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Why did Herodias want John the Baptist b |
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Matt 14:3
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Why did Herodias want John the Baptist beheaded? |
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Why did Herodias want John the Baptist b |
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Matt 14:3
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Because John the Baptist had denounced Herod's adulterous union with Herodias, his brother Philip's wife and his own niece. Law prohibited marriage to one's brother's wife while the brother was still alive.
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Luke 3:19 But when Herod the tetrarch was reproved by him on account of Herodias, his brother's wife, and on account of all the wicked things which Herod had done, 20 he added this also to them all, that he locked John up in prison. (NAS)
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Did I offend you? |
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Matt 12:40
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Gospelmidi, in your response I sense some issues, if I in any way offended you please accept my most sincere and humblest apology.
Please excuse my tardiness to respond to the points raised, but I needed time to verify what I believe to be correct was in fact correct.
The theory I presented was not my own, but I was first lead to it by a Messianic Jewish Rabbi. I was unable to contact him to verify my conjecture so I went to another very reliable Messianic Jew. That person then referred me to still another Jewish scholar and both agree that the Passover is called a Sabbath. Therefore I feel fairly comfortable in making that connection. Jews do call the Holy convocation of Passover a Sabbath. It is called Shabbat Gadol or High Sabbath or Shabbaton. Also the day before the Passover is called the day of preparation.
Now as far as crucifixion taking place on Friday, let us reason together using your original premise or “Hebrew Idioms”. First let us establish some facts and then proceed from there. First we know Jesus died on the cross in the ninth hour Matthew 27:45-50. Secondly we know the on the morning of the “First day of the Week” the tomb was empty Matthew 28:1-6. Thirdly we know that Jesus said that just as Jonah was in the belly of a whale for three days and three nights so would the Son of Man be. Matthew 12:40. Now those are the facts and I think we all agree to those.
Now examine the popular teaching that Jesus was crucified on Friday. The Bible places time of death as some time after 3 PM and before the next day which starts at 6PM. Let’s figure Joseph and his servants was able to place Jesus in the grave within an hour of His death. We then have from 4Pm to 6Pm or one partial day. Starting at 6PM and going through 6Pm would be the Jewish Saturday or the Sabbath. So we have 1 full night and 1 full day. Then at 6PM Saturday we now begin the Jewish Sunday so we have another full night and since the Tomb was empty on the Sunday morning sometime after 6AM we will count another partial day. Lets add it up 2 partial days (going with the idiom factor we count them as 2 days), 1 full day and 2 nights.
The results would be 3 days and two nights. We are short 1 night either full or partial.
Since Jesus clearly said he would be in the heart of the earth 3 days and 3 nights something must be wrong, we need at least one more night. I submit the only way we can get that night is move the crucifixion back to Thursday instead of Friday.
To further emphasize my point I made the statement that if Jesus was crucified on the Friday the Jews would be violating a Holy Convocation Sabbath. The point was brought up that while that was true, however the Romans held no respect for the Sabbath and the they were the ones that crucified Jesus. Scripture is very clear here, the Jews were active participants in the Crucifixion. Furthermore just walking from Anna’s house to the Temple to Pilate Quarters then to Herod’s Palace then back to Pilate and finally to Golgotha would have more than violated the allotted Sabbath steps. To say nothing of holding a trial on a Sabbath or to stage what I think we can all agree to be a demonstration.
Finally a point was made that we have to study and understand the culture of the people at the time a book is written to get the full understanding of the message the book is trying to convey to it’s reader. I think this is exactly what happened. Early church scholars with little or no knowledge of Jewish tradition read that the Jews were anxious to get the men down from the crosses because of the forthcoming Sabbath. Not being aware that Passover and Feast of Unleaven Bread were Sabbaths they assumed it was the weekly Sabbath that was being referred to. Hence we have church tradition.
I realize this issue has been a topic of many ongoing debates and will probably not be settled until Jesus Himself sets the record clear. Men far wiser and more learned than I have taken both sides of the discussion and it truly doesn’t effect our salvation one way or the other. I presented my thoughts on the subject so that others could, if they so decided, use it as an answer to the question about what appears to be a conflict in the Bible’s account of the Crucifixion and Resurrection story. I certainly did not to do it to challenge you or to use it as an occasion to attack you. Again if I have caused you any offense please accept my apology.
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Women starting churches....???? |
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1 Tim 2:12
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i will give you two examples in Mathew 2:15 in the old texts it wasnt talking about Jesus,hosea 11:1.and Math 2:18 to jerimiah 31:15 read that in context,it is not talking of the time when herod killed all the infants.yet the Lord was. if you do a study on prophesy in the old testement about Jesus in the four gospels.Some seem far fetched as in context. there fore if a verse stands out i will LISTEN to JESUS and get confirmation.YIC |
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Taxes: To pay or not to pay? |
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Matt 22:17
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The Pharisees were ardent nationalists, opposed to Roman rule, while the hated Herodians, as their name indicates, supported the Roman rule of the Herods. Now, however, the Pharisees enlist the help of the Herodians to trap Jesus in His words. After trying to put Him off guard with flattery, they sprang their question: "Is it lawful to give a poll-tax to Caesar, or not?" (v. 17). If He said "No", the Herodians would report Him to the Roman governor and He would be executed for treason. If He said "Yes", the Pharisees would denounce Him to the people as disloyal to His nation. NASB Study Bible Zondervan. |
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Is the United States in the Bible? |
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Dan 7:4
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2 Pet. 1:20-21 NASB
But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.
This scripture refers to real “Holy Spirit” of God type prophecy. Many false prophets prophesied as recorded in the scriptures, but that is not the meaning of Peter’s statement.
