Matthew 17:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Transfiguration Vision

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN:
A TRANSFIGURED SON AND AN EMPTY POCKET

[“Glory and Taxes”]
(Key word: “Listen!”)

Matthew 17:1-9 – Transfiguration Vision

|| Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36

MT17:1 Now after six days[1] Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John[2] (the brother of James) and ascended with them to a very secluded place on a tall mountain.[3] MT17:2 And right before them Jesus was metamorphosed[4] – his face illuminated like the sun[5] and his cloak as white light.[6] MT17:3 And, look! they could see Moses and Elijah[7] speaking with Jesus. MT17:4 Peter responded and said to Jesus, “Master, if you wish I shall make three tents[8] – one for you and Moses and Elijah.” MT17:5 Yet while Peter was talking, look! a shining cloud rested over them, and, look! a Voice came from the cloud,[9] saying, “This is my beloved Son whom I approve[10] – listen to him.”[11] MT17:6 Now, hearing this the disciples were frightened and fell on their faces. MT17:7 Jesus approached the disciples and touching them, he said, “Rise and do not be afraid.” MT17:8 But, when the disciples looked up they saw nothing but Jesus himself. MT17:9 Now while descending the mountain Jesus charged[12] the three disciples: “Tell no one[13] about the vision[14] until the Son of Humankind[15] is raised from among those dead.”[16]

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[1] After six days: Mark 9:2 agrees though Luke 9:28 says, “But it happened about eight days after…” Some see the transfiguration as the fulfillment of what the Nazarene said earlier (Matthew 16:28). It ought to be observed that there is nothing in the “vision” which speaks of the arrival of Jesus’ kingdom in power.

[2] Peter, James, and John: Are these the primary foundation stones of the Congregation? Note in Mark 13:3 Andrew is added to a select group among the apostles.

[3] A very secluded place on a tall mountain: Or, KJV: into an high mountain apart; KNX: where they were along; LB: a high and lonely hill. Some believe this is that 9,000-foot mountain nearest Caesar Philippi, Mount Hermon.

[4] Jesus was metamorphosed: The Greek is METAMORPHOTHE. Or, KJV: transfigured; RHM: transformed; WMS: his appearance was changed; PME: his whole appearance changed before their eyes. Note a form of the word at Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 3:18. According to Luke 9:29 this occurred “as he was praying.”

[5] Face illuminated like the sun: Or KJV: his faced did shine as the sun. Compare Daniel 12:3; Matthew 13:43; Revelation 1:14. Note, Exodus 34:29: “Moses did not know that the skin of his face emitted rays.” (NW) It is impossible not to include as a cross reference 2 Corinthians 3:7, 10, 15, 18 and the relationship with the “new covenant.”

[6] His cloak as white light: Or, ASV: garment became white as the light; RIEU: white as light itself. Mark 9:3 adds: “… far whiter than any clothes cleaner on earth could whiten them.” (Revelation 1:16)

[7] Moses and Elijah: Some see these two as representing the Law and the Prophets pointing to Messiah. The three are called “prophets.” The three all fast for 40 days. All three hear the Voice of God. All three are associated with the Name of God. All three are involved in the saving acts of God. Compare Malachi 4:4, 5. See notes on Revelation 11:5, 6.

[8] I shall make three tents: We note the spontaneity of Peter. Perhaps he expects these three to remain during the chilly night. He may create an evening bivouac from boughs and limbs of trees.

[9] Voice came from the cloud: This is the second of three cases where the Voice of God is heard, all in the presence of Jesus (Matthew 3:17; John 12:28). Peter gives his own inspired interpretation of this event at 2 Peter 1:16-18. The Voice is “God the Father.” The main point is the revelation of the “power and presence (PAROUSIA)” of our Lord Jesus Christ. Some wish to make this the second coming or that Parousia future from the days of Jesus and the disciples. (Matthew 24:3; 1 Corinthians 15:23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 8; James 5:7, 8; 2 Peter 3:4; 1 John 2:28) Others see the parousia here as that first coming of the Nazarene.

[10] This is my beloved Son whom I approve: These are the words heard by John the Baptist and the Nazarene at his baptism (see notes at Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). Peter records the Voice at 2 Peter 1:17. The phrase is similar to a conflate of Psalm 2:7 and Isaiah 42:1. Peter is to quote the context of Psalm 2:7 later at Acts 4:24; and, Paul Psalm 2:7 exactly at Acts 13:33, 34. Both apply Psalm 2 to that period upon the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to heaven as envisioned by Daniel 7:13. It is curious that this is witnessed only by three of the apostles and these are later told not to tell anyone (the other apostles?) of the vision (Matthew 17:9).

