Disciples – A learner, pupil. The name was given to those who followed Jesus during his three years of ministry. While Jesus had many disciples, He called twelve men to be his closest followers. They left their jobs and their families to follow Jesus. For three years, the Twelve were constantly with Jesus listening to His teachings and watching Him perform miracles. The Twelve did not just listen and watch Jesus. They were sent out by Jesus to spread His teachings to people. Moreover, Jesus gave them authority to perform miracles (heal the sick, cast out demons, etc. – Matthew 10:1.) Discipleship is not just about listening, it also involves doing and applying what you have heard. Why twelve disciples? Why not seven or twenty-seven? Tradition equates the number of disciples with the number of tribes of Israel – twelve. Leadership experts say that twelve is an ideal number for training. Of the Twelve, three (Peter, James, and John) were regularly present at major miraculous events at Jesus’ request. Who were the Twelve Disciples?
1. Simon Peter – Occupation: fisherman. The most outspoken of the Twelve which oftentimes got him into trouble. He was the leader of the Twelve. Jesus named Peter
leader of the Church.
2. John – Occupation: fisherman. Brother of James and son of Zebedee. John and Jesus had a very close relationship. John is referred to in the Gospels as the “disciple whom Jesus loved.” He was the only disciple to witness Jesus’ crucifixion. While on the cross, Jesus entrusted the care of His mother to John. He is the author of the Gospel of John; I, II, and III John; and the Book of Revelation.
3. James – Occupation: fisherman. Brother of John and son of Zebedee. Jesus gave James and John the nickname “son of Thunder” perhaps because of their temperament. See Luke 9:51-54.
4. Andrew - Occupation: fisherman. Brother of Simon Peter. Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist before becoming a disciple of Jesus. He introduced Peter to Jesus.
5. Philip – Occupation: probably fisherman. One of the first disciples called by Jesus – read John 1:43-44.
6. Matthew – Occupation: tax collector. Also called Levi. Probably the most educated of the Twelve. Tax collector was one the most wealthy occupations in Jesus’ day and also the most hated by Jewish society. Tax collectors collected revenue for the hated Roman empire. They had a reputation of being corrupt taking more from the people than they were supposed to. Matthew left a life of wealth and comfort for one of poverty and discomfort. Matthew was probably not well received by the other disciples after he accepted Jesus’ invitation to follow Him. Matthew is the author of the Gospel of Matthew.
7. Thomas – Also called Didymus (Greek – “twin”) Occupation: unknown. He is most famous for doubting Jesus’ resurrection. Read John 20:25-28. This is the origin of the phrase “doubting Thomas.”
8. Simon the Zealot – Occupation: unknown. Before becoming a disciple of Jesus, Simon was part of a movement that advocated the violent overthrow of the Roman empire known as the Zealots. They were looking for a warrior Messiah who would lead the Jews in a violent struggle against Rome to win Jewish independence and reestablish the kingdom of David. There were perhaps many Zealots like Simon who saw Jesus as a potential candidate to be the Messiah because of his references to God establishing His kingdom on earth. But when they realized Jesus spoke of a spiritual kingdom and not a political kingdom many Zealots stopped following Jesus. Simon did not and became one of the Twelve.
The next three disciples we don’t know anything about except their names.
9. Bartholomew
10. James, son of Alphaeus
11. Judas also called Thaddeus
12. Judas Iscariot – The betrayer. The son of perdition (utter destruction, ruin.) His name is synonymous with betrayal. Judas Iscariot was the treasurer of the Twelve. He kept the money given to Jesus to support his ministry or to be distributed to people in need. Judas regularly stole from the money placed in his care for his own selfish purposes.
The Twelve were men from different social backgrounds, different occupations, different education levels, different temperaments, and different motivations for following Jesus. During their three years with Jesus, they did not always get along with one another. They questioned Jesus’ teachings. At times, they competed with one another for Jesus’ favor. After three years of following Jesus, eleven of the twelve would become a cohesive group with a single purpose – to spread the Gospel to the world.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
The Gospels – the Good News
The first four books of the New Testament are collectively known as the Gospels. Gospel is an Old English word that means “good news.” The Greek word for gospel is evangelium from which we get the word “evangelist” – one who delivers good news.
1. What is the “good news?” It can be summarized in John 3:16-17. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to earth to be born of flesh, to live among humanity, to share in our humanity (our emotions, our physical feelings, etc.), to teach God’s truth to humanity, to suffer and die in order to pay the penalty for humanity’s sins, and to bring eternal life to humanity through His resurrection from the dead. God did not send His Son to pass judgment on us. He sent Jesus to save us. (Emphasize “Jesus dying” part of the “good news.” Seems odd.)
2. What are some alternative ways God could have brought about the plan of salvation other than sending His Son to earth to suffer and die?
3. Why was Jesus’ becoming flesh necessary to the plan of salvation?
Read Hebrews 2:10-18
Vs. 10 - “For it was fitting for Him (God)” - It made sense for God, the Supreme Authority over Creation, to make complete His plan of salvation for all humanity through the suffering of His Son. Why? God regards us as the crowning achievement of Creation … the cherry on top of the double scoop chocolate fudge brownie ice cream (see verses 5-9 and Genesis 1:31.) And despite our fall into sin, God still sees us as a prize worth having. Therefore, according to the author of Hebrews, it made sense to God to allow His Son to suffer and die for you and me.
4. What is the author saying in vs. 11? – Jesus and humanity are members of the same family. Children of God. Vs. 12-13 – cites verses from the Old Testament to reinforce his statement. Psalm 22:22, Isaiah 8:17 and 18.
5. Since the members of Jesus’ family are of flesh and blood, what did Jesus do as a part of God’s plan of salvation for humanity? He became flesh and blood. He shared in our humanity. Our emotions, our physical feelings, etc. If time, mention Gnostic belief re: Jesus.
6. Why was this necessary for Jesus to do in order to bring to completion God’s plan of salvation for humanity?
a) Jesus had to experience death in order to defeat the Enemy who up until Jesus’ resurrection had used man’s fear of death to keep him/her in bondage. Satan used fear of death to tempt Jesus from going to the cross. When Jesus overcame death through the Resurrection, He took a big weapon out of Satan’s arsenal. In order to experience death, Jesus had to become flesh and blood. Couldn’t do it as a spirit or an immortal.
b) Salvation not meant for angels, meant for humanity. That’s why Jesus suffered and died as a human not an angel.
c) 1. An important role of high priest is intercessor. Interceded on behalf of the people of which he was one before God. Asked for atonement of the people’s sins. In order for Jesus to be an intercessor, he had to be able to relate to those for whom he is interceding. Specifically, their temptations. Vs. 18. Therefore He can identify with us and what we’re going through and can provide us aid. We can identify with Jesus knowing that He’s experienced everything we’ve experienced (stress, exhaustion, temptation, suffering, anxiety, death) and overcame it.
2. Unlike the high priest, who offered animal sacrifices to make propitiation/atonement (satisfy God’s wrath) for sins of the people, Jesus Himself was the sacrifice. He took upon Himself God’s wrath intended for humanity as punishment for their sins from Adam to today. In order for Jesus to be that propitiation/atonement for humanity, Jesus had to become human in order to suffer and die.
By offering His Son as a sacrifice, God was showing us grace. Read Hebrews 2:9. Grace means undeserved favor. We deserved God’s wrath not Jesus. God’s grace for us meant Jesus’ death. God must really love you and me. Puts John 3:16 into greater perspective. We’ve recited it so many times; the verse loses its meaning. Let me restore some meaning to the verse. Be graphic. I don’t love you enough to watch you beat and spit upon my child. I don’t love you enough to hear you ridicule her. I don’t love you enough to watch my only child be lashed with a cat of nine tails. I don’t love you enough to watch as glass and metal rip the flesh off my only child’s back. I don’t love you enough to watch my only child have crown of thorns pushed down on her brow. I don’t love you enough to hear you and other people shout profanities at my only child. I don’t love you enough to watch as nails pierce her hands and feet; I don’t love you enough to watch my child be stripped of her garments and have her nakedness be exposed for all to see; I don’t love you enough for me to turn my back on my child … my only child when she needs me the most and hear her cry out in fear “Daddy!!! Daddy!!!! Where are you? Why have you abandoned me?” I don’t love you enough to have my one and only child die on a cross so that you can enjoy the comforts of eternal life. But God did!!!! When I hear someone say, “What has God ever done for me?” I just want to get in their face and scream, “Hasn’t He done enough? He put His Son through Hell so that you would not experience it. What more do you want from God?”
