Week of 15 Pentecost - Odd
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Podcast Download: Week of 15 Pentecost - Odd
Sunday 15 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/27/05;
Podcast: Sunday 15 Pentecost - Odd
2 Samuel 24:1-2, 10-25 - The Census, Plague and Altar;
Galatians 3:23-4:7 - The Purpose of the Law;
John 8:12-20 - The Light of the World;
2 Samuel Paraphrase:
King David decided to conduct a census of Israel, and ordered Joab, his commander of the army to conduct the census by the soldiers. The Lord was angry with Israel as a result of David’s census. When the census had been completed, David was convicted in his conscience for what he had done contrary to God’s will, and prayed to the Lord for forgiveness.
The Word of the Lord came to Gad, the prophet who was David’s spiritual advisor. The Lord asked David through the prophet to choose one of three alternatives of punishment for Israel’s sin: Three years of famine, three months of attack by their enemies, or three days of plague.
David told Gad that he preferred to be punished by God, rather than by his human enemies, because God’s “mercy is great” (2 Samuel 24:14). So the Lord allowed a plague to sweep through the land, and seventy thousand died, but the Lord restrained the Angel carrying out God’s command as the angel prepared to strike Jerusalem. David saw the Angel at the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite (a descendant of the original Canaanite inhabitants of Mt. Zion (Jerusalem; the “Citidel of David”), and asked that the Angel punish David and his house, instead of the innocent “sheep” of Israel.
Gad told David to raise up an altar to the Lord at the threshing floor of Araunah, and David went to Araunah to do what the prophet had said. Araunah went out to meet David, bowed to him, and asked David why he had come. David said he wanted to buy Araunah’s threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord and offer a sacrifice so that the plague would end.
Araunah offered to give the threshing floor to David, along with a yoke of oxen for the sacrifice and the wood for the fire. But David would not accept his offer, because David refused to offer an offering to the Lord which had cost him nothing. So David paid for the threshing floor and the yoke of oxen for fifty silver shekels. David built the altar and offered the burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Lord heeded the supplications for Israel, and the plague ended.
Galatians Paraphrase:
Paul taught the Galatians that the Old Covenant of Law was intended as a “guardian,” a “babysitter” to restrain us until the New Covenant of grace (unmerited favor; a free gift) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9) was revealed. By faith in Christ, we are now “grown up,” spiritually mature, and no longer need the guardianship of the Law (provided that we are filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit of Christ; Romans 8:1-11).
By faith in Christ we have been adopted as God’s sons (and daughters; but note that Jesus is the first-born, and only begotten Son; John 1:14, 3:16 Matthew 1:18, 20-21 KJV, also the Second Article of the Nicene Creed). Those who have been baptized into Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit, have been “clothed” in Christ. We are no longer divided by race, class, or sex; we are united in Christ by his Holy Spirit. And if we are in Christ we are Abraham’s spiritual offspring, and heirs to God’s promise. An heir under guardianship has no more rights than a slave until the age of inheritance set by his father. Likewise with us; we were enslaved by sin and death under the law until, in God’s perfect timing God sent his son, born to a Jewish woman, under the Law of Moses, so that we might receive adoption into God’s household. “Because you are sons (and daughters), God has sent the (Holy) Spirit of his Son into our hearts,” who bears witness with our spirits that God is our father (Abba is the Aramaic word for "father"). So we are no longer slaves but children and heirs.
John Paraphrase: Jesus had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (“booths;” harvest ingathering, celebrating also the wilderness experience when Israel lived in tents. It also symbolic of the spiritual harvest at the end of the age. Later on two additional features were added; one was the drawing of water from the Pool of Siloam and pouring it on the altar, symbolizing the water from the rock in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6). The other was the lighting of great lamps in the temple courtyard, symbolizing the guidance of the pillar of fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). In this context Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness (sin; spiritual blindness) but will have the light of (eternal) life (compare John 1:4-5).
The Pharisees accused Jesus of testifying falsely in his own self-interest. Jesus replied that his testimony was true because only Jesus knew his origin and destiny. Jesus told them that they judged according to worldly standards and human weakness. Jesus did not come to judge people (John 3:17-21), but Jesus’ judgment would be true because Jesus would judge according to God’s will and righteousness.
According to Jewish law, the testimony of two people is sufficient, and therefore Jesus’ testimony is verified by God’s testimony (in scripture, and in the miracles Jesus did). The Pharisees asked where Jesus’ father was, and Jesus told them they knew neither Jesus nor his Father; if they had recognized who Jesus was, they would have known the Father also. This discourse had occurred in the temple treasury (where monetary offerings were collected), but he was not arrested because it was not in God’s timing for that to happen.
Commentary:
David had led his nation to commit sin against the Lord. David was asked to choose the punishment, and David chose to trust in the mercy of God’s judgment. David’s intercession on behalf of his nation foreshadows Christ’s intercession for us. David, the shepherd-king offered to sacrifice himself for the “sheep” of Israel. David “paid” the price for the forgiveness and reconciliation with God for his people.
All of us have sinned (disobeyed God’s Word) and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10, James 2:10). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). We get to choose whether to fall into the hands of our enemy, Satan, who has the power of sin and death, or into the mercy of God through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ, who has already paid the price for our forgiveness and redemption by his sacrificial death on the Cross.
In order to receive the promise, the inheritance of forgiveness and salvation through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, we must grow to spiritual maturity. We must claim the fulfillment of the promise of the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “To all who believed in his name (Jesus) he gave the power [or “authority;” the promise and the ability to claim (lay hold of; receive) it by obedient trust] to become children of God,” who are “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8), not by human flesh or human will, but by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:12-13 RSV). We are freed from slavery to the law which convicts us of sin and sentences us to eternal death, provided that we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-11).
Jesus is the only one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34). Jesus only gives the anointing with the indwelling Holy Spirit to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
The indwelling Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that God is our Father, and that we are the spiritual descendants of Abraham, and heirs to God’s promise. It is possible for one to know with certainty for oneself whether one has been anointed and filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). Jesus is the light of the world, and he promises that those who follow him in obedient trust will have the light of eternal life within them; they will be “reborn” by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the risen Jesus, the Spirit of the triune God (the Trinity; see Romans 8:9) opens the minds of Jesus’ disciples to understand the scriptures (Luke 24:32, 45; 2 Corinthians 3:13-17 RSV), healing their spiritual blindness. Jesus’ disciples who are filled and guided by his Holy Spirit won’t walk in darkness, not only by spiritual enlightenment but by spiritual obedience.
The Pharisees thought they knew God and knew scripture, but they didn’t, or they would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. The fact that they didn’t accept Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God prevented them from coming to a personal knowledge and experience of God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We can know enough about God (and Jesus) from scripture to recognize, accept and acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As we begin to trust and obey Jesus we will receive the promised Holy Spirit, through whom we have intimate fellowship with Jesus and with the Father.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Monday 15 Pentecost - Odd John 8:12-20 - The Light of the World;
2 Samuel Paraphrase:
King David decided to conduct a census of Israel, and ordered Joab, his commander of the army to conduct the census by the soldiers. The Lord was angry with Israel as a result of David’s census. When the census had been completed, David was convicted in his conscience for what he had done contrary to God’s will, and prayed to the Lord for forgiveness.
The Word of the Lord came to Gad, the prophet who was David’s spiritual advisor. The Lord asked David through the prophet to choose one of three alternatives of punishment for Israel’s sin: Three years of famine, three months of attack by their enemies, or three days of plague.
David told Gad that he preferred to be punished by God, rather than by his human enemies, because God’s “mercy is great” (2 Samuel 24:14). So the Lord allowed a plague to sweep through the land, and seventy thousand died, but the Lord restrained the Angel carrying out God’s command as the angel prepared to strike Jerusalem. David saw the Angel at the threshing floor of Araunah, the Jebusite (a descendant of the original Canaanite inhabitants of Mt. Zion (Jerusalem; the “Citidel of David”), and asked that the Angel punish David and his house, instead of the innocent “sheep” of Israel.
Gad told David to raise up an altar to the Lord at the threshing floor of Araunah, and David went to Araunah to do what the prophet had said. Araunah went out to meet David, bowed to him, and asked David why he had come. David said he wanted to buy Araunah’s threshing floor to build an altar to the Lord and offer a sacrifice so that the plague would end.
Araunah offered to give the threshing floor to David, along with a yoke of oxen for the sacrifice and the wood for the fire. But David would not accept his offer, because David refused to offer an offering to the Lord which had cost him nothing. So David paid for the threshing floor and the yoke of oxen for fifty silver shekels. David built the altar and offered the burnt offerings and peace offerings. The Lord heeded the supplications for Israel, and the plague ended.
Galatians Paraphrase:
Paul taught the Galatians that the Old Covenant of Law was intended as a “guardian,” a “babysitter” to restrain us until the New Covenant of grace (unmerited favor; a free gift) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9) was revealed. By faith in Christ, we are now “grown up,” spiritually mature, and no longer need the guardianship of the Law (provided that we are filled with and guided by the Holy Spirit of Christ; Romans 8:1-11).