[11] Listen to him: Here is the main point of the whole episodic vision: to charge these three apostles to hear or listen in obedience to the Son (Note Hebrews 1:1). Matthew was not present on this occasion so must have learned the details from Peter, James, or John; and this after the resurrection of the Son of Humankind. “Listen” is a word occurring often in the Gospels: Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 18, 43; 15:10; Mark 4:3, 9, 20, 23, 33; 7:14; Luke 8:8, 18; 14:35; John 10:3, 16, 27.

[12] Jesus charged: Or, ASV: commanded; KNX: ward; MOF: ordered.

[13] Tell no one: We may assume this included the other nine apostles. What an awesome charge to confidence – a lesson for many an elder to keep confidentiality. On this matter compare Paul’s own at 2 Corinthians 12:4.

[14] The vision: The appearance of “Moses” and “Elijah” were visionary not the real persons alive. One may ask how these men recognized Moses and Elijah?

[15] Son of Humankind: Search or Find Son of Man or Son of Humankind.

[16] Raised from among those dead: Or, KJV: risen again from the dead; MON: raised from the dead. The dead themselves are not to be raised until, a) the Parousia of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:23); and, b) the end of the Thousand Years (1 Corinthians 15:24; Revelation 20:5).

 

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Preceding

Matthew 16:24-28 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Disciple Must Disown Self

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Related

1. “Listen to Him!”
2. Matthew Chapter A Day – 17
3. June 6, 2018 – Class: Matthew 17
4. Bible Study Notes on Matthew 17 – 20180126
5. Matthew 17丨C. H. Spurgeon
6. Peter and John — Matthew 17:1-13
7. Matthew 17 – The Mount of Transfiguration
8. Matthew 17:1-8 The Terrifying Transfiguration
9. Tip of the Day, September 19 Lessons of the Transfiguration
10. Monday Motivation: The Revealing of Glory
11. On a high mountain
12. On the Mountain
13. What Happened On The Mountain; Learning Under Jesus
14. Transfiguration
15. The Transfiguration
16. The Transfiguration the Feast of the Transfiguration,
17. Here We Read About The Wonderful Transfiguration Of Jesus!
18. The Transfiguration of Our Lord
19. Divine Glory and Sacrificial Love
20. God’s Voice is Heard at the Transfiguration
21. The Glory of Jesus Christ is Revealed at the Transfiguration
22. They Saw No One but Jesus Only
23. Does the Father affirm Jesus the Messiah is his Son?
24. She Reads Truth | Matthew 17 & 18
25. Transfiguration – Divinization and the Transmigration of Souls
26. Transfiguring Humanity—Reflections on the Transfiguration of Christ
27. Moses, Elijah and Jesus (Plus Four) Meet on a Mountain: The Feast of the Transfiguration
28. The Transfiguration of Christ
29. The Transfiguration of the Lord
30. 4. Witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus
31. Elijah & Elisha
32. How Not to Be Terrified
33. Acknowledge the Glory In You
34. The Disciples’ Response to the Transfiguration

Matthew 13:53-58 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Where Did He Get Such Wisdom?

Matthew 13:53-58 – Where Did He Get Such Wisdom?

|| Mark 6:1-6

MT13:53 Now when Jesus concluded these parables he traveled elsewhere. MT13:54 Upon arriving in his fatherland[1] he began teaching the people in their synagogue.[2] They were astounded and said, “From where did this person receive this wisdom and dynamic works?[3] MT13:55 Is this not[4] the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary – as well and his brothers, James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? MT13:56 And his sisters[5] – are they not all among us? So, from where[6] did this person receive all this?” MT13:57 As a result they were stumbled and scandalized[7] because of him. But, Jesus told them, “A prophet is not honored[8] in his own father-land, nor in his own house.”[9] MT13:58 As a result he performed no dynamic works there because of their lack of faith.[10]

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[1] In his fatherland: The Greek is PATRIDA from which comes the English “patriot.” Or, KJV: own country; WMS: home town; RHM: own city. Likely Nazareth, possibly a parallel with Luke 4:14-30.

[2] Synagogue: For information search the word synagogue. “Synagogue” occurs 67 times, most often in Acts. The Greek word, or a form of it, SYNAGOGE, does occur else where it is rendered “gathering” or “meeting.” It is virtually the same as ECCLESIA.

[3] Dynamic works: The Greek is DYNAMEIS. Or, GDSP: power to do these wonders; KJV: mighty works; NWT: powerful works.

[4] Is this not: Compare Mark 6:3; Luke 3:23; 4:22; John 6:42.

[5] His sisters: They are never named nor is the number given anywhere. See Mark 6:3.

[6] From where: This is possibly the hometown of Jesus, Nazareth, and likely these people saw Jesus grow up. Some are not aware of the experience when he was twelve and questioned the teachers in Jerusalem (Luke 2). However, there was nothing in Jesus upbringing so unusual that others would have suspected this would become the greatest man whoever lived. This may have been deliberate to protect the Nazarene’s anonymity.

