Tag Archives: Cobb Publishing

The Quarterly has Arrived!

You probably remember a few months ago that we made the announcement of a new publication, called The Quarterly.  In fact, we even made the Preview Edition available as a free download.  Now, we want to share the news with you…

The first official issue of the Quarterly is now available!

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ARTICLES INCLUDE:

  • Editorial: An Important Note
  • Insights from Seasoned Ministers: Loren Gieger
  • Insights from Seasoned Ministers: Stafford North
  • Equipping (Jim Mitchell)
  • The Lost Sermons of H. Leo Boles (Kyle Frank)
  • Elders in the Old Testament (Richard Mansel)
  • I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me (Roderick Ross)
  • Not Always Roaring
 (Bill Howard)
  • Restoration Moments: The Conversion of Blue Dick (William Baxter)
  • Divine Peace (Jake Schotter)
  • The Parable of the Lighted Candle (Devin Self)
  • CHRISTIANS: Different Cultures, Different Races, Different Generations, Different People (Joseph T. McWhorter)
  • Biblical Biography: Barnabas (Bradley S. Cobb)
  • Quotes
  • What Ever Happened to Shepherding? (Jamie Beller)
  • Paul Darst: A Novel (Daniel R. Lucas)
  • Funny and Not-So-Funny Events in the Life of Elijah Martindale (Elijah Martindale and Bradley S. Cobb)
  • Poetry Corner (Deserae Cobb)
  • Sons and Daughters of Encouragement (Gerald Cowan)
  • Tabernacle Shadows (Mark McWhorter)
  • Preparing Yourself to Conduct Bible Studies (James Sims Sr.)
  • Hospitality Revisited (Perry Hall)
  • The Practical Atheist (Gantt Carter)
  • Book Review: Bobby Gayton’s My Thorn in the Flesh: A Vietnam Veteran Speaks about PTSD and the Bible (William Howard)
  • Bible Q&A: What was Paul’s “Thorn in the Flesh”? (Bradley S. Cobb)
  • Children’s Puzzle Page: WHO AM I? (Questions from the Book of Esther)

If you already subscribe, then look for your copy to arrive this week.  If you don’t already subscribe, but want to, you can do that here.  If you want just a single issue, you can get it on Amazon by clicking here.

Thanks for all your support and for reading what we have to write!  There will be more real articles coming soon!

-Bradley S. Cobb

From Murderer to Missionary – The Life of the Apostle Paul (Part Six)

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Paul’s First Missionary Journey

The Conflict with Elymas

Leaving Antioch, they went to Seleucia, a seaport town just southwest of Antioch, where they boarded a ship heading to Cyprus.  They landed on the eastern edge of the island of Cyprus, and worked their way westward across the island, preaching in the synagogues along the way.1

Once they got to Paphos, a city on the western coast of the island, their preaching attracted the attention of the proconsul of the island,2 whose name was Sergio Paul.3  He called Saul and Barnabas to meet him, because he wanted to hear the word of God.  However, there was another man who was with Sergio Paul, and who apparently held some measure of influence with him (or at least thought he did).  This man, Elymas, called himself Bar-Jesus (which means “son of Jesus”), but was a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet.4  When they began to preach the word to Sergio Paul, Elymas spoke against them—attempting to negate their message and imply that they were the false prophets, because he did not want the proconsul to obey the gospel.5

Saul (who from this point onward is known as “Paul”) stared him down,6 and by inspiration, called down a curse on him:

O [you are] full of all subtlety and mischief.  You son of the devil!  You enemy of all righteousness!  Will you never cease perverting the straight ways of the Lord?  And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a time.7

The first recorded miracle of Paul, a former opponent of Christianity who was blinded by God, was blinding another opponent of Christianity.  Immediately after Paul spoke those words, Elymas became blind, and walked around searching for someone to guide him.  This miracle had the desired effect: showing who the true spokesperson for God actually was.  After seeing the miracle, Sergio Paul believed, and was struck with amazement at the teaching about Jesus.  There can be no doubt that the proconsul obeyed the gospel.8

When they left Cyprus, they sailed northwest to Perga, a seaport city in Pamphylia.  It was while there that John Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem (most likely by sea).  We aren’t told why Mark left them, but it left Paul with a not-too-high regard for his trustworthiness.  Most likely, Paul preached in the city of Perga9 before they traveled to Antioch of Pisidia10 (not to be confused with Antioch of Syria, where Paul and Barnabas had worked together as prophets).

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Acts 13:4-5.  It is possible that there were multiple synagogues in Salamis, the first city that they came to, but it is also certain that they would have preached as often as possible as they traveled through the island.

2 Luke was the target of many skeptics and atheists for this statement, because Cyprus didn’t have a proconsul; at least, that’s what they thought.  Archaeological discoveries have since shown that Augustus Caesar changed their governmental setup, and inscriptions from AD 51-52 have been unearthed which mention the proconsul of Cyprus named Paulus.  See Vincent’s Word Studies on Acts 13:7 for more information.

3 Acts 13:7.  The Greek in this verse is ÎŁÎ”ÏÎłÎč́ῳ Παύλῳ, that is, Sergio Paulo.  Without exception, every translation renders it “Sergius Paulus,” even though the second word is translated “Paul” the other 154 times it appears in the Bible.

4 Acts 13:6-8.  Elymas fought against the truth of Jesus Christ as taught by Barnabas and Saul, yet called himself “son of Jesus,” which he may have done in an attempt to gather followers after himself, as though he was the heir to Jesus’ mantle.  He was a Jew, and his rejection of the truth leads us to conclude that he would have embraced the Law of Moses—which also condemns him because of his involvement in sorcery (Deuteronomy 18:10), and his being a false prophet (Deuteronomy 18:20).  See also Malachi 3:10.

5 Acts 13:8.

6 Acts 13:9.  The phrase “set his eyes” (KJV) on him is atenisas, from which we get the word “attention.”

7 Acts 13:9-11.  Paul calls him the “son of the devil” as a contrast to the name Elymas wore, “son of Jesus.”

8 Acts 13:12.  Often, the New Testament writers use the word “believe” to encompass the entire process of obedience to the gospel (Romans 1:16, for example).  Luke would not have recorded the incident in this way if the proconsul had refused to be baptized.  It is possible that the book of Acts was written as part of Paul’s defense before Caesar.  If this is the case, then maybe Luke didn’t specifically mention the baptism in order to not put any unnecessary persecution on Sergio Paul for joining the Christians.

