“So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house…” (Acts 2:46)
The temple! House to house! Is this scripture a matter of confusion? Consider the remainder of this post to find out.
Consider the opening and closing words of God to the Israelites, as they are recorded in the Book of Leviticus. Notice that the words of God in Leviticus are directed to the children of Israel. Notice that the first and last words of the Book of Leviticus are directed to the Israelites. Scriptures are from the New King James Version. Notes are from BibleGateway.com, MacArthur Study Bible notes.
Leviticus 23:1-2 New King James Version (NKJV)
1 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘The feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, these are My feasts.
Leviticus 27:34 New King James Version (NKJV)
34 These are the commandments which the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.
The Jews are God’s chosen people. There can be some misunderstanding of that choice of our Father. Consider the following two verses that relate to the purpose that God had in His choosing Israel.
Deuteronomy 7:6 New King James Version (NKJV)
6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
God chose a people to bring the Messiah into the world. One Messiah could not have been birthed by more than one mother. It was God’s choice for Mary, a Jewess, to birth our Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus.
John 4:22 New King James Version (NKJV)
22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.
It was from the Jews, and none other than the Jews, that the the Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus would be born to be the Savior of the world.
The purpose of this post is to explain why there is significance in relating the body of Christ to the Feasts Of God, especially those feasts that take place during the month of October, 2016. It is clear that the same feasts don’t necessarily occur each year on the same date as the previous year. Still, as in the example of the Passover, that feast relates to the time when the Jews were delivered by God from the bondage of their enslavement in Egypt. It is not necessary for an event to occur on any particular month, or day of that month, for the remembrance to be valid. It is similar to the date that Christians relate to the birth of the Messiah, Yeshua/Jesus. We, not all of us, but many of us, use December 25th to remember the birth of Yeshua/ Jesus.
The feasts of the Lord were given to the Israelites. Each year Jews, and some Christians, will celebrate the feasts of the Lord. Christians, those who are born again believers in Christ, will receive a rich spiritual blessing, and a great learning experience, by studying and participating in the feasts of the Lord. Consider the information that is contained in the following linked article that discusses “The Lord’s Appointed Times.” Also, consider the information that follows the link that relates to the Feasts Of God.
The Bible refers to the Tabernacle as the Ohel Mo’ed (אהל מעד), a term that our English Bibles translate as “Tent of Meeting.” The word mo’ed can refer to an appointed time or place. The Tabernacle was God’s appointed place to meet with man at His appointed times. Leviticus 23 presents a list of God’s appointed times (mo’adim, מעדים). They are the holy days which God appointed to meet with His people, Israel.
Dates of major and minor Jewish holidays for Hebrew Year 5777. Each holiday page includes a brief overview of special observances and customs, and any special Torah readings.
Three feasts of the Lord that Jewish males were required to attend: Exodus 23:14-17; Deuteronomy 16:16-17. (Feast of Unleavened Bread; Weeks; and Booths/Tabernacles)
All holidays begin at sundown on the evening before the date specified, in the tables below. For example, if the dates for Rosh Hashana were listed as Oct 3-4, then the holiday begins at sundown on Oct 2 and ends at nightfall on Oct 4.
Major holidays/Feasts
Holidays/Feasts begin at sundown on the evening before the date specified.
Dates in bold are yom tov, so they have similar obligations and restrictions to Shabbat in the sense that normal “work” is forbidden.
Holiday/Feast Dates Description
Rosh Hashana Oct 3-4, 2016 M‑Tu The Jewish New Year
Yom Kippur Oct 12, 2016 W Day of Atonement
Sukkot Oct 17-18, 2016 M‑Tu
Rosh Hashana / ראש השנה
Rosh Hashanah (Hebrew: ראש השנה), (literally “head of the year”), is the Jewish New Year. It is the first of the High Holidays or Yamim Noraim (“Days of Awe”), celebrated ten days before Yom Kippur. Rosh Hashanah is observed on the first two days of Tishrei, the seventh month of the Hebrew calendar. It is described in the Torah as יום תרועה (Yom Teru’ah, a day of sounding [the Shofar]).
Rosh Hashana begins at sundown on Sun, 02 October 2016.
Yom Kippur / יום כפור
Yom Kippur (Hebrew: יוֹם כִּפּוּר or יום הכיפורים), Also known as Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year for the Jews. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Jews traditionally observe this holy day with a 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services. Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days (or sometimes “the Days of Awe”).
Yom Kippur begins at sundown on Tue, 11 October 2016.
Sukkot / סוכות
Sukkot (Hebrew: סוכות or סֻכּוֹת, sukkōt, or sukkos, Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles) is a Biblical holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the month of Tishrei (late September to late October). It is one of the three biblically mandated festivals Shalosh regalim on which Jews were commanded to make a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem.
Sukkot begins at sundown on Sun, 16 October 2016.
Leviticus 23:33-43; Deuteronomy 16:16; Ezra 3:4; Nehemiah 8:13-18; John 7:2
It should be noted that “God’s Appointed Feasts” are contained in the Torah, which also contains the Ten Commandments. The Torah Laws (613 of them) are found in the books of Exodus through Deuteronomy, and were designed to make a holy and righteous people (the Jews) who would bring a Holy and Righteous Savior (Yeshua/Jesus) into the world. Consider the following verses that also relate to the special relationship that God chose to be a forever relationship between God and the Jews. Notice that the conversation that takes place is only between God and the children of Israel. It should be noted that at the time of the giving of the Law (appx 1491 BC), there were people who were also living as far east as the Asian Pacific coast. Also, there were people who were living in North and South America. Such a knowledge is important because obedience to the Law was immediate, from the day that it was given by God to the Jews. The people who lived in those faraway lands never knew anything about the Law. Also, the Jews were not seeking converts beyond their own borders. (See the link on population)
12 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Speak also to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Surely My Sabbaths you shall keep, for it is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
Exodus 31:16-18 New King James Version (NKJV) (Read this passage very carefully. There is more than one message.)
16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations as a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed.’”
18 And when He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God.
The Torah Laws Given To The Children Of Israel
Numbers 36:13 New King James Version (NKJV)
13 These are the commandments and the judgments which the Lord commanded the children of Israel by the hand of Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, across from Jericho.
Deuteronomy 1:1 New King James Version (NKJV)
1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel on this side of the Jordan in the wilderness, in the plain opposite Suph, between Paran, Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.
Many people are not aware of the severity of some of the 613 Torah commandments. To say that we are to keep the Torah Commandments is to say that we are to keep all of the 613 Torah commandments. Consider the following verse.
James 2:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
Consider the severity of the following verse; it is also part of the 613 Torah Commandments. Is this command being kept today by those who adhere to Torah?
Leviticus 7:2 New King James Version (NKJV)
2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering they shall kill the trespass offering. And its blood he shall sprinkle all around on the altar.
Check out the following link which tells more of the Torah Laws.
The Feasts And Law Forward (consider the Apostles)
Matthew 26:17 New King James Version (NKJV) Jesus Celebrates Passover With His Disciples/Apostles
17 Now on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?”
Matthew 26:29 New King James Version (NKJV) (Jesus looked ahead to the millennial kingdom when He would participate in the Passover again with His Apostles/Disciples. The Apostles would participate in the next feast of Passover which would take place in approximately a year from this one.)
29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.”
Even though the Apostles, and other Jews, became followers of “the risen Christ,” there is no reason to think that they made conscious decisions to discontinue observing the feasts. Consider the scriptures that they had been taught.
Leviticus 23:4 New King James Version (NKJV) (keep the feasts)
4 ‘These are the feasts of the Lord, holy convocations which you shall proclaim at their appointed times.
Acts 2:40-47 New King James Version (NKJV) The Apostle Peter had just finished preaching the first gospel message of the Christian dispensation. The new believers in Christ, as well as the Apostles, responded in two significant ways. 1. vs 46: they continued to meet in the temple. 2. vs 46: they met in their homes as new believers in Christ. A good friend of mine, who is a Jew who knows Yeshua/Jesus as His Lord and Savior, explained to me that the new converts would not have shown a lack of proper respect for their fellow Jews. Such feasts are mentioned in Luke’s writings of the book of Acts, as follows.
The Day Of Pentecost
40 And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 20:1-6 New King James Version (NKJV) Relate vs 6 to Lev 23:4
The Feast Of Unleavened Bread
1 After the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself, embraced them, and departed to go to Macedonia. 2 Now when he had gone over that region and encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece 3 and stayed three months. And when the Jews plotted against him as he was about to sail to Syria, he decided to return through Macedonia. 4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed away from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Consider The Feasts For Today (Jews and Non-Jews)
Jews: They will continue to celebrate the feasts (Lev 23:4)
Non-Jews: Let me share a personal experience. Until I participated in a Passover Seder, I had “no clue” as to its significance to the Messiah. But, during that seder, I saw Christ in the Passover very clearly. Many congregations will have someone, such as a Messianic Jew, to “demonstrate” the Passover to their members. But, being an observer is greatly lacking in the benefits that come from having someone “lead” a congregation in the observance of a Passover seder. A meal is included in a seder. Great fellowship is experienced. A “hands on” experience of God’s Word is realized. Let me encourage you to learn the feasts by participating in the “Feasts Of God.” Even though there is no scriptural directive for non-Jews to participate in the Feasts Of God, there are tremendous spiritual benefits from taking part in those feasts.
Closing
This series of posts on the Feasts Of The Lord can be found on the blog by clicking onto the following link and selecting category, and searching for “Journey.” This study is part of the journey that God’s people have traveled, and are traveling, as God leads them.
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This post is one of others that you can find in the blog under the category of “Journey.” There, you will be able to locate the Journey posts, which will appear in the order of their being published. If you click onto the following link you will be able to follow the blog and receive future posts automatically. Such an option is important for people who receive posts directly from me because, from time to time, email addresses are dropped from my list of contacts. Please follow this blog.
Eschatology is the study of the teachings of the Bible concerning the end times and the period of time dealing with the return of Christ, and includes such events as the Resurrection, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Binding of Satan, the Three witnesses, the Final Judgment, Armageddon and The New Heavens and the New Earth. In one form or another, most of the books of the Bible deal with end-times subjects.
My study of the end times goes back to the year of 1976. There have been many people who have helped me to understand this exciting part of God’s Holy Word. There have also been many credible source documents that I have studied, “over and over.” The following individuals (some alive, and some deceased) are recognized as being highly knowledgeable in matters that relate to the end times. Their study materials have helped me to write this series of posts on “God’s Plan For The Ages.” Their names are presented below, but in no special order of importance.
