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Jesus’s Olivet Discourse: Part Two

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Scripture Used to Create the Splice Series “Jesus’s Olivet Discourse”

Matthew 24:3-25:46 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Matthew 24:3)

Mark 13:3-37 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Mark 13:3)

Luke 21:7-36 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Luke 21:7)

 

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “Jesus’s Olivet Discourse: Part One”, click here.

 

Revelation 19:16
And He has a name written on His robe
and on His thigh: KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

 

THE SPLICE

Whenever, then, you see Jerusalem surrounded by 1military encampments, then know that the desolation of her has drawn near. But when you see the 2 ‘abomination of the desolation’, that was spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it should not, standing in the holy place—3 the one reading, let them understand—then those in 4 Judea, let them escape to the mountains and those in the middle of the city, let them depart and those in the 5 countries, don’t let them enter into the city. The one on the 6 housetop, don’t let him go down to remove anything out of his house, and the one in the field, don’t let him return back to take his cloak. For these are the days of 7 vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 8 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those nursing babies in those days! Moreover, 9 pray that your escape will not happen in winter nor on a Sabbath. For there will be in those days 10great tribulation , the kind never seen from the 11beginning of the world, the beginning of creation , until now and never to be seen again. There will be great distress upon the land and wrath against this people. They will fall by the edge of the 12sword and be led captive into all the 13nations and Jerusalem will be trodden down by the13Gentiles , until the times of the 13Gentiles are fulfilled. And, if the Lord had not cut short those days, there would not have been anybody saved. But for the sake of the 14elect , whom He chose, He has shortened those days.

And then if anyone says to you ‘15behold , here is the Christ!’ or ‘15behold , there He is!’ do not believe it.  For there will arise 16false Christs and false prophets and they will give great signs and wonders so as to 17mislead, if possible, even the elect . But you take heed; see, I have told you everything beforehand. If, therefore, they say to you, ‘See, He is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or ‘Look, in the inner rooms’ do not believe it. For just as the lightning comes forth from the east and is visible as far as the west, so will be the return of the Son of Man. 18Wherever there is a carcass, there the 19eagles will be gathered.

But immediately then in those days, after the tribulation, there will be 26 signs in the sun and moon and stars: 20the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light and the 21 stars will be falling from the sky, and on the earth: 22distress among the nations with 23confusion by the 24roaring of the sea and the 25rolling surge. Men will faint from fear and (the) anticipation over what is coming upon the earth, 26and/because the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken. And then will appear the 27sign of the 28Son of Man in heaven and then all the tribes of the earth will 29mourn, and then they will see the Son of Man coming 30in a cloud/on (in) the clouds of heaven with great power and glory. And He will send His angels with a 31great trumpet call, and 32they will gather His elect 33from the four winds, from the ends of the heavens to the ends of them; from end of earth to end of heaven. Beginning when these things happen, look up and lift up your heads because your 34redemption draws near.”

 

 

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “Jesus’s Olivet Discourse: Part Three”, click here.

 

NOTES

1  military encampments: These military encampments are ready to strike. Many believe that this surrounding of Jerusalem happened when Rome surrounded Jerusalem in 70 AD; therefore they believe that this prophesy has already been fulfilled. This does not seem likely. When reading Matthew 24:15-18, Mark 13:14-16 and Luke 21:20-22 together with Daniel 11:31, we can link the desolation of Jerusalem to the abomination of desolation; Luke’s usage of the word tote, meaning “at that time” and Daniel’s vivid descriptions in chapter 11 particularly 11:15, 31 help support this idea. Daniel 9:26-27, makes it clear that Jerusalem will be destroyed and the abomination of desolation will occur. Revelation makes no mention of Jerusalem being surrounded by armies or destroyed by armies, so we only have the information that Jesus gave in the gospel accounts and Daniel’s account. (BACK)

2 ‘abomination of the desolation’: The prophet Daniel also talks about this idea of abomination and desolation in Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11. What is the ‘abomination of the desolation’? By looking at 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 we can see that the ‘man of lawlessness’ seats himself in the temple of God, and displays himself as God. The Greek word for abomination is bdelugma, which means “abomination, detestable”. Bdelugma is any act that is hated by God; the word bdelugma is also described as a nauseating and repulsive stench. Idolatry is particularly indicated by God in Deuteronomy 7:25-26 as an abomination (Using the Hebrew word toebah). By using 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 and Deuteronomy 7:25-26, we can draw a logical conclusion that the abomination of the desolation meant here in Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14 (and comparing to the activity of Revelation 13) is the man of lawlessness presenting himself as God right within God’s own temple. It is interesting to note that the temple will be restored at this future date and sacrifices will resume for the Jewish people (Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11). (BACK)

3 the one reading: The one reading from the prophet Daniel’s book, not Matthew’s  or Mark’s books. Matthew and Mark had not written their gospel books yet. (BACK)

4 Judea: Judea (a.k.a Judah) was the region of Israel that contained Jerusalem and Bethlehem. It’s territory ran East-West from the Dead Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and North-South from Joppa to Beersheba (roughly) in Jesus’s time. Samaria was the region that separated Galilee (Jesus’s home region) from Judea. Today, the mountains in Judea are collectively called the Judean Mountains. (BACK)

5 countries: From Luke 21:21. The Greek word used for country is chóra and it means “country, regions, land”. It refers to wide open spaces or the countryside; not within the city limits. In Luke 21:21, the word chóra is plural. (BACK)

6 housetop: From Matthew 24:17. Back in Jesus’s day, housetops or roofs, were treated like another room in the house. Some Scripture that features roofs: Joshua 2:6; 1 Samuel 9:25-26; 2 Samuel 11:2; Matthew 10:27; Luke 5:19; 12:3; Acts 10:9. (BACK)

7 vengeance: From Luke 21:22. This is Holy vengeance or God’s punishment. God does not sanction human vengeance. See Romans 12:19. For more regarding the vengeance/wrath of God, a.k.a the day of the Lord, see Isaiah 13:6-13; Isaiah 63:2-6; Zephaniah 1:7-18; Malachi 4:1, 5; 1 Thessalonians 5:2-3; 2 Peter 3:7, 10; Revelation 6:12-17; 8:7-12; 9:1-21; 16:1-12, 17-21. (BACK)

8 Woe: From Matthew 24:19; Mark 13:17; Luke 21:23. The Greek word used for woe is ouai, and it means “woe” which expresses grief, sorrow, or even rebuke.  And why would Jesus express sorrow for only pregnant women and nursing mothers and not all mothers? Wouldn’t a mother have difficulty in running from calamity, whether her child were 7 years old, or an infant? Wouldn’t a mother fear for her children, no matter their age? The answer is undoubtedly ‘yes’. What would the other reason be? In running from the immense calamity that will be taking place, people will be hiding to escape death (Luke 21:24). Pregnant women and women with nursing infants pose a very real risk to those they may be hiding with: noise. Hiding requires silence and therefore people will see pregnant women and babies as liabilities to their own safety. Pregnant women cry and scream when they are giving birth and infants will cry for a multitude of reasons. Pregnant women and those with babies will be on their own, in a time of great distress and wrath (Luke 21:23). It brings to mind the TV show “M*A*S*H” and its episode with the smothered baby. (BACK)

9 pray that your escape: The mountains, where Jesus is telling people to run to, can get snow in the winter and nighttime can get cold. Otherwise, the climate in Judea is rather mild in winter albeit the rainy season. During the winter months, the Kidron Valley can flood, with flash flooding included, making for very dangerous conditions in escape attempts. On the Sabbath (Friday sundown to Saturday sundown), many of Israel’s shops, public transport, and other businesses are closed. Therefore, if someone is trying to take transportation out of the cities of Judea (in order to get out fast), it would be very difficult. You might think that because the shops are closed, people also wouldn’t be able to get supplies. This wouldn’t matter, because in distressing times people will loot stores. Also remember, people of this time are trying to get out of the cities of Judea so fast that they shouldn’t even stop to grab necessities out of their homes (Matthew 24:17, Mark 13:15) or even go back into the city (if they’ve been out in the countryside) to get something like a coat (Matthew 24:18; Mark 13:16; Luke 21:21). (BACK)

