Thank you Lbooth1955 for that lengthy discourse on who constitutes the Body of Christ. Rather than deal with each of your points or even to duplicate GiGi's good reply, I will just highlight one of your 'Objections and Reply to it'. And that is:
"Objection: 1 Cor 12:13 says all are baptized into one body-doesn't that include the Twelve?
Reply: It explains the BoC's present-age placement by the Spirit, not a retroactive relocation of Israel's kingdom apostles from their
promised thrones ( Matt 19:28)."
The path my understanding takes on this begins at Luke 24:49, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." The resurrected Jesus speaks to His disciples/apostles (not to any future apostles, only the twelve) to await the promise of His Father.
Then to Acts 1:4,5, Luke reiterates the Lord's message, "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Again, the twelve are spoken about here and that when the promise of the Father would come, they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2 follows.
To 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Paul writes about the same Holy Spirit Who baptizes all (Jew and Gentile) into the one body (the Body of Christ). So we can believe that there are no two Holy Spirits (one for the apostles and one for everyone else); we can also believe that the baptism by the Spirit baptises all into one Body (i.e. the Body of Christ).
If the same Spirit baptized the apostles, the believing Jews & Gentiles in those early days, and us today, aren't we all in ONE Body of Christ?
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
Interesting...Is Progressive revelation a lie as some claim?
Let's look at the evidence, judge it for yourself with the scriptures.
Progressive revelation describes God's unfolding of truth in stages, with each step building upon what was revealed before without contradiction. In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself incrementally through covenants, promises, and prophetic visions. Early on, His dealings were direct and foundational-Noah received a covenant of preservation, Abraham a covenant of promise, and Israel the Mosaic covenant of law. These were genuine revelations, yet they pointed forward to greater realities. The tabernacle, sacrifices, and priesthood foreshadowed Christ's once-for-all work ( Heb. 10:1). The prophets added layers of understanding, predicting both judgment and restoration, and hinting at a future Redeemer ( Isa. 53; Dan. 7; Mic. 5:2). Still, much remained hidden; the OT saints saw promises "afar off" ( Heb. 11:13).
In the New Testament, revelation reached its climax in Christ. God "spoke in times past by the prophets," but "in these last days by His Son" ( Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus embodied and fulfilled the OT shadows ( Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:27). Yet further truths, called "mysteries," were entrusted particularly to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:26). These included the union of Jew and Gentile in one Body, salvation by grace through faith apart from law, and the hope of heavenly inheritance. The NT brings clarity to truths dimly revealed before-resurrection ( Job 19; Dan. 12) is fully explained in 1 Corinthians 15; animal sacrifices give way to Christ's perfect offering ( Heb. 9-10).
Thus, progressive revelation is not change in God's plan, and certainly not a lie, but the unveiling of His purposes across time: the OT gave promises, types, and shadows; the NT brought fulfillment and disclosure of the mystery. God's truth unfolded step by step until fully revealed in Christ.
The Old Testament repeatedly promised Israel a literal, earthly kingdom ruled by Messiah from Jerusalem. God covenanted to give Abraham's seed the land forever ( Gen. 13:14-15; 17:8) and swore to David an eternal throne ( 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:3-4). Prophets like Isaiah, Daniel, and Zechariah described worldwide peace, justice, and worship centered in Jerusalem ( Isa. 2:2-4; 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44; Zech. 14:9,16-17). The Jewish expectation was simple: Messiah would come once, overthrow Gentile powers, restore Israel, and rule immediately-no concept of a second coming or a rapture.
When Jesus came, this expectation shaped all responses. John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matt. 3:2; 4:17). Crowds hailed "the kingdom of our father David" ( Mark 11:10) and tried to make Him king ( John 6:15). Many "thought that the kingdom should immediately appear" ( Luke 19:11). The disciples expected thrones and rulership ( Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:29-30) and even after the resurrection asked, "Wilt thou restore again the kingdom to Israel?" ( Acts 1:6).
The crucifixion brought deep confusion-"We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel" ( Luke 24:21). Even hearing of His death puzzled them ( John 12:34), since prophecy spoke of Messiah's eternal reign, not His suffering first.
Israel's rejection of Messiah delayed the kingdom. God then revealed through Paul the hidden "mystery" ( Eph. 3:1-9): Jew and Gentile in one Body, a heavenly people awaiting the rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:13-18). The promised earthly kingdom will still come-but only at Christ's second coming ( Rev. 19-20), after the Church is removed and Israel's prophetic program resumes.
Did the apostles receive the truth of the gospel from the risen Lord as did Paul?
I say yes because the apostles were taught by the risen Lord in the 50 days between His resurrection and ascension, such as on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-17; 44-47, which is what Paul preached in 1 Cor. 15:3-4 and in His work recorded in acts Paul preached repentance and faith: ( Acts 17:30-31; 20:18-21; 26:19-20; Rom. 1:32-2:1-6 (this is concerning the Gentiles in ch.1:18-30); 2 Cor. 7:8-11; 12:20-21)
Paul was taught by the risen Jesus also when he retreated into the wilderness after His conversion, just as the apostles were taught by the risen Lord.
I contend that there was only one gospel that was preached by both the apostles and Paul, for Paul said that the glory of Christ is NOT to be divided among his servants and people in 1 Cor. 1:10-13. Here Paul is encouraging that all speak the same as to the gospel and of Christ Jesus and not divine the body with appealing to Paul, or Cephas, or Apollo as the one they follow.
In Matthew 112:25 Jesus preaches the truth that every 'kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."
Paul in Cor. 13 is warning the Corinthian brethren to not cause divisions in the body of Christ.
It is Christ's will that His people stay in harmony and unity of doctrine and fellowship, all believing the one true gospel. Those who contend that Paul preached a gospel that differed from the apostles is such a doctrine that is divisive.
Lbooth, You have spoken at length criticizing believers, accusing them of bringing a bias to their interpretation of the Scripture, yet you are doing the very thing you criticize others for doing. Your teaching about two gospels comes from you being instructed in premillennial dispensationalism, which colors your view of the meaning of Scriptures.
We all come to the Scriptures with some preconceptions
Mark 10:34 in the King James Version (KJV) reads...
"And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again."
You asked: Why does it say Christ will rise "the third day" rather than "after the third day"?
Understanding "the third day" vs. "after three days"
This confusion comes from how time was reckoned in Jewish culture during the first century. Here's a breakdown:
1. "The third day" means inclusive counting
In Jewish reckoning, any part of a day was counted as a full day.
So:
Day 1: Friday (crucified)
Day 2: Saturday (in the tomb)
Day 3: Sunday (rose early in the morning)
Thus, Jesus rose on the third day, according to their cultural understanding.
2. "After three days" is also used in Scripture
Some verses say "after three days" (e.g., Mark 8:31). This isn't a contradiction but a colloquial flexibility in ancient Jewish and Greek phrasing. "After three days" can still mean "on the third day" in that culture.
Examples:
Matthew 16:21 - "...and be raised again the third day."
Mark 8:31 - "...after three days rise again."
Luke 24:7 - "...and the third day rise again."
All of these refer to the same resurrection timing, just using different expressions.
Summary:
The phrase "the third day" in Mark 10:34 follows Jewish inclusive counting, where Friday (crucifixion), Saturday (burial), and Sunday (resurrection) count as three days. It does not mean "after three full 24-hour days." Different gospel writers used both phrases ("after three days" and "on the third day") interchangeably without contradiction based on how time was culturally understood.
When Christ was taken all the disciples turned away. The Holyspirit have not been given yet.
Peter is mostly noted because he said he would never do it!
No one wanted to risk death and witness nor was they equipped to do so.
In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus tells Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus reminds them of what he told them in Luke 24:49.
"But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Afterwards Peter taught and preached boldly the rest of his life while knowing his fate.