Drs. C.I. Scofield, Merrill Unger, Charles C. Ryrie, Henry Morris, J. Dwight Pentecost, David Jeremiah, John MacArthur, Frank Charles Thompson, Grant R. Jeffrey, John F. Walvoord, J. Vernon McGee, Charles Swindoll, John Phillips, Ed Hindson, Tim LaHaye, Ron Rhodes, David Reagan, Jimmy DeYoung, Renald Showers, John Ankerberg, and others.
While we take personal pride in our personal study of God’s Word, there are things of scripture that may require other than reading the verses. There are very few people who are fluent in the original languages of Scripture. There is no such thing as a total word for word translation of any one language into all other languages. Word usage over hundreds of years will change. The first English translation of the Bible was that of John Wycliffe, who hand scribed the scriptures during the years of approximately 1380-1384 A.D. Check out the following link for a good explanation of the translations of the Bible.
There are words that are present in the King James Version that would be seen as vulgar in today’s world, due to a change in common day speech. There are also translation groups that are not aligned with key biblical truths. In order to have a clear understanding of God’s Word, it is important to have words in scripture that are understandable, and that meet the test of Biblical accuracy. The translation committee of the New American Standard Bible has a history of meeting more frequently than others to make sure that its wording provides a clear understanding of God’s Word. In each translation, there is an explanation of the translation techniques of that Bible. However, there is no such explanation in the King James Bible. Whether a person believes that their translation attempts word for word, thought for thought, or paraphrase, to accomplish its objective of making God’s Word clearly and correctly printed, it is important to know how that Bible was translated, which should be found in the opening pages of a Bible. A key value of “thought for thought” translation is found in the truth that there is no absolute “word for word” translation from any one language to all other languages. An example was related to me by a representative of a major Bible distributor, as follows. There was a translation team that was working in a tribal area of the world. There was a question as to which word would best describe “a certain thing,” because there was no outside world word that described “that thing.” After a discussion on the word possibilities, the word “yam” was chosen, because the local people understood that “thought for thought” translation. There have been accusations that a certain translation “left out those words.” Such an idea comes from people who consider the King James Version to be the standard, which it is not. The King James Version is approximately the fifteenth translation, counting from the Wycliffe Translation, and is not the starting point. So, there are words or passages that are found in the King James Version that were not translated from the original scripture languages. For my personal use, I like the King James Bible. My early reading, memorization, teaching and preaching came through the King James Version, and I will always use the King James Version but, I know that there are problems with that translation. I also use the New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Holman Christian Standard Bible, English Standard Version, New Living Translation and New International Version. All of those translations are sold in Lifeway Stores. Lifeway is very careful in any, and all, of the products that they sell. The translators of those named Bibles have no desire to attack the King James Bible, but to make the Word of God as clearly and as accurately understood as possible.
Credible research is required for anyone who writes articles that relate to Scripture. Because few people have a fluent understanding of the original scripture languages of the Bible, it is important to find those people who have demonstrated such language skills, as well as those who have shown a deep understanding of both testaments. As it relates to eschatology, it is important to also find authors who have proven that they have a good understanding of relating Old Testament prophecies to events of the end times. More than just a knowledge of words is important. An author of Scripture related-documents must not only know “about God;” they must also “know God,” in that they have an intimate relationship with God. Many hours of research precede all of my writings. In order for me to use the research of an author, such a person must also have many years of experience. Most of the people, whose works I use for research purposes, have had forty or more years of experience. If there is a question about any of the individuals that I have listed above, a web search will answer any questions of credibility.
A key passage of scripture that we should all understand is that of 2 Timothy 3:16-17. Consider the following translations.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; 17 so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New Living Translation (NLT)
16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 English Standard Version (ESV)
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New International Version (NIV)
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 New King James Version (NKJV)
16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Notice the difference in the King James Version. There is a major difference in verse 17. We may be equipped, but we are not perfect.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 King James Version (KJV)
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Consider the following from Strong’s Concordance, Greek Lexicon: Equipped, 1822, exērtismenos
Strong’s Concordance
exartizó: to complete, to equip fully
Original Word: ἐξαρτίζω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: exartizó
Phonetic Spelling: (ex-ar-tid’-zo)
Short Definition: I completely furnish, equip, finish
Definition: (a) I fit up, completely furnish, equip, furnish, supply, (b) I accomplish, finish.
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Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. (Colossians 3:16 KJV)
Holy Are You Lord
I Sing Praises To Your Name
This Is The Time
Even So
To Him Who Sits On The Throne
Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord (Ephesians 5:19, KJV)
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“being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation” (John 11:52, NKJV)
John 11:45-47. Caiphas, the high priest, prophesied and said that Jesus would die, not only for (then) current day Israel, but also for those who had been scattered abroad (vs 49-52). Consider the prophecies that were given to those scattered Israelites while they were still in dispersed in 587 B.C., Ezekiel 34:11-12, “The LORD GOD said; I will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered ; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered..” (context; Ezekiel 34:11-31) (Notes are from BibleGateway.com/MacArthur Study Bible notes.)
Armageddon And Background Explained Video
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“being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation” (John 11:52, NKJV)
John 11:45-47. Caiphas, the high priest, prophesied and said that Jesus would die, not only for (then) current day Israel, but also for those who had been scattered abroad (vs 49-52). Consider the prophecies that were given to those scattered Israelites while they were still in dispersed in 587 B.C., Ezekiel 34:11-12, “The LORD GOD said; I will search for My sheep and seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered ; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered..” (context; Ezekiel 34:11-31) (Notes are from BibleGateway.com/MacArthur Study Bible notes.)
John 11:45-57 New King James Version (NKJV)
Key Verses: 51, 52
The Plot to Kill Jesus
45 Then many of the Jews who had come to Mary, and had seen the things Jesus did, believed in Him. 46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them the things Jesus did.47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. 48 If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”
49 And one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish.” 51 Now this he did not say on his own authority;but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad.
53 Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews, but went from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim, and there remained with His disciples.
55 And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think—that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.
Notes
11:45, 46 Jesus’ teaching and actions often divided the Jews (e.g., 6:14, 15; 7:10–13, 45–52). While some believed (cf. v. 40), others, apparently with malicious intent, informed the Pharisees of Jesus’ action.
11:47 gathered a council. Alerted by the Pharisees, a Sanhedrin committee consisting of chief priests (former High-Priests and members of High-Priestly families) and Pharisees, called the Sanhedrin to session. The Pharisees could not by themselves take any judicial action against Jesus. Though subject to Roman control, the Sanhedrin was the highest judicial body in Israel and exercised judicial, legislative, and executive powers at that time. In Jesus’ day, the 70 members of the Sanhedrin were dominated by the chief priests, and virtually all the priests were Sadducees. The Pharisees constituted an influential minority. While the Pharisees and Sadducees were often in conflict, their mutual hatred of Jesus united them into action.
11:48 the Romans will come. The Jews were not willing to believe in Jesus as the Son of God even though Lazarus had been raised. They feared that escalating messianic expectations could start a movement against Roman oppression and occupation that would cause the Romans to come and take away all their rights and freedoms.
11:49 Caiaphas. Caiaphas became High-Priest ca. A.D. 18, being appointed by the Roman prefect, Valerius Gratus. His father-in-law was Annas who had previously functioned in that same position from ca. A.D. 7–14 and who exercised great influence over the office even after his tenure (see 18:12–14). Caiaphas remained in office until A.D. 36 when, along with Pontius Pilate, he was removed by the Romans. He took a leading part in the trial and condemnation of Jesus. In his court or palace, the chief priests (Sadducees) and Pharisees assembled “and plotted to take Jesus by trickery and kill Him” (see Matt. 26:3, 4).
11:50 one man should die for the people. He only meant that Jesus should be executed in order to spare their own positions and nation from Roman reprisals, but Caiaphas unwittingly used sacrificial, substitutionary language and prophesied the death of Christ for sinners. Cf. 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24.
11:51 he prophesied. Caiaphas did not realize the implications of what he spoke. While he uttered blasphemy against Christ, God parodied his statement into truth (cf. Ps. 76:10). The responsibility for the wicked meaning of his words belonged to Caiaphas, but God’s providence directed the choice of words so as to express the heart of God’s glorious plan of salvation (Acts 4:27, 28). He actually was used by God as a prophet because he was the High-Priest and originally the High-Priest was the means of God’s will being revealed (2 Sam. 15:27).
11:52 gather together in one the children of God. In context, this had reference to believing Jews of the dispersion who would be gathered together in the Promised Land to share the kingdom of God (Isaiah 43:5; Ez 34:12).
11:53 from that day on. The phrase indicates that their course of action toward Jesus was then fixed. It remained only to accomplish it. Notice that Jesus was not arrested to be tried. He had already been judged guilty of blasphemy. The trial was a mere formality for a sentence already passed (Mark 14:1, 2).
11:54 Ephraim. This probably refers to the OT city of Ephron (see 2 Chr. 13:19). Its modern village name is Et-Taiyibeh, and it is located 4 mi. NE of Bethel and about 12 mi. from Jerusalem. The location was far enough away for temporary safety until the time of Passover (v 55).
11:55 Passover. This is the third Passover mentioned in John (see 2:13; 6:4) and the last in Jesus’ earthly ministry at which His sacrificial death occurred. For the chronology of the Passover Week, see Introduction to Luke: Outline.
11:56 they sought Jesus. The Jews who filled Jerusalem for Passover were wondering if Jesus would show Himself at this time and were actively seeking to find Him. The plot of the chief priests and Pharisees (see v. 47; 7:12) was known widely enough to pique their curiosity as to whether Jesus would dare show Himself in Jerusalem.
11:57 if anyone knew. The plotters ensured that the whole city was filled with potential informants.
Isaiah 43:1-7 New King James Version (KJV)
Key Verses: 5, 6
The Redeemer of Israel
1 But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
Note
43:5, 6 east…west…north…south…ends of the earth. The Lord will regather to the land of Israel the faithful remnant of His people from their worldwide dispersion in conjunction with the institution of the Messiah’s kingdom on earth (See Isaiah 11:12)
Note: The word “ensign” in the KJV is better translated “banner” in the NKJV (Mine)
Isaiah 11:12 King James Version (KJV)
12 And he shall set up an “ensign” for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.
Isaiah 11:12 New King James Version (NKJV)
He will set up a “banner” for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.
Note
11:12 four corners of the earth. This figurative expression depicts the whole world (Rev. 20:8). The faithful remnant of Israel will return from a worldwide dispersion to their Land.
Ezekiel 34:11-31 New King James Version (NKJV)
Key Verses: 11-16
Compare vs 14-15 with Psalm 23
God, the True Shepherd
11 ‘For thus says the Lord God: “Indeed I Myself will search for My sheep and seek them out.12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day he is among his scattered sheep, so will I seek out My sheep and deliver them from all the places where they were scattered on a cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land; I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, in the valleys and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. There they shall lie down in a good fold and feed in rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed My flock, and I will make them lie down,” says the Lord God. 16 “I will seek what was lost and bring back what was driven away, bind up the broken and strengthen what was sick; but I will destroy the fat and the strong, and feed them in judgment.”
