Revelation 8-11 Seven Trumpets Sound

Revelation 8-11 Seven Trumpets Sound

TMS Philippians 2:3-4 Other-centeredness

Phil 2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love,

if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy,

2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love,

being of one accord, of one mind.

3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit,

but in lowliness of mind

let each esteem others better than himself.

4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests,

but also for the interests of others.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Observations: 2:3-4 Because of what we have in union with Christ, believers have a basis for unity. That unity is developed by considering others as more important than ourselves, and destroyed by selfish ambition (wanting what we want without regard for how it affects others) and conceited behavior (literally “vain/empty glory”). The trick to considering others more important than ourselves is recognizing that when it comes to being rewarded (as Christ was in the rest of the chapter, whose mindset we are exhorted to embrace) they are. Jesus said that if we wanted to be great, we needed to be a servant of others. It was because of His service of all (Phil 2:9) that God exalted Him above all. So we don't totally neglect our needs (if we do, we will not be in any condition to serve others), but we look out for what is in their best interest, even if it means sacrificing our desires (definition of love). God will make it up to us.

Application: Loving our neighbor as ourselves means looking out for their interests and benefits to at least the degree that we do so for ourselves.

Prayer: Lord, help me develop a sensitivity to the needs of others, and recognize the importance of serving them as You have me. Amen.

Revelation 8-11 This section covers the seven trumpet judgments which comprise the seventh seal on the title deed to the earth. The judgments result in the destruction of a third of the earth and half of its population. The cumulative effect of the catastrophes should cause those experiencing the Tribulation to repent, but not many do. Two witnesses testify to the nation of Israel with fire and plagues; when their ministry is concluded, they are overcome by the Beast and killed, but God resurrects them and calls them to heaven. The seventh trumpet sounds and the kingdom of the world becomes the Kingdom of God. John is seeing individual events, in sequence. All these events are obviously future, and are specific, not mere symbols for the general triumph of good over evil.

Revelation 8 Trumpets and Woes

8:1 When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 The angel took the censer, and he filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake. 6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood, 9 and one third of the living creatures which were in the sea died. One third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters. 11 The name of the star is called "Wormwood." One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

12 The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn’t shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way. 13 I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe! Woe! Woe for those who dwell on the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, who are yet to sound!"

Observations: 8:1-6 When the seventh seal is opened, there is silence. It could signify a pause in the progression, or emphasize the impending doom. In the OT there was a pause between the sacrifices being offered, and the incense and prayers being offered. Seven angels with trumpets are revealed in the seventh seal. Then in a scene very similar to Ezekiel 10 (when the glory departed from the temple) an angel took coals from the altar and scatters them on the earth, followed by all kinds of disasters. It's possible that the judgments are in response to the prayers of the saints who are being persecuted during the Tribulation or who had been previously martyred (cf Rev 6:10).

8:7 The first trumpet results in a third of the earth and its vegetation being destroyed.

8:8-9 The second trumpet summons something like a burning mountain which destroys a third of the seas and ships.

8:10-11 The third trumpet causes a great star to fall, named Wormwood, which poisons a third of the rivers and streams and results in many deaths, of an unspecified number of people.

8:12-13 The fourth trumpet wipes out a third of the sun, moon, and stars. An eagle (could also be translated “vulture”) flies by with more bad news, a triple “Woe” for those who dwell on earth. Woe means bad news. There are some double woes (Exek 16:23), but this is triple woe is really bad news for the people, since they will be harmed directly.

Application: Judgment comes from the presence of God as a function of His justice. Just like He destroyed the OT temple for the Israel's rejection of Him, so too, He destroys the nations and earth for rejecting His revelation.

Prayer: God, may I live so that I experience Your blessings rather than Your cursings. Amen.

Revelation 9 Torment and Death of Sinners

9:1 The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him. 2 He opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit. 3 Then out of the smoke came forth locusts on the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only those people who don’t have God’s seal on their foreheads. 5 They were given power not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion, when it strikes a person. 6 In those days people will seek death, and will in no way find it. They will desire to die, and death will flee from them. 7 The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people’s faces. 8 They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like those of lions. 9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war. 10 They have tails like those of scorpions, and stings. In their tails they have power to harm men for five months. 11 They have over them as king the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is "Abaddon," but in Greek, he has the name "Apollyon." 12 The first woe is past. Behold, there are still two woes coming after this.

13 The sixth angel sounded. I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had one trumpet, "Free the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates!" 15 The four angels were freed who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year, so that they might kill one third of mankind. 16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million. I heard the number of them. 17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them, having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulphur yellow; and the heads of lions. Out of their mouths proceed fire, smoke, and sulphur. 18 By these three plagues were one third of mankind killed: by the fire, the smoke, and the sulphur, which proceeded out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths, and in their tails. For their tails are like serpents, and have heads, and with them they harm.

20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn’t repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn’t worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk. 21 They didn’t repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts.

Observations: 9:1-12 The last three trumpets of the seventh seal are the three “Woes” the eagle announced. When the fifth angel sounded the trumpet, John saw a star which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of abyss was given to the “star” and he opened the pit to let loose a swarm of “locusts.” The pit is the temporary prison of demonic angels (2Pt 2:4; Jude 6) and the beast (11:7); Satan will spend a 1,000 years there (20:3) before being tossed into the lake of fire. It turns out the “locusts,“ like something out of a horror movie, have the power to sting like scorpions and torment (but not kill) those who don't have God's mark on their foreheads (7:3-8), for five months. It will be so bad, people will want to die, but death will elude them. A swarm of locust was impossible to stop or evade. The “locusts” appear like warhorses, with crowns and flowing hair; they sting humans and follow a leader, so they are not your basic garden variety locusts, but rather demonic creatures (cf Joel 2:4-6 Day of the Lord). The leader's name means “Destroyer” but is probably not Satan, who makes his grand entrance in chapter 12. The eagle (or perhaps John) makes an editorial comment: “one down, two to go.”

9:13-19 The sixth angel sounded and a voice from the horns of the altar (where a sacrifice was usually bound) instructs the four bound angels (probably not those in 7:1 due to location differences, and only fallen angels are recorded as being bound), be let loose to kill a third of the earth's population. A quarter of those living on earth after the Rapture had been killed in the fourth seal judgment (Pale Horse -6:8). The timetable of their release had been planned down to the specific hour. Neither man's sin, nor rejection of Christ was a surprise to God. We're not given any information as to when the fallen angels were bound (but it's most likely it happened when Satan rebelled), nor are we given the significance of the specific time in history. John hears that there are two hundred million horsemen, which he then sees spewing three plagues out of their mouths to kill a third of mankind. Like the locusts, these are demonic beings, under control of the four previously bound fallen angels.

9:20-21 The purpose of these judgments is to execute judgment on those who were rejecting God, but even though people were experiencing wrath, they didn't repent of their idolatry, murders, sorceries, immorality, nor thefts (sins against God and man). Some people just don't learn.

Ezekiel 18:32 For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone who dies," declares the Lord GOD. "Therefore, repent and live."

Application: God doesn't delight in the death of sinners, but will discipline them unless they repent. Learn at the low volume, and from the mistakes of others.

Prayer: God, may I be sensitive to Your will and discipline, so I am quick to repent when erring. Amen.

Revelation 10 The Little Book of Revelation

10:1 I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on his head. His face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 2 He had in his hand a little open book. He set his right foot on the sea, and his left on the land. 3 He cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When he cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don’t write them." 5 The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up his right hand to the sky, 6 and swore by him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as he declared to his servants, the prophets.

8 The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, "Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land." 9 I went to the angel, telling him to give me the little book. He said to me, "Take it, and eat it up. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey." 10 I took the little book out of the angel’s hand, and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter. 11 They told me, "You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and kings."