10 great tribulation: See Matthew 24:21; Mark 13:19. The Greek word for great is megas and means “large, great, big”. It has a very wide application, as is seen when comparing its usage in Matthew 27:46 to Mark 14:15. The Greek word for tribulation is thlipsis and it means “tribulation, affliction, persecution.” The word is meant to describe anguish, hardship or even torment and agony. We do not know exactly what this great tribulation will be like, but Revelation 6 tells us that the tribulation will have war, famine and death.  (BACK)

11 beginning of the world, the beginning of creation: Matthew 24:21 says world (kosmos), Mark 13:19 says creation (ktisis). Also see Daniel 12:1. To read about the beginning of  the world/creation, see Genesis 1-2.  (BACK)

12 sword: From Luke 21:24. The Greek word used for sword is machaira which describes a short sword or dagger. This is the same word that was used to describe the sword that Peter used to cut off Malchus’s ear in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:51; Mark 14:47; Luke 22:50; John 18:10). To read the splice containing Peter’s erroneous maiming of Malchus and Jesus’s subsequent healing, click here.  (BACK)

13 nations: From Luke 21:24. The Greek word for nations is ethnos and it means “nation, Gentile”. The word refers to any nation, religion or ethnic group that is not Israel, i.e. Gentile nations. According to Revelation 11:2, the Gentiles will trample down Jerusalem for 42 months.  (BACK)

14 elect: It is in Matthew 24:22 and Mark 13:20 where we learn that God cut short the time of tribulation for the sake of the elect. The Greek word for elect is eklektos and it means “elect, chosen”. Scripture is very clear: God chose/elected those whom He would save before the foundation of the world was set (Ephesians 1:4-5). The elected people are written in the Lamb’s book of life (Revelation 13:8; 21:27). Many are called, but few are chosen, as the parable in Matthew 22:1-14 shows us. This is in line with John 3:16, that whomever will trust/believe in Jesus will be saved. Who will believe? All who were appointed to be saved (Acts 13:48), as elected by God, before we were even born (2 Timothy 1:9). The proof of our election is in our God-gifted faith and not by our works or a faith/belief conjured by ourselves (Ephesians 2:8-9). Also, we receive the pledge of the Holy Spirit; that promise and that presence in our hearts (which is our minds) that tells us, without doubt, we are God’s by the blood and resurrection of Jesus (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:13; 4:30). It must be understood: it isn’t enough to just believe that God exists or that Jesus exists (James 2:19). The God-gifted faith is a loving trust in the Savior, a trust that transcends your own understanding, your own eyesight, your own wisdom (Proverbs 3:5-7). God-gifted faith is not a human-inspired trust, such as how one might have “faith” in a justice system or “belief” in another person’s ability to perform a task. And we can be sure that God, who began this amazing work within us, will be faithful to complete it and bring us to glory in Him (Romans 8:28-39; Philippians 1:6). In addition, we cannot lose our salvation (John 6:37-40; 10:28-30; Romans 11:29). (BACK)

15 behold: Matthew 24:23; Mark 13:21. The Greek word for behold is horaó and it means, in its literal sense, “to stare at”. Its broad meaning is “see clearly, perceive, look at, behold”. (BACK)

16 false Christs and false prophets: In Jeremiah 29:8, God warns that not everyone who says that their prophesies are from God are actually from God. How do we tell who is from God and who isn’t?  1 John 4:1-3 tells us to test the spirits. How? Blatant false prophets/false Christs are easy to spot: they claim to be God/Jesus or tell you to worship someone other than God (usually themselves). But we must always be testing people who claim to be pastors, evangelists, shepherds of God, prophets etc. even when they look and sound the part because it is easy to pepper one’s words with cherry-picked verses, ideas twisted just enough to fit and omitting a few things to sound better. True elect people of God will maintain clearly that Jesus was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Luke 1:27-35), crediting the conception to the Holy Spirit’s work, as described in Luke 1:35. A true person of God will also state clearly that Jesus is equal with God (John 1:1; John 8:58; Colossians 1:15-17), has redeemed the elect by His death on the cross (Matthew 20:28; Ephesians 1:7; 1 Peter 2:24), was raised from the dead by God (Ephesians 1:20) on the third day after His crucifixion (Matthew 12:40; Acts 10:40). The elect person will not mince words or tell you there are grey areas in the Bible: there are no grey areas in the Bible. There are things we do not know yet for they are future events or things we just can’t be sure of because the Bible is silent on those things. But the Bible is clear on sin (Romans 1:22-32, 3:23; Galatians 5:19-21; 1 John 3:4-15) and without the saving blood of Jesus the sin-filled person will end up eternally in hell (Romans 6:21-23; Revelation 20:11-15). The Bible is also very clear that no human being can justify themselves with God (Romans 3:24) nor can they conjure up their faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). The faith, the justification and place in heaven are all God’s work, His doing alone and was decided long before any of us were born (Ephesians 1:4-12). (BACK)

17 mislead, if possible, even the elect: Not possible, please see Note 14 above. (BACK)

18 Wherever… gathered: From Matthew 24:28. With Jesus using this phrase, we can understand that He is saying: without a doubt, His return will happen and we should watch for the signs He has given us. It is in line with the fig tree parable that Jesus uses in Matthew 24:32-33; Mark 13:28-29; Luke 21:29-31. (BACK)

19 eagles: From Matthew 24:28. The Greek word used for eagles is aetos and it means “eagle“. Almost every English translation of the Bible use the word “vultures” in the place of ‘eagles‘ but aetos does not mean “vulture” (see Revelation 4:7 where the word is used properly). This is important because we should never try to ‘fix’ the Bible by replacing words with a substitute word that isn’t in the original text. We should use the word that is there and leave it at that; after all, if Jesus can handle the creation of all things (Colossians 1:16), and handle removing our sins (1 John 1:9), He certainly handled choosing the right word to use in His Word. Eagles it is. (BACK)

20 the sun will be darkened: Mentioned in Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:24-25; Luke 21:25. There are many verses that speak of the wrath of God on what is called The Day of the Lord, a day that is still in the future (with specific verses speaking of the sun and moon’s condition): Isaiah 13:6-16 (13:10); Isaiah 24:1-23 (24:23); Joel 2:1-11, 30-32, 3:1-17 (2:10, 31; 3:15)/Acts 2:16-21 (2:20); 2 Peter 3:7-12 (3:10, 12); Rev 6:12-17 (6:12-13), 8:12. (BACK)

21 stars will be falling from the sky : There are mentions of stars going dark (Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:10, 3:15; Revelation 8:12) and mentions of stars falling from the sky (Isaiah 34:4; Daniel 8:10; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25; Revelation 6:13) for this eschatological event. We have two examples of stars who fall from the sky and have further action in the events. In Revelation 8:10-11 we learn that the great burning star, Wormwood, falls upon a third of the rivers and on the springs of water; Wormwood makes the water bitter and the water becomes lethal. In Revelation 9:1 another star that fell to the earth is given the key to the bottomless pit in order to open it. Out of the pit comes smoke and torturous locusts (Revelation 9:2-3). In Revelation 12:4 the red dragon uses his tail to sweep a third of the stars of heaven to earth. It is likely that we are seeing both figurative usage of the word “star” and literal usage of the word “star”. The figurative usage of the word star could be reference to fallen angels, meteors, even bombs dropping from the sky. We really don’t know and can only speculate: these are future events and not yet fully revealed. (BACK)