9 The Scriptures do not give us every detail of Paul’s missionary journeys.  It seems very unlikely that he would be in a city for any length of time and not attempt to spread the gospel there.

10 This description by Luke has been the cause of some confusion, as this city was the capitol of southern Galatia, and in the region of Phrygia.  Souter, in James Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible (“Antioch”), says that the official title of the city was “Antioch near Pisidia,” and attempts to explain the difficulty.

From Murderer to Missionary – The Life of the Apostle Paul (Part Five)

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Saul in Antioch

After a period of time had passed,1 the word had spread in many of the churches that Peter had baptized some Gentiles into Christ.  Then the first recorded integrated congregation, Antioch, began to grow with an influx of Gentiles obeying the gospel.2  When word of this reached Jerusalem, the church sent Barnabas to Antioch to see what was happening.  When he arrived and saw the great work that was being done, he was glad and encouraged the brethren there.  But he also saw this as an opportunity to bring Saul in.  Barnabas must have remembered that Jesus had foretold Saul would “carry my name before the Gentiles.”3  So he left Antioch and went to Tarsus to find him.

What Saul did while in Tarsus, we are not told.  It is almost certain that Paul taught or preached while he was there.  Possibly he tried to convert his family to Jesus Christ.  Regardless of what happened, Saul was certainly glad to see his friend Barnabas and hear the news about the Gentiles being brought into the kingdom of Christ.  That meant that he was going to be put to use in the service of the Lord.

Saul accompanied Barnabas back to Antioch, and they remained there for a full year, working with the congregation, teaching many people, and also fulfilling prophecy.  The Old Testament Scriptures say:

The Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name.4

The Lord Jehovah shall
call His servants by another name.5

So when Barnabas and Saul came to Antioch, after the Gentiles had seen the righteousness of Christ, they called the disciples this new name (by inspiration): Christians.6

During that year in Antioch, some prophets (including Agabus, who will figure into Paul’s life years later) came from Jerusalem, foretelling that there would be a horrible famine throughout all of Palestine.7  The Christians in Antioch, being good-hearted towards their brethren, gathered up what they could, and sent it to Judea in the care of Barnabas and Saul—two men who had proven themselves to be trustworthy and reliable to the church there.8

Arriving in Jerusalem, Saul and Barnabas delivered the gift to the church there (most likely to James and the elders), and having fulfilled their mission, they went back to Antioch, taking Barnabas’ nephew, John Mark, with them.9  That choice, to bring John Mark with them, would end up causing some very hard feelings years later.

Some time after returning to Antioch, Saul and Barnabas, along with some other prophets, were ministering to the Lord,10 and fasting, when the Holy Spirit spoke to them: “Separate for me Barnabas and Saul now, for the work to which I have called them.”11  The other prophets laid their hands on them, showing that they were commissioning them as emissaries of the church at Antioch.12

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Estimates vary from a few months to a few years.

2 Acts 9:19-21.

3 Acts 9:15.

4 Isaiah 62:2.

5 Isaiah 65:15b.

6 Acts 11:26.  Most translations say “the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”  However, the word “called” is not in the passive voice, as it is rendered in most translations, but in the active voice.  That is, “they” (Barnabas and Saul) are the ones who actively gave the name.  The Greek word used is always something delivered by God.  It is translated “admonished by God” (Hebrews 8:5); “warned by God” (Matthew 2:12, Acts 10:22, Hebrews 11:7).  The MLV translates it here in Acts 11:26, “divinely-called.”

7 The KJV translates it as “the whole world,” but Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, uses the word to refer exclusively to the Promised Land.  This makes much more sense than “the whole world,” since the Christians in Antioch decided to send relief specifically and exclusively to the Christians in Judea.  Had it been “the whole world,” they would have needed to take care of themselves as well.

8 Acts 11:27-30.

9 Acts 12:25.

10 Acts 13:2.  The word translated “ministering” is from leitourgeo, which is where the word “liturgy” originated.  Some have taken this to mean that these prophets were officiating over a liturgical worship service in Antioch (where everything is structured, done the same way, said in the same way, etc.).  However, the word’s main meaning is serving at one’s own cost, such as someone who took it upon himself to pay expenses to run or improve the city.  The secondary meaning is simply religious service.  The second meaning is certainly in view.  See notes on this passage in this author’s The Holy Spirit in the Book of Acts.

11 Acts 13:1-2.  Most translations leave out the word “now,” which comes from the Greek de.  It means “now,” or “at once.”  The Holy Spirit told them it was time to get to work without delay.  The word “called” is the same one used in Acts 2:39, and means called for a specific purpose, work, or ministry.

12 Acts 13:3.  Later, they return to Antioch, “from whence they had been recommended to the grace of God for the work which they fulfilled” (Acts 14:26, KJV).  Robertson argues, based on Philippians 4:15, that the church in Antioch did not support the missionary effort monetarily, but the grammar of that verse doesn’t fit.

The Roller-Coaster of Faith – The Life of the Apostle Peter (Part Ten)

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The Denials at the Trials1

Peter couldn’t stay away.  Both he and John had a change of heart, and turned back to follow the mob.  Peter followed at a distance, while John went ahead and rejoined Jesus.2  Peter couldn’t get into the palace of the high priest on his own, so John came back out and talked to the girl who served as a doorkeeper, and convinced her to let Peter in.3  But soon afterwards, she said, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples, are you?”  And Peter said, “I’m not.”4

After a little while had passed, another girl saw Peter, and told the men around him that “This man is one of them.”5  One of those men (the others being in agreement) then made the accusation at Peter, who replied, “Man, I’m not.”6

About an hour later, a servant of the high priest who was also a relative of Malchus (whose ear Peter had cut off) confidently said, “Didn’t I see you in the garden with Him?  Truly you were also with Him: for you are a Galilean, and your speech betrays you!”7  After this eyewitness accuses him, Peter denies loudly and vehemently, “Man, I don’t know what you’re saying! I don’t know the man you’re speaking of,”8 and he cursed and swore to emphasize the point9—as he lied to them.

