love

All About Love

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Scripture Used to Create “All About Love”

1 Corinthians 12:31 (Greek Text Analysis for 1 Corinthians 12:31)

1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with 1 Corinthians 13:1)

 

English Bible translation used: Berean Standard Bible

 

But eagerly desire the 1 greater gifts. And now I will show you the 2 most excellent way.

If I speak in the 3 tongues of men and of angels, but have not 4 love, I am only a 5 ringing gong or a 6 clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of 7 prophesy and can 8 fathom all mysteries and all 9 knowledge, and if I have 10 absolute faith so as to 11 move mountains, but have not love, 12 I am nothing. 13 If I give all I possess to the poor and 14 exult in the surrender of my body so that I may boast, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is 15 patient, love is 16 kind. It does not 17 envy, it does not 18 boast, it is not 19 proud. It is not 20 rude, it is not 21 self-seeking, it is not 22 easily angered, it keeps 23 no account of wrongs. Love takes no 24 pleasure in evil, but 25 rejoices in the truth. It 26 bears all things, 27 believes all things, 28 hopes all things, 29 endures all things. 30 Love never fails.

But where there are 31 prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be restrained; where there is knowledge, it will be dismissed. For 32 we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial passes away.

33When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I set aside childish ways. 34 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three 35 remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.

 

NOTES

 

1 greater gifts: The greater gifts are listed throughout 1 Corinthians 12. They include (but are not limited to) apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healings, helping, administrating, wisdom, knowledge, faith, distinguishing of spirits, speaking in different languages previously unknown, and the ability to interpret languages previously unknown. In chapter 14, prophesy is elevated even above the other gifts of chapter 12. See Note 7 for more on prophesy. No gift is more important than love, as chapter 13 is making clear to us. Also, no gift makes the recipient of said gift more valuable over another member of Christ’s church (1 Corinthians 12:12-30), as all gifts are given, as Paul says, “for the common good” see 1 Corinthians 12:7. (BACK)

2 most excellent way: The Greek words used here in 1 Corinthians 12:31 are  huperbolé and hodos. They mean “a more surpassing way”, and give the feel of using the best means possible to arrive at your destination point. Paul is saying if you desire these greater gifts (as described in 1 Corinthians 12), here’s the best way to them. (BACK)

3 tongues of men and of angels: The Greek word used for tongues in 1 Corinthians 13:1 is glóssa and it means “language, nation” and it also means the physical organ of the tongue. Here, Paul is saying, “Even if one is the most eloquent orator of Scripture, speaking to both humans and angels”. It should be noted that all of the situations described by Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (faith, surrender, giving to the poor, etc.) are all proper actions/attitudes that should be exhibited in a Christian’s behavior. What we are learning here is that all of these outward “actions” mean nothing without the love to accompany them. This is an underlined point in the Bible: outward show doesn’t mean a thing when the inside motives are lacking true Godly love. See Matthew 23:23-27 as example. (BACK)

4 love: The Greek word used for love throughout 1 Corinthians 13 is agapé and it means “love”. This type of love is unconditional, has no strings attached, and is self-sacrificing. It is not based on feelings or how you are treated by the recipient of your love. Don’t think of it as how a parent loves a child. That type of love still has some human motivation attached to it. Think of agapé love like this: Your innocent baby has been brutally beaten, spit on, mocked and called every filthy name ever invented, and then murdered in the most painful and humiliating way possible, for everyone to see. Many people laugh about the murder, or simply don’t care that it happened. They even use your baby’s name as a swear word or as a casual jest. But you have compassion, pity, and forgiveness for the perpetrators of these (seemingly) unforgiveable crimes and offenses. You even feed and clothe these people. Not only that, you allow and promote good things to happen in their lives. When bad things happen in their lives (even if they caused their own bad situation), you provide a way through, giving them every chance to lean on you for understanding and comfort. The Bible is very clear, that this love is the basic building block in our relationship to God and to each other (1 John 4:8-21). (BACK)

5 ringing gong: Gongs were simple instruments with percussion pitches. They were usually made of brass, a metal less costly than gold or silver, and hit with a type of mallet. They were used, in a way,  like a drum or to transmit signals.  The Greek word used for gong is chalkos and means “bronze, brass”. The Greek word used for ringing is écheó and it means “to sound, echo”. (BACK)

6 clanging cymbal: The Greek words used for clanging and cymbal in 1 Corinthians 13:1 are alalazó and kumbalon. Cymbals were used as musical instruments in worship or celebration. And, just like today, cymbals were limited in their range or variety of notes. (BACK)

7 prophesy: The Greek word used for prophesy in 1 Corinthians 13:2 is prophéteia and means “the gift of communicating revealed truth of God”. Today, we have the Bible that communicates all of the revealed truth of God, including those events we haven’t seen played out yet, as described in Daniel 7-12 and the Book of Revelation. (BACK)

8 fathom all mysteries: The Greek word used in 1 Corinthians 13:2 for fathom is eidó and means “to understand, perceive” with the feeling of intuition or deeper understanding. The Greek word used for mysteries is mustérion and means “mystery”. In the Bible, a mystery is an unrevealed detail or truth of God, and just to be clear, is not a mystery to God, just to humans. (BACK)

9 knowledge: The Greek word used for knowledge in 1 Corinthians 13:2 is gnósis and it means “to understand or to know”. It can apply to both secular and spiritual understanding. (BACK)

10 absolute faith: The Greek phrase used in 1 Corinthians 13:2 says “all the faith” or “entire faith”, using the Greek words pas (every, all, entire ) and pistis (faith). The faith referred to here means to have confidence and trust in what you have been persuaded to believe in as truth. Faith in Christ is a gift of God, see Ephesians 2:8-9. In our own natural human state, God’s ways, including the idea of needing salvation from sin, are foolishness to us, 1 Corinthians 2:14. (BACK)

11 move mountains: Jesus talks about moving mountains by faith in Matthew 17:20. This can be understood in the context of hyperbole, as even the apostle Paul isn’t recorded as having removed any mountains. However, he is recorded, in Philippians 4:13, as understanding that he can do all things through God who strengthens him. It is to be understood that this is because it is God who can do all things, not man, therefore the glory belongs to God. See Mark 10:27; Ephesians 3:20-21. (BACK)

12 I am nothing: The Greek word for nothing used in 1 Corinthians 13:2-3 is from the word oudeis  and it means “none, nothing”. Oudeis is a complete void and is devoid of any substance. Our English terms sometimes don’t carry the same mental picture that is meant to be conveyed. (BACK)

13 If I give all I possess to the poor: The Greek phrasing for 1 Corinthians 13:3 says “If I may give away all the possessions of me”. The Greek word used for I may give away is psómizó and it means “to feed” with the idea of giving a small piece of food to one in need. Although the word poor is not included in the Greek text, it is implied through the use of psómizó. Jesus once told a rich man to give all he had to the poor and then to follow Him (Matthew 19:21-22; Mark 10:21-22). And, judging by the understanding of the disciples at the Last Supper, giving to the poor was a common action for the Lord’s ministry (John 13:29). The apostles were concerned with those in need as well (Galatians 2:9-10). It is a Christian attribute, to be concerned with the needs of those who don’t have enough. See 1 Timothy 6:17-19 on instructions for those who have an abundance. (BACK)

14 exult in the surrender of my body so that I may boast: 1 Corinthians 13:3. There are many English translations that read “surrender my body to be burned” or to the same effect. The original Greek phrase does not mention burning. The transliteral Greek says “I may deliver up the body of me that I may boast”. It is in the usage of the word deliver that gives us a clue to the sacrifice involved, but not the method used. The Greek word used for deliver is paradidómi and it means “to deliver, betray, abandon, commit”. The word is also used to describe the delivering up of Jesus for crucifixion, as shown in Luke 23:25. The Greek word used for boast is kauchaomai and it means “to glory, boast, exult”.  Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:17 (Jeremiah 9:23-24) that the only boasting (using the word kauchaomai) anyone should do is in the Lord. (BACK)