22 distress: From Luke 21:25. The Greek word used for distress is sunoché and it means “anguish, distress”.  Anguish is extreme and profound emotional pain. It isn’t disappointment, stress, depression or feeling sad. Here is an example of anguish in art. The best example I’ve ever seen of real human anguish was during a news clip of Jeannine Boulanger at the airport, waiting for her daughter’s flight to come in. She was then told/found out that the plane had crashed. It is ghoulish to record such a private moment of shattering, but someone did so at the time. Jeannine is mother to Nicole Boulanger, one of 270 people who died due to the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. (BACK)

23 confusion: From Luke 21:25. The Greek word used for confusion is aporia and means “perplexity, confusion”. This kind of confusion nullifies any plausible way towards conclusions. A person with this kind of perplexity simply cannot find a way with their understanding to become ‘unconfused’ and therefore is kept in this state. (BACK)

24 roaring: From Luke 21:25. The Greek word used for roaring is échos and it means “sound, noise”. However, this noise is not ordinary. The word concentrates on the effect of the noise: this noise inspires amazement because of how sonorous it is or how fierce it is. To be clear: this word does not denote speech. (BACK)

25 rolling surge: From Luke 21:25. The Greek word used for rolling wave is salos and it means “wave, surge”. This is an intense wave such as from a hurricane. (BACK)

26 and/because: The Greek word used in Matthew 24:29 and Mark 13:25 say and, however the Greek word used in Luke 21:26 says because. (BACK)

27 sign: Matthew 24:30 and Luke 21:25. The Greek word used for sign is sémeion and it means “miracle, sign”. The sun, moon and stars will display miraculous manifestations (Isaiah 13:10, 13; Joel 2:10, 31; 3:15; Matthew 24:29; Mark 13:25; Revelation 6:12-13). Also, Jesus’s arrival with the clouds of the sky (Daniel 7:13; Matthew 24:30; Acts 1:9-11) is a sign (a miraculous sign and a sign in the sense of clear evidence) of His power and glory. (BACK)

28 Son of Man: Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27. Why does Jesus refer to Himself as the Son of Man? Daniel also uses the phrase in Daniel 7:13. Jesus’s usage of the phrase definitely points a person back to Daniel 7:13-14, identifying Him as the Savior and approved of by God. We might also find a clue in Isaiah 50:4-6 or perhaps even in the birth of Jesus, the temptation of Jesus or even in His crucifixion. These events all point to the human experiences of Jesus; they are the display of His humanity and the phrase ‘Son of Man’ definitely paints a picture of humanness. (BACK)

29 mourn: Matthew 24:30.  The Greek word used for mourn is koptó and it means “to mourn, to cut”. Why will people mourn? Revelation 1:7 tells us the mourning will be because of Jesus. People will see the Savior that they have denied and realize that they chose to believe and do the  wrong things. It is also probable that they will mourn due to the wrath they are about to endure. Also see Isaiah 13:6-8; Joel 2:6. In accompaniment, Luke 21:26 says that at this time people will be fainting from fear. Isaiah 13:8 mentions the fear as well. (BACK)

30 in a cloud/on (in) the clouds: Matthew 24:30 says ‘on the clouds’, Mark 13:26 says ‘in clouds’ and Luke 21:27 says ‘in a cloud’. These particular clouds are also mentioned in Daniel 7:13; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Thessalonians 4:17; Revelation 1:7 (which is a reaffirmation of Daniel 7:13). In 1 Thessalonians 4:17, it mentions that those who are still alive at the end of the tribulation will be caught up to join Jesus in the clouds (see Revelation 14:14-16 to see another view of Jesus upon the cloud)  that He has incorporated to accompany His return. We are told that the tribulation has been cut short on account of these elect who are still alive (Matthew 24:22; Mark 13:20).  The Bible is very clear as to when Jesus will gather His elect that are still alive upon the earth or what is commonly referred to as “the rapture”. The gathering of the elect will happen immediately after the tribulation, when Jesus is seen arriving with these clouds (Matthew 24:29-30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27),  Jesus will then send forth His angels to gather the elect (Matthew 24:31; Mark 13:27; also see Revelation 19:7-9). It is important to understand that the tribulation and God’s wrath are not the same things. God’s people will not face the wrath of God (1 Thessalonians 5:9), but they will be subjected to the tribulation (Revelation 7:9-14). For more regarding the gathering of the elect, see Note 31.  (BACK)

31 great trumpet call The mention of God using this great trumpet sound that announces the Lord’s descent from heaven and the gathering of God’s people is also spoken about in 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16. There are 7 trumpets mentioned in Revelation (Revelation 8:1-9:21; 11:15-19). The 7th trumpet is mentioned in Revelation 11:15, when the twenty-four elders in heaven worship God with a doxology surrounding the return of Jesus (Revelation 11:16-18). (BACK)

32  they will gather: The gathering of the elect, mentioned in Matthew 24:31 and Mark 13:27 (as well as 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:16) is what people colloquially refer to as “the rapture”. This event isn’t particularly mentioned by name in Revelation, meaning there is no verse that we can point to in Revelation and say “the gathering of the elect happens HERE”. Some might argue that Revelation 7:9-17; 11:15-19; 14:14-16 or even 19:1-15 are descriptions of the gathering of the elect, but none of these verses say that; 14:14-16 comes the closest. The book of Daniel, a good side-by-side to Revelation (particularly Daniel 7-12), mentions the gathering of the elect in Daniel 12:1-3 (compare to 1 Thessalonians 4:16). Daniel says in 12:1 that at the time of the tribulation, the elect will be rescued (malat). Jesus pointedly says ‘immediately (eutheós) after (meta) the tribulation’ in Matthew 24:29. We know that some of the elect are murdered during the tribulation because of Matthew 24:9; Mark 13:12. The sections of Revelation that do mention the elect are 6:9-11; 7:4-17; 11:18; 14:1-5; 19:8-9; 20:4, 6; 21:3-4, 7. Any or all of these verses could be describing the event or the results from the event (except Revelation 6:9-11, due to the fact that there are more ‘brothers’ to be killed) of the gathering of God’s people to Jesus at the time of the Parousia of Christ. For more on the elect see Note 14. (BACK)

33  from… heaven: “From the four winds” is used in both Matthew 24:31 and Mark 13:27. This phrase is similar to our idiom “four corners of the earth”. It means from everywhere. Matthew 24:31 says “from ends of the heavens to the ends of them” meaning “from one end the heavens/skies to the other end of the heavens/skies” which means from everywhere. Mark 13:27 says “from end of earth to end of heaven” meaning from everywhere. It is well-covered between these two verses that no elect will be left out or forgotten; no elect person belonging to God is too far way or in too obscure a place to be gathered by the angels, as directed by our Lord. (BACK)

34 redemption: From Luke 21:28. The Greek word used for redemption is apolutrósis and it means “redemption”. Redemption means to buy/take something back that was lost to you. In the purport of Godly redemption, the *something* is the elect of God from their sins (Titus 2:14). Who are the elect? See Note 14. Sins left to the sinner to pay for himself equals death for eternity (Romans 6:23; Revelation 20:11-15; 21:8). Godly redemption was/is/will be accomplished using the currency of Jesus’s blood through His death on the cross (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 Peter 1:18-19). (BACK)

 

English Bible translation used: Berean Standard Bible

The Transfiguration of Jesus and Leaving the Mountain

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Scripture Used in Creating “The Transfiguration of Jesus and Leaving the Mountain”

Matthew 17:1-13 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Matthew 17:1)

Mark 9:2-13 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Mark 9:2)

Luke 9:28-36 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Luke 9:28)

2 Peter 1:16-18
16 For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, “This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased”—18 and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.