This is all happening as Jesus is being questioned, mocked, and abused by the Sanhedrin.  False witnesses all came to speak against Him10—what was Peter thinking during this time?  Did he ever have to fight the urge to stand up and scream, “They’re lying!”?  Peter saw Jesus being beaten, slapped, and spat upon,11 but didn’t stand up for the Lord—instead, he hurt Him further by denying Him.  As Peter made his final denial, Jesus turned, momentarily ignoring the questioning and accusations He was enduring, and looked at Peter.  Then the weight of what Peter had done came crashing down on him, and he remembered how bold he had been, proclaiming how he would never deny Jesus; and remembering how Jesus had foretold that he would deny Him three times—then Peter went out of the palace and wept bitterly.12

It is possible that this was the last time Peter saw Jesus alive—until after the resurrection, that is.13

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 John’s account (chapter 18) shows that Peter’s first denial took place when Jesus was being tried by Annas, while his final denial took place when Jesus was being tried by Caiaphas.

2 Luke 22:54 shows Peter followed from a distance.  This is no surprise, considering he had just sliced off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest—he was curious, but also fearful for his own safety.  Meanwhile, John 18:15 shows that by the time Jesus entered the palace of the high priest, John accompanied Him.

3 John 18:16.

4 John 18:17.  Robertson and Vincent both point out that the question is phrased in such a way that the girl expected a negative answer.  Vincent gives it as “thou art not, art thou?”  Luke’s account (Luke 22:55-57) shows that Peter had already sat down by the fire inside before the girl came and asked him this question.

5 Mark 14:69.

6 Luke 22:58 shows one man making the accusation, while John 18:25 shows that there was a group of men who asked if he was one of Jesus’ disciples.

7 The first part of this quotation comes from John 18:26, while the second can be found in the other three gospel accounts: Matthew 26:73; Mark 14:70; Luke 22:59.

8 The quotation given here is an amalgamation of Luke 22:60 and Mark 14:71.

9 Matthew and Mark both mention Peter’s cursing and swearing.  Some confusion exists regarding what exactly this is.  Some have said that it is basically cussing—as no one who was truly a follower of Jesus would be seen publicly cussing.  Others have said that these were oaths: that Peter was calling down curses on himself if he was lying, vowing to God that he was telling the truth.  Either explanation shows the great lengths that Peter went to in order to convince people that he wasn’t associated with Jesus—which was far worse than Judas’ betrayal.

10 Mark 14:56-59.

11 Mark 14:65.

12 Luke 22:60-62.  Luke is the only one who mentions that Jesus actually looked at Peter after the third denial.  Their eyes must have met, and Jesus almost assuredly showed a look of disappointment.

13 This is the last time Peter is mentioned until after the resurrection.  It is possible that he came and watched Jesus on the cross from afar, but if he did, none of the gospel writers saw fit to mention it.  It’s possible that he couldn’t bear to let Jesus see him again, out of shame, and that he found the rest of the apostles and stayed with them (except for John, who was at the cross).

The Preview…

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FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE FREE!!!!!!

(did that get your attention?)

The Preview Edition of the Quarterly is now available.  If you want to download the digital preview — FREE — the link is at the end of this post.  But first, let me tell you a bit about it.  🙂

This preview edition has 15 articles, and 48 pages of encouragement, edification, education, and enjoyment from good, dedicated, Christian writers.

One writer with a lot of experience in personal evangelism is writing a series on preparing for Bible studies and getting people to agree to have them with you.  We’ve got stories of conversions, interviews with “seasoned ministers,” a look at understanding “hospitality,” and even the first few chapters of a novel that we are certain you will find interesting and worthwhile!

Take a look for yourself:

  1. Editorial: An Important Note
    Bradley S. Cobb
  2. Insights from Seasoned Ministers: Loren (L.L.) Gieger and Stafford North
    Interviews by Jim Mitchell
  3. Equipping
    Jim Mitchell
  4. I Can Do All Things Through Christ Which Strengtheneth Me
    Roderick L. Ross
  5. Restoration Moments: The Conversion of Blue Dick
    From the Life of Knowles Shaw, Singing Evangelist
  6. The Parable of the Lighted Candle
    Devin Self
  7. Biblical Biography: Barnabas
    Bradley S. Cobb
  8. What Ever Happened to Shepherding?
    Jamie Beller
  9. Paul Darst: A Novel
    Daniel R. Lucas
  10. Funny and Not-So-Funny Events in the Life of Elijah Martindale
    Bradley S. Cobb and Elijah Martindale
  11. Poetry Corner
  12. Sons and Daughters of Encouragement
    Gerald Cowan
  13. The Tabernacle Shadows
    Mark McWhorter
  14. Preparing Yourself to Conduct Bible Studies
    James Sims, Sr.
  15. Hospitality Revisited
    Perry Hall

If you like what you see, then by all means, download the digital copy of the preview (did we mention it’s free?).  If you’re like me, and you much prefer having things in your hand, you can order the print version of the Preview for just $3.99 (see the option below).  If you want to order 10 or more to share with others (friends, family, your local congregation), then contact us  for a specific price quote (orders of 10 or more get a 25% discount).

And when you’re done reading it, please consider subscribing to either the print or digital edition.  Each subscriber will receive, as  BONUS, either 35% off of a book we publish (in print), or a free eBook of your choice from any that we publish.

Here’s the link for the digital preview:

The Quarterly – Preview Edition (eBook)

And if you want to order the print edition, just use the link below (or click here).

-Bradley S. Cobb

The Roller-Coaster of Faith – The Life of the Apostle Peter (Part Nine)

ApostlesLogoThe Garden of Gethsemane

After the apostles all pledged their allegiance to Jesus, they walked to a place where Jesus instructed them to sit while He took Peter, James, and John a bit further.  The lord was “exceeding sorrowful, even unto death,” and told the three to wait there and watch on His behalf.1  He went further on and prayed, but instead of watching, Peter and the two brothers fell asleep.

When Jesus returned to find His three closest followers sleeping, His words were directed at Peter, whom the Lord apparently expected to show some leadership: “Simon, you’re sleeping?  You couldn’t watch for even an hour?”2  By this point, the other two apostles apparently had awakened, because Jesus said, “You all watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation.  The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak.”3  But after the Lord went away to pray again, Peter’s weakness took over and he again went to sleep with the other disciples.

