Day 327

J. Book of 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus) ~ cont.

2. Pattern for a prosperous church ~ cont.

l. Closing instructions and greetings - 1 Corinthians 16:1-24

K. Paul travels from Ephesus to Macedonia, leaves Timothy - 1 Timothy 1:3; Acts 20:1

L. Book of 2 Corinthians (from Macedonia)

1. Motive for Paul's ministry

a. Paul's comfort - 2 Corinthians 1:1-24

b. Discipline recommended - 2 Corinthians 2:1-13

c. Triumphant ministry declared - 2 Corinthians 2:14-17; 3:1-18

I have ALWAYS enjoyed this verse - I know, I know, I have so many, but this one, well, raising sons, I never raised them to be boys, but rather men.  This verse seemed to reflect what I was trying to instill in them.


Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.  (1 Corinthians 16:13)


Gill's commentary is VERY good - however, lengthy - great exhortation.  Really, worth the time and effort to read.


watch - G1127 - From G1453; to keep awake, that is, watch (literally or figuratively).


stand fast - G4739 - From the perfect tense of G2476; to be stationary, that is, (figuratively) to persevere.


faith - G4102 - From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself.


quit you like men - G407 - Middle voice from G435; to act manly.


strong - G2901 - From G2900; to empower, that is, (passively) increase in vigor.


Poole's commentary - Watch ye: watching, in its usual acceptation signifieth a forbearing of sleep; and that in order to some end.  Sin is set out under the notion of sleep, Ephesians 5:14; so that spiritual watching signifies a diligent abstaining from sin, and from whatsoever may be to us a temptation to sin against God in order to the perfecting of holiness, and the obtaining of life and immortality.  Stand fast in the faith: be steady in the profession of the truth and holding close to the doctrine of faith.  Quit you like men, be strong: you are as soldiers fighting against the world, the flesh, and the devil; do not behave yourselves like children, whom the least opposition will terrify and throw down; but like men, with a spiritual courage and fortitude, becoming such who have so good a Captain, and so good a cause.


All of which made me think of this:  '...having done all to stand(2476), stand (2476) therefore...'  (Ephesians 6:13b, 14a)


And because we can all use the exhortation:



Ephesians 6:12-18  For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.  

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:  

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Have you put your armor on today?  Are you prepared for the battle?  Are you giving any place to the enemy?

For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savor of death ; and to the other the savor of life unto life.  And who is sufficient for these things?  (2 Corinthians 2:15-16)

Poole's commentary (v16):  As sweet smells, which are to some pleasant and comfortable, are to others pernicious and deadly; so it is with the sweet savor of the gospel.  The report which we in all places make of Christ, to some, through their unbelief and hardness of heart, and fondness of their lusts, proveth but the savor of death unto death, hardening their hearts to their eternal ruin and destruction; but to such who, being ordained to eternal life, believe our reports, and embrace the gospel, and live up to the precepts and rule of it, our preaching proves a cause of spiritual and of eternal life, to which that leadeth. 

How do you smell Bride?  Is

 there any distinguishing scent?  Father when You dispatch Your son to claim His bride, what will He find?  O Father you state in Your word, that she is to be presented to Him having no spot or wrinkle, holy without blemish.  Lord, she is not ready, she is too conformed to this world.  Father Your word states that judgment must begin at Your house.  Father, as painful and heart rending as it may be, let the cleansing begin.

Day 326

J. Book of 1 Corinthians (from Ephesus) ~ cont.

2. Pattern for a prosperous church ~ cont.

h. Importance of love - 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

i. Tongues and prophesying - 1 Corinthians 14:1-40

j. The gospel declared - 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

k. The resurrection - 1 Corinthians 15:8-58


I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:5)


prophesied/prophesieth - G4395 - From G4396; to foretell events, divine, speak under inspiration, exercise the prophetic office.  G4396 - From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet.


church - G1577 - From a compound of G1537 and a derivative of G2564; a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both).


Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that you are mad? But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his own heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. 
(1 Corinthians 14:22-25)


This passage seems contradictory to me - tongues are a sign for unbelievers (22) yet the next verse (23) seems to indicate that unbelievers would consider someone speaking in tongues as mad (G3105 - rave as a maniac).