15 patient: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 now explains just what agapé love really is. The Greek word used for patient in verse 4 is makrothumeó and it means “patient, long-suffering”. This patience does not retaliate even when someone is trying to be provoking, and will put up with long-term hardship without anger. (BACK)

16 kind: 1 Corinthians 13:4. The Greek word used for kind is chrésteuomai and it means “kind, useful, benevolent to others”. This kindness does not expect anything in return, including a “thank you”, for its benevolence. It is gentle and service-minded, wanting to be useful in doing good for other people. (BACK)

17 envy: 1 Corinthians 13:4. The Greek word used for envy is zéloó and it means “to be eager to possess”. This can be a good thing, as in eager to possess the right attitudes and mind-set in Christ. But in the negative shade, envy means wanting/coveting what someone else has. There’s even a commandment against envy (Exodus 20:17). (BACK)

18 boast: 1 Corinthians 13:4. The Greek word used for boast is perpereuomai and it means “boast, brag, arrogant”.  Pride is the base element in perpereuomai .  See Note 14 regarding proper boasting. (BACK)

19 proud: 1 Corinthians 13:4. The Greek word used for proud is phusioó and it means “puffed up, arrogant, pride”. See the following verses for a sampling on pride: Proverbs 16:18; Romans 12:16; James 4:6. (BACK)

20 rude: 1 Corinthians 13:5. Many English translations use the word rude here. The Greek word used here is aschémoneó and it means “behave improperly, act unbecomingly”. It can encompass rudeness, but it means to behave inappropriately or in shameful manner. (BACK)

21 self-seeking: 1 Corinthians 13:5. The Greek word used for seek is zéteó (seek, desire, search for). It gives the feeling of intense searching, with determination to get what it wanted. This is admirable when seeking the things of God. It is the self part or selfish part that is a problem here. Jesus said we should first seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness and He will take care of our actual needs. See Matthew 6:25-34 on this lesson. (BACK)

22 easily angered: 1 Corinthians 13:5. The Greek word used for easily angered is paroxunó and it means “to stir up, provoke, irritate, anger”. For some passages regarding anger, see Psalm 37:8; Proverbs 14:29;  Proverbs 15:1; Galatians 5:19-20; Ephesians 4:31; James 1:19-20. (BACK)

23 no account of wrongs: 1 Corinthians 13:5. The Greek word used here for account is logizomai and it means “charge with, count, reckon”. It has legal and financial applications. The Greek word used for wrongs is kakos and it means “bad, evil”. It has a wide application and covers anything considered harmful. (BACK)

24 pleasure in evil: 1 Corinthians 13:6. The Greek word used for pleasure is chairó and it means “rejoice, glad”. It gives the feel of an internal joy and delight with a celebratory mood. The Greek word used for evil is adikia and it means “injustice, wrongdoing”. It would be difficult to imagine anyone taking joy in bad things happening to so-called good people, but what about a person who is perceived to be “getting what they deserve”?  This actually plays around the border of revenge. We should never take joy in anyone’s misfortune, even if they caused it themselves and even if it seems they deserve it. We are instructed to cry with those who cry, as well as to laugh with those who are joyful (Romans 12:15-21). For a few verses on revenge, see Proverbs 20:22; Matthew 5:38-39; 1 Thessalonians 5:15. (BACK)

25 rejoices in the truth: 1 Corinthians 13:6. The Greek word used for rejoices is sugchairó and it means “to be glad with”. This is not a singular or personal gladness—it is shared with others. The Greek word used for truth is alétheia and it means “truth”. This word encompasses what is reality, and alongside that, what is moral and trustworthy. (BACK)

26 bears all things: 1 Corinthians 13:7. The Greek word used for bears is stegó and it means “to cover, endure, conceal”. It gives the feeling of protecting with a covering or safety in covering. (BACK)

27 believes all things: 1 Corinthians 13:7. The Greek word used for believes is pisteuó and means “faith, believe, to place trust in”. It is the same word used for the God-gifted faith that Christians have in Christ. This kind of faith is filled with trust and confidence. It is important to understand that this is not a blind faith nor is love blind, as many like to think. There are people who are not trustworthy and we have been instructed to be wise (Matthew 10:16). Does this mean that we don’t love those we can’t trust? Of course not, we are to love everyone, even enemies (Luke 6:32-35). But 0ur faith and trust is always in God, not in people. God will be our provision, our protection, and our salvation (see Proverbs 3:5-6, 25-26). (BACK)

28 hopes all things: 1 Corinthians 13:7. The Greek word used for hope is elpizó and it means to “to hope, trust, expect”. This kind of hope is not wishful thinking with positive thoughts that something might happen. This hope is filled with confidence and assurance; this kind of hope knows that what has been promised will be fulfilled. It is the believer’s hope that is held in Jesus Christ. (BACK)

29 endures all things: 1 Corinthians 13:7. The Greek word used for endures is hupomenó and it means “endure, persevere”. This endurance’s power to hold one steady and faithful isn’t shaken by adversity, trials, disappointment, pain or horrors. (BACK)

30 Love never fails: 1 Corinthians 13:8. If you have to sum up 1 Corinthians 13 into three words, this is it: Love never fails. The Greek word used for fails is piptó and it means “to fall”. The word can be used in a wide ranging sense from metaphoric to literal. It’s overall significance is falling equals decline, and therefore, failure or ruin. Love can never be ruined. (BACK)

31 prophecies…cease… tongues…restrained… knowledge… dismissed: Eventually, all prophecy will be fulfilled, all the language will be unnecessary, all the knowledge will be known. This is what the Christian is waiting for, when all of these temporal things are done with. See Revelation 21 and 22. (BACK)

32 we know in part…prophesy in part…perfect comes… partial passes away: God knows everything, but we don’t. Even our Bible is only what God wants us to know; it is by no means a full explanation, as there are things we can’t possibly understand (Romans 11:33-36). We do, however, have everything we need to make our decision to trust the Lord and to obey Him (Romans 1:20). (BACK)

33 When I was a child…I set aside childish ways: Children are not generally deep or forward thinkers. Their decisions are usually made with focus on self and based on immediate need or situation. Children rarely, if ever, have long-term ramifications in mind when choosing a path forward. As adults, we (should) have a much more advanced understanding. We make important decisions based on outcomes that will possibly have short-term discomfort, but have long-term and lasting benefit. This analogy of maturity can also be equated to “before- Christ thinking” and “with-Christ thinking” or “how I used to think before I knew Jesus” and “how I think now that I know and trust Jesus”. (BACK)

34 Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror: Mirrors were made of polished metal back in the days of Paul, and they weren’t very detailed in the reflection. They also tarnished and were usually small, not giving a full head-to-toe reflection. To read about the interesting find of an ancient mirror in a Jerusalem grave, click here. (BACK)

35 but the greatest of these is love: Jesus was once asked by the scribes which of the commandments was the greatest. Jesus answers in the definite that loving God with all that you are is the first greatest and loving your neighbor is the second greatest. Note that He gives both the greatest and the second greatest, even though they asked for only the first one. This is because of His answer in Matthew 22:40 and also because of  1 John 4:20-21. See Leviticus 19:18;  Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:35-40; Mark 12:28-31; Galatians 5:14. (BACK)

Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-in-Law and As the Sun Set That Night

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Scripture Used to Create the Splice “Jesus Heals Peter’s Mother-In-Law and As the Sun Set That Night”

Matthew 8:14-17 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Matthew 8:14)

Mark 1:29-34 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Mark 1:29)

Luke 4:38-41 (Greek Text Analysis beginning with Luke 4:38)

 

Psalm 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

THE SPLICE

Then Jesus got up and 1 left the synagogue. And immediately after 2 they came out of the synagogue, they went into the house of Simon Peter and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick, suffering with a high fever. When Jesus entered into Simon’s home, immediately 3 they spoke to Jesus about her and they asked Him to help her. Jesus saw Simon Peter’s mother-in-law 4 lying sick in bed with the fever. Jesus went to her, and 5 standing over her, He 6 rebuked the fever and taking her by the hand, He raised her up, and the fever left her. And she got up immediately and 7 waited on Jesus and the others. When evening came, while the sun was setting and after the sun had set, the 8 whole city had gathered at the door. All those who had friends or loved ones who were 9 sick with various diseases, brought the sick to Him; they brought to Him all who were ill and many of those who were  10 demon-possessed. And He cast out the spirits with a word and healed all who were ill by laying His hands on each one of them.  Demons were coming out of the possessed people, shouting, “You are the Son of God!” But rebuking them, He was not permitting the demons to speak, because they knew Him to be the Christ. And all of this took place to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “11 HE HIMSELF TOOK OUR INFIRMITIES AND CARRIED AWAY OUR DISEASES.”