3. It would be hard to know the Mind of the LORD & His Plan in progressive revelation to mankind (specifically Israel). My heart tells me that OT Israel needed only to know God (Yahweh) Who loved them dearly & would bless them beyond measure. But their obedience & faithfulness to Him was paramount. If Israel knew only so much of God but served Him well, by exercising faith in Him & His Promises ( Hebrews 11) they would be blessed, yet we know why & how they suffered because of their disobedience & idolatrous practises.
Though God did not reveal to them what we know today of His full Nature (His tripartite Being), they did have sufficient prophetical words given them to tell them of a coming One. But would they understand, accept, & through a rather opaque lens, perceive Who God was in His Fullness? Some then may have had an inkling but I think that God planned that they should wait till His Son be sent to be the manifestation of Himself on Earth. And clearly, to some the "penny dropped" & they rejoiced in the Truth & fulfillment of prophecy. And Jesus Himself spoke of this ( Luke 24:25-27). And this ignorance (i.e. the lack of understanding of the coming Christ of God) to what was revealed by Jesus then & by His Spirit now, would definitely not only cause confusion, but also anger & hatred in those who remain blinded to the revelation of the true God & His Son. But the day will come when they will come to Truth ( Zechariah 12:9,10; Revelation 1:7). Blessings.
Hello Nstew. I believe you're referring to one or both instances recorded in Matthew 16:27,28 and Luke 9:26,27. I have to admit that this is a very difficult portion to properly understand, since nothing more is recorded about it or referencing back to these Words of Jesus to His disciples.
My own understanding: is that Jesus was instructing His disciples of what would be a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. Soon after (within a week or so), three of Jesus' disciples saw Jesus transfigured (or, transformed) revealing His Glory ( Matthew 17:1,2; Luke 9:28,29); that Glory which He would receive back after laying it aside for humanity's sake ( Philippians 2:5-9). That would have been the first taste given to His disciples of the coming Kingdom of God.
Then of course, through His Death, Resurrection & Ascension into Heaven, the disciples had further confirmation of both the Truth of Jesus' Words (while He taught them) and the institution of God's Kingdom. It is true, that what we would normally understand and expect of the Kingdom of God (i.e. when Jesus returns to the World in His second Coming) didn't happen then as it hasn't happened till now, we can still see that His disciples were given a foretaste of that coming Kingdom which would never end until Christ comes - and beyond.
They saw His Glory at the mount, they were witnesses of His resurrection ( Luke 24:24-40), and they were witnesses of His Ascension ( Luke 24:50-53). And the disciples (and also to all those who love the Lord Jesus & would serve Him), would receive power to live the Christ-centered, Christ-crucified life, declaring to all that truly God had now visited sinful man & offered him so great salvation through His Son. Yes, the Kingdom of God is potentially within all mankind ( Luke 17:20,21), where, even if those unbelieving Pharisees would only put their faith in Jesus, the reality of the God's Kingdom could also be theirs when God would do a new work in them ( Ezekiel 11:19,20). GBU.
Concerning a Friday crucifixion or Sunday resurrection, I won't get into that here, except to quote Luke 24:1, "Now upon the first day of the week.." And that is a Sunday, which follows the seventh day of the week, a Saturday/Sabbath.
You did well to quote Galatians 5:18-25: showing that we are not under the Law, which means that we are free from its ultimate purpose: that of revealing human spiritual & mental frailty & resulting condemnation. If we break even one Law, we have broken all & remain condemned ( James 2:10). There was nothing wrong at all with the Law ( Romans 7:12), but its purpose was to lead men to Christ, not to be resurrected again by those now in Christ as some sort of rule book to follow & please God by. The only way to please the LORD is to do His Will, following the dictates of His Holy Spirit He has given us. If we use the Decalogue as some sort of yardstick to measure our spiritual standard & acceptance to God, then we have failed & missed the whole point of Christ's Sacrifice & the great matchless worth of the New Covenant in His Blood. Thank you for your time.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. What a blessing to be put in a situation like yours and be able to witness how the Lord works. Praise the Lord for blinding them long enough for you both to get out of there. Luke's presentation of the trip on the road to Emmaus ( Luke 24:13-35) is a great study.
I like to say that these two men got a "7-mile personal bible study" from Jesus Himself. The entire trip, and they didn't recognize Him. What's interesting is that that all the way through this dialogue, as Jesus is ministering Himself and the scriptures, they still don't believe! It wasn't until after Jesus sat with them and they had a meal together that their eyes were opened to where they recognized who He was, and then He just disappears. In your case, they didn't recognize you at all. We can only hope that the Lord would have used your scenario to His glory to where this cleric and perhaps others in that area would have come to know the Lord.
What a very, very strong message! 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 tells us that it is only by the Spirit of God and the Revelation by the Spirit of God that man can understand. A person cannot understand nor receive the things of Christ unless God's Spirit opens that person's heart. Their eyes were held to not be able to recognize Jesus. But it says, "and their eyes were opened." This is not something they did. This was the Lord's appointed time that He should minister the scriptures to them, that He should have a meal with them, and that He should continually give this bread out.
Again, thank you for sharing that story, and may the Lord continue to bless you abundantly, and may He continue to use you in ministering to and sharing His word with others for His glory!
Now here's the application of Luke 24:16: we crossed the road to get into our vehicle, but just thought to turn around to again check on this cleric. We could clearly see him on the other side of the road, but the Lord intervened on our behalf & 'held his eyes' in a special way. Luke 24:13-16, tells us that the two actually saw another man begin walking with them towards Emmaus but their eyes were 'held' so they couldn't perceive who he was.
In our case, this cleric, who was standing not more than 30 feet from us, wasn't able to see us at all. We stood there looking at him, but his head was just swinging from side-to-side searching for us, probably wondering how we could just disappear into thin air. We touched ourselves ensuring that we were still flesh & blood & having ascertained that, we then got into our vehicle & drove off, leaving him there confused wondering how we could just disappear. I wonder whether this encounter would have prompted him to enquire further into this mysterious, maybe Divine, Act to eventually secure his soul. So, I just share this to give a present-day proof of how the Spirit of God can 'hold' the eyes, even withhold the wicked acts of men, to fulfil His Will, showing Himself Sovereign in both our lives & also before the eyes & hearts of those without Christ. Every blessing to you dear brother.
Thanks again brother Jesse for these very worthwhile snippets from the original language that our 17th Century brethren were unable to capture in the English of their day. I join with bro S. Spencer, and I'm sure many others, who appreciate your giving us a better understanding of what we are reading, using both the original language & noting the influence of culture that bore upon it.
From your reference to Luke 24:16 & the meaning of 'holden' (krateo?), I was moved to recall a personal example of this wonderful power & provision of the Lord, that we are often unaware of or even goes unnoticed as the Spirit of the Lord works on the behalf of His children.
This happened back in 1990 while in ministry in Pakistan, as a Christian brother (from the Netherlands) & I were sharing the Gospel to Muslims by tract/book distribution & sales in a particular market-place in Karachi. My young Dutch brother was soon cornered by a particularly aggressive young Muslim cleric, who was spewing out his anger against our presence & in spreading these 'Christian lies'. We stood there hoping that he would calm down & we could then continue on with the work (for we still had a number of shops to visit). Unfortunately, he ordered us out of the area, & with the support of the increasing vocal crowd, we slowly began to leave. I kept checking behind me & observed that we were still being followed by this cleric. I tried to stall this progress by diverting to have a cup of tea at a small tea shop, but he was adamant that we keep going away from the area. As we neared our vehicle on the opposite side of the road, I just asked the Lord that somehow he would not take note of the van & its licence plate (which could then be reported to the police & cause our work to stall). Onto Page 2.
Luke 24:39 - Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
It says, "that it is I myself," but literally in the Greek text it is I AM. That's His name. Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. The Lord was in a special form where He could appear and disappear. He could come though locked doors. He could go anywhere and do anything. And yet He says He is not spirit.
He has flesh and bones, but this would not be His glorified body when he gets to heaven because heaven cannot inherit flesh and blood. He is telling them, look at my hands and my feet. It's the I AM!