17 ‘And as for you, O My flock, thus says the Lord God: “Behold, I shall judge between sheep and sheep, between rams and goats. 18 Is it too little for you to have eaten up the good pasture, that you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture—and to have drunk of the clear waters, that you must foul the residue with your feet? 19 And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and they drink what you have fouled with your feet.”
20 ‘Therefore thus says the Lord God to them: “Behold, I Myself will judge between the fat and the lean sheep. 21 Because you have pushed with side and shoulder, butted all the weak ones with your horns, and scattered them abroad, 22 therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep. 23 I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them—My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the Lord, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them; I, the Lord, have spoken.
25 “I will make a covenant of peace with them, and cause wild beasts to cease from the land; and they will dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 26 I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season; there shall be showers of blessing. 27 Then the trees of the field shall yield their fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. They shall be safe in their land; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bands of their yoke and delivered them from the hand of those who enslaved them. 28 And they shall no longer be a prey for the nations, nor shall beasts of the land devour them; but they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid. 29 I will raise up for them a garden of renown, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the Gentiles anymore. 30 Thus they shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and they, the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God.’
31 “You are My flock, the flock of My pasture; you are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God.
Notes
34:11 I…will search. God, the true Shepherd, would search out and find His sheep in order to restore Israel to their land for the kingdom which the Messiah leads (vv. 12–14).
34:12 a cloudy and dark day. This refers to the “day of the Lord” judgment on Israel (cf. Jer. 30:4–7). (See bottom of page)
34:12–14 Here is the promise of a literal regathering and restoration of the people of Israel to their own land from their worldwide dispersion. Since the scattering was literal, the regathering must also be literal. Once they are regathered in Messiah’s kingdom, they will no longer want (vv. 15, 16).
34:15, 16 I will feed My flock. In contrast to self-indulgent leaders who took advantage of the sheep, God will meet the needs of His sheep (people). This is clearly reminiscent of Ps. 23 and will be fulfilled by the Good Shepherd (John 10:1ff.), who will reign as Israel’s Shepherd.
34:17–22 judge between. Once He has judged the leaders, God will also judge the abusive members of the flock as to their true spiritual state. This passage anticipates the judgment of the people given by Jesus Christ in Matt. 25:31–46. The ungodly are known because they trample the poor. The Lord alone is able to sort out the true from the false (cf. parables of Matt. 13), and will do so in the final kingdom.
34:23 one shepherd…David. This refers to the greater One in David’s dynasty (cf. 2 Sam. 7:12–16), the Messiah, who will be Israel’s ultimate king over the millennial kingdom (Jer. 31:10–12;Jer. 30:9; Hos. 3:5; Zech. 14:9). The Lord in v. 24 is God the Father.
34:24 a prince. The word can at times be used of the king himself (37:25; cf. 28:2, 12), as here.
34:25 covenant of peace. Refers to the New Covenant of Jer. 31:31–34 (cf. 37:26) in full operation during the millennial kingdom. wild beasts. This refers to actual animals that will be tamed in the kingdom, see Is. 11:6–9; 35:9 and Hos. 2:18.
34:26 My hill. A reference to Jerusalem and Zion in particular, where the Jews will come to worship the Lord. showers of blessing. Cf. the “times of refreshing” in Acts 3:19, 20, when the curses of Deut. 28:15–68 are lifted.
34:27 The faithfulness of the Land is also indicated in Amos 9:13.
34:28, 29 no longer be a prey. God will stop other nations from subjugating the people of Israel.
34:30 I…their God. An oft-repeated OT theme (cf. Gen. 17:7, 8). This speaks of the ultimate salvation of Israel as in Rom. 11:25–27.
Jeremiah 30:1-7 King James Version (KJV)
Consider Jacob’s Trouble
Restoration of Israel and Judah
Key Verses: 3, 7
1 The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying,
2 Thus speaketh the Lord God of Israel, saying, Write thee all the words that I have spoken unto thee in a book.
3 For, lo, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, saith the Lord: and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.
4 And these are the words that the Lord spake concerning Israel and concerning Judah.
5 For thus saith the Lord; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.
6 Ask ye now, and see whether a man doth travail with child? wherefore do I see every man with his hands on his loins, as a woman in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?
7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it.
Notes
30:3 I will bring back. This theme verse gives in capsule form the pledge of chaps. 30–33. God’s restoration of the whole nation to their own land (cf. 29:10; Amos 9:14, 15; Rom. 11:26) has in view a final regathering never to be removed again (see note on 16:15) and not just a return in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah (vv. 8, 9; 31:31ff.; 32:39, 40; 33:8, 9, 15, 16). This verse is a summary of the prophecy given in vv. 4–9.
30:7 time of Jacob’s trouble. This period of unprecedented difficulty for Israel, as the verse defines, is set in a context of Israel’s final restoration. It is best equated with the time of tribulation (cf. vv. 8, 9) just before Christ’s Second Advent, mentioned elsewhere (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21, 22) and described in detail by Rev. 6–19.
Luke 21:20-24 New King James Version (NKJV)
Consider The Times Of The Gentiles
The Destruction of Jerusalem
20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. 24 And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
Notes
21:20 Jerusalem surrounded by armies. See note on 19:43. A comparison with Matt. 24:15, 16 and Mark 13:14 suggests that this sign is closely associated with “the abomination of desolation” (see notes on Matt. 24:15; Dan. 9:27; 11:31). This sign of Jerusalem under siege was previewed in A.D. 70, but awaits its fulfillment in the future.
21:22 vengeance. I.e., God’s righteous retribution against sin.
21:24 the times of the Gentiles. This expression is unique to Luke. It identifies the era from Israel’s captivity (ca. 586 B.C. to Babylon; cf. 2 Kin. 25) to her restoration in the kingdom (Rev. 20:1–6). It has been a time during which, in accord with God’s purpose, Gentiles have dominated or threatened Jerusalem. The era has also been marked by vast spiritual privileges for the Gentile nations (cf. Is. 66:12; Mal. 1:11; Matt. 24:14; Mark 13:10).
Romans 11:1-36 New King James Version (NKJV)
Consider The Fullness Of The Gentiles
Key verses: 25; 26-27
Israel’s Rejection Not Total
1 I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly not! For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars, and I alone am left, and they seek my life”? 4 But what does the divine response say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks; but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded. 8 Just as it is written:
“God has given them a spirit of stupor,
Eyes that they should not see
And ears that they should not hear,
To this very day.”
9 And David says:
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,
A stumbling block and a recompense to them.
10 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they do not see,
And bow down their back always.”
Israel’s Rejection Not Final
11 I say then, have they stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not! But through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy, salvation has come to the Gentiles. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!
13 For I speak to you Gentiles; inasmuch as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, 14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh and save some of them. 15 For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16 For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy; and if the root is holy, so are the branches.17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them became a partaker of the root and fatness of the olive tree,18 do not boast against the branches. But if you do boast, remember that you do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off that I might be grafted in.” 20 Well said.Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. 22 Therefore consider the goodness and severity of God: on those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, who are natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?
25 For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.
26 And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
“The Deliverer will come out of Zion,
And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
27 For this is My covenant with them,
When I take away their sins.”
28 Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.30 For as you were once disobedient to God, yet have now obtained mercy through their disobedience, 31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that through the mercy shown you they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has committed them all to disobedience, that He might have mercy on all.
33 Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen.
Notes
11:25 mystery. This word is used to refer to NT truth previously not revealed (see notes on 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 3:2–6). This mystery has two components: 1) Israel has experienced a partial spiritual hardening, and 2) that hardening will last only for a divinely specified period of time. See note on 16:25. wise in your own opinion. Another warning to the Gentiles against spiritual pride and arrogance (see notes on vv. 17–24). blindness in part. The nation’s blindness does not extend to every individual Jew. Through all of history God has always preserved a believing remnant (see notes on vv. 5, 17). until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. “Until” refers to a specific point in time; “fullness” refers to completion; “has come in” translates a Gr. verb often used to speak of coming to salvation (cf. Matt. 5:20;Mark 9:43, 45, 47; John 3:5; Acts 14:22). Israel’s spiritual hardening (which began with rejecting Jesus as Messiah) will last until the complete number of elect Gentiles has come to salvation.
11:26 all Israel. All the elect Jewish people alive at the end of the Tribulation, not the believing remnant of Jews within the church during this church age (see notes on vv. 5, 17). Since the remnant has already embraced the truth of the gospel (see note on v. 25), it could not be in view here, since it no longer needs the salvation this verse promises. The Deliverer will come out of Zion. See Pss. 14:7; 53:6; Is. 46:13. The Lord Jesus Christ’s millennial rule will be associated with Mt. Zion (see notes on Ps. 110:2; Heb. 12:22). Zion. See note on 9:33.
11:27 covenant. The New Covenant (Is. 59:21; Jer. 31:31–34).When I take away their sins. Quoted from Is. 27:9. A necessary prerequisite for Israel’s salvation (cf. Ezek. 36:25–29; Heb. 8:12).
11:28 gospel…enemies. Israel’s temporary situation during her time of spiritual hardening (see note on v. 25). concerning the election. From the perspective of God’s eternal choice, Israel will always be His covenant people (see note on v. 1). the sake of the fathers. The patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), recipients of the Abrahamic Covenant (Ex. 2:24; Lev. 26:42; 2 Kin. 13:23).
11:29 the gifts…are irrevocable. See note on v. 1. God’s sovereign election of Israel, like that of individual believers, is unconditional and unchangeable, because it is rooted in His immutable nature and expressed in the unilateral, eternal Abrahamic Covenant (see note on 9:4).
Personal Comment
A personal comment. Why did God choose a blood line from which the Messiah would come to our world? Quite simply stated, Jesus could have only one mother. God chose the Jews, from which a mother, (Mary) would give birth to Jesus. (Deuteronomy 7:6; John 4:22).
Important Notice
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“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15, New King James Version (NKJV). All scriptures in this post are from the New King James Version)
Introduction to the Pentateuch
The first 5 books of the Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) form a complete literary unit called the Pentateuch, meaning “five scrolls.” The 5 independent books of the Pentateuch were written as an unbroken unity in content and historical sequence, with each succeeding book beginning where the former left off.(BibleGateway.com/MacArthur Study Bible Note).