Observations: 10:1-7 John sees a mighty angel with a glorious appearance set a foot on land and the other on the sea. In his hand is a little book/scroll, that was for the entire world to hear (land and sea). The angel cried out with a loud voice and seven thunders replied. John was forbidden to record what he heard. Apparently God is not going to reveal everything until it happens, which might have something to do with the timing of the return of Christ to earth. The angel swears by the Creator that there will no longer be a delay, but that in the days of the sounding of the seventh angel, the mystery of God will be completed/brought to fulfillment, as He declared to the prophets. This is a reference to the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom of the Messiah, which occurs at the seventh trumpet (11:15). The mystery (Eph 1) was to sum up everything under the headship of the Messiah which at this juncture is still future.

10:8-11 John gets told to eat the book, which was sweet to his taste, like honey, but gave him a bitter stomach ache. Like Ezekiel (3:1-11) the word of God was sweet to those receptive to Him, but when they sought to share it with others, they were rejected by them. John is given the revelation (rest of the book) which tells of the triumph of Christ, but it too, until this day, is rejected by most.

Application: Our belief and witness must be based upon God's revelation, which must become part of our lives.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I want Your word to be an integral part of all that I do and say. Amen.

Revelation 11 Two Witnesses and the Seventh Trumpet

11:1 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, "Rise, and measure God’s temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it. 2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don’t measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months.

3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth." 4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, standing before the Lord of the earth. 5 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, he must be killed in this way. 6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire. 7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them. 8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified. 9 From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb. 10 Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth. 11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here!" They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly. 15 The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord, and of his Christ. He will reign forever and ever!" 16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God’s throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying: "We give you thanks, Lord God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned. 18 The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondservants the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth." 19 God’s temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Lord’s covenant was seen in his temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.

Observations: 11:1-2 Like Ezekiel in chapter 40, John is told to measure the temple. This is not the Millennial temple which Ezekiel measured, because the outer court of this temple and the Holy City is given to the nations/Gentiles to trample for 42 months. No such fate befalls the Millennial Temple and City, since they are set up after Christ returns. According to Daniel 9:27, the Anti-Christ will make a covenant with the nation of Israel (after the Rapture, and at the beginning of the Tribulation) which will allow them to rebuild the temple. Halfway through the seven year Tribulation (42 months) the Anti-Christ will break his covenant with the nation of Israel and Gentiles will trample the courts of the temple and the Holy City (for another 42 months). The act of measuring the temple, altar, and those who worship is probably a reference to God's ownership (and thus protection) of them, since John is instructed to not measure the part that the nations will defile.

11:3-14 The temple reference leads into two Spirit empowered witnesses. The lampstands symbolized the light of witnesses to God, which was the role the nation was supposed to play. The design of lampstands was such that they were fueled by oil of the trees (symbolizing never-ending supply, and thus ever-present witness). The two witnesses of this chapter were prophesied in Zechariah 4:11-14. The oil is usually a symbol of the Holy Spirit, who empowers the witness (cf. Acts 1:8). These two witness aren't identified in the text. Elijah and Enoch are two frequently mentioned candidates since neither of them died during their time on earth. Malachi 4:5 prophesied that Elijah return before the Messiah (cf Mt 11:14). Elijah also appeared with Moses on the Mount of Transfiguration (Mt 17:2). The wearing of sackcloth was a mourning over loss and a prophetic call to repentance. The two witnesses would be able to call down fire to protect themselves (as did Elijah in 2Kings 1:10-14). The length of their ministry matches the length of the drought in Elijah's day, so he's the most likely to be a witness to the Jews during the second half of the Tribulation. Enoch is my choice for the second witness (since people are only suppose to die once, and Moses was already dead -Heb 9:27). Enoch had also prophesied of end time events (Jude 1:14). It really doesn't matter who they were, but what does matter is that God still calls the Jewish nation to repentance even in the midst of judgment. The other noteworthy dynamic, is that God let's His servants be overcome by evil (the Beast) when, but not until, their job is done. Then, after they are killed (and the whole town celebrates), God brings them back to life, using their death to glorify Himself. God resurrects them, and calls them up to heaven. He destroys 7000 people and a tenth of the city, and some respond with glorifying (believing in) God. This, in addition to the drought and plagues of the witnesses, constitute the second “woe.”

This is the first of many references in Revelation to the Beast prophesied by Daniel (7:21). His home was the abyss where the demons were kept and he is energized by Satan (Rev 9:1-3; 13:4). Another editorial comment indicates “two down, one to go.”

11:15 The seventh trumpet heralds the return of Christ. It is only after the ministry of the two witnesses (and all the preceded) that the kingdom of the world becomes the Kingdom of our Lord God, and the Messiah. Not until then (as in not in our time, nor the NT time) will Christ reign. Within the seventh trumpet are seven bowl or vial judgments that will be poured out as Christ comes to earth (chapter 16). Before and after that, there are a few interludes describing the Beast, False Prophet, and Satan, as well as Armageddon, and the events that precede the establishment of Christ's rule on earth (19:6) such as the Fall of (Mystery) Babylon. Here the seventh trumpet announces the transfer of kingdoms, and that the Messiah shall reign to the Ages of the Ages.

11:16-19 The twenty-four elders worship God, who was, is, and is to come because He has taken (perfect tense) His great power and begun to reign (NIV). “Reign” is in the aorist tense, which is the unspecified tense, giving a snapshot of the action, which is usually translated in the past. However, Christ's reign isn't past and over, but as the rest of the book demonstrates, hasn't occurred yet. The aorist is often used to describe future prophetic events, since from the prophet's point of view, they have already happened. Attention to the surrounding context gives insight into how the aorist should be translated. All the actions for which the elders praise God are in the aorist tense: His wrath coming, the judging of the dead, the rewarding of the faithful, and the destruction of those who destroy the earth, yet none of those events have happened, as the future chapters will demonstrate. So here the elders are anticipating the rule of the Messiah. His judging and rewarding are major events of His coming as Isaiah 40:10 and John the Baptist foretold, Jesus predicted, and the other NT authors anticipated as a means of motivating their audiences to obey. The elders specify that the Lord's reward is for those saints who fear His name. The temple of God in heaven was opened, accompanied by elaborate effects.

Application: Fearing God (being careful to do what is right in His sight) is essential to being rewarded, regardless of what may befall us here on earth.

Prayer: God, thanks that Your future return, reign, and reward are guaranteed by Your promises and John's witness; may I be faithful to accomplish Your purposes for my time on earth. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God will judge without mercy those who refuse His mercy. He sends discipline in the hopes that people will repent (and some do).

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is not yet reigning over the earth; He won't begin His Messianic rule until the kingdom of the world becomes the Kingdom of God, at the seventh trumpet.

Us in a nutshell: Those who fear and serve God will be rewarded. Those who rebel and serve their pleasures will suffer destruction.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Ephesians 5-6 Walk and Warfare

Ephesians 5-6 Walk and Warfare

Psalm 148:1-14 Exalting the Creator God Who Exalts Holy People

Ps 148:1 “Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels! Praise him, all his hosts! 3 Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens, you waters that are above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh, For he commanded, and they were created. 6 He has also established them forever and ever. He has made a decree which will not pass away.

7 Praise Yahweh from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths! 8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling his word; 9 mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars; 10 wild animals and all livestock; small creatures and flying birds; 11 kings of the earth and all peoples; princes and all judges of the earth; 12 both young men and maidens; old men and children: 13 let them praise the name of Yahweh, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens. 14 He has lifted up the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to him. Praise Yah"

Observations: 148:1-14 This third Praise Psalm (see Ps 146) exhorts all of creation, the heavens and earth, (and all that is in both) to praise the name of Yahweh. The reason given in verse 5 is because God commanded, and it happened, bringing everything into existence as an express of His sovereign will. All the elements on earth fulfill His word alone, and His glory/rule is above/over the heavens and earth. Then in the last verse, the psalm zeros in on Israel and His holy ones (saints), whom he has exalted, and brought near to Himself (as in a near and dear relationship). He's not just the God “way up there” but one who is intimately involved in the lives of His people, exalting them (lifting up horn = power and prosperity; cx. Job 16:15), so they can exalt Him.