 

A Flower for My Mom

 

NOTES

1 left the synagogue: Both Mark and Luke tell us that just before this event with Peter’s mother-in-law, Jesus and at least Peter, Andrew, James and John had been in the Capernaum synagogue on the Sabbath (Saturday), where Jesus amazed the people there with His teaching. There was also a possessed man there in the synagogue, whom Jesus cleansed of the evil spirit. See Mark 1:21-27 and Luke 4:31-37. (Back)

 

2 they: Jesus and the disciples that were with Him. (Back)

 

3 they spoke to Jesus about her: We don’t know who “they” are; the Bible doesn’t specify. We will have to guess. My guess is that it was relatives and possibly servants in the household who had been caring for the lady, while Jesus and the disciples were at the synagogue. (Back)

 

4 lying sick in bed: For the common family, a bed could be anything from just the person’s cloak or possibly a straw mat or a thin mattress stuffed with wool or cotton. These beds were portable and were placed on the floor for sleep at night and rolled away during the day. Privacy in homes back then was non-existent and everyone slept in the same room. I found this page, which gives a nice description about ancient Israeli houses. (Back)

 

5 standing over her: People slept on the floor. See note #4. (Back)

 

6 rebuked the fever: The Greek word used for rebuked in Luke 4:39 is epitimaó and means “rebuke, charge, admonish, censure, to tax upon” and sometimes means “to honor”, but it certainly doesn’t mean “honor” here. (Back)

 

7 waited on Jesus: The Greek word used for waited is diakoneó and means “to minister, to serve”. It is used to describe someone serving others in general, providing for their general needs of life, but was particularly used to describe someone waiting on others at the table. The English word deacon is rooted in this word. To read about the qualifications needed for serving God as a pastor or deacon of a congregation, even in our current age, see 1 Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9 and 1 Peter 5:1-3.  (Back)

 

8 whole city: Capernaum. Some have estimated a city population of 1200 or so during Jesus’s time there. There have been some interesting archaeological digs concerning Capernaum. (Back)

 

9 sick with various diseases: The Greek word used for sick is kakós and means “badly” and explains the miserable condition of the person who is experiencing illness. The Greek word used for various is poikilos and means “many colored”, giving us an idea of the diversity of the illnesses. The Greek word used for diseases is nosos and means “disease, sickness”. HELPS Word-studies says that the word nosos refers to (usually) chronic, incurable diseases. Although Jesus did just cure Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever, which was not necessarily life-threatening or life-altering, He was also curing people of illnesses that would not typically “cure” over time by using the sick person’s immune system. (Back)

 

10 demon-possessed: The topic of demon possession is a source of entertainment for some and ridicule for others. We really don’t know that much about it, as the Bible doesn’t give much information on demon-possession’s “how, what, when, where or why”. Too much of what is cited as facts about the subject is legend and lore, brewed by superstition and served with garnish by popular culture. Jesus Himself tells us that to remove a demon, prayer is required as well as faith (faith provided by God, not human-conjured faith), and is done by the Spirit of God, see Matthew 12:28, 17:19-21, and Mark 9:29. For information on the behavior of a demon looking to possess someone, see Matthew 12:43-45. For examples on what demons do to people when they possess them, see Matthew 8:28, Mark 5:2-20, and Acts 19:13-16. (Back)

 

11 HE HIMSELF: This quote is from Isaiah 53:4. The English translations of Isaiah 53:4  usually looking something like this: “Surely our griefs He Himself bore, and our sorrows He carried;”. This is correct word usage, but the Hebrew word used for grief in Isaiah 53:4 is choli and means “disease, grief, sickness”. And the Hebrew word used for sorrows is makob and means “pain, grief, sorrow”, and allows usage for mental or physical pain, grief or sorrow. The Hebrew word used for bore is nasa and means to “take away, lift, carry”. (Back)

Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant

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Scripture Used to Create the Splice “Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant”

Matthew 8:5-13 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 8:5)

Luke 7:1-10 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 7:1)

 

2 Corinthians 5:7
for we walk by faith, not by sight

 

THE SPLICE

When He had completed all 1 His discourse in the hearing of the people, He went to 2 Capernaum. And a 3 centurion’s 4 slave, who was 5 highly regarded by the centurion, was 6 sick and about to die. The centurion 7 heard about Jesus, and when Jesus entered Capernaum, the centurion came to Jesus by sending some 8 Jewish elders to Him. The centurion was imploring Him to come and 9 save the life of his 10 slave, saying, 11“Lord, my 12 servant is lying 13 paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented.” The Jewish elders, earnestly implored Him on the centurion’s behalf, saying 14“He is worthy for You to grant this to him;  for he loves our nation and it was he who built us our synagogue.” Jesus said to the centurion through the Jewish elders, “I will come and 15 heal him.” Now Jesus started on His way with the Jewish elders; and when He was not far from the house, the 16 centurion sent friends to meet Jesus and said to Jesus through these friends he had sent to Him, “Lord do not trouble Yourself further, for 17 I am not worthy for You to come under my roof; for this reason I did not even consider myself worthy to come to You, but 18 just say the word, and my servant will be 19 healed. For I also am a man under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes, and to my 20 slave, ‘Do this!’ and he does it.” Now when Jesus heard this, 21 He marveled at the centurion and turned and said to the crowd that was following Him, “Truly I say to you I have not found such great 22 faith with anyone in Israel/not even in Israel have I found such great faith. I say to you that many will come from 23 east and west, and 24 recline at the table with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven; but the 25 sons of the kingdom will be 26 cast out into the 27 outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” And Jesus said to the centurion’s friends as a message for the centurion, “Go; it shall be done for you as you have 28 believed.” And the servant was healed that very moment. When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in 29 good health.