Introduction to Genesis
The English title, Genesis, comes from the Greek translation (Septuagint, LXX) meaning “origins”; whereas, the Hebrew title is derived from the Bible’s very first word, translated “in the beginning.” Genesis serves to introduce the Pentateuch (the first 5 books of the OT) and the entire Bible. The influence of Genesis in Scripture is demonstrated by its being quoted over 35 times in the NT and hundreds of allusions appearing in both Testaments. The story line of salvation which begins in Gen. 3 is not completed until Rev. 21, 22 where the eternal kingdom of redeemed believers is gloriously pictured.(BibleGateway.com/MacArthur Study Bible Note).
Introduction To Post
The perfection of God’s creation has been completed. (Gen 1:1/Gen 1:31). Adam and Eve have fallen in sin (Gen 3:6), with the result being the curse on all of God’s creation; human, animal, natural, spiritual, of the soul/mind; anything and everything that was the result of God’s creation suddenly became flawed, including the procreation process of Adam and Eve (Gen 3:17). God has a plan for the restoration of all that was cursed through a Redeemer (Gen 3:15), and an eternal punishment for the deceiver of Adam and Eve (Gen 3:14). The Redeemer will be called Immanuel, Yeshua, Jesus, and will have a blood line that runs from the third son of Adam and Eve, Seth; through Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, David, and the miraculous conception of Mary by God’s Holy Spirit (Luke 2:26-38). Abraham was known as a Hebrew. The identity of Jew came from Judah, who was Jacob’s fourth son, through Leah, who was Jacob’s first wife. We will pick up our story with Noah.(See a discussion on Hebrew, Israel, Jew in the link: http://www.jewfaq.org/whoisjew.htm).
Post Discussion
Genesis 9:18 Noah and His Sons After The Flood
18 Now the sons of Noah who went out of the ark were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And Ham was the father of Canaan.
Genesis 11:10-32 Shem’s Descendants – God Does The Choosing – Noah, Shem, Abram
10 This is the genealogy of Shem: Shem was one hundred years old, and begot Arphaxad two years after the flood. 11 After he begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.
12 Arphaxad lived thirty-five years, and begot Salah. 13 After he begot Salah, Arphaxad lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters.
14 Salah lived thirty years, and begot Eber. 15 After he begot Eber, Salah lived four hundred and three years, and begot sons and daughters.
16 Eber lived thirty-four years, and begot Peleg. 17 After he begot Peleg, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years, and begot sons and daughters.
18 Peleg lived thirty years, and begot Reu. 19 After he begot Reu, Peleg lived two hundred and nine years, and begot sons and daughters.
20 Reu lived thirty-two years, and begot Serug. 21 After he begot Serug, Reu lived two hundred and seven years, and begot sons and daughters.
22 Serug lived thirty years, and begot Nahor. 23 After he begot Nahor, Serug lived two hundred years, and begot sons and daughters.
24 Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and begot Terah. 25 After he begot Terah, Nahor lived one hundred and nineteen years, and begot sons and daughters.
26 Now Terah lived seventy years, and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran.
Terah’s Descendants
27 This is the genealogy of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran begot Lot.28 And Haran died before his father Terah in his native land, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 Then Abram and Nahor took wives: the name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran the father of Milcah and the father of Iscah. 30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child.
31 And Terah took his son Abram and his grandson Lot, the son of Haran, and his daughter-in-law Sarai, his son Abram’s wife, and they went out with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go to the land of Canaan; and they came to Haran and dwelt there. 32 So the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran.
Genesis 12:1-3 Abrahamic Covenant (Through Isaac And Jacob)
1 Now the Lord had said to Abram: “Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you. I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Genesis 13:14-18 (Land Promised To Abraham’s Descendants…Forever)
14 And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; 15 for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever. 16 And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth; so that if a man could number the dust of the earth,then your descendants also could be numbered. 17 Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”
Genesis 15:12-14 Israel’s Captivity Predicted By God
12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.
Genesis 17:1-8 God’s Eternal Covenant With Abram, Now Abraham
1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. 8 Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”
Genesis 21:1-3 Isaac Is Born To Abraham And Sarah (Sarai is now Sarah, Gen 17:15)
1 And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken.2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.
Genesis 25:19-26 Isaac to Jacob
19 This is the genealogy of Isaac, Abraham’s son. Abraham begot Isaac. 20 Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan Aram, the sister of Laban the Syrian. 21 Now Isaac pleaded with the Lord for his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord granted his plea, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 But the children struggled together within her; and she said, “If all is well, why am I like this?” So she went to inquire of the Lord.
23 And the Lord said to her:
“Two nations are in your womb,
Two peoples shall be separated from your body;
One people shall be stronger than the other,
And the older shall serve the younger.”
24 So when her days were fulfilled for her to give birth, indeed there were twins in her womb.25 And the first came out red. He was like a hairy garment all over; so they called his name Esau. 26 Afterward his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel; so his name was called Jacob. Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them.
Genesis 26:1-4 Abrahamic Covenant Confirmed To Isaac
1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.
2 Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. 4 And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;
Genesis 28:10-17 Abrahamic Covenant To Jacob
10 Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep. 12 Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: “I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants.14 Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you.”
16 Then Jacob awoke from his sleep and said, “Surely the Lord is in this place, and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!”
Genesis 32:1, 24-28 Jacob Renamed Israel
1 So Jacob went on his way, and the angels of God met him. 24 Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. 25 Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” But he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me!” 27 So He said to him, “What is your name?” He said, “Jacob.” 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed.”
Genesis 35:22-26 Jacob’s Twelve Sons
….. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: 23 the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; 24 the sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin;25 the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, were Dan and Naphtali; 26 and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, were Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Padan Aram.
Genesis 46:1-7 Jacob and All Of His Descendants Move To Egypt
1 So Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 Then God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, “Jacob, Jacob!” And he said, “Here I am.”
3 So He said, “I am God, the God of your father; do not fear to go down to Egypt, for I will make of you a great nation there. 4 I will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again; and Joseph will put his hand on your eyes.”
5 Then Jacob arose from Beersheba; and the sons of Israel carried their father Jacob, their little ones, and their wives, in the carts which Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 So they took their livestock and their goods, which they had acquired in the land of Canaan, and went to Egypt, Jacob and all his descendants with him. 7 His sons and his sons’ sons, his daughters and his sons’ daughters, and all his descendants he brought with him to Egypt.
Genesis 49:28-33 Jacob’s Death
28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father spoke to them. And he blessed them; he blessed each one according to his own blessing.29 Then he charged them and said to them: “I am to be gathered to my people; bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the Hittite as a possession for a burial place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife, there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. 32 The field and the cave that is there were purchased from the sons of Heth.” 33 And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he drew his feet up into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.
Genesis 50:22-26 Death of Joseph
22 So Joseph dwelt in Egypt, he and his father’s household. And Joseph lived one hundred and ten years. 23 Joseph saw Ephraim’s children to the third generation. The children of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were also brought up on Joseph’s knees.
24 And Joseph said to his brethren, “I am dying; but God will surely visit you, and bring you out of this land to the land of which He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 Then Joseph took an oath from the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being one hundred and ten years old; and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
Genesis 15:12-14 God’s Promise Of Restoration – Encouragement to Israel
12 Now when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell upon Abram; and behold, horror and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then He said to Abram: “Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years. 14 And also the nation whom they serve I will judge; afterward they shall come out with great possessions.
Important Notice
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“Follow Me,” Jesus told them, “and I will make you fish for people!” Mark 1:17
Wow! Saturday Night Fever! Really good music! As I have said before, the purpose of this blog is to be an extension of my pulpit. There are many people around the world who never darken the doorway of a church, and many of them are good people who love music, but have yet to find a tune that says “Jesus loves me” to them. I trust that many of those people, who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, will go beyond these videos and search other posts that are contained within the borders of this blog. Such findings will be things of humor, truth and justice, and, yes, there will be found among these writings, the truth of the love of Jesus. Such a searcher will come to realize that young boys, who may become ministers of the gospel of Christ, actually enjoy pop music, dancing, and yes, even girls. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have three wonderful children, as well as grand children. So, please let me close my thoughts by saying, “it’s okay to enjoy the Lord.” I would also like to present “the gospel in a nutshell:”
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
I trust that any of you, who do not have such a saving faith in Jesus, will make a decision to believe in Him as your Lord and Savior. If you have questions, you can reply to this post, and tell me to not show your comment; I will abide by your wishes. By the way, most of my teen years were spent in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. My area of town was very much a “Fonzie, American Bandstand, and Saturday Night Fever,” working class neighborhood. I really miss that city, and those days, that keep many warm memories in my mind. I know a very special blogger friend who makes her home not far from that area that I knew as home. She also has a blog ministry that serves our Lord Jesus, greatly. But, don’t ask me to tell you where she lives, because Christian bloggers are wonderful at loving Jesus, “and” at keeping secrets. too. “Now, let’s continue with the music of “Saturday Night Fever.”
More Than A Woman
Disco Inferno – Short Version
Disco Inferno – Long Version
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Sly And The Family Stone must have read the 150th Psalm. Check out all of the Lord’s musical instruments, and those that Sly Stone mentioned in his song. Of course, Sly added dancing, too; that’s in verse 4! Like I’ve always said, “It’s okay to enjoy the Lord!”
Psalm 150 King James Version (KJV)
1 Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.
2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.
3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.
4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.
5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.
6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord.
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John 11:25-26 New King James Version (NKJV) – The resurrection and the Life.
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
John 11:25-26. Jesus said that if we have been born again and have His Spirit dwelling within our spirit, that even though we may die a death of our body, that our born again spirit will never die. We will spend eternity in the Presence of our Lord, the Christ, the Christos, the Messiah, the Mashiach, the Anointed one.
Matthew 16:16 New King James Version (NKJV) – The “Christos”.
16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
“The Christos, the Mashiach, the Anointed One” is what Peter declared Jesus to be in Matthew 16:16.
John 17:3 New King James Version (NKJV) – Intimacy with the “Christos.”
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
Philippians 3:10 New King James Version (NKJV) – A life of intimacy with the “Christos.”
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Consider the following link that deals with “The Christos.”
Don’t miss any posts. Click onto the following link and follow Equipping The Saints blog, and you will automatically receive new posts. Select Category “Intimacy,” to see other posts that relate to this subject of intimacy with Christ.
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Philippians 3:10 New King James Version (NKJV)
10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death,
Today, I received a text message from a special friend in Arizona; please know that I have more than one friend who lives in that beautiful state. But, on this day, a special text came from a very special lady, as it relates to this post. The lady said in her text that she had read Philippians 3:10 today. Then, she said, “And I want to get to know Jesus Christ better.” May I add, “that’s what it’s all about!” That passage explains the day-to-day experiences of life, as we follow and serve our Lord. The inspiration that came from my friend resulted in the assortment of Gaither videos that are seen in this post. Many of the videos go back to the early 1990s. Many of the singers have gone on to be with our Lord Jesus. In order for those special singers to have gone on to such a heavenly and eternal place with our Lord, the singers had to have had a relationship of intimacy, of knowing Jesus as their Lord and Savior. There is a passage of scripture that is a textbook definition of what it takes to achieve eternal life with Jesus, John 17:3. Consider the word “know” in that passage. That word relates to being intimate with Jesus, in the highest meaning of the word, “know.” Consider the words of that verse which state that eternal life is the result of someone having an intimate relationship with God, the Father, through God, the Son, being empowered by God, the Holy Spirit.