Application: We should praise the sovereign God of creation because He exalts His holy ones, and brings them into a relationship with Him (it would probably help things if we were holy to be in His presence, fulfilling the purposes for which He created us, and worthy of His exaltation and relationship [cx Israel in most of its history]).

Prayer: Sovereign Creator, You are worthy of all praise, from all that You have created; it's amazing that You want a relationship with me, may I be among those You exalt and bring near to Yourself; may my praise be pleasing to You. Amen.

TMS 1Peter 3:18 Being Brought to God

1Pt 3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins,

the just for the unjust,

that He might bring us to God,

being put to death in the flesh

but made alive by the Spirit”

Observations: 3:18 This is a great verse to memorize since it explains the heart of the substitutionary atonement (cf. Isa 53). It's the center of the Bridge to Life illustration (which you should be able to draw and explain from memory on a napkin or envelope). Christ died (once) in our place, so we didn't have to. However, He didn't just die for our forgiveness, but so that we could have a relationship with Him and He could bless us (see the context and comments in 1Peter 3).

Application: Learn how to share this passage with others by memorizing it and the Bridge to Life. Then use it to bring someone to God.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks for suffering and dying for me, so I could be forgiven and have a relationship with You; may I too, die to my old self, and live by the power of Your Spirit. Amen.

Ephesians 5-6 The previous chapter described how unified believers should live/walk worthy of their invitation to glory, so they actually arrive there. Chapter 5 describes how to walk in love, walk in the light, walk in wisdom, and walk in the Spirit, reaching the summit of unity, submitting to one another in the fear of God. Paul then parenthetically clarifies three hierarchical relationships that are exceptions to mutual submission. Finally he closes with the Spirit's strategy for corporate spiritual warfare, telling the Body how to stand in unity against the onslaughts of Satan. If the Body of believers follow God's instructions, they will be the temple in which He displays His glory to the world, and will fulfill God's final purpose for them as they share in the glorious inheritance of the saints in the light, during the future Kingdom of the Messiah.

Ephesians 5 Walk This Way

5:1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children. 2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints; 4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks. 5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

7 Therefore don’t be partakers with them. 8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, 10 proving/demonstrating what is well pleasing to the Lord. 11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works/deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them. 12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of. 13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light. 14 Therefore he says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise/fools, but as wise; 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore don’t be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.

18 Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another

in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God, even the Father;

21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly/church, being himself the savior of the body. 24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.

25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly/church, and gave himself up for it; 26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, 27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly; 30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones. 31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh." 32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly. 33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Observations: 5:1-2 We learn how to love by observing God's love of us. Butterfly believers (who undergo the mind/value transformation of 4:23 and Rm 12:1-2 -see comments there), should imitate Christ, in giving themselves for the benefit of others (love is sacrificially doing what is in another's best interest) in their worship of God. They will not engage in self-centered behavior as described in the last half of chapter 4, nor in the behaviors listed in this chapter. If they do, it doesn't mean that they're not saved/justified, but it means they will lose their reward/inheritance. Those who think or teach otherwise are demonically deceived, as Paul states in 5:6. The corrective for badly behaving believers is not to accept Christ, but to change the way one thinks, from believing the father of lies' deadly deceptions about life and pleasure, to believing and embracing the Spirit's truth about life. Those who walk/live in love, offer their lives to God as an offering He really likes.

5:3-6 The opposite of love is self-centered behavior, indulging our desires for power, pleasure, and possessions, independently of God. This is also known as sin, which is bad (in case you haven't been paying attention). Sin leads to death, and loss of dominion/glory. So we're faced with a choice: go for the temporal success/significance and security/safety (subsets of power), and immediate but unsatisfying pleasure, and corroding outdated possessions, or go for the eternal delights of God, at whose hands are pleasures forevermore. Only a demonically deluded worldling would chose the former over the latter.

Sexual immorality, defiling uncleaness, and covetousness, the insatiable desire for more (all three of which we are commanded to put to death -Co 3:5) should not be present in the lives of holy believers. Nor should improper speech: obscenities, foolish (literally moronic) talk, nor coarse jesting be heard, but instead the edifying giving of thanks. Paul uses a word play in Greek contrasting the jesting with the thanks, so refined jesting is OK :)

Know for certain that bad believers lose their reward/inheritance (see comments on 1Cor 3:15 if you have any doubt). Paul repeats the items in verse 3 and adds that covetousness is idolatry. When someone looks to things (and the means of things, like a job or wealthy spouse) to meet one's needs, rather than God, they are an idolater. If one spends all their time serving a paycheck rather than depending on God for their daily bread, and doing His will in all things, one is setting themselves up for inevitable judgment. Did you notice how God felt about idolaters in the OT? Bad unsanctified believers will not have an inheritance in the future Kingdom of the Messiah. Satan and his agents, the false teachers, will tell you otherwise, trying to deceive you with lies that contradict this truth. Here' s quick quiz to see if you're deceived:

Do bad things happen to bad believers, both now and in the future? (1Cor 11:29-32; 3:15)

Does how you live as a believer make a difference in your eternal reward? (Gal 5:21; 6:7-9; 1Cor 6:9; Rom 2:5-10 )

Are there differential rewards in the kingdom? (1Cor 15; 2Tim 4:7-8)

Does the wrath of God come upon God's naughty, disobedient children? (Rom 2:5-10; 5:9-10)

If you answered “No” to any of the above, you've been deceived. Note particularly verse 6, in an exegetical outline the point would read: The Reason (nuance) Paul can say that badly behaving believers lose their reward (VP/subject) is because God's wrath/judgment comes upon His disobedient children (complement). Paul is not talking about unbelievers, but born again members of God's family who have gone the way of the wayward prodigal son. Repentance is always an option. God always spares based upon it. It's never too late to turn around and do the right thing (unless you're lying in a coffin). It is also incorrect to say that if a believer engages in bad behavior that they're not a believer. This is an invention of well-meaning folks, who aren't seeing nor understanding the Scriptures clearly.

5:7-14 The conclusion (therefore) is that butterfly believers should not be fellow-partakers (used only elsewhere in 3:6 of being a sharer in the promised inheritance) of the deeds and discipline of the bad believers. Butterfly believers were once darkness but now they are light (in union with the Lord). Notice the fundamental change of identity (not in the dark, but darkness; the essential quality has changed to light), therefore they should walk as light, shining wherever they go. That means, live as someone born of the light (all shiny and radiant like a sunbeam). The Spirit, as the energy source of God, gives the light, which manifests itself as the fruit of righteousness, goodness, and truth. Those should be the things that characterize and flow from us, as we demonstrate in our lives what is pleasing to the Lord. Remember righteousness is knowing and doing what is right in His sight. Those who are light won't be participating in the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather the radiance of their lives (righteousness, goodness, truth) will expose/reprove the evil done by the sons of disobedience. Reprove means to expose by bringing to light. Both in word and deed, the children of light highlight the sin of those serving the dark side. Notice that the reproof is of the deeds of darkness (not the people who are darkness, the unbelievers). This is not about unbelievers, but about badly behaving believers, who are not living in the light.

The conclusion in verse 14 (and following) is still about believers. The quotation is probably from a hymn based upon Isaiah 60:1-5, which is in the context of the Messiah giving glory to His people which will shine on Gentiles and kings. It is an exhortation to believers living in the dark to wake up from their sluggardly slumber, arise out of their dead, dominionless state, and bask in the glory of the ascended Messiah.