[7] Stumbled and scandalized: The Greek is ESCANDALIZONTO and is used elsewhere. Or, KJV: offended; RHM: began to find cause of stumbling; TCNT: proved a hindrance; MOF: repelled by him. See the notes at Matthew 13:41.

[8] A prophet is not honored: Compare John 4:44.

[9] In his own house: Likely referring to the home he grew up in. Despite the angelic words to Joseph and Mary Jesus had remained so unspectacular that nothing betrayed his destiny. The prophet suggested this: “To the extent that many have stared at him in amazement-so much was the disfigurement as respects his appearance more than that of any other man and as respects his stately form more than that of the sons of mankind.… No stately form does he have, nor any splendor; and when we shall see him, there is not the appearance so that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 52:14; 53:3 NWT)

[10] Their lack of faith: Compare Matthew 8:10.

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Preceding

Matthew 2:1-6 – Astrologers and Priests in a Satanic Plot

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #5 Matthew 7:28-29 – The Crowd’s Reaction

Matthew 8:18-22 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Two Would-be Followers

Matthew 12:38-42 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Signs in Jonah and the Queen of the South

Matthew 13 – Parables on Kingdom mysteries

Matthew 13:1-9 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable: the Soil and the Seed

Matthew 13:10-15 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Why Speak in Parables?

Matthew 13:16-17 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Happy Eyes and Ears

Matthew 13:18-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Seed and Soil

Matthew 13:24-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Field and the Harvest

Matthew 13:31-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Mustard Seed

Matthew 13:33 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Fermented Whole

Matthew 13:34-35 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Manner of Teaching Foretold

Matthew 13:36-43 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Zizania in the Field Explained

Matthew 13:44 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Treasure

Matthew 13:45-46 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Valuable Pearl

Matthew 13:47-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Parable of the Dragnet

Matthew 13:51-52 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Teacher Uses New and Old

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Additional reading

 

1. The Ecclesia
2. Congregate, to gather, to meet
3. Disciple of Christ counting lives and friends dear to them

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Related

1. “Salvation Is Of The Jews”
2. In the Era of the Urgent – Clinging to the Important
3. Rabbi Jesus
4. “Why A Rabbi?”, part 1
5. Why A Rabbi?: The Silent Years?
6. “Why A Rabbi?”: A Slight Detour
7. Jesus Said:
8. The True Way – March 03, 2018
9. The Miracles of the Prophets: Part 2-Prophet Isa (Jesus)
10. The Incomparable Christ
11. Wisdom of Christ is health – die to your old self

Matthew 12:46-50 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Family of Messiah

Matthew 12:46-50 – The True Family of Messiah

|| Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21

MT12:46 While still speaking to the crowds, look! his mother[1] and brothers[2] were waiting outside to speak with[3] Jesus. MT12:47 Someone called to Jesus, “Look! Your mother and brothers are standing outside wanting to speak to you.” MT12:48 Jesus responded and told this person: “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” MT12:49 Now Jesus pointed at his disciples and said: “Look here! My ‘mother’ and my ‘brothers.’[4] ^MT12:50 For whoever does the will of my heavenly Father[5] – these are my brother and sister[6] and mother.”

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[1] His mother: The mother of our Lord is rare in the Gospels and often unnamed (Matthew 1:18; 13:55; Mark 3:31; Luke 2:48, 51; 8:19; John 2:5, 12; 19:25, 26). Nothing indicates she was a follower or even a believer at this time. She is differentiated from his “disciples.” Jesus even elsewhere infers that he may have not been honored or respected as a prophet even among his own family early on.

[2] Brothers: Jesus has four brothers so named: “James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And his sisters, are they not all with us?” (Matthew 13:55, 56) The number and names of his sisters are never mentioned. Later, at least one (James) became a power in the Christian Church. See the word James in Acts, 1 Corinthians, and Galatians. The epistle of James is attributed to this brother.

[3] Waiting outside to speak with: We never discover the reason. One may speculate but it is useless: family business, a share in his honor. Few sons would have acted in this manner without serious cause. Compare John 7:3, 5.