By faith in Christ we have been adopted as God’s sons (and daughters; but note that Jesus is the first-born, and only begotten Son; John 1:14, 3:16 Matthew 1:18, 20-21 KJV, also the Second Article of the Nicene Creed). Those who have been baptized into Christ, by water and the Holy Spirit, have been “clothed” in Christ. We are no longer divided by race, class, or sex; we are united in Christ by his Holy Spirit. And if we are in Christ we are Abraham’s spiritual offspring, and heirs to God’s promise. An heir under guardianship has no more rights than a slave until the age of inheritance set by his father. Likewise with us; we were enslaved by sin and death under the law until, in God’s perfect timing God sent his son, born to a Jewish woman, under the Law of Moses, so that we might receive adoption into God’s household. “Because you are sons (and daughters), God has sent the (Holy) Spirit of his Son into our hearts,” who bears witness with our spirits that God is our father (Abba is the Aramaic word for "father"). So we are no longer slaves but children and heirs.
John Paraphrase: Jesus had gone to Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles (“booths;” harvest ingathering, celebrating also the wilderness experience when Israel lived in tents. It also symbolic of the spiritual harvest at the end of the age. Later on two additional features were added; one was the drawing of water from the Pool of Siloam and pouring it on the altar, symbolizing the water from the rock in the wilderness (Exodus 17:6). The other was the lighting of great lamps in the temple courtyard, symbolizing the guidance of the pillar of fire in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21-22). In this context Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness (sin; spiritual blindness) but will have the light of (eternal) life (compare John 1:4-5).
The Pharisees accused Jesus of testifying falsely in his own self-interest. Jesus replied that his testimony was true because only Jesus knew his origin and destiny. Jesus told them that they judged according to worldly standards and human weakness. Jesus did not come to judge people (John 3:17-21), but Jesus’ judgment would be true because Jesus would judge according to God’s will and righteousness.
According to Jewish law, the testimony of two people is sufficient, and therefore Jesus’ testimony is verified by God’s testimony (in scripture, and in the miracles Jesus did). The Pharisees asked where Jesus’ father was, and Jesus told them they knew neither Jesus nor his Father; if they had recognized who Jesus was, they would have known the Father also. This discourse had occurred in the temple treasury (where monetary offerings were collected), but he was not arrested because it was not in God’s timing for that to happen.
Commentary:
David had led his nation to commit sin against the Lord. David was asked to choose the punishment, and David chose to trust in the mercy of God’s judgment. David’s intercession on behalf of his nation foreshadows Christ’s intercession for us. David, the shepherd-king offered to sacrifice himself for the “sheep” of Israel. David “paid” the price for the forgiveness and reconciliation with God for his people.
All of us have sinned (disobeyed God’s Word) and fall short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8-10, James 2:10). The penalty for sin is eternal death (Romans 6:23). Jesus Christ is God’s only provision for our forgiveness and reconciliation with God (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). We get to choose whether to fall into the hands of our enemy, Satan, who has the power of sin and death, or into the mercy of God through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ, who has already paid the price for our forgiveness and redemption by his sacrificial death on the Cross.
In order to receive the promise, the inheritance of forgiveness and salvation through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus, we must grow to spiritual maturity. We must claim the fulfillment of the promise of the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. “To all who believed in his name (Jesus) he gave the power [or “authority;” the promise and the ability to claim (lay hold of; receive) it by obedient trust] to become children of God,” who are “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8), not by human flesh or human will, but by God’s indwelling Holy Spirit (John 1:12-13 RSV). We are freed from slavery to the law which convicts us of sin and sentences us to eternal death, provided that we are led and empowered by the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-11).
Jesus is the only one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit (John 1:31-34). Jesus only gives the anointing with the indwelling Holy Spirit to his disciples who trust and obey Jesus (John 14:15-17). The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16).
The indwelling Holy Spirit testifies with our spirit that God is our Father, and that we are the spiritual descendants of Abraham, and heirs to God’s promise. It is possible for one to know with certainty for oneself whether one has been anointed and filled with the indwelling Holy Spirit (Acts 19:2). Jesus is the light of the world, and he promises that those who follow him in obedient trust will have the light of eternal life within them; they will be “reborn” by the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of the risen Jesus, the Spirit of the triune God (the Trinity; see Romans 8:9) opens the minds of Jesus’ disciples to understand the scriptures (Luke 24:32, 45; 2 Corinthians 3:13-17 RSV), healing their spiritual blindness. Jesus’ disciples who are filled and guided by his Holy Spirit won’t walk in darkness, not only by spiritual enlightenment but by spiritual obedience.
The Pharisees thought they knew God and knew scripture, but they didn’t, or they would have recognized Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God. The fact that they didn’t accept Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God prevented them from coming to a personal knowledge and experience of God, through Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit. We can know enough about God (and Jesus) from scripture to recognize, accept and acknowledge Jesus as our Lord and Savior. As we begin to trust and obey Jesus we will receive the promised Holy Spirit, through whom we have intimate fellowship with Jesus and with the Father.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
First Posted 09/22/03;
Podcast: Monday 15 Pentecost - Odd
1 Kings 1:1-4) 5-31 - Struggle for Succession;
Acts 26:1-23 - Paul’s Testimony before Agrippa;
Mark 13:14-27 - On the End of the Age;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
David was now old (and probably bed-ridden) and Adonijah the Son of Haggith, David’s oldest living son, was making plans to assume the throne of his father, with the support of Joab, David’s nephew and once commander of his army, and Abiathar, the priest. Adonijah held a large sacrifice and invited everyone in David’s Court except Nathan the Prophet, Benaiah, David’s mighty men, and Solomon, the brother of Adonijah by Bathsheba, who was David’s intended successor. Nathan counseled Bathsheba to tell David of Adonijah’s intentions, so she went into the king’s bedchamber and discussed it with David. While she was talking, Nathan also came in, and he told David the same thing. So David swore to Bathsheba that Solomon would be David’s successor.
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul, awaiting trial before Caesar on false charges brought by the Jewish religious leaders, had an opportunity to present his testimony before King Herod Agrippa, who was visiting Governor Festus. Paul testified that he had been raised a devout Jew, a Pharisee (the strictest sub-category, who believe in the Resurrection of the dead). He was so zealous for Judaism that he had persecuted Christians as heretics.
On his trip to Damascus with authority from the high priests to arrest and imprison Christians, he was struck down on the road by a blinding light. Paul testified that he heard the voice of Jesus speak to him. As a result of the encounter Paul became obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ and preached the gospel of Jesus wherever he went, to Gentiles as well as Jews, that Jesus was the fulfillment of the scriptures that the Christ must suffer and rise from the dead.
Mark Paraphrase:
Jesus told his disciples that at the end of the age there would be great tribulation, greater than anything ever before, and that false Christs and false prophets would arise to lead many astray. There will be great disturbances in the natural world. Then all will see the return of Jesus (the Son of man) with his angels, who will gather his elect “from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven” (Mark 13:27b).
Commentary:
Adonijah thought that his father the King was old and feeble, and that Adonijah was free to pursue his own interests. Since he was David’s oldest living son, he just naturally assumed that he was entitled to inherit the throne. He didn’t consult with his Father. Adonijah just went ahead and started making his own plans, but the King had different plans which he had sworn to accomplish.
Paul had been very zealous for God. Paul was doing what he thought God would have wanted. But Paul was missing an important piece of information: Jesus is God’s anointed King. God has sworn that Jesus is going to return in Glory to reign eternally as King. Have we heard this important information? Have we been pursuing our own plans, or are we working in harmony with God’s plan?
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Tuesday 15 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/29/05;
Podcast: Tuesday 15 Pentecost - Odd
1 Kings 1:32-2:4 (5-46a) 46b - Solomon Anointed King;
Acts 26:24-27:8 - Agrippa’s Verdict;
Mark 13:28-37 - The End of the Age;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
King David was old and in declining health. He summoned his loyal servants, Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, David’s bodyguards, and Benaiah, the commander, and told them to take Solomon, David’s son by Bathsheba, mounted on David’s mule, to Gihon (the natural spring on the western bank of the Kidron Valley just outside Jerusalem. There Zadok and Nathan were to anoint Solomon king, and then blow a trumpet and shout “Long live King Solomon” (1 Kings 1:34 RSV).
Then they were to come up in procession to the palace in Jerusalem and seat Solomon upon David’s throne. Benaiah said, “Amen” (so be it), and prayed that the Lord would approve and be with Solomon as the Lord had been with David, and that the Lord would make Solomon’s reign greater than David’s. David’s men did as he had commanded, and when Solomon had been anointed, they shouted and played music and made a great joyful noise loud enough to “split the earth.” Adonijah, David’s son, who was trying to seize the throne for himself, had been feasting at En-rogel (a spring south of Gihon apparently not within sight of Gihon because of the terrain, but within hearing distance), with his invited guests which included all the royal officials of Judah except the men loyal to David and Solomon. They heard the trumpet and the noise and wondered the reason for it.
Abiathar, the priest, supported Adonijah, and his son, Jonathan, had served as a royal spy and messenger for David during his exile. Jonathan arrived and reported that David had arranged for Zadok and Nathan to anoint Solomon King at Gihon and seat him on the royal throne; this was the explanation for the noise.
Adonijah’s guests trembled with fear and fled. Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he went into the temple and took hold of the horns (raised corners) of the altar (claiming sanctuary). Solomon heard that Adonijah was claiming sanctuary, and declared that if Adonijah proved to be of good character, Solomon would spare him. Adonijah was allowed to return to his home.