THE SPLICE

1 Six to eight days later 2 after these sayings, 3 Jesus took along with Him, 4 Peter, James and John (James’s brother), and led them up on a 5 high mountain by themselves. Jesus had gone up on the mountain to pray. While they were on the mountain and while Jesus was praying, 6 Peter, James and John had been overcome with sleep. But when they were 7fully awake from their sleep, and saw that while Jesus was continuing His prayer, He was 8 transfigured before them. In His glory, the appearance of His face became 9different, 10 shining like the sun. His garments became 11white as light, exceedingly white as no launderer on earth can whiten them, and His clothes were also 12 radiant and 13gleaming. And 14 behold, two men were standing with Him, talking with Him. The two men were 15 Moses and 16 Elijah, who, appearing in glory, were speaking with Him regarding 17 His departure which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

As Moses and Elijah were leaving Jesus, Peter said to Jesus, “18 Lord/Master/Rabbi, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make three 19tabernacles; I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”. 20 Peter had not realized what he was saying, for he did not know what to 21 answer because the three disciples had become terrified. While Peter was still speaking, a 22bright cloud formed, and overshadowed them; and they were afraid as they were enveloped, entering in the cloud. And, behold, a voice came out of the cloud, and said, 23“This is My beloved Son, My Chosen One with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” When the disciples heard this, they fell face down on the ground and were terrified. After the voice had spoken, 24Jesus went to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.”  And lifting up their eyes, all at once they looked around, and they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus Himself alone. 25 The next day, as they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, giving them orders, saying, “Tell the vision to no one until the 26 Son of Man has risen from the dead.” They seized upon that statement, 27 discussing with one another what rising from the dead meant. And they asked Him, “Why is it then that the scribes say that 28 Elijah must come first?” And He answered and said to them, “Elijah does come first;29 Elijah is coming and will restore all things; yet how is it written of the Son of Man that He will suffer many things and be treated with contempt? But I say to you that Elijah has indeed already come, and they did not recognized him, but 30 did to him whatever they wished 31just as it is written of him. So also the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.” Then the disciples understood that He had spoken to them about 32 John the Baptist. And Peter, James and John kept silent, and reported to no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

 

NOTES

1 Six to eight days later: Matthew and Mark tell us it was six days, and Luke says it was about or around eight days. Most Biblical scholars agree that Matthew and Mark did not count the “half days”: the day of the discussion, or the day of the transfiguration itself. Luke did count those partial days in his time-figuring, and he was approximating by using the Greek word hósei, which means “nearly or about” when the word is placed before numbers.  Although I’ve seen that some scholars state that the use of half-days or not is due to cultural influence, I have not found any proof for culture playing a part in the counting of the days. I cite how the Jewish Gospel writers (Matthew, John and probably Mark), and especially Jesus Himself, describe Jesus’s three days in the grave, which include the partial days of Friday and Sunday. See Matthew 16:21, 17:22-23; 20:17-19; Mark 8:31,10:32-34; Luke 24:21; John 2:19-22.  (Back)

 

2 after these sayings: Jesus had been speaking to His disciples about the fact that He would have to suffer and die at the hands of the Jewish elders and He also mentioned the cost that the disciples would have to pay if they would follow Him. He then said that there were those who would not experience death without seeing Him in His kingdom or (also translated as) His royal power/splendor. See Matthew 16:21-28; Mark 8:31-9:1; Luke 9:22-27. (Back)

 

3 Jesus took along with Him: Peter, James and John are touted by many as “the inner circle” of Jesus, but the Bible never states that.  James, John and Peter are noted as “pillars” in Galatians 2:9, but this is not during their time with Jesus. During their time with Jesus, the Bible does say that Peter was the rock on which Christ would build His church (Matthew 16:18) and that He had given James and John a nickname together: Boanerges, see Mark 3:17. James and John also asked for special privileges/placement above everyone else, along with their mom’s request for the same preferment for them (Matthew 20:20-24; Mark 10:35-41). Peter and John are also the ones who prepared the last Passover for Jesus, see Luke 22:8. Jesus could have isolated other disciples to accompany Him on different occasions or to do special jobs for Him, but we just don’t know about because it isn’t recorded in the Bible. It is important to understand that not everything that Jesus did or said is recorded in the Bible, see John 21:25. The only two incidents where P, J & J collectively are mentioned with Jesus by themselves, are here at the transfiguration and in the Garden of Gethsemane (see Matthew 26:37; Mark 14:33) on the night that Jesus was betrayed. It also says that P, J, & J along with Andrew questioned Jesus on the Mount of Olives regarding the end of the current world order, ushering in the Parousia of Christ, see Mark 13:3. (Back)

 

4 Peter, James and John: James and John are the sons of Zebedee and former fishing partners of Peter and Peter’s brother Andrew, see Matthew 4:18-21; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:10. It is possible that Peter, Andrew, James and John were cousins. There is no Biblical or secular testimony to this idea, but the fact that they were partners in the fishing trade lend to the possibility of a family connection through their fathers, Zebedee and John (Peter’s and Andrew’s father was named John, see John 1:42), although it is equally possible that Zebedee and the mother of Peter and Andrew were somehow related. I found this article informative, as it describes ancient fishing practices around the Sea of Galilee; it also touches on the idea of relatives working together, as a guild of sorts, in order to sustain themselves economically. (Back)

 

5 high mountain: We know that Jesus and the disciples were somewhere between Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13; Mark 8:27) and the region of Galilee (Matthew 17:22; Mark 9:30). Caesarea Philippi and Capernaum, as a straight shot (not using the current road system) are roughly 25 miles apart. There are several mountains that exist between all of Galilee and Caesarea Philippi, even today, so we don’t know which mountain they were visiting. (Back)

 

6 Peter, James and John had been overcome with sleep: These three are overcome with sleep again in the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus is praying about His upcoming work on the cross, see Matthew 26:37-45; Mark 14:33-41. Luke also mentions the disciples sleeping in the Garden of Gethsemane, but not P, J & J specifically, see Luke 22:45-46. John does not mention the transfiguration at all in his Gospel, and he barely mentions the Garden of Gethsemane in John 18:1.  John, therefore, never mentions that he was one of the three who couldn’t stay awake for these events. (Back)

 

7 fully awake: The Greek transliteral says having awoken fully. The Greek word used for having awoken fully in Luke 9:32 is diagrégoreó and means “thoroughly awake”. Luke makes sure that since he mentioned that the disciples were asleep, we understand they weren’t dreaming, they were “thoroughly awake”. Matthew and Mark don’t mention the sleeping. (Back)

 

8 transfigured: The Greek word used for transfigured in Matthew 17:2 and Mark 9:2 is metamorphoó and means “to transform”. It is where we get the English word metamorphosis from. Luke doesn’t use the word at all in his account of the event. (Back)

 

9 different: The Greek word used here in Luke 9:29 for different is heteros and has a distinct meaning in “other”. It underlines that the other is “another of a different kind” and not “another of the same kind”. (Back)

 

10 shining like the sun: This description is reminiscent of when Moses saw the back of God’s glory and his face was shining. To read about this event, see Exodus 33:18-23; 34:5-9; 29-35(Back)

 

11 white as light: This description of “white” and/or “light” is also used in Scripture for angels, sometimes. See Matthew 28:2-3, Mark 16:5, Luke 24:4, John 20:12, Acts 1:10. There are other times where the description of the angel’s clothing is not mentioned at all, such as in Genesis 19:1, 32:1 or Luke 1:11. In Daniel 3:25, the angel is said to have an appearance like “a son of the gods”. In Luke 2:9, it says that an angel before the shepherds stood there with the glory of the Lord shining around them.  (Back)

 

12 radiant: Mark 9:3 uses the Greek word stilbó meaning “shining, glisten, flash, radiant”.(Back)

 