Jesus didn’t wake them the second time He returned, but when He came back the third time, He sarcastically said, “You sleep now, take your rest.  Enough!  The hour is come!  Look, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.  Get up; let’s go!  Look, he that betrays me is at hand.”4  Then Peter and the rest of the apostles stood and took their place by Jesus’ side as Judas and a band of Roman soldiers, as well as many Jewish officials came to arrest Jesus.5

Peter watched as Judas came forward and gave Jesus a kiss, and then saw the armed men make their move to grab Jesus.  It’s at this point that Peter, standing beside Jesus, unsheathes his sword, and with amazing accuracy (or perhaps just lucky dodging on the part of his target) slices the right ear off of a man named Malchus, a servant of the high priest.6  While Jesus probably appreciated the show of loyalty, He told Peter to “Put up your sword,”7 and “Allow this to take place.”8  Then Jesus touched Malchus’ ear and healed him, effectively counteracting Peter’s actions.9  It was soon after this, all the disciples realizing that Jesus wasn’t going to fight—nor let them—that they all ran away and left Him alone with His captors.10

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Matthew 26:38.  Jesus told these three men to “watch,” but He didn’t mean “watch me while I pray.”  He meant to watch for anything that might happen (specifically the arrival of Judas and the soldiers he would bring with him).

2 Mark 14:37.  It is worthy of note that Jesus calls him “Simon” once again, which appears to indicate disappointment in him; or at the very least, showing that Peter was not living up to his divinely-given name of “Rock.”  The fact that all three were sleeping, but that only Peter was chastised, shows that Jesus expected more of him than the others.

3 Mark 14:37-38.  Verse 37 has singular pronouns, showing that Peter was being chastised; while verse 38 has plural pronouns, showing Jesus speaking to the three disciples.

4 Mark 14:41-42.  The NET Bible says, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough of that! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let us go. Look! My betrayer is approaching!”

5 The word “band” in John 18:3 refers to a cohort, a collection of 600 Roman soldiers, though it is occasionally used to refer to as many as a thousand, or as few as 200 (see NET Bible notes, Barclay’s Daily Study Bible notes on the passage).  Matthew and Mark call this group it a “great multitude” of armed men (Matthew 26:47; Mark 14:43), which may have included some of the Jewish temple guard.

6 Matthew and Mark tell us that the attacked man was a servant of the high priest.  Mark is the one who informs us that the disciple with the sword was standing by Jesus.  Luke tells us that it was the right ear that was cut off.  John is the one that gives us the identity of both the attacker and the attacked: Peter and Malchus.  John 18:10.

7 John 18:11.

8 Luke 22:51.  The word “suffer” (KJV) means “allow.”  Jesus spoke this to the disciples—primarily Peter—telling them to let it happen.  After all, Jesus had told them several times previous that He was going to be betrayed, taken, and killed.  If the apostles fought, they were fighting against God’s plan.

9 Luke 22:51.

10 Matthew 26:56.

The Roller-Coaster of Faith – The Life of the Apostle Peter (Part Eight)

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The Denial of Denial

While they were in this upper room, Jesus said that one of them would betray Him, causing all the apostles to begin to question which one it would be.1  Peter, wanting to know the answer, but apparently not willing to ask Jesus himself, told John to ask for him—and when Jesus gave the answer, Peter apparently still didn’t get it.2 But soon thereafter, having left the upper room and gone to Mt. Olivet,3 Jesus told the apostles that He was going away.  Peter didn’t understand, and said, “Lord, where are you going?”  To this, the Lord replied “Where I go, you [Peter] can’t follow me now; but you will follow me later.”4  Jesus was about to be murdered, and this could be seen as a prophecy that Peter will also be murdered for his faith.5

Still not quite understanding what Jesus meant, Peter said, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for your sake!”6  Jesus looked at Peter and spoke directly to him:

“Simon, Simon;7 Look, Satan has demanded you [apostles], so that he might sift you like wheat.  But I have prayed for you [Peter], so that your [Peter’s] faith doesn’t fail.  And when you [Peter] have returned, strengthen your brethren.”8

It is in this statement that Peter is given a special commission unique to him—he is commissioned to strengthen, to encourage, to uplift the other apostles after the death of Jesus.  Jesus knew that they would all forsake Him (and He will say as much momentarily), but He had been praying for Peter so that Peter would have the strength to not completely lose his faith, and so that he would be able to build up the other apostles—the apostles who would have been very depressed and in need of encouragement.

But also in this statement is a prophecy that Peter would have a need to return.  That is, Peter was going to go astray.  This pronouncement is what caused Peter to say, “Lord, I’m ready to go with you, both into prison and to death.”9

The Lord replied by saying that not just Peter, but all the apostles (Judas had already left) would “stumble because of [Him] this night.”10  But Peter spoke up again, “Although all of them shall stumble, yet not I!”11  Peter’s self-exaltation was about to be deflated, because Jesus replied with perhaps the most memorable words spoken to Peter in the entire Bible:

“Truly I say to you [Peter], that this day—even in this [very] night—before the cock crows twice, you shall deny me—deny that you [even] know me—three times!”12

Then Peter replied again, this time vehemently,13 “Even though I might die with you, yet I won’t deny you!”  And the rest of the apostles said the same thing.14  But it wasn’t too long after this that they all abandoned their Lord.15

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Luke 22:21-23.

2 John 13:21-30.  The apostles thought that Jesus had sent Judas on an errand; even at this late hour, they didn’t understand that Judas was the one who would betray the Lord.  See the chapter on Judas Iscariot for more details.

3 See Matthew 26:30-35; Mark 14:26-31; and compare them with Luke 22:31-34.

4 John 13:33, 36.  The pronouns in this verse are singular, showing that Jesus is speaking directly to Peter, not to the other apostles.

5 Regardless of whether this is a prophecy of how Peter would die, it is a prophecy that Peter would die as a faithful follower of Jesus Christ—otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to follow Jesus where He was going: heaven.

6 John 13:37.

7 Jesus calls him “Simon,” probably to emphasize that Peter isn’t going to be much of a “rock” during the events which were about to happen.  But then Jesus says, “When you return, strengthen your brethren,” or in other words, “be a rock for your brethren.”

8 Luke 22:31-32.  The pronouns in the Greek show that Satan asked for all the apostles, but that Jesus prayed for Peter specifically.

9 Luke 22:33.

10 Mark 14:27.  The word “stumble” is the Greek word skandalizo, where we get “scandalize.”  They would act as though it was a scandal to follow Jesus.

11 Mark 14:29.  Peter elevates himself over the rest of the apostles by saying this, Even if they are scandalized by you, I won’t ever be!  This makes Jesus’ next statement even more powerful, for it shows the truth of Jesus’ statement that “Whoever exalts himself shall be brought low” (Luke 14:11).