John 17:3 New King James Version (NKJV)
3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.
The theme of these songs is “Heaven.” I trust that as you listen to the words of the songs, and you see the emotions of tears of the singers, that you may come to a more intimate relationship of “knowing our Lord Jesus” now, and that you will have as assurance that you will spend eternity in Heaven with our Lord. (tears are permitted)
Looking For A City
Mansion Over The Hilltop
Farther Along
What A Day That Will Be
Sweet Jesus
The Longer I Serve Him
Something Beautiful/Let’s Just Praise The Lord
Sweet, Sweet Spirit
He Is Here
When He Was On The Cross
Sweet Beulah Land
Then I Met The Master
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
Going Home
Look For Me
There’s Something About That Name
We Have This Moment Today
We Will Stand
This post, and other posts that relate to intimacy, can be found on this blog by clicking onto the following link and selecting category “Intimacy.” https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/
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As a part of my series of posts on “God’s Plan For The Ages” it is important to note that without including Israel, and God’s love for Israel, that a large “gaping” hole is left, and the total plan of God is “left incomplete.” Therefore, there will also be included in “God’s Plan For The Ages,” posts that will address “God’s Love For Israel,” and the role that Israel will play in the end times scenario of the Millennial reign of Christ (1,000 years). The following is a conversation, with scriptures, that will show that God’s love has never left, and will never leave, “His Chosen People.”
Consider the following passages of Scripture that relate to God’s love for Israel.
Deuteronomy 7:6“For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.
Psalm 122:6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you.”
Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying: “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with loving kindness I have drawn you.
Zechariah 2:8 For thus says the Lord of hosts: “He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye.
Zechariah 14:1-3 The Day of the Lord 1 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled,And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle.
Overview Of God’s Choosing And Keeping Israel
The perfection of God’s creation has been completed. (Gen 1:1/Gen 1:31). Adam and Eve have fallen in sin (Gen 3:6), with the result being the curse on all of God’s creation, to include human, animal, natural, soul, spirit. Everything, that was the result of God’s creation suddenly became flawed, including the procreation process of Adam and Eve (Gen 3:17). However, God has a plan for the restoration of all that was cursed through a Redeemer (Gen 3:15), and an eternal punishment for the deceiver of Adam and Eve (Gen 3:14). The Redeemer will be called Immanuel, Yeshua, Jesus, and will have a blood line that runs from the third son of Adam and Eve, who was Seth, through Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, King David, and the miraculous conception of Mary by God’s Holy Spirit (Luke 2:26-38)
Abraham was known as a Hebrew. The identity of Jew came from Judah, who was Jacob’s fourth son, through Leah, who was Jacob’s first wife. (See a discussion on Hebrew, Israel, Jew in the link: http://www.jewfaq.org/whoisjew.htm). David, King of Israel was promised that his house and his kingdom will endure before God forever, and that his throne shall be established forever (2 Sam 7:16;17) and that the Levitical priests shall never lack a man before God to offer burnt offerings (Jeremiah 33:18). The fulfillment of these two promises to David will take place in the Millennial reign of Christ (Zech 14:9, Rev 20:4) when the Glory of the Lord will fill the temple (Ezek 43:1-5); the Glory of the Lord had departed the temple (Ez 10:18).
Three feasts will be observed each year during the Millennial reign of Christ (Feast of Tabernacles, Zech 14:16, Feast Of The New Year (Ezek 45:18-20), and Feast of Passover (Ezek 45:21-24). Levitical priests will minister before the Lord in the millennial temple (Ezek 44:15-16). It is important to know that the things of the millennial temple are not related, in any way, to the church, but are totally things that are of the Jews, per God’s Holy Word. It is important to also know that the church is no longer mentioned in scripture after Revelation 3:22.
The places where God would appear to the Jews are: the Tent of Meeting (Ex 33:7); the Tabernacle in the desert (Ex 40:33); the Temple which was built by King Solomon in Jerusalem (I Kings 7:51/2 Chronicles 5:1). The Glory Of the Lord was God was present in the Tent Of Meeting (Ex 33:18:33). The Glory of the Lord was present in the Tabernacle in the desert (Ex 40:34).
The Glory of the Lord was present in the Temple in Jerusalem (1 Kg 8:11)(2 Chr 5:14) (1004 B.C.). But, things changed. The King of Assyria captured the northern kingdom (Samaria/Israel) and carried Israel away into exile into Assyria (in 722 B.C., 2 Kg 17:6) because of the sins of Israel (2 Kg 17:7-23). Between 597 BC and 586 BC, the Babylonians took Judah, the southern Kingdom, captive to Babylon (2 Kg 24:17-25:11) for the same reasons of Samaria (2 King 17:19).
The Temple in Jerusalem was burned by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar in 586 BC (2 Kg 24:9/2 Chr 36:9). In 597 BC, the prophet Ezekiel had a vision of the Glory of God departing from the Temple (Ez 10:18). The Glory of God will return to the Temple that is present in Jerusalem during the Millennium (Ez 43:15). After 70 years of captivity, a remnant of the captives from Babylon, returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the temple (536-516 BC, with an interruption from 534-520 BC). The governor of Judah, Zerubbabel, led those captives back to Jerusalem and oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple. Therefore, the second temple that was built in Jerusalem was known as Zerubabbel’s Temple, although the Glory of God never returned to that temple, and was desecrated by the Selucid, Antiochus Epihanes, in 169-167 B.C. King Herod remodeled Zerubabbel’s Temple, but the Glory of the Lord was not there, either. Of course, when Jesus was present during Herod’s time, “He was God,” in all of His Glory.” That Temple was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. A temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem during the Tribulation (Dan 9:27, 2 Thes 2:4, Rev 11:1-2) and will be the place where the Anti-Christ will say that He is God. Still, the Glory of God will not be present in the Tribulation Temple. Not until the time of the Millennium will there be a temple in Jerusalem where the Glory of God will be present (Ezek 43:15); at that time, the importance of the Jews will be made manifest.
Israel will be restored at the time of the Millennium. Even though the northern and southern kingdoms were scattered to all parts of the world (722 BC, 2 Kg 24:17-25:11; 586 BC 2 Kg 24:9), with the reason being stated in 2 Kg 17:9. Still, God told both groups that they will be restored to their own land (Ez 36:24;25-29;37:11-14).
The regathering of the Jews has not yet happened, and will not happen until the second coming of Christ (Matt 24:29-31..compare with Ez 37:11-14…Matt 25:31-46; Zach 14:1-5; 9-20; Rev 19:11-21; 20:1-15). Consider what Jesus told His disciples, soon to be apostles, what their role would be in the Millennium (Matt 19:28; relate this verse to Acts 3:19-22, following).
Matthew 19:28
28 So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The nation of Israel had not been restored, but the Temple leaders were present during the time of Christ, and were often trying to discredit Him. (At the time of this discussion, Israel had not been returned to their homeland; and would not be returned until the end of the tribulation and Battle of Armageddon.) In Matt 21:33-46, key vs 43 and 45, Jesus told the Temple leaders that their religious leadership would be taken from them and given to the church, which would be the spiritual light until the time of the rapture (1 Thes 4:13-18). In the year AD 29-30, the church would be birthed on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-41). In AD 70, the temple would be destroyed by the Romans. The words of Jesus were fulfilled. This situation did not relate to the nation of Israel, but to the Temple leaders, who should have known that Jesus is the Christ.
The Apostle Peter Speaks Of The Millennial Kingdom (Refer to Matt 19:28)
Acts 3:19-22
19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20 and that He may send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from your brethren. Him you shall hear in all things, whatever He says to you.
The Restoration Of All Things (Isa 11:6-10; 35:1-10; Ez 36:24-26; 44:3; Joel 2:26; Mt 19:28; Rev 19:1-10).
Jews will have a place of prominence during the Millennium.
Zechariah 8:22-23 New King James Version (NKJV)
22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations
Shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem,
And to pray before the Lord.’
23 “Thus says the Lord of hosts: ‘In those days ten men from every language of the nations shall grasp the sleeve of a Jewish man, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’”
With this overview having been completed, the series will be continued on “God’s Plan For The Ages.” There will also be posts that will show, in more detail, the intimate relationship that God has with the Jews, and their place of importance that will be very pronounced during the Millennium. During that time there will be a Jewish temple, but not a church building.
All Things New
Ever since the time of the fall in the Garden Of Eden, God has been planning for the realization of the next words of Scripture.
Rev 21:5 “… I am making all things new…;” “Rev 21:6 “…It is done…”
This series of posts began on June 30, 2016. The completed posts can be found by clicking onto the following link and selecting category “Journey.” https://equippingblog.wordpress.com/
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There is a very special senior saint in the video. Can you pick her out?
Translations! Translations! Translations! Let’s talk about ’em.
English Bible Translation History
The fascinating story of how we got the Bible in its present form actually starts thousands of years ago, as briefly outlined in our Timeline of Bible Translation History. As a background study, we recommend that you first review our discussion of the Pre-Reformation History of the Bible from 1,400 B.C. to 1,400 A.D., which covers the transmission of the scripture through the original languages of Hebrew and Greek, and the 1,000 years of the Dark & Middle Ages when the Word was trapped in only Latin. Our starting point in this discussion of Bible history, however, is the advent of the scripture in the English language with the “Morning Star of the Reformation”, John Wycliffe.
The first hand-written English language Bible manuscripts were produced in the 1380’s AD by John Wycliffe, an Oxford professor, scholar, and theologian. Wycliffe, (also spelled “Wycliff” & “Wyclif”), was well-known throughout Europe for his opposition to the teaching of the organized Church, which he believed to be contrary to the Bible. With the help of his followers, called the Lollards, and his assistant Purvey, and many other faithful scribes, Wycliffe produced dozens of English language manuscript copies of the scriptures. They were translated out of the Latin Vulgate, which was the only source text available to Wycliffe. The Pope was so infuriated by his teachings and his translation of the Bible into English, that 44 years after Wycliffe had died, he ordered the bones to be dug-up, crushed, and scattered in the river!