[4] My ‘mother’ and my ‘brothers’: The Nazarene’s real ‘family’ is spiritual and related to him by faith. It is very possible that none of his fleshly family were among his disciples, or following him. Perhaps this is the reason for the terse ignoring of his family. At least twice family members wanted him to perform miracles for their benefit (John 2:1-12; 7:3, 5). It is only the beloved apostle John who brings this out. Hebrews 2:10-13 indicates Jesus Christ and the members of his Church are originating with The God. A point to note is that if Jesus were “God” then his followers would be brothers of God, not sons. William Barclay notes: “It was one of the great human tragedies of Jesus’ life that during his lifetime, his nearest and dearest never understood him.… When Jesus set out on his public mission, his friends tried to restrain him, for they said he was mad (Mark 3:21). He seemed to them to be busily engaged in throwing his life away in a kind of sanity.… ‘A Christian’s only relatives,’ said one of the early martyrs, ‘are the saints.’” (page 52)

[5] Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father: The word “will” is from the Greek THELMA and may be rendered determination, choice, desire or wish. What is the “will of the Father”? Surely this is connected to His “eternal purpose”? Jesus uses the phrase twice in Matthew. See notes on Matthew 7:21. Only in John 6:40 is the How of doing the will of the Father explained: “For this is the will of my Father: Everyone who observes the Son and deeply believes in him will have everlasting life.” This is put another way in another context when some ask Jesus what the work of God is so that they may do it. The Nazarene responds: “This is the work of The God that you deeply believe in the One He sent forth.” (John 6:29) Faith or conviction is right at the center of the Father’s will. This belief or faith surely involves a knowledge of the Messiah’s teachings or “doctrine.” (John 7:17 KJV)

“The will of God” is discussed by Paul, Peter, and John. How the Church is involved in His will: to serve for the praise of His glory (Ephesians 1:9-13). God’s will is something to continually comprehend: be careful how one walks in the world (Ephesians 5:15-20). God’s will includes His sanctification which requires abstaining from fornication, illicit passions, and adultery (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8). Prayer and thankfulness are part of God’s will (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). God’s will includes doing God and loving the brotherhood (1 Peter 2:15-17). God’s will may include suffering (1 Peter 4:19). There are three things that are not part of God’s will: fleshly desire, covetousness, and bragging about materialism (1 John 2:15-17). Perhaps God’s will is best summarized by His commandment: to have faith in His Son; and, love one another (1 John 3:23).

[6] Sister: Jesus has been silent on female followers until now. Though no woman is ever called a disciple in the Gospels, there were women who were “with” Jesus’ entourage of disciples. These “ministered to Jesus and his disciples from their belongings.” (Luke 8:2, 3) The truth is the Nazarene had spiritual ‘sisters’. In time, throughout the Gospel Age of the Church female disciples of Jesus out number the men. In the New Creation – the Seed of Abraham – there are no females – nor males – for all are “sons” and one in Christ (Galatians 3:26-29).

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Preceding

Matthew 1:18-25 – Genesis of Jesus Christ

Nazarene Commentary Matthew 4:1-4 A Wilderness Temptation

Matthew 6:1-34 – The Nazarene’s Commentary on Leviticus 19:18 Continued 2 Prayer and neighbour love

Matthew 7:13-23 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: The True Disciple #3 Matthew 7:21-23 The ones Jesus never knew

Matthew 12:1-8 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Something Greater than the Temple

Matthew 12:9-21 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Is It Lawful to Cure on the Sabbath?

Matthew 12:22-30 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: the Charge of Demonism

Matthew 12:31-32 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Blasphemy against the Pneuma

Matthew 12:33-37 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Judgment Day

Matthew 12:38-42 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: Signs in Jonah and the Queen of the South

Matthew 12:43-45 – The Nazarene’s Commentary: A Generation Seven Times Worse

Gates to different belief systems in this world

False teachers and false prophets still around

Christians having the right heart to call others to go to God

Back from gone #4 Your inner feelings and actions

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Additional reading

1. Truth, doubt or blindness
2. Faith coming by hearing and sent preacher gift from God
3. When we think of Jesus let us strive to realise what he means to us
4. Not about personal salvation but about a bigger Plan
5. False opposite true worship which exalts the God of Israel
6. Trusting, Faith, Calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #15 Exposition before the Creator
7. To will being present in us but to do it not always evident
8. Material gain to honour God
9. Getting out of the dark corners of this world
10. Salvation and Righteousness
11. Receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken

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Related

1. On Religion and Reasons: Why Fast for Lent?
2. Some thoughts on Lent
3. My Daily Devotion – My Quiet Time With God
4. Use what you have
5. Don’t worry about it.
6. God’s Children
7. The children of God
8. Bestowed Upon Us…
9. What Makes You a Child and Heir of God?
10. Sons of God
11. Who are the “Sons of God”
12. Two Dreams and a Vision – The Bride and Revealing the Sons of God
13. A Comforting promise from God, to those that Love Him – Romans 8:28
14. St. John 1:12
15. You Have a Home
16. Grace Part 34: Moses’ House vs. Jesus’ House
17. Conjunction with the Lord
18. The Adoption as Sons
19. How I know that I am born-again
20. Christians are the Children of God
21. Are You in the Family?
22. Oneness of God–Key to 100 Fold Growth

A tomb looked for

With the time of Passover and Easter several people try to unsettle the Christian community with their scientific findings. This year the findings of 1980 are again taken in discussion. Some might think the research on the Talpiot grave may disrupt Christian belief that Jesus has been risen.