12 Mark 14:30.  The phrase “deny that you [even] know me” comes directly from Luke 22:34.  Mark’s account says “before the cock crows twice.”  The other biblical writers just say “before the cock crows.”  This supposed contradiction has been sufficiently explained and harmonized in many places.  See Gleason Archer’s Encyclopedia of Bible Difficulties, pages 339-341, and Eric Lyon’s The Anvil Rings: Answers to Alleged Bible Discrepancies, Volume 1, pages 74-78.

13 Mark 14:31 mentions that Peter got vehement in this response.

14 Matthew 26:35

15 Matthew 26:56.

The Roller-Coaster of Faith – The Life of the Apostle Peter (Part Seven)

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Simon Peter’s Experiences During the Passion Week

The Cursing of the Fig Tree

On Monday of Jesus’ final week, Peter walked with Jesus and the rest of the apostles from Bethany towards Jerusalem.  Jesus saw a fig tree, but it had no figs on it, so Jesus cursed it.1  The next morning, as they walked by the same spot, Peter saw the tree completely dried up, and in his amazement said to Jesus, “Master, look!  The fig tree that you cursed has withered away!”  Jesus responded by telling the apostles, “Have faith in God.”2

The Prophecy about Jerusalem

Later that same day, when Jesus finished teaching in the temple, one of the disciples (some have suggested that it was Peter himself)3 said to Him, “Master, look at the quality of these beautiful stones and the quality of the buildings!”4  But Jesus replied that these beautiful buildings of the temple complex would all be destroyed.  After they went outside Jerusalem to Mt. Olivet, Jesus sat down and Peter came to him with Andrew, James, and John, and specifically asked him, “Tell us, when shall these things happen?  What shall be the sign (of your coming and the end of the age) when all of these things are fulfilled? ”5  In response, Peter and the other three apostles are informed about the overthrow of the Jewish people, the great tribulation that would come on that nation, and the destruction of their city and temple—which Jesus called “the coming of the Son of man.”6

The Passover and the Foot-washing

Wednesday,7 the disciples asked Jesus what He wanted them to do so they could celebrate the Passover.8  Jesus sent Peter and John into Jerusalem, telling them that they would meet a man with a pitcher of water, and that they were to follow him into his house, and ask him where the guest room was so that they could eat the Passover.  Then Peter and John prepared the Passover meal for Jesus and the rest of the apostles.9

While the Passover was being observed,10 Jesus stood up and wrapped Himself with a towel and began to wash the feet of the apostles, and to dry them with the towel.  When He came to Peter, the apostle tried to stop Him, saying, “Lord, you wash my feet?”11  Jesus kindly answered, “You don’t know what I’m doing now, but you will know after this.”  Peter still wasn’t having any of it and said, “No!  Never shall you wash my feet!”12  But Jesus silenced this protest with a warning: “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with me.”13  In other words, if Peter refused, he would be giving up his apostleship and all of the promises that were made to him.  So, Peter responds, “Lord, not only my feet, but [also wash] my hands and my head!”14  The Lord said washing Peter’s feet would be enough, and took the opportunity to again foretell that one of them wasn’t faithful.  Afterwards, He explained to them that they needed to be servants, and not try to be masters over others.15

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Mark 11:12-14.  The chronology of the Passion Week is best served by Mark, who gave specific time markers, such as “on the morrow” (11:12) and “in the morning” (11:20), and “after two days” (14:1).

2 Mark 11:20-22.  Jesus gave more in response, emphasizing the strength and power of faith, in verses 23-24, but it is all summarized in the phrase “Have faith in God.”

3 See Robertson’s Word Pictures on Mark 13:1.  The reasoning behind this suggestion is because Mark gives the exact quote of what was said, and many believe that Mark’s main source of information was Peter himself.

4 Mark 13:1, mixed with the information (beautiful stones) given in Luke 21:5.  The word translated “what manner” (KJV) is a description of the quality of something, hence our translation above.

5 Mark 13:2-4.  The section given in parentheses above come from Matthew’s account of their questions (Matthew 24:3).  For the Jew, the destruction of the temple symbolized the “end of all things” (1 Peter 4:7), so it is no wonder that they would associate this with “the end of the world” (KJV) or “the end of the age” (NKJV).  See McGarvey’s comments in The Fourfold Gospel, pages 619-620, and his Commentary on Matthew and Mark, page 204.

6 Matthew 24:27, 30.  Among faithful brethren, there is a disagreement over whether Jesus’ discourse on the destruction of Jerusalem continues past verse 34.  Many (both conservative and liberal) believe it continues through the end of chapter 25; while many (both conservative and liberal) believe that beginning in 24:35, Jesus speaks of the end of the universe.  Part of this disagreement is based on the translation of verse 3, “the end of the world” (KJV) vs. “the end of the age” (NKJV).  If it is “the end of the world,” then it would make sense that Jesus addresses that topic.  But if it is “the end of the age,” then it could be a reference to the Jewish age—which in practice ended AD 70.  It’s validity ended no later than the day of Pentecost, AD 30 (Acts 2).

7 See the notes dealing with the final Passover meal in the chapters on Andrew and John for more specifics.  To the Jew, what we consider to be Wednesday evening would have been the beginning of Thursday (their new day started at 6pm).

8 Mark 14:12; Matthew 26:17.

9 This information is found in Luke 22:7-13.

10 The KJV of John 13:2 says “supper being ended,” but this cannot be the correct translation.  Jesus sat back down at the table (verse 12), and was still eating (verse 26) after this.  Almost every other translation (except the NKJV) renders this as “during supper” (ASV, ESV, McCord) or “while they were at the supper” (Living Oracles).

11 John 13:6.  The Greek order of this phrase put emphasis on the pronouns, and is most literally translated: “You of me wash feet?”

12 John 13:8.  Literally, Peter says, “No, not 
 into the ages!”  It’s a very strong statement, saying that even into eternity, he will not let Jesus wash his feet.

13 John 13:8.

14 John 13:9.  Peter didn’t just want a part with Jesus; he wanted as big a part as possible!

15 John 13:10-20.  The apostles had several times argued over who was the greatest among them; and they would do it again this same night—after Jesus gave them this lesson.  The principle of being a servant is something that they didn’t quite understand until after the resurrection.

The Roller-Coaster of Faith – The Life of the Apostle Peter (Part Six)

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Simon Peter’s Assumptions

Peter had a habit of speaking out of impulse.  He would often say things or answer questions without giving much thought to what he was saying, whether it was correct, or if it was pleasing to God.  He was often directed by the moment.

