} So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. {16} He saith to him again the second time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. {17} He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. {18} Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry [phero:G5342] [thee] whither thou wouldest not.”

In [en:G1722] Your [hymon:G5216] Hearts [kardia:G2588]

We understand that Christ is both “the Day” as well as “the Day Star” (remember He is also called the “the bright and morning star” as Revelation 22:16 says: “I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, [and] the bright and morning star.” Let’s consider how God employs the term “heart” or “soul” elsewhere in the New Testament:

Once again, 2 Corinthians 4 keeps cropping up, and in verse 6 this word appears as “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts [kardia:G2588], to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Galatians 4:6 likewise asserts: “And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts [kardia:G2588], crying, Abba, Father.”

Eph 4:18 further underscores the necessity for God to provide salvation through the Work and Faith of the Lord Jesus, during the “day of salvation”: “Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:”

Let’s stop here, and Lord willing, we will pick this up next Sunday.

2 Peter - Part 36

Air Date: August 20, 2017

“We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: {20} Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. {21} For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.”

We have arrived at the last two verses in 2 Peter 1, which focus very definitely on the Word of God itself, proclaiming in no uncertain terms that the Bible is not subject to human interpretation, and came directly from the mouth of God, as God dictated His Word, if you will, to “...holy men of God...” These verses are some of the most significant statements in the entire Bible, and constitute two of the key principles for arriving at Truth. Let’s begin our investigation by looking at the first phrase in verse 20, which is comprised of three Greek words:

Knowing [ginosko:G1097] This [touto:G5124] First [proton:G4412]

These three terms only appear together in verse 3 of 2 Peter 3:1-4,

“This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in [both] which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: {2} That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour: {3} Knowing [ginosko:G1097] this [touto:G5124] first [proton:G4412], that there shall come in the last days scoffers [empaiktes:G1703], walking after their own lusts, {4} And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as [they were] from the beginning of the creation.”

Incidentally, the word, “scoffers” in 2 Peter 3:3 is only used again in verse 18 of Jude 17-19,in which it is rendered as “mockers;” G1703 stems from the Greek verb (empaizo:G1703), and is always translated as “mock” 13 times:

“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; {18} How that they told you there should be mockers [empaiktes:G1703] in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. {19} These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.”

Please note the emphasis on the “words of Scripture” that believers are to “be mindful of,” and “remember” in both the 2 Peter 3 as well as the Jude passage. Let’s consider the rest of verse 20:

That [hoti:G3754] No [ou:G3756/pas:G3956] Prophecy [propheteia:G4394] Of The Scripture [graphe:G1124] Is [ginomai:G1096] Of Any Private [idios:G2398] Interpretation [epilysis:G1955]

The word rendered “no” in this phrase is made up of two terms - (ou:G3756) and (pas:G3956); the former conveys an absolute negative, and is primarily expressed as “not,” while the latter is predominantly translated as “all.” These two words are found in 141 verses, but in the following 8 passages they are structured the same as 2 Peter 1:21, although in three of the citations, their order is reversed: (ou:G3756) and (pas:G3956).

Hebrews 12:11 acknowledges, “Now no [pas:G3956/ou:G3756] chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.”

1 John 2:21 likewise states, “I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no [pas:G3956/ou:G3756] lie is of the truth.”

1 John 3:15, “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no [ou:G3756/pas:G3956] murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”

Romans 3:20, “Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no [pas:G3956/ou:G3756] flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.”

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 [ou:G3756/pas:G3956] flesh be justified.”

Ephesians 5:5, “For this ye know, that no [ou:G3756/pas:G3956] whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.”

Mark 13:20, “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no [ou:G3756/pas:G3956] flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.”

Luke 1:37, “For with God nothing [ou:G3756/pas:G3956] shall be impossible.”

Notice the objects that the word “no”(and in Luke 1:37, “nothing”) is modifying. The most common (three times) is “flesh be justified” or “should be saved.” The others are: “chastening,” “lie,” “murderer,” “whoremonger,” and “shall be impossible.”

The terms, “prophecy” and “of the Scripture” are only found together in our verse, so we will have to consider them individually:

Prophecy [propheteia:G4394]

The term, “prophecy” (propheteia:G4394) appears as such 16 times (and 3 times as “prophesyings”) for a total of 19 times. It stems from “prophetes”(G4396) [always translated as “prophet.”]