13 gleaming: Luke 9:29 uses the Greek word exastraptó meaning “flash like lightning, gleam like lightning, radiant”. Some translators also use the English word “dazzling” for the interpretation. (Back)

 

14 behold: The English word behold is old-fashioned, perhaps even silly sounding, to modern readers. The Greek word for behold is horaó and means “to see, look, perceive” and is often used metaphorically. When I read the word “behold”, I like to equate it to someone emphasizing their speech  with “Look” as in “Look, I told you not to max out your credit cards!” or even sometimes “wow!” depending on the sentence. (Back)

 

15 Moses: God gave Moses His Law on Mount Sinai, after leading Israel out of Egypt (see Exodus 19-20). The Law of God is given to us to show us we can’t be good enough nor can we keep the Law perfectly, as God requires, which is why we need a Savior, who is Jesus (see John 1:17, Romans 2-3). To read about Moses and his amazing experiences, see Exodus-Deuteronomy, which also includes the laws that God gave to Moses and the Israelites to follow. To specifically read about the Ten Commandments, see Exodus 20:1-17. (Back)

 

16 Elijah: Elijah was a prophet of Israel who performed miracles and delivered the word of God to others, such as in 2 Chronicles 21:12-15. He is most remembered for his proof to Israel that Yahweh is God and Baal is not (1 Kings 18:19-40), turning the people back to God. To read about Elijah see 1 Kings 17-19, 21:17-29; 2 Kings 1:1-2:12. (Back)

 

17 His departure: His death on the cross. The Greek word used in Luke 9:31 for the English word departure is exodos and means “a departure or exodus” and also has the figurative meaning of “death”. To read about the Crucifixion of Jesus, see Matthew 27:33-56; Mark 15:22-41; Luke 23:33-49; John 19:16-30. To read the Splice about the Crucifixion, click here. (Back)

 

18 Lord/Master/Rabbi: Matthew 17:4 says Peter called Jesus “Lord”, Mark 9:5 says he called Jesus “Rabbi” and Luke 9:33 says he called Jesus “Master”. All three of these titles carry the meaning of “master”. Peter could have used any one of the words, or even all three, during the course of his speech.(Back)

See the Greek words: kurios (lord); rhabbi (rabbi); epistates (master)

 

19 tabernacles: The Greek word used for tabernacle is skéné and means “a tent, dwelling, abode”. Tabernacles were portable and made of cloth or skins and tree boughs. (Back)

 

20 Peter had not realize: The Greek word used in Luke 9:33 for realize is eidó and means “aware, consider, perceive”. Mark 9:6 tells us that Peter wasn’t aware of his words because the 3 disciples were terrified. (Back)

 

21 answer: Mark 9:6 tells us that Peter didn’t know what to answer. The Greek word used in Mark 9:6 for answer is apokrinomai and means “to take up the conversation, answer, reply”. It is possible that here is where Jesus told them that the two men were Elijah and Moses, and Peter simply did not know how to answer to that so he came up with the tabernacle idea. Luke 9:33 tells us that Elijah and Moses were in the process of leaving when Peter said this about the tabernacles. It is possible that Peter was trying to get them to stay, but the Bible is not exactly clear on this. It could have been that Peter didn’t realize the weight of what he was asking when asking them to stay or it could mean that Peter was so confused and terrified that he didn’t realize what words he was “babbling on” with, as if he was just trying to say something, anything, in response. (Back)

 

22 bright cloud: Matthew 17:5 tells us that the cloud was bright. The Greek word used for bright is phóteinos and means “bright, full of light”. This miraculous cloud was luminous, giving off a shining light. (Back)

 

23 This is My beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased: 2 Peter 1:17-18 also mentions this event. God is also well-pleased with Jesus during His baptism. To read about the baptism of Jesus see Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22. John the Baptist’s witness to the event is recorded in John 1:32-34, although he does not specifically mention that he baptized Jesus. To read the Splice about Jesus’s baptism, click here. (Back)

 

24 Jesus went to them…Jesus Himself alone: This is a beautiful picture of what Christianity actually is. There are no other reassurances, no other eyes, no other love, no other comfort that you need except in Jesus alone. (Back)

 

25 The next day: We are told that Jesus, Peter, James and John come down from the mountain the next day in Luke 9:37. (Back)

 

26 Son of Man: Jesus refers to Himself as the “Son of Man” several times (for examples see Matthew 8:20; 9:6). He uses this sobriquet for Himself in reference to Daniel 7:13-14. (Back)

 

27 discussing with one another: Note that they didn’t ask Jesus what “rising from the dead” meant. Asking Jesus would have been more useful than just discussing it amongst themselves. (Back)

 

28 Elijah must come first: (See Malachi 4:5) Malachi 4 is the last chapter of the Old Testament. It speaks of the great and terrible day of the Lord which is the time that the book of Revelation reveals as the tribulation. To read about the tribulation that is to come, as well as the hope that is to come for the believers and followers of Christ, see Revelation 4-21. (Back)

 

29 Elijah is coming: Malachi 4:5 applies to John the Baptist and, I believe, the future witness in Revelation 11. I believe it does apply to the future witness, as well as John the Baptist, because Malachi 4:5 refers to the “great and terrible day of the Lord” which most Biblical scholars agree to be the Second Parousia of Jesus. Also, Jesus’s wording that “Elijah is coming…Elijah has already come” is indicative of two separate events. John the Baptist made ready the way for Christ’s First Parousia and at least one of the future witnesses (there are two – it is possible they are both considered to be Elijah, or “in the spirit of” Elijah) makes ready the way for the Second Parousia of Christ. It is important to understand that “Elijah” does not mean that the actual prophet Elijah was re-incarnated as John the Baptist nor are the future witnesses reincarnations of him, but rather that the message of Elijah, the power of Elijah and the spirit of Elijah’s ministry was brought back through John and the future person/people. See Luke 1:17 where the angel tells Zacharias (John’s father) that John is in the power and spirit of Elijah and see John 1:21 where John the Baptist stresses that he is not a re-incarnated Elijah. (Back)

 

30 did to him: Herod put John the Baptist in jail and had him beheaded, see Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:9. (Back)

 

31 just as it is written of him: I’m not sure what this statement refers to. If it is in reference to Isaiah 40:3, there is no mention of anything being “done” to him. If it is in reference to what we understand now from the Gospels regarding John the Baptist’s death (see Matthew 14:1-12; Mark 6:14-29; Luke 9:9), it hadn’t been written yet. John was dead by this time of the transfiguration, so perhaps there had been things written about him that were in circulation amongst the population. If there were current day writings about him, it’s possible that those records would be used to create the accounts of John’s death in the Gospels, but we don’t know this for sure. (Back)

 

32 John the Baptist: You can read about John the Baptist’s story/mentions of him in Matthew 3:1-17, 11:1-19, 14:1-13; Mark 1:1-9, 6:14-29; Luke 1:5-24, 41, 44,3:1-20, 7:18-34, 9:7-9; John 1:6-8, 19-37, 5:33-36. (Back)

Where Were The Disciples and Jesus Staying During the Last Four Days?

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The disciples were afraid that the Jews were coming for them next (John 20:19), for they were followers of Jesus and He had just been crucified (see the Splice on the Crucifixion here). Lazarus was in trouble too, but we don’t know what became of him (John 12:10).

For several days before the crucifixion, Jesus and the disciples had been staying on the Mount of Olives in Bethany at night (see Matthew 21:17-18, 24:1-3, Mark 13:1-3, Luke 21:37, 22:39) and had been sharing meals with some of the folks in Bethany, at the very least with the Lazarus crew and Simon the Leper, at Simon’s house (Matthew 26:6, Mark 14:3, John 12:1-3). Jesus had been staying on the Mount because, at first, He needed to keep Himself hid from the Jewish leaders and therefore couldn’t stay at His friends’ houses.  The Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him (Matthew 26:3-5, John 11:47-57), but not while He was in Jerusalem, because they were afraid that the common people who were listening to Him would cause a riot (Matthew 26:5; Mark 11:18, 12:12, 14:2; Luke 19:48, 20:19, 21:38; John 12:9-19). 