 

NOTES

1 His discourse: Jesus had just finished giving the Sermon on the Mount, which included the Beatitudes (Matthew 5-7; Luke 6:20-49). He had also healed people, including a man with leprosy (Matthew 8:1-4; Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-15).  To read the Splice about the man with leprosy, click here. (Back)

 

2 Capernaum: Capernaum was Jesus’s base of operations. He had moved there from His hometown of Nazareth at the beginning of His ministry. Peter had a house in Capernaum, which seems to have been a suburb of or a part of Bethsaida. Peter’s brother Andrew also lived at Peter’s house. It could be logically assumed that James and John (the sons of Zebedee), who were fishing partners of Peter’s and Andrew’s, had their homes in Capernaum as well, but the Bible doesn’t mention where James or John lived. We do know that Jesus didn’t have a home of His own. See Matthew 4:13, 18-21, 8:20; Mark 1:16-19, 21-29, 2:1;  Luke 5:10,  9:58, John 1:44. (Back)

 

3 centurion: A centurion was a Roman army captain in charge of one hundred soldier subordinates. (Back)

 

4 slave: The slave belongs to a Roman, and not a Jew. It seems this Roman may be a Jewish proselyte of sorts, but the Bible doesn’t state that. God allowed slavery for the Israel of Old Testament times. It is important to understand the distinction of OT Israel only, and to understand that the Bible is not talking about the world of today; it isn’t even talking about the Romans and their slavery practices way back then. Today, slavery is a difficult topic to talk about because of the ugly and wrong justifications that were used by Europeans to kidnap people from Africa and sell them as property, which the Bible makes NO allowance for (Exodus 21:16). To get a basic understanding about what the Bible says about slavery for the Israelites of old, see Leviticus 25:35-55. (Back)

 

5 highly regarded: The Greek text says “valued highly” and the Greek word used in Luke 7:2 is entimos and it means “held precious, honored, honorable in rank”. (Back)

 

6 sick and about to die: The Greek word used for “sick” in Luke 7:2 is kakós and means “badly, grievously or diseased”. (Back)

 

7 heard about Jesus: It must be remembered that EVERYONE was hearing about Jesus, the Man who was preaching with authority about the kingdom of God and about repentance, healing people’s bodies of horrible ailments, and casting out demons (an unimaginable torture) and the crowds were amazed by it. Jesus was causing quite a stir in Israel. See Matthew 4:17, 23-25, 7:28-29, 8:16, 17, 28-33 for a sample of these events. (Back)

 

8 Jewish elders: The Sanhedrin (see Greek word presbuteros). The Sanhedrin was the group with all the power in Israel—under the authority of the Romans, that is. The Sanhedrin was headed up by the High Priest (Annas and Caiaphas at the time of Jesus’s ministry, see Matthew 26:57, Luke 3:2, John 18:13), and was comprised of scribes and the Pharisees, among others. The Sanhedrin will later be the group responsible (along with some input from the Herodians, see Mark 3:6 and Matthew 22:15-16) for demanding Jesus’s crucifixion, after an illegal arrest in the dark, and a fake trial with phony witnesses. See Matthew 26:3-5; 47-68, 27:11-26; Mark 14:1, 10-11, 43-65; 15:1-20; Luke 22:4-5, 47-53, 66-71; 23:1-25; John 11:47-57; John 18 and 19. Here’s a fair explanation about the Sanhedrin from Wikipedia and one from Britannica.com. (Back)

 

9 save the life: The Greek word used for save in Luke 7:3 is diasózó and means to “escape safely, perfectly whole” or “to save all the way across”. (Back)

 

10 slave: Luke 7:2, 3, 10 tells us that this person is an actual slave, a person owned by another person. The Greek word for slave used in the Luke verses is doulos and means “slave”. Many Bible translations like to use the word “bondservant” or simply “servant” and that is true, it does mean “servant/bondservant”. However, the English word servant gives the feeling of a person free to make their own choices or able to quit the job, if they don’t like the pay or the boss. The truth is, a bondservant/doulos, is a bondslave. A bondslave has no rights, no personal ownership or freedoms; a bondslave has no legal personhood. (Back)

 

11 Lord: The Greek word used for Lord in Matthew 8:6 is kurios and means “lord, master, sir” and gives the implication that the person being called “lord” is the owner of or master over the person using the word kurios. When you call Jesus “Lord”, you are saying He is the absolute owner of you, over any other authority including your own free will, just like the centurion was saying here. (Back)

 

12 servant: The centurion never calls the person that he owns (that is also dying) a “doulos” (slave). He uses a different word, pais, which means “a child, boy, youth” and implies a youthful slave, possibly still in training. We can tell from this word, which the centurion uses several times, that this slave is probably a child. Just to be clear, Luke never uses the word pais himself, even though he quotes the centurion as using it; Luke always refers to the ill person as “doulos”. Matthew does use the word pais apart from the centurion, in Matthew 8:13. Matthew does not use the word “doulos” in describing this ill person at all. (Back)

 

13 paralyzed at home, fearfully tormented: It is very difficult to watch someone that you love suffer in agony, even more so when that person is a child. The Greek word used in Matthew 8:6 for fearfully is deinós and means “vehemently, terribly, grievously”. The Greek word used in Matthew 8:6 for the word tormented is basanizó and means “to torture.” We don’t know what illness this young person had, but whatever it was it left him paralyzed, tormented and about to die. (Back)

 

14 He is worthy: It sounds like these Jewish elders felt like they had to qualify the Gentile centurion’s request, and this was because most Jews, especially religious Jews, didn’t like to associate with Gentiles. It’s actually surprising that these Sanhedrin members affiliated with this Roman guy at all. While it is true that Jesus was preaching to and healing the Israelites exclusively (He didn’t go to Rome or China to preach/heal, see Matthew 15:24), He clearly helped non-Jews as well, as this event shows, as does the story of the Canaanite woman (see Matthew 15:21-28). Jesus also tells the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37, after a lawyer asked Jesus to define who he should consider as a neighbor. (Back)

 

15 heal him: The Greek word for heal used in Matthew 8:7 is therapeuó and means to cure or heal, like a doctor’s healing. (Back)

 

16 centurion sent friends: Although the Bible does not mention it, we can safely assume that at least one of the Jewish elders (or a servant of one of the elders or of the centurion) ran back ahead of the others to let the centurion know that Jesus was on the way, going to this centurion’s house. How else would the centurion have known that Jesus would be on His way? The centurion’s knowledge is born from a natural event: someone told him! There is not one shred of evidence or Biblical back-up to state that this was some sort of a supernatural event, with the centurion displaying a “second sight” gift. (Back)

 

17 I am not worthy: The centurion is not alone, because none of us are worthy of Christ. The reason why we are not worthy of God is because of our sin and our sinful nature (Romans 3:9-20, 23). Our sin and sinful nature is something we can never hope to fix for ourselves, it is something only Jesus can fix (Romans 3:24-26; Ephesians 1:5-7, 2:1-9) . Realizing this and admitting it is a preliminary step towards salvation. (Back)

 

18 just say the word: One of the powers of God is the ability to simply speak things into existence, including wellness. See Genesis 1 for the most popularly known example of God’s usage of this ability. (Back)

 

19 healed: The centurion uses a different word for healed, than the word that Jesus used in Matthew 8:7. In both Matthew 8:8 and Luke 7:7, the centurion uses the Greek word iaomai, which means “to heal”, but it also does have spiritual implications. Perhaps the centurion was not asking so much for a physical healing but a spiritual healing for the child, since he was dying. Maybe the centurion was asking for both types of healing. We are all in need of spiritual healing (Romans 3:23), which is what salvation really is (Isaiah 53:5). (Back)

 

20 slave: The centurion does indeed use the Greek word for slave here, doulos meaning “slave”, when referring to the example slave he uses in his explanation to Jesus. He does not use this word when referring to the young, sick person whom he holds in high regard, even though Luke made it clear that this dying child is a slave in Luke 7:2-3. (Back)

 

21 He marveled: Jesus didn’t stand awe-struck by human beings very often. The Greek word used in Matthew 8:10 and Luke 7:9 for marveled is thaumazó and means “to wonder, marvel” and can also mean to “admire”. The only other time I can find that Jesus “marveled” at people would be in Mark 6:6, which also uses the Greek word thaumazó . In this scene, Jesus is amazed at the lack of faith in Nazareth. He still healed a few sick people, even though the town was offended by Him (see Mark 6:1-6). (Back)

 

22 faith: Faith in Jesus is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). It is granted to all of the elect of God (Romans 12:3), and it is through this faith that makes us children of God (Galatians 3:26-29). The Greek word for faith is pistis and means “faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness”. For examples on what this kind of faith can enable a person to see, experience and believe (where otherwise they wouldn’t), see Hebrews 11. (Back)

 

23 east and west: From Matthew 8:11. The Greek phrasing used here for “east and west” is anatolōn kai dysmōn and means “rising (of the sun) and setting (of the sun)” and therefore, east and west. (Back)

 