Luke 24:45 - Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
The word for understanding is the word NOUS. There are several Greek words that describe the function of the brain and its abilities. And in Greek, NOUS represents the perceptive abilities of the mind, to perceive something, not just know it with knowledge, but to perceive its truth.
At the end of 1 Corinthians Chapter 2, it says those who are saved have the mind of Christ, and the word is NOUS. Under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit, His Spirit ministers the Lord's perceptions to me.
I can know what He perceives and know it to be true in the spirit realm. Not mystically, but as it is in truth. Even here, it tells us that Jesus ministered to them from the scriptures, but they didn't understand it until the Lord opened up their understanding.
We don't realize that it's a privilege to not only be saved, but for the Lord to say you have a heart and a mind and desire for my word, therefore I am going to give you that desire, and I am going to open up your mind, and by my Spirit, I'm going to cause you to perceive my truth from my word. A human being in their natural state cannot do that.
That's all I have for Luke. I will begin posting on John soon, Lord willing!
Luke 24:11 - And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
And their words seemed to them as idle tales. It is a medical term for the description of somebody who is delirious from a fever. You are delirious, idle tales, and they believed them not.
Now that is kind of an unfortunate translation because it doesn't say in the Greek text that they did not believe them. It just says that they were without persuasion. They wouldn't be persuaded.
Luke 24:12 - Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
So, Peter ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves. And in the Greek text it indicates, along with some other phrases from John's gospel, that the grave clothes were still wrapped. They were still in the same shape of the body but there was no body in it.
Luke 24:13 - And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
Threescore would be 60, and the Greek word is the word STADIA where we get our English word stadium from. Now one STADIA is 606 feet and 9 inches. So that was 60 STADIA away, so it was exactly 6.89 miles. The Bible rounds it off to seven, but about 7 miles away, 7 miles northwest of Jerusalem, was this little village called Emmaus.
Luke 24:16 - But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
The word "holden" is the word for grip. The Lord held their eyes, not physically, but so that they could not recognize Him! They had to be made without capacity to recognize Him because He was recognizable. But it is interesting that He kept them from recognizing Him so that he could have this conversation with them as He is walking.
"And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Ge.1:5)
What is a day where God is a Spirit and his kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting. "Thy kingdomisan everlasting kingdom, and thy dominionendureththroughout all generations." (Ps.145:13)
The Spirit uses tags in order to instruct man in order to focus on the Man . "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." (Col.1:19). The Spirit first gives us a context as to make the meaning clear. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." (Col.1:12-13) The kingdom of the Father Son relation ship is an everlasting kingdom.
In Man the fulness of God has invested the inheritance of the saints in light. Separation of light from darkness (Ge.1:4) gives us additional knowledge of "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."(2 Co.4:6) This knowledge when understood leads us from glory to glory. (2 Co.3:18). So faith with works explains what it is to abide in Christ.
First day refers to God the Father.
"And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day." (1:8)
Heaven refers to the word of God revealing the glory of God from everlasting to everlasting. "His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Ps.19:6,1). The word of God causes heat which we notice in the Emmaus incident. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Luke 24:32)
"And the evening and the morning were the third day."(1:13)
God is tagged as 1 Heaven as 2 and day Three refers to the Son.
I read and study the KJV, and I have read parts of other Bibles, Michaelswiger gave good information on what manuscripts were used, and if we study the history of the Bible other things and texts like the Bishop Bible were also considered. Giannis and S Spencer have also given good responses on the Greek words. I trust the KJV as the word of God and what He means for us to understand is there, but we must trust the Holy Spirit will guide us.
Aion means life span, age, or epoch, it is the source of our English words age and eon. It describes any length of clearly defined time, whether one person's life or some era of certain renown. As a general point of reference, this word may also apply to the vast span of history: the ages, the times of old.
I agree, with the word's age and world for English-speaking people our understanding can be different. The Greek word aion was translated in the KJV 37 times as world, sometimes world works, and sometimes age would be a better choice, I can send you the verses if you want to study them. Like Matt. 24:3 with the context and what the disciples knew at that time and what Jesus just told them about the temple the word world insinuates they are asking Jesus about His second coming.
If we compare Matt. 24:3 with Mark 13:4 and Luke 21:7 what is written in Matthew with them still thinking Jesus was going to set up the kingdom instead of the end of the world, the end of the age would fit better. The context of the chapter and comparing what is written in each gospel about the same thing helps me.
All translations or transliterations are not perfect, but God is and what He wants us to know He will show us through the Spirit of truth. Take Matt. 28:19, the commission, if we compare it to Mark 16:15Luke 24:47, and what we read in the rest of the New Testament what do we see?
Transfiguration of Jesus at the mount throws up light beyond the glorious body, a building of God eternal in heavens. The disciples going to Emmaus would not have recognized the risen Jesus but they did and it had to do with the word. " Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Luke 24:31-32). When Jesus opened their eyes they did know it was he indeed.
Then we have the mount itself to consider. "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."(v.2). As with the Sermon on the mount we have the high mountain which is the testimony of God and Jesus as the rock cut not with hands, signifying we are looking at the Word become flesh.
Mark mentions Moses and Elias " and they were talking with Jesus."(v.24). When Jesus explained the word of God to Cleopas and his companion, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." ( Luke 24:27) Luke elsewhere gives an additional insight to the transfiguration."And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:/Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Moses and Elias and Jesus are the three in glory in that specific moment of transfiguration while the three disciples, Peter James and John were in their physical bodies. In short, the Transfiguration is clear illustration of two worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh and blood operating simultaneously. The word concerning him sets prophets serving outside the timescale as we know the term. For this reason Jesus speaks of Elias,"But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him." (v.13) The ministry of Elias and Moses were as a double Jesus Christ
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19Isaiah 46:10Psalm 33:11Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
My Sabbath is everyday. My Jesus is no longer here in the flesh as we know no man after the flesh 2nd Cor 5:16-17.
2nd Cor 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
old things are passed away, Sabbath day old thing.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Jesus had to be born again as he died and was burred. What came out of the grave was not the same thing that went into the grave. Jesus was now a dead man walking full of holes and no blood. Can you live with no blood? Nope, Jesus was eating and talking because of the sprit of God his Father in him a new creature.
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
The bible says flesh and blood can not enter the kingdom of heaven 1st Cor 15:50. Jesus was now a new creation eating, talking and breathing and yet he had no blood. A born again Jesus this time of the spirit and no longer of Mary.
Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ...
1 Corinthians 13:12 states: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This relates to our perception of Christ; but also of course in glory we will see other saints in their eternal bodies as well for the first time. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
For now we do get glimpses; should we take the time to discern them of the Holy Spirit uniquely working in each true saint of God.
In physical appearance we still may look the same at least to the world to our early life when we were still in the world. Our identity is in Christ if indeed we are saved; and we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds ( Romans 12:2). Glorification will give us bodies it would seem like Christ when He could go through walls or doors ( John 20:19); we will be able to eat and drink ( Rev. 19:9; compare with Luke 24:42-43; and Mark 14:25). We will also rule and reign with Christ after returning with Him at Armageddon ( Rev. 19:14; Rev. 2:26-27).
Having no more suffering as promised in Revelation 21:4 and no more death certainly is an encouraging throught. I would submit that understanding the reasons for all of our earthly struggles may be even more poignant than understanding the suffering itself. We can take heart that Christ has His church as a reward; and we also can rejoice (or should) in one another and the time on earth invested in the Body of Christ as well as helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Again; it is rewards that are the variable that we are to strive for as seen in 1 Cor. 9:24-27. I am convinved many who receieve great rewards are relatively unknown at present praying in their closet; giving secretly to missions and serving under the radar. God sees the heart (see Heb. 4:12).
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
As I quoted in my prior post,JESUS shewed unto His disciples His HANDS and His FEET- Luke 24:40.