5:15-21 In light of the Messiah coming and giving light to His faithful people, believers need to be very careful how they walk/live. The difference between the wise and fools is in their choice of objectives. The fools go after what they think is right in their sight; wise chose to go after what is right in God's sight. Proverbs gives wisdom by marking out the right objectives, and the right means of obtaining them (by showing consequences of actions). The fools don't understand what God's will is. The wise are careful to know and do it. The fools squander their precious hours on earth in stupid pursuits. The wise exchange their perishable time on earth (which they can't keep) for that which is infinitely more valuable, the eternal glory of God. That's why Paul uses the metaphor redeeming (buy back) the time, exchanging it for the reward of God. Note that the will of God is knowable and doable. Fools don't know or do it. Righteous and wise men and women know and do what is right in God's sight.

The major means of knowing God's will is His word, as revealed by His Spirit (see The Will of God on Truthbase.net). A person who is full of wine does not have an accurate perception of reality. They tend to say and do crazy things, because the wine controls them. The word is variously translated as excess, or dissipation or debauchery. Literally it means “not savers” or unrestrained in behavior and use of money. Someone could not be considered for eldership if their children were open to this charge (Titus 1:6), because it demonstrated they had not passed on a Spirit-controlled lifestyle. People spend on their temporal pleasures and escape from their pain because they have not found pleasure in God. Eventually they become controlled by their “drug” of escapism, and enslaved to it. That's why Paul uses the contrast of being filled or controlled by the Holy Spirit, rather than wine. The pagan worshipers of Bacchus/Dionysus, the god of wine, would become under his influence and engage in drunken behavior, including the same riotous speech and singing one hears in NYC when the bars close and the drunks stumble homeward. In contrast, Paul gives four results of being filled with the Spirit:

• believers would speak to each other (cf 4:15,25) in ways that edified;
• believers would sing to the Lord with psalms and hymns, making melody (a word used for plucking the strings of a harp) with their heart to Him. This could be used to support the use of musical instruments in the NT since the singing wasn't silent, neither would the melody making be (in/with your heart can mean wholeheartedly as in 6:5);
• believers would give thanks to the Father for all things, recognizing not only all He has given them, but also seeing His hand in all that He permitted in their lives for their benefit (even if they don't see or like it initially);
• believers would submit to one another (there's another of those passages) in the fear of God, recognizing that they will appear before Christ's judgment seat to be evaluated on the basis of how they have fitted into and fulfilled their function in His Body.

This last item is the capstone of Body life, followed by a parenthetical statement concerning hierarchical relationships in the Body, and then the final words about how the Body defends itself against Satan's attacks. Submission literally means to “line up under.” Think of a military unit, arranged in a defense formation (which is what the warfare passage in chapter 6 is all about). Submission is not a statement about worth or value, but about relative position for a specific purpose. Someone who does their own independent thing, without reference to the Lord Christ's will, or other members of the Body, is not submitting to anyone. They should fear God, because He will not be pleased with their sin. Being rightly related to others means limiting oneself for their needs/benefit, not using them to meet our needs (which should be met by our dependent relationship with God, so we're free to serve others). See the study “The S-word Submission” on Truthbase.net for more. Also see the Study Guide to Church (and the upcoming Catacomb Church blog) for how the commitment to be a Biblical body by submitting to the other members, and the oversight of Biblically qualified elders, is what constitutes a Biblical church.

5:22-33 Having just said that Spirit-filled believers are submitted to other members of the Body, the question arises: “Does that mean that there are no hierarchical relationships in the Body of Christ?” Paul address three pairs of relationships, showing that there is still a hierarchy. This is not how “mutual submission” works out. That understanding might be well intentioned, but is flat out wrong. Among believers in a church, there is not only submission to one another, but also elders (Acts 20:28 -overseers; 1Cor 16:16; 1Pt 5:1; Heb 13:7,17). Mutual submission in the Body is not people demanding that others submit to them, but everyone seeking to serve and support and line themselves up under the needs of others. The elders in their functions of shepherds and overseers could resolve differences that might arise from those submitting to each other. However, in three sets of relationships there is a clear authority, and a clear mandate to submit to that authority. The hierarchy can't be flipped around in a mutual sense, but each party in the relationship has responsibilities to the other, particularly in a marriage, where Paul spends the most words. See the resources on Marriage and Family Life on Truthbase.net which will develop the truth more fully than I can do here.

Note that the “subordinate” member of each pair is addressed first. Wives are instructed to submit, or line up under the authority of the husbands. In Colossians 3:18 and 1Peter 3:1 there is no mention of mutual submission. Paul says the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church. Two headed marriages aren't a pretty sight. Christ is the head because He sacrificed Himself for the salvation of the Body. So just as the church is subject to Christ (again not a mutual submission thing), so wives should be subject to their husbands in everything (Really? Yup, that's what it says in English and Greek). What if the wife has greater expertise is an area? The wise husband, like a wise CEO or military commander will seek input and deploy resources for maximum corporate gain, because there are usually better and brighter folks under their command, but the final decision responsibility lies with the leadership of an organization. (“In everything?" Yup, that's what is says.)

So does that mean that king hubby gets whatever he wants? No, not if verse 25 is in your Bible. Husbands are to self-sacrificially (agapao) love their wives, doing that is in their best interest at the expense of their interests, desires, preferences, and sleeping in on weekends. Who got the better deal: Christ or the church? Who suffered and died for the benefit of the other and lives to sanctify and glorify the the other? Christ lives to sanctify the church, by the application of the word, so that it might be holy and without blemish in the day of judgment so the members of His body may share in His glory and rule in the Millennial kingdom. In this way He benefits as the church is benefited. Similarly, husbands love, nourish and cherish their wives, as they would their own bodies, for the benefit of the wife, and the husband shares in the glory of a glorious wife. Just like the church has a relationship with Christ that can be described as His flesh and bones (no one takes this literally by the way), so the husband has a mutually edifying relationship with his wife. Paul references Genesis 2:24, the definitive passage on marriage (as Jesus did in Mt 19:5), to show how the interconnectedness of the two. See Truthbase.net for more on the mystery of marriage. Marriage should reflect the essential unity and functional diversity of the Triune God, as two become one, through the process of leaving prior identities (legal/social declaration) to become a new unit of husband and wife, and the inextricable emotional intertwining of souls (mind/values/emotions/will) to become one new body. Paul says this is a mystery, but his focus is on the mystery (previously unrevealed information) concerning the church. However, he ends with a recap of the major responsibilities: the husband must love his wife as himself, and she must respect her husband (in the position God has placed him). See 1Peter 3 for what to do if you married a self-centered spiritual sloth.

Application: Glory-bound believers need to walk in love, as children of light, wisely doing God's will, controlled by the Spirit of God, and submitted to the Lord and His Body. Whew!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thanks that You called me out of darkness to be light; please guide me in living as You desire, living and loving as Jesus wants me to. Amen.

Ephesians 6 Spiritual Warfare

6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with a promise: 3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

4 You fathers, don’t provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ; 6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as men pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; 8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, he will receive the same again from the Lord, whether he is bound or free.

9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace; 16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; 18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things; 22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that he may comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.