At one point, some Jewish authorities approached Peter1 with a question: “Doesn’t your master pay tribute [the temple tax]?”2  Peter, apparently without giving much thought to the question, or their possible motives,3 just answered “Yes.”4  Peter walks into his house, and before he can say a thing to Jesus, the Lord asks him, “What are you thinking, Simon?5  From whom do the kings of the earth take taxes or tribute?  From their own sons, or from strangers?”6  Peter rightly answered, “From strangers.”

Jesus takes this opportunity to kindly criticize Peter, but also to teach him a lesson in expediency.  The Lord tells him, “Then the sons are free.”7  In saying this, Jesus reminds Peter of the confession that he made not too long before.  Since the tax was to pay for the upkeep of the house of God (the temple), then logically, the Son of God was free from paying the tax.  Then the Lord adds:

“Nevertheless, lest we might cause them to stumble,8 you go to the sea and cast a hook, take up the first fish that comes up; and when you’ve opened his mouth, you will find a stater.  Take that and give to them for you and me [both].”9

Even though it was something that was not commanded of Jesus to do, He went ahead and paid it anyway—because Peter opened his mouth without thinking.10

—–

At some point later, after the Lord has given instruction on how to treat a brother who sins against you,11 Peter approaches Jesus and asks Him a question that may have been an attempt to elicit praise from the Lord: “Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  Until seven times?”12  The rabbis of the time generally taught that you only had to forgive someone up to three times, but Peter more than doubled this number in his question.13 The answer from Jesus was unexpected: “I don’t say to you ‘Until seven times,’ but ‘Until seventy times seven.’”14  It’s a good thing that Jesus didn’t agree with the rabbis, because if He did, Peter would have used up all three of his chances the day that Jesus died—by denying the Lord thrice.

Jesus then gave a parable about forgiveness as a fuller answer to Peter’s question.15  In the parable, Jesus taught Peter about (1) the great debt (sin) we cannot repay to God, (2) God’s great and willing forgiveness of that debt, (3) the comparatively minuscule debt (sin) that others owe us, (4) the importance of our willingness to forgive, and (5) the consequences if we do not forgive.  All of this adds up to the ultimate answer to Peter’s question: Forgive from the heart those who ask, regardless of how many times they sin against you, otherwise you will not receive forgiveness from God.  So, if Peter wanted to stick with his suggestion of “seven times,” then he couldn’t expect any more forgiveness than that from God.16  Praise God for His grace!

——

Prior to Jesus’ final week, the last thing that the Bible specifically records mentioning Peter takes place after the rich young ruler has departed in sadness.  Jesus had told the man that what he lacked was to sell his possessions, give them to the poor, and follow Him.  But the man was very rich, and couldn’t bear to give up all that he had.17  Afterwards, Jesus spoke of the difficulty of rich men entering heaven—because, like the rich young ruler, they are unwilling to give up what they have on earth to follow Jesus and receive “treasure in heaven.”18

In order to show that they were not like that, Peter speaks up for himself and the rest of the apostles, “Behold, we’ve forsaken everything and followed you; therefore what shall we receive?”19 Jesus’ response gives a great promise to the apostles, as well as a promise to all Christians.20

“Truly I say to you, that you [the apostles] who have followed me, in the regeneration, when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of His glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  And everyone who has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, and the gospel’s, shall receive a hundredfold now in this time houses [family], and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come, shall inherit eternal life.”21

The “regeneration” is the time after Jesus’ resurrection, the time when people could be “regenerated” or “reborn” through Him.  After the resurrection, the apostles declared the judgment of God against Israel—“Let all the house of Israel known for certain that God has made this same Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ.”22  By inspiration, they pronounced the terms of judgment and forgiveness; and by inspiration, they taught how man could be “regenerated”—through baptism.23

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Why they approached Peter and not Jesus is, like almost every other detail in this account, subject to different opinions in the minds of the commentators.  Some have said that since Jesus lived with Peter while in Capernaum, Peter was responsible for his Lord’s tax.  Others have said that Jesus always paid Peter’s tax, and so the collectors are asking if Jesus has changed his mind and made Peter a violator of the law by not paying it for him. Some say they were in such awe of Jesus that they didn’t want to trouble him with such a mundane matter—so they troubled Peter instead.  And some have implied that since they couldn’t trip up Jesus, they’d try to trip up one of his disciples instead.

2 Matthew 17:24.  The tax here is literally called the didrachma, for the amount of money that each Jew over the age of 20 was expected to pay for the upkeep of the temple (see McGarvey’s Fourfold Gospel).  Commentators can’t seem to agree on most of the details surrounding this tax.  Some say it was voluntary (see Boles’ Commentary on Matthew, page 364), others that it was compulsory, and others that it was both (Coffman can’t seem to make up his mind and asserts all three in his short note on this verse).  Some claim that rabbis were exempt (see Coffman), others say they weren’t (most others make it a universal tax among adult Jewish males).

3 Harold Fowler, in the College Press Commentary series, says, “Their question does not necessarily betray any hostility 
 This may or may not be another move to entangle Jesus.”  Meanwhile, Coffman says the question was brought up because no matter how he answered, they could try to make a claim against Jesus for either being (1) not a real rabbi (who were supposedly exempt from this tax) or (2) a lawbreaker, refusing to pay the tax.

4 Every possible excuse has been offered for Peter’s answer: (1) That Peter knew Jesus paid all the common taxes (Barnes); (2) that Peter assumed Judas would take care of paying it out of the general fund, and/or that Jesus had probably paid it several times in the past (Coffman); but the most likely is, as Ted Clarke phrases it, “They asked Peter if his rabbi paid the temple tax, and Peter instantaneously said of course he does. Probably defensively.” (Preaching School Notes, on Matthew 17:24).  To this agrees John Criswell, who says, “Cornered and caught off guard, 
 Peter might also suspect that the collectors’ question is an insinuation that Jesus will not pay, so Peter quickly answers in the affirmative” (Contending for the Faith Commentary on Matthew, page 501).

5 It’s noteworthy that Jesus calls him “Simon” here, and not “Peter.”  The word “Peter,” as was shown earlier, means a rock, and shows stability, strength, and trustworthiness—something that Peter has not exhibited in this incident.  So Jesus refers to him as “Simon,” perhaps showing that he is still struggling with his old character.

6 Matthew 17:25.  The word translated “children” in most versions is actually the Greek word for male children—sons.  The word “strangers” might be better understood here as “non-family.”  That isn’t a literal translation, but that seems to be the meaning.  See H. Leo Boles’ A Commentary on the Gospel According to Matthew, page 365.