Application: God considers you to be significant/important. You are not a nobody. In God’s eyes, you are a somebody. He loves you. As evidence of that love, God sacrificed His only Son for us humans who in the vastness and wonderment of Creation are nothing more than a speck of dust. But God does not perceive us that way. He sees us as the crowning achievement of His Creation. And despite our fall into sin, God still sees us as a prize worth having. Therefore, according to the author Hebrews, it made sense to God to allow His Son to suffer and die for you and me. It was by His grace towards us that His Son suffered and died so that we would not have to experience His wrath. Jesus would experience it, not us. Think about that. For those of you who have children, how many of you would be willing to watch your child suffer and die so that your next door neighbor would not? Speaking honestly, I don’t have the kind of love needed for you and the rest of humanity to watch my daughter Elyse be beaten and bloodied and then die nailed to a cross so that you and the rest of humanity would know the reward of eternal life. But God did love you enough to send His Son to earth to become like us, human, in order to experience condemnation so that humanity could know salvation. He watched His Child suffer and die so that humanity, you and I, would be know eternal life. This week during in your quiet time/quality time with God and during your family devotionals, read John 3:16-17. Don’t recite the verses from memory, read them several times and then meditate upon what Jesus is saying. Do so in the context of what we talked about in this lesson. Share with God, your spouse, and your family, what John 3:16-17 means to you.
1. What is the “good news?” It can be summarized in John 3:16-17. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to earth to be born of flesh, to live among humanity, to share in our humanity (our emotions, our physical feelings, etc.), to teach God’s truth to humanity, to suffer and die in order to pay the penalty for humanity’s sins, and to bring eternal life to humanity through His resurrection from the dead. God did not send His Son to pass judgment on us. He sent Jesus to save us. (Emphasize “Jesus dying” part of the “good news.” Seems odd.)
2. What are some alternative ways God could have brought about the plan of salvation other than sending His Son to earth to suffer and die?
3. Why was Jesus’ becoming flesh necessary to the plan of salvation?
Read Hebrews 2:10-18
Vs. 10 - “For it was fitting for Him (God)” - It made sense for God, the Supreme Authority over Creation, to make complete His plan of salvation for all humanity through the suffering of His Son. Why? God regards us as the crowning achievement of Creation … the cherry on top of the double scoop chocolate fudge brownie ice cream (see verses 5-9 and Genesis 1:31.) And despite our fall into sin, God still sees us as a prize worth having. Therefore, according to the author of Hebrews, it made sense to God to allow His Son to suffer and die for you and me.
4. What is the author saying in vs. 11? – Jesus and humanity are members of the same family. Children of God. Vs. 12-13 – cites verses from the Old Testament to reinforce his statement. Psalm 22:22, Isaiah 8:17 and 18.
5. Since the members of Jesus’ family are of flesh and blood, what did Jesus do as a part of God’s plan of salvation for humanity? He became flesh and blood. He shared in our humanity. Our emotions, our physical feelings, etc. If time, mention Gnostic belief re: Jesus.
6. Why was this necessary for Jesus to do in order to bring to completion God’s plan of salvation for humanity?
a) Jesus had to experience death in order to defeat the Enemy who up until Jesus’ resurrection had used man’s fear of death to keep him/her in bondage. Satan used fear of death to tempt Jesus from going to the cross. When Jesus overcame death through the Resurrection, He took a big weapon out of Satan’s arsenal. In order to experience death, Jesus had to become flesh and blood. Couldn’t do it as a spirit or an immortal.
b) Salvation not meant for angels, meant for humanity. That’s why Jesus suffered and died as a human not an angel.
c) 1. An important role of high priest is intercessor. Interceded on behalf of the people of which he was one before God. Asked for atonement of the people’s sins. In order for Jesus to be an intercessor, he had to be able to relate to those for whom he is interceding. Specifically, their temptations. Vs. 18. Therefore He can identify with us and what we’re going through and can provide us aid. We can identify with Jesus knowing that He’s experienced everything we’ve experienced (stress, exhaustion, temptation, suffering, anxiety, death) and overcame it.
2. Unlike the high priest, who offered animal sacrifices to make propitiation/atonement (satisfy God’s wrath) for sins of the people, Jesus Himself was the sacrifice. He took upon Himself God’s wrath intended for humanity as punishment for their sins from Adam to today. In order for Jesus to be that propitiation/atonement for humanity, Jesus had to become human in order to suffer and die.
By offering His Son as a sacrifice, God was showing us grace. Read Hebrews 2:9. Grace means undeserved favor. We deserved God’s wrath not Jesus. God’s grace for us meant Jesus’ death. God must really love you and me. Puts John 3:16 into greater perspective. We’ve recited it so many times; the verse loses its meaning. Let me restore some meaning to the verse. Be graphic. I don’t love you enough to watch you beat and spit upon my child. I don’t love you enough to hear you ridicule her. I don’t love you enough to watch my only child be lashed with a cat of nine tails. I don’t love you enough to watch as glass and metal rip the flesh off my only child’s back. I don’t love you enough to watch my only child have crown of thorns pushed down on her brow. I don’t love you enough to hear you and other people shout profanities at my only child. I don’t love you enough to watch as nails pierce her hands and feet; I don’t love you enough to watch my child be stripped of her garments and have her nakedness be exposed for all to see; I don’t love you enough for me to turn my back on my child … my only child when she needs me the most and hear her cry out in fear “Daddy!!! Daddy!!!! Where are you? Why have you abandoned me?” I don’t love you enough to have my one and only child die on a cross so that you can enjoy the comforts of eternal life. But God did!!!! When I hear someone say, “What has God ever done for me?” I just want to get in their face and scream, “Hasn’t He done enough? He put His Son through Hell so that you would not experience it. What more do you want from God?”
Application: God considers you to be significant/important. You are not a nobody. In God’s eyes, you are a somebody. He loves you. As evidence of that love, God sacrificed His only Son for us humans who in the vastness and wonderment of Creation are nothing more than a speck of dust. But God does not perceive us that way. He sees us as the crowning achievement of His Creation. And despite our fall into sin, God still sees us as a prize worth having. Therefore, according to the author Hebrews, it made sense to God to allow His Son to suffer and die for you and me. It was by His grace towards us that His Son suffered and died so that we would not have to experience His wrath. Jesus would experience it, not us. Think about that. For those of you who have children, how many of you would be willing to watch your child suffer and die so that your next door neighbor would not? Speaking honestly, I don’t have the kind of love needed for you and the rest of humanity to watch my daughter Elyse be beaten and bloodied and then die nailed to a cross so that you and the rest of humanity would know the reward of eternal life. But God did love you enough to send His Son to earth to become like us, human, in order to experience condemnation so that humanity could know salvation. He watched His Child suffer and die so that humanity, you and I, would be know eternal life. This week during in your quiet time/quality time with God and during your family devotionals, read John 3:16-17. Don’t recite the verses from memory, read them several times and then meditate upon what Jesus is saying. Do so in the context of what we talked about in this lesson. Share with God, your spouse, and your family, what John 3:16-17 means to you.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Origin of the New Testament
IV. New Testament Apocrypha and Gnostic books
A. New Testament Apocrypha
These books were written after the Apostolic Age (after 100 A.D.) that many church leaders held in high esteem but were not included in the New Testament because they did not meet the criteria for being canonical. Church leaders did not discourage the reading of these books. They were considered by the church as useful, but not divinely inspired. A few of the more popular New Testament Apocrypha books read in the early Church include I and II Clement, Ignatius, the Didache, Shepherd of Hermas, and Polycarp.
B. Gnostic books
Gnosticism was a religious movement that emerged in the Roman world shortly after the birth of Christianity. It competed with Christianity for converts. Gnosticism drew its beliefs from a combination of Greek philosophy, mythology, and mystery cults. One brand of Gnosticism presented itself to the world with the façade/mask of being Christian. The name “Gnosticism” comes from the Greek word gnosis, which means "knowledge.” Gnosticism taught that the material/physical world was by nature evil and the spirit was pure and good. One attained salvation from evil not through the death and resurrection of Jesus but by learning secret knowledge (gnosis) – understanding of the “true God,” Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth, humanity’s divine origins, good and evil. Without this secret knowledge, a person would continue to live in bondage to ignorance and enslavement to the evil material world. At death, his/her spirit will not know unity with the Supreme God.
Some interesting Gnostic beliefs:
1) The God of the Old Testament was a lesser, inferior god that “emanated” from the Supreme God. This God was responsible for creating the evil physical world and imprisoning the “good” spirit of humans in evil flesh.
2) Gnostics venerated/held in high esteem the Serpent in the Garden of Eden. Why? They did not view the snake as a seducer who led the first couple into sinful behavior. Rather, they saw him as a liberator who brought knowledge to Adam and Eve by convincing them to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
3) Jesus came to earth to bring salvation not through his death but by spreading knowledge which would free individuals from evil.