You think that "Scripture does not give us that", but remember that our GOD said to the Serpent-> GEnesis 3:13-15 combined with Job 13:27:
13And the Lord GOD said unto the woman,What is this that thou hast done?And the woman said,The serpent beguiled me,and I did eat(i.e.the woman believed in the interpretation of the Word of GOD by the man of sin,son of perdition,called Serpent in Genesis.Today, i.e.in this time of Apocalypse,he is called red Dragon- Revelation 12).
14And the Lord GOD said unto the serpent,Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed...and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: (man was made of the dust",so once man fell deceived by the woman deceived by the man of sin,and still is until this current time, who is the son of perdition,in the beginning called Serpent.
In fact,all mankind was made/produced into the belly of the Serpent, EXCEPT JESUS,of course,my oldest brother,the firstborn among many brethren- Romans 8:29.By the way, GOD has a lot and countless sons,but there are two who are lawful GOD's sons,not by adoption-JESUS and the Comfort,the Paraclete,the Ancient of days.
15And I-GOD- will put enmity between thee and the woman(now the Church-the body of Christ-,and between thy seed(sons of Devil) and her seed(sons of GOD, true believers);it shall bruise thy head,and thou shalt bruise His heel.
Remember,JESUS said- Luke 20:35-36:
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world(the next world-the millennial GOD's Kingdom- Revelation 11:15-18),and the resurrection from the dead(dead? Colossians 3:3-7.Take a look), neither marry,nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more:for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God,being the children of the resurrection ( Colossians 3:3-7 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:17 and 1Corinthians 15:51-55).
JESUS was nailed exactly in the center of His hands on the lines that form the figure of an M. And was also nailed in each foot , nailed close to the heel, in the calcaneus region.
Luke 24:36-43
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and SUPPOSED that they HAD SEEN A SPIRIT.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for A SPIRIT HATH NOT FLESH AND BONES as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them His HANDS and his FEET.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
In fact GOD allowed His Son JESUS to be taken to the slaughter like a sheep,but the way He would be killed was not chosen by GOD the Father,but by the Devil,that is the old Serpent,and Satan;and the object that was chosen by the Devil was the satanic CROSS for killing JESUS,for torturing Him,and for humiliation,and mockery, and for the most cruel suffering,until death.JESUS already knew the satanic plan of the Devil- Matthew 26:2-Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover,and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
To take up the cross is to suffer for the love of JESUS,to suffer for the preaching of His Gospel,suffering to testify of His Word in the Devil's world,to suffer for the preaching of His teachings within the Devils's world,to suffer testifying of the redeeming work of JESUS for the corrupt world of Devil,whose work cost his own life by dying on the man-made cross, Devil's cross.Devil's cross that many have on their avatar,the satanic cross that devilish Catholicism kisses and adores, understand? CROSS IS CURSE.
Presence of God is applied to the face so while the Spirit of God moved upon the waters it created a context so God can interface with us and lead us by the light of his word.
"The light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ' throws off heat and the two disciple felt it when the risen Christ 'expounded to them from the word'. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?( Luke 24:32)"
Presence of God is the word that went forth before the worlds began.(Is.55:11;2 Co.4:6)
Sometimes one mistakes the person of Jesus, his humanity for the face as in this case. Here antipathy of the Samaritans for his Jewishness came in the way.
"And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem."( Luke 9:51-53) They were taking cues from the presence of God and not the person of Jesus who wanted to be helped along the way.
Jesus set me free from the bar business and I got baptized in Jesus name Acts 2:38,39
Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
Jesus being the corner stone and the Apostles being the foundation signifies the beginning of a groundbreaking plan to erect a building and that building is the Church.
As I mentioned previously, the commission to carry the Gospel to the world came right after the resurrection, as shown in the Gospels " Luke 24:42-49 and Matthew 28:19-20."
I agree with you that the scripture says to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles,
However, I would suggest that the Gospel was preached to them before the cross as well as Abraham.
Hebrews 3:17-19 - Hebrews 4:1-6.
"But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. FOR UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: BUT THE WORD PREACHED DID NOT PROFIT THEM, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH IN THEM THAT HEARD IT.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, AND THEY TO WHOM IT WAS FIRST PREACHED ENTERED NOT IN BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF:
Also;
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED BEFORE THE GOSPEL UNTO ABRAHAM, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8.
I agree with most of all you have written. My understanding is at the crucifixion and when the veil was rent from top to bottom was the sign of the fulfillment of the old with the final sacrifice, the ordinances were nailed to the cross, and the new covenant was made, but it was not yet given to the Gentiles. To me, it is clear it was after Stephen's death and the persecution and history puts that right at 3.5 years after the crucifixion.
In Acts 8:57 the high priest and the other rulers made their final rejection of Jesus with this action they "stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord" That is my understanding when the branch was broken off. In Luke 24:42-48 the end says, "beginning at Jerusalem" That was what they were doing, to the Jew first.
Right after this in Acts 9 Paul's conversion, In Acts 10 Peter's vision and his preaching to the Gentiles, and in Acts 11 when the apostles and brethren heard that Peter preached the word of God to the Gentiles, they were mad and upset with him. They should have understood that was what they were supposed to do but they did not, they were mad, not happy.
I know in scripture they were told they would spread the gospel to the Gentiles and the world, but my understanding of scripture is it was like when they were told He would be killed and rise from the dead, this was also hidden until the given time that Prophecy would be fulfilled, and the mystery revealed.
Romans 16:25-26 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, 26 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:
"Objection: 1 Cor 12:13 says all are baptized into one body-doesn't that include the Twelve?
Reply: It explains the BoC's present-age placement by the Spirit, not a retroactive relocation of Israel's kingdom apostles from their
promised thrones ( Matt 19:28)."
The path my understanding takes on this begins at Luke 24:49, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." The resurrected Jesus speaks to His disciples/apostles (not to any future apostles, only the twelve) to await the promise of His Father.
Then to Acts 1:4,5, Luke reiterates the Lord's message, "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Again, the twelve are spoken about here and that when the promise of the Father would come, they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2 follows.
To 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Paul writes about the same Holy Spirit Who baptizes all (Jew and Gentile) into the one body (the Body of Christ). So we can believe that there are no two Holy Spirits (one for the apostles and one for everyone else); we can also believe that the baptism by the Spirit baptises all into one Body (i.e. the Body of Christ).
If the same Spirit baptized the apostles, the believing Jews & Gentiles in those early days, and us today, aren't we all in ONE Body of Christ?
If your "battle" is with believing that Jesus is God, may I suggest the following scriptures for your consideration:
Genesis 1:1 along with John 1:1-3, Revelation 19:13, Colossians 1:15-17, Matthew 1:23, John 10:30, John 14:9, Mark 2:5-7, John 8:58, John 20:28, Isaiah 9:6, Philippians 2:5-7, Colossians 2:9, 1 Timothy 3:16, Hebrews 1:8, 2 Peter 1:1, Revelation 1:8, John 5:18, 1 John 5:20, Luke 24:52, John 9:38, Acts 10:25-26, Titus 2:13, Hebrews 1:3, Revelation 22:13, Micah 5:2, John 17:5, John 1:14. There are more, but these should suffice.
You mention that "Christians say that there is no separation between Christ and God," and that the bible shows otherwise. Jesus said I and my Father are one, and He also said that if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father. This may not mean anything to you, but in the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the APOUGASMA (the out beam) of God's glory, God projecting Himself through the time/space factor in the person of Christ. Jesus Christ, being God, was never separated from the source. This is why Jesus can say if you have seen Me, you have seen the Father.
The best example I can give would be taking a flashlight in a dark room and shining it on a wall. The flashlight is the source, and the light is projected on the wall from the source. There is no separation unless the flashlight is turned off. Now, imagine the flashlight being God, and the light shining on the wall is Jesus, again, no separation. Jesus is said to be the true light which came down from heaven, the APOUGASMA of God.
If you are sincerely struggling with the deity of Jesus Christ (Him being God), I hope these scriptures I've provided might help. Also, if you would like, I can share my personal understanding on Matthew 26:39 and Luke 22:42 and why Christ would ask this.