7 Matthew 17:26.

8 The Greek word here is skandalizo, from which we get our English word “scandal.”

9 Matthew 17:27.  The “piece of money” (KJV) that Jesus mentions in this verse is literally a stater, that is, a specific coin which was worth two didrachmas, and thus was sufficient to pay the tax for two people.

10 Jesus paid the tax (1) to keep the collectors from “stumbling,” or perhaps better rendered would be “to keep them from causing a scandal”; but also, (2) because Peter had basically obligated Jesus to it.  Especially after Peter’s answer, for Jesus to refuse to pay would have been seen as a rift between Him and His disciples, lessening His influence as a teacher.  Therefore, it was expedient for Him to pay the tax on at least two different levels.

11 Matthew 18:15-17.

12 Matthew 18:21.  Robertson says, “Peter thought that he was generous as the Jewish rule was three times.”  To this agrees most other commentators who touch on the topic.

13 Robertson says, “Peter thought that he was generous as the Jewish rule was three times.”  To this agrees most other commentators who touch on the topic.  Criswell (Contending for the Faith Commentary on Matthew, page 527) says, “The Babylonian Talmud instructs, ‘When a man sins against another, they forgive him once, they forgive him a second time, they forgive him a third time, but the fourth times they do not forgive him.’”  Johnson, in his People’s New Testament with Notes, suggests that Peter expected the forgiveness demanded by the Savior to be greater, which is why he increased the suggestion to seven.

14 Matthew 18:22.  Some translations (NIV, NRSV, NAB) say “seventy-seven times.”  The meaning is still the same regardless of how it is translated: there is to be no limit on forgiveness.  In Greek, the numbers are identical with the LXX rendering of Genesis 4:24: “Because vengeance has been exacted seven times on Cain’s behalf, on Lamech’s it shall be seventy times seven” (Brenton’s English Septuagint).  There, it was used to describe the measure of vengeance—but Jesus used those numbers to describe the measure of forgiveness.

15 See Matthew 18:23-35.  From a practical, daily Christian living standpoint, this is perhaps the most important parable Jesus gave.

16 This wasn’t a rebuke of Peter’s question, as though he was “legalistic” or “seek[ing] to define the limits of required forgiveness” (as Criswell suggests, Contending for the Faith Commentary on Matthew, page 526-527)—far from it!  Peter was seeking to be more liberal in forgiveness than was expected; and Jesus couldn’t be upset with Peter’s attitude, but is letting him know that he needs to take that attitude even further.

17 This is recorded in Matthew 18:16-26; Mark 10:17-27; and Luke 18:18-27.

18 See Matthew 19:21.

19 Matthew 19:27.  Mark and Luke both give Peter’s statement, but Matthew is the only one who adds the question, “therefore what shall we receive?”

20 Jesus doesn’t contradict Peter’s claim, but instead gives a promise based on the truthfulness of the claim.  Some might read into Peter’s words some kind of bragging, but given what we know about Peter, it seems more likely that he was trying to assert his faithfulness to the Lord (which, as we have seen, wasn’t always there).

21 This is a combination of Jesus’ statement as recorded in Matthew 19:28-29 and Mark 10:29-30.

22 Acts 2:36.

23 For the “regeneration” aspect of baptism, see Titus 3:5; Romans 6:3-5; and John 3:3-5.

The Roller-Coaster of Faith – The Life of the Apostle Peter (Part Five)

Before we get into today’s post, we thought we’d share some news with you.  As of the moment I type this, the “Who Were The Apostles?” book is up to 1,004 footnotes–and we’re still not done with Peter or Paul or the appendices at the end of the book!  It continues to be a rewarding study for me, and I hope it has been enjoyable for you as well.  Now, on to today’s entry in the life of Peter.

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Simon Peter’s Confusion

After six days had completely passed,1 Jesus took Peter, along with James and John, up to a mountain in order to pray.2  As Jesus prayed, Peter, James, and John fell asleep.3  But when Peter awoke, the sight that he saw was absolutely beyond his comprehension: There was Jesus, His face changed, shining like the sun, and His clothing white as the light and shining.4  Standing with Jesus were two other individuals, appearing in glory.5  It was Moses and Elijah, who were both speaking with Jesus about His upcoming exodus from life which would happen in Jerusalem.6

As Moses and Elijah began to depart from the scene,7 Peter decided to speak up—even though he didn’t have a clue what to say, because he was scared.8  He said, “Lord, it’s good for us to be here.  We will make [or I will make]9 three tabernacles: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”  It seems as though Peter didn’t want these great men to leave just yet.10  But God had other plans.  While Peter was saying this to Jesus, a cloud “overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.  And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son: hear Him.’”11  Peter fell on his face in fright (and wouldn’t you be scared as well, with a voice coming from the cloud that you are now inside?), until Jesus touched him and said, “Get up, and don’t be afraid.”12  Then Peter gets up, and Moses and Elijah have disappeared—Jesus stands alone.

Then the Lord said something that might have struck them as odd: “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen until the Son of man is risen from the dead.”13  There were two things that got Peter’s attention: First, How can we not tell others that we just saw Moses and Elijah?!?  And second, What does “rising from the dead” mean?14 Peter, James, and John discussed this second question as they were going down the mountain, still pondering on what they had just seen.  It’s then they asked the Lord:

“Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?”15

They asked this because, if Jesus truly was the Christ, the Son of God, then Elijah should have come before He started His ministry—but instead, Elijah just appeared mere moments ago.  Jesus answered them:

“Truly, Elijah comes first, and restores all things
 But I tell you, that Elijah has already come, and they have done to him whatever they desired, as it is written of him.”16

When Jesus said this, Peter’s spiritual eyes were opened, and he understood that the prophecies weren’t talking about the literal Elijah coming first, but of a figurative Elijah—which was John the immerser.17

Another time, Jesus spoke a parable to the disciples about the importance of being prepared for His coming at all times.18  But Peter was confused about the application.  He came to Jesus and said, “Lord, are you speaking this parable to us [alone] or to everyone else too?”19  Instead of giving a plain answer, Jesus responds with another parable which shows the universal application.20  It seems Peter understood the meaning of the parable, but not the specific application (to whom).  There are many who fall into the same problem—usually thinking that certain passages apply to everyone but them.