Then verse 22 states prophesying is for them which believe, yet in verses 24 and 25 it appears that it is to convict the unbeliever.


Gill's commentary on the passage is well worth the time to read (too lengthy to quote) - the part I found most interesting was in reference to verse 25 - if I have internalized it properly - that when the Word is rightly divided someone sitting under the teaching can and will be convicted. The Word being taught, no knowledge by that person giving forth, the message is used by God to convict of sin and bring to repentance.


The passage is speaking about unbelievers, but also unlearned.


unbelievers - G571 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G4103; (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing).


unlearned - G2399 - From G2398; a private person, that is, (by implication) an ignoramus (compare “idiot”).


God's Word, rightly divided should be an edification for and to all.  Not only to those who are in need of HIS saving grace, but more importantly for the warriors who battle (or should) daily, contending for the faith.


How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you have a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation.  Let all things be done to edifying. (1 Corinthians 14:26)


Again Gill's commentary is an encouragement for those who are gifted in these areas to be used, not for vanities sake, but for the edification of the saints.


Wherefore brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.  (1 Corinthians 14:39)


covet? - G2206 - From G2205; to have warmth of feeling for or against. G2205 - From G2204; properly heat, that is, (figuratively) “zeal” (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband [figuratively of God], or an enemy, malice). G2204 - A primary verb; to be hot (boil, of liquids; or glow, of solids), that is, (figuratively) be fervid (earnest).


There are 2 distinct camps regarding spiritual gifts one says they are for today, others that they have passed away with the 1st century church.  I realize there are some major abuses of the gifts. The name it, claim in crowd is one example of extreme abuse, done solely for the purpose of building up a person or ministry.


That said, I do not see how the church can deny that Paul was very specific about the need for fervency in the manifestation of these gifts.  If he admonishes us to covet them, how then can they have passed away?


Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.  (1 Corinthians 15:33)


deceived - G4105 - From G4106; to (properly cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue).


evil - G2556 - Apparently a primary word; worthless (intrinsically such; whereas G4190 properly refers to effects), that is, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious.


communications - G3657 - From G3658; companionship (“homily”), that is, (by implication) intercourse.


corrupt - G5351 - Probably strengthened from φθίω phthiō (to pine or waste): properly to shrivel or wither, that is, to spoil (by any process) or (genitive) to ruin (especially figuratively by moral influences, to deprave).


good - G5543 - From G5530; employed, that is, (by implication) useful (in manner or morals).


manners - G2239 - A strengthened form of G1485; usage, that is, (plural) moral habits.


This is in reference to those who deny resurrection.  However, it would behoove the Bride to look at it in light of how much the world influences her.  We (whether we agree with or to it) are impacted by what we read, watch and participate.  We become desensitized to the evil promoted in the culture.  If Father admonishes us to be set apart and holy, how diligently are we to obey?

Day 317

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter ~ cont.

A. First records the early church at Jerusalem ~ cont.

6. Growth of church under Peter's ministry ~ cont.

c. Church established at Antioch

(1) Early days - Acts 11:19-24

(2) Paul visits - Acts 11:25-30

d. James killed (son of Zebedee) - Acts 12:1-2

B. Book of James (brother of Jesus)

1. Temptations try faith - James 1:1-27

2. True faith will perform good works - James 2:1-26; 3:1-18

"And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord."  (Acts 11:21)


believed - G4100 - From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ).


turned - G1994 - From G1909 and G4762; to revert (literally, figuratively or morally).


Gill's commentary:  and a great number believed; not the Gospel only, but in Christ preached in it, Acts 11:20 which was not owing to the force of moral persuasion in the ministers, nor to the power of free will in the people, but to the hand or power of the Lord; for the work of faith is not a work of man's will, but of God's almighty power and grace; and when that is displayed, multitudes believe in Christ for righteousness and life: and turned to the Lord; and obeyed his commands; see Psa_119:59 as a fruit, effect, and consequence of believing in Christ; for not first conversion is here intended, which is not man's work, but God's, and in which God is the agent, and man is passive; but obedience to the ordinances of Christ, as the fruit of faith, is meant.