If I may ask, are you a Christian? If so, who do you say Jesus is?
Let's look at the evidence, judge it for yourself with the scriptures.
Progressive revelation describes God's unfolding of truth in stages, with each step building upon what was revealed before without contradiction. In the Old Testament, God revealed Himself incrementally through covenants, promises, and prophetic visions. Early on, His dealings were direct and foundational-Noah received a covenant of preservation, Abraham a covenant of promise, and Israel the Mosaic covenant of law. These were genuine revelations, yet they pointed forward to greater realities. The tabernacle, sacrifices, and priesthood foreshadowed Christ's once-for-all work ( Heb. 10:1). The prophets added layers of understanding, predicting both judgment and restoration, and hinting at a future Redeemer ( Isa. 53; Dan. 7; Mic. 5:2). Still, much remained hidden; the OT saints saw promises "afar off" ( Heb. 11:13).
In the New Testament, revelation reached its climax in Christ. God "spoke in times past by the prophets," but "in these last days by His Son" ( Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus embodied and fulfilled the OT shadows ( Matt. 5:17; Luke 24:27). Yet further truths, called "mysteries," were entrusted particularly to Paul ( Eph. 3:1-9; Col. 1:26). These included the union of Jew and Gentile in one Body, salvation by grace through faith apart from law, and the hope of heavenly inheritance. The NT brings clarity to truths dimly revealed before-resurrection ( Job 19; Dan. 12) is fully explained in 1 Corinthians 15; animal sacrifices give way to Christ's perfect offering ( Heb. 9-10).
Thus, progressive revelation is not change in God's plan, and certainly not a lie, but the unveiling of His purposes across time: the OT gave promises, types, and shadows; the NT brought fulfillment and disclosure of the mystery. God's truth unfolded step by step until fully revealed in Christ.
Grace and Peace.
This is my understanding on the matter.
The Old Testament repeatedly promised Israel a literal, earthly kingdom ruled by Messiah from Jerusalem. God covenanted to give Abraham's seed the land forever ( Gen. 13:14-15; 17:8) and swore to David an eternal throne ( 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:3-4). Prophets like Isaiah, Daniel, and Zechariah described worldwide peace, justice, and worship centered in Jerusalem ( Isa. 2:2-4; 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44; Zech. 14:9,16-17). The Jewish expectation was simple: Messiah would come once, overthrow Gentile powers, restore Israel, and rule immediately-no concept of a second coming or a rapture.
When Jesus came, this expectation shaped all responses. John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matt. 3:2; 4:17). Crowds hailed "the kingdom of our father David" ( Mark 11:10) and tried to make Him king ( John 6:15). Many "thought that the kingdom should immediately appear" ( Luke 19:11). The disciples expected thrones and rulership ( Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:29-30) and even after the resurrection asked, "Wilt thou restore again the kingdom to Israel?" ( Acts 1:6).
The crucifixion brought deep confusion-"We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel" ( Luke 24:21). Even hearing of His death puzzled them ( John 12:34), since prophecy spoke of Messiah's eternal reign, not His suffering first.
Israel's rejection of Messiah delayed the kingdom. God then revealed through Paul the hidden "mystery" ( Eph. 3:1-9): Jew and Gentile in one Body, a heavenly people awaiting the rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:13-18). The promised earthly kingdom will still come-but only at Christ's second coming ( Rev. 19-20), after the Church is removed and Israel's prophetic program resumes.
Blessings to all.
I just wish to speak to this concept:
Did the apostles receive the truth of the gospel from the risen Lord as did Paul?
I say yes because the apostles were taught by the risen Lord in the 50 days between His resurrection and ascension, such as on the road to Emmaus. Luke 24:13-17; 44-47, which is what Paul preached in 1 Cor. 15:3-4 and in His work recorded in acts Paul preached repentance and faith: ( Acts 17:30-31; 20:18-21; 26:19-20; Rom. 1:32-2:1-6 (this is concerning the Gentiles in ch.1:18-30); 2 Cor. 7:8-11; 12:20-21)
Paul was taught by the risen Jesus also when he retreated into the wilderness after His conversion, just as the apostles were taught by the risen Lord.
I contend that there was only one gospel that was preached by both the apostles and Paul, for Paul said that the glory of Christ is NOT to be divided among his servants and people in 1 Cor. 1:10-13. Here Paul is encouraging that all speak the same as to the gospel and of Christ Jesus and not divine the body with appealing to Paul, or Cephas, or Apollo as the one they follow.
In Matthew 112:25 Jesus preaches the truth that every 'kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand."
Paul in Cor. 13 is warning the Corinthian brethren to not cause divisions in the body of Christ.
It is Christ's will that His people stay in harmony and unity of doctrine and fellowship, all believing the one true gospel. Those who contend that Paul preached a gospel that differed from the apostles is such a doctrine that is divisive.
Lbooth, You have spoken at length criticizing believers, accusing them of bringing a bias to their interpretation of the Scripture, yet you are doing the very thing you criticize others for doing. Your teaching about two gospels comes from you being instructed in premillennial dispensationalism, which colors your view of the meaning of Scriptures.
We all come to the Scriptures with some preconceptions
"And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again."
You asked: Why does it say Christ will rise "the third day" rather than "after the third day"?
Understanding "the third day" vs. "after three days"
This confusion comes from how time was reckoned in Jewish culture during the first century. Here's a breakdown:
1. "The third day" means inclusive counting
In Jewish reckoning, any part of a day was counted as a full day.
So:
Day 1: Friday (crucified)
Day 2: Saturday (in the tomb)
Day 3: Sunday (rose early in the morning)
Thus, Jesus rose on the third day, according to their cultural understanding.
2. "After three days" is also used in Scripture
Some verses say "after three days" (e.g., Mark 8:31). This isn't a contradiction but a colloquial flexibility in ancient Jewish and Greek phrasing. "After three days" can still mean "on the third day" in that culture.
Examples:
Matthew 16:21 - "...and be raised again the third day."
Mark 8:31 - "...after three days rise again."
Luke 24:7 - "...and the third day rise again."
All of these refer to the same resurrection timing, just using different expressions.
Summary:
The phrase "the third day" in Mark 10:34 follows Jewish inclusive counting, where Friday (crucifixion), Saturday (burial), and Sunday (resurrection) count as three days. It does not mean "after three full 24-hour days." Different gospel writers used both phrases ("after three days" and "on the third day") interchangeably without contradiction based on how time was culturally understood.
Blessing Friend.
When Christ was taken all the disciples turned away. The Holyspirit have not been given yet.
Peter is mostly noted because he said he would never do it!
No one wanted to risk death and witness nor was they equipped to do so.
In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus tells Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus reminds them of what he told them in Luke 24:49.
"But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Afterwards Peter taught and preached boldly the rest of his life while knowing his fate.
John 21:18-19.
Blessings!
3. It would be hard to know the Mind of the LORD & His Plan in progressive revelation to mankind (specifically Israel). My heart tells me that OT Israel needed only to know God (Yahweh) Who loved them dearly & would bless them beyond measure. But their obedience & faithfulness to Him was paramount. If Israel knew only so much of God but served Him well, by exercising faith in Him & His Promises ( Hebrews 11) they would be blessed, yet we know why & how they suffered because of their disobedience & idolatrous practises.
Though God did not reveal to them what we know today of His full Nature (His tripartite Being), they did have sufficient prophetical words given them to tell them of a coming One. But would they understand, accept, & through a rather opaque lens, perceive Who God was in His Fullness? Some then may have had an inkling but I think that God planned that they should wait till His Son be sent to be the manifestation of Himself on Earth. And clearly, to some the "penny dropped" & they rejoiced in the Truth & fulfillment of prophecy. And Jesus Himself spoke of this ( Luke 24:25-27). And this ignorance (i.e. the lack of understanding of the coming Christ of God) to what was revealed by Jesus then & by His Spirit now, would definitely not only cause confusion, but also anger & hatred in those who remain blinded to the revelation of the true God & His Son. But the day will come when they will come to Truth ( Zechariah 12:9,10; Revelation 1:7). Blessings.