Observations: 6:1-4 The second pair of hierarchical relationships is that of children and parents. Children are to obey (listen under) their parents (not the other way around). A parent doesn't submit to their child by obeying them. Paul appeals to the first command with a specific promise attached to it (Ex 20:12). The moral law is still applicable. When the offspring is no longer a child, honor is still applicable (which is not doing everything the parents wants, especially if you have two sets of unbelieving parents meddling in their kids' marriage). Honor involves respect and listening, and accommodating preferences in the grand scheme of other responsibilities. Sometimes to follow Christ people would have to leave their parents and not accede to their wishes (Mt 19:29). Parents, fathers in particular have a responsibility to their children, to nurture them in the discipline/training and instruction of the Lord. They are really the Lord's kids, on loan to parents, from whom God will demand an accounting of their stewardship. Provoking a child to wrath occurs from inconsistent, self-centered, whatever's convenient discipline/training. The standards and rules change for the parent's sole benefit, not the child's, and this kind of corrupt authority causes rebellion. Why would a kid rebel against a perfect authority? True, we rebel against God, but in general, if the parents are blameless and love their kids, it is tougher for Satan to deceive the child into thinking the grass is greener on the dark side. Actually, it's the job of the parent to sell the child on the light, both by practice and precept (that means practice what you preach, and make sure you're teaching according to Dt 6:5-7). There a bunches of resources on Truthbase.net; learn them and use them. An ounce of prevention is worth a ton of heartbreak. By the way, a child learns submission by observing how their mother submits to her husband. What's really more important to you than the spiritual success of your children? Being part of a Biblical Body with like-minded parents committed to raising the next godly generation is a great help, but no substitute for the parents learning the truth, living the truth, and loving their children with it.

6:5-9 Servants are to be obedient to their masters in the flesh, as if they were serving Christ. Masters were to treat their slaves/servants knowing that they too would face the judgment seat of Christ for how they treated those under their authority. When the claims of the master conflicted with the claims of Christ, it was time to suffer for doing what was right in God's sight (see 1Peter 2:18). If you're not a slave, even though you might be treated like one, there is nothing in the Bible that says you have to stay in the job, but there are usually some great character building lessons and dependence to be developed in the furnace of the workplace. If you are going to stay in a job, do it wholeheartedly, or find another one. God will reward you with a greater inheritance in His kingdom for the right behavior on the job (Col 3:24). Worshiping your job, and drawing your worth and value from what it provides, is tantamount to idolatry, and God will judge idolaters with no inheritance in the eternal kingdom. You've given your life to Christ, and to your spouse (if you've married), and to raising your kids, (if you have them), and to being connected to a Biblical Body, so you can't give your life to your job and be disloyal to your other commitments. See TOYL for a Biblical View of Work and other resources to help manage multiple priorities and commitments.

6:10-18 Having concluded the parenthetical section occasioned by the climactic call for mutual submission of Body member to each other in fear of the Lord, Paul now directs his instruction to corporate spiritual warfare. According to the purpose of God, and the work of Christ, the Holy Spirit constituted the assembly of believers into the Body of Christ, under His headship. Thus they became the temple in which God's glory could be manifested to the world, in this age as they live in unity, and in the age to come as He pours out the blessing of His glory upon them. For reasons discussed briefly under Digging Deeper in the post on 2Corinthians 5, Satan doesn't want that unity to be maintained and will do everything in his devious power to disrupt it (as church history so sadly demonstrates). The battle the church faces is not against flesh and blood, although many of Satan's agents are humans taken captive to do his will, but our real battle is against the demonic forces of Satan, who controls individuals, rulers, and governments (ie, Assyria, Babylon, according to God's purposes) in this age. The warfare Paul describes in this chapter is corporate, not individual. See Truthbase.net for the series on individual Defense Against the Dark Arts . Listen to The Real Battle of Spiritual Warfare for the exposition of this passage (outline below under Digging Deeper).

Satan's goal is to destroy the temple so God's glory won't be displayed, nor given to faithful saints. So the corrective is to stand in unity, and having done all, to stand. Stand is mentioned four times. The emphasis is defensive maintenance. It's not about charging the gates of hell with a water pistol, which is a good way to become toast, but about the most successful military strategy known in the ancient world, the phalanx. A single well-trained array of hoplites, or foot-soldiers, in tight formation could stand against an invading horde, and win. Each one stood firm next to his fellow soldier, and the individuals worked as a unit to repel the attackers. If they broke ranks or separated they would become vulture food. The weapons Paul describes are defensive, with the exception of the sword. Satan largely deploys lies to do his dirty work, so truth is the best defense (the basic belt upon which the rest of the armor hangs) and the best offense, (the sword of the Spirit is the word of God). Each of the pieces of armor was referred to earlier in the book, and are truths about the formation of the Body as the temple of God.

Attached to the belt of truth was the breastplate of righteousness (protecting their heart) which is the righteous conduct of a renewed mind (4:21-24), which would engage in other-centered rather than self-centered behavior.

The studded boots that enabled them to stand their ground was the gospel of peace, that Jews and Gentiles are now one, effectively nullifying the lies that would cause the two groups to become factions, splitting the temple.

The shield of faith enabled them to tap into the supernatural power of God to live in love.

The helmet of salvation, which protects their thinking is clarified in 1Thess 5:8 as the hope of salvation, emphasizing the glorification aspect. See the elaboration of each piece under Digging Deeper. The missing piece of equipment was the greaves or knee pads, which are alluded to in the weapon of praying for the saints according to the promptings of the Spirit.

As the Body puts on the truth, and keeps it protecting them, the attacks of Satan can't harm them and they will stand, and succeed.

6:19-24 Paul segues from instructing them to pray for each other to asking for prayer for himself that he might boldly proclaim the revelation of the good news, even though he is imprisoned for doing so. He sends Tychicus a faithful servant to encourage them, so they can also know how Paul is doing and encourage him (hint, hint). Paul wishes them peace (probably more harmony than the usual covenantal blessing), and continued manifestation of love and faith, the things God desires of them. He then expresses a desire for those who are loyal to the Lord Jesus the Messiah, with an incorruptible love, to have the blessing of grace in His kingdom.

Application: Believers need to draw on God's strength and truth to live in unity and withstand the onslaughts of Satan; doing things independently is certain death (loss of dominion).

Prayer: God, thanks that You always provide all I need to do Your will; thanks for like-minded believers, who are intent on loyally loving You. Amen.

Digging Deeper

Ephesians 6:10-18 The Real Battle of Spiritual Warfare

I. The Ephesian (local) church was created by God to bring Himself glory as believers walked worthy of their calling in truth-based unity and love. (Temple motif 2:21)

Ac 20:17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church….28 "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. 29 "For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 "Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. 31 "Therefore watch…

1Tim 1:3…remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine

? Ephesus was the best taught church in the NT. Did that ensure that Christ was pleased with it? If not, why not? (Rev 2:1ff)

II. Our Enemy, the Devil (demons) seeks to undermine God-glorifying Unity through deception and lies.

6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

? How does an individual believer obey the command to put on the armor? Are you dressed for battle or the beach?

III. Our Responsibility is to use God’s armor (and draw on His strength) to combat and STAND in Unity

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

We stand in unity and combat Satan by Learning, Living, and Loving others with the Truth. Our understanding and use of each piece of armor must first come from Paul’s use of it in the previous verses of Ephesians, describing truth about the nature of the Body and how our beliefs and actions must be in accord with that corporate truth. The question to ask and answer is how does each piece of armor protect or defend against Satan’s attempts to destroy unity. The individual believer must then act in accord with that understanding to accomplish God’s purposes and glory.

? Why the emphasis on standing? Why not charge the gates of hell with a water pistol and rescue/save the inhabitants?

A. TRUTH 14a Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,

1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

4:15 but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head----Christ----

4:21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

4:25 Therefore, putting away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor," for we are members of one another.

A. W. Pink states that Satan's chief aim is to estrange man's heart from God and his work consists of substituting his own lies in the place of divine truth…spiritual warfare occurs in the mind, and it is the mental reckoning or reasoning that results in a choice between God's Word and Satan's lie, although at the time we may not recognize the alternative offered to be a lie or from Satan. http://www.path-light.com/warfarelesson.htm

? Why is Truth so important? With what specific Truth must one gird themselves? How do you do that? What truths relate to unity?