Providentially, Jesus’s custom of staying on the Mount at night established a place where Judas would know where to find Him for the betrayal (Matthew 26:14-16, 36-56; Mark 14:10-11, 32-49; Luke 22:3-6, 39-53). We know that Jesus had habitually been going into Jerusalem during the day and spending the night on the Mount of Olives (Luke 21:37, 22:39) for that time frame of about 6 days, probably from the time of what we call Palm Sunday or The Triumphal Entry (see Matthew 21:1-11, 17-18; Mark 11:1-12; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-19).

We know that on the First Day of Unleavened Bread, Jesus and the disciples were staying in the upper room for supper, at the very least. It is possible the disciples thought they would now be transferred here in the upper room for the rest of the Passover (see Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-17; Luke 22:7-13).

Just before all of this, Jesus had been staying in Ephraim for a little while, before going to Bethany (see John 11:54–12:1).

The Resurrection of Jesus: Part Two

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Scripture Used to Create “The Resurrection of Jesus” Splice Series

Matthew 28:1-20 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 28:1)

Mark 16:1-20 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 16:1)

Luke 24:1-53 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 24:1)

John 20 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 20:1)

John 21 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 21:1)

Acts 1:1-14 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Acts 1:1)

 

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “The Resurrection of Jesus: Part One”, click here.

 

1 Peter 1:2o-21
20 For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world, but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you 21 who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

 

THE SPLICE

And two of Jesus’s followers, one who was named Cleopas, were walking 1 that very day to a village named Emmaus, in the country, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about 2 all these things which had taken place. While they were talking and discussing, Jesus Himself approached in a different form and 3 began traveling with them. But their eyes were prevented from recognizing Him. And He said to them, “What are these words that you are exchanging with one another as you are walking?” And they stood still, looking sad. The one 4 named Cleopas answered and said to Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem and unaware of the things which have happened here in these days?” And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things about Jesus the Nazarene, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word in the sight of God and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to the sentence of death, and crucified Him. But we were hoping that it was He who was going to redeem Israel. Indeed, besides all this, it is the third day since these things happened. But also some women among us amazed us. When they were at the tomb early in the morning, and did not find His body, they came, saying that they had seen a  5 vision of angels who said that He was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just exactly as the women also had said; but Him they did not see.” And He said to them, “O foolish men and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and to enter into His glory?” Then beginning with 6 Moses and with all the prophets, He explained to them the things concerning Himself in all the Scriptures. And they approached the village where they were going, and He acted as though He were going farther.  But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is getting toward evening, and the day is now nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them. When He had reclined at the table with them, He took the bread and blessed it, and breaking it, He began giving it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognized Him; and He vanished from their sight. They said to one another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He was speaking to us on the road, while He was explaining the Scriptures to us?” And they got up that very hour and 7 returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and  those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen and has appeared to 8 Simon.” They began to relate their experiences on the road and how He was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread. But the eleven were doubting and didn’t believe them.

At some point here, Thomas has to leave, because he is not here for Jesus’s first appearance to the disciples. It was evening on that day, the first day of the week, while Cleopas and the other traveler were telling these things. The doors were shut where the disciples were, 9 for fear of the Jews. Jesus Himself stood in their midst, while they were reclining at the table and said to them, “Peace be with you.” But they were startled and frightened and thought that they were seeing  10 a spirit. And He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts arise in your hearts? See My hands and My feet, for it is I Myself; touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. The disciples then rejoiced when they saw it was the Lord. While they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He said to them, “Have you anything here to eat?”  They gave Him a piece of broiled fish; and He took it and ate it before them. So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “11 Receive the Holy Spirit. 12 If you forgive the sins of any, their sins have been forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they have been retained.” He said to them,  “These are My words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things which are written about Me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and He said to them,  “Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending forth the promise of My Father upon you; but you are to stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.”

But  13 Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.” After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.” Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.” To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, 14 appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God. Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written 15 in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

 

 

Want to continue reading? To read “The Resurrection of Jesus: Part Three”, click here.

 

 

NOTES

1 that very day: Sunday, the day of the resurrection.(Back)

2 all these things: The trial, crucifixion, the earthquake and tearing of the temple veil,  the burial, and the reports of the women saying that Jesus was now gone from the tomb: the whole town was buzzing with these phenomenal events because Jesus had been very widely known (see Matthew 4:23-25; Mark 1:45, Luke 7:17, 21; John 4:39, 45). He had even been welcomed into the city of Jerusalem with fanfare, just a week earlier (Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-10; Luke 19:28-40; John 12:12-18). Other than the illegal arrest and trials by the Sanhedrin in the dead of night, the rest of the events of the past several days were quite public (see Matthew 26:47-28:15; Mark 14:43-16:13; Luke 22:47-24:12; John 18:1-20:18.(Back)

3 began traveling with them: Traveling opened you up to dangerous conditions, due to criminals, animals and even the weather.  Walking in groups made it more likely you would make it to your destination. (Back)

4 named Cleopas: The name Cleopas or Kleopas in Greek means “glory, honor”.  We never learn the second traveler’s name.  (Back)

5 vision of angels: The Greek word for vision used in Luke 24:23 is optasia which means “a supernatural visitation or appearance”. It does not mean a dream or hallucination. The Greek word for angel, used throughout the entire New Testament is aggelos which means “angel, messenger”. The word aggelos can be used to mean a human messenger from God, but in Luke 24:23, it is used with the word optasia. These angels are supernatural messengers and not human messengers. (Back)

6 Moses and with all the prophets: See Luke 24:27, 44. Jesus is referring to quite a lengthy list of prophesies. Please see the document Messianic Mentions for the NASB references for Messianic prophesies in the Law/Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms. (Back)

7 returned to Jerusalem: It was almost dark or possibly dark by then and Jerusalem was 7 miles away (Luke 24:13)! If it was dangerous to travel during the day, it was even more so in the dark. (Back)

8 Simon: From what Luke writes concerning what Cleopas says to Jesus in Luke 24:21-24, we know that Cleopas and his pal already knew that Jesus was missing from the tomb. By the way the sentences are written in Luke 24:22, and in Luke 24:24,we know that these travelers were there with the disciples when the women returned from the tomb with the report of it being empty. This means that the travelers must have left the group after that event, and also after others had run down to the tomb and then returned. However, they must have left to go to Emmaus before Peter and John returned from the tomb, since it is Peter’s report that they are being given. The Bible doesn’t give us this much information, though, so it is conjecture using logic.  (Back)

9 for fear of the Jews: At first, the Jewish leaders were ex-communicating people (John 9:22) affiliated with Jesus. Ex-communication meant loss business-wise, socially, and religiously. The leaders had turned up the heat with the resurrection of Lazarus (John 12:10). We start reading about people who follow Jesus being arrested and/or murdered in the book of Acts. For examples, see Acts 4:1-3, 5:18, 7:54-60 and 12:1-3.    (Back)

10 a spirit: The Greek word used for spirit in Luke 24:37, 39 is pneuma which means “wind, spirit, breath”. It is actually the same word used for Spirit when referring to the Holy Spirit in the Greek New Testament. There are some English Bible translations that use the word ghost for Luke 24:37, 39 but the original Greek doesn’t say ghost. Compare to Matthew 14:26 where the Greek text uses the word ghost. The Greek word used for ghost is phantasma which means “an apparition, ghost, an appearance of a ghost, or a phantom”. As a side note, the Holy Spirit should never be referred to as a ghost; it borders on blasphemous, when you look at the difference between pneuma and phantasma.    (Back)