In another so called Tomb of Jesus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today we do find again a long-running archaeological controversy been resurrected, thanks to analysis of scrapings from a first-century tomb in East Jerusalem and a bone box attributed to “James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.”

Some do find that when there might be a family grave that all members of that family have to be buried over there. Though in many families we may find sepulchres for more than one member of the family and have other individual tombs for other members of the same family, even of the same household.

To say they have found the grave of Jesus Christ, because they found the inscription  “Yeshua bar Yosef” is taking the reference to Jeshua, the son of Joseph as indicating he must really have been buried there, though the reference may well be to the other son of Joseph, who was the younger brother of Jesus, namely James (“Ya’acov” the Hebrew name for James) (revealed to the public in 2002). The latest study, conducted by Israeli geologist Aryeh Shimron, found the same chemical signature in soil from the tomb and in scrapings from the box with the Jesus inscription.

Also having in the tomb written “Mariamne e Mara” (Mary, known as the master) referring to Mary Magdalene and finding other boxes inscribed with the names Mary (another Mary), Matthew, Joseph and Judas, do not have to mean that all the family of Miriam (Mary, mother of Jesus) and Josef (Joseph, worldly father of Jesus) were placed together with the son of man Jeshua, which the world knows better as Jesus Christ.

According to the 1980 filmmakers (James Cameron & Simcha Jacobovici) the box of Judas, which reads “Judas, son of Jesus,” was exactly what it purports to be: the resting place of Jesus and Mary’s son.

Talpiot tomb sealed (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It can well be that in 2004, Israeli authorities charged antiquities dealer Oded Golan with forging the “Jesus inscription” on the bone box, but the dealer was acquitted in 2012 after drawn-out legal proceedings. Meanwhile, in 2007, a TV documentary titled ‘The Lost Tomb of Jesus‘ claimed that the tomb could have been the burial spot for Jesus and his family, based on a statistical analysis of the genealogical relationships between the names listed in the inscriptions.

At the beginning of this month the Israeli archaeologist, Aryeh Shimron, announced that the soil found on the Talpiot ossuaries was a very close match to the soil found on another controversial artifact: the James ossuary. His findings gave a boost to those who claim a linkage between the artifacts and the historical Jesus.

“This find illustrates that the James ossuary is authentic and the Jesus Family Tomb indeed belongs to the family of Jesus Christ,”

SimchaJacobovici, director of ‘The Lost Tomb of Jesus’, told the ‘Jerusalem Post’.

However, Golan said that the findings were

“not enough to determine anything conclusively.”

It can well be that this small group of scholars, scientists and filmmakers has presented us with an intricate puzzle, in which all the pieces have been perfectly aligned. But as Joel Baden, professor of Hebrew Bible at Yale University and Candida Moss, professor of New Testament and early Christianity at the University of Notre Dame say

pick up any single piece to examine it more carefully, and it crumbles to dust.

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Please do find more about this in:

1. Talpiot Tomb a family grave of the tribe of Jesus
2. Scientist Claims He’s Discovered The “Lost Tomb” Of Jesus Christ
3. Geologist revives the controversy over lost tomb of Jesus
4. Jesus’ tomb story: Does the evidence add up?
5. Findings Reignite Debate on Claim of Jesus’ Bones
6. Jesus’ Tomb: Tests Show Site of Christ’s Burial Place, Scientist Says – NBC
7. The Existence of Jesus Christ in History
8. Did Jesus Exist?
9. 1428 Clyde Billington – Egyptian Coffin and James Ossuary

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Related articles

• Calculating Easter and Passover
• Happy Easter!
• The miracles of Passover and Easter in Israel
• Passover began at sundown Friday
• Jesus died during passover
• Easter: The resurrection of Jesus Christ
• Findings Reignite Debate on Claim of Jesus’ Bones
• ‘Jesus Tomb’ headlines blasted as ‘sensationalistic’
• Mary Magdalene, on Easter Morning
• He’s Risen! (Easter Sunday Reflections)

Nazarene Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1

THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES

[The history of the first three decades of the Christian Church]

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Acts 1:1-5 – A Second Account to Theophilus

AC1:1

In my first record, {1 Luke means his Gospel which ends with words that begin below in Acts, indicating

they could be a single volume. Luke was a Jewish physician and therefore educated. He has been

described in two primary ways: a] “the theologian of joy” for he uses such related words often, occurring

over 40 times in his two books; and, b] “the most accurate historian of ancient times.” His record in Acts

has been examined closely for over a century and a half by trained and scholarly archaeologists. It has

been found to be accurate in every sense.} O Theophilus, {2 See Luke 1:1. His name means “Loved By God” or “Friend of God.”} I wrote concerning everything that Jesus did and taught, from the very beginning,