On David’s deathbed, he charged his son Solomon to obey God’s Word, and the Lord would prosper him in all his undertakings, fulfilling the Lord’s promise of an eternal dynasty on the throne of David. David gave Solomon instructions to execute those who had been disloyal to David, such as Joab, and Adonijah. Abiathar, the priest, was expelled to his home and was replaced by Zadok. Benaiah became Solomon’s commander-in-chief of the army in place of Joab. Shimei was spared on condition that he not leave Jerusalem; but later he violated that condition and Solomon had him executed.
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul was giving testimony of his conversion to King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II), and Governor Festus, the Roman authorities, in Caesarea. When Paul started talking about resurrection from the dead, Festus declared that Paul’s great education had made him crazy. But Paul denied that he was crazy, and said that King Agrippa would know about these things, because Jesus’ resurrection had not happened in secret.
Paul asked King Agrippa if he believed the prophets (their prophecy recorded in scripture). Agrippa replied that Paul was only imagining that he could, in such short time, convert Agrippa to Christian faith. Paul answered that however short or long it took, his hope was that all his hearers would become as Paul was (“born-again;” with a personal relationship with the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and assurance of eternal life in God’s kingdom), though not in chains. Festus, Agrippa and Bernice left the hearing, and privately agreed that Paul had done nothing deserving execution, and Agrippa told Festus that Paul “could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar” (Acts 26:32).
Mark Paraphrase:
Jesus had been telling his disciples the signs which would precede the end of the age (the end of this present Creation). Using a fig tree as an example he said that when it puts out leaves one realizes that summer is near, and likewise, when the signs which Jesus had described appear, Jesus’ return and the Day of Judgment is near. “This generation (which sees these signs) will not pass away until the end of the age, Jesus’ return, and the Day of Judgment, have taken place. Jesus declared that heaven and earth (this present Creation) will pass away but Jesus’ words will not pass away; Jesus’ words are eternal.
Jesus warned that, except for God the Father, no one, including himself, knew when that day would be. So we are warned to watch and be ready for Jesus’ return at any moment, so as not to be caught by surprise. Like a man going on a long journey leaves his servants in charge of his house and commands his doorkeeper to be on alert for his return, so must we be ready and not be caught napping, no matter at what hour he returns. Everyone is warned to be ready!
Commentary:
The image of King Solomon, the “Son of David,” riding up from the Kidron Valley on the King’s mule and entering Jerusalem, with David’s loyal servants shouting and singing in celebration of his reign foreshadows Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion (Mark 11:1-10; Matthew 21:1-11). The entries of both Solomon and Jesus also point to Jesus’ Second Coming when he will return in great power and glory on the Day of Judgment.
Jesus is the Lord’s anointed; that’s what “Christ” and “Messiah” each mean. Adonijah and his supporters represent those who have opposed Jesus’ Kingship. Adonijah wanted to seize the throne from God’s anointed eternal king and reign over the kingdom of this world himself; and his supporters represent non-Christians. They’ve been partying at En-rogel, thinking they had it made; their lives were going just the way they wanted. Their party was interrupted by news that the Lord’s anointed King has returned in power and glory and has established his kingdom.
The enthronement of the Lord’s anointed King is bad news to those who tried to seize his throne, and to their supporters. Adonijah, who attempted to usurp the throne, was given a second chance because he begged for sanctuary at the altar of the Lord (1 Kings 1:49-53). The King told Adonijah that he would not be executed if he began living a life worthy of his repentance; if he gave up wickedness, disobedience, and opposition to the King.
But Adonijah didn’t fulfill his covenant with the King (his promise to live according to what the King had said). He coveted Abishag, the Shunammite, a beautiful woman of King David’s harem, for his wife. Abishag represents carnal (worldly, but not just sexual) temptation to aspire to the King’s property. She was one of the prerogatives which belonged to the King and was to be passed on to the heir to the throne. Adonijah’s unwillingness to exercise any self-discipline, or to surrender any part of his own will to his king, cost him his life (1 Kings 2:24-25). The Lord’s anointed King has orders and authority from his Father, to destroy those who were disloyal to his Father and himself. Jesus has the authority to forgive those who truly repent and begin living in ways that demonstrate repentance and obedient trust, but only until the Day of Judgment. On the Day of Judgment it will be too late.
Paul is an example of an authentic, modern, “post-resurrection,” (coming, like all of us, to know Jesus only after his death and resurrection) “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciple and Apostle (messenger of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ.
King Agrippa and Governor Festus are example of worldly people who are pursuing worldly ambitions of power, wealth, success, comfort, and pleasure. Neither was willing to do or even make the offer to do what they agreed was justice in Paul’s case; both dodged the responsibility, and passed it on to someone else. They were interested in hearing what Paul had to say, if it was enjoyable and entertaining (Acts 24:24; 25:22), but when it got personal or frightening they wanted to hear no more (Acts 24:25; 26:27-28). Jesus has promised to return in power and glory to judge everyone who has ever lived on earth (Matthew 25:31-46). We are all of the generation who will see the Day of Judgment, whether we are living or have physically died (John 5:28-29). None of us has any assurance that we’ll live to see another day, and Jesus warns us that no one except God the Father knows the day of Jesus’ return on the Day of Judgment.
Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; See God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). For anyone who has not come to faith in Jesus Christ and personal fellowship and spiritual rebirth through his Holy Spirit, today is the day to go to the altar and beg for sanctuary and forgiveness. Today is the day to begin living according to Jesus’ example and words.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Wednesday 15 Pentecost - Odd Mark 13:28-37 - The End of the Age;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
King David was old and in declining health. He summoned his loyal servants, Zadok the priest, Nathan the prophet, David’s bodyguards, and Benaiah, the commander, and told them to take Solomon, David’s son by Bathsheba, mounted on David’s mule, to Gihon (the natural spring on the western bank of the Kidron Valley just outside Jerusalem. There Zadok and Nathan were to anoint Solomon king, and then blow a trumpet and shout “Long live King Solomon” (1 Kings 1:34 RSV).
Then they were to come up in procession to the palace in Jerusalem and seat Solomon upon David’s throne. Benaiah said, “Amen” (so be it), and prayed that the Lord would approve and be with Solomon as the Lord had been with David, and that the Lord would make Solomon’s reign greater than David’s. David’s men did as he had commanded, and when Solomon had been anointed, they shouted and played music and made a great joyful noise loud enough to “split the earth.” Adonijah, David’s son, who was trying to seize the throne for himself, had been feasting at En-rogel (a spring south of Gihon apparently not within sight of Gihon because of the terrain, but within hearing distance), with his invited guests which included all the royal officials of Judah except the men loyal to David and Solomon. They heard the trumpet and the noise and wondered the reason for it.
Abiathar, the priest, supported Adonijah, and his son, Jonathan, had served as a royal spy and messenger for David during his exile. Jonathan arrived and reported that David had arranged for Zadok and Nathan to anoint Solomon King at Gihon and seat him on the royal throne; this was the explanation for the noise.
Adonijah’s guests trembled with fear and fled. Adonijah was afraid of Solomon, so he went into the temple and took hold of the horns (raised corners) of the altar (claiming sanctuary). Solomon heard that Adonijah was claiming sanctuary, and declared that if Adonijah proved to be of good character, Solomon would spare him. Adonijah was allowed to return to his home.
On David’s deathbed, he charged his son Solomon to obey God’s Word, and the Lord would prosper him in all his undertakings, fulfilling the Lord’s promise of an eternal dynasty on the throne of David. David gave Solomon instructions to execute those who had been disloyal to David, such as Joab, and Adonijah. Abiathar, the priest, was expelled to his home and was replaced by Zadok. Benaiah became Solomon’s commander-in-chief of the army in place of Joab. Shimei was spared on condition that he not leave Jerusalem; but later he violated that condition and Solomon had him executed.
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul was giving testimony of his conversion to King Agrippa (Herod Agrippa II), and Governor Festus, the Roman authorities, in Caesarea. When Paul started talking about resurrection from the dead, Festus declared that Paul’s great education had made him crazy. But Paul denied that he was crazy, and said that King Agrippa would know about these things, because Jesus’ resurrection had not happened in secret.
Paul asked King Agrippa if he believed the prophets (their prophecy recorded in scripture). Agrippa replied that Paul was only imagining that he could, in such short time, convert Agrippa to Christian faith. Paul answered that however short or long it took, his hope was that all his hearers would become as Paul was (“born-again;” with a personal relationship with the risen Lord Jesus Christ, and assurance of eternal life in God’s kingdom), though not in chains. Festus, Agrippa and Bernice left the hearing, and privately agreed that Paul had done nothing deserving execution, and Agrippa told Festus that Paul “could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar” (Acts 26:32).
Mark Paraphrase:
Jesus had been telling his disciples the signs which would precede the end of the age (the end of this present Creation). Using a fig tree as an example he said that when it puts out leaves one realizes that summer is near, and likewise, when the signs which Jesus had described appear, Jesus’ return and the Day of Judgment is near. “This generation (which sees these signs) will not pass away until the end of the age, Jesus’ return, and the Day of Judgment, have taken place. Jesus declared that heaven and earth (this present Creation) will pass away but Jesus’ words will not pass away; Jesus’ words are eternal.