This may be compared to “no man can say Jesus is Lord but by the Holy Ghost”. It is obvious that any speaking person can mouth those words but to say them of a truth (that He is your Lord), that is another matter and the purpose of the writer’s meaning.
A Professor of New Testament studies I had in college, used to point out scripture that was in the bible but in his opinion was misinterpreted by a writer of a given scripture. A memorable example is “A voice was heard in Rama, Rachel weeping for her children, and she refused to be comforted because they were no more” This was quoted by Matthew in 2:18, as prophetic of Herod’s slaughter of all the children at the time of Christ’s birth. This was pointed out by our “learned” teacher (a Cambridge scholar), as being an errant interpretation by Matthew. This is because my teacher knew that it originally was said of an historical event, namely the fall of Jerusalem to Nebuchadnezzar at the time of Jeremiah (see Jer 31:15). My teacher failed to comprehend the living aspect of the scripture as it is moved upon by the living God. Believe me, both Jeremiah and Matthew were correct as to the validity of that scriptures use, Rachel is then a “type”, a symbol, of God’s people.
In your question text you ask about another symbol, that of “the wings of an eagle” from a scripture in Daniel, the same phrase is used in the book of revelation (12:14). I find it is very interesting to note that the context of both books relates to the “end of times or the age”. I think there is something here that bears further prayer and study. Scripture is written “from faith to faith” and “without faith it is impossible to please God…”
I suggest you put any questions you have no answer for “on the shelf” as God is well able to lead you into all truth. Bless you in your seeking!
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Can God's people be united today? |
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John 17:11
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Jesus prayed for unity. In His time there were Jewish parties, or sects -- Pharisees, Sadducees, Zealots, Herodians, Essenes -- but the vast majority of the people were not a member of any of these parties. Today Christianity is severed into hundreds of factions each claiming to be "the church" or a part of "the church" of the Lord Jesus Christ. How can this be? Why is "the church" so splintered? Are there any unifying principles that can bring God's people together in our time? |
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Pilate's response to King of the Jews? |
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Luke 23:3
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In Jesus day a death sentence had to be approved by a Roman official. Since the Priests wanted Jesus killed they knew they had to make up charges against Him that the Romans would go for since the charge of blasphemy (His arresting charge)would have no meaning to the Romans. Since Pilate was the govenor of Judea where Jerusalem was located they needed to get his permission. Pilate recognized the obvious plot against Jesus (Matt 27:18) and Pilate knew that Jesus was innocent (John 18:30,38, 19:4). His wife also knew the innocence of this man, (Matt27:19). Herod also confirmed his innocence, (Luke 23:15). I believe that in His spirit he knew that Jesus was who He said He was. I also think that His wife confirmed the fact when she stated because of her dream. I can find no place that says Pilate knew because of a certain thing. We know that Pilate did believe Him for two reasons: 1) Pilate called Him King in John 19:14, and 2) because Pilate wrote the sign on the cross saying that "This is Jesus the King of the Jews". It does say that he was greatly amazed at Jesus (Matt 27:14). His conscience also told him that Jesus was who He said He was (John 19:7-9). Being the govenor of Judea where Jesus had His ministry I am sure that Pilate had heard of all the miraculous things that Jesus had done. Pilate did not stand for what he believed because he was threatened by the Jews that they would cause him great trouble (Matt 27:24, Luke 23:23).
***It is interesting to note that all aspects of Jesus trial were illegal. Jewish Law stated the following:
1) No trials were to be heard at night. All criminal cases must be tried and completed during
the daytime hours.
2) No such cases were to be held during the Passover season.
3) Only if the verdict were "not guilty" could the case be completed on the day it commenced.
4) In all trials, the evidence for the innocence of the accused must be presented to the court before the evidence of his guilt was cited.
5) If the verdict was guilty, a night must elapse before announcing the verdict to allow for feelings of mercy.
6) No decision of the Sanhedrin was valid unless it was made in its own council chamber with one another.
7) A false witness was punishable by death, (Matt 26:59-60).
8)It is illegal to cause someone to testify against himself.