24 recline: Reclining to eat is almost an absurdity for modern diners. It involved leaning back, propped up on an arm, feet away from the table. Here’s a good explanation on eating in ancient Roman times. (Back)

 

25 sons of the kingdom: Jesus is speaking of the Jews, in a general sense. Jesus is underlining that faith is the requirement for salvation, faith in Him specifically, and not faith in one’s lineage. All people, whether Jew or Gentile are called to Christ individually, not as a nation or creed. Each person is responsible for their own reactions to God’s calling (Galatians 6:5, Philippians 2:12). See Galatians 3 to expand a little on Jesus’s statement. (Back)

 

26 cast out: The Greek word used for cast out in Matthew 8:12 is ekballo and means to “banish, cast out, expel, throw”. It has the feeling of driving someone out and away, with an aura of contempt. (Back)

 

27 outer darkness: The outer darkness is hell. It is the most extreme of all darkness, because the light of God, both physical light and moral light, does not shine there. See Matthew 22:13, 25:30, 2 Peter 2:4 for examples on the darkness representing hell. (Back)

 

28 believed: It is important to understand that “just as you believed” is not a call to positive thinking. The centurion’s faith was pistis faith, the God-gifted faith, and not a human-conjured faith. (Back)

 

29 good health: Matthew 8:13 says that the servant was healed that very moment. Luke 7:10 says the child was found in good health. Matthew uses the Greek word iaomai, which gives the healing from Jesus the supernatural credit it deserves, and Luke uses the Greek word hugiainó which tells us the slave was found totally healthy, sound and whole. (Back)

The Resurrection of Jesus: Part Three

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

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 Two”, click here.

 

Ephesians 1:20-21
20 which He brought about in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.

 

THE SPLICE

 

The 1 eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee to 2 the mountain which Jesus had designated. After these things Jesus manifested Himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but 3 some were doubtful. And He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee (James and John), and two others of His disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, 4 “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also come with you.” They went out and got into the boat; and that night they caught nothing. But when the day was now breaking, Jesus stood on the beach; 5 yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. So Jesus said to them, “Children, you do not have any fish, do you?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right-hand side of the boat and you will find a catch.” So they cast, and then they were not able to haul the net in because of the great number of fish. Therefore the 6 disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” So when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his outer garment on (for he was stripped for work), and threw himself into the sea. But the other disciples came in the little boat, for they were not far from the land, but about one hundred yards away, dragging the net full of fish. So when they got out on the land, they saw a charcoal fire already laid and fish placed on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish which you have now caught.”
Simon Peter went up and drew the net to land, full of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three; and although there were so many, the net was not torn. Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples ventured to question Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and the fish likewise. This is now the 7 third time that Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after He was raised from the dead.

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”  He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep. Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were younger, you used to gird yourself and walk wherever you wished; but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will gird you, and bring you where you do not wish to go.” Now this He said, 8 signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me!” Peter, turning around saw the disciple whom Jesus loved 9 following them; 10 the one who also had 11 leaned back on His bosom at the supper and said, “Lord, who is the one who betrays You?” So Peter seeing him said to Jesus, “Lord, and what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me!” Therefore this saying went out among the brethren that that disciple would not die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but only, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and wrote these things, and 12 we know that his testimony is true.

Gathering the disciples together, Jesus led them out as far as 13 Bethany and  they (the disciples) were asking Him, saying, “14 Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority; but you will receive power when the 15 Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait for what the Father had promised, “Which,” He said, “you heard of from Me; for John baptized with water, but you will be 16 baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” And He said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. And make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;  He who has believed and has been 17 baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.  18 These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name  they will cast out 19 demons, they will be speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover. Go therefore and lo, I am with you always, even to the  end of the age.” And after He had said these things, He lifted up His hands and blessed them. While He was 20 blessing them, He parted from them. Jesus was lifted up while they were looking on and was carried up and received into heaven; a 21 cloud received Him out of their sight and He sat down at the right hand of God. And as they were gazing intently into the sky while He was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood beside them. They also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will come in just the same way as you have watched Him go into heaven.” And they, after worshipping Him, returned to Jerusalem with great joy from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went up to the 22 upper room where they were staying; that is, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas the son of James. These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers; and they were continually in the temple praising God. Recorded in the book The Acts of The Apostles, written by Luke, are the results of these things: they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed and Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.

And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were written in detail, 23 John supposed in his Gospel account that even the world itself would not contain the books that would be written.

We also know this happened after the Resurrection, but have no other information regarding this supernatural event:

Matthew 27:52-53

52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; 53and after His resurrection they entered the holy city and 24 appeared to many.

 

NOTES

 

1 eleven disciples: Eventually, the eleven will become twelve once again with the addition of Matthias, as described in Acts 1:23-26. Matthias and Justus/Joseph/Barsabbas are named as traveling with Jesus during His ministry in Acts 1:21-22, more proof that it wasn’t just the Twelve disciples that were involved with Jesus and following Him. (Back)

2 the mountain: We don’t know exactly which mountain in Galilee the disciples were directed to. There are websites that speculate, but the Bible does not name the mountain. (Back)

3 some were doubtful: We don’t know who was doubtful at Galilee (Matthew 28:16-17 ). It is likely that more than just the eleven disciples were in attendance at Galilee, as they had other people with them in Jerusalem, such as Mary Magdalene and Joanna (see Luke 24:9-10). We know Thomas had been doubtful of Jesus’s resurrection while the disciples were still in Jerusalem, but his doubt had been removed (John 20:24-29).  All of the other disciples seemed to believe Jesus while in Galilee and Jerusalem, except when they saw Him for the very first time, due to their joy and amazement (Luke 24:41). Jesus did rebuke the disciples, however, for doubting the people who had reported His resurrection to them before they saw Him for themselves (Mark 16:14). (Back)

4 I am going fishing: I’ve heard one pastor say that Peter went fishing because he lost faith in Jesus’s return to Galilee. It’s never ok to make the Bible say what it doesn’t say or to omit things that the Bible does say. I think it’s best to just take this sentence as it is presented. Peter went fishing, and six of the other disciples went with him. See John 21:3.  (Back)

5 yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus: Jesus manifested Himself in a form unrecognizable to the people that knew Him more than once (see John 20:14 and Luke 24:16). (Back)

6 disciple whom Jesus loved: This disciple would be John the apostle and writer of the gospel of John, the epistles 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John and the book Revelation. (Back)

7 third time that Jesus was manifested: John 21:14. The Greek word used here for manifest is phaneroó and it means “to make visible, make clear”. The first manifestation to the disciples was on Sunday night (John 20:19) when Cleopas and his traveling buddy saw Jesus and then went back to Jerusalem to tell the disciples about it (Luke 24:33-36). Jesus appeared to ten of the disciples that night, as Thomas had left at some point (John 20:24) and Judas was no longer apart of the fellowship. The second manifestation was talked about specifically in John 20:24-29, but also in Mark 16:14. That manifestation was 8 days later, when Thomas was present. The third manifestation was at the Sea of Galilee, which is also known as the Sea of Tiberias (see John 6:1). The third manifestation is talked about in Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:15-19, and John 21:1-14 . We don’t know how long after the second sighting of Jesus that the third happened. We only know that Jesus “presented Himself alive after His suffering” over a time span of 40 days (Acts 1:3). (Back)

8 signifying by what kind of death he would glorify God: From John 21:19. We don’t know for sure how Peter is martyred, just that he was martyred because of what Jesus had just said to him. Peter himself mentions his own death decades later saying that Jesus made his death known to him (see 2 Peter 1:14). It is possible that when John wrote his gospel account at the end of the 1st century, Peter had already been martyred; it does seem that John is writing on the other side of the event. As for the other apostles’ deaths, we know that James was murdered by the sword because of Acts 12:2. We don’t know anything about the other disciples’ deaths. There are many traditions floating around as to the “how, when and where”, but these cannot be proven and must be taken as possible events and not as facts. (Back)