11 Receive the Holy Spirit: This gift was fully manifested during Pentecost. To read about Jesus’s promise concerning the Holy Spirit, see John 14:16-18, 16:5-15, 20:22. See Acts 2:1-13 to read about the day of Pentecost. (Back)

 12 If you forgive: Not one human being has the ability to actually forgive sins on God’s behalf. Only Jesus can do that (there are many verses state this truth, but for a sample see Matthew 9:1-6). This statement from John 20:23 is to be viewed in accompaniment with Matthew 18 and specifically verse 18. Read all of Matthew 18, taking out any non-canonical writing and additions (all those headings, references, notes, verse numbers, etc. which were added much later in our Bibles by non-canonical writers). This way, you can see how the writing of Matthew flows with this subject. (Back)

13 Thomas: “Didymus” and “Thomas” both mean “twin”. It is very possible that Thomas did have a twin, but we can’t be sure. Names were very important in ancient Israel, though. Names were considered inseparable from the person’s character, and therefore names were chosen very carefully. It is most certain Thomas said many things over his years with Jesus, but he is most remembered for being a doubter (John 20:24-29). Legend says that Thomas’s ministry (after Jesus ascended into Heaven) took him to China and India to preach the Gospel and that he died by spear in India. Of course, the Bible says none of this, and the proof for these legends is mostly hearsay. Still, even in current times, many Catholic Indians consider Thomas to be the “patron saint” of India. The place where he was said to have been martyred is a hill area called Parangimalai, in Chennai, and there is a shrine dedicated to him there. Thomas has only two other speaking parts in the Bible: John 11:16, and John 14:5. (Back)

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14 appearing to them: Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:6, that after appearing to Peter, Jesus appeared to more than 500 other believers at one time. To see Paul’s list on who saw Jesus after His resurrection, see 1 Corinthians 15:5-8. (Back)

 

15 in this book: The book of John. See John 20:30. (Back)

 

The Resurrection of Jesus: Part One

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Scripture Used to Create “The Resurrection of Jesus” Splice Series

 

Matthew 28:1-20 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 28:1)

Mark 16:1-20 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 16:1)

Luke 24:1-53 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 24:1)

John 20 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 20:1)

John 21 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 21:1)

Acts 1:1-14 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Acts 1:1)

 

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “The Burial of Jesus”, click here.

 

Acts 17:31
“…because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”

 

THE SPLICE

 

Now on the 1 first day of the week, when the Sabbath was over, while it was still 2 dark, as it began to dawn before sunrise, Mary Magdalene and 3 Mary the mother of James, and 4 Salome5 bought spices, and brought the spices that 6 they had prepared to the tomb, so that they might come and anoint Jesus and they also wanted to look at the grave. Before the women arrived at the tomb, 7 a severe earthquake had occurred, because an angel of the Lord descended from Heaven and came and rolled away the stone. He then sat down upon the stone. And8 this angel’s appearance was like lightning, and his clothing was as white as pure snow. 9 The guards were so afraid of the angel, that they were shaking and then they became like they were dead men.

As the women were walking to the tomb, 10 they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” When they got there, they were looking up towards it, and they saw that the stone had already been rolled away and taken away from the tomb, although the stone was extremely large. Entering the tomb, the women did not find the body of the Lord Jesus and were perplexed about this. Two men suddenly stood near them, with one wearing a white robe, and both in 11 dazzling clothing; one of them, a  12 young man wearing the white robe, then was sitting at the right. The women were amazed; and as the women were terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living One among the dead? He is not here, but He has risen. Remember how 13 He spoke to you while He was still in Galilee, saying that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and on the third day rise again.” And the women remembered Jesus’s words. The specific words of the angel sitting to the right in the white robe were, “Do not be amazed; Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying; behold, here is the place where they laid Him. But go quickly, tell His disciples and Peter that He has risen from the dead and behold, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee; there you will see Him, 14 just as He told you. Behold, I have told you.”’ Then, Mary Magdalene, with the other women, ran and returned from the tomb to the place where the disciples were gathered and came to Simon Peter and to the 15 other disciple whom Jesus loved, and reported all these things to the 16 eleven and to all the rest. And Mary Magdalene said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” The women told everyone in attendance that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. Now the women were Mary Magdalene and Joanna and Mary the mother of James; also 17 the other women with them were telling these things to the apostles. But these words appeared to the disciples and others as nonsense, and they would not believe the women. But Peter got up and with 18 the other disciple went forth, and they were going to the tomb. The two were running together; and the other disciple ran ahead faster than Peter and came to the tomb first; and stooping and looking in he saw the linen wrappings lying there; but he did not go in. And so Simon Peter also came, following him, and entered the tomb; and he saw the linen wrappings lying there, and the face-cloth which had been on His head, not lying with the linen wrappings, but rolled up in a place by itself. So the other disciple who had first come to the tomb then also entered, and he saw and believed. For as yet they did not understand 19 the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. So the disciples went away again to their 20 own homes, Peter marveling at what had happened. It was after this that Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene (she was the first one He appeared to), from whom He had cast out seven demons. Here’s how His appearance to Mary happened: After Peter and John had left, Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping (we do not know where the other women were at the time); and as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”  When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and 21 I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him in Hebrew “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’” At some point after this, the other women joined Mary, and together, they left the tomb quickly, trembling and fleeing in fear, astonishment and great joy and 22 they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid to tell anyone. And behold, Jesus met them and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him. Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid; go and take word to My brethren to leave for Galilee, and there they will see Me.” Mary Magdalene went and reported this message. She announced to the disciples, the people who had been with Jesus during His ministry, while they were all mourning and weeping, “I have seen the Lord,” and that He had said these things to her. When they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they refused to believe it.

Now while the women had run to tell everyone that Jesus was risen and seen by them, some of the guard that had been at the tomb came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, and said, “you are to say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.’ And if this should come to the governor’s ears, 23 we will win him over and keep you out of trouble.” And the guards took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews for at least 50 years (and even today, 2000 years later, it is still spread around as a “theory” by those who claim that the Gospel is false or that God does not exist).

When Jesus had died on the cross, the earth had shook and the rocks were split, as well as some tombs were opened. And many of His saints that had died had been buried in these opened tombs. Now that Jesus had been resurrected, those saints who had fallen asleep were also raised and were coming of out the tombs after His resurrection. 24 These raised saints went into Jerusalem, the holy city, and appeared to many.

 

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “The Resurrection of Jesus: Part Two”, click here.

 

NOTES

 

1 first day of the week: The first day of the week is Sunday.  This particular Sunday would be Nissan/Abib 16. Both Nissan (Nisan) and Abib are correct names for the first month of the year. (Back)

2 dark, as it began to dawn before sunrise: Dawn and sunrise are not the same things. Sunrises happen at an exact moment, such as 5:42am. Dawn happens before sunrise and is a gradual event, taking around 15-20 minutes, ending at the moment of sunrise. April sunrises in Jerusalem, Israel occur at approximately 6:30am, give or take a few minutes. Since it is still dark and at early dawn when the women go to the tomb, it is fair to think that the ladies were setting out at around 6am, but we cannot know that for certain. These surmises on the timing assume that April sunrises were exactly the same 2,000 years ago as they are today. (Back)

3 Mary the mother of James: From Mark 16:1. She is possibly the same Mary who was the mother of both James the Less and Joseph/Joses (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40), but the Bible doesn’t say that. (Back)