Have a blessed day prayon
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Why did Jesus not answer charges? |
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Matt 26:62
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Jesus refused to answer because He knew that it would do no good to do so. It would of been as they say adding fuel to the fire. Staying silent was also His legal right. He used His whole life was an answer to their questions. He stood silent while being dignified. Matt 27: 14 says that in doing this He greatly amazed the govenor. By the way - In Matt 26:64 Jesus did answer Caiaphas, it is Herod that He did not answer (Luke 23:9). |
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Will there be degrees of judgment? |
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Matt 11:22
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Hello Steve. Tyre was situated on the coast of Palestine about half-way between Carmel and Beyrout. The narrow strip of land between the sea and the background of mountains was almost inaccessible owing to massive rocky promontories (the most famous being 'the Ladder of Tyre'), which barred the approach of invaders. The date of the foundation of Tyre is unknown. Herodotus suggests B.C. 2740 and Josephus about B.C. 1217.. Isaiah 23:7 calls her 'the joyous city whose antiquity is of ancient days'. But Tyre was not 'the most ancient.' Isaiah 23:2-12 calls her 'daughter of Sidon' (cf. Genesis 10:15). Homer mentions 'Sidonian wares', but ignores Tyre. Justin says Sidon suffered so severely at the hands of Ascalon that her trade passed to her daughter Tyre. The Tell el-Amarna letters (circa B.C. 1430) reveal Abi-milki, king of Tyre, sending appeals to his lord Amenhotep IV for assistance against the swarms of Khabiri, who were ravaging the land, while the citizens were dying of want on the islets off the coast. At the conquest of Canaan, Joshua assigned the Tyrian territory to Asher, though it was perhaps never occupied (Joshua 19:29, but compare to 2 Sam. 24:7). For the next 430 years, Tyre's history is a blank. It was Hiram, David's contemporary, who raised Tyre to fame. Old Tyre (Palaetyrus), on the mainland, he strongly fortified, its walls being 15 miles in circumference. They trafficked up the Nile as far as Memphis; worked copper mines in Cyprus and Crete (cf. Phenice, Acts 27:12); erected stations on the Bosporus, the Euxine, and the Crimea; becoming great explorers and looking for a special supply of shellfish that created a rare purple dye, used in trade. Hiram co-operated with David, sending cedars from Lebanon (1 Chr. 14:1). Under Solomon, Tyrian artizans built the Temple on Phoenician models (2 Chr. 2), and had joint maritime adventures (1 Kings 9:26,10:22).On the decline of Nineveh, Tyre again proclaimed her independence (B.C. 630), and after Nineveh fell (B.C. 606) she reached the zenith of her glory. Ezekiel 27-28 gives a marvelously vivid picture of the island city at this period, yet prophesies her fall on account of her colossal sins. Nebuchadnezzar II attacked Tyre and besieged it for 13 years. Old Tyre was destroyed (Ezek. 26:7-12), but the Babylonians wearied themselves in trying to subdue the island (Ezek. 29:18). Thus, Tyre was a poverty stricken town for 50 years. However, her humbled state did not change her people's temper. Their pride (Ezek. 28:2), their contempt for the right of man (Amos 1:9) and their slave trading (Joel 3:4-5) are all denounced by the Hebrew prophets. If you'd like to know more about the history of Tyre, just let me know. I have a special penchant for history. |
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Was Pilate guilty for Christ's death? |
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Matt 27:24
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Who was responsible for (guilty of) putting Christ to death?
Hank: You posted your question weeks ago on Tue 05/29/01. However I just came across this answer in my Bible reading the other day.
Acts 4:27 "For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel,"
Here the scripture itself names two individuals and two groups of people who "were gathered together against...Jesus." They are:
1) Herod
2) Pontius Pilate
3) the Gentiles
4) the peoples of Israel
Was Pilate guilty for Christ's death? Yes. Was he the only one who was guilty? No.
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Was Pilate guilty for Christ's death? |
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Matt 27:24
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I agree Hank, this is another fine answer in JVH's large and growing collection of fine answers!
About the only thing that I would add here is that Pilate found no political or military threat to Rome in Christ, and this was basically his only concern. Only Matthew records the event of Pilate washing his hands. By doing this, he vainly attempted to rid himself of the guilt of condemning an innocent man to death (Deut. 21:1-9; Psalm 73:13).. But this 'washing of the hands' was a custom that was frequently used of the heathens as well as the Jews (displaying innocency). However, the Jews accepted the blame for the execution of Jesus (v. 25) even though Pilate was a 'means' (being the governor) whereby they could execute Jesus. However, this does not in any way make Pilate innocent, since the blame encompasses not only Pilate himself but also the Jews, Herod, and the Gentiles (as was pointed out by JVH). :)
Blessings, Nolan! |
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Jesus' response to John's beheading? |
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Matt 14:13
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What was Jesus' response when He heard that John the Baptist had been killed by Herod? How did He handle the grief when the only person on earth that He could possibly 'relate' to at the time was killed? |
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Jesus calls Herod a 'fox'? |
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Luke 13:32
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Jesus calls King Herod a 'fox' in Luke 13:32.. What is the full meaning of this word used in the context? Also, how do we interpret this in light of Matthew 5:22? |
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Jesus calls Herod a 'fox'? |
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Luke 13:32
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Nolan ... A fox is small, cunning, troublesome, and noted for killing harmless creatures.
Let me ask you, were these Pharisees really concerned about Jesus? Or was it something else? I am thinking He may of thinking they were foxes, too. I say this based on the word "that."
In Luke 23:6-12, Herod eagerly wants to meet this man of God, not to kill him but to witness miracles and to hear Jesus’ words of wisdom.
Jesus had a purpose to what he was doing.
Jesus had a plan (vv. 32-33), the Pharisees, nor Herod could detour or deter Him.
Mark 3:6 indicates that the Herodians and Pharisees began to plot how to Kill Jesus. We see this plot again in 12:13. So why do the Pharisees warn Jesus?
Steve
Searching Scripture
PS I am not sure how to interpret this in light of Matthew 5:22. I do not see a relationship.
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Jesus calls Herod a 'fox'? |
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Luke 13:32
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Hi Nolan Keck, I studied your Matthew 5:22 verse where a brother is in error to speak in anger against his brother and needs to be reconciled to him before he can offer anything to the Lord. We do need to watch what we say, especially when we are angry.
I contrasted that with Luke 12:4 where Jesus is speaking with *His friends. The context however, is that the Pharisee were "plotting against Him to catch Him in something He might say." Luke 11:53
Luke 12:1b-5, "...He began saying to (His) disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops. I say to you, *My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. But I warn you whom to fear: fear the One who, after He has killed, has authority to cast into hell; yes, I tell you, fear Him!"
Yet, this One, even Jesus Himself, did not come to judge as Luke 12:13 says, "Man, who appointed Me a judge or arbitrator over you?" And over and over He tells us that He is concerned about us and we are valuable to Him. Much more valuable than the sparrows, verse 7 or the birds, verse 24.
But we're talking about this fox, Herod, aren't we. I will give you a quote from William Barclay and "the Gospel of Luke" of the Daily Study Bible Series, page 186. (Please excuse his lack of capitalization of Deity) :)
"This passage shows us Jesus talking to Herod Antipas king of Galilee, who was out to stop him. To the Jew the fox was a symbol of three things. First it was regarded as the slyest of animals. Second, it was regarded as the most destructive of animals. Third, it was the symbol of a worthless and insignificant man.