Actually this term, “prophetes”(G4396) and “the Scripture/Scriptures” (graphe:G1124) do appear together in the following three references:

Verse 56 of Matthew 26:55-56 chronicles what the Savior said in the Garden of Gethsemane, exemplifying one of the chief characteristics of “prophecy” - namely its fulfillment - according to God’s divine timetable: “In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. {56} But all this was done, that the scriptures [graphe:G1124] of the prophets [prophetes:G4396] might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

Verse 27 of Luke 24:25-27 and 44-48 highlight the all important truth that the entire Bible is riveted on the Lord Jesus Christ, and He is the fulfillment of all that is written: “Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: {26} Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory? {27} And beginning at Moses and all the prophets [prophetes:G4396], he expounded unto them in all the scriptures [graphe:G1124] the things concerning himself… {44} And he said unto them, These [are] the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and [in] the prophets, and [in] the psalms, concerning me. {45} Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, {46} And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: {47] And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. {48} And ye are witnesses of these things.”

Verse 2 of Romans 1:1-4 similarly affirm: “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called [to be] an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, {2} (Which he had promised afore by his prophets [prophetes:G4396] in the holy scriptures,) [graphe:G1124] {3} Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; {4} And declared [to be] the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:”

In essence, the word “prophecy” (propheteia:G4394) refers to the declaration of God’s Word, and as such, all genuine believers are thus considered to be “prophets,” even though God selected some of these saints to actually pen His precise words, as 2 Peter 1:21 says:

“For the prophecy [propheteia:G4394] came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake [as they were] moved by the Holy Ghost.”

Here are some of the ways that God utilizes this term, and we want to bear in mind that this is indeed the “prophecy of the Scripture” which gives this word enormous power and importance, since it emanates exclusively from God Himself:

Matthew13:14 makes this solemn pronouncement: “And in them is fulfilled the prophecy [propheteia:G4394] of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:”

1 Thessalonians 5:20 exhorts: “Despise not prophesyings.” [propheteia:G4394]

Revelation 1:3 reveals that obedience to God’s Word is the real test of Biblical love ( a result of having been “born from above,” during the “day of salvation”): “Blessed [is] he that readeth, and they that hear [with “spiritual ears”] the words of this prophecy [propheteia:G4394], and keep those things which are written therein: for the time [is] at hand.”

Revelation 19:10 highlights the paramount fact that all Scripture points to the Person and Work of the Lord Jesus Christ: “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See [thou do it] not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” [propheteia:G4394]

Lastly Revelation 22:7 promises: “Behold, I come quickly: blessed [is] he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy [propheteia:G4394] of this book.”

Once again the emphasis on obedience is stressed.

Revelation 22:10 reveals the gracious act of God to “unseal” what He had previously “sealed up” or “shut up,” (according to Daniel 12:4 and 9) at the beginning of the Great Tribulation (on May 21, 1988)

“And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy [propheteia:G4394] of this book: for the time is at hand”

Lastly, Revelation 22:18-19 provides one of the most terrifying warnings in all the Bible: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy [propheteia:G4394] of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: {19} And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy [propheteia:G4394], God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and [from] the things which are written in this book.”

Of The Scripture [graphe:G1124]

The next word that we want to examine is the term, “of the Scripture,” which is found 51 times in the New Testament, and in every case, translated as such. (It stems from the root word “graphe”(G1125), predominantly translated as “write.”) Please note the frequency of the word, “fulfilled” (predominantly as pleroo:G4137; ) in conjunction with the term “scripture,” again, reiterating the divine nature of the Word of God to both accurately predict and precisely fulfill:

Matthew 26:54 and 56 assert: “But how then shall the scriptures [graphe:G1124]

be fulfilled [pleroo:G4137], that thus it must be? ... {56} But all this was done, that the scriptures [graphe:G1124] of the prophets might be fulfilled [pleroo:G4137]. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.”

Mark 14:49 adds, “I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures [graphe:G1124] must be fulfilled.” [pleroo:G4137]

Mark 15:28 also declares, “And the scripture [graphe:G1124] was fulfilled [pleroo:G4137], which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.”

Luke 4:21 likewise affirms, “And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture [graphe:G1124] fulfilled [pleroo:G4137] in your ears.”

John 13:18 teaches, “I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture [graphe:G1124] may be fulfilled [pleroo:G4137], He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.”

John 17:12 maintains, “While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture [graphe:G1124] might be fulfilled.” [pleroo:G4137]

In similar fashion John 19:24, 28, and 36 reveal: “They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture [graphe:G1124] might be fulfilled [pleroo:G4137], which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. ... {28} After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture [graphe:G1124] might be fulfilled [teleioo:G5048 - primarily translated as “make perfect”], saith, I thirst. ... {36} For these things were done, that the scripture [graphe:G1124] should be fulfilled [pleroo:G4137], A bone of him shall not be broken.”

Acts 1:16, “Men [and] brethren, this scripture [graphe:G1124] must needs have been fulfilled [pleroo:G4137], which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.”