4) Gnostics rejected the Christian belief that Jesus was fully God and fully man. He was not God in flesh. Some Gnostics believed that Jesus was actually a divine spirit who only appeared to be physical. His body was not flesh, but the illusion of flesh. A divine spirit would not lower itself to put on evil physical flesh. Moreover, Gnostics did not believe Jesus to be God but a lesser spirit sent by the Supreme God to be a messenger to humanity.
Gnosticism gained a widespread following throughout the Roman empire from about 60 A.D.-300 A.D. Reasons – 1) curiosity factor: what is the secret knowledge? 2) People could relate to the concept of the physical world being evil and bringing nothing but pain and sorrow. 3) Gnostic beliefs were based on reason and knowledge. Christian beliefs were based on faith. Knowledge is more measurable than faith. How does one know if they have enough faith to attain salvation? 4) Gnostic writings that had similar language as Christian writings and claimed to be authored by followers of Jesus just like the Christian writings. These writings were falsely ascribed to Mary, Thomas, James, Peter, etc., to give them greater authority among Christians. Collectively, they are known as the Gnostic Gospels. Some examples of Gnostic Gospels include:
Gospel of Mary
Gospel of Truth
Gospel of Philip
Gospel of Judas
Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas begins, "These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas recorded … Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death." Thus it is not by faith in Jesus, but by knowing the true meaning of his teachings, that the believer will enter into eternal life.
How could so many people believe such nonsense?
Present day examples of religious movements that have beliefs similar to Gnosticism:
1. Mormon church – All of the following comes directly from the official web site of the Mormon church.
Plan of salvation: Before we were born on the earth, we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children. Knowing that you could not progress continually if you remained in the pre-mortal world, Heavenly Father sent you to Earth, much as a parent sends a child to school.
Lessons you must learn here in mortality include how to:
Be humble, obedient, and kind.
Love and serve Him and His children.
Devote your life to doing good and helping His other children to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Overcome the appetites of the flesh and follow the promptings of the spirit.
You make many choices every day. Whatever you choose—good or bad—you also choose, knowingly or not, the consequences of your choices. Lasting happiness and progression come from choosing to do what God wants you to do. In this premortal existence, we attended a council with Heavenly Father's other spirit children. At that council, Heavenly Father presented His great plan of happiness (see Abraham 3:22–26 - Book of Mormon).
In harmony with the plan of happiness, the premortal Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of the Father in the spirit, covenanted to be the Savior (see Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:27 - Book of Mormon). Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life. Lucifer, another spirit son of God, rebelled against the plan and "sought to destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3 - Book of Mormon). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the privileges of receiving a physical body and experiencing mortality (see Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:27–28 -Book of Mormon).
Throughout our premortal lives, we developed our identity and increased our spiritual capabilities. Blessed with the gift of agency, we made important decisions, such as the decision to follow Heavenly Father's plan. These decisions affected our life then and now. We grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and we prepared to come to the earth, where we could continue to progress.
Blessings through Knowledge of the Plan of Salvation - A testimony of the plan of salvation can give us hope and purpose as we wrestle with the challenges of life. We can find reassurance in the knowledge that we are children of God and that we lived in His presence before being born on the earth. We can find meaning in our present life, knowing that our actions during mortality influence our eternal destiny. With this knowledge, we can base important decisions on eternal truths rather than on the changing circumstances of life. We can continually improve our relationships with family members, rejoicing in the promise that our families can be eternal. We can find joy in our testimonies of the Atonement and the Lord's commandments, ordinances, covenants, and doctrines, knowing that "he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come"
The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It helps us understand His teachings, including those in the Bible.
Spirit prison is a temporary state in which spirits will be taught the gospel and have the opportunity to repent and accept ordinances of salvation that are performed for them in temples.
Baptism of the dead - Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see John 3:5). Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf. Because He is a loving God, the Lord does not damn those people who, through no fault of their own, never had the opportunity for baptism. He has therefore authorized baptisms to be performed by proxy for them. A living person, often a descendant who has become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is baptized in behalf of a deceased person. This work is done by Church members in temples throughout the world. Some people have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed, deceased persons are baptized into the Church against their will. This is not the case. Each individual has agency, or the right to choose. The validity of a baptism for the dead depends on the deceased person accepting it and choosing to accept and follow the Savior while residing in the spirit world.
2. Church of Scientology - Core teachings of Scientology correspond with Gnostic teachings: a) people are immortal spiritual beings who have forgotten their true nature, b) purity of the spirit versus the evil of the material world, c) attainment of knowledge to improve spiritual status.
Gnostic beliefs posed a threat to Christianity during its infancy. Gnostic followers who called themselves apostles of Jesus went to Christian communities to spread their teachings. Paul and John in their epistles exhorted Christians to reject such false teachers and their doctrine. As the early Church became more organized, Christian leaders declared Gnostic teachings to be heretical (against accepted Church doctrine.) Gnostic leaders were expelled from the Church and Gnostic writings were destroyed. Afterwards, Gnosticism began to wane as a popular mass movement.
Gnosticism experienced something of a renaissance during the mid-twentieth century with the discovery of a number of Gnostic writings in Egypt in 1945. Afterwards, conspiracies began to develop by modern day Gnostics that Gnosticism had the true message of salvation and that Christianity was the lie. They argue that early Christian leaders were fearful of the growing popularity of Gnostic teachings. They actively suppressed Gnosticism and in the process denied humanity knowledge of the “real truth” as found in Gnostic teachings. Some believe this conspiracy began with the Apostle Peter. The Gospel of Mary insinuates that Peter was jealous of Mary Magdalene’s close relationship with Jesus, specifically that Jesus imparted knowledge to her that He did not share with Peter and the other disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter and the other male disciples pushed Mary into the background. Consequently, the knowledge that Jesus imparted to Mary Magdalene was lost for over thousand years until her “gospel was rediscovered in 1896.
In recent years Gnosticism has become popular topic in fictional novels, the most famous being the Da Vinci Code.
A. New Testament Apocrypha
These books were written after the Apostolic Age (after 100 A.D.) that many church leaders held in high esteem but were not included in the New Testament because they did not meet the criteria for being canonical. Church leaders did not discourage the reading of these books. They were considered by the church as useful, but not divinely inspired. A few of the more popular New Testament Apocrypha books read in the early Church include I and II Clement, Ignatius, the Didache, Shepherd of Hermas, and Polycarp.
B. Gnostic books
Gnosticism was a religious movement that emerged in the Roman world shortly after the birth of Christianity. It competed with Christianity for converts. Gnosticism drew its beliefs from a combination of Greek philosophy, mythology, and mystery cults. One brand of Gnosticism presented itself to the world with the façade/mask of being Christian. The name “Gnosticism” comes from the Greek word gnosis, which means "knowledge.” Gnosticism taught that the material/physical world was by nature evil and the spirit was pure and good. One attained salvation from evil not through the death and resurrection of Jesus but by learning secret knowledge (gnosis) – understanding of the “true God,” Jesus’ purpose for coming to earth, humanity’s divine origins, good and evil. Without this secret knowledge, a person would continue to live in bondage to ignorance and enslavement to the evil material world. At death, his/her spirit will not know unity with the Supreme God.
Some interesting Gnostic beliefs:
1) The God of the Old Testament was a lesser, inferior god that “emanated” from the Supreme God. This God was responsible for creating the evil physical world and imprisoning the “good” spirit of humans in evil flesh.
2) Gnostics venerated/held in high esteem the Serpent in the Garden of Eden. Why? They did not view the snake as a seducer who led the first couple into sinful behavior. Rather, they saw him as a liberator who brought knowledge to Adam and Eve by convincing them to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
3) Jesus came to earth to bring salvation not through his death but by spreading knowledge which would free individuals from evil.
4) Gnostics rejected the Christian belief that Jesus was fully God and fully man. He was not God in flesh. Some Gnostics believed that Jesus was actually a divine spirit who only appeared to be physical. His body was not flesh, but the illusion of flesh. A divine spirit would not lower itself to put on evil physical flesh. Moreover, Gnostics did not believe Jesus to be God but a lesser spirit sent by the Supreme God to be a messenger to humanity.
Gnosticism gained a widespread following throughout the Roman empire from about 60 A.D.-300 A.D. Reasons – 1) curiosity factor: what is the secret knowledge? 2) People could relate to the concept of the physical world being evil and bringing nothing but pain and sorrow. 3) Gnostic beliefs were based on reason and knowledge. Christian beliefs were based on faith. Knowledge is more measurable than faith. How does one know if they have enough faith to attain salvation? 4) Gnostic writings that had similar language as Christian writings and claimed to be authored by followers of Jesus just like the Christian writings. These writings were falsely ascribed to Mary, Thomas, James, Peter, etc., to give them greater authority among Christians. Collectively, they are known as the Gnostic Gospels. Some examples of Gnostic Gospels include:
Gospel of Mary
Gospel of Truth
Gospel of Philip
Gospel of Judas
Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas begins, "These are the secret sayings that the living Jesus spoke and which Didymos Judas Thomas recorded … Whoever discovers the interpretation of these sayings will not taste death." Thus it is not by faith in Jesus, but by knowing the true meaning of his teachings, that the believer will enter into eternal life.