Jesus warned that, except for God the Father, no one, including himself, knew when that day would be. So we are warned to watch and be ready for Jesus’ return at any moment, so as not to be caught by surprise. Like a man going on a long journey leaves his servants in charge of his house and commands his doorkeeper to be on alert for his return, so must we be ready and not be caught napping, no matter at what hour he returns. Everyone is warned to be ready!
Commentary:
The image of King Solomon, the “Son of David,” riding up from the Kidron Valley on the King’s mule and entering Jerusalem, with David’s loyal servants shouting and singing in celebration of his reign foreshadows Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem the week before his crucifixion (Mark 11:1-10; Matthew 21:1-11). The entries of both Solomon and Jesus also point to Jesus’ Second Coming when he will return in great power and glory on the Day of Judgment.
Jesus is the Lord’s anointed; that’s what “Christ” and “Messiah” each mean. Adonijah and his supporters represent those who have opposed Jesus’ Kingship. Adonijah wanted to seize the throne from God’s anointed eternal king and reign over the kingdom of this world himself; and his supporters represent non-Christians. They’ve been partying at En-rogel, thinking they had it made; their lives were going just the way they wanted. Their party was interrupted by news that the Lord’s anointed King has returned in power and glory and has established his kingdom.
The enthronement of the Lord’s anointed King is bad news to those who tried to seize his throne, and to their supporters. Adonijah, who attempted to usurp the throne, was given a second chance because he begged for sanctuary at the altar of the Lord (1 Kings 1:49-53). The King told Adonijah that he would not be executed if he began living a life worthy of his repentance; if he gave up wickedness, disobedience, and opposition to the King.
But Adonijah didn’t fulfill his covenant with the King (his promise to live according to what the King had said). He coveted Abishag, the Shunammite, a beautiful woman of King David’s harem, for his wife. Abishag represents carnal (worldly, but not just sexual) temptation to aspire to the King’s property. She was one of the prerogatives which belonged to the King and was to be passed on to the heir to the throne. Adonijah’s unwillingness to exercise any self-discipline, or to surrender any part of his own will to his king, cost him his life (1 Kings 2:24-25). The Lord’s anointed King has orders and authority from his Father, to destroy those who were disloyal to his Father and himself. Jesus has the authority to forgive those who truly repent and begin living in ways that demonstrate repentance and obedient trust, but only until the Day of Judgment. On the Day of Judgment it will be too late.
Paul is an example of an authentic, modern, “post-resurrection,” (coming, like all of us, to know Jesus only after his death and resurrection) “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciple and Apostle (messenger of the Gospel) of Jesus Christ.
King Agrippa and Governor Festus are example of worldly people who are pursuing worldly ambitions of power, wealth, success, comfort, and pleasure. Neither was willing to do or even make the offer to do what they agreed was justice in Paul’s case; both dodged the responsibility, and passed it on to someone else. They were interested in hearing what Paul had to say, if it was enjoyable and entertaining (Acts 24:24; 25:22), but when it got personal or frightening they wanted to hear no more (Acts 24:25; 26:27-28). Jesus has promised to return in power and glory to judge everyone who has ever lived on earth (Matthew 25:31-46). We are all of the generation who will see the Day of Judgment, whether we are living or have physically died (John 5:28-29). None of us has any assurance that we’ll live to see another day, and Jesus warns us that no one except God the Father knows the day of Jesus’ return on the Day of Judgment.
Today is the Day of Salvation (2 Corinthians 6:1-2; See God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). For anyone who has not come to faith in Jesus Christ and personal fellowship and spiritual rebirth through his Holy Spirit, today is the day to go to the altar and beg for sanctuary and forgiveness. Today is the day to begin living according to Jesus’ example and words.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
First Posted 08/30/05
Podcast: Wednesday 15 Pentecost - Odd
1 Kings 3:1-15 - Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom;
Acts 27:9-26 - Paul Prophesies Shipwreck;
Mark 14:1-11 - Jesus Anointed;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
King Solomon married Pharaoh’s daughter to secure a political alliance. They lived in the “City (citadel) of David” (within Jerusalem) until Solomon finished building his palace, the temple, and the wall around Jerusalem. The people were using hilltop sanctuaries because the temple had not yet been built.
Solomon loved the Lord and obeyed him as his father, David, had, except that Solomon sacrificed to the Lord at Gibeon, the great high place (about five miles northwest of Jerusalem). At Gibeon, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream, and told Solomon to ask the Lord for whatever he wanted. Solomon acknowledged the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness to his Father, David. The Lord had given the throne of David to Solomon, David’s son, and Solomon asked for wisdom to discern good from evil, in order to govern God’s people wisely.
The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for wisdom to govern, rather than for long life, wealth or vengeance against Solomon’s enemies. The Lord promised that he would give Solomon wisdom beyond any other person who ever lived and he would also give him what Solomon hadn’t asked for: wealth and honor beyond any other king. God also promised to give Solomon long life, if Solomon trusted and obeyed the Lord in everything.
Solomon awoke and realized this had been a dream. He returned to Jerusalem and offered sacrifices before the Ark of the Covenant, and feasted with all the members of his royal court.
Acts Paraphrase:
At Caesarea, Governor Festus and King Agrippa had agreed to send Paul to Rome, and he was put aboard a ship sailing along the coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the custody of a Centurion of a garrison stationed in Syria. From a port in Myra (in Turkey), they transferred to another ship sailing for Italy.
The wind was unfavorable, and they had been delayed so that the voyage was now dangerously late in the season. Paul told the Centurion, and captain, and owner of the ship that the vessel would suffer loss of life and cargo if they continued on, but the harbor was not suitable to winter in, and the centurion accepted the decision of the owner and captain to sail for a winter harbor at Crete, rather than Paul’s advice.
When a favorable wind arose the ship sailed for Crete, but a storm developed and the ship was blown south of Cauda where they managed to adjust the rigging for the storm, but they continued to be driven southwest by the wind, fearing that they would driven onto a dangerous shoal west of Cyrene (in modern Libya). As the storm increased they were forced to throw the cargo overboard. The third day of the storm the crew threw the ship’s tackle overboard, and all hope of survival was abandoned.
No one had eaten for a long time. Paul encouraged those onboard by assuring them that all would survive, although the ship would be lost. Paul had been assured by an angel of the Lord during the night that it was God’s will that he should testify before Caesar in Rome, and that God would spare all those onboard. Paul had faith that God’s promise would be fulfilled, although the ship would have to run aground on some island.
Mark Paraphrase:
Jesus was in Jerusalem, knowing that he would be crucified at the end of the week. It was two days before the Passover and feast of unleavened bread, commemorating Israel’s escape from Egypt. The religious authorities were plotting to arrest and kill Jesus secretly, so as not to incite a riot. Jesus was the guest of Simon the leper in Bethany.
As Jesus was at dinner, a woman brought a jar of expensive ointment of pure nard (imported from India) worth about a year’s wages (three hundred denarii; Mark 14:5, compare Matthew 20:2). She opened the jar and poured it over his head.
Some were indignant at this extravagance and rebuked her, saying that the ointment could have been sold and the money used to help the poor. But Jesus told them to leave her alone; she had done a beautiful thing for Jesus.
Jesus told them they could help the poor anytime they chose, but they would not always have the opportunity to show their love for Jesus directly as she had. She had done what she could, and had anointed Jesus in preparation for his burial. Jesus said that her act of love would be remembered throughout the world wherever the Gospel is preached.
Then Judas Iscariot went to the religious authorities and arranged to betray Jesus to them. They were pleased and offered to pay him, and Judas began looking for an opportunity to betray Jesus.
Commentary:
Solomon asked God for the wisdom he needed to faithfully fulfill the calling God had given him, and God was pleased to give him wisdom and to abundantly bless him with riches and honor as well. Solomon was living in obedience to the Lord in every area of his life, except that he was using the sanctuary at Gibeon.
After his experience of the Lord’s presence in the dream, Solomon returned to Jerusalem and made his sacrifice before the ark, which symbolized the presence of God. In the tent sanctuary and later in the tabernacle, the ark was in the “holy-of-holies” separated from the people by a curtain. Solomon had realized on awaking that his experience had been a dream, but it was God’s Word because it was fulfilled as Solomon acted in obedient trust in the Lord.
The captain and the owner of the ship had not listened to Paul when he advised them not to sail, and the Centurion had listened to the captain and owner rather than Paul. When the ship got into trouble as Paul had predicted, all aboard had abandoned hope of survival, except Paul. The Lord had spoken to Paul during the night in a vision, assuring him that, for Paul’s sake, none of those onboard would die.
Paul was a “born-again” Christian disciple and apostle (“messenger;” of the Gospel; formerly known as Saul of Tarsus; Acts 9:1-22). Paul was a prisoner; he wasn’t going to Rome by his own choice, but by God’s will, which the Lord had revealed to Paul, during the night, in Jerusalem, when Paul had first been arrested (Acts 23:11) . He just trusted in the Lord to accomplish God's will.
According to the Gospel of John, it was Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus (whom Jesus had raised from the dead) who anointed Jesus with the ointment (John 12:1-8). It was Judas Iscariot, Jesus’ betrayer, who rebuked her for “wasting” it on Jesus, instead of selling it and giving the proceeds to the poor. Judas didn’t care about the poor; Judas was the treasurer of the disciples’ money, and was stealing from their funds.