Because this believed/baptized issue is tickling my mind...I went back to some of the scriptures which specifically stated believed and/or baptized.

Mar 16:16  He that believeth (G4100) and (G2532) is baptized (G907) shall be saved; (G4982) but (G1161) he that believeth not (G569) shall be damned. (G2632)

Acts 8:12- believed and baptized

Gill's commentary:  they were baptized, both men and women: that is, when, they heard Philip preach the Gospel, and believed in Christ, the sum and substance of it, and made a profession of faith, they were of each sex, both men and women, baptized by immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ.

Believe?  believeth?  believed?  What is the difference?  Is there any difference?  How many different words are there that are translated believe (or some variation)?


Quite a few - :-)
G544 - From G545; to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely).  - Used 16x - translated as: not believing, believe not, disobedient, unbelieving, not obey, obey not.


G569 - From G571; to be unbelieving, that is, (transitively) disbelieve, or (by implication) disobey. - Used 7x - translated as: believed not, not believed.


G571 - From G1 (as a negative particle) and G4103; (actively) disbelieving, that is, without Christian faith (specifically a heathen); (passively) untrustworthy (person), or incredible (thing). - Used 23x - translated as: faithless, unbelievers, incredible (thing), believeth not, unbelieving, believe not, infidel.


G3982 - A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively to assent (to evidence or authority), to rely (by inward certainty). - Used 55x - (Strong's word list) - agree, assure, believe, have confidence, be (wax) content, make friend, obey, persuade, trust, yield.


G4100 - From G4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ).  Used 248x - (Strong's word list) - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.


G4102 - From G3982; persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself. - Used 244x - (Strong's word list) - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.


G4103 - From G3982; objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful.  - Used 68x (Strong's word list) - believe (-ing, -r), faithful (-ly), sure, true.


G4135 - From G4134 and G5409; to carry out fully (in evidence), that is, completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish.  - Used 5x - translated as: believed, persuaded, proof, fully known.


G4168 - Neuter of a presumed derivative of G4167; a flock, that is, (figuratively) group (of believers).  - Used 5x - translated as: flock.


I (laughing at myself) thought, prior to searching, that I would include all the Scriptural references...obviously there are quite a few.  There are numerous resources online that allow you to search for words, phrases, definitions, etc.  My favorite program is E-Sword, which you can download for free here.  I enjoy this program primarily because it is 'on' my computer which means I don't need internet access.  One site that I have used to link to commentaries and is liked by many is Blue Letter Bible.  I think I have used either this one, Bible Study Tools or this one, Bible Com as well.


I encourage all to avail yourselves of any and all study resources that are available.  A Strong's concordance is a MUST - especially if you want to know what the words mean, where they are used, etc. etc.  Next would be some sound commentaries - I tend to prefer Matthew Poole, John Gill and Matthew Henry.


The main exhortation - read the Word, be instant in season and out, search the Scriptures daily, study to show yourself approved.  We all want to hear, well done thou good and faithful servant when we stand before our Lord.  How will we know what HE wants if we spend not time with Him?

Day 316

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter ~ cont.

A. First records the early church at Jerusalem ~ cont.

4. Tiberius, Emperor, dies - A.D. March 15, 37
5. Conversion of Saul (Paul)
a. Christians persecuted - Acts 9:1-2
b. Paul converted - Acts 9:3-25
c. Paul grows in grace - Galatians 1:17
d. Paul visits Jerusalem - Galatians 1:18-19; Acts 9:26-31
6. Growth of church under Peter's ministry
a. Miracles performed - Acts 9:32-43
b. Cornelius (gentile) hears gospel - Acts 10:1-48; 11:1-18


"And he (Saul) trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" (Acts 9:6a)


trembling - G5141 - Strengthened from a primary word τρέω treō (to “dread”, “terrify”); to “tremble” or fear.


astonished - G2284 -From G2285; to stupefy (with surprise), that is, astound.


No ifs, ands or buts.  Tell me what to do, I will do it.  I recently found a quote from Corrie ten Boom, "Don't bother to give God instructions; just report for duty."