How could so many people believe such nonsense?
Present day examples of religious movements that have beliefs similar to Gnosticism:
1. Mormon church – All of the following comes directly from the official web site of the Mormon church.
Plan of salvation: Before we were born on the earth, we lived in the presence of our Heavenly Father as one of His spirit children. Knowing that you could not progress continually if you remained in the pre-mortal world, Heavenly Father sent you to Earth, much as a parent sends a child to school.
Lessons you must learn here in mortality include how to:
Be humble, obedient, and kind.
Love and serve Him and His children.
Devote your life to doing good and helping His other children to follow the example and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Overcome the appetites of the flesh and follow the promptings of the spirit.
You make many choices every day. Whatever you choose—good or bad—you also choose, knowingly or not, the consequences of your choices. Lasting happiness and progression come from choosing to do what God wants you to do. In this premortal existence, we attended a council with Heavenly Father's other spirit children. At that council, Heavenly Father presented His great plan of happiness (see Abraham 3:22–26 - Book of Mormon).
In harmony with the plan of happiness, the premortal Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son of the Father in the spirit, covenanted to be the Savior (see Moses 4:2; Abraham 3:27 - Book of Mormon). Those who followed Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ were permitted to come to the earth to experience mortality and progress toward eternal life. Lucifer, another spirit son of God, rebelled against the plan and "sought to destroy the agency of man" (Moses 4:3 - Book of Mormon). He became Satan, and he and his followers were cast out of heaven and denied the privileges of receiving a physical body and experiencing mortality (see Moses 4:4; Abraham 3:27–28 -Book of Mormon).
Throughout our premortal lives, we developed our identity and increased our spiritual capabilities. Blessed with the gift of agency, we made important decisions, such as the decision to follow Heavenly Father's plan. These decisions affected our life then and now. We grew in intelligence and learned to love the truth, and we prepared to come to the earth, where we could continue to progress.
Blessings through Knowledge of the Plan of Salvation - A testimony of the plan of salvation can give us hope and purpose as we wrestle with the challenges of life. We can find reassurance in the knowledge that we are children of God and that we lived in His presence before being born on the earth. We can find meaning in our present life, knowing that our actions during mortality influence our eternal destiny. With this knowledge, we can base important decisions on eternal truths rather than on the changing circumstances of life. We can continually improve our relationships with family members, rejoicing in the promise that our families can be eternal. We can find joy in our testimonies of the Atonement and the Lord's commandments, ordinances, covenants, and doctrines, knowing that "he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come"
The Book of Mormon is a powerful witness of Jesus Christ. It helps us understand His teachings, including those in the Bible.
Spirit prison is a temporary state in which spirits will be taught the gospel and have the opportunity to repent and accept ordinances of salvation that are performed for them in temples.
Baptism of the dead - Jesus Christ taught that baptism is essential to the salvation of all who have lived on earth (see John 3:5). Many people, however, have died without being baptized. Others were baptized without proper authority. Because God is merciful, He has prepared a way for all people to receive the blessings of baptism. By performing proxy baptisms in behalf of those who have died, Church members offer these blessings to deceased ancestors. Individuals can then choose to accept or reject what has been done in their behalf. Because He is a loving God, the Lord does not damn those people who, through no fault of their own, never had the opportunity for baptism. He has therefore authorized baptisms to be performed by proxy for them. A living person, often a descendant who has become a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is baptized in behalf of a deceased person. This work is done by Church members in temples throughout the world. Some people have misunderstood that when baptisms for the dead are performed, deceased persons are baptized into the Church against their will. This is not the case. Each individual has agency, or the right to choose. The validity of a baptism for the dead depends on the deceased person accepting it and choosing to accept and follow the Savior while residing in the spirit world.
2. Church of Scientology - Core teachings of Scientology correspond with Gnostic teachings: a) people are immortal spiritual beings who have forgotten their true nature, b) purity of the spirit versus the evil of the material world, c) attainment of knowledge to improve spiritual status.
Gnostic beliefs posed a threat to Christianity during its infancy. Gnostic followers who called themselves apostles of Jesus went to Christian communities to spread their teachings. Paul and John in their epistles exhorted Christians to reject such false teachers and their doctrine. As the early Church became more organized, Christian leaders declared Gnostic teachings to be heretical (against accepted Church doctrine.) Gnostic leaders were expelled from the Church and Gnostic writings were destroyed. Afterwards, Gnosticism began to wane as a popular mass movement.
Gnosticism experienced something of a renaissance during the mid-twentieth century with the discovery of a number of Gnostic writings in Egypt in 1945. Afterwards, conspiracies began to develop by modern day Gnostics that Gnosticism had the true message of salvation and that Christianity was the lie. They argue that early Christian leaders were fearful of the growing popularity of Gnostic teachings. They actively suppressed Gnosticism and in the process denied humanity knowledge of the “real truth” as found in Gnostic teachings. Some believe this conspiracy began with the Apostle Peter. The Gospel of Mary insinuates that Peter was jealous of Mary Magdalene’s close relationship with Jesus, specifically that Jesus imparted knowledge to her that He did not share with Peter and the other disciples. After Jesus’ resurrection, Peter and the other male disciples pushed Mary into the background. Consequently, the knowledge that Jesus imparted to Mary Magdalene was lost for over thousand years until her “gospel was rediscovered in 1896.
In recent years Gnosticism has become popular topic in fictional novels, the most famous being the Da Vinci Code.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Origin of the New Testament
No other ancient text is substantiated by such a wealth of ancient textual witnesses as the New Testament. About 5,500 separate ancient manuscript copies of the New Testament exist in various forms from the entire New Testament to a fragment of an entire verse. No original copies of the books that make up the New Testament exist. The oldest known copy of any portion of the New Testament is a fragment of the Gospel of John chapter 18 that is dated to about 125 A.D. That would put it only about 30 or 40 years after the Apostle John died. The oldest complete text of the New Testament as we have it today dates to about 350 A.D. which would be about 275-300 from which the original books were written. In contrast, the earliest existing copies (fragments and/or complete texts) of classical works of Greek and Roman writers such as Homer, Aristotle, Plato, etc., on average date to 1,000 years after they lived.
The New Testament consists of 27 books written between 45 and 100 A.D. They were written in Greek which was the common language of the day. The books are actually letters written by the authors to the first and second generations of Christians to educate them in the life and teachings of Jesus (the Gospels), the history of the early church (Acts), Christian doctrine (epistles), and the return of Jesus to earth (Revelation). These letters were read in meetings of the early Christians. Copies were made to be read in other churches.
How did these 27 letters come together to become the New Testament and be on equal par with the Old Testament Scriptures, i.e., be regarded as inspired Word of God?
65 A.D. – The Apostle Peter places Paul’s letters on the same level of authority as the Old Testament Scriptures:
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (II Peter 3:14-16)
Over time, early Christians during public worship read copies of letters that would become the New Testament as well as Scriptures from the Old Testament.
150 A.D. – An early church leader named Justin Martyr wrote a description of Christian worship services he attended in Rome. He wrote that the leader of the worship service read from the “prophetic word” (Old Testament) and the “memoirs of the Apostles” (New Testament.) At this time, the church in Rome was the leading church in Christianity being located in the capital of the Roman empire. Given that the church in Roman regarded the letters of the Apostles to be on par with the Old Testament books one can conclude the other churches in the empire did as well.
150-400 A.D. – Church leaders put together lists of what books should be included in the New Testament.
About 210 A.D. – The Christian scholar Tertullian is the first to use the terms “old testament” and “new testament.”
About 310 A.D. – The Christian scholar Lactantius wrote:
“But all Scripture is divided into two Testaments. That which preceded the advent and passion of Christ—that is, the law and the prophets—is called the Old; but those things which were written after His resurrection are named the New Testament. The Jews make use of the Old, we of the New: but yet they are not discordant, for the New is the fulfilling of the Old, and in both there is the same testator, even Christ …”
326 A.D. – Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea wrote Church History: it includes a list of 27 New Testament books he regarded as canonical (having authority.) They are the 27 found our Bibles.
367 A.D. – Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria wrote an Easter letter to the churches under his authority which listed 27 books he regarded as Church authorized. He used the word “canonized” (Church authorized) in relation to these books.
393 A.D. – The Synod of Hippo – a conference of Church leaders who approved the 27 books that make up the New Testament.
382-410 A.D. – Jerome was commissioned by the pope who was the leader of the Church to translate the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament into Latin, the predominant language in the world at that time. The Latin Vulgate was THE official Bible of the Church and would be for the next thousand years. It is still the Bible used by the Catholic Church today and would be the template for future bible translations. The New Testament in the Vulgate Bible included the 27 books regarded at the time to be the New Testament adding greater authority to the 27.