One of Wycliffe’s followers, John Hus, actively promoted Wycliffe’s ideas: that people should be permitted to read the Bible in their own language, and they should oppose the tyranny of the Roman church that threatened anyone possessing a non-Latin Bible with execution. Hus was burned at the stake in 1415, with Wycliffe’s manuscript Bibles used as kindling for the fire. The last words of John Hus were that, “in 100 years, God will raise up a man whose calls for reform cannot be suppressed.” Almost exactly 100 years later, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses of Contention (a list of 95 issues of heretical theology and crimes of the Roman Catholic Church) into the church door at Wittenberg. The prophecy of Hus had come true! Martin Luther went on to be the first person to translate and publish the Bible in the commonly-spoken dialect of the German people; a translation more appealing than previous German Biblical translations. Foxe’s Book of Martyrs records that in that same year, 1517, seven people were burned at the stake by the Roman Catholic Church for the crime of teaching their children to say the Lord’s Prayer in English rather than Latin.
Johann Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1450’s, and the first book to ever be printed was a Latin language Bible, printed in Mainz, Germany. Gutenberg’s Bibles were surprisingly beautiful, as each leaf Gutenberg printed was later colorfully hand-illuminated. Born as “Johann Gensfleisch” (John Gooseflesh), he preferred to be known as “Johann Gutenberg” (John Beautiful Mountain). Ironically, though he had created what many believe to be the most important invention in history, Gutenberg was a victim of unscrupulous business associates who took control of his business and left him in poverty. Nevertheless, the invention of the movable-type printing press meant that Bibles and books could finally be effectively produced in large quantities in a short period of time. This was essential to the success of the Reformation.
In the 1490’s another Oxford professor, and the personal physician to King Henry the 7th and 8th, Thomas Linacre, decided to learn Greek. After reading the Gospels in Greek, and comparing it to the Latin Vulgate, he wrote in his diary, “Either this (the original Greek) is not the Gospel… or we are not Christians.” The Latin had become so corrupt that it no longer even preserved the message of the Gospel… yet the Church still threatened to kill anyone who read the scripture in any language other than Latin… though Latin was not an original language of the scriptures.
In 1496, John Colet, another Oxford professor and the son of the Mayor of London, started reading the New Testament in Greek and translating it into English for his students at Oxford, and later for the public at Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London. The people were so hungry to hear the Word of God in a language they could understand, that within six months there were 20,000 people packed in the church and at least that many outside trying to get in! (Sadly, while the enormous and beautiful Saint Paul’s Cathedral remains the main church in London today, as of 2003, typical Sunday morning worship attendance is only around 200 people… and most of them are tourists). Fortunately for Colet, he was a powerful man with friends in high places, so he amazingly managed to avoid execution.
In considering the experiences of Linacre and Colet, the great scholar Erasmus was so moved to correct the corrupt Latin Vulgate, that in 1516, with the help of printer John Froben, he published a Greek-Latin Parallel New Testament. The Latin part was not the corrupt Vulgate, but his own fresh rendering of the text from the more accurate and reliable Greek, which he had managed to collate from a half-dozen partial old Greek New Testament manuscripts he had acquired. This milestone was the first non-Latin Vulgate text of the scripture to be produced in a millennium… and the first ever to come off a printing press. The 1516 Greek-Latin New Testament of Erasmus further focused attention on just how corrupt and inaccurate the Latin Vulgate had become, and how important it was to go back and use the original Greek (New Testament) and original Hebrew (Old Testament) languages to maintain accuracy… and to translate them faithfully into the languages of the common people, whether that be English, German, or any other tongue. No sympathy for this “illegal activity” was to be found from Rome… even as the words of Pope Leo X’s declaration that “the fable of Christ was quite profitable to him” continued through the years to infuriate the people of God.
William Tyndale was the Captain of the Army of Reformers, and was their spiritual leader. Tyndale holds the distinction of being the first man to ever print the New Testament in the English language. Tyndale was a true scholar and a genius, so fluent in eight languages that it was said one would think any one of them to be his native tongue. He is frequently referred to as the “Architect of the English Language”, (even more so than William Shakespeare) as so many of the phrases Tyndale coined are still in our language today.
Martin Luther had a small head-start on Tyndale, as Luther declared his intolerance for the Roman Church’s corruption on Halloween in 1517, by nailing his 95 Theses of Contention to the Wittenberg Church door. Luther, who would be exiled in the months following the Diet of Worms Council in 1521 that was designed to martyr him, would translate the New Testament into German for the first time from the 1516 Greek-Latin New Testament of Erasmus, and publish it in September of 1522. Luther also published a German Pentateuch in 1523, and another edition of the German New Testament in 1529. In the 1530’s he would go on to publish the entire Bible in German.
William Tyndale wanted to use the same 1516 Erasmus text as a source to translate and print the New Testament in English for the first time in history. Tyndale showed up on Luther’s doorstep in Germany in 1525, and by year’s end had translated the New Testament into English. Tyndale had been forced to flee England, because of the wide-spread rumor that his English New Testament project was underway, causing inquisitors and bounty hunters to be constantly on Tyndale’s trail to arrest him and prevent his project. God foiled their plans, and in 1525-1526 the Tyndale New Testament became the first printed edition of the scripture in the English language. Subsequent printings of the Tyndale New Testament in the 1530’s were often elaborately illustrated.
They were burned as soon as the Bishop could confiscate them, but copies trickled through and actually ended up in the bedroom of King Henry VIII. The more the King and Bishop resisted its distribution, the more fascinated the public at large became. The church declared it contained thousands of errors as they torched hundreds of New Testaments confiscated by the clergy, while in fact, they burned them because they could find no errors at all. One risked death by burning if caught in mere possession of Tyndale’s forbidden books.
Having God’s Word available to the public in the language of the common man, English, would have meant disaster to the church. No longer would they control access to the scriptures. If people were able to read the Bible in their own tongue, the church’s income and power would crumble. They could not possibly continue to get away with selling indulgences (the forgiveness of sins) or selling the release of loved ones from a church-manufactured “Purgatory”. People would begin to challenge the church’s authority if the church were exposed as frauds and thieves. The contradictions between what God’s Word said, and what the priests taught, would open the public’s eyes and the truth would set them free from the grip of fear that the institutional church held. Salvation through faith, not works or donations, would be understood. The need for priests would vanish through the priesthood of all believers. The veneration of church-canonized Saints and Mary would be called into question. The availability of the scriptures in English was the biggest threat imaginable to the wicked church. Neither side would give up without a fight.
Today, there are only two known copies left of Tyndale’s 1525-26 First Edition. Any copies printed prior to 1570 are extremely valuable. Tyndale’s flight was an inspiration to freedom-loving Englishmen who drew courage from the 11 years that he was hunted. Books and Bibles flowed into England in bales of cotton and sacks of flour. Ironically, Tyndale’s biggest customer was the King’s men, who would buy up every copy available to burn them… and Tyndale used their money to print even more! In the end, Tyndale was caught: betrayed by an Englishman that he had befriended. Tyndale was incarcerated for 500 days before he was strangled and burned at the stake in 1536. Tyndale’s last words were, “Oh Lord, open the King of England’s eyes”. This prayer would be answered just three years later in 1539, when King Henry VIII finally allowed, and even funded, the printing of an English Bible known as the “Great Bible”. But before that could happen…
Myles Coverdale and John “Thomas Matthew” Rogers had remained loyal disciples the last six years of Tyndale’s life, and they carried the English Bible project forward and even accelerated it. Coverdale finished translating the Old Testament, and in 1535 he printed the first complete Bible in the English language, making use of Luther’s German text and the Latin as sources. Thus, the first complete English Bible was printed on October 4, 1535, and is known as the Coverdale Bible.
John Rogers went on to print the second complete English Bible in 1537. It was, however, the first English Bible translated from the original Biblical languages of Hebrew & Greek. He printed it under the pseudonym “Thomas Matthew”, (an assumed name that had actually been used by Tyndale at one time) as a considerable part of this Bible was the translation of Tyndale, whose writings had been condemned by the English authorities. It is a composite made up of Tyndale’s Pentateuch and New Testament (1534-1535 edition) and Coverdale’s Bible and some of Roger’s own translation of the text. It remains known most commonly as the Matthew-Tyndale Bible. It went through a nearly identical second-edition printing in 1549.
In 1539, Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, hired Myles Coverdale at the bequest of King Henry VIII to publish the “Great Bible”. It became the first English Bible authorized for public use, as it was distributed to every church, chained to the pulpit, and a reader was even provided so that the illiterate could hear the Word of God in plain English. It would seem that William Tyndale’s last wish had been granted…just three years after his martyrdom. Cranmer’s Bible, published by Coverdale, was known as the Great Bible due to its great size: a large pulpit folio measuring over 14 inches tall. Seven editions of this version were printed between April of 1539 and December of 1541.
It was not that King Henry VIII had a change of conscience regarding publishing the Bible in English. His motives were more sinister… but the Lord sometimes uses the evil intentions of men to bring about His glory. King Henry VIII had in fact, requested that the Pope permit him to divorce his wife and marry his mistress. The Pope refused. King Henry responded by marrying his mistress anyway, (later having two of his many wives executed), and thumbing his nose at the Pope by renouncing Roman Catholicism, taking England out from under Rome’s religious control, and declaring himself as the reigning head of State to also be the new head of the Church. This new branch of the Christian Church, neither Roman Catholic nor truly Protestant, became known as the Anglican Church or the Church of England. King Henry acted essentially as its “Pope”. His first act was to further defy the wishes of Rome by funding the printing of the scriptures in English… the first legal English Bible… just for spite.
The ebb and flow of freedom continued through the 1540’s…and into the 1550’s. After King Henry VIII, King Edward VI took the throne, and after his death, the reign of Queen “Bloody” Mary was the next obstacle to the printing of the Bible in English. She was possessed in her quest to return England to the Roman Church. In 1555, John “Thomas Matthew” Rogers and Thomas Cranmer were both burned at the stake. Mary went on to burn reformers at the stake by the hundreds for the “crime” of being a Protestant. This era was known as the Marian Exile, and the refugees fled from England with little hope of ever seeing their home or friends again.
In the 1550’s, the Church at Geneva, Switzerland, was very sympathetic to the reformer refugees and was one of only a few safe havens for a desperate people. Many of them met in Geneva, led by Myles Coverdale and John Foxe (publisher of the famous Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, which is to this day the only exhaustive reference work on the persecution and martyrdom of Early Christians and Protestants from the first century up to the mid-16th century), as well as Thomas Sampson and William Whittingham. There, with the protection of the great theologian John Calvin (author of the most famous theological book ever published, Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion)and John Knox, the great Reformer of the Scottish Church, the Church of Geneva determined to produce a Bible that would educate their families while they continued in exile.
The New Testament was completed in 1557, and the complete Bible was first published in 1560. It became known as the Geneva Bible. Due to a passage in Genesis describing the clothing that God fashioned for Adam and Eve upon expulsion from the Garden of Eden as “Breeches” (an antiquated form of “Britches”), some people referred to the Geneva Bible as the Breeches Bible.