"It takes a brave man to call the reigning king a fox. Latimer was once preaching in Westminster Abbey when Henry the king was one of the congregation. In the pulpit he soliloquised, "Latimer! Latimer! Latimer! Be careful what you say. The king of England is here!" Then he went on, "Latimer! Latimer! Latimer! Be careful what you say. The King of Kings is here."
"Jesus took his orders from God, and he would not shorten his work by one day to please or to escape any earthly king."
End of quote. I find Barclay an interesting writer even though it should have been King of kings for instance. :)
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Jesus calls Herod a 'fox'? |
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Luke 13:32
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Very good observation, Ray! I especially like the tie in with William Barclay, that was excellent!
I was especially impressed with this: "This passage shows us Jesus talking to Herod Antipas king of Galilee, who was out to stop him. To the Jew the fox was a symbol of three things. First it was regarded as the slyest of animals. Second, it was regarded as the most destructive of animals. Third, it was the symbol of a worthless and insignificant man."
Thank you, Ray! This was exactly what I was looking for! :)
Your Brother in Christ,
Nolan
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Jesus calls Herod a 'fox'? |
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Luke 13:32
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Excellent response Steve!!
I agree with your conclusion about the Pharisees, since Jesus called them hypocrites, sons of hell, blind guides, whitewashed tombs, and a brood of vipers! :) (Matthew 23) So in other words, the Pharisees were not at all concerned about Jesus' welfare.
In fact, they were actually trying to intimidate Jesus and force Him out of publicity by this 'threat' from Herod. So Jesus stands up to them and says, "Go tell that fox.."
I like Ray's interpretation of 'fox' here: "This passage shows us Jesus talking to Herod Antipas king of Galilee, who was out to stop him. To the Jew the fox was a symbol of three things. First it was regarded as the slyest of animals. Second, it was regarded as the most destructive of animals. Third, it was the symbol of a worthless and insignificant man."
So even though Herod and the Pharisees were trying to intimidate Jesus, Jesus points out that Herod is only a fox and is woefully unable to stand in the way of God Himself.
Jesus is not at all sinning here or in any other place by saying such 'harsh' things about the predominant leaders of the day, since they were well deserved of their harsh rebuke and Jesus Himself did not sin in His anger (Hebrews 9:14).
Excellent point Steve! There is no relationship to Matthew 5:22 except for the fact that we should avoid sin even when we are angry! Great response!
Your Brother in Christ,
Nolan
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INTERSTMENTAL PERIODE |
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Bible general Archive 1
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"BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS
This article was adapted from From Malachi to Matthew by Charles F. Pfeiffer. Copyright © 1962 by The Moody Bible Institute of Chicago.
(Continued)
THE MACCABEES
The oppressed Jews were not long in finding a champion. When the emissaries of Antiochus arrived at the small town of Modin, about fifteen miles west of Jerusalem, they expected the aged priest, Mattathias, to set a good example to his people by offering a pagan sacrifice. He not only refused, but he also killed an apostate Jew at the heathen altar, along with the Syrian officer who was presiding at the ceremony. Mattathias fled to the Judean highlands and, with his sons, waged guerrilla warfare on the Syrians. Although the aged priest did not live to see his people freed from the Syrian yoke, he commissioned his sons to complete the task. Judas, surnamed “the Maccabee,’’ took the leadership at the death of his father. By 164 B.C. Judas had gained possession of Jerusalem. He purified the Temple and reinstituted the daily offerings. Soon after the victories of Judas, Antiochus died in Persia. However, struggles continued between the Maccabees and the Seleucid rulers for about twenty years.
Aristobolus I was the first of the Maccabean rulers to take the title, “King of the Jews.’’ After a short reign he was succeeded by the tyrannical Alexander Jannaeus, who, in turn, left the kingdom to his mother, Alexandra. Alexandra’s reign was a relatively quiet one. At Alexandra’s death a younger son, Aristobolus (II), dispossessed his brother. Thereupon, the governor of Idumaea, Antipater, espoused the cause of Hyrcanus, and civil war threatened. Consequently Pompey marched into Judea with his Roman legions to settle matters and further the aims of Rome. Aristobolus sought to defend Jerusalem against Pompey, but the Romans took the city and penetrated to the Holy of Holies in the Temple. Pompey did not, however, touch the Temple treasures.
ROME
Mark Antony supported the cause of Hyrcanus. After the murder of Julius Caesar, and of Antipater (father of Herod), who for twenty years had been virtual ruler of Judea, Antigonus, the second son of Aristobolus, sought the throne. For a time he actually ruled in Jerusalem, but Herod, the son of Antipater, returned from Rome and became king of the Jews with Roman support. His marriage to Mariamne, granddaughter of Hyrcanus, provided a link with the Maccabean rulers.
Herod was one of the cruelest rulers of all time. He murdered the venerable Hyrcanus (31 B.C.) and put to death his own wife Mariamne and their two sons. From his deathbed Herod ordered the execution of Antipater, a son by another wife. In Scripture Herod is known as the king who ordered the death of the innocents of Bethlehem because he feared as a rival One who was born to be King of the Jews."
Taken from The Ryrie Expanded Edition NASB Study Bible |
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How was Tower of Babel possible? |
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Gen 11:4
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Greetings, prayon!
The following is from the "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia" and there is detailed information here on the building of the Tower of Babel..
"5. A BABYLONIAN DESCRIPTION OF THE TOWER
, to give the Babylonian (Sumerian) name, consisted of six stages built upon a platform, and provided with a sanctuary at the top. A tablet seemingly giving a detailed description of this building was for a time in the hands of the late George Smith in the year 1876. Unfortunately he had not time to give a translation of the document, or to publish the text, but his detailed account of it (, February 12, 1876) is exceedingly interesting.