Late 1400’s-early 1500’s A.D. – The Protestant Reformation era. The Church divides between Catholic led by Pope in Rome and Protestant led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others. Protestant leaders reexamine/call into question decisions/church rules made by the papal led Church during the past one thousand years including the books that made up the Old and New Testament.
1522 A.D. – Martin Luther completes his German translation of the New Testament. He kept the 27 books that were recognized as the New Testament by the Church a thousand years earlier. Luther did question the veracity of several New Testament books - Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation – because they did not conform to his understanding of justification by faith and in the case of Revelation it was just weird with all its allegory/symbolisms. However, Luther included all these books in his translation of the New Testament. Why? I believe the Holy Spirit convinced Luther to leave these books in the New Testament. The Luther Bible would go on to have a huge impact on the development of Christianity after the Protestant Reformation.
1546 A.D. – The Roman Catholic Church confirmed the 27 books of the New Testament as part of its Biblical canon.
Criteria for a New Testament book to be canonical
a. The author was an eyewitness of Jesus, lived during the birth and early development of Christianity (33-100 A.D.), and/or churches named in the New Testament (Ephesus, Corinth, Laodicea, etc.) were known to have existed (ex. Revelation)
b. Consistency in doctrine/teachings with other accepted NT books
The New Testament was to include the earliest, most accurate accounts of Jesus and the early Church by selecting texts that had been written either by the apostles themselves or by those closely associated with them (Mark, Luke.) Texts claiming apostolic authorship were critically inspected and if the authorship claim was suspect they were rejected. (ex. Gospel of Thomas, Epistle of Barnabas.) Books written after the Apostolic Age (after 100 A.D.) that many church leaders held in high esteem and argued should be included in the New Testament (I and II Clement, Shepherd of Hermas) were rejected. These books were not condemned as heretical (against accepted Church doctrine.) They were good to read for personal devotions and church history (similar to the Old Testament Apocrypha.) They were regarded as helpful in assisting new converts to understand Christian teachings. But they were not to have the same authority as the 27. They were not to be regarded as canonical.
The New Testament consists of 27 books written between 45 and 100 A.D. They were written in Greek which was the common language of the day. The books are actually letters written by the authors to the first and second generations of Christians to educate them in the life and teachings of Jesus (the Gospels), the history of the early church (Acts), Christian doctrine (epistles), and the return of Jesus to earth (Revelation). These letters were read in meetings of the early Christians. Copies were made to be read in other churches.
How did these 27 letters come together to become the New Testament and be on equal par with the Old Testament Scriptures, i.e., be regarded as inspired Word of God?
65 A.D. – The Apostle Peter places Paul’s letters on the same level of authority as the Old Testament Scriptures:
So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (II Peter 3:14-16)
Over time, early Christians during public worship read copies of letters that would become the New Testament as well as Scriptures from the Old Testament.
150 A.D. – An early church leader named Justin Martyr wrote a description of Christian worship services he attended in Rome. He wrote that the leader of the worship service read from the “prophetic word” (Old Testament) and the “memoirs of the Apostles” (New Testament.) At this time, the church in Rome was the leading church in Christianity being located in the capital of the Roman empire. Given that the church in Roman regarded the letters of the Apostles to be on par with the Old Testament books one can conclude the other churches in the empire did as well.
150-400 A.D. – Church leaders put together lists of what books should be included in the New Testament.
About 210 A.D. – The Christian scholar Tertullian is the first to use the terms “old testament” and “new testament.”
About 310 A.D. – The Christian scholar Lactantius wrote:
“But all Scripture is divided into two Testaments. That which preceded the advent and passion of Christ—that is, the law and the prophets—is called the Old; but those things which were written after His resurrection are named the New Testament. The Jews make use of the Old, we of the New: but yet they are not discordant, for the New is the fulfilling of the Old, and in both there is the same testator, even Christ …”
326 A.D. – Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea wrote Church History: it includes a list of 27 New Testament books he regarded as canonical (having authority.) They are the 27 found our Bibles.
367 A.D. – Bishop Athanasius of Alexandria wrote an Easter letter to the churches under his authority which listed 27 books he regarded as Church authorized. He used the word “canonized” (Church authorized) in relation to these books.
393 A.D. – The Synod of Hippo – a conference of Church leaders who approved the 27 books that make up the New Testament.
382-410 A.D. – Jerome was commissioned by the pope who was the leader of the Church to translate the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament into Latin, the predominant language in the world at that time. The Latin Vulgate was THE official Bible of the Church and would be for the next thousand years. It is still the Bible used by the Catholic Church today and would be the template for future bible translations. The New Testament in the Vulgate Bible included the 27 books regarded at the time to be the New Testament adding greater authority to the 27.
Late 1400’s-early 1500’s A.D. – The Protestant Reformation era. The Church divides between Catholic led by Pope in Rome and Protestant led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and others. Protestant leaders reexamine/call into question decisions/church rules made by the papal led Church during the past one thousand years including the books that made up the Old and New Testament.
1522 A.D. – Martin Luther completes his German translation of the New Testament. He kept the 27 books that were recognized as the New Testament by the Church a thousand years earlier. Luther did question the veracity of several New Testament books - Hebrews, James, Jude, and Revelation – because they did not conform to his understanding of justification by faith and in the case of Revelation it was just weird with all its allegory/symbolisms. However, Luther included all these books in his translation of the New Testament. Why? I believe the Holy Spirit convinced Luther to leave these books in the New Testament. The Luther Bible would go on to have a huge impact on the development of Christianity after the Protestant Reformation.
1546 A.D. – The Roman Catholic Church confirmed the 27 books of the New Testament as part of its Biblical canon.
Criteria for a New Testament book to be canonical
a. The author was an eyewitness of Jesus, lived during the birth and early development of Christianity (33-100 A.D.), and/or churches named in the New Testament (Ephesus, Corinth, Laodicea, etc.) were known to have existed (ex. Revelation)
b. Consistency in doctrine/teachings with other accepted NT books
The New Testament was to include the earliest, most accurate accounts of Jesus and the early Church by selecting texts that had been written either by the apostles themselves or by those closely associated with them (Mark, Luke.) Texts claiming apostolic authorship were critically inspected and if the authorship claim was suspect they were rejected. (ex. Gospel of Thomas, Epistle of Barnabas.) Books written after the Apostolic Age (after 100 A.D.) that many church leaders held in high esteem and argued should be included in the New Testament (I and II Clement, Shepherd of Hermas) were rejected. These books were not condemned as heretical (against accepted Church doctrine.) They were good to read for personal devotions and church history (similar to the Old Testament Apocrypha.) They were regarded as helpful in assisting new converts to understand Christian teachings. But they were not to have the same authority as the 27. They were not to be regarded as canonical.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
OVERVIEW OF THE BIBLE – NEW TESTAMENT
I. Background
The Bible is divided into two parts – Old Testament and New Testament. They were not referred to as Old and New Testament until after 100 A.D. Prior to then, the Old Testament was referred to as the Law and the Prophets or sometimes the Law, the Psalms/Writings, and the Prophets. The word testament is Latin for Covenant. Old Covenant and New Covenant. Covenant defined – a solemn agreement that is binding on all parties. God and man. Old/New Covenant – God agrees to redeem man in return man agrees to submit to God’s authority. The Old Testament – redemption came through the sacrificial system and submission to God through obedience to the Law. The New Testament – redemption came through the death and resurrection of Jesus and submission to God through obedience to the Holy Spirit. The reason for the need for the coming of a New Covenant is perhaps found in the Book of Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
The Jews failed to keep their part of the agreement. They consistently refused to submit to God’s authority. Therefore, God said He would establish a New Covenant – one that was not written in stone but in people’s hearts.
Also read Hebrews chapter 8. The author explains further the need for a New Covenant/Testament.
The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans that we serve God “in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” (Romans 7:6) By submitting to God’s Holy Spirit, we are able to meet the righteous requirements of the Law. How? The Holy Spirit is in our minds and hearts directing us in the path of righteousness. Again Paul writes:
But now a righteousness from God, apart from Law, has been made known (i.e., the New Covenant), to which the Law and the Prophets (i.e., Old Testament) testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (Romans 3:21)
Read Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 for an example of how the Old Testament testifies/points to the New Testament.
Does the New Testament make the Old Testament unnecessary/pointless? By no means! Jesus regularly quoted Old Testament Scripture. Paul in his epistles regularly cites the Old Testament/makes references to the Old Testament Scriptures to support his doctrinal teachings. The early Christians continued to listen to the Old Testament be read. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul tells him to devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:14-16)
What Scriptures is Paul referring to? The Old Testament. Paul believed it was still useful.