9 following them: After breakfast, it seems that they were not sitting down around the fire anymore, but that they were walking. (Back)

10 the one: John the disciple. (Back)

11 leaned back on His bosom: This memory that John recalls is recorded in John 13:23-25. (Back)

12 we know that his testimony is true: This is a strangely worded phrase from John 21:24. It gives the feeling that John had written his book, and then others had circulated it or distributed it, and they themselves added this part, assuring the reader that John did write the book and they were sure of it to be true. It could be that John is reassuring the reader that his testimony is true, but if so, it is not written in standard first person singular. The Greek word for the phrase we know in John 21:24 is eidó, written in the first person plural, oidamen. (Back)

13 Bethany: The story may have made a bit of a jump in time. Either Jesus had walked back with the disciples towards Jerusalem from Galilee, which was far away but something they had done before, or they had already been back to Jerusalem and walked out to Bethany, which was not far away (John 11:18). (Back)

14 Lord, is it at this time: There are many portions of the Old Testament talking about the establishment of the kingdom that will be eternal, granted by God, such as Daniel 2:44, and also the return and restoration of the kingdom of Israel being referred to, such as Ezekiel 36. The disciples were living during the Roman occupation of Israel, and they were probably anxious, like many Jews, to have Rome out of their land. This is probably why they brought up the subject. (Back)

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

16 baptized with the Holy Spirit: This baptism occurred on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-13), also known as the Feast of Weeks, which occurs on the fiftieth day after Passover. The word “Pentecost” or pentékosté in the Greek, means “fiftieth”.
To see a list in timeline form of the Jewish feasts, click here. (Back)

17 baptized shall be saved: Jesus is speaking of baptism by the Holy Spirit, which each and every believer is gifted with, and not a water baptism. He just spoke about baptism by the Holy Spirit…He is continuing the thought. Scripture is very clear that no ritual, work, or action, such as a water baptism, can save you from eternal destruction.  Only the grace of God in giving you the gift of faith in Jesus, and the gift of recognizing and repenting from sin, trusting that Jesus can forgive and remove the sin and reconcile you to God, equals salvation (Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, Titus 3:5, among other verses). This is done through the work of the Holy Spirit, and this is His baptism (for examples, see Ezekiel 36:27; John 16:8-13; Romans 5:5; Titus 3:5-7). The fruit, or result, of this baptism by the Holy Spirit is listed in Galatians 5:22-23. (Back)

18 These signs: The signs listed here were manifested in order to give people the proof that God was present and that the things talked about by the apostles were from Him (2 Corinthians 12:12). These signs were starting to phase out when Timothy was sick (see 1 Timothy 5:23) Otherwise, wouldn’t he most certainly have been miraculously healed? Wouldn’t have Paul’s ailment of the eyes been taken care of, as well (Galatians 4:13-15)? Or (a common argument) were Timothy and Paul “in sin” or was it that they “didn’t have enough faith”? God does not perform miracles based on our sinfulness or faith (see Jesus’s many healing miracles). Otherwise, our works make a difference and clearly our “works” are not even a factor in our salvation (see Romans 3:21-28). We do not need these signs or miracles anymore, because we have the Bible; the Holy Spirit is our proof (John 16:8-13). This is not to say that a miracle could not happen, just that they are most certainly not common, aren’t used as proof of God’s presence and not widely visible.  (Back)

19 demons: There seems to be confusion about what demons actually are. They are fallen angels that were holy angels. Angels were created by God (Colossians 1:16), just like all things. The Bible is silent on angel creation timelines and how God created them. Some angels, for reasons unknown, decided to believe in and side with Satan (who is a fallen angel himself) instead of God and consequently were removed from Heaven, along with Satan (Revelation 12:7-9). Demons and Satan are nothing to fear for those of us held by Christ. God has all power and control over all things, every second of every day, from and to eternity infinity, even for those people who choose to defy Him. If someone has been possessed by demons (no actual elect of God can be possessed by demons because the Holy Spirit dwells within them, see Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 3:16), God allowed that (1 Samuel 16:14-15). It is God, not Satan, demons or any human being, that is to be feared (Matthew 10:28). (Back)

20 blessing them: What does it mean to “bless” someone? The Greek word for bless is eulogeó and it means “ to speak well of, praise”. When used to describe blessing from God, it is to “to consecrate a thing with solemn prayers” and “to cause to prosper, to make happy, to bestow blessings on”. (Back)

21 cloud: The Bible does not describe the appearance of the cloud. Jesus Himself mentions the clouds in Matthew 24:30, referencing Daniel 7:13, saying that He will return with or on (Greek word epi has several words that could be used here) the clouds of the sky/heaven. Although Jesus doesn’t say that the clouds of the sky ushering in His return are different in any way, it is possible that the cloud/clouds are supernatural in structure and design, the same way that the cloud recorded in Exodus 13:21-22 is supernatural. (Back)

22 upper room: Was this upper room the same one from the Thursday night where the Last Supper was held? It is very possible, because that one was large (Luke 22:12) and it needed to hold 11 people, at the very least. Could this also be the upper room mentioned in Acts 1:13 ? That, too, could be from the Last Supper. We can’t know for sure. If it is the same, it seems that the owner might have been a believer in Jesus because of the wording of Matthew 26:18, Mark 14:14, Luke 22:11; but again, we can’t know for sure.  If the owner of the house was a believer in Jesus, it would make sense that the apostles and crew would keep staying there, rather than just because of its spaciousness. In any case, by the end of the 50 days, there were about 120 people gathering in that upper room (Acts 1:12-15). (Back)

23 John supposed: See John 21:25. (Back)

24 appeared to many: Paul gives us more information on those whom Jesus appeared to in 1 Corinthians 15:5-8.(back)

The Last Supper: Part Four

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Scripture Used to Create “The Last Supper” Splice Series

Matthew 26:17-36 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 26:17)

Mark 14:12-32 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 14:12)

Luke 22:7-39(Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 22:7)

John 13:1-18:1 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 13:1)

 

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Three,” click here.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:5
May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.

 

THE SPLICE

 

As the disciples and Jesus were walking towards the Mount of Olives, Jesus said, “ I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 1 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He 2 prunes it so that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.  I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for 3 apart from Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and 4 they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, 5 ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.  This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you.

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Five” click here.

 

NOTES

 

1  Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away: We are saved by the gift of grace and not by good deeds. The good works or deeds (fruit) that we do are the things we do in service to God, because we were created to do good things for Him (see Ephesians 2:8-9). To see a list of these good things, a.k.a. The Fruit of the Spirit, see Galatians 5:22-23. Conversely, the evil things, the things “of the flesh” that are not from God, are listed in Galatians 5:19-21. See Romans 1:18-32 for more detail on the practice of these things.  (Back)

2  prunes: The Greek word used for prunes (from John 15:2) is kathairó and it means “to cleanse, purify, prune”. The “cleansing, purifying, pruning” is done by purging or removing that which is unclean or undesired and therefore, making that object pure. As a person grows in their faith in Christ and learns more about Him, they find that sin is no longer welcome in their life, and they are even ashamed of the time spent basking in it (Romans 6:20-21). See Romans 7:14-25 for Paul’s lament regarding sin. It is a lament shared by other true believers in Christ.   (Back)

3  apart from Me you can do nothing:  A person cannot conjure their new thoughts and ways in Christ on their own, see 1 Corinthians 2:12-14. Just going through the motions to look like you are following God’s ways isn’t enough. See Matthew 23:27-28 regarding the “white-washed tomb” analogy given by Jesus. It’s important to remember that God isn’t fooled by hypocrisy (1 Samuel 16:7; Acts 1:24. (Back)

4 they gather them, and cast them into the fire: See Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8. People go to hell because of their rejection of salvation through Jesus (John 3:18). Jesus paid the price for believers (Ephesians 1:7), so that they do not have to endure God’s wrath for sin (John 3: 36). (Back)

5 ask whatever you wish:  As long as it is within His will. See Note 16 from the Splice The Last Supper: Part Three. (Back)

 

The Last Supper: Part Five

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Scripture Used to Create “The Last Supper” Splice Series

 

Matthew 26:17-36 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 26:17)

Mark 14:12-32 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 14:12)

Luke 22:7-39(Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 22:7)

John 13:1-18:1 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 13:1)

Need to catch up first? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Four”, click here.