First there was the outer court called the “grand court,” measuring, according to G. Smith’s estimate, 1,156 ft. by 900 ft., and a smaller one, called “the court of Ishtar and Zagaga,” 1,056 ft. by 450 ft. Round the court were six gates admitting to the temples: (1) The grand gate; (2) The gate of the rising sun (east); (3) The great gate; (4) The gate of the colossi; (5) The gate of the canal; and (6) The gate of the tower-view."
6. THE PLATFORM
After this came a space or platform apparently walled—a square in form, and measuring 3 each way. Its size is doubtful, as the value of the is unknown. The sides of this enclosure faced the cardinal points. In its walls were four gates, one on each side, and named from the points toward which they looked. Within this enclosure stood a large building measuring 10 (Smith: 200 ft.) each way. Unfortunately, the name of this erection was damaged, so that its nature and use are uncertain.
7. THE CHAPELS AND SHRINES
Round the base of the Tower were small temples or chapels dedicated to the various gods of the Babylonians. On the East were 16 shrines, the principal of them being dedicated to Nebo and , his spouse; on thee North were two temples dedicated to . () and Nusku respectively; on the South was a single temple to the two great gods, Anu and Bel (Enlil?). It was on the West, however, that the principal buildings lay—a double house with a court between the wings 35 cubits (Smith: 58 ft.) wide. These two wings were not alike in dimensions, the erection on one side being 100 cubits by 20 (166 ft. by 34 ft.) and on the other 100 cubits by 65 (166 ft. by 108 ft.). In these western chambers stood the couch of the god, and the golden throne mentioned by Herodotus, with other objects of great value. The couch was stated to have measured 9 cubits by 4 (15 ft. by 6 feet 8 inches).
8. THE TOWER IN ITS FIRST STAGE
In the center of these groups of buildings stood the great Tower in stages, called by the Babylonians “the Tower of Babel” (). The stages decreased from the lowest upward, but each was square in plan. The first or foundation-stage was 15 each way by 5 1/2 high (300 ft. by 110 ft. high), and seems to have been decorated with the usual double recesses which are a characteristic of Assyr-Bab architecture."
(part 2 of 3)
Nolan |
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How was Tower of Babel possible? |
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Gen 11:4
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Greetings, prayon!
The following is from the "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia" and there is detailed information here on the building of the Tower of Babel..
"9. THE REMAINING STAGES
The second stage was 13 square and 3 high (260 ft. by 60 ft.). A term was applied to it which G. Smith did not understand, but he notes that it probably had sloping sides. The stages from the 3rd to the 5th were all of equal height, namely, 1 (20 ft.), and were respectively 10 (200 ft.), 8 1/3 (170 ft.) and 7 (140 ft.) square. The dimensions of the 6th stage were omitted, but may be restored in accordance with the others, namely, 5 1/2 square (110 ft.) by 1 (20 ft.) high.
10. THE CHAPEL AT THE TOP
On this was raised what Smith calls the 7th stage, namely, the upper temple or sanctuary of the god Bel-Merodach, 4 long, 3 1/2 broad and 2 1/2 high (80 ft., 60 ft., and 50 ft., respectively). He does not mention the statue of the god, but it may be supposed that it was set up in this topmost erection. The total height of the tower above its foundation was therefore 15 (300 ft.), the same as the breadth of its base. It cannot be said that it was by any means a beautiful erection, but there was probably some symbolism in its measurements, and in appearance it probably resembled (except the decoration) the temple tower of Calah as restored in the frontispiece to Layard’s Monuments of Nineveh, 1st series, in which a step-pyramid with a similarly highbasement stage is shown.
11. HERODOTUS’ DESCRIPTION
With this detailed description, which is quite what would be expected in a Babylonian account of such a celebrated temple, the description in Herodotus (i.181ff) agrees. He states that it was a temple square in form, two furlongs (1, 213 ft.) each way, in the midst of which was built a solid tower a furlong square (nearly 607 ft.). This, however, must have been the platform, which, with the six stages and the chapel on the top, would make up the total of eight stages of which Herodotus speaks. The ascent by which the top was reached he describes as running “outside round about all the towers”—wording which suggests, though not necessarily, that it was spiral—i.e. one had to walk round the structure 7 times to reach the top. Representations on Babylonian boundary-stones suggest that this view would be correct, though a symmetrical arrangement of inclined paths might have been constructed which would have greatly improved the design. At the middle of the ascent, Herodotus says, there was a stopping-place with seats to rest upon, which rather favors this idea. At the top of the last tower there was a large cell, and in the cell a large couch was laid, well covered; and by it a golden table. There was no image there, nor did any human being spend the night there, except only a woman of the natives of the place chosen by the god, “as say the Chaldeans who are the priests of this god.” These men told Herodotus that the god often came to the cell, and rested upon the couch, “but,” he adds, “I do not believe them.” After mentioning parallels to this at Egyptian Thebes and Patam in Lycia, he goes on to speak of another cell below (that referred to in G. Smith’s tablet) wherein was a great image of Zeus (Bel-Merodach) sitting, with a footstool and a large table, all of gold, and weighing no less than 800 talents. Outside of this cell was an altar to the god, made of gold; and also another altar, whereon full-grown animals were sacrificed, the golden altar being for sucklings only. The Chaldeans also told him that there was, in the precincts of the building, a statue 12 cubits high, and of solid gold. Darius Hystaspis desired to take possession of this valuable object, but did not venture. His son Xerxes, however, was not so considerate of the feelings of the people and the priesthood, for he also killed the priest when he forbade him to meddle with it.