AC1:2

until that day when he was received up,{3 Or, taken up, day of his ascension. Such was foretold by Daniel 7:13. The Greek is

ANELEMPHTHE [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #353, raise] and related to similar words that occur at Luke 17:34, 35; John 14:3; Acts 1:11, 22} after he had given orders to the apostles {4 The words of Matthew 28:18-20 and Luke 24:44-49 apply directly to the eleven apostles.} he had chosen by means of the holy Pneuma. {5 Or, Spirit. The word occurs 60 times as just “spirit” and 40 times as “holy spirit.” For details onthe subject see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 Corinthians 2:16. In English the word “spirit”has taken on a strong form indicating a person or ghost. The Greek is not so limiting and literal means breath or wind, an invisible pressure or force.}

 AC1:3

After he had suffered [and died], Jesus showed himselfalive to his apostles by many irrefutable proofs, {6 The Greek TEKMERIOS [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5039, infallible] is also rendered: positive proofs [KIT], infallible proofs

[KJV], convincing manifestations [MON], sure tokens [RHM], sure proofs [WEY], convincing proofs [NAS], convincing demonstrations [AMP]. Compare notes on John 21:1 and Acts 10:40.} becoming visible to them throughout forty days, {7 Or, manifest, showed, presented, being seen, manifest. This is the only place where the length of the Nazarene’s post-resurrection period with his disciples is mentioned. Pentecost means “Fifty” and occurs that many days after Passover. Thus, there were about ten days between Christ’s ascension and Pentecost. It is during this period that the events of Daniel 7:13, 14 and Revelation chapter 5 take place.} during which he spoke to them about the Kingdom of The God. {8 As other Bible writers, Luke most often uses the designation “The God” [TOU THEOU, TON THEON, HO THEOS].

AC1:4

Now while eating with them he gave them instructions not to depart from Jerusalem, but “to wait for the promise of the Father that I told you about.

AC1:5

For John immersed in water, but you [apostles] will be immersed in the holy Pneuma {9 Compare Matthew 3:11 and Mark 1:8.} only days from now.”

Acts 1:6-11 – The Ascension

AC1:6

So when the apostles had gathered, {10 Some think this in the mountain s near Galilee. [Matthew 28:16] Others, the Mount of Olives. [Acts 1:12]} they asked Jesus, “Master, {11 Luke uses the designation “Master” [KYRIE] more often than any other writer, over 90 times. He uses the designation for both “The God” and Christ. When used of the Nazarene it is always “Master.”} are you restoring the Kingdom to Israel now?” {12 The Kingdom was never to be restored to Israel as Jesus said it would be taken from them. [Matthew 21:43] The apostles ask in error as they do as Matthew 24:3.}

 AC1:7

However, Jesus answered them: “It is not for you [apostles] to know times or seasons {13 Or, KIT: times and appointed times; WMS: times and dates; MOF: periods of time; NAS: times and epochs. Jesus had told his apostles that no one could know the time of his Return. [Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32] The Nazarene warned that any who preached, “the time is at hand,” were not to be followed. [Luke 21:8]} which the Father has fixed within His own authority.

AC1:8

However, you [apostles] will receive power when the holy Pneuma comes upon you. {14 The word “power” comes from the Greek DYNAMIN. The thrust of the word here means authority. The holy PNEUMA is the mental force of God’s mind that exerts a pressure on the object of His will. See notes on 1 Corinthians 2:16. Compare the results at Acts 4:33 and elsewhere.} Also, you [apostles] will be my witnesses {15 Christian disciples are often called Jesus’ witnesses. [Revelation 17:6]} through Jerusalem, in all of Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” {16 There are three divisions here: Judea, Samaria, and the non-Jewish world. The Nazarene told Peter he would give to him the “keys of the kingdom” and in the case of the Jews, the Samaritans, and the Non-Jews, it is Peter who initiates the Gospel with these three groups. [Acts 8:14; 10:24] Daniel 9:25-27 suggests that the “Jews first” would have a seven year period of special grace during which the Gospel was present solely to them. [Matthew 10:6; 15:24] This period covered 29-36 AD, following which the non-Jews were then giving the invitation. Compare notes on Matthew 22:1-14. It is thought by some that many of the apostles departed Jerusalem

before the year 66 and went to distant lands, including England and India. Peter himself writes from Babylon. [1 Peter 5:13}

AC1:9
Now when Jesus had said these things – just as they were watching – he began to ascend and a cloud took him up [Daniel 7:13] out of their sight. {17 Or, KJV: he was taken up, a cloud received him out of their sight; TCN: caught up; RSV: lifted up.  It is the cloud in the sky that finally obscures the Master from the vision of the apostles. It is likely the reference to the cloud is an allusion to Daniel 7:13 which foretold the ascension to heaven of someone “like a son of humankind.”}