I remember my conversion, not the actual date or time, but the month, where I was, exactly what happened.  I do not remember trembling - I do remember being thoroughly astonished.  What an exhortation Paul is...he continued to carry that zestful spirit post-conversion.  Far too many people, well, they settle.  I remember someone telling me that once I had been a Christian for a while, I would settle down; and thinking, NO WAY.


I want to be ON FIRE, always and continually.  O that the Bride of Christ would recapture that fervency, that turn the world upside down mentality.  Lord, stir up Your gift which You have placed within us, cause us to be bold, fervent, full of the Spirit, speaking forth Your word without fear or care of offending.


God tells Ananias that Paul is a chosen vessel (Acts 9:15) - Paul was most definitely NOT looking for the Lord, he thought he already 'had' his God, his religion.  He was out to make sure others were not polluting the 'true religion.'  What an awesome testimony of how even when we think we are 'saved' by some religious checklist, if we are His, He will cause us to see and hear Him.


Cornelius, a centurion (captain of 100 men), devout (well reverent, pious), feared (awe, revere) God, gave alms (compassionateness) to the people, prayed (beg, petition) to God.


Sees in a vision and receives instruction to send for Peter - Peter lodging with Simon the tanner.  Peter up on the housetop to pray, falls into a trance and sees a sheet let down from heaven, containing all manner of beasts, creeping things and fowls and is told to rise, kill and eat.  Peter resists, a good Jew, keeping the Law does not eat unclean animals.


Out of curiosity I googled clean and unclean animals and came up with several articles.  The one listed was streamlined.  This is not an area I have extensively researched and know people on both sides of the aisle - some very emphatic about their position - and will leave it to the reader and God to work out.  Obviously Peter, being sent to the Gentiles, was going to encounter some alternate food practices and Father did not want him turning his nose up.  In fact, later on Paul has to rebuke Peter for having an attitude about eating with the Gentiles.


Jesus, upon sending out the 70 tells them to eat what is set before them.  Later in Corinthians believers are encouraged to eat, but to be cautious of offending the conscience of others.


Peter goes, preaches to Cornelius and the Holy Ghost is poured out...those who are regenerated speak with other tongues, magnifying God.  Then they are baptized.


Peter returns to Jerusalem and has to contend with those of the circumcision - and he recounts all that transpired - ending with:


"Then remembered I the word of the Lord , how that the said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.  Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?" (Acts 11:17-18)


Thus they glorified God and said, "Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life." (Acts 11:18).


Amen!

Day 313

XVII The Ministries of Paul and Peter
A. First records the early church at Jerusalem
1. From the resurrection to Pentecost - Acts 1:1-26
2. Pentecost and the first church - Acts 2:1-47
3. Power and persecution of early church
a. Peter's second sermon - Acts 3:1-26


I love this portion of scripture:



Act 3:2-10  And a certain man lame from his mother's womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms of them that entered into the temple; Who seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple asked an alms. And Peter, fastening his eyes upon him with John, said, Look on us. 

And he gave heed unto them, expecting to receive something of them. 

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. 

 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 

 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God. 

And all the people saw him walking and praising God: 

And they knew that it was he which sat for alms at the Beautiful gate of the temple: and they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto him. 

I've broken my right leg twice {hey, if you're not living life on the edge, you are taking up WAY too much space!  :-)}  - without a miracle there is no way, and I mean no way, one up and walks.  This man was lame from his mother's womb.  He hadn't even had the privilege of having learned to walk the first time.  No memory to sustain or encourage him.

Typically when you learn to 're-walk' it takes time - everyone is different - but I can guarantee you that once you do, you are not leaping or walking normally.  All the man's muscles were atrophied - to perform this feat is mind boggling.

When you walk again - normally you can't even place your foot flat on the ground - the muscles have to be st-st-stretched and stretched some more.  You take steps but, you're not walking, you're hobbling around, partially dragging your leg along with you.  Trying to make 'it' remember what it means to put one foot in front of the other.  Gimp, gimp, gimp along.

Can we even grasp, in a small, teeny, tiny way the magnitude of what it means when the scripture states, 'he leaping up stood?'  When you have one leg that does not function or is healing you can (trust me I know) accomplish a LOT with the other.  Not with 2 legs which have never stood, leaped, walked.  Never.  Not without the power of God Almighty healing and infusing.