12. THE BUILDERS OF THE TOWER
The Bible record does not state who the people were who journeyed in the East and built the city and the Tower. The indefinite “they” might be taken to mean whatever people were there at the time the record was written, and probably presupposes that the reader would certainly know. As the Tower of Babel bears, in the native inscriptions, a Sumero-Akkadian name, it may be supposed that the builders referred to belonged to that race."
(part 3 of 3)
Nolan |
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how do you exersise this violent force |
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Matt 11:12
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Good question, JOHNGO!
Just what does "suffereth violence" mean?
The Nelson NKJV Study Bible puts it this way, "11:12- The violent take it by force in this context probably means that violent people forcibly oppose the kingdom with their hostility (23:13). As Christ’s kingdom advances, so do the attacks against it."
The New Scofield NIV Study Bible states, "'Force.' It has been much disputed whether the violence (force) here is external, as against the kingdom in the persons of John the Baptist and Jesus; or that, considering the opposition of the scribes and Pharisees, only the violently resolute would press into it. Both things are true. The King and His herald suffered violence, and this is the primary and greater meaning; but also, some were resolutely becoming disciples. Cp. Luke 16:16; Luke 5:19-20."
The Ryrie Expanded Edition NASB Study Bible says, "11:12- Since the time John began preaching, the response had been violent, whether by vicious opponents or enthusiastic supporters."
The MacArthur NKJV Study Bible states, "From the time he began his preaching ministry, John the Baptist evoked a strong reaction. Having been imprisoned already, John ultimately fell victim to Herod's savagery. But the kingdom can never be subdued or opposed by human violence. Notice that where Matthew says, "the violent take it by force," Luke has, "everyone is pressing into it" (Luke 16:16). So the sense of this verse may be rendered this way: "The kingdom presses ahead relentlessly, and only the relentless press their way into it." Thus again Christ is magnifying the difficulty of entering the kingdom (see notes on 7:13,14)." |
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Is the Scriptures historically reliable? |
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1 Tim 2:11
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Lionstrong, greetings. We haven't "interacted" in quite a while, so I'll try to interact amicably and not act up :-) Yes sir, I believe with all my heart that the Scriptures are historically correct. If we believe in God and believe that the Scriptures are God-breathed, that doesn't leave us much wiggle room to come up with alternate humanly-conceived theories, does it?.......Concerning secular historical documents, while some are considerably more reliable than are others, none is perhaps without some error or exaggeration here and there. Some are fairly objective and others quite subjective in the manner in which they treat their material. A sterling example of historical error is Herodotus in his History of the Greco-Persian Wars. Modern historians generally agree that his work is riddled with fantasies and inaccuracies..... But I stray from the question. Suffice it to say that secular historical background does not have to be without some error in order to be helpful to us today in our quest to learn more about people and their manner of life in Bible times. What we want is a general view that does not require pin-point accuracy of every detail. No secular work, historical or otherwise, that I know of has been subjected to anything approaching the minute, virtually microscopic scrutiny that the Bible has. No one yet has truly proved the Bible wrong. And I join an army of believers who believe that no one ever will. --Hank |
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What ungodly ruler was struck down angel |
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Acts 12:23
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I believe that this would be King Herod in Acts 12:23.. |
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What separates Evangelicals, Catholics? |
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Rom 3:28
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THE BONES OF PETER by Dr. W.A. Criswell
Simon Peter is addressed by our Lord Jesus in the sixteenth chapter of
Matthew in these words: "And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whosoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
Because of this passage, there is a vast system of religion built upon Simon Peter. Three things in this ecclesiastical system are avowed about him.
1. That Peter ruled the church.
2. That Peter ruled the church in Rome.
Jerome (d. 240 A.D.) declared that Peter, after being first bishop at
Antioch, and after laboring in Pontus, Galatia, Asia, Cappadocia, and
Bithynia, went to Rome in the second year of Claudius (about 42 A.D.) to oppose Simon Magus, and was bishop of that church for 25 years, finally being crucified head downward in the last year of Nero's reign (67 A.D.) and was buried on the Vatican hill.
3. That Peter's tomb and his bones are under the high altar of St. Peter's church in Rome.
There is no intimation in the Scriptures that the words of our Savior
addressed to Simon Peter made him ruler and head of the church. In the Greek there is a play upon his name --- "Thou art Petros (a stone) and upon thee petra (a stratum of stone) I will build my church." First Peter 2:5 says, "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house." First Corinthians 3:11 says, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus." The meaning is self-evident. The foundation, "the petra", upon which Christ will build His church is His deity, which Simon Peter has just confessed upon a revelation from the Father. The stones out of which Christ will erect His church are believing disciples, one of whom
is Peter himself.
The keys of the kingdom here given to Peter as a representative disciple, with the authority of binding and loosing, are given to all the disciples in Matthew 18:18 and in John 20:23.
PETER IN THE EARLY CHURCH
Was Peter ever the ruler of the church? Of any church any time, any place? Not that anybody knows of. The pastor and leader of the church at Jerusalem was James, the Lord's brother (Acts 12:17; 15:13-21; 21:18; Gal. 2:9) This Scriptural account of James is confirmed by Josephus in his Antiquities XX, 9,1, where James' martyrdom is described. Josephus never heard of Simon Peter, but the Jewish historian knows all about the faithful pastor and leader of the Christian church in Jerusalem.
Notice in Acts 8:14 that Peter is "sent" by the apostles along with John to Samaria. Peter is not doing the sending; somebody else is.
Notice in Acts 15:14-21 that at the Jerusalem conference, after Peter made his speech and Paul and Barnabas made their speeches, it is James who delivers the final verdict.