Jesus was going to pour out his blood at the Cross for our salvation (from eternal death). Mary was pouring out her love for Jesus in the way that she could, and Judas was selling his salvation for money.
It was God’s plan (from the very beginning of Creation; John 1:1-5; 14) for Jesus to die on the Cross, but it was Judas’ choice to betray Jesus; Judas “volunteered.” Jesus is God’s one and only provision for forgiveness and salvation from eternal death (Acts 4:12; John 14:6; see God’s Plan of Salvation, sidebar, top right, home). Through obedient trust in Jesus Christ, we are “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) by the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit, which only Jesus gives (John 1:32-34), only to his disciples who trust and obey him (John 14:15-17).
Through the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are guided and encouraged through the spiritual “darkness” and storms of this life, and have the certain assurance that we will survive physical death. The Holy Spirit is the seal and guarantee that one is in Christ and has eternal life (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9b, 11, 15-16). The Lord is pleased to give his Holy Spirit to those who ask in obedient trust.
By the indwelling Holy Spirit, Jesus’ disciples are guided into greater trust and obedience; to spiritual maturity. By the Holy Spirit we are guided and empowered to share God’s Word of salvation and eternal life and our testimony of his love and faithfulness with our fellow “shipmates,” warning them of the spiritual dangers and offering them hope in the midst of the storms and shipwrecks of life.
How do you respond to Jesus? Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Thursday 15 Pentecost - Odd
First Posted 08/31/05;
Podcast: Thursday 15 Pentecost - Odd
1 Kings 3:16-28 - Solomon’s Wisdom;
Acts 27:27-44 - Paul Shipwrecked;
Mark 14:12-26 - The Last Supper;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
Two prostitutes lived together, and both got pregnant about the same time, and delivered within a few days of each other. One’s child died during the night because the mother had lain on it. While the other mother slept, the woman switched babies. When the other woman awoke she was holding the dead child, and she noticed that it was not the child she had borne. The woman with the dead child accused the other of making the exchange, and the other woman denied it, so they came to Solomon for judgment.
Since neither woman would admit guilt, Solomon ordered the living child to be cut in two with a sword so that each woman could have half. The mother of the dead child was willing to divide the living child, but the real mother told Solomon to give the living child to the other woman, rather than having it killed. Solomon rescinded his order to divide the child and gave it to its real mother who had been willing to give up her claim to the child to save its life. “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to render justice (1 Kings 3:28).
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul was a prisoner on his way to Rome by ship for trial before Caesar for preaching the Gospel. They were caught in a great storm and were about to run aground. None of the passengers and crew had eaten for two weeks during the storm. The crew had dropped four anchors astern, and then lowered a small boat with the intent to abandon the ship and passengers, but Paul perceived what was about to happen, and told his guards not to allow the sailors to abandon them. The soldiers cut the small boat free, before the sailors could board it.
As day was dawning, Paul told the people onboard to eat something to gain strength to help them survive the shipwreck. When they had eaten, they cast off the rest of the food, to lighten the ship. In the daylight they did not recognize the coastline, but they spotted a bay with a beach which seemed like a good place to land. The crew cast off the anchors, raised a foresail and headed for the beach.
The ship ran aground on a shoal, and the waves began to break up the stern. The soldiers were going to kill the prisoners to keep them from escaping, but the centurion wanted to save Paul, and prevented the soldiers from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to do so, and the rest used pieces of the wooden ship to carry them ashore, and all survived.
Mark Paraphrase:
On the day of Passover, his disciples asked Jesus where they should arrange to prepare for the feast. Jesus told them to go into the city (Jerusalem) and they would be met by a man carrying a water jug. They were to follow him and say to the householder of the house he enters, “The Teacher says, ‘Where is my guest room where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples?’” Jesus said that the householder would show them a large upper room furnished and ready, where they were to prepare the meal. They did as Jesus said and found it exactly as he had told them.
That evening Jesus came with the Twelve, and as he was eating, Jesus told them that one of the Twelve would betray him. The disciples were sad and began to ask, one by one, if Jesus could have meant them. Jesus said it was one of the Twelve, who was dipping in the same dish with Jesus. Jesus said that the scriptural prophecy regarding Jesus would be fulfilled; but the one who facilitated the fulfillment by betraying Jesus would come to great disaster. The betrayer would have been better off if he had never been born.
During the meal, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it. He gave some to each disciple, saying “Take; this is my body” (Mark 14:22). He took a cup and gave thanks, and then passed it to each disciple and said “This is my blood of the (new; Mark 14:22 note "c" RSV; Hebrews 8:8, 13, 12:24) covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mark 14:24). Jesus told them, “Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). They sang a hymn, and then they went out to the Mount of Olives (where Jesus would be betrayed).
Commentary:
Solomon, the Son of David and the Lord’s anointed King of Israel, prayed for divine wisdom so that he could rule wisely, and the Lord gave him wisdom generously, and wealth and honor as well. Solomon used his wisdom to render justice. The people recognized that his wisdom was of God and he was using it to achieve justice.
Paul was a “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciple and apostle (messenger of the Gospel). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he had guidance by the divine wisdom of God. At first the ship’s crew and passengers chose to follow the worldly wisdom of the captain and the owner. But as Paul’s advice proved to be right, they began to follow him; their own worldly wisdom had left them with no hope. Because they listened to Paul all onboard were saved.
Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus for guidance in preparing for the Passover meal, and as they followed his directions they found them just as he had said. The Lord’s guidance is absolutely true and reliable. If we’re willing to trust what he says and obey, we will grow in faith as we see his Word fulfilled.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrated divine, supernatural wisdom. He knew he was going to be crucified that week in Jerusalem, he knew he was going to be betrayed and by whom, where and when, and he trusted and obeyed God the Father. Jesus demonstrated by his life, death and resurrection that divine wisdom is the true wisdom; contrary to what the world falsely considers wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:8). Jesus is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Paul is the prototype and example of a "modern," “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, guided by the wisdom of God through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus came to make it possible for us to receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, so that we could have personal fellowship with the Lord and be guided and empowered by his divine wisdom (John 16:7). Jesus instituted the New Covenant [of salvation by grace (unmerited favor; free gift) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ; Ephesians 2:8-9)] and the Eucharist (the “Lord’s Supper;” “Communion”) on the night of his betrayal. Communion commemorates the sacrifice which established the New Covenant.
The Old Covenant of the Law of Moses prohibited drinking blood or eating meat with its blood, because it was believed that an animal’s blood contained its spirit. The Lord doesn’t want us to be filled with the spirits of animals but by his Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9b). [But note that Communion does not automatically confer the gift of the Holy Spirit, nor does water baptism.]
Communion is intended to be a visual parable as well as commemoration. Jesus gave his physical body and shed his blood so that we could receive forgiveness, cleansing and spiritual rebirth through the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus’ body and blood are the spiritual sustenance we need to survive “shipwreck” on the Day of Judgment.
Judas decided to follow worldly wisdom rather than divine wisdom. He “sold” his chance for forgiveness and eternal life in paradise for thirty pieces of silver, which he never got to spend. His choice brought physical and spiritual, eternal death. Jesus declared that Judas’ eternal destiny was worse than non-existence.
Worldly wisdom says that when we die we cease to exist; God’s Word says that mankind is appointed to die once, and then comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27), not reincarnation, and not nothingness! God’s Word says that there will be a judgment of the just and of the unjust; the living and the dead (in both the physical and spiritual senses); a resurrection to eternal life in Heaven or eternal condemnation and destruction in Hell (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Each of us must choose for ourselves whether to follow worldly wisdom or to follow Jesus in obedient trust.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Friday 15 Pentecost - Odd Mark 14:12-26 - The Last Supper;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
Two prostitutes lived together, and both got pregnant about the same time, and delivered within a few days of each other. One’s child died during the night because the mother had lain on it. While the other mother slept, the woman switched babies. When the other woman awoke she was holding the dead child, and she noticed that it was not the child she had borne. The woman with the dead child accused the other of making the exchange, and the other woman denied it, so they came to Solomon for judgment.
Since neither woman would admit guilt, Solomon ordered the living child to be cut in two with a sword so that each woman could have half. The mother of the dead child was willing to divide the living child, but the real mother told Solomon to give the living child to the other woman, rather than having it killed. Solomon rescinded his order to divide the child and gave it to its real mother who had been willing to give up her claim to the child to save its life. “And all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had rendered; and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him, to render justice (1 Kings 3:28).
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul was a prisoner on his way to Rome by ship for trial before Caesar for preaching the Gospel. They were caught in a great storm and were about to run aground. None of the passengers and crew had eaten for two weeks during the storm. The crew had dropped four anchors astern, and then lowered a small boat with the intent to abandon the ship and passengers, but Paul perceived what was about to happen, and told his guards not to allow the sailors to abandon them. The soldiers cut the small boat free, before the sailors could board it.
As day was dawning, Paul told the people onboard to eat something to gain strength to help them survive the shipwreck. When they had eaten, they cast off the rest of the food, to lighten the ship. In the daylight they did not recognize the coastline, but they spotted a bay with a beach which seemed like a good place to land. The crew cast off the anchors, raised a foresail and headed for the beach.