Peter states - verse 16  - And his name through faith in his name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by him hath given him this perfect soundness it the presence of you all.

I so want to make a y'all comment - but will refrain myself.  Perfect soundness.  Was that only physical?  Or did that mean on all levels?

E-sword to the rescue.

Perfect soundness - G3647 - From G3648; integrity, that is, physical wholeness.

G3648 - From G3650 and G2819; complete in every part, that is, perfectly sound (in body).

Okay, that did not answer my question.  Hmmm...commentaries?  Gill, Henry and Poole were similar in stating the man was obviously physically healed, that the miracle was done publicly and that the man was known to the people there.  That Peter and John did not know him previously and this was not some sleight of hand.

This is from Jamieson, Fossett and Brown - his name, through faith in his name, hath made this man strong, etc. — With what skill does the apostle use the miracle both to glorify his ascended Lord and bring the guilt of His blood more resistlessly home to his audience!


I didn't get my original question answered, yet.  :-)  Moving along, I found the remainder of the text interesting - specifically verse 24:  "Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days."


Someone recently posted a comment (not here) relating a question asked of them, "Are you a New Testament Christian or an Old Testament Christian?"  The person's response was that the Bible is entire, complete.  They provided a link to the article Thoughts on Evangelical Neglect of the Old Testament.  Link to it here:  OT


There seems to be a great need within the Bride to grasp, understand, and learn about her heritage.  That the OT is in the NT revealed, the NT in the OT concealed.  We, as the Bride, for the most part, are quite deficient in our knowledge of the OT.  The apostles would have grasped the magnitude of all that had just taken place within the last 50 days.


Passover - (yeah, I'm gonna make another dig on this one) NOT easter - the pagan fertility goddess.  She or some of her little henchettes didn't die and shed blood for you so that DEATH could PASS OVER you.  The nation of Israel did this yearly, in remembrance of the first PASS OVER, when the angel of death went throughout Egypt killing all the first born.


Jesus fulfilled the requirements for PASSOVER - 1 feast down - 6 more to go.


Then came Feast of Unleavened Bread - is the day following Passover - unleavened = w/out sin - Jesus was w/out sin.  2 down - 5 more.


Then the Feast of First Fruits - Jesus is the first fruit of resurrection from the dead.  Waiting on the remainder.  3 down - 4 to go.


Then...Pentecost - according to one site, if I have read it correctly, states that the Israelites when they came out of Egypt traveled to the foot of Mount Sinai and there 'heard' G-d give the 10 commandments.  I don't remember hearing the connection between Pentecost and that before, another interesting thought.  For the New Covenant believers they were given the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.  Poured out, filling them.


I was kinda whipping through the first 4 pretty quickly - I've studied them out - researched - but hadn't really taken the time to grasp some of the magnitude of what Pentecost was for the Israelites out in the desert and then to compare it to what Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for...and to even BEGIN to ponder the significance for the Bride today.


The Israelites HEARD God speak - said they would obey - I liked a portion of one site - how it relates to a person coming out of Egypt and being made cognizant of their sin and Father whetting our appetite for HIS word.


Here is the portion to which I am referring:
"The believer inYeshua spiritually experiences Shavuot (Pentecost) when the Holy Spirit of G-d (Ruach HaKodesh) reveals the Word of G-d to him in a deeper and more powerful way, and his understanding and desire for the Bible increases accordingly."


Here is the link for the article above:  Biblical Feasts Here is the link for a graphic:  Feasts Graphic and one more site I reviewed: Jesus Fulfilling Feasts

Lord that Your Bride would grasp the magnitude of Your word revealed to us - that we would embrace and allow it to infuse us in such a way that we turn the world up side down, just as our brethren before us were accused of doing.  Lord, grant Your Bride to be cleansed from her harlotry with the world, to turn from the fleeting pleasures of this life, to look fully upon You, to desire to hide Your word in her heart, to go forth and proclaim Your truth to all peoples and nations.  O Lord, revive and fill us.  Create a rich depth of understanding of Your Word in our hearts and minds, overflowing us, and spilling out and touching the lives of those who are lost, hurt and perishing.