James 2:23, “And the scripture [graphe:G1124] was fulfilled [pleroo:G4137] which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”

I know I’m spending some extra time on these verses that contain this term “scriptures,” (graphe:G1124) as they are exceedingly important, since everything that a genuine child of God thinks, speaks, and acts, is predicated on the written Word of God, as the closing verses of the “song” that God gave Moses to challenge the Israelites with, in Deuteronomy 32:46-47 express:

“And he said unto them, Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do, all the words of this law. {47} For it [is] not a vain thing for you; because it [is] your life: and through this thing ye shall prolong [your] days in the land, whither ye go over Jordan to possess it.”

Some Illustrations Of Scripture Being Fulfilled In The Old Testament

By way of contrast, I think it be helpful to review some of the verses in which we find the words: “fulfill,” (male’:H4390) and “the Word” (dabar:H1697) “of the LORD” (Yehovah:H3068). (Undoubtedly, there are others words rendered as “fulfil” in the Old Testament, which we could investigate, but that is really beyond the scope of today’s study):

1 Kings 2:27 records, “So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest unto the LORD; that he might fulfil [male’:H4390] the word [dabar:H1697] of the LORD [Yehovah:H3068], which he spake concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.”

2 Chronicles 36:21 also reveals, “To fulfil [male’:H4390] the word [dabar:H1697] of the LORD [Yehovah:H3068], by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: [for] as long as she lay desolate she kept sabbath, to fulfil threescore and ten years.”

Jeremiah 29:10 similarly teaches, “For thus saith the LORD [Yehovah:H3068], That after seventy years be accomplished [male’:H4390] at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word [dabar:H1697] toward you, in causing you to return to this place.”

And Daniel 9:2 adds, “In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word [dabar:H1697] of the LORD [Yehovah:H3068] came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish [male’:H4390] seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem.”

Here are some more examples of how God uses this word, “scripture(s)” in the New Testament:

Acts 17:11 is the chief passage that forms the basis for all Bible study, and one would also have to add 1 Corinthians 2:13 as well, which explains how to “search the scriptures”: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures [graphe:G1124] daily, whether those things were so.”

Without any doubt, John 5:39 establishes the reality that Christ is the focus of the entire Bible: “Search the scriptures [graphe:G1124]; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

1 Peter 2:6 further conforms this: “Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture [graphe:G1124], Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.”

In Mark 12:24 one discovers the twofold error of many who do not approach the Bible by faith: “And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures [graphe:G1124], neither the power of God?”

John 10:35 confirms the reliability and trustworthiness of each of God’s words in the original languages: “If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture [graphe:G1124] cannot be broken;”

James 2:8 discloses that love - which is defined as obedience to the Bible - is the fulfillment of the law: “If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture [graphe:G1124], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:”

Romans 15:4 outlines one of the purposes of the Scriptures themselves: “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures [graphe:G1124] might have hope.”

Verses 16-17 of 2 Timothy 3 is a further compilation of some of the other benefits of the Word of God: “All scripture [graphe:G1124] [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness {17} That the man of God may be perfect, [“complete”] throughly furnished unto all good works.”

John 7:38 also concludes: “He that believeth on me, as the scripture [graphe:G1124] hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”

2 Peter 3:16 explains what those who are spiritually “unlearned and unstable” conclude about the Bible, and where that ultimately leads them: “As also in all [his - “Paul”] epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as [they do] also the other scriptures [graphe:G1124], unto their own destruction.”

John 7:42 poses this question: “Hath not the scripture [graphe:G1124] said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?”

John 20:9, “For as yet they knew not the scripture [graphe:G1124], that he must rise again from the dead.”

Acts 8:26-35, “And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. {27} And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, {28} Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. {29} Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. {30} And Philip ran thither to [him], and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? {31} And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. {32} The place of the scripture [graphe:G1124] which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: {33} In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. {34} And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? {35} Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture [graphe:G1124], and preached unto him Jesus.”

In verse 2 of Acts 17:1-3 we read of Paul’s custom: “Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: {2} And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures [graphe:G1124], {3} Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”

With regard to Abraham being given the “faith of Christ” we read in Romans 4:3, “For what saith the scripture [graphe:G1124]? Abraham believed God, and it [should be translated “He,” i.e., Christ] was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Romans 9:17 reveals one of God's purposes with respect to Pharaoh - a type of Satan: “For the scripture [graphe:G1124] saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”

Romans 11:2-3 is always a good reminder of how little we see of God’s overall plans and purposes: “God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot [or “know”] ye not what the scripture [graphe:G1124] saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying, {3} Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life. {4} But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to [the image of] Baal. {5} Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.”

Galatians 3:8 offers this wonderful promise, which was completely fulfilled on May 21, 2011: “And the scripture [graphe:G1124], foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, [saying], In thee shall all nations be blessed.”

Well, with that blessed thought in mind, I think we’ll stop here today, and pick this up in our next study.

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