 AC1:10

While Jesus was ascending {18 Or, KJV: as he went up; NOR: his departure. This is likely that moment described in Revelation 12:5.} – and the apostles were watching skyward – suddenly two humans in white robes stood beside them. {19 Or, men, males. Angels that materialized are often called “men.” That is, they appeared in a human-like form. Compare Genesis 18:1f. In these cases regarding the resurrection and ascension it is not the word ANTHROPOS which may mean a human in general, but ANDROS, meaning precisely a male. [Luke 24:4] In Mark 16:5 this is a “young man” [NEANISKON].}

 AC1:11

These said to the apostles: “Men of Galilee, {20 It should be noted that the eleven apostles were all from Galilee. This comes up again at Acts 2:7.} why do you standing watching toward the sky? {21 Or, heaven. If the apostles had understood Daniel 7:13 at this moment they would not have lingered watching the skies wondering what was going to happen.} This same Jesus, {22 Or, this Jesus. This is the Risen Master now in a spirit-like body. [1 Corinthians 15:40-50; 1 Peter 3:18] The former, fleshly body sacrificed on the Tree, has been accepted by God and used as a sin-offering. [Compare the notes on Hebrews 13:11, 12.] “This Jesus” is the one who will return at his Parousia. [John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17]} who is departing from you into the sky, {23 Or, heaven. The Hebrew and Greek for “heaven” may be used of the atmosphere or Sky. [Note Genesis 1:8, 20; Revelation 14:6]} will return in the same manner as you watched him ascend into the sky.” {24 How did “this Jesus”

depart? It was visibly, until a cloud caught him from beneath out of the sight of the apostles. If this was like a film rewound backward, “this Jesus” would be seen visibly coming on the clouds, and so Jesus foretold. [Matthew 24:30, 31] In 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Christ appears in the “air.” In Revelation 11:12, 13 the raptured Saints are seen by their enemies as they ascend in clouds. [Note: some apply Zechariah 14:4, 5, and its mention of the Mount of Olives, as a reference to the Return of Christ as Yehowah’s representative.]}

Acts 1:12-14 – The Waiting Apostles

AC1:12

Now when the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives {25 Whether this means Jesus ascended

from the Mount of Olives, or the apostles had paused there on their trip from Galilee, is a subject for personal choice.} – which is close to Jerusalem (about a Sabbath’s days distance) –

AC1:13

as they entered the city, they went into a room upstairs {26 Possibly the same place where the Master’s Supper was first observed. Some think this part of the home of John Mark’s mother. [Acts 12:12]} where they were staying. [These included] Peter, John, James, {27 Peter appears about 50 times but vanishes after Acts 15:7. The apostle John is named about a dozen times and then disappears after Acts 12:2. The apostle James is martyred at Acts 12:2. The apostle Andrew is only mentioned here, as are the other apostles. The apostles as a group did not leave Jerusalem when persecution broke out at Acts 8:1. However, after Acts 16:23 they disappear as a group. Indeed, following that it is “James [the disciple] and the elders” who seem in authority. It is possible the apostles dispersed to widespread areas to further the Gospel.} Andrew, Philip, Thomas,

Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James.

AC1:14

All of these apostles were continually in devotional prayers {28 Or, KJV: with one accord; GDS: devoting themselves to; BER: engaged constantly and with one mind in prayer. This would be for about a weeklong period during which the apostles were obedient to Jesus and stayed put until they should receive the holy Pneuma.} along with certain women, {29 Only one is named, the mother of Jesus, but it is possible that it would include about a half dozen of those particular women who are mentioned in association with Jesus. [Luke 8:1-4] This would bring the group to about 18, or 22 including the Master’s brothers.} including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his [fleshly] brothers. {30 Jesus had four named brothers who were not his disciples during his lifetime. [Matthew 13:55; John 7:5] It I likely the resurrection of Jesus had a powerful affect on them. [1Corinthians 15:7] One in particular, James, becomes something of a presiding elder within the Church.