4 Salome: Some Bible scholars insist that Salome is Zebedee’s wife (Zebedee is the father of James and John, the apostles, see Matthew 4:21; Mark 10:35). The Bible never mentions any children/husband for Salome. Salome is only mentioned twice in the Bible, both times in Mark (see Mark 15:40 and 16:1). Zebedee’s wife’s name is never mentioned, nor is John and James the disciples’ mother’s name given to us. The mother of John and James is also only mentioned twice in the Bible, both times in Matthew (see Matthew 2o:20-21 and 27:56). Salome could very well be Zebedee’s wife.  It’s also possible that Salome is not Zebedee’s wife. We have no idea who Zebedee’s wife is and to insist that Salome is Zebedee’s wife is making the Bible say something that it doesn’t say. It is incredibly important that we do not “help” God by filling in what we consider to be blank spaces or to take a “logical jump” in the Bible and state it as truth. It’s ok to add our logical jumps for pondering’s sake, as long as we are clear that we are giving our own opinion and not stating something found in the Bible. Besides, our logical jumps are no match for God (Isaiah 55:8-9). (Back)

5 bought spices, and brought the spices: Mark 16:1 tells us that Mary Mags, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices after the Sabbath. Luke 23:55-56 tells us that the women who had come with Jesus out of Galilee returned (presumably to where they were staying for the Passover week) and prepared spices and perfumes and on the Sabbath they rested. The simplest explanation is that the women had prepared some spices on Friday, and then for reasons unstated, bought some spices after the Sabbath ended. (Back)

6 they: The women already mentioned, plus Joanna and some other unnamed women, because of Luke 24:10.  (Back)

7 severe earthquake had occurred:  The earthquake happened before the ladies got to the tomb because of Luke 24:2.  It’s possible that the angel removed the stone in accordance with the earthquake (Matthew 28:2) as soon as Jesus was resurrected, but the Bible does not mention this as a truth. I believe the removal of the stone was not done to let Jesus out of the tomb because I believe that Jesus was instantly resurrected and vanished from the tomb, like He vanished from sight in Luke 24:31 or how He instantly appeared as in John 20:19, 26 or as John says, “revealed” Himself (Greek word phaneroó) in 21:1, 14. I think that the reason that the tomb stone was removed from the entrance of the tomb was to show that Jesus was no longer there in the tomb; to let people come in and see that He was risen. No Roman seal or Roman guards’ lies would put a stop to that (Matthew 27:62-66, 28:11-15). (Back)

8 his appearance: From Matthew 28:3. The Greek word used for appearance is idea meaning “form, countenance, appearance”. It is from the Greek word eido meaning “to perceive”. The Greek word used for lightning is astrapé and means “a flash of lightning, brightness, luster”. The Greek word for white is leukos and means “white, bright, brilliant”. I believe that the brightness and lightning, and the brilliant white are supernatural-looking, like Jesus’s appearance as described in Revelation 1:14-15. The writers of the books of the Bible only have human languages to describe things, but I believe these supernatural sights are supernatural indeed, and do not consist of “normal” lightning or “normal” whiteness, because of Mark 9:3. (Back)

9 The guards: The guards that were present at the tomb on Sunday are only mentioned in Matthew 28:4 and in Matthew 28:11-15. They could be a completely different set of guards from the ones mentioned in Matthew 27:65-66, but we don’t know. We don’t know when the guards stopped being like “dead men”. We know that they went into the city of Jerusalem to report to the chief priests while the women were on their way back to the disciples (Matthew 28:11). We don’t know if the women had any interactions with the guards. We do know that the women were not at the tomb when the angel rolled away the stone in front of the guards because of Mark 16:4. (Back)

10 They were saying to one another: I believe they held this conversation during the walk to the tomb somewhere along the line because of Mark 16:4. (Back)

11 dazzling clothing: Luke uses this descriptor in Luke 24:4. It is the same Greek word that Matthew uses in Matthew 28:3, astraptó, and means “to lighten, to flash, I flash (with lightning, like lightning), am lustrous”. (Back)

12 young man wearing the white robe: This is probably the same angel that removed the stone from the tomb, as Matthew 28:2-7 tells it. Matthew 28:2-7, Mark 16:5-7, Luke 24:4-7, and John 20:12-13 tell us about the angels and their conversations with the women. The Greek word used here for robe is stolé and the word is used to describe a long, flowing robe that was used for the wealthy/elite classes. The angels were dressed rather nicely.  (Back)

13 He spoke to you: Jesus told His disciples many times that He was to be crucified, see Matthew 10:38, 16:21; 20:17-19, 26:1-2, 12 and Mark 10:32-34. (Back)

14 just as He told you: Jesus tells the disciples that He will go ahead of them to Galilee when He has been resurrected in Matthew 26:32. (Back)

15 other disciple whom Jesus loved: This would be John, the Gospel writer, as well as the writer of 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, and Revelation. We know that the “disciple whom Jesus loved” is John because he is introduced as this disciple in John 21:24 after the conversation and then rumor of John 21:20-23. (Back)

16 eleven and to all the rest: From Luke 24:9. It is not clear whom “all the rest” is. We know that the eleven had other people with them because of Luke 24:33, however the wording is different for the two verses. Luke 24:9 says “…to all the rest” in the Greek, and Luke 24:33 says “…those with them”. There is a difference and it does matter. “All the rest” could mean that the women not only told the disciples at the place where they were staying, but that they also went to other believers’ homes/saw them on the street and told them the news. It isn’t even clear that the eleven were all staying in the same place. It seems they were gathering together some of the time at the very least, because of Mark 16:10 and Luke 24:33.
In John 20:10, the transliteral Greek says this: “Went away therefore again to their the disciples.” The Greek word for their is hautou and means “her own, his own, their own, themselves, they”. It could mean that the disciples all returned back to the place where they were all staying together, or it could mean that they returned to different places to stay. (Back)

17 the other women: Luke 24:10 says that there were “other women” there with Mary Mags: Mary the mother of James, and Joanna. Joanna (if this is the same person; it seems very likely) is mentioned in Luke 8:3 as being the wife of Herod’s steward. One of the other women that could have gone with to tell the disciples could be Salome, who was there at the start of the trip to the tomb (Mark 16:1). It could also be “the other Mary” (we don’t know which “Mary” Matthew is referring to in Matthew 28:1).  In short, we don’t really know how many women ran back to tell the group about Jesus’s “missing” body. (Back)

18 the other disciple: John is the other disciple, because of John 20:2. It is mentioned in John 20:3 that Peter is running with “the other disciple”. (Back)

19 the Scripture, that He must rise again from the dead: Jesus told the disciples many times that He would be killed and then raised on the third day, see Note 13. The Old Testament Scripture reference that describes that Jesus would have to die could have been from Isaiah 53. (Back)

20 own homes: Not back to Galilee, but to where the disciples were staying for the Sabbath/Passover. Because of Luke 24:33, and John 20:19, they were meeting together for at least part of the time, possibly in the Jerusalem upper room from Thursday (see Matthew 26:17-19, Mark 14:13-16,Luke 22:7-13) because it was large and would hold many people (Mark 14:15).  Where they were actually staying and sleeping is debatable. (Back)

21 I will take Him away: I’m not sure how strong women were back in those days, but how does Mary plan to drag/carry a body of literal dead weight back to a tomb? In her grief, she doesn’t seem to care about that. The good news (for us all) is she wouldn’t have to figure it out. (Back)

22 they said nothing to anyone: From Mark 16:8. This phrasing is a little ambiguous. It could mean that they had planned on not saying anything to anyone, including the disciples, and then changed their minds when they met Jesus on the road or it could mean that they told no one that they saw on the road on their way back to the disciples. We do know that the women did tell the disciples, because Mark says so himself in Mark 16:10. (Back)

23 we will win him over and keep you out of trouble: These chief priests had already proven that they could get Pontius Pilate to do whatever they wanted, with enough pressure (see Matthew 27:20-24), but still, the guards are taking a large risk in spreading around a report that they fell asleep on the job. (Back)

24 These raised saints: This part of the account of events surrounding Jesus’s resurrection was told in Matthew 27:51-53. (Back)