The Bible is divided into two parts – Old Testament and New Testament. They were not referred to as Old and New Testament until after 100 A.D. Prior to then, the Old Testament was referred to as the Law and the Prophets or sometimes the Law, the Psalms/Writings, and the Prophets. The word testament is Latin for Covenant. Old Covenant and New Covenant. Covenant defined – a solemn agreement that is binding on all parties. God and man. Old/New Covenant – God agrees to redeem man in return man agrees to submit to God’s authority. The Old Testament – redemption came through the sacrificial system and submission to God through obedience to the Law. The New Testament – redemption came through the death and resurrection of Jesus and submission to God through obedience to the Holy Spirit. The reason for the need for the coming of a New Covenant is perhaps found in the Book of Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 31:31-34
“The time is coming," declares the LORD, "when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt, because they broke my covenant, though I was a husband to them," declares the LORD. "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbor, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."
The Jews failed to keep their part of the agreement. They consistently refused to submit to God’s authority. Therefore, God said He would establish a New Covenant – one that was not written in stone but in people’s hearts.
Also read Hebrews chapter 8. The author explains further the need for a New Covenant/Testament.
The Apostle Paul writes in the book of Romans that we serve God “in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.” (Romans 7:6) By submitting to God’s Holy Spirit, we are able to meet the righteous requirements of the Law. How? The Holy Spirit is in our minds and hearts directing us in the path of righteousness. Again Paul writes:
But now a righteousness from God, apart from Law, has been made known (i.e., the New Covenant), to which the Law and the Prophets (i.e., Old Testament) testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. (Romans 3:21)
Read Hebrews chapters 9 and 10 for an example of how the Old Testament testifies/points to the New Testament.
Does the New Testament make the Old Testament unnecessary/pointless? By no means! Jesus regularly quoted Old Testament Scripture. Paul in his epistles regularly cites the Old Testament/makes references to the Old Testament Scriptures to support his doctrinal teachings. The early Christians continued to listen to the Old Testament be read. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul tells him to devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes:
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (II Timothy 3:14-16)
What Scriptures is Paul referring to? The Old Testament. Paul believed it was still useful.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
INTERTESTAMENTAL PERIOD
Intertestamental period: the time between the book of Malachi (500 B.C.) and the Birth of John the Baptist (5 B.C.)
Between when the OT ends and the NT begins, is a span of 400-500 years. This era is referred to as the intertestamental period. God rarely spoke to man during this period. Not unusual. Between time of Flood and Abraham – there was centuries of seeming silence. The Israelites lived in slavery in Egypt for centuries before God spoke to them through Moses. God’s rare revelation to man was very similar to the era before Samuel was born. The author of I Samuel in chapter 3 verse 1 wrote – The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
What was going on in Jerusalem and the surrounding region where the Jews lived during this time period?
515 B.C. – The Second Temple was completed
A. Alexander the Great and invasion of Greek culture
332 B.C. – Jerusalem and surrounding region conquered by Alexander the Great. He would go on to conquer the whole Persian empire. Judah falls under Greek rule. Greek culture (language, dress, architecture, economy, entertainment, religion) moves into the region like a tsunami.
B. Division of Alexander’s empire
323 B.C. – Alexander dies at age 30. His empire is divided by his generals. The Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria battle for control of Judah for next two centuries.
C. Ptolemies and Seleucids
302-200 B.C. – The Ptolemies of Egypt control Judah.
200-152 B.C. – The Seleucids of Syria control Judah.
D. Antiochus IV and the Maccabean revolt
174-163 B.C. – The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (“manifest”) attempted to impose by force Greek culture upon all his subjects which included the Jews. In 167 B.C., Antiochus IV sent an army against Jerusalem. He attacked the city on the Sabbath, killing most of the male population and enslaving women and children. All Jewish religious practices were banned – no observing the Sabbath, circumcision, or sacrifices to God. The people could not even call themselves Jews. Anyone who refused to comply was executed. Antiochus IV erected in the Temple an altar to the Greek god Zeus whom the Jews were to worship and make sacrifices to. On December 25, 167 B.C., a pig was sacrificed in the Temple to Zeus. According to the Law, God regarded swine as unclean. They were not to be eaten by the Jews. Antiochus IV’s desecration of the Temple (known in Jewish history as the Abomination of Desolation) sparked a Jewish rebellion against his rule led by the Maccabean family. After three years, the Jews under the leadership of the Maccabeans defeat Antiochus IV. The Temple was cleansed and rededicated (celebrated as the holiday Hanukkah) and the Jews were allowed to rule themselves.
E. The Maccabean period
163 B.C.-63 B.C. –Judah was ruled by priest-kings who were members of the Maccabean family. It was a politically unstable period. Jews became divided into pro-Greek culture and anti-Greek culture camps. Filtered into the religion. During this period you have the emergence of Jewish religious sects: Sadducees – pro-Greek culture; Pharisees – anti-Greek culture; and Essenes who did not agree with the religious practices/beliefs of the latter two. Sadducees and Pharisees exerted tremendous religious and political influence during the latter years of the Maccabean period. The Apocryphal books were written during this era in an effort to preserve Jewish heritage from being swallowed up by Greek culture. Much of the history of the Jewish struggle against Antiochus IV and the Maccabean period is found in the Apocryphal books I and II Maccabees. The memory of Jewish self-rule under the Maccabeans will have impact on next era.
F. Roman rule
63 B.C.-5 B.C. - The Maccabean period comes to an end in 63 B.C. The Jews come under the dominion of the Roman empire. The region where the Jews live becomes a Roman province called Palestine. In 37 B.C., the Roman empire names Herod Idumaean (Herod the Great) “King of the Jews” despite the fact he was not technically a Jew. Herod was a descendant of the Edomites. His ancestors were forced to convert to Judaism by the Maccabees. Herod sought to win the support of the Jews by rebuilding the Temple. Herod’s Temple was larger and more magnificent looking than the previous temple built during the post-exile period. It was an architectural marvel and a source of pride among the Jews. However, it failed to endear Herod to the Jews. They continued to view him as an outsider and not a true Jew and a puppet of Rome. His violent, murderous streak did not help either. During his last years, Herod fell prey to paranoia seeing enemies everywhere including members of his own family. He had many people put to death. Zealots and Messianic sects emerged during Herod the Great’s reign. Zealots and Messianic sects were an outlet for Jews who wanted to return to the days of the Maccabeans (which was not that long ago) when the Jews ruled themselves and were not defiled by the presence of Gentiles. Zealots – radical Jews who sought the violent overthrow of Roman rule under the rallying cry “No king but God!” The Romans perceived them as terrorists. Messianic sects – Hatred of being ruled by a foreign Gentile power fueled growing interest in Messianic prophecy among the Jews. People were expecting God to send someone who would fulfill the promises God had made in the Prophetic books to restore Israel and exact vengeance upon her enemies. The heightened expectations for a Messiah led to the rise of false messiahs who led insurrections against Rome. Several false messiahs led rebellions against Roman authority in the years shortly before and after the birth of Jesus.
Between when the OT ends and the NT begins, is a span of 400-500 years. This era is referred to as the intertestamental period. God rarely spoke to man during this period. Not unusual. Between time of Flood and Abraham – there was centuries of seeming silence. The Israelites lived in slavery in Egypt for centuries before God spoke to them through Moses. God’s rare revelation to man was very similar to the era before Samuel was born. The author of I Samuel in chapter 3 verse 1 wrote – The boy Samuel ministered before the LORD under Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions.
What was going on in Jerusalem and the surrounding region where the Jews lived during this time period?
515 B.C. – The Second Temple was completed
A. Alexander the Great and invasion of Greek culture
332 B.C. – Jerusalem and surrounding region conquered by Alexander the Great. He would go on to conquer the whole Persian empire. Judah falls under Greek rule. Greek culture (language, dress, architecture, economy, entertainment, religion) moves into the region like a tsunami.
B. Division of Alexander’s empire
323 B.C. – Alexander dies at age 30. His empire is divided by his generals. The Ptolemies of Egypt and the Seleucids of Syria battle for control of Judah for next two centuries.
C. Ptolemies and Seleucids
302-200 B.C. – The Ptolemies of Egypt control Judah.
200-152 B.C. – The Seleucids of Syria control Judah.
D. Antiochus IV and the Maccabean revolt
174-163 B.C. – The Seleucid king Antiochus IV Epiphanes (“manifest”) attempted to impose by force Greek culture upon all his subjects which included the Jews. In 167 B.C., Antiochus IV sent an army against Jerusalem. He attacked the city on the Sabbath, killing most of the male population and enslaving women and children. All Jewish religious practices were banned – no observing the Sabbath, circumcision, or sacrifices to God. The people could not even call themselves Jews. Anyone who refused to comply was executed. Antiochus IV erected in the Temple an altar to the Greek god Zeus whom the Jews were to worship and make sacrifices to. On December 25, 167 B.C., a pig was sacrificed in the Temple to Zeus. According to the Law, God regarded swine as unclean. They were not to be eaten by the Jews. Antiochus IV’s desecration of the Temple (known in Jewish history as the Abomination of Desolation) sparked a Jewish rebellion against his rule led by the Maccabean family. After three years, the Jews under the leadership of the Maccabeans defeat Antiochus IV. The Temple was cleansed and rededicated (celebrated as the holiday Hanukkah) and the Jews were allowed to rule themselves.