The ship ran aground on a shoal, and the waves began to break up the stern. The soldiers were going to kill the prisoners to keep them from escaping, but the centurion wanted to save Paul, and prevented the soldiers from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to do so, and the rest used pieces of the wooden ship to carry them ashore, and all survived.
Mark Paraphrase:
On the day of Passover, his disciples asked Jesus where they should arrange to prepare for the feast. Jesus told them to go into the city (Jerusalem) and they would be met by a man carrying a water jug. They were to follow him and say to the householder of the house he enters, “The Teacher says, ‘Where is my guest room where I am to eat the Passover with my disciples?’” Jesus said that the householder would show them a large upper room furnished and ready, where they were to prepare the meal. They did as Jesus said and found it exactly as he had told them.
That evening Jesus came with the Twelve, and as he was eating, Jesus told them that one of the Twelve would betray him. The disciples were sad and began to ask, one by one, if Jesus could have meant them. Jesus said it was one of the Twelve, who was dipping in the same dish with Jesus. Jesus said that the scriptural prophecy regarding Jesus would be fulfilled; but the one who facilitated the fulfillment by betraying Jesus would come to great disaster. The betrayer would have been better off if he had never been born.
During the meal, Jesus took bread, blessed, and broke it. He gave some to each disciple, saying “Take; this is my body” (Mark 14:22). He took a cup and gave thanks, and then passed it to each disciple and said “This is my blood of the (new; Mark 14:22 note "c" RSV; Hebrews 8:8, 13, 12:24) covenant, which is poured out for many” (Mark 14:24). Jesus told them, “Truly, I say to you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God” (Mark 14:25). They sang a hymn, and then they went out to the Mount of Olives (where Jesus would be betrayed).
Commentary:
Solomon, the Son of David and the Lord’s anointed King of Israel, prayed for divine wisdom so that he could rule wisely, and the Lord gave him wisdom generously, and wealth and honor as well. Solomon used his wisdom to render justice. The people recognized that his wisdom was of God and he was using it to achieve justice.
Paul was a “born-again” (John 3:3, 5-8) Christian disciple and apostle (messenger of the Gospel). Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he had guidance by the divine wisdom of God. At first the ship’s crew and passengers chose to follow the worldly wisdom of the captain and the owner. But as Paul’s advice proved to be right, they began to follow him; their own worldly wisdom had left them with no hope. Because they listened to Paul all onboard were saved.
Jesus’ disciples asked Jesus for guidance in preparing for the Passover meal, and as they followed his directions they found them just as he had said. The Lord’s guidance is absolutely true and reliable. If we’re willing to trust what he says and obey, we will grow in faith as we see his Word fulfilled.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus demonstrated divine, supernatural wisdom. He knew he was going to be crucified that week in Jerusalem, he knew he was going to be betrayed and by whom, where and when, and he trusted and obeyed God the Father. Jesus demonstrated by his life, death and resurrection that divine wisdom is the true wisdom; contrary to what the world falsely considers wisdom (see 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:8). Jesus is the power and wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:24).
Paul is the prototype and example of a "modern," “post-resurrection,” “born-again” disciple and apostle of Jesus Christ, guided by the wisdom of God through the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus came to make it possible for us to receive the gift of the indwelling Holy Spirit, so that we could have personal fellowship with the Lord and be guided and empowered by his divine wisdom (John 16:7). Jesus instituted the New Covenant [of salvation by grace (unmerited favor; free gift) through faith (obedient trust) in Jesus Christ; Ephesians 2:8-9)] and the Eucharist (the “Lord’s Supper;” “Communion”) on the night of his betrayal. Communion commemorates the sacrifice which established the New Covenant.
The Old Covenant of the Law of Moses prohibited drinking blood or eating meat with its blood, because it was believed that an animal’s blood contained its spirit. The Lord doesn’t want us to be filled with the spirits of animals but by his Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:9b). [But note that Communion does not automatically confer the gift of the Holy Spirit, nor does water baptism.]
Communion is intended to be a visual parable as well as commemoration. Jesus gave his physical body and shed his blood so that we could receive forgiveness, cleansing and spiritual rebirth through the gift of his indwelling Holy Spirit. Jesus’ body and blood are the spiritual sustenance we need to survive “shipwreck” on the Day of Judgment.
Judas decided to follow worldly wisdom rather than divine wisdom. He “sold” his chance for forgiveness and eternal life in paradise for thirty pieces of silver, which he never got to spend. His choice brought physical and spiritual, eternal death. Jesus declared that Judas’ eternal destiny was worse than non-existence.
Worldly wisdom says that when we die we cease to exist; God’s Word says that mankind is appointed to die once, and then comes judgment (Hebrews 9:27), not reincarnation, and not nothingness! God’s Word says that there will be a judgment of the just and of the unjust; the living and the dead (in both the physical and spiritual senses); a resurrection to eternal life in Heaven or eternal condemnation and destruction in Hell (John 5:28-29; Matthew 25:31-46; 2 Thessalonians 1:5-10). Each of us must choose for ourselves whether to follow worldly wisdom or to follow Jesus in obedient trust.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
First Posted 09/01/05;
Podcast: Friday 15 Pentecost - Odd
1 Kings 5:1-6:1, 7 - Preparing to Build the Temple;
Acts 28:1-16 - Survivors at Malta;
Mark 14:27-42 - Jesus in Gethsemane;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
King Hiram of Tyre had been friendly with King David and had supplied materials and labor to build David’s Palace (2 Samuel 5:11-12). When he heard that Solomon had succeeded his father as king, Hiram sent messengers to congratulate and greet him. Solomon sent reply, asking Hiram to supply cedar and woodworkers. Solomon contracted to pay for the material and labor, and agreed to send laborers to work with the Sidonians (people of Sidon, i.e. Phoenicians; Tyre was also a principal Phoenician city).
Hiram was glad to hear of Solomon’s plans, and acknowledged that God had anointed a wise son of David to reign over the great people of Israel. He accepted Solomon’s proposal, and planned to ship the lumber as rafts, by sea, which would be disassembled and transported to the site by land. Hiram asked Solomon to pay for the materials and labor with food. Solomon sent great amounts of wheat (125,000 bushels) and olive oil (estimated at a million gallons) annually. The collaboration was beneficial economically and politically to both; there was peace between them.
King Solomon conscripted thirty thousand forced laborers from all over Israel, to go to Lebanon, in shifts of ten thousand, for thirty days at a time, so that they would be gone one month out of three. Solomon appointed Adoniram (Adoram, Hadoram) to oversee the conscription. Thirty-three thousand people were appointed to oversee the work, seventy thousand burden-bearers, and eighty thousand stonemasons.
The stonemasons cut and dressed huge, expensive stones at the quarry, which were then transported to the site to be laid for the foundation. The people of Gebal, a Phoenician city north of Sidon worked with the builders provided by Hiram and Solomon to cut and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple. The building of the temple was begun in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (about 960 B.C.*), four hundred and eighty years after the Exodus from Egypt (1440 B.C.; now regarded as several hundred years too early*). The cutting of materials was done off-site, so there was relatively little construction noise in the temple as it was being built.
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul was a prisoner on his way to trial in Rome for preaching the Gospel. The ship was wrecked as the result of a great storm, but all onboard survived. They found themselves on Malta (a small island south of Sicily), where the natives treated them with great kindness. They built a fire, since it was rainy and cold.
Paul had gathered a bundle of firewood and was putting it on the fire, when he was bitten by a snake hidden in the bundle, and driven out by the heat. The natives were convinced that Paul must be guilty of murder or some other great crime, because having survived shipwreck he was going to die from snakebite. They expected Paul to swell up or drop dead, but after a long time, he showed no symptoms, and they concluded that he must be a "god." The ruler of the island was named Publius, the landowner, who treated the survivors as his guests. The father of Publius was sick with fever and dysentery, and Paul visited him and healed him. At the news of this all the people of the island began bringing the sick to Paul and they were healed. The people were very grateful and gave many gifts to the group, and supplied them with provisions when the group later departed.
After three months the survivors boarded an Alexandrian ship that had wintered there. The ship stopped at Syracuse (in Sicily) for three days. Then the ship sailed to Rhegium (in southern Italy) and from there to Puteoli. (the north side of the Bay of Naples), where they were the guests of brethren (Jews) for a week. When he arrived in Rome, news of his arrival brought Jews from the surrounding area to meet them. In Rome Paul was allowed to stay in a house with his guard (under house arrest).
Mark Paraphrase:
On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, after celebrating the Passover, the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went to a place called Gethsemane, an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Jesus asked the disciples to wait for him while he prayed. He took Peter, James and John (the three disciples of his inner circle) a little farther, and told them that Jesus’ soul was very sorrowful, even as though dying of sorrow. He told them to wait and be alert, while Jesus prayed.
Jesus went off a short distance and fell to the ground, praying that, if possible, his hour of suffering and death might be avoided. He prayed acknowledging that nothing is impossible for God the Father (Abba is the Aramaic word for “father”). Jesus asked that this “cup” (his destiny) might be removed from him, but Jesus accepted God’s will rather than his own. When he returned to the three and found them sleeping, Jesus asked Peter why he was sleeping; couldn’t he manage to stay alert for one hour? Jesus told Peter to be alert, and pray that Peter might not succumb to temptation. “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38).