The Geneva Bible was the first Bible to add numbered verses to the chapters, so that referencing specific passages would be easier. Every chapter was also accompanied by extensive marginal notes and references so thorough and complete that the Geneva Bible is also considered the first English “Study Bible”. William Shakespeare quotes hundreds of times in his plays from the Geneva translation of the Bible. The Geneva Bible became the Bible of choice for over 100 years of English-speaking Christians. Between 1560 and 1644 at least 144 editions of this Bible were published. Examination of the 1611 King James Bible shows clearly that its translators were influenced much more by the Geneva Bible, than by any other source. The Geneva Bible itself retains over 90% of William Tyndale’s original English translation. The Geneva in fact, remained more popular than the King James Version until decades after its original release in 1611! The Geneva holds the honor of being the first Bible taken to America, and the Bible of the Puritans and Pilgrims. It is truly the “Bible of the Protestant Reformation.” Strangely, the famous Geneva Bible has been out-of-print since 1644, so the only way to obtain one is to either purchase an original printing of the Geneva Bible, or a less costly facsimile reproduction of the original 1560 Geneva Bible.
With the end of Queen Mary’s bloody reign, the reformers could safely return to England. The Anglican Church, now under Queen Elizabeth I, reluctantly tolerated the printing and distribution of Geneva version Bibles in England. The marginal notes, which were vehemently against the institutional Church of the day, did not rest well with the rulers of the day. Another version, one with a less inflammatory tone was desired, and the copies of the Great Bible were getting to be decades old. In 1568, a revision of the Great Bible known as the Bishop’s Bible was introduced. Despite 19 editions being printed between 1568 and 1606, this Bible, referred to as the “rough draft of the King James Version”, never gained much of a foothold of popularity among the people. The Geneva may have simply been too much to compete with.
By the 1580’s, the Roman Catholic Church saw that it had lost the battle to suppress the will of God: that His Holy Word be available in the English language. In 1582, the Church of Rome surrendered their fight for “Latin only” and decided that if the Bible was to be available in English, they would at least have an official Roman Catholic English translation. And so, using the corrupt and inaccurate Latin Vulgate as the only source text, they went on to publish an English Bible with all the distortions and corruptions that Erasmus had revealed and warned of 75 years earlier. Because it was translated at the Roman Catholic College in the city of Rheims, it was known as the Rheims New Testament (also spelled Rhemes). The Douay Old Testament was translated by the Church of Rome in 1609 at the College in the city of Douay (also spelled Doway & Douai). The combined product is commonly referred to as the “Doway/Rheims” Version. In 1589, Dr. William Fulke of Cambridge published the “Fulke’s Refutation”, in which he printed in parallel columns the Bishops Version alongside the Rheims Version, attempting to show the error and distortion of the Roman Church’s corrupt compromise of an English version of the Bible.
With the death of Queen Elizabeth I, Prince James VI of Scotland became King James I of England. The Protestant clergy approached the new King in 1604 and announced their desire for a new translation to replace the Bishop’s Bible first printed in 1568. They knew that the Geneva Version had won the hearts of the people because of its excellent scholarship, accuracy, and exhaustive commentary. However, they did not want the controversial marginal notes (proclaiming the Pope an Anti-Christ, etc.) Essentially, the leaders of the church desired a Bible for the people, with scriptural references only for word clarification or cross-references.
This “translation to end all translations” (for a while at least) was the result of the combined effort of about fifty scholars. They took into consideration: The Tyndale New Testament, The Coverdale Bible, The Matthews Bible, The Great Bible, The Geneva Bible, and even the Rheims New Testament. The great revision of the Bishop’s Bible had begun. From 1605 to 1606 the scholars engaged in private research. From 1607 to 1609 the work was assembled. In 1610 the work went to press, and in 1611 the first of the huge (16 inch tall) pulpit folios known today as “The 1611 King James Bible” came off the printing press. A typographical discrepancy in Ruth 3:15 rendered a pronoun “He” instead of “She” in that verse in some printings. This caused some of the 1611 First Editions to be known by collectors as “He” Bibles, and others as “She” Bibles. Starting just one year after the huge 1611 pulpit-size King James Bibles were printed and chained to every church pulpit in England; printing then began on the earliest normal-size printings of the King James Bible. These were produced so individuals could have their own personal copy of the Bible.
The Anglican Church’s King James Bible took decades to overcome the more popular Protestant Church’s Geneva Bible. One of the greatest ironies of history, is that many Protestant Christian churches today embrace the King James Bible exclusively as the “only” legitimate English language translation… yet it is not even a Protestant translation! It was printed to compete with the Protestant Geneva Bible, by authorities who throughout most of history were hostile to Protestants… and killed them. While many Protestants are quick to assign the full blame of persecution to the Roman Catholic Church, it should be noted that even after England broke from Roman Catholicism in the 1500’s, the Church of England (The Anglican Church) continued to persecute Protestants throughout the 1600’s. One famous example of this is John Bunyan, who while in prison for the crime of preaching the Gospel, wrote one of Christian history’s greatest books, Pilgrim’s Progress. Throughout the 1600’s, as the Puritans and the Pilgrims fled the religious persecution of England to cross the Atlantic and start a new free nation in America, they took with them their precious Geneva Bible, and rejected the King’s Bible. America was founded upon the Geneva Bible, not the King James Bible.
Protestants today are largely unaware of their own history, and unaware of the Geneva Bible (which is textually 95% the same as the King James Version, but 50 years older than the King James Version, and not influenced by the Roman Catholic Rheims New Testament that the King James translators admittedly took into consideration). Nevertheless, the King James Bible turned out to be an excellent and accurate translation, and it became the most printed book in the history of the world, and the only book with one billion copies in print. In fact, for over 250 years…until the appearance of the English Revised Version of 1881-1885…the King James Version reigned without much of a rival. One little-known fact, is that for the past 200 years, all King James Bibles published in America are actually the 1769 Baskerville spelling and wording revision of the 1611. The original “1611” preface is deceivingly included by the publishers, and no mention of the fact that it is really the 1769 version is to be found, because that might hurt sales. The only way to obtain a true, unaltered, 1611 version is to either purchase an original pre-1769 printing of the King James Bible, or a less costly facsimile reproduction of the original 1611 King James Bible.
Although the first Bible printed in America was done in the native Algonquin Indian Language by John Eliot in 1663; the first English language Bible to be printed in America by Robert Aitken in 1782 was a King James Version. Robert Aitken’s 1782 Bible was also the only Bible ever authorized by the United States Congress. He was commended by President George Washington for providing Americans with Bibles during the embargo of imported English goods due to the Revolutionary War. In 1808, Robert’s daughter, Jane Aitken, would become the first woman to ever print a Bible… and to do so in America, of course. In 1791, Isaac Collins vastly improved upon the quality and size of the typesetting of American Bibles and produced the first “Family Bible” printed in America… also a King James Version. Also in 1791, Isaiah Thomas published the first Illustrated Bible printed in America…in the King James Version. For more information on the earliest Bibles printed in America from the 1600’s through the early 1800’s, you may wish to review our more detailed discussion of The Bibles of Colonial America.
While Noah Webster, just a few years after producing his famous Dictionary of the English Language, would produce his own modern translation of the English Bible in 1833; the public remained too loyal to the King James Version for Webster’s version to have much impact. It was not really until the 1880’s that England’s own planned replacement for their King James Bible, the English Revised Version(E.R.V.) would become the first English language Bible to gain popular acceptance as a post-King James Version modern-English Bible. The widespread popularity of this modern-English translation brought with it another curious characteristic: the absence of the 14 Apocryphal books.
Up until the 1880’s every Protestant Bible (not just Catholic Bibles) had 80 books, not 66! The inter-testamental books written hundreds of years before Christ called “The Apocrypha” were part of virtually every printing of the Tyndale-Matthews Bible, the Great Bible, the Bishops Bible, the Protestant Geneva Bible, and the King James Bible until their removal in the 1880’s! The original 1611 King James contained the Apocrypha, and King James threatened anyone who dared to print the Bible without the Apocrypha with heavy fines and a year in jail. Only for the last 120 years has the Protestant Church rejected these books, and removed them from their Bibles. This has left most modern-day Christians believing the popular myth that there is something “Roman Catholic” about the Apocrypha. There is, however, no truth in that myth, and no widely-accepted reason for the removal of the Apocrypha in the 1880’s has ever been officially issued by a mainline Protestant denomination.
The Americans responded to England’s E.R.V. Bible by publishing the nearly-identical American Standard Version (A.S.V.) in 1901. It was also widely-accepted and embraced by churches throughout America for many decades as the leading modern-English version of the Bible. In the 1971, it was again revised and called New American Standard Version Bible (often referred to as the N.A.S.V. or N.A.S.B. or N.A.S.). This New American Standard Bible is considered by nearly all evangelical Christian scholars and translators today, to be the most accurate, word-for-word translation of the original Greek and Hebrew scriptures into the modern English language that has ever been produced. It remains the most popular version among theologians, professors, scholars, and seminary students today. Some, however, have taken issue with it because it is so direct and literal a translation (focused on accuracy), that it does not flow as easily in conversational English.
For this reason, in 1973, the New International Version (N.I.V.) was produced, which was offered as a “dynamic equivalent” translation into modern English. The N.I.V. was designed not for “word-for-word” accuracy, but rather, for “phrase-for-phrase” accuracy, and ease of reading even at a Junior High-School reading level. It was meant to appeal to a broader (and in some instances less-educated) cross-section of the general public. Critics of the N.I.V. often jokingly refer to it as the “Nearly Inspired Version”, but that has not stopped it from becoming the best-selling modern-English translation of the Bible ever published.
In 1982, Thomas Nelson Publishers produced what they called the “New King James Version”. Their original intent was to keep the basic wording of the King James to appeal to King James Version loyalists, while only changing the most obscure words and the Elizabethan “thee, thy, thou” pronouns. This was an interesting marketing ploy, however, upon discovering that this was not enough of a change for them to be able to legally copyright the result, they had to make more significant revisions, which defeated their purpose in the first place. It was never taken seriously by scholars, but it has enjoyed some degree of public acceptance, simply because of its clever “New King James Version” marketing name.
In 2002, a major attempt was made to bridge the gap between the simple readability of the N.I.V., and the extremely precise accuracy of the N.A.S.B. This translation is called the English Standard Version (E.S.V.) and is rapidly gaining popularity for its readability and accuracy. The 21st Century will certainly continue to bring new translations of God’s Word in the modern English language.
As Christians, we must be very careful to make intelligent and informed decisions about what translations of the Bible we choose to read. On the liberal extreme, we have people who would give us heretical new translations that attempt to change God’s Word to make it politically correct. One example of this, which has made headlines recently is the Today’s New International Version (T.N.I.V.) which seeks to remove all gender-specific references in the Bible whenever possible! Not all new translations are good… and some are very bad.