My own understanding: is that Jesus was instructing His disciples of what would be a foretaste of the coming Kingdom of God. Soon after (within a week or so), three of Jesus' disciples saw Jesus transfigured (or, transformed) revealing His Glory ( Matthew 17:1,2; Luke 9:28,29); that Glory which He would receive back after laying it aside for humanity's sake ( Philippians 2:5-9). That would have been the first taste given to His disciples of the coming Kingdom of God.
Then of course, through His Death, Resurrection & Ascension into Heaven, the disciples had further confirmation of both the Truth of Jesus' Words (while He taught them) and the institution of God's Kingdom. It is true, that what we would normally understand and expect of the Kingdom of God (i.e. when Jesus returns to the World in His second Coming) didn't happen then as it hasn't happened till now, we can still see that His disciples were given a foretaste of that coming Kingdom which would never end until Christ comes - and beyond.
They saw His Glory at the mount, they were witnesses of His resurrection ( Luke 24:24-40), and they were witnesses of His Ascension ( Luke 24:50-53). And the disciples (and also to all those who love the Lord Jesus & would serve Him), would receive power to live the Christ-centered, Christ-crucified life, declaring to all that truly God had now visited sinful man & offered him so great salvation through His Son. Yes, the Kingdom of God is potentially within all mankind ( Luke 17:20,21), where, even if those unbelieving Pharisees would only put their faith in Jesus, the reality of the God's Kingdom could also be theirs when God would do a new work in them ( Ezekiel 11:19,20). GBU.
Concerning a Friday crucifixion or Sunday resurrection, I won't get into that here, except to quote Luke 24:1, "Now upon the first day of the week.." And that is a Sunday, which follows the seventh day of the week, a Saturday/Sabbath.
You did well to quote Galatians 5:18-25: showing that we are not under the Law, which means that we are free from its ultimate purpose: that of revealing human spiritual & mental frailty & resulting condemnation. If we break even one Law, we have broken all & remain condemned ( James 2:10). There was nothing wrong at all with the Law ( Romans 7:12), but its purpose was to lead men to Christ, not to be resurrected again by those now in Christ as some sort of rule book to follow & please God by. The only way to please the LORD is to do His Will, following the dictates of His Holy Spirit He has given us. If we use the Decalogue as some sort of yardstick to measure our spiritual standard & acceptance to God, then we have failed & missed the whole point of Christ's Sacrifice & the great matchless worth of the New Covenant in His Blood. Thank you for your time.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience. What a blessing to be put in a situation like yours and be able to witness how the Lord works. Praise the Lord for blinding them long enough for you both to get out of there. Luke's presentation of the trip on the road to Emmaus ( Luke 24:13-35) is a great study.
I like to say that these two men got a "7-mile personal bible study" from Jesus Himself. The entire trip, and they didn't recognize Him. What's interesting is that that all the way through this dialogue, as Jesus is ministering Himself and the scriptures, they still don't believe! It wasn't until after Jesus sat with them and they had a meal together that their eyes were opened to where they recognized who He was, and then He just disappears. In your case, they didn't recognize you at all. We can only hope that the Lord would have used your scenario to His glory to where this cleric and perhaps others in that area would have come to know the Lord.
What a very, very strong message! 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 tells us that it is only by the Spirit of God and the Revelation by the Spirit of God that man can understand. A person cannot understand nor receive the things of Christ unless God's Spirit opens that person's heart. Their eyes were held to not be able to recognize Jesus. But it says, "and their eyes were opened." This is not something they did. This was the Lord's appointed time that He should minister the scriptures to them, that He should have a meal with them, and that He should continually give this bread out.
Again, thank you for sharing that story, and may the Lord continue to bless you abundantly, and may He continue to use you in ministering to and sharing His word with others for His glory!
God Bless!!!
Now here's the application of Luke 24:16: we crossed the road to get into our vehicle, but just thought to turn around to again check on this cleric. We could clearly see him on the other side of the road, but the Lord intervened on our behalf & 'held his eyes' in a special way. Luke 24:13-16, tells us that the two actually saw another man begin walking with them towards Emmaus but their eyes were 'held' so they couldn't perceive who he was.
In our case, this cleric, who was standing not more than 30 feet from us, wasn't able to see us at all. We stood there looking at him, but his head was just swinging from side-to-side searching for us, probably wondering how we could just disappear into thin air. We touched ourselves ensuring that we were still flesh & blood & having ascertained that, we then got into our vehicle & drove off, leaving him there confused wondering how we could just disappear. I wonder whether this encounter would have prompted him to enquire further into this mysterious, maybe Divine, Act to eventually secure his soul. So, I just share this to give a present-day proof of how the Spirit of God can 'hold' the eyes, even withhold the wicked acts of men, to fulfil His Will, showing Himself Sovereign in both our lives & also before the eyes & hearts of those without Christ. Every blessing to you dear brother.
Thanks again brother Jesse for these very worthwhile snippets from the original language that our 17th Century brethren were unable to capture in the English of their day. I join with bro S. Spencer, and I'm sure many others, who appreciate your giving us a better understanding of what we are reading, using both the original language & noting the influence of culture that bore upon it.
From your reference to Luke 24:16 & the meaning of 'holden' (krateo?), I was moved to recall a personal example of this wonderful power & provision of the Lord, that we are often unaware of or even goes unnoticed as the Spirit of the Lord works on the behalf of His children.
This happened back in 1990 while in ministry in Pakistan, as a Christian brother (from the Netherlands) & I were sharing the Gospel to Muslims by tract/book distribution & sales in a particular market-place in Karachi. My young Dutch brother was soon cornered by a particularly aggressive young Muslim cleric, who was spewing out his anger against our presence & in spreading these 'Christian lies'. We stood there hoping that he would calm down & we could then continue on with the work (for we still had a number of shops to visit). Unfortunately, he ordered us out of the area, & with the support of the increasing vocal crowd, we slowly began to leave. I kept checking behind me & observed that we were still being followed by this cleric. I tried to stall this progress by diverting to have a cup of tea at a small tea shop, but he was adamant that we keep going away from the area. As we neared our vehicle on the opposite side of the road, I just asked the Lord that somehow he would not take note of the van & its licence plate (which could then be reported to the police & cause our work to stall). Onto Page 2.
Luke 24:39 - Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
It says, "that it is I myself," but literally in the Greek text it is I AM. That's His name. Handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. The Lord was in a special form where He could appear and disappear. He could come though locked doors. He could go anywhere and do anything. And yet He says He is not spirit.
He has flesh and bones, but this would not be His glorified body when he gets to heaven because heaven cannot inherit flesh and blood. He is telling them, look at my hands and my feet. It's the I AM!
Luke 24:45 - Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
The word for understanding is the word NOUS. There are several Greek words that describe the function of the brain and its abilities. And in Greek, NOUS represents the perceptive abilities of the mind, to perceive something, not just know it with knowledge, but to perceive its truth.
At the end of 1 Corinthians Chapter 2, it says those who are saved have the mind of Christ, and the word is NOUS. Under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit, His Spirit ministers the Lord's perceptions to me.
I can know what He perceives and know it to be true in the spirit realm. Not mystically, but as it is in truth. Even here, it tells us that Jesus ministered to them from the scriptures, but they didn't understand it until the Lord opened up their understanding.
We don't realize that it's a privilege to not only be saved, but for the Lord to say you have a heart and a mind and desire for my word, therefore I am going to give you that desire, and I am going to open up your mind, and by my Spirit, I'm going to cause you to perceive my truth from my word. A human being in their natural state cannot do that.
That's all I have for Luke. I will begin posting on John soon, Lord willing!
Luke 24:11 - And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.
And their words seemed to them as idle tales. It is a medical term for the description of somebody who is delirious from a fever. You are delirious, idle tales, and they believed them not.