[Acts 12:17; 15:13; 21:18; Galatians 1:19; 2:9, 12] He also writes the epistle named after him. [James 1:1] This James is mentioned by the 1st Century Jewish historian Josephus, who reports, “[The high priest] convened the judges of the Sanhedrin and brought before them a man named James, the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ, and certain others. He accused them of having transgressed the law and delivered them up to be stoned.” [Jewish Antiquities, XX, 200 (ix, 1)]}

Acts 1:15-22 – The Replacement of an Overseer

AC1:15

Now during those days, Peter rose in the midst of the brothers {31 Still during this period of about a week, there is a conference to select a replacement for the apostle Judas Iscariot. The whole group was “about one hundred and twenty.” It is not likely they met in the previously mentioned upper room but in some other location. During the ministry of Jesus he had appointed twelve apostles and seventy special envoys. This would number 82, perhaps the bulk of those present at the conference. No women are mentioned as being present on this occasion, and judging from the agenda of the meeting, it is unlikely female disciples shared in this decision.} – the crowd was about one hundred and twenty in the same place – and he said:

AC1:16

“Men, brothers, {32 The Greek here is ANDRES, ADELPHOI, and means “males, brothers.” It indicates Paul is addressing only men. Though sometimes the designation “brothers” may include Christian women, never does ANDRES also include women. Compare Acts 2:29, 37 where a similar address includes only men.} it was necessary for the Scripture to be fulfilled {33 Formerly lacking in understanding of the Scriptures, Peter now shows a new comprehension, likely because of inspiration, for prophetic texts.} that the holy Pneuma foretold through David concerning Judas – who was the one who guided those who arrested Jesus –

AC1:17

for he had been numbered among us [apostles] and had received a portion of this [apostolic] ministry.”

AC1:18

(Now this person {34 Luke injects an editorial comment of his own to clarify certain background matters.} had gotten possession of a field from his unrighteous payment – he himself had fallen headfirst and when his belly burst open his

intestines spilled out of him –

AC1:19

[and this field] became known to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so the field was called in their own language “Akeldamai,” that is, “Field of Blood.”

AC1:20

This was so because it had been written in the book of Psalms: “Let his place of dwelling become desolate, and let no one come to live there.” [Psalm 69:25] And again, “Let another receive his office of overseer.” [Psalm 109:8]

AC1:21

“So it is necessary that from among the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Master Jesus went in and went out among us –

AC1:22

beginning from John’s baptism until that day when Jesus was received up from us – one of these men must become a witness with us regarding the resurrection.”

Acts 1:23-26 – The Choice of Matthias

AC1:23

So they put forward two men – Joseph, the one called Barsabbas, and Matthias.

AC1:24

Then they prayed: “YHWH, {35 Or, Lord. It is possible the Tetragram originally occurred here.} You know the hearts of everyone. Reveal whom You chose of these two

AC1:25

to take the place of this ministry and apostleship from which Judas abandoned to follow his own course.”

AC1:26

Then they cast lots regarding the two, {36 The 120 male disciples were equally divided on two qualified men. This could have led to an early division in their midst. The apostolic solution will seem strange to some, but it likely represents the stated principle of Proverbs 16:33, “The lot is thrown into the lap, but every judgment belongs to YHWH.” The Hebrews and Jews were used to the lot for the Urim and Thummim of the Israelites’ high priest wore a pocket in his priestly apron in which there were divine lots. [Compare Exodus 28:30 MOF; Numbers 27:21]} and the lot fell upon Matthias, {37 According to the divine choosing, Matthias became the twelfth apostle, replacing Judas. Likely the Twelve had to be present at the outpouring of the Spirit as the Congregation or Temple was founded. [Ephesians 2:21, 22] Though some think Paul the replacement apostle there is no direct indication of such.} so he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

*

Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

Mark Heber Miller

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Compare: Hebraic Roots Bible Book of The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 1

The Acts Of The Sent Ones Chapter 1

Ministry of the Apostles, a complex multi-figure icon with a full-height image of Jesus Christ, surrounded by sectors with scenes of His disciples’ calling, ministry and martyrdom. Icon from the Yaroslavl Museum Preserve. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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Please do find also to read:

About Breath:

1. Fragments from the Book of Job #6: chapters 38-42
2. Creator and Blogger God 2 Image and likeness

Pentecost:

1. Seven full weeks or seven completed Sabbaths and ascension of Jesus
2. First Century of Christianity 1. The early days of Christianity
3. Is it wise to annul the Pentecostweekend

Ascension of Christ:

1. Hebraic Roots Bible Book of The Acts of the Apostles Chapter 2

Holy Spirit or Pneuma:

1. Did the Inspirator exist
2. The radiance of God’s glory and the counsellor
3. Christ begotten through the power of the Holy Spirit
4. Jesus begotten Son of God #19 Compromising fact
5. No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation
6. Trusting, Faith, calling and Ascribing to Jehovah #3 Voice of God #6 Words to feed and communicate
7. Christ having glory
8. True riches
9. Followers with deepening
10. The Great Trinity Debate > Groot Drie-eenheidsdebat
11. How do trinitarians equate divine nature
12. The Soul not a ghost
13. Speaking in tongues
14. Pope Francis I on the Holy Spirit
15. Know Who goes with us and don’t try to control life
16. The manager and Word of God

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Related articles

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  Solemnity of Pentecost > Were the Apostles confirmed at Pentecost?
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