Again Jesus went and prayed, and returned to find them again sleeping. They had no explanation except that their eyes were heavy. A third time Jesus went off and prayed and returned to find them still sleeping. Jesus said “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand” (Mark 14:41-42).
Commentary: The Lord had anointed a wise “Son of David” to reign over God’s people, and the people and their Gentile neighbors benefited. Their neighbors had peace and prosperity as a result.
The passengers and crew of the ship were saved because they listened to Paul. (Acts 27:24). The people of Malta welcomed and offered hospitality to Paul, and they were blessed with healing. Paul is the example of a "modern," “born-again” Christian disciple living in accordance with the example and teaching of Jesus.
Jesus obeyed God’s will even though he would have preferred not to, and as a result, we have been blessed with forgiveness of sins, spiritual healing, and eternal life in him. Jesus is the wise “Son of David,” who has been appointed to reign over God’s people, and all can have peace and spiritual prosperity in him. Those who receive and welcome Jesus receive spiritual healing and blessing in him
Building the temple was a huge undertaking. As the neighboring people were open to the plan, they were blessed, and they prospered as they cooperated with it. Solomon committed his resources to it and trusted the results to the Lord
Paul’s journey to testify to the Gospel in Rome was a long and arduous journey. He languished, imprisoned for several years, and endured hardship and shipwreck, but he trusted and committed the results to the Lord.
Jesus faced a terrible ordeal. He faced betrayal, persecution, suffering and death, but he set aside his own will and trusted in God’s plan. Those who welcome and receive him are blessed with forgiveness and salvation from eternal destruction.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, 1 Kings 6:1n, p. 422, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962.
Saturday 15 Pentecost - Odd Mark 14:27-42 - Jesus in Gethsemane;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
King Hiram of Tyre had been friendly with King David and had supplied materials and labor to build David’s Palace (2 Samuel 5:11-12). When he heard that Solomon had succeeded his father as king, Hiram sent messengers to congratulate and greet him. Solomon sent reply, asking Hiram to supply cedar and woodworkers. Solomon contracted to pay for the material and labor, and agreed to send laborers to work with the Sidonians (people of Sidon, i.e. Phoenicians; Tyre was also a principal Phoenician city).
Hiram was glad to hear of Solomon’s plans, and acknowledged that God had anointed a wise son of David to reign over the great people of Israel. He accepted Solomon’s proposal, and planned to ship the lumber as rafts, by sea, which would be disassembled and transported to the site by land. Hiram asked Solomon to pay for the materials and labor with food. Solomon sent great amounts of wheat (125,000 bushels) and olive oil (estimated at a million gallons) annually. The collaboration was beneficial economically and politically to both; there was peace between them.
King Solomon conscripted thirty thousand forced laborers from all over Israel, to go to Lebanon, in shifts of ten thousand, for thirty days at a time, so that they would be gone one month out of three. Solomon appointed Adoniram (Adoram, Hadoram) to oversee the conscription. Thirty-three thousand people were appointed to oversee the work, seventy thousand burden-bearers, and eighty thousand stonemasons.
The stonemasons cut and dressed huge, expensive stones at the quarry, which were then transported to the site to be laid for the foundation. The people of Gebal, a Phoenician city north of Sidon worked with the builders provided by Hiram and Solomon to cut and prepared the timber and stone to build the temple. The building of the temple was begun in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign (about 960 B.C.*), four hundred and eighty years after the Exodus from Egypt (1440 B.C.; now regarded as several hundred years too early*). The cutting of materials was done off-site, so there was relatively little construction noise in the temple as it was being built.
Acts Paraphrase:
Paul was a prisoner on his way to trial in Rome for preaching the Gospel. The ship was wrecked as the result of a great storm, but all onboard survived. They found themselves on Malta (a small island south of Sicily), where the natives treated them with great kindness. They built a fire, since it was rainy and cold.
Paul had gathered a bundle of firewood and was putting it on the fire, when he was bitten by a snake hidden in the bundle, and driven out by the heat. The natives were convinced that Paul must be guilty of murder or some other great crime, because having survived shipwreck he was going to die from snakebite. They expected Paul to swell up or drop dead, but after a long time, he showed no symptoms, and they concluded that he must be a "god." The ruler of the island was named Publius, the landowner, who treated the survivors as his guests. The father of Publius was sick with fever and dysentery, and Paul visited him and healed him. At the news of this all the people of the island began bringing the sick to Paul and they were healed. The people were very grateful and gave many gifts to the group, and supplied them with provisions when the group later departed.
After three months the survivors boarded an Alexandrian ship that had wintered there. The ship stopped at Syracuse (in Sicily) for three days. Then the ship sailed to Rhegium (in southern Italy) and from there to Puteoli. (the north side of the Bay of Naples), where they were the guests of brethren (Jews) for a week. When he arrived in Rome, news of his arrival brought Jews from the surrounding area to meet them. In Rome Paul was allowed to stay in a house with his guard (under house arrest).
Mark Paraphrase:
On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, after celebrating the Passover, the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples went to a place called Gethsemane, an olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Jesus asked the disciples to wait for him while he prayed. He took Peter, James and John (the three disciples of his inner circle) a little farther, and told them that Jesus’ soul was very sorrowful, even as though dying of sorrow. He told them to wait and be alert, while Jesus prayed.
Jesus went off a short distance and fell to the ground, praying that, if possible, his hour of suffering and death might be avoided. He prayed acknowledging that nothing is impossible for God the Father (Abba is the Aramaic word for “father”). Jesus asked that this “cup” (his destiny) might be removed from him, but Jesus accepted God’s will rather than his own. When he returned to the three and found them sleeping, Jesus asked Peter why he was sleeping; couldn’t he manage to stay alert for one hour? Jesus told Peter to be alert, and pray that Peter might not succumb to temptation. “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” (Mark 14:38).
Again Jesus went and prayed, and returned to find them again sleeping. They had no explanation except that their eyes were heavy. A third time Jesus went off and prayed and returned to find them still sleeping. Jesus said “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? It is enough; the hour has come; the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going; see, my betrayer is at hand” (Mark 14:41-42).
Commentary: The Lord had anointed a wise “Son of David” to reign over God’s people, and the people and their Gentile neighbors benefited. Their neighbors had peace and prosperity as a result.
The passengers and crew of the ship were saved because they listened to Paul. (Acts 27:24). The people of Malta welcomed and offered hospitality to Paul, and they were blessed with healing. Paul is the example of a "modern," “born-again” Christian disciple living in accordance with the example and teaching of Jesus.
Jesus obeyed God’s will even though he would have preferred not to, and as a result, we have been blessed with forgiveness of sins, spiritual healing, and eternal life in him. Jesus is the wise “Son of David,” who has been appointed to reign over God’s people, and all can have peace and spiritual prosperity in him. Those who receive and welcome Jesus receive spiritual healing and blessing in him
Building the temple was a huge undertaking. As the neighboring people were open to the plan, they were blessed, and they prospered as they cooperated with it. Solomon committed his resources to it and trusted the results to the Lord
Paul’s journey to testify to the Gospel in Rome was a long and arduous journey. He languished, imprisoned for several years, and endured hardship and shipwreck, but he trusted and committed the results to the Lord.
Jesus faced a terrible ordeal. He faced betrayal, persecution, suffering and death, but he set aside his own will and trusted in God’s plan. Those who welcome and receive him are blessed with forgiveness and salvation from eternal destruction.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
*The Oxford Annotated Bible, Revised Standard Version, Ed. by Herbert G. May and Bruce M. Metzger, 1 Kings 6:1n, p. 422, New York, Oxford University Press, 1962.
First Posted 09/02/05;
Podcast: Saturday 15 Pentecost - Odd
1 Kings 7:51-8:21 - Dedication of the Temple;
Acts 28:17-31 - Paul and the Jews of Rome;
Mark 14:43-52 - Judas’ Betrayal;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
When the temple construction was complete, Solomon brought the gold and silver vessels which David had dedicated for sanctuary use. In the seventh month, at the autumnal new-year festival, Solomon assembled all the elders of Israel, and the heads of every tribe and family of Israel to witness the Ark of the Covenant being brought from the “city (citadel) of David” south of the temple on mount Zion. The priests and Levites brought the Ark of the Covenant, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels.
There were so many sheep and oxen sacrificed that the altar in the temple was not adequate. The courtyard of the temple was consecrated and used for that purpose (2 Chronicles 7:7), and the Ark of the Covenant was placed there for the sacrifices; then it was brought into the inner sanctuary, the “holy-of-holies.”
The ark was placed under the cherubim, whose wings formed a covering over the ark and mercy seat. The ark contained the two stone tablets of the Covenant of Law (the Ten Commandments), given to Moses by God on Mount Horeb (Sinai).
When the priests came out of the sanctuary, a cloud filled the house of the Lord. The priests could not stay in the sanctuary to perform their ministry, because the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
Solomon addressed the congregation, quoting from the Book of Jashar (a book of Hebrew poetry, now lost), to the effect that God has given us the light of the sun, but he is invisible. Solomon blessed the congregation of Israel, and gave thanks to God for fulfilling the promise of allowing David’s son to build the house of the Lord which David wanted built. God had not chosen a city or tribe from among Israel, but had chosen David as his anointed king. God’s promise to David had been fulfilled in Solomon, and Solomon had completed the house of the Lord and a place for the Ark of the Covenant, the covenant between God and the patriarchs, which he made with them when he had brought them out of Egypt.