WAS PETER EVER IN ROME?
The second avowal of the Roman hierarchy concerning Peter is that he was bishop at Rome from 42 A.D. to 67 A.D., when he was crucified under Nero. If Peter was in Rome during those years, then the New Testament cannot be relied upon. There is not the faintest, slightest historical foundation for the fiction that Peter ever saw the city of Rome.
1. Paul was converted about 37 A.D. He says in the first chapter of
Galatians (Gal. 1:13-18) that after his conversion he went into Arabia, "then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him 15 days." This takes us to 40 A.D., and Peter is still in Jerusalem.
2. Sometime during those days made his missionary journey through the
western part of Judea, to Lydda, to Joppa, to Caesarea, and back to
Jerusalem (Acts 9, 10, 11). Then came the imprisonment under Herod Agrippa I and the miraculous deliverance by the angel of the Lord (Acts 12). Peter then "went down from Judea to Caesarea and there abode" (Acts 12:19). Herod Agrippa died not long after these events (Acts 12:20-23). Josephus says that the death of Agrippa occurred in the fourth year of the reign of Claudius. This would be about 45 A.D., and Peter is still in Palestine.
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On what day was Jesus crucified? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Part II
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And these things indeed were so. And the Jews gave information that Jesus did these things on the Sabbath. And I also ascertained that the miracles done by him were greater than any which the gods whom we worship could do. Him then Herod and Archelaus and Philip, and Annas and Caiaphas, with all the people, delivered to me to try him. And as many were exciting an insurrection
against me, I ordered him to be crucified. And when he had been crucified, there was darkness over the whole earth, the sun having been completely hidden, and the heaven appearing dark though it was day, so that the stars appeared, but had at the same time their brightness darkened, as I suppose your reverence is not ignorant of, because in all the world they lighted lamps from the sixth hour until evening. And the moon, being like blood, did not shine the whole night, and yet she happened to be at the full. And the stars also, and Orion, made a lament about the Jews, on account of the wickedness that had been done by them.
And on the first of the week, about the third hour of the night, the sun was seen such as it had never at any time shone, and all the heaven was lighted up. And as lightnings come on in winter, so majestic men of indescribable splendour
of dress and of glory appeared in the air, and an innumerable multitude of angels crying out, and saying: Glory in the highest to God, and on earth peace, among men goodwill: come up out of Hades, ye who have been kept in slavery in the underground regions of Hades. And at their voice all the mountains and hills were shaken, and the rocks were burst asunder; and great chasms were made in the earth, so that also what was in the abyss appeared. And there were seen in that terror dead men raised up, as the Jews that saw them said: We have seen Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and the twelve patriarchs, that died two thousand five hundred years ago; and we have seen Noah manifestly in the body. And all the multitude walked about, and sang praises to God with a loud voice, saying: The Lord our God that has risen from the dead has brought to life all the dead, and has plundered Hades, and put him to death.
All that night therefore, my lord, O king, the light ceased not. And many of the Jews died, and were engulphed and swallowed up in the chasms in that night, so that not even their bodies appeared. Those, I say, of the Jews suffered that had spoken against Jesus. And one synagogue was left in Jerusalem, since all those synagogues that had been against Jesus were engulphed. From that fear, then, being in perplexity, and seized with much trembling, at that same hour I ordered what had been done by them all to be written; and I have reported it to thy mightiness."
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I don't know anything about this credibility of this letter! So I can't speak to it's historical value.
I hope this helps!
Your Brother in Christ,
Tim Moran |
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Follow up Peter first Pope |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Brian,
Thanks for the response, the reason why I asked this kind of question to because I read some verses in the Bible, (Matthew 23:8-9) and I hope you could explain it. This question is only just to get your explaination of your beleived and share it to us.
Matthew 23:8-9 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Now my understanding is this, Peter is very being a desciple is very close to the teaching of Jesus Christ, how could he allowed himself to be called POPE or Holy Father?
Please also see these other verses:
Romans 16:1-27
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
of course if he (Peter) is Pope there St. Paul of course will greet him even only as recognition.
Thank you,
Johnny |
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What do you base your belief on? |
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Bible general Archive 1
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Please note in Acts 8:14 that Peter is "sent" by the apostles along with John to Samaria. Peter is not doing the sending; somebody else is.
Also note in Acts 15:14-21 that at the Jerusalem conference, after Peter made his speech and Paul and Barnabas made their speeches, it is James who delivers the final verdict.
Peter wasn't in "charge" of the church even then. And in 1Peter 5:1, he warns against ANYONE trying to "lord" themselves over the church. And in that verse he also recognizes that he is an elder just as those he's speaking to. Not a "special elder" mind you, just an elder.
There is no hint in scripture that the words Jesus spoke to Simon Peter made him ruler and head of the church.
I'm going to include some quotes from "The Bones of Peter" by Dr. W.A. Criswell. If there are no quotation marks, then it's my comments.
"In the Greek there is a play upon his name --- "Thou art Petros (a stone) and upon thee petra (a stratum of stone) I will build my church." First Peter 2:5 says, "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house." First Corinthians 3:11 says, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid which is Jesus." The meaning is self-evident. The foundation, "the petra", upon which Christ will build His church is His deity, which Simon Peter has just confessed upon a revelation from the Father. The stones out of which Christ will erect His church are believing disciples, one of whom is Peter himself."
As to Peter being IN Rome, "Jerome (d. 240 A.D. declared that Peter, after being first bishop at Antioch, and after laboring in Pontus, Galatia, Asia, Cappadocia, and Bithynia, went to Rome in the second year of Claudius (about 42 A.D.) to oppose Simon Magus, and was bishop of that church for 25 years, finally being crucified head downward in the last year of Nero's reign (67 A.D.) and was buried on the Vatican hill."