-Bradley S. Cobb

1 Matthew (17:1) and Mark (9:2) both say “after six days,” while Luke says “about eight days after
” (Luke 10:28).  There is no contradiction here, for without a doubt, “after six days” means after six days have passed (putting it no earlier than the seventh day from the previous events), and seven days can certainly said to be “about eight days.”

2 Luke 9:28.  Matthew, Mark, and Luke each record the transfiguration, but Luke is the only one who tells us the stated purpose of the mountain journey.

3 Luke 9:32.  Luke is the only one to record their sleeping on the mountain.  Some (Meyer, Alford, Lange, etc.) have argued that they were simply extremely tired and drowsy, based on Luke’s choice of the Greek word which is translated “when they were awake.”  One of the meanings of this word is “having remained thoroughly awake.”  It is impossible to be both “extremely tired and drowsy” and “thoroughly awake” at the same time, as these commentators imply.  The fact is, Peter, James, and John were all extremely tired and fell asleep.  But when they awoke (possibly because of the voices of Jesus, Elijah, and Moses), they were wide awake, seeing the astounding scene before them.

4 Matthew 17:2; Luke9:29.

5 Luke 9:30-31. What this “glory” entails, so far as Moses and Elijah’s visible appearance, we are not told.  It could be that they were shining or glowing as well, since Peter uses this same word (glory) to describe Jesus’ appearance during the transfiguration in 2 Peter 1:16-18.

6 Luke 9:30-31.  The King James Version says “decease,” as does the ASV, NKJV. The ESV says “departure.”  The Greek word is exodos, which is where the word Exodus comes from.

7 Luke 9:33 is the only place where this information is given.  We are forced to wonder, did they begin to leave by walking? Or did they both begin to ascend?  Did they begin to simply fade?  Regardless, it may be that seeing them begin to leave is what spurred Peter to action in what he was about to say.

8 Mark tells us that Peter didn’t know what to say, because the disciples were “sore afraid” (Mark 9:6).  Luke, however, is a bit more blunt and says that Peter “didn’t know what he was saying” (Luke 9:33).

9 There is a variant in the Greek manuscripts of Matthew 17:4.  Most manuscripts say “We will make,” but there are some older ones that say “I will make.”  However, all the manuscripts of Mark and Luke’s account of Peter’s quote say “We will make.”  Peter wasn’t volunteering himself only, but him and James and John.

10 Some have suggested that Peter was trying to get them to stay for the impending Feast of Tabernacles, or feast of booths, and that He, James, and John would even take care of putting up their tents for them.  However, that would go against what Mark and Luke say about Peter not knowing what he was saying—plus no evidence is given by these commentators to suggest that this Jewish feast was near.  See Robertson’s Word Pictures on Luke 9:33.  Vincent’s Word Studies suggests that he wanted to give them shelter for the evening.  This seems more likely if, as we suggest, that Peter was trying to get them to stay longer.

11 Luke 9:34-35.

12 Matthew 17:6-7.  This detail is unique to Matthew’s account.

13 Matthew 17:9.  Most translations say “Tell no man the vision.”  But the primary meaning of the Greek word is “That which is seen” or a “Spectacle” (Thayer).  The Living Oracles, 1835 edition renders it “Tell no person what you have seen.”  See also The Amplified Bible, and Vincent’s Word Studies on this passage.  There is reason to believe that this is not a “vision” as the word is commonly used in the New Testament: (1) Moses and Elijah appeared and spoke with Jesus while the apostles were sleeping—and the apostles didn’t know anything about it until they awoke; (2) Generally speaking, a “vision,” is that which is seen by someone in their head—like a dream while you’re awake—and not something that is actually taking place in the physical realm; (3) If this is a miraculous vision, it is the only time in the New Testament where this word is used to describe something seen by more than one person (Acts 7:31; 9:10, 12; 10:3, 17, 19; 11:5; 16:9-10; 18:9.  Acts 12:9 is what Peter thought was a vision—these are the only other places in the New Testament where this word is used); (4) The same word is used in Acts 7:31 to describe the burning bush; the KJV translates it “the sight,” and not “the vision,” because it was actually a bush that was actually on fire and not being consumed—it wasn’t something in his head, therefore isn’t what we generally consider to be a “vision.”  (5) Please note that there are other words translated “vision” in the New Testament, but these are not connected to the word Jesus used in Matthew 17:9, except for the word used in Acts 2:17 (“your young men shall see visions”), Revelation 9:17 (“
I saw the horses in the vision”), and Revelation 4:3 (“He that sat was, to look upon, like a jasper and a sardine stone; and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald”).  These three passages, containing the only four occasions of this specific Greek word in the New Testament, show that this word could refer to a miraculous vision, or simply what something looked like.  This word shares its root with the Greek word translated “vision” in Matthew 17:9 (as well as the other places mentioned in point #3 of this footnote).

14 Mark 9:10.  This is interesting that Peter, James, and John should be discussing what “rising from the dead” means when all three of them had seen Jairus’ daughter risen from the dead (admittedly after a very short amount of time), but they had just seen Moses and Elijah—Moses, at least, having long since been dead!  (Elijah’s physical existence certainly ceased hundreds of years earlier, but whether or not it is correct to say he “died” is something which can be debated by others).

15 Mark 9:11, Matthew 17:10.

16 Mark 9:12-13.

17 Matthew 17:13.  This is a lesson that many people still have not learned—a prophecy doesn’t have to be fulfilled literally to still be fulfilled.  Many prophecies of the Bible are given in figurative or typological ways, such as with Elijah and John the immerser.  Jesus prophesied the “coming of the Son of man” which would take place in a single generation (40 years), but this wasn’t a reference to Him literally coming to the earth within 40 years of His death—it was a reference to His execution of judgment against the wicked Jewish nation that had rejected Him and put Him to death (Matthew 24:27-34).  Many other examples could be given, but these will suffice to prove the principle.  That isn’t to say that all prophecies are fulfilled this way, but that some are.

18 Luke 12:35-40.

19 Luke 12:41.

20 Luke 12:42-48.  There are different servants described in the parable—those who knew the Lord’s will and didn’t do it, and those who were ignorant of the Lord’s will.  Neither of these could describe the apostles; therefore the parable has application beyond just them.  Some claim that this is a parable describing the coming of Jesus Christ in judgment upon Jerusalem in AD 70, but that doesn’t match up with the concept of the servants of the Master being punished—some with many stripes, others with few stripes.  In AD 70, the servants of Christ were spared, and it was the wicked who were punished with destruction inside the city by the Roman armies—they didn’t give out different levels of punishment.