Acts Paraphrase:
Three days after Paul arrived in Rome he called the Jewish community together, and explained how he had come to Rome. Paul had done nothing against the Jews or the Jewish traditions, but had been falsely accused and handed over to the Roman authorities. The Roman authorities had found Paul not guilty, and would have released him, but the Jews objected, forcing Paul to appeal to Caesar. Paul had no charges to bring against Israel, so he had called the Jewish community together to let them know that it was because of the hope of Israel that Paul was imprisoned.
The people said that they had no reports against Paul from the religious authorities in Judea, or from visitors from Israel, but they were interested in hearing Paul’s views on the “sect” of Christianity, because Jews everywhere were speaking against it.
They set a day when everyone could come, and Paul spent the entire day explaining the Gospel to them, trying to convince them from the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament; the Law: the first five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy; and the prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the “Twelve;” the so-called "minor" prophets (because their books are short). Some were convinced but others disbelieved. As they departed, arguing among one another, Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 (the same text Jesus had used to account for the Jews' rejection of the Gospel; see Matthew 13:14-15; but note that Paul became a disciple only after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension).
The Jews heard without understanding and saw without perceiving, because their hearts had grown dull, their ears had grown weary and they had closed their eyes because they didn’t want to see, understand and turn (repent) and be healed by Jesus. The salvation the Jews have rejected will be given to the Gentiles, because the Gentiles are willing to listen. “And [Paul] lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered” (Acts 28:30-31).
Mark Paraphrase:
Jesus had told his disciples that his betrayer was at hand, and while he was still speaking Judas, one of the Twelve original disciples, came with a crowd armed with swords and clubs, under authority from the Jewish religious leaders. Judas had told them that he would identify Jesus for them by kissing him, so when they arrived Judas went up to Jesus, addressing him as Master, and kissed him. Immediately the mob seized Jesus, but one of the bystanders (Simon Peter; John 18:10) wielded his sword and cut of the ear of the slave of the high priest.
Jesus asked them if they thought he was a dangerous criminal like a robber, that they considered it necessary to arm themselves with swords and clubs. Jesus pointed out that he had been in the temple every day that week, but they had not arrested him there. But Jesus was willing to accept the fulfillment of scripture. All his disciples abandoned him and fled. A young man wrapped in a sheet followed Jesus and the mob. They grabbed his clothing, but he let go and ran away naked (It is possible that the young man was John Mark, the evangelist of this Gospel).
Commentary:
“The Lord has set the sun in the heavens, but has said that he would dwell in thick darkness” (1 Kings 8:12). God is invisible. The meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and come to a personal fellowship with the Lord (Acts 17:26-27). He is not far off. “But if you shall seek the LORD your God…, you shall find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). “If you seek Him, He will be found by you. But if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
It isn’t so much that God dwells in darkness (1 Timothy 6:16); it is we who dwell in spiritual darkness. It is Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” who gives us light (John 8:12; John 1:4-5). Jesus delivers us from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and he is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). He who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
The Jews didn’t recognize Jesus because they refused to see; they didn’t want to repent, and become obedient to Jesus. The salvation which the Jews rejected was received by Gentiles who were willing to listen and see.
The Jewish religious authorities could have arrested Jesus anytime in the temple during daylight, but they chose to arrest him in an isolated spot in the darkness of midnight. They didn’t want their deed witnessed by the public in the light of day.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
Mark 14:43-52 - Judas’ Betrayal;
1 Kings Paraphrase:
When the temple construction was complete, Solomon brought the gold and silver vessels which David had dedicated for sanctuary use. In the seventh month, at the autumnal new-year festival, Solomon assembled all the elders of Israel, and the heads of every tribe and family of Israel to witness the Ark of the Covenant being brought from the “city (citadel) of David” south of the temple on mount Zion. The priests and Levites brought the Ark of the Covenant, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels.
There were so many sheep and oxen sacrificed that the altar in the temple was not adequate. The courtyard of the temple was consecrated and used for that purpose (2 Chronicles 7:7), and the Ark of the Covenant was placed there for the sacrifices; then it was brought into the inner sanctuary, the “holy-of-holies.”
The ark was placed under the cherubim, whose wings formed a covering over the ark and mercy seat. The ark contained the two stone tablets of the Covenant of Law (the Ten Commandments), given to Moses by God on Mount Horeb (Sinai).
When the priests came out of the sanctuary, a cloud filled the house of the Lord. The priests could not stay in the sanctuary to perform their ministry, because the glory of the Lord filled the temple.
Solomon addressed the congregation, quoting from the Book of Jashar (a book of Hebrew poetry, now lost), to the effect that God has given us the light of the sun, but he is invisible. Solomon blessed the congregation of Israel, and gave thanks to God for fulfilling the promise of allowing David’s son to build the house of the Lord which David wanted built. God had not chosen a city or tribe from among Israel, but had chosen David as his anointed king. God’s promise to David had been fulfilled in Solomon, and Solomon had completed the house of the Lord and a place for the Ark of the Covenant, the covenant between God and the patriarchs, which he made with them when he had brought them out of Egypt.
Acts Paraphrase:
Three days after Paul arrived in Rome he called the Jewish community together, and explained how he had come to Rome. Paul had done nothing against the Jews or the Jewish traditions, but had been falsely accused and handed over to the Roman authorities. The Roman authorities had found Paul not guilty, and would have released him, but the Jews objected, forcing Paul to appeal to Caesar. Paul had no charges to bring against Israel, so he had called the Jewish community together to let them know that it was because of the hope of Israel that Paul was imprisoned.
The people said that they had no reports against Paul from the religious authorities in Judea, or from visitors from Israel, but they were interested in hearing Paul’s views on the “sect” of Christianity, because Jews everywhere were speaking against it.
They set a day when everyone could come, and Paul spent the entire day explaining the Gospel to them, trying to convince them from the Jewish scriptures (the Old Testament; the Law: the first five books of Moses: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy; and the prophets: Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and the “Twelve;” the so-called "minor" prophets (because their books are short). Some were convinced but others disbelieved. As they departed, arguing among one another, Paul quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 (the same text Jesus had used to account for the Jews' rejection of the Gospel; see Matthew 13:14-15; but note that Paul became a disciple only after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension).
The Jews heard without understanding and saw without perceiving, because their hearts had grown dull, their ears had grown weary and they had closed their eyes because they didn’t want to see, understand and turn (repent) and be healed by Jesus. The salvation the Jews have rejected will be given to the Gentiles, because the Gentiles are willing to listen. “And [Paul] lived there two whole years at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ quite openly and unhindered” (Acts 28:30-31).
Mark Paraphrase:
Jesus had told his disciples that his betrayer was at hand, and while he was still speaking Judas, one of the Twelve original disciples, came with a crowd armed with swords and clubs, under authority from the Jewish religious leaders. Judas had told them that he would identify Jesus for them by kissing him, so when they arrived Judas went up to Jesus, addressing him as Master, and kissed him. Immediately the mob seized Jesus, but one of the bystanders (Simon Peter; John 18:10) wielded his sword and cut of the ear of the slave of the high priest.
Jesus asked them if they thought he was a dangerous criminal like a robber, that they considered it necessary to arm themselves with swords and clubs. Jesus pointed out that he had been in the temple every day that week, but they had not arrested him there. But Jesus was willing to accept the fulfillment of scripture. All his disciples abandoned him and fled. A young man wrapped in a sheet followed Jesus and the mob. They grabbed his clothing, but he let go and ran away naked (It is possible that the young man was John Mark, the evangelist of this Gospel).
Commentary:
“The Lord has set the sun in the heavens, but has said that he would dwell in thick darkness” (1 Kings 8:12). God is invisible. The meaning and purpose of life in this world is to seek and come to a personal fellowship with the Lord (Acts 17:26-27). He is not far off. “But if you shall seek the LORD your God…, you shall find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul” (Deuteronomy 4:29). “If you seek Him, He will be found by you. But if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever” (1 Chronicles 28:9).
It isn’t so much that God dwells in darkness (1 Timothy 6:16); it is we who dwell in spiritual darkness. It is Jesus Christ, the “light of the world” who gives us light (John 8:12; John 1:4-5). Jesus delivers us from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and he is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). He who comes to God must believe that he exists, and that he is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).
The Jews didn’t recognize Jesus because they refused to see; they didn’t want to repent, and become obedient to Jesus. The salvation which the Jews rejected was received by Gentiles who were willing to listen and see.
The Jewish religious authorities could have arrested Jesus anytime in the temple during daylight, but they chose to arrest him in an isolated spot in the darkness of midnight. They didn’t want their deed witnessed by the public in the light of day.
Is Jesus your Lord (Matthew 7:21-23; Luke 6:46)? Are you Jesus' disciple (John 8:31)? Are you trusting and obeying Jesus (John 14:21)? Have you received the indwelling Holy Spirit since you first truly believed (Acts 19:2)? Are you making disciples of Jesus Christ and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commands (Matthew 28:18-20)? Do you know with certainty where you will spend eternity (1 John 5:11-13; Ephesians 1:13-14)?