Now that is kind of an unfortunate translation because it doesn't say in the Greek text that they did not believe them. It just says that they were without persuasion. They wouldn't be persuaded.
Luke 24:12 - Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.
So, Peter ran to the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves. And in the Greek text it indicates, along with some other phrases from John's gospel, that the grave clothes were still wrapped. They were still in the same shape of the body but there was no body in it.
Luke 24:13 - And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.
Threescore would be 60, and the Greek word is the word STADIA where we get our English word stadium from. Now one STADIA is 606 feet and 9 inches. So that was 60 STADIA away, so it was exactly 6.89 miles. The Bible rounds it off to seven, but about 7 miles away, 7 miles northwest of Jerusalem, was this little village called Emmaus.
Luke 24:16 - But their eyes were holden that they should not know him.
The word "holden" is the word for grip. The Lord held their eyes, not physically, but so that they could not recognize Him! They had to be made without capacity to recognize Him because He was recognizable. But it is interesting that He kept them from recognizing Him so that he could have this conversation with them as He is walking.
"And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day." (Ge.1:5)
What is a day where God is a Spirit and his kingdom is from everlasting to everlasting. "Thy kingdomisan everlasting kingdom, and thy dominionendureththroughout all generations." (Ps.145:13)
The Spirit uses tags in order to instruct man in order to focus on the Man . "For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." (Col.1:19). The Spirit first gives us a context as to make the meaning clear. "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:/Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." (Col.1:12-13) The kingdom of the Father Son relation ship is an everlasting kingdom.
In Man the fulness of God has invested the inheritance of the saints in light. Separation of light from darkness (Ge.1:4) gives us additional knowledge of "the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."(2 Co.4:6) This knowledge when understood leads us from glory to glory. (2 Co.3:18). So faith with works explains what it is to abide in Christ.
First day refers to God the Father.
"And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day." (1:8)
Heaven refers to the word of God revealing the glory of God from everlasting to everlasting. "His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof." (Ps.19:6,1). The word of God causes heat which we notice in the Emmaus incident. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Luke 24:32)
"And the evening and the morning were the third day."(1:13)
God is tagged as 1 Heaven as 2 and day Three refers to the Son.
Hope you don't mind.
I read and study the KJV, and I have read parts of other Bibles, Michaelswiger gave good information on what manuscripts were used, and if we study the history of the Bible other things and texts like the Bishop Bible were also considered. Giannis and S Spencer have also given good responses on the Greek words. I trust the KJV as the word of God and what He means for us to understand is there, but we must trust the Holy Spirit will guide us.
Aion means life span, age, or epoch, it is the source of our English words age and eon. It describes any length of clearly defined time, whether one person's life or some era of certain renown. As a general point of reference, this word may also apply to the vast span of history: the ages, the times of old.
I agree, with the word's age and world for English-speaking people our understanding can be different. The Greek word aion was translated in the KJV 37 times as world, sometimes world works, and sometimes age would be a better choice, I can send you the verses if you want to study them. Like Matt. 24:3 with the context and what the disciples knew at that time and what Jesus just told them about the temple the word world insinuates they are asking Jesus about His second coming.
If we compare Matt. 24:3 with Mark 13:4 and Luke 21:7 what is written in Matthew with them still thinking Jesus was going to set up the kingdom instead of the end of the world, the end of the age would fit better. The context of the chapter and comparing what is written in each gospel about the same thing helps me.
All translations or transliterations are not perfect, but God is and what He wants us to know He will show us through the Spirit of truth. Take Matt. 28:19, the commission, if we compare it to Mark 16:15 Luke 24:47, and what we read in the rest of the New Testament what do we see?
God bless,
RLW
Transfiguration of Jesus at the mount throws up light beyond the glorious body, a building of God eternal in heavens. The disciples going to Emmaus would not have recognized the risen Jesus but they did and it had to do with the word. " Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"( Luke 24:31-32). When Jesus opened their eyes they did know it was he indeed.
Then we have the mount itself to consider. "And after six days Jesus taketh with him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them."(v.2). As with the Sermon on the mount we have the high mountain which is the testimony of God and Jesus as the rock cut not with hands, signifying we are looking at the Word become flesh.
Mark mentions Moses and Elias " and they were talking with Jesus."(v.24). When Jesus explained the word of God to Cleopas and his companion, "And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself." ( Luke 24:27) Luke elsewhere gives an additional insight to the transfiguration."And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:/Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." Moses and Elias and Jesus are the three in glory in that specific moment of transfiguration while the three disciples, Peter James and John were in their physical bodies. In short, the Transfiguration is clear illustration of two worlds of the Spirit and of the flesh and blood operating simultaneously. The word concerning him sets prophets serving outside the timescale as we know the term. For this reason Jesus speaks of Elias,"But I say unto you, That Elias is indeed come, and they have done unto him whatsoever they listed, as it is written of him." (v.13) The ministry of Elias and Moses were as a double Jesus Christ
Part two
Vs 5 The plan of God, predetermined glory, Jesus knew the Scriptures. All that was to happen to Him and the glory He would receive after He suffered on the cross had already been spoken by the prophets in the past tense as though they had already happened.
As Jesus was on the road to Emmaus in Luke 24:25-26, He talks about them not believing what the prophets had written about what was to happen to Jesus. The first man to be raised from the dead in a glorified body and God placed Him on His right hand on the throne a man, not a god.
Jesus was a man who was tempted like us and fulfilled all His Father asked Him we see hundreds of prophecies Jesus fulfilled and the man Jesus did it without one sin. Only a man could undo what the first man did. God could not do that because He cannot sin or die. The law was made for man and the curse of sin was on man, not God.
In Verses 20-22, Jesus had not yet been crucified and the glory the Father had given Him Jesus has given it to us today "but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;" This glory we will receive when Jesus returns and we are resurrected in our glorified bodies, we have it now, but it will not be manifest until Jesus returns.
If Jesus was a co-equal God in the three-person God, how could He be given anything He would already have it? Malachi 3:6 says God does not change so God cannot change, Numbers 23:19 Isaiah 46:10 Psalm 33:11 Acts 17:26 The glory Jesus was asking for, He would receive when He resurrected.
The Spirit could not be given because Jesus had not been glorified (resurrected) John 7:39 Things were hidden from the disciples until Jesus was glorified (resurrected) John 12:16.
2 Timothy 1:9-10 It was given before creation so, John 17:24 we will be where He is when we are resurrected, Jesus was given glory with the Father before all creation in God's mind and plan. Ephesians 1:4
I hope this makes sense I am not the best at this.
God bless,
RLW
2nd Cor 5:16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.
17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
old things are passed away, Sabbath day old thing.
Rev 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
Jesus had to be born again as he died and was burred. What came out of the grave was not the same thing that went into the grave. Jesus was now a dead man walking full of holes and no blood. Can you live with no blood? Nope, Jesus was eating and talking because of the sprit of God his Father in him a new creature.
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
The bible says flesh and blood can not enter the kingdom of heaven 1st Cor 15:50. Jesus was now a new creation eating, talking and breathing and yet he had no blood. A born again Jesus this time of the spirit and no longer of Mary.
Romans 8:10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
[11] But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ...
1 Corinthians 13:12 states: For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. This relates to our perception of Christ; but also of course in glory we will see other saints in their eternal bodies as well for the first time. 2 Corinthians 3:18 says: But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
For now we do get glimpses; should we take the time to discern them of the Holy Spirit uniquely working in each true saint of God.
In physical appearance we still may look the same at least to the world to our early life when we were still in the world. Our identity is in Christ if indeed we are saved; and we are being transformed by the renewing of our minds ( Romans 12:2). Glorification will give us bodies it would seem like Christ when He could go through walls or doors ( John 20:19); we will be able to eat and drink ( Rev. 19:9; compare with Luke 24:42-43; and Mark 14:25). We will also rule and reign with Christ after returning with Him at Armageddon ( Rev. 19:14; Rev. 2:26-27).