 

Romans 12:9
Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.

 

THE SPLICE

1 You did not choose Me but I chose you,and appointed you that you would go and 2 bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in 3 My Name He may give to you. 4 This I command you that you love one another.  If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world,5 the world would love its own but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you,6 ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they7 persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also. But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but 8 now they have no excuse for their sin. He who hates Me hates My Father also. If I had not done among them the works which no one else did,  they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law,9 THEY HATED ME WITHOUT CAUSE. When the 10 Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me, and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning. These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. They will make you11 outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is12 offering service to God.  These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. But now I am going to Him who sent Me; and none of you asks Me, “Where are You going?” But because I have said these things to you,13 sorrow has filled your heart. But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the14 Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you. And He, when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment; 15 concerning sin 16 because they do not 17 believe in Me; and 18 concerning righteousness , because I go to the Father and you no longer see Me; and concerning judgment, because the 19 ruler of this world has been judged. I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. 20 All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you. A little while, and 21 you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.”

 

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Six” click here.

 

NOTES

 

1 You did not choose Me but I chose you:  This is true for all of us who belong to God, not just the Twelve. God chose us, long before the world was even created. (see Ephesians 1:4) (BACK)

2 bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain: We were made to do good works for God (Ephesians 2:10). These good works run in accordance with the fruit that we are to bear, as described in Galatians 5:22-23.  In contrast, the things of the world or of the flesh are described in Galatians 5:19-21. It is in our nature to do the worldly things described in Galatians 5:19-21 (see Romans 1:29-31 for more worldly attitudes). When we become the adopted sons of God, it is the things of the Spirit that we strive to do, and by the grace of God, we actually do them (at least in some capacity). It is important to understand that because we are still under the curse (recorded in Genesis 3), we fight within ourselves NOT to be slaves to the things of the world, and yet, we fail (see Paul’s comments on this struggle in Romans 7:21-23). With Christ, we are not under the Law for these sins, but if you are a true, faithful doulos of Christ, it should be bothering you if you do them, just like Paul’s lament in Romans 7:24. See Romans 8 for more on on our deliverance and victory in Jesus.(BACK)

3 My Name: It is important to understand that asking anything of the Father in the name of Jesus means within the character and will of God (1 John 5:14). If you are a slave of Jesus (Romans 6:22), you do have the inheritance of Christ (Colossians 3:24), as you are now an adopted son (“son” is a general term, there is no male or female within the spiritual realm, Galatians 3:28) of God (Ephesians 1:5). But it is apparent and logical that both sons and slaves have no power over the Father or Owner of them (John 13:16). After all, it is He who saved us, not the other way around (Titus 3:5). (BACK)

4 This I command you: This commandment was also given way back in Leviticus 19:18. What does it mean to love? Jesus said that there was no greater love than to lay down one’s life for their friends in John 15:13. God loved us so much, He gave His own Son to reconcile sinners to Himself (John 3:16). We can definitely gather that love is sacrificial and unselfish. To understand more about love, see 1 Corinthians 13. Also, see the analysis, All About Love, for explanation on 1 Corinthians 13.(BACK)

5 the world would love its own: See Romans 1:21-32. This portion of Romans sounds very familiar even in today’s world, especially if you really think about what is given general approval in society. None of the ungodly behaviors mentioned in Romans 1:21-31 should be the practice of those claiming to belong to Christ.(BACK)

6 ‘A slave is not greater than his master’: John 15:20. Jesus had mentioned this to the disciples earlier that night in John 13:16, but He had also said something very similar earlier in His ministry, as recorded in Matthew 10:24.(BACK)

7 persecuted Me: The persecution began when Jesus was just a baby, with Herod’s slaughter of all boys under the age of two, as described in Matthew 2:16. We don’t get any reports of persecution until Jesus’s ministry, which He began when He was around 30 years old (Luke 3:23). Throughout His ministry, persecution was from the people in the synagogues (Luke 4:28-30), the religious leaders, (John 8:48, 52, 10:31, 11:47-53) and even people in His own family (John 7:3-5) and supposed friends (John 13:2). The disciples were also probably harassed along side with Him, if you judge by the these comments in John 9:27-28; 11:16; 12:10. The harassment and persecution would get worse for the apostles (as well as any follower of Jesus’s) after Jesus’s resurrection, as told throughout Acts. Here are some specific spots were you can read about the apostles’ persecution and the persecution of other followers as well: Acts 4:1-21; 5:17-44; 6:8-14; 7:54-8:3; 9:1; 11:19; 12:1-6; 16:22-24; 25:1-26:32. For believers today who refuse to back down from what is truth in God’s word, the persecution is mostly kept to name-calling and “canceling”. However, the persecution is expected to increase in time, see Revelation 6:9-11; 20:4.(BACK)

8 now they have no excuse:Their sin is disbelief in Christ. Some actually attributed His miracles to Satan (Matthew 12:22-24; Mark 3:22). Even at the most basic level, no one has any excuse for their disbelief in God, because He has given us enough to know that He exists, see Romans 1:18-20.(BACK)

9 THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE: Jesus is referencing Psalm 35:19 and Psalm 69:4. (BACK)

10 Helper comes: The Helper is the Holy Spirit. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is as follows (this list is not exhaustive): to convict people of their sin and to show them what righteousness means (John 16:8). For those who heed the conviction of their sin, He regenerates us for our justification by Jesus (Titus 3:5-7). He guides believers in all truth (John 16:13). He enables us and causes us to live in obedience to God’s moral laws (Ezekiel 36:27). He gives us our spiritual life (John 6:63; 2 Corinthians 3:6) and dwells within us (1 Corinthians 6:19). He helps us in our weakness, and intercedes on our behalf (Romans 8:26-27). To sum it up, the Holy Spirit, Who investigates all things (even God, see 1 Corinthians 2:10)  is the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, truth and fear of the Lord (Isaiah 11:2; 1 John 5:6). (BACK)

11 outcasts from the synagogue: The synagogue was the place where everyone in a town gathered. Inside the synagogue, the Jews conducted religious teaching as well as the worship of God, but they also conducted public court appearances and other general town assemblies there. Outcasting a person from the synagogue was condemning them to total pariah-hood from daily and normal Jewish life. To read about some recent archaeological excavations that surfaced some ancient synagogues in Israel, click here.(BACK)

12 offering service to God: An example of such an erroneous demonstration can be found in Saul (a.k.a Paul, see Acts 13:9) at the martyring of Stephen and afterwards of other followers of Christ (Acts 7:58-8:3, 9:1-2).  Paul eventually changes his ways (Acts 9:3-30), and does end up on the receiving end of the same persecution that he meted out to others, as pronounced by Jesus in Acts 9:16. We don’t know exactly how Paul died, but many hold to the tradition that he was martyred by Nero after the fire in Rome (a fire that was blamed on Christians). To read about some of the persecution experienced by Paul after his conversion, see Acts 9:20-29; 13:50; 16:19-24. Paul gives us a description of his sufferings for Christ in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. We also know Paul wrote, at the very least, these books from prison: Ephesians (Ephesians 3:1; 4:1; 6:20), Philippians (Philippians 1:7, 13, 14, 17), Colossians (Colossians 4:18), 2 Timothy (2 Timothy 1:8, 16, 2:9),  and Philemon (Philemon 1:1, 9, 13).(BACK)