B. RIGHTEOUSNESS 14b having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

4:21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

4:24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

5:9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Jas 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

2Tim 2: 21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work. 22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

? How does personal righteousness relate to corporate unity? How does an ignored conscience open us up to Satan? What’s key to 4:24?

C. Gospel of PEACE 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

2:14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one…15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace,

2:17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near.

3:6 that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel,

4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 1:2; 6:23

? How do/should you obey Eph 4:3? How does the gospel of peace relate to unity? What lies does Satan pander re: peace?

D. FAITH 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

1:15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints,

1:19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power

2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

3:12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.

3:17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

4:5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 4:13 till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

6:23 Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

? How does Satan throw darts? What effect do those darts have on unity? How does faith quench them? Faith in what?

E. SALVATION 17a And take the helmet of salvation,

1:13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

2:5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

1Thess 5:8 But let us who are of the day be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.

I Pt 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.

9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

? How do the different aspects of salvation relate to the battle for maintaining unity? How do you put the helmet of salvation?

F. WORD 17b and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

5:26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, Jn 17:17 Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.

Mt 4:4 But He answered and said, "It is written, `Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'" 7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, `You shall not tempt the LORD your God.'" 10 Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, `You shall worship the LORD your God, and Him only you shall serve.'"

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

John 8:31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

? How does one use the word of God against Satan? How do you gain the skill to use it?

G. PRAYER 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints----

1:16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers:

3:16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height----19 to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

? What did Paul pray for the Ephesians? How do those things relate to unity?

? What other things did believers pray for other believers in the Bible? What role does discernment play in prayer?

God in a nutshell: God gives us the resources to accomplish His will, and expects us to do it.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is our Lord, who gave Himself for us, so we could give ourselves to Him.

Us in a nutshell: We need to live in love, walk in wisdom, and wage war with the weapons God had provided. Submission to a Biblical Body is a result of being filled with the Holy Spirit, as is submission in the other realms God specified.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Luke 22-24 Resurrection, Revelation, and Reason

Luke 22-24 Resurrection, Revelation, and Reason

Psalm 119:137-144 Righteous is the Word

Ps 119:137 TZADDI “You are righteous, Yahweh. Your judgments are upright. 138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy. 139 My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them. 141 I am small and despised. I don’t forget your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight. 144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live."

Observations: 119:137-144 God is righteous and as a result His words are too. They are fully tried, true, and trustworthy, because they come from an infinitely righteous God. Therefore the psalmist loves them, and delights in them especially in the midst of difficulty from enemies who ignore God's word. Knowing the benefit of following God's words, he asks for insight so He can obey them, be delivered, and live.

Application: Since our righteous God's commands are tried and true, we can trust them completely, as we do them.

Prayer: Righteous God, thanks for communicating Your truth, so I can trust and do it, and truly live. Amen.

Proverbs 29:4-6 Justice and Righteousness Cause Rejoicing

Pr 29:4 “The king by justice makes the land stable, but he who takes bribes tears it down. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 An evil man is snared by his sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

Observations: 29:4 The rule of just law is the basis of a stable government, economic prosperity, and quality of life. Those who sellout the public interest for personal gain (bribe by special interests) are an abomination to man and God. Civilizations prosper by leaders who serve the people rather than themselves. See “Let's Play Civilization” in the sidebar.

29:5 If you have a Biblical basis for self-worth (you're doing what is pleasing in God's sight and you know He's pleased with you) you are immune to being ensnared by flattery. Non-Christlike folks only build up others to get something from them.

29:6 Sin snares those who indulge in it, holding them captive until they perish. Not fun. Righteousness releases people from sin, so they can rejoice and sing, the preferable choice. Righteousness has both positional and practical meanings, here it is something to be sought instead of sin.

1Tim 6:11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 2Tim 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

Application: What do you pursue or chase after? That will be what you get.

Prayer: God, may I join with like-hearted saints in seeking to own the characteristics which will reflect Christ and make me useful in Your service Amen.

Luke 22-24 The final chapters of Luke emphasize the importance of knowing Jesus as revealed in the Scriptures, not just from experience (or hearsay). The difficulty of believing what doesn't match our experience shows up a number of times, and highlights the importance of arranging our perceptions and paradigms to match truth (not the other way around). Luke adds a number of unique phrases and a couple of accounts not in Matthew and Mark (the role of Satan, the Lord's Supper, the Road to Emmaus, etc.) which are discussed in the comments .

Luke 22 The Night He Was Betrayed

22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near. 2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people. 3 Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve. 4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might betray him to them. 5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude.

7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. 8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." 9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?" 10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"’ 12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there." 13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles. 15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." 17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves, 18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes." 19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me." 20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant/testament in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!" 

23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves. 28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. 29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers." 33 He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!" 34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times." 35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." 36 Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. 37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end." 38 They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." He said to them, "That is enough."

39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. 40 When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don’t enter into temptation." 41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" 49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this"—and he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him." 57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don’t know him." 58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!" 59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!" 60 But Peter said, "Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times." 62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him. 64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?" 65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him. 66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying, 67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won’t believe, 68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go. 69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am." 71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!"

Observations: 22:1-13 Judas agrees to betray Jesus, and the disciples prepare the Passover (see comments on Matthew 26). Nothing new here except for the comment that Satan entered Judas. This occurs after Judas had expressed his greed over the anointing of Jesus with the precious perfume. Despite Jesus' teaching on the proper perspectives on wealth, Judas didn't come to the light, but remained on the dark side, opening an opportunity for Satan to influence and possess him. Satan still takes many believers captive to do his will, who aren't committed to doing God's will (2Tim 2:20-26 note context).

22:14-23 Luke's account of the Last Supper in the Upper Room gives us some new information compared to Matthew 26 and Mark 14 (do see comments there if you haven't already done so, since I won't repeat them all here).

• 

  The first thing Sherlock would notice is that there are two cups, and one precedes the bread. This is because they are having a Passover Seder which consisted of four cups (see Passover and the Lord's Supper). The first cup is mostly likely the second of the four mentioned in the outline, 'the Cup of Praise;” that would make the one after the bread, which Matthew and Mark describe, “the Cup of Redemption;” and the cup which Jesus refrained from drinking, “the Cup of Acceptance,” since God would not accept His people until they accepted Him at Christ's return.
• The next piece of information to notice is that here, at the end of Jesus' ministry, the “Kingdom which comes from God” is still future (cf comments on Luke 17:21); Jesus won't celebrate the Passover until it is fulfilled in the Millennial Kingdom (Ezek 45:21), which is when the “Kingdom which comes from God,” will actually come. This could be one of the reasons why Jesus refused wine while on the cross.
• “Do this in memory of me” are some of the most famous words in Christendom. They indicate that the Lord's Supper is a memorial. The word is only used here, in the parallel passages in 1Corinthians 11, and in Hebrews 10:3 where the sacrifices serve as a reminder of sins (nothing efficacious involved). The verb means “to remember again” and is only found in these verses which substantiate the memorial meaning (Mr 11:21; 14:72; 1Cor 4:17; 2Cor 7:15; 2Tim 1:6; Heb 10:32).
• Exodus 12 institutes the Passover as a commemoration or memorial of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. It was not a sacrifice that delivered them, but God's working. All future Passovers, including those in the Millennial Kingdom, look back on that event; they don't literally recreate it, but recall it to mind. The death (and blood) of Passover lamb protected the first-born of the Israelites from the wrath that would be poured out on Egypt. Christ's death accomplishes a similar thing for NT believers, which the Lord's Supper commemorates. A history of Israel in the OT reveals that participation in the Passover meal didn't spare them from judgment (although at times their obedience in observing it, did). The same could be said for NT believers.
• Jesus doesn't tell them to “take and eat,” but just to share it among themselves, and do it in memory of Him. He says that the bread is His body, given for them. Most would recognize this as a figure of speech. Just as the piece of bread in the Passover meal represented the Lamb (see comments on Mark) so the bread represented Jesus in His death; it didn't become His DNA any more than the bread became lamb chops. If you want to be a wooden literalist (someone who believes that Jesus became a piece of wood hanging on two hinges when He said “I am the door” -Jn 10:7-9) then the cup becomes Christ's blood, not the wine in it (actually the cup would have to become a new covenant, whatever that's made of).
• The blood, representing the death of Christ, allows the will/testament, of the one who died, to go into effect, the terms of which specify who gets what and when, or under what conditions. For the conditions of the New Covenant, see comments on Jeremiah 31:31.