But equally dangerous, is the other extreme… of blindly rejecting ANY English translation that was produced in the four centuries that have come after the 1611 King James. We must remember that the main purpose of the Protestant Reformation was to get the Bible out of the chains of being trapped in an ancient language that few could understand, and into the modern, spoken, conversational language of the present day. William Tyndale fought and died for the right to print the Bible in the common, spoken, modern English tongue of his day… as he boldly told one official who criticized his efforts, “If God spare my life, I will see to it that the boy who drives the plowshare knows more of the scripture than you, Sir!”
Will we now go backwards, and seek to imprison God’s Word once again exclusively in ancient translations? Clearly it is not God’s will that we over-react to SOME of the bad modern translations, by rejecting ALL new translations and “throwing the baby out with the bathwater”. The Word of God is unchanging from generation to generation, but language is a dynamic and ever-changing form of communication. We therefore have a responsibility before God as Christians to make sure that each generation has a modern translation that they can easily understand, yet that does not sacrifice accuracy in any way. Let’s be ever mindful that we are not called to worship the Bible. That is called idolatry. We are called to worship the God who gave us the Bible, and who preserved it through the centuries of people who sought to destroy it.
We are also called to preserve the ancient, original English translations of the Bible… and that is what we do here at WWW.GREATSITE.COM
Consider the following textual comparison of the earliest English translations of John 3:16, as shown in the English Hexapla Parallel New Testament:
1st Ed. King James (1611): “For God so loued the world, that he gaue his only begotten Sonne: that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.”
Rheims (1582): “For so God loued the vvorld, that he gaue his only-begotten sonne: that euery one that beleeueth in him, perish not, but may haue life euerlasting”
Geneva (1560): “For God so loueth the world, that he hath geuen his only begotten Sonne: that none that beleue in him, should peryshe, but haue euerlasting lyfe.”
Great Bible (1539): “For God so loued the worlde, that he gaue his only begotten sonne, that whosoeuer beleueth in him, shulde not perisshe, but haue euerlasting lyfe.”
Tyndale (1534): “For God so loveth the worlde, that he hath geven his only sonne, that none that beleve in him, shuld perisshe: but shuld have everlastinge lyfe.”
Wycliff (1380): “for god loued so the world; that he gaf his oon bigetun sone, that eche man that bileueth in him perisch not: but haue euerlastynge liif,”
Anglo-Saxon Proto-English Manuscripts (995 AD): “God lufode middan-eard swa, dat he seade his an-cennedan sunu, dat nan ne forweorde de on hine gely ac habbe dat ece lif.”
Timeline of Bible Translation History
1,400 BC: The first written Word of God: The Ten Commandments delivered to Moses.
500 BC: Completion of All Original Hebrew Manuscripts which make up The 39 Books of the Old Testament.
200 BC: Completion of the Septuagint Greek Manuscripts which contain The 39 Old Testament Books AND 14 Apocrypha Books.
1st Century AD: Completion of All Original Greek Manuscripts which make up The 27 Books of the New Testament.
315 AD: Athenasius, the Bishop of Alexandria, identifies the 27 books of the New Testament which are today recognized as the canon of scripture.
382 AD: Jerome’s Latin Vulgate Manuscripts Produced which contain All 80 Books (39 Old Test. + 14 Apocrypha + 27 New Test).
500 AD: Scriptures have been Translated into Over 500 Languages.
600 AD: LATIN was the Only Language Allowed for Scripture.
995 AD: Anglo-Saxon (Early Roots of English Language) Translations of The New Testament Produced.
1384 AD: Wycliffe is the First Person to Produce a (Hand-Written) manuscript Copy of the Complete Bible; All 80 Books.
1455 AD: Gutenberg Invents the Printing Press; Books May Now be mass-Produced Instead of Individually Hand-Written. The First Book Ever Printed is Gutenberg’s Bible in Latin.
1516 AD: Erasmus Produces a Greek/Latin Parallel New Testament.
1522 AD: Martin Luther’s German New Testament.
1526 AD: William Tyndale’s New Testament; The First New Testament printed in the English Language.
1535 AD: Myles Coverdale’s Bible; The First Complete Bible printed in the English Language (80 Books: O.T. & N.T. & Apocrypha).
1537 AD: Tyndale-Matthews Bible; The Second Complete Bible printed in English. Done by John “Thomas Matthew” Rogers (80 Books).
1539 AD: The “Great Bible” Printed; The First English Language Bible Authorized for Public Use (80 Books).
1560 AD: The Geneva Bible Printed; The First English Language Bible to add Numbered Verses to Each Chapter (80 Books).
1568 AD: The Bishops Bible Printed; The Bible of which the King James was a Revision (80 Books).
1609 AD: The Douay Old Testament is added to the Rheims New Testament (of 1582) Making the First Complete English Catholic Bible; Translated from the Latin Vulgate (80 Books).
1611 AD: The King James Bible Printed; Originally with All 80 Books. The Apocrypha was Officially Removed in 1885 Leaving Only 66 Books.
1782 AD: Robert Aitken’s Bible; The First English Language Bible (KJV) Printed in America.
1791 AD: Isaac Collins and Isaiah Thomas Respectively Produce the First Family Bible and First Illustrated Bible Printed in America. Both were King James Versions, with All 80 Books.
1808 AD: Jane Aitken’s Bible (Daughter of Robert Aitken); The First Bible to be Printed by a Woman.
1833 AD: Noah Webster’s Bible; After Producing his Famous Dictionary, Webster Printed his Own Revision of the King James Bible.
1841 AD: English Hexapla New Testament; an Early Textual Comparison showing the Greek and 6 Famous English Translations in Parallel Columns.
1846 AD: The Illuminated Bible; The Most Lavishly Illustrated Bible printed in America. A King James Version, with All 80 Books.
1863 AD: Robert Young’s “Literal” Translation; often criticized for being so literal that it sometimes obscures the contextual English meaning.
1885 AD: The “English Revised Version” Bible; The First Major English Revision of the KJV.
1901 AD: The “American Standard Version”; The First Major American Revision of the KJV.
1952 AD: The “Revised Standard Version” (RSV); said to be a Revision of the 1901 American Standard Version, though more highly criticized.
1971 AD: The “New American Standard Bible” (NASB) is Published as a “Modern and Accurate Word for Word English Translation” of the Bible.
1973 AD: The “New International Version” (NIV) is Published as a “Modern and Accurate Phrase for Phrase English Translation” of the Bible.
1982 AD: The “New King James Version” (NKJV) is Published as a “Modern English Version Maintaining the Original Style of the King James.”
1990 AD: The “New Revised Standard Version” (NRSV); further revision of 1952 RSV, (itself a revision of 1901 ASV), criticized for “gender inclusiveness”.
2002 AD: The English Standard Version (ESV) is Published as a translation to bridge the gap between the accuracy of the NASB and the readability of the NIV.
In accordance with the reading of God’s Holy Word, let us share in the singing of a song of the Holiness of God. The song was played during a worship conference that took place in the Netherlands. Imagine that! As Coach Grant Taylor asked his players in the movie, “Facing The Giants,” “is anything too hard for God?” There is also a Bible verse that has the same question, Genesis 18:14. As you watch the video, you may see among the worshippers, “one special saint,” who drew my attention. I wonder if anybody else can find that “very special” person?
In response to someone who attacked me for using other than “King James Only,” I replied with the following. I trust that it may provide you with useful information. I was told that I would go to Hell for not using the King James version only.
I have no ax to grind, but the ax of truth. The KJV was directed to be written by the King of England, during which times in that nation were brutal for Christians who disagreed with him. He chose the writers, and excluded writers. Imagine if we were to have a President Obama Bible, or a President Clinton Bible, or a President Bush Bible…Before someone can say that the KJV is the only Bible to use, and that all others are wrong, there must be a stated reason of fact, which is something that I never hear from KJV only people. The purpose of the KJV was to put the Word of God in the common language of the people of England, which the writers did, in spite of the political pressure of King James that was placed on them… The first update of the KJV had more than 70,000 corrections in it, due to changes in spoken language. The New American Standard Bible is the most correct word for word translation of the Greek and Hebrew to our current languages than the other translations; its translation committee meets more frequently than do the others. But, there is value in the other translations, as well as in the KJV. In today’s speaking, we don’t use “Elizabethan English.” We don’t say, “betwixt me and thee.” I use the KJV daily, but I also understand its limitations. King James wanted a Bible that showed a “religious structure,” as opposed to a body of believers. He used “Bishop” instead of pastor or elder. Again, if there is support for King James only, please present the facts for that support. It was not the first Bible that was written. I have used the KJV for many years for the purposes of daily reading, memorization, preaching and teaching. But, the KJV 1611 is not the only translation of the Bible that is suitable for reading, memorization, preaching and teaching.
As believers in Christ, we have been commissioned to share the Word of God with unbelievers. It has been said that the newer translations “leave words out.” The truth is that the KJV 1611 “put words in” that shouldn’t have been included. There will be a separate post for that study. Since the KJV is not the first translation of the Bible, why is it considered to be the standard for translating God’s Holy Word? Can confusion be found in any of the following KJV 1611 translated verses, or any uncomfortable words?
Genesis 26:28 King James Version (KJV) (Betwixt?)
28 And they said, We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;
Exodus 34:15 King James Version (KJV) (A whoring?)
15 Lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they go a whoring after their gods, and do sacrifice unto their gods, and one call thee, and thou eat of his sacrifice;
Leviticus 17:7 King James Version (KJV) (awhoring?)
7 And they shall no more offer their sacrifices unto devils, after whom they have gone a whoring. This shall be a statute for ever unto them throughout their generations.
Deuteronomy 32:20 King James Version (KJV) (froward?)
20 And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end shall be: for they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith.
Matthew 1:18 King James Version (KJV) (Is God’s Spirit a ghost?)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
1 Samuel 25:22 King James Version (KJV) (Pisseth?)
22 So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.
2 Kings 18:27 King James Version (KJV) (Piss?)
27 But Rabshakeh said unto them, Hath my master sent me to thy master, and to thee, to speak these words? hath he not sent me to the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung, and drink their own piss with you?
1 Thessalonians 1:8 King James Version (KJV) (God-ward?)
8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.
1 Peter 1:13 King James Version (KJV) (Gird?)
13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
Consider the following parallel verses of John 3:16, which includes the KJV 1611. Do you see an attack on the KJV 1611?
John 3:16 Parallel Verses
New International Version
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
New Living Translation
“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.
English Standard Version
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
New American Standard Bible
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
King James Bible
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Holman Christian Standard Bible
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
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Eternity 