Having no more suffering as promised in Revelation 21:4 and no more death certainly is an encouraging throught. I would submit that understanding the reasons for all of our earthly struggles may be even more poignant than understanding the suffering itself. We can take heart that Christ has His church as a reward; and we also can rejoice (or should) in one another and the time on earth invested in the Body of Christ as well as helping to fulfill the Great Commission. Again; it is rewards that are the variable that we are to strive for as seen in 1 Cor. 9:24-27. I am convinved many who receieve great rewards are relatively unknown at present praying in their closet; giving secretly to missions and serving under the radar. God sees the heart (see Heb. 4:12).
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38 Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
God bless,
RLW
Christ is TRUTH
If you don't believe that the OLD TIME ( 2 Peter 1:21) is speaking of the Old Testament prophets then Luke 24:45 is FOR YOU, not me..
God Bless you, as the spirit of truth (Holy Ghost) destroyers you carnal mind.
It's a pleasure to hear from you,brother.
As I quoted in my prior post,JESUS shewed unto His disciples His HANDS and His FEET- Luke 24:40.
You think that "Scripture does not give us that", but remember that our GOD said to the Serpent-> GEnesis 3:13-15 combined with Job 13:27:
13And the Lord GOD said unto the woman,What is this that thou hast done?And the woman said,The serpent beguiled me,and I did eat(i.e.the woman believed in the interpretation of the Word of GOD by the man of sin,son of perdition,called Serpent in Genesis.Today, i.e.in this time of Apocalypse,he is called red Dragon- Revelation 12).
14And the Lord GOD said unto the serpent,Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed...and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: (man was made of the dust",so once man fell deceived by the woman deceived by the man of sin,and still is until this current time, who is the son of perdition,in the beginning called Serpent.
In fact,all mankind was made/produced into the belly of the Serpent, EXCEPT JESUS,of course,my oldest brother,the firstborn among many brethren- Romans 8:29.By the way, GOD has a lot and countless sons,but there are two who are lawful GOD's sons,not by adoption-JESUS and the Comfort,the Paraclete,the Ancient of days.
15And I-GOD- will put enmity between thee and the woman(now the Church-the body of Christ-,and between thy seed(sons of Devil) and her seed(sons of GOD, true believers);it shall bruise thy head,and thou shalt bruise His heel.
Remember,JESUS said- Luke 20:35-36:
35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world(the next world-the millennial GOD's Kingdom- Revelation 11:15-18),and the resurrection from the dead(dead? Colossians 3:3-7.Take a look), neither marry,nor are given in marriage:
36 Neither can they die any more:for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God,being the children of the resurrection ( Colossians 3:3-7 combined with 1Thessalonians 4:17 and 1Corinthians 15:51-55).
JESUS was nailed exactly in the center of His hands on the lines that form the figure of an M. And was also nailed in each foot , nailed close to the heel, in the calcaneus region.
Luke 24:36-43
36 And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
37 But they were terrified and affrighted, and SUPPOSED that they HAD SEEN A SPIRIT.
38 And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts?
39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for A SPIRIT HATH NOT FLESH AND BONES as ye see me have.
40 And when he had thus spoken, he shewed them His HANDS and his FEET.
41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of an honeycomb.
43 And he took it, and did eat before them.
In fact GOD allowed His Son JESUS to be taken to the slaughter like a sheep,but the way He would be killed was not chosen by GOD the Father,but by the Devil,that is the old Serpent,and Satan;and the object that was chosen by the Devil was the satanic CROSS for killing JESUS,for torturing Him,and for humiliation,and mockery, and for the most cruel suffering,until death.JESUS already knew the satanic plan of the Devil- Matthew 26:2-Ye know that after two days is the feast of the passover,and the Son of man is betrayed to be crucified.
To take up the cross is to suffer for the love of JESUS,to suffer for the preaching of His Gospel,suffering to testify of His Word in the Devil's world,to suffer for the preaching of His teachings within the Devils's world,to suffer testifying of the redeeming work of JESUS for the corrupt world of Devil,whose work cost his own life by dying on the man-made cross, Devil's cross.Devil's cross that many have on their avatar,the satanic cross that devilish Catholicism kisses and adores, understand? CROSS IS CURSE.
"The light of the knowledge of God's glory displayed in the face of Christ' throws off heat and the two disciple felt it when the risen Christ 'expounded to them from the word'. "And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?( Luke 24:32)"
Presence of God is the word that went forth before the worlds began.(Is.55:11;2 Co.4:6)
Sometimes one mistakes the person of Jesus, his humanity for the face as in this case. Here antipathy of the Samaritans for his Jewishness came in the way.
"And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem."( Luke 9:51-53) They were taking cues from the presence of God and not the person of Jesus who wanted to be helped along the way.
Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32 Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6 Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21 Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
Luke 24:47,48 Jesus said!
Mark 16:16,17 Jesus said!
Acts 2:38,39 Peter preached what Jesus said!
Acts 4:12 No other name!
John 3:1-6 Must be born again of the water & Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 Baptism saves us!
Acts 10:44-48 Can't be good enough without Jesus!
Acts 8:1-6 Ethiopian Eunic gets baptized in Jesus name and starts a 2000 plus year revival still going on today !
Acts 19:1-6 have you received the Holy Ghost since you been a believer?
Acts 5:32 gotta obey Him!
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39 tongues are for a sign!
Acts 2:4 The Spirit gives the utterance!
Acts 1:8 Receive power !
John 21:15 Jesus loves you dearly!!!!!!!
Part 2.
The Foundation and Corner stone.
Jesus being the corner stone and the Apostles being the foundation signifies the beginning of a groundbreaking plan to erect a building and that building is the Church.
As I mentioned previously, the commission to carry the Gospel to the world came right after the resurrection, as shown in the Gospels " Luke 24:42-49 and Matthew 28:19-20."
I agree with you that the scripture says to the Jews first, and then the Gentiles,
However, I would suggest that the Gospel was preached to them before the cross as well as Abraham.
Hebrews 3:17-19 - Hebrews 4:1-6.
"But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
And to whom sware he that they should not enter into his rest, but to them that believed not?
So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it. FOR UNTO US WAS THE GOSPEL PREACHED, AS WELL AS UNTO THEM: BUT THE WORD PREACHED DID NOT PROFIT THEM, NOT BEING MIXED WITH FAITH IN THEM THAT HEARD IT.
For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
For he spake in a certain place of the seventh day on this wise, And God did rest the seventh day from all his works.
And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, AND THEY TO WHOM IT WAS FIRST PREACHED ENTERED NOT IN BECAUSE OF UNBELIEF:
Also;
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, PREACHED BEFORE THE GOSPEL UNTO ABRAHAM, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. Galatians 3:8.
More about this blindness in part 2.
I agree with most of all you have written. My understanding is at the crucifixion and when the veil was rent from top to bottom was the sign of the fulfillment of the old with the final sacrifice, the ordinances were nailed to the cross, and the new covenant was made, but it was not yet given to the Gentiles. To me, it is clear it was after Stephen's death and the persecution and history puts that right at 3.5 years after the crucifixion.
In Acts 8:57 the high priest and the other rulers made their final rejection of Jesus with this action they "stopped their ears and ran upon him with one accord" That is my understanding when the branch was broken off. In Luke 24:42-48 the end says, "beginning at Jerusalem" That was what they were doing, to the Jew first.
Right after this in Acts 9 Paul's conversion, In Acts 10 Peter's vision and his preaching to the Gentiles, and in Acts 11 when the apostles and brethren heard that Peter preached the word of God to the Gentiles, they were mad and upset with him. They should have understood that was what they were supposed to do but they did not, they were mad, not happy.
I know in scripture they were told they would spread the gospel to the Gentiles and the world, but my understanding of scripture is it was like when they were told He would be killed and rise from the dead, this was also hidden until the given time that Prophecy would be fulfilled, and the mystery revealed.
Romans 16:25-26 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, 26 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:
God bless and have a good day.
RLW