We'll revisit the topic in 1Corinthians 11. John records the meal and conversation/discourse in the Upper Room, but not the bread and wine part.

22:24-30 Jesus provides a model of one who is greater because of His humble service of the needs of others. As a reward, He confers on them a kingdom, so they will eat and drink with Him in His Millennial Kingdom, and would rule the twelve tribes of Israel. In light of the dozens of promises of the Messiah ruling over a regathered Israel in the literal land of Israel, this is a good time to be literal.

22:31-38 The prediction of Pebble Pete's denial has the unique reference to Satan's request to put him in a sieve and shake him. Jesus said He prayed that Peter's faith wouldn't fail, but it would get dented. After he turned back (from denying Christ), Jesus wanted him to strengthen his brothers (whose faith in God's ability to protect them also took a hit). Luke also adds the unique material about lacking nothing the first time Jesus sent them out, even though they took no provisions. Things would change, and even a sword would be necessary for defense.

22:39-53 Luke's account in the Garden adds the angel strengthening, the sweat like blood, indicating extreme agony, and Jesus healing the severed ear. Even this miracle didn't deter the establishment from their dark deeds. Note Satan's hoof print in the “power of darkness” saying. See comments on Matthew 26, especially for Jesus' Groaning in the Garden. Jesus had warned them in the previous chapters of the importance of watching and praying, and the failure to do that resulted in succumbing to temptation, as the next section indicates.

22:54-62 Luke adds that Jesus could see Peter's denials. See Matthew 26 for comments.

22:63-71 As they abuse and question Jesus, they ask if He is the Christ/Messiah. He says that they won't believe it if He tells them (because they really only wanted an accusation to eliminate Him). He mentions that they will see Him seated at the right hand of God, in the position of ruler and judge. They ask if He is the Son of God, and He acknowledges that they have spoken the truth. Of course they use that as a basis for their condemnation of Him.

Application: It's not just enough to want to do God's will, we must ingrain into our soul the correct responses to temptation, or we will succumb to it. See Reprogramming Your Robot in TOYL and on Truthbase.net for help with spiritual Kung-fu.

Prayer: Lord, help me develop the defenses necessary to be loyal to You when the tempter attacks; help me turn back to You immediately whenever I fail. Thanks for your power and mercy. Amen.

Luke 23 The Just Suffered for the Unjust

23:1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king." 3 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "So you say." 4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no basis for a charge against this man." 5 But they insisted, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place." 6 But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9 He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11 Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

13 Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. 15 Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore chastise him and release him." 
17 Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. 18 But they all cried out together, saying, "Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!"— 19 one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder. 20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, 21 but they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify him!" 22 He said to them the third time, "Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him." 23 But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. 24 Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done. 25 He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.

26 When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus. 27 A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?"

32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing." Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. 35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!" 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." 39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." 43 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, he breathed his last. 47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man." 48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. 49 All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

50 Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for the Kingdom of God: 52 this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 He took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 54 It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 55 The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. 56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Observations: 23:1-25 Luke makes it clear that Jesus was innocent, from the lies His accusers uttered to refusal of both Herod to condemn Him, and Pilate's declarations that He was innocent. But evil people don't want to be confused with the truth, so mob rule prevailed over good government, and a murder was released and the Messiah was crucified. See the accounts in Matthew 27 for comments on the mockery of a trial, and the mocking of Jesus.

23:26-43 Luke alone records Jesus' interchange with the women and the criminals, the trilingual nature of the inscription, and Jesus' request for the Father to forgive them. The women shouldn't mourn for Him, but for the destruction that would come upon Jerusalem for their rejection. If this is the unjust state of affairs now (green tree) what will happen in the future (dry tree). It would be better to have the mountains fall on them and end their misery. The “righteous” criminal acknowledges the justice of his sentence for his sins, and the Messiahship of Jesus. He expresses a faith in Christ's coming Kingdom, and Jesus assures him that he will be with Him that day in Paradise (What! No Baptism?). The two other occurrences of Paradise (2Cor 12:4; Rev 2:7), a Persian word for an enclosed garden, indicate that it is a wonderful place that is up in the heavens, not under the earth. Apparently Jesus' spirit went directly to heaven (23:46), while His body stayed on earth for the prophesied three days (part of a day equals a day). Jesus' request that the Father forgive those who did not know what they were doing, would be more appropriately applied to the Roman soldiers, than those who deliberately plotted and lied to bring about His death. It occurs in-between the acto of crucifying and that of casting lots for His garments, both acts were done only by the soldiers. The establishment was very aware of what they were doing in removing a threat to their temporal power. They might not have understood that they were doing the will of the power of darkness (22:53).

23:44-56 See comments on the parallel accounts in Matthew 27 and Mark 15. Luke doesn't record Jesus quoting Psalm 22, but does add His verbal commitment of His spirit to the Father. In all three synoptic accounts, the centurion testifies to the righteous identity of the Son of God. Luke adds that the multitudes went home mourning; perhaps the darkness and torn temple curtain had some influence on them.

Luke tells us that Joseph of Arimathaea, was a good and righteous man, and had not consented to Jesus' death, even though He was a member of the counsel. He was waiting for the Kingdom which God had promised in the OT (and up until this point was a secret disciple of Jesus -Jn 19:38). He asked Pilate for the body and put it in his own tomb (Mt 27:60) appropriate for a Man who had died on his behalf. John tells us that Nicodemus also helped, supplying burial spices.

Application: Like the criminal on the cross, it's never too late to acknowledge sin and express faith in God's revelation; God graciously pardons on the basis of Christ's death.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for following the Father's will and paying the penalty for my sin; may I be willing to pay the same cost to fulfill the Father's will for my life. Amen.

Luke 24 Resurrection, Revelation, and Reason

24:1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They entered in, and didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body. 4 It happened, while they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 5 Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. They said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?" 8 They remembered his words, 9 returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11 These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, "What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?" 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?" 19 He said to them, "What things?" They said to him, "The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him." 25 He said to them, "Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?" 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 They drew near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further. 29 They urged him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over." He went in to stay with them. 30 It happened, that when he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said one to another, "Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?" 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you." 37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 44 He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high."

50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 It happened, while he blessed them, that he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52 They worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.

Observations: 24:1-12 The faithful women who had supported Jesus in His ministry (8:2-3) discover the empty tomb. One of the angels gently reproves them for seeking the living among the dead, and reminds them of Jesus' words. They rush to tell the disciples, who don't believe them (just like Jesus said about the establishment -22:67). Remember how they had trouble shifting their paradigm, crafted from experience, to accommodate Revelation, and arrive at the truth (comments on 18:34)? Peter runs to check things out, sees the facts, and the linen lying there (obviously not the work of robbers or body snatchers) and goes home wondering. John tell us that he himself saw the same evidence and believed (Jn 20:8). I wonder if the guilt from Peter's denial clouded his thinking.