E. The Maccabean period
163 B.C.-63 B.C. –Judah was ruled by priest-kings who were members of the Maccabean family. It was a politically unstable period. Jews became divided into pro-Greek culture and anti-Greek culture camps. Filtered into the religion. During this period you have the emergence of Jewish religious sects: Sadducees – pro-Greek culture; Pharisees – anti-Greek culture; and Essenes who did not agree with the religious practices/beliefs of the latter two. Sadducees and Pharisees exerted tremendous religious and political influence during the latter years of the Maccabean period. The Apocryphal books were written during this era in an effort to preserve Jewish heritage from being swallowed up by Greek culture. Much of the history of the Jewish struggle against Antiochus IV and the Maccabean period is found in the Apocryphal books I and II Maccabees. The memory of Jewish self-rule under the Maccabeans will have impact on next era.
F. Roman rule
63 B.C.-5 B.C. - The Maccabean period comes to an end in 63 B.C. The Jews come under the dominion of the Roman empire. The region where the Jews live becomes a Roman province called Palestine. In 37 B.C., the Roman empire names Herod Idumaean (Herod the Great) “King of the Jews” despite the fact he was not technically a Jew. Herod was a descendant of the Edomites. His ancestors were forced to convert to Judaism by the Maccabees. Herod sought to win the support of the Jews by rebuilding the Temple. Herod’s Temple was larger and more magnificent looking than the previous temple built during the post-exile period. It was an architectural marvel and a source of pride among the Jews. However, it failed to endear Herod to the Jews. They continued to view him as an outsider and not a true Jew and a puppet of Rome. His violent, murderous streak did not help either. During his last years, Herod fell prey to paranoia seeing enemies everywhere including members of his own family. He had many people put to death. Zealots and Messianic sects emerged during Herod the Great’s reign. Zealots and Messianic sects were an outlet for Jews who wanted to return to the days of the Maccabeans (which was not that long ago) when the Jews ruled themselves and were not defiled by the presence of Gentiles. Zealots – radical Jews who sought the violent overthrow of Roman rule under the rallying cry “No king but God!” The Romans perceived them as terrorists. Messianic sects – Hatred of being ruled by a foreign Gentile power fueled growing interest in Messianic prophecy among the Jews. People were expecting God to send someone who would fulfill the promises God had made in the Prophetic books to restore Israel and exact vengeance upon her enemies. The heightened expectations for a Messiah led to the rise of false messiahs who led insurrections against Rome. Several false messiahs led rebellions against Roman authority in the years shortly before and after the birth of Jesus.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Background on Prophetic Books (conclusion)
31. Obadiah -
Where – Edom/Jews in exile in Babylonia
When – Between 586 and 553 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Obadiah prophesied around the time the Southern Kingdom had been conquered by Babylonia and thousands of Judah’s people were sent into exile. However, his words are not directed at Judah but a neighboring country named Edom. It was located along Judah’s southeastern border. A high mountainous area, the Edomites made their homes in the cliffs of the mountains. Their location proved to be a stong defense against invaders. The inhabitants of Edom were descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob whose descendants were the people of Judah. Esau and Jacob’s father was Isaac and their grandfather was Abraham. In other words, the people of Edom and the people of Judah had a common heritage. You would think that since they were related, Edom would have come to Judah’s assistance when it was invaded by Babylon. In fact, Edom aided Babylon in its invasion of Judah. The Edomites participated in the destruction of Jerusalem. Afterwards, Edom rejoiced in Judah’s hardships. God was not pleased with Edom’s treachery and pride. Obadiah proclaims God’s judgment against Edom. What happened to Judah will soon happen to Edom. In 553 B.C., Edom was conquered by its former ally Babylon.
Key verse: Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you are greatly despised. The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, who will bring me down to earth? Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah 2-4)
Interesting facts – The Apocryphal book I Esdras says it was the Edomites who were responsible for burning the Temple during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.
32. Jonah – See lesson on Jonah available on Bible 101 blog.
33. Micah –
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 735-700 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Like the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was enjoying a time of peace and great prosperity during the 700’s B.C. And like the Northern Kingdom, beneath the veneer of prosperity in Judah there was tremendous social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy. Priests and judges were corrupt, prophets prophesied for profit, merchants cheated their customers, the wealthy oppressed the poor, and the people worshiped idols as well as God. God sent Micah to proclaim words of condemnation and judgment.
Key verse: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Interesting facts – After the Wise Men asked King Herod to find out where the King of the Jews would be born, Herod put the question to the chief priests and scribes. They quoted Micah 5:2.
34. Nahum -
Where – Nineveh (Assyria)/Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 722 B.C., the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian empire. Her people were scattered into exile throughout the Middle East. Beginning in 722 B.C. and throughout the 600’s B.C., the people of the Southern Kingdom believed they would be the next target for conquest by Assyria. Judah was gripped by fear and terror for decades. God called Nahum to prophesy against Assyria. The time for God’s judgment against Assyria was at hand. God provides a graphic description of the destruction of Nineveh which happened in 612 B.C. Nahum’s words instilled hope in the hearts of the people of Judah.
Key verse: Behold, I am against you (Nineveh), declares the LORD of hosts; and I will lift up your skirts over your face, and show to the nations your nakedness and to the kingdoms your disgrace. I will throw filth on you and make you vile, and set you up as a spectacle. And it will come about that all who see you will shrink from you and say, Nineveh is devastated! Who will grieve for her? Where will I seek comforters for you? (Nahum 3:5-7)
Interesting facts – Nahum prophesied against Nineveh just over one hundred years after Jonah prophesied against the city.
35. Habakkuk -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 609-597 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Unrighteousness and injustice prevailed in Judah during Habakkuk’s day. The wicked enjoyed the good life while the righteous suffered. Moreover, Babylonia was becoming a greater threat to Judah’s security. A perplexed Habakkuk complained to God why He was doing nothing to punish the wicked in Judah. God’s response was that Babylonia (also known as Chaldea) would be His instrument of punishment against Judah. Habakkuk questioned why God would use an ungodly, evil people to punish His chosen people. God’s response to Habakkuk is patience. The Babylonians will one day experience His wrath. Habakkuk says that even though he does not understand God’s ways he will continue to put his faith in Him.
Key verses: LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy … I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:2, 16-18)
Interesting facts – Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 – “The righteous will live by their faith.” in Romans 1:17. It was this Scripture that inspired Martin Luther to lead the Protestant Reformation.
36. Zephaniah -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 640-625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – After a brief revival of faithful worship to God during the reign of King Josiah, the people of Judah once again walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. Zephaniah prophesied the same time as Jeremiah. Zephaniah’s prophecy focused on Judah’s idolatry. He warned the people of Judah and other nations in the region of the coming Day of the Lord. The book ends with words of hope for Judah. God will bring a remnant back to Judah and Jerusalem.
Key verse: The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Interesting facts – Zephaniah was perhaps a descendant of King Hezekiah, one of the godly kings of Judah.
37. Haggai –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 538 B.C., the Persians allowed the Jews to return to their homeland after 70 years of exile in Babylon. Once the Jews reached Jerusalem, their first priority was to rebuild the Temple. In 536 B.C., the Jews laid the foundation for the temple. There was great rejoicing among the Jews. However, other people groups in the area opposed the Jewish effort too reestablish themselves in the region around Jerusalem. These people groups made threats against the Jews, bullied the Jews, and undermined their efforts to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. They sent letters and representatives to Persian rulers accusing the Jews of being rebellious. Consequently, the Jews out of fear and discouragement stopped work on the Temple. For more information read Ezra chapters 1-6. Overtime, other things became priorities over rebuilding the Temple for the Jews – the desires of others, building nice houses, wealth, etc. Fifteen years passed and God’s house had not been rebuilt. God was not pleased and sent Haggai to make known is pleasure to the leaders of the people: Zerubbabel (political leader) and Joshua (religious leader).
Key verse: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.' "Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:2-4)
Interesting facts – Haggai and Zechariah are mention in Ezra chapter 5 as prophesying to the people. They both worked with the people to rebuild the Temple.
38. Zechariah –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520-518 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – See Haggai. In the first half of Zechariah, God has strong words of encouragement for Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the Jews to raise their spirits so that they can complete the work of rebuilding the Temple. The second half of the book focuses on God’s judgment against Judah’s enemies, Messianic prophecy, and End Times prophecy.