There is a problem with this account though. 1) It was written about the time that Calixtus I first made his claim based on Matthew 16:18, to be the current replacement of Peter; and 2) that account does not agree with scripture.
"1. Paul was converted about 37 A.D. He says in the first chapter of Galatians (Gal. 1:13-18) that after his conversion he went into Arabia, "then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him 15 days." This takes us to 40 A.D., and Peter is still in Jerusalem."
"2. Sometime during those days he made his missionary journey through the western part of Judea, to Lydda, to Joppa, to Caesarea, and back to Jerusalem (Acts 9, 10, 11). Then came the imprisonment under Herod Agrippa I and the miraculous deliverance by the angel of the Lord (Acts 12). Peter then "went down from Judea to Caesarea and there abode" (Acts 12:19). Herod
Agrippa died not long after these events (Acts 12:20-23). Josephus says that the death of Agrippa occurred in the fourth year of the reign of Claudius. This would be about 45 A.D., and Peter is still in Palestine."
"3. Paul writes in the second chapter of Galatians that fourteen years after his first visit to Jerusalem to visit Simon Peter he went again to see him. The first journey was 40 A.D.; fourteen years later brings us to 54 A.D., and Peter is still in Palestine."
"4. Peter returns the visit and goes to Antioch where Paul is working. This occasioned the famous interview between the two recorded in Galatians
2:11-14. Peter is still in the Orient, not in Rome."
"5. After 54 A.D., and after the Antioch visit, the Apostle Peter makes an extensive missionary journey or journeys throughout the Roman provinces of the East. On these missionary tours Peter takes his wife (1Cor. 9:5). They labor in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. So vast a work and so great a territory must have consumed several years. This would take us therefore, to at least 60 A.D., and Peter and his wife are still not in Rome but in the East."
"6. In about 58 A.D. Paul wrote a letter to the church at Rome. In the last chapter of that epistle, Paul salutes twenty-seven persons, but he never mentions Simon Peter. If Peter were "governing" the church at Rome, it is most strange that Paul should never refer to him."
"Romans 1:13 shows that the church at Rome was a Gentile church. At the Jerusalem conference (Gal. 2:9), it was agreed that Peter should go to the Jews and Paul to the Gentiles." |
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How is kingdom of heaven like leaven? |
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Matt 13:33
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Here is a little more on Matthew 13:33..
"13:33 Leaven is almost always a symbol of evil in the Bible. In this parable the case would seem to be no different. The kingdom has evil hidden within which multiplies until it is found throughout the kingdom. The remarkable fact is that the kingdom still overcomes." (Believer's Study Bible)
"13:33 The Parable of the Yeast points to the hidden but effective power of the gospel." (Cambridge Annotated Study Bible)
"Roman cities had bakeries, but the image here is that of a rural Galilean woman. Leaven, or yeast, would be mixed through the meal. Three pecks of flour, roughly a bushel, was all that a woman could knead, and the resulting bread would feed about a hundred people." (IVP Bible Background Commentary: NT)
"Parable It was common practice to retain a lump of leavened or fermented dough from a former baking and use it to leaven new dough. Under the Mosaic law, however, yeast was forbidden in bread used in the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Passover (Exo 12:8, 15-20; Lev 23:6-8), and similar exclusion of yeast applied to offerings placed on the altar (Exo 23:18; 34:25; Lev 2:11; 6:17). The only exceptions were the use of yeast in the two wave loaves offered as firstfruits (Lev 23:17) and some of the cakes of bread offered with the fellowship offerings (Lev 7:13, note).
Yeast, which brings about fermentation, is uniformly regarded in Scripture as typifying the presence of impurity or evil (Exo 12:15, 19; 13:7; Lev 2:11; Deu 16:4; Mat 16:6, 12; Mark 8:15; Luke 12:1; 1 Cor 5:6-9; Gal 5:9). The two wave loaves, representing Israel and the Gentiles as forming the Church, contained yeast in recognition of imperfections in the believers (see Lev 23:17, note). The use of yeast in the flour seems intended likewise to represent evil within the kingdom of heaven. The teaching that yeast in this parable represents the beneficent influence of the Gospel pervading the world has no Scriptural justification. Nowhere in Scripture does yeast represent good; the idea of a converted world at the end of the age is contradicted by the presence of weeds among the wheat and bad fish among the good in the kingdom itself. Although Biblical truth has a beneficial moral influence on the world, the mingling of yeast is not the method of divine salvation or enlargement of the kingdom. Weeds never become wheat. The parable is, therefore, a warning that true doctrine, represented by the flour, would be corrupted by false doctrine (cp. 1 Tim 4:1-3; 2 Tim 2:17-18; 4:3-4; 2 Pet 2:1-3).
Summary: (1) Yeast, as a symbolic or typical substance, is always mentioned in the O.T. in an evil sense (Gen 19:3, note). (2) The use of the word in the N.T. explains its symbolic meaning. It is “malice and wickedness” as contrasted with “sincerity and truth” (1 Cor 5:6-8). It is evil doctrine (Mat 16:12) in its threefold form of Pharisaism, Sadduceeism, and Herodianism (Mat 16:6; Mark 8:15). The yeast of the Pharisees was externalism in religion (Mat 23:14-16, 23-28); of the Sadducees, skepticism as to the supernatural and as to the Scriptures (Mat 22:23, 29); of the Herodians, worldliness—a Herod party among the Jews (Mat 22:16-21; Mark 3:6). And (3) the use of the word in Mat 13:33 is congruous with its meaning elsewhere in the Scriptures, as denoted in the paragraphs above." (New Scofield Study Bible)
--Nolan
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