24:13-35 Jesus' encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus occupies more space than does His appearance to the eleven (sans Judas). As good disciples do, they were talking about Jesus as they walked. Jesus prevents them from recognizing Him so He can build the revelational basis of their understanding. They failed to rearrange their paradigm based upon the Scriptures. Jesus rebukes them for being slow of heart to believe in all the prophets have spoken. It wasn't just a matter of mind, but of the will believing the facts, because the facts conflicted with their experience and prejudices. They had hope that Jesus would redeem the nation (21:28) from political oppression. Jesus shows them that the OT taught that Jesus would have to suffer first, before He entered/possessed His glory. He gave them a quick overview of Messianic prophecy to establish the Biblical basis for understanding the facts. He didn't want their faith to be based just upon experience, because perceptual filters are frequently faulty (see sidebar, “How do you know what's true?”). Accepting their hospitality, He took bread, blessed, broke bread with them. Then they recognized Him, as they had seen that done before. They might also have been at the Passover or the miraculous feedings of the multitudes. They hurried to tell the apostles and mention that Jesus had appeared to Simon (the only place this is recorded). Perhaps Simon hadn't told them for the same reasons he had trouble believing.

24:36 As Cleopas and friend relate what happened, Jesus Himself appears and pronounces peace upon them (cf. 2:14). He convinces them that He is real, and then builds the revelational basis for their belief in Him, from the Scriptures (opening their minds/causing them to understand). All things concerning the Messiah must be fulfilled, which would include the future promises of His Kingdom and glory (1Pt 1:11). None of those would be left unfulfilled, but just as He had to suffer and die, so He would judge and rule over a regathered Israel, in Jerusalem (Millennial Kingdom).

Jesus then gives the the Lucan Commission, preaching repentance and remission of sins to all nations, beginning in Jerusalem (see comments on the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20). However, Jesus tells them to wait for the promised Holy Spirit whom He would send (Acts 2), and relates that to being clothed with power from on high (Holy Spirit = power). Leading them out of the city, He blesses them and is taken up to heaven. In joy they returned to Jerusalem blessing God.

Application: Jesus wants people to understand Him from the Scriptures, not just experience. Those who don't grasp revelation and reason rarely grasp the truth.

Prayer: Lord thanks that You are comprehensible and that belief in You is more reasonable than unbelief; help me believe You for all that has been revealed and promised, so that Your purposes may be accomplished in my life and in those around me. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God allows His choicest servants to suffer loss (Jesus) and defeat (Peter), but does so to accomplish greater purposes. He accepted Christ death as the means of reconciling man to Himself, as symbolized by the ripping of the curtain separating man and God, from top to bottom.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus submits to injustice and deliberately lays down His life to accomplish the Father's will. He doesn't get bitter at ill-treatment (heals the ear and asks the Father to forgive those who crucify Him). He will come back to fulfill all that was written about the Messiah in the OT, none of it will pass away. He gives instruction to the disciples to equip them for the ministry they will have in the future, and promises to send the Holy Spirit of power.

Us in a nutshell: The best of intentions can fail us, unless we have built our lives upon the truth and ingrained that truth into the fabric of our souls (mind/will/emotions), we will stumble. But failure isn't final, unless we quit. We have difficulty believing Jesus when we've sinned, but it's good to know He's praying for us and will use us if we return to following Him. Faithful servants will party with Jesus for a thousand years and beyond.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Luke complete text

Luke 22

22:1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near. 2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people. 3 Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve. 4 He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them. 5 They were glad, and agreed to give him money. 6 He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.

7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. 8 He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat." 9 They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?" 10 He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 11 Tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"’ 12 He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there." 13 They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover. 14 When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles. 15 He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God." 17 He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves, 18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes." 19 He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me." 20 Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. 22 The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!" 23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest. 25 He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called ‘benefactors.’ 26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves. 27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn’t it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves. 28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials. 29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me, 30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel." 31 The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat, 32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn’t fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers." 33 He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!" 34 He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times." 35 He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing." 36 Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword. 37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’ For that which concerns me has an end." 38 They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." He said to them, "That is enough."

39 He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. 40 When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don’t enter into temptation." 41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw, and he knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done." 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44 Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground. 45 When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief, 46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

47 While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him. 48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?" 49 When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?" 50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this"—and he touched his ear, and healed him. 52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn’t stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

54 They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance. 55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them. 56 A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him." 57 He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don’t know him." 58 After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!" 59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!" 60 But Peter said, "Man, I don’t know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61 The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times." 62 He went out, and wept bitterly.

63 The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him. 64 Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?" 65 They spoke many other things against him, insulting him. 66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying, 67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won’t believe, 68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go. 69 From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God." 70 They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am." 71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!"

Luke 23

23:1 The whole company of them rose up and brought him before Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him, saying, "We found this man perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king." 3 Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?" He answered him, "So you say." 4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no basis for a charge against this man." 5 But they insisted, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place." 6 But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7 When he found out that he was in Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. 8 Now when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had wanted to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him. He hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9 He questioned him with many words, but he gave no answers. 10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing him. 11 Herod with his soldiers humiliated him and mocked him. Dressing him in luxurious clothing, they sent him back to Pilate. 12 Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

13 Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 and said to them, "You brought this man to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined him before you, and found no basis for a charge against this man concerning those things of which you accuse him. 15 Neither has Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by him. 16 I will therefore chastise him and release him." 17 Now he had to release one prisoner to them at the feast. 18 But they all cried out together, saying, "Away with this man! Release to us Barabbas!"— 19 one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder. 20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus, 21 but they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify him!" 22 He said to them the third time, "Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no capital crime in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him." 23 But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that he might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed. 24 Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done. 25 He released him who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but he delivered Jesus up to their will.

26 When they led him away, they grabbed one Simon of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it after Jesus. 27 A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?"

32 There were also others, two criminals, led with him to be put to death. 33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing." Dividing his garments among them, they cast lots. 35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at him, saying, "He saved others. Let him save himself, if this is the Christ of God, his chosen one!" 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming to him and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, "If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!" 38 An inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS." 39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted him, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!" 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, "Don’t you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong." 42 He said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your Kingdom." 43 Jesus said to him, "Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour. 45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, he breathed his last. 47 When the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man." 48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts. 49 All his acquaintances, and the women who followed with him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

50 Behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man 51 (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for the Kingdom of God: 52 this man went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus’ body. 53 He took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 54 It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near. 55 The women, who had come with him out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. 56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Luke 24

24:1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3 They entered in, and didn’t find the Lord Jesus’ body. 4 It happened, while they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling clothing. 5 Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. They said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6 He isn’t here, but is risen. Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 7 saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?" 8 They remembered his words, 9 returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest. 10 Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James. The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11 These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn’t believe them. 12 But Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he departed to his home, wondering what had happened.

13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem. 14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened. 15 It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus himself came near, and went with them. 16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17 He said to them, "What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?" 18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn’t know the things which have happened there in these days?" 19 He said to them, "What things?" They said to him, "The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. 21 But we were hoping that it was he who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened. 22 Also, certain women of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb; 23 and when they didn’t find his body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. 24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the women had said, but they didn’t see him." 25 He said to them, "Foolish men, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26 Didn’t the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into his glory?" 27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 They drew near to the village, where they were going, and he acted like he would go further. 29 They urged him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over." He went in to stay with them. 30 It happened, that when he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, he gave to them. 31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32 They said one to another, "Weren’t our hearts burning within us, while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?" 33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them, 34 saying, "The Lord is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" 35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how he was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Jesus himself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you." 37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 He said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones, as you see that I have." 40 When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 While they still didn’t believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?" 42 They gave him a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb. 43 He took them, and ate in front of them. 44 He said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled." 45 Then he opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures. 46 He said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 Behold, I send forth the promise of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high."

50 He led them out as far as Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. 51 It happened, while he blessed them, that he withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven. 52 They worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.