Key verse: So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
Interesting facts – Before His death, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey (Matthew chapter 21, John 12) in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
39. Malachi –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – approximately 500 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Temple had been rebuilt but the people had fallen into a state of spiritual apathy. The promises made by God through Haggai and Zechariah concerning the restoration of a Davidic kingdom and judgment on Judah’s enemies had not yet arrived. Consequently, the people had become disillusioned and skeptical of God’s promises. Read Malachi 3:13-15. Their spiritual apathy was evident in their substandard worship and failure to walk in righteousness in their everyday life. God sent Malachi to exhort the people to worship God rightly, to live faithfully, and to wait patiently in hope and expectation for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Key verse: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10)
Interesting facts – Malachi’s last verses which are the last verses of the Old Testament alludes to the birth of John the Baptist which marked the beginning of the New Testament.
Where – Edom/Jews in exile in Babylonia
When – Between 586 and 553 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Obadiah prophesied around the time the Southern Kingdom had been conquered by Babylonia and thousands of Judah’s people were sent into exile. However, his words are not directed at Judah but a neighboring country named Edom. It was located along Judah’s southeastern border. A high mountainous area, the Edomites made their homes in the cliffs of the mountains. Their location proved to be a stong defense against invaders. The inhabitants of Edom were descendants of Esau the brother of Jacob whose descendants were the people of Judah. Esau and Jacob’s father was Isaac and their grandfather was Abraham. In other words, the people of Edom and the people of Judah had a common heritage. You would think that since they were related, Edom would have come to Judah’s assistance when it was invaded by Babylon. In fact, Edom aided Babylon in its invasion of Judah. The Edomites participated in the destruction of Jerusalem. Afterwards, Edom rejoiced in Judah’s hardships. God was not pleased with Edom’s treachery and pride. Obadiah proclaims God’s judgment against Edom. What happened to Judah will soon happen to Edom. In 553 B.C., Edom was conquered by its former ally Babylon.
Key verse: Behold, I will make you small among the nations; you are greatly despised. The arrogance of your heart has deceived you, you who live in the clefts of the rock, in the loftiness of your dwelling place, who say in your heart, who will bring me down to earth? Though you build high like the eagle, though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down, declares the LORD. (Obadiah 2-4)
Interesting facts – The Apocryphal book I Esdras says it was the Edomites who were responsible for burning the Temple during the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem.
32. Jonah – See lesson on Jonah available on Bible 101 blog.
33. Micah –
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 735-700 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Like the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the Southern Kingdom of Judah was enjoying a time of peace and great prosperity during the 700’s B.C. And like the Northern Kingdom, beneath the veneer of prosperity in Judah there was tremendous social injustice, immorality, corruption, and hypocrisy. Priests and judges were corrupt, prophets prophesied for profit, merchants cheated their customers, the wealthy oppressed the poor, and the people worshiped idols as well as God. God sent Micah to proclaim words of condemnation and judgment.
Key verse: He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
Interesting facts – After the Wise Men asked King Herod to find out where the King of the Jews would be born, Herod put the question to the chief priests and scribes. They quoted Micah 5:2.
34. Nahum -
Where – Nineveh (Assyria)/Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 722 B.C., the Northern Kingdom of Israel was conquered by the Assyrian empire. Her people were scattered into exile throughout the Middle East. Beginning in 722 B.C. and throughout the 600’s B.C., the people of the Southern Kingdom believed they would be the next target for conquest by Assyria. Judah was gripped by fear and terror for decades. God called Nahum to prophesy against Assyria. The time for God’s judgment against Assyria was at hand. God provides a graphic description of the destruction of Nineveh which happened in 612 B.C. Nahum’s words instilled hope in the hearts of the people of Judah.
Key verse: Behold, I am against you (Nineveh), declares the LORD of hosts; and I will lift up your skirts over your face, and show to the nations your nakedness and to the kingdoms your disgrace. I will throw filth on you and make you vile, and set you up as a spectacle. And it will come about that all who see you will shrink from you and say, Nineveh is devastated! Who will grieve for her? Where will I seek comforters for you? (Nahum 3:5-7)
Interesting facts – Nahum prophesied against Nineveh just over one hundred years after Jonah prophesied against the city.
35. Habakkuk -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 609-597 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – Unrighteousness and injustice prevailed in Judah during Habakkuk’s day. The wicked enjoyed the good life while the righteous suffered. Moreover, Babylonia was becoming a greater threat to Judah’s security. A perplexed Habakkuk complained to God why He was doing nothing to punish the wicked in Judah. God’s response was that Babylonia (also known as Chaldea) would be His instrument of punishment against Judah. Habakkuk questioned why God would use an ungodly, evil people to punish His chosen people. God’s response to Habakkuk is patience. The Babylonians will one day experience His wrath. Habakkuk says that even though he does not understand God’s ways he will continue to put his faith in Him.
Key verses: LORD, I have heard the report about You and I fear O LORD, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy … I heard and my inward parts trembled, at the sound my lips quivered decay enters my bones, and in my place I tremble because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, for the people to arise who will invade us. Though the fig tree should not blossom and there be no fruit on the vines, though the yield of the olive should fail and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold and there be no cattle in the stalls, yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (Habakkuk 3:2, 16-18)
Interesting facts – Paul quotes Habakkuk 2:4 – “The righteous will live by their faith.” in Romans 1:17. It was this Scripture that inspired Martin Luther to lead the Protestant Reformation.
36. Zephaniah -
Where – Southern Kingdom of Judah
When – Approximately 640-625 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – After a brief revival of faithful worship to God during the reign of King Josiah, the people of Judah once again walked the path of unrighteousness and idolatry. Zephaniah prophesied the same time as Jeremiah. Zephaniah’s prophecy focused on Judah’s idolatry. He warned the people of Judah and other nations in the region of the coming Day of the Lord. The book ends with words of hope for Judah. God will bring a remnant back to Judah and Jerusalem.
Key verse: The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with his love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Interesting facts – Zephaniah was perhaps a descendant of King Hezekiah, one of the godly kings of Judah.
37. Haggai –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – In 538 B.C., the Persians allowed the Jews to return to their homeland after 70 years of exile in Babylon. Once the Jews reached Jerusalem, their first priority was to rebuild the Temple. In 536 B.C., the Jews laid the foundation for the temple. There was great rejoicing among the Jews. However, other people groups in the area opposed the Jewish effort too reestablish themselves in the region around Jerusalem. These people groups made threats against the Jews, bullied the Jews, and undermined their efforts to rebuild the Temple and Jerusalem. They sent letters and representatives to Persian rulers accusing the Jews of being rebellious. Consequently, the Jews out of fear and discouragement stopped work on the Temple. For more information read Ezra chapters 1-6. Overtime, other things became priorities over rebuilding the Temple for the Jews – the desires of others, building nice houses, wealth, etc. Fifteen years passed and God’s house had not been rebuilt. God was not pleased and sent Haggai to make known is pleasure to the leaders of the people: Zerubbabel (political leader) and Joshua (religious leader).
Key verse: This is what the LORD Almighty says: "These people say, 'The time has not yet come for the LORD's house to be built.' "Then the word of the LORD came through the prophet Haggai: "Is it a time for you yourselves to be living in your paneled houses, while this house remains a ruin?" (Haggai 1:2-4)
Interesting facts – Haggai and Zechariah are mention in Ezra chapter 5 as prophesying to the people. They both worked with the people to rebuild the Temple.
38. Zechariah –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – 520-518 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – See Haggai. In the first half of Zechariah, God has strong words of encouragement for Zerubbabel, Joshua, and the Jews to raise their spirits so that they can complete the work of rebuilding the Temple. The second half of the book focuses on God’s judgment against Judah’s enemies, Messianic prophecy, and End Times prophecy.
Key verse: So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6)
Interesting facts – Before His death, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding a donkey (Matthew chapter 21, John 12) in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9 “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
39. Malachi –
Where – Jews living in Jerusalem and surrounding region
When – approximately 500 B.C.
Theme – See lesson on prophetic books
Background – The Temple had been rebuilt but the people had fallen into a state of spiritual apathy. The promises made by God through Haggai and Zechariah concerning the restoration of a Davidic kingdom and judgment on Judah’s enemies had not yet arrived. Consequently, the people had become disillusioned and skeptical of God’s promises. Read Malachi 3:13-15. Their spiritual apathy was evident in their substandard worship and failure to walk in righteousness in their everyday life. God sent Malachi to exhort the people to worship God rightly, to live faithfully, and to wait patiently in hope and expectation for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Key verse: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. (Malachi 3:10)
Interesting facts – Malachi’s last verses which are the last verses of the Old Testament alludes to the birth of John the Baptist which marked the beginning of the New Testament.
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