13 sorrow has filled your heart: The sorrow of the disciples seems to last through the night.  The verses of Matthew 26:43 and Mark 14:40 say that in Gethsemane, the disciples’ eyes were very heavy and they were falling asleep. It is in Luke 22:45 where we learn that the sleepiness is due to sorrow. Their sorrow was caused by many things. Jesus has told  the disciples that He will be leaving and the disciples cannot come with Him (John 13:33, 36). Earlier that night, they were told by Jesus that one of them would be betraying Him. Peter is even told that he will be tested by Satan and due to this testing, Peter will deny his friendship (as well as his discipleship) with Jesus that very night. If that weren’t enough, each and every disciple will “fall away”, deserting Him while He is taken under arrest. See Matthew 26:21, 22, 31-35; Mark 14:18-20, 27-31; Luke 22:21-23, 31-34; John 13:21-22, 37-38; 16:32). The disciples have also been told that they will be hated and persecuted (John 15:18-25), but they’ve been experiencing all sorts of hate and persecution already, see Note 7.  Jesus has been forthcoming about His own feelings at the impending betrayal of Judas (John 13:21) and the grief He feels about the subsequent sacrifice that will follow (Matthew 26:37-39; Mark 14:33-36; Luke 22:41-44). For the disciples, all of these things would certainly lend itself to feeling sorrow throughout the entire evening, even before all of the horrors unfold on the next day.(BACK)

14 Helper: John 16:7. The Greek word used for Helper is paraklétos and it means “Advocate, Counselor, Comforter, Helper”. The word can be used in a general sense or a legal sense. Generally, it means someone who gives support, encouragement, or assistance to another. It even applies to someone who intercedes for another. Legally, it means an advocate. The word paraklétos has the feeling of personal involvement and understanding on the part of the helper.   (BACK)

15 concerning sin: John 16:9. The Greek phrasing of John 16:9 transliterally says “about sin, truly, because/since they not have faith/trust in Me”. The Greek word used for sin is hamartia which means “missing the mark, sin, guilt”.  Sin is the leaving off from God’s ways and choosing to pursue your own ways. The Greek word for truly is men and it means “truly, indeed” and is used as an emphasis for the next clause in the sentence. The Greek word for faith (or trust) is pisteuó and it means “to believe, faith, trust, reliance upon”.  This kind of belief has strong personal connection and persuasion; it isn’t a casual or shallow knowledge. Because of the way this sentence is structured, we can understand that the sin Jesus is speaking about is rejecting God-given faith and trust in Jesus. Rejecting faith in Christ is the sin that equals eternal death (John 3:16). All the other sins will be forgiven, except for the one where the Holy Spirit is blasphemed (Matthew 12:31-32). This is because the Holy Spirit is the Guide of all truth (John 16:13) and the Witness of Christ (Acts 5:32), and blasphemy would be rejection of the truth. All who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit and He is the One that lets you know in that proof-positive way that you belong to God (Romans 8:9, 16; Ephesians 1:13-14). Also see Note 17. (BACK)

16 because: John 16:9. The Greek word for because is hoti and it means “that, since, for, because”. It might be more clear for some readers to insert “since” instead of  “because” when reading John 16:9-11. (BACK)

17 believe Me: Not having that trust and faith in Christ is the one sin that cannot be forgiven (see Note 15). If one chooses to keep to the side of sin, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin in Christ (Hebrews 10:26-27). This is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. His testimony regarding Jesus and regarding sin is irrefutable (see Matthew 16:15-17 and then see 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 which cites it is through the Spirit that God imparts wisdom and knowledge of Him). However, you have to be empowered by God to repent and have this faith in the Holy Spirit’s testimony (John 6:44; Acts 11:18; Ephesians 2:8-9; 2 Timothy 2:25). (BACK)

18 concerning righteousness: John 16:10. The Greek word for righteousness is dikaiosuné and it means “just/justified or right”. A believer’s “rightness” is not their own righteousness that they have conjured up themselves or earned in any way. A saved person’s  righteousness has been granted to them through Jesus (Romans 3:21-28).(BACK)

19 ruler of this world: The ruler of this world is Satan (1 John 5:19). Satan means “adversary”. Here are some basic things we know about the devil: we know there is a battle in heaven, (Revelation 12:7-9). We know that by the beginning of the human race, Satan was on earth, because he was mobile in the body of a serpent, spreading lies with murderous intent (Genesis 3:1-5; John 8:44). We know that on at least two occasions, when holy angels presented themselves to God, he showed up as well (Job 1:6, 2:1). We know he is always looking for someone to destroy (1 Peter 5:8) and using his minions of humans, he will try to destroy those who belong to God, even though that cannot happen (Matthew 24:24; Romans 8:29-39). Still, he doesn’t mind trying, and will even pretend to be a believer and give all the outward appearances of one (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). We also know his destruction is imminent (Revelation 20:10). In order to stand against all of Satan’s temptations and deception, we have two defenses: we are to submit to God, standing firm in our faith and resist Satan (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:9) and we are to stand in the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:11-17).(BACK)

20 All things that the Father has are Mine: Jesus mentions in Matthew 11:27 that God has handed all things over to Him. This is probably because all things were created through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16).(BACK)

21 You will no longer see Me…see Me: Of course, the disciples did not see Jesus while He was in the grave. After Jesus’s resurrection, He appeared to them and talked with them for 40 days. See Acts 1:3.(BACK)

 

 

The Last Supper: Part One

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Scripture Used to Create “The Last Supper” Splice Series

Matthew 26:17-36 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Matthew 26:17)

Mark 14:12-32 (Greek Text Analysis starting with Mark 14:12)

Luke 22:7-39(Greek Text Analysis starting with Luke 22:7)

John 13:1-18:1 (Greek Text Analysis starting with John 13:1)

 

1 Corinthians 5:7
Get rid of the old yeast, so that you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.

 

THE SPLICE

Now before the 1 Feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour had come that He would depart out of this world to the Father, 2 having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end.

Then came the first day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. 3 On the first day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover lamb was being sacrificed, Jesus was sending Peter and John out to prepare for the Passover,  and He said to them, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, so that we may eat it.” Peter and John said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare for You to eat the Passover?”  Jesus said to them, 4 “Go into Jerusalem and when you have entered the city, a certain man will meet you and 5 he will be carrying a pitcher of water; follow him into the house that he enters, and say to the owner of the house ‘The Teacher says, “My time is near; I am to keep the Passover at your house with My disciples. Where is My guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ And the owner of the house himself will show you a 6 large upper room that is furnished and ready; prepare the Passover for us there.” Peter and John did as Jesus had directed them; they left Jesus and went into the city and found everything just as He had told them; and they prepared the Passover. When it was evening, Jesus went to the upper room with the twelve. When the supper hour had come, 7 He reclined at the table, and with Him, the twelve disciples/the apostles. And He said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I 8 suffer; for I say to you, I shall never again eat it 9 until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He said, “Take this and share it among yourselves; for I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine from now on until the kingdom of God comes , until the day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” During supper, 10 the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Him. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given 11 all things into His hands, and that He had come forth from God and was going back to God, He got up from supper, and laid aside 12 His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to 13 wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. Then He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not realize now, but you will understand hereafter.” Peter said to Him, 14“Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash 15 my feet, but also my hands and my head.” Jesus said to him, “16 He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean; and you are clean, but not all of you.” For He knew the one who was betraying Him; for this reason He said, “17 Not all of you are clean.” When He had washed their feet, and taken His garments and reclined at the table again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, 18 you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you. 19 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them. I do not speak of all of you . I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 20 ‘HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME.’ From now on I am telling you before it comes to pass, so that when it does occur, you may believe that I am He. Truly, truly, I say to you, 21 he who receives whomever I send receives Me; and 22 he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” After Jesus had said this and while they all were reclining at the table and eating, Jesus became troubled in spirit, and testified and said,  “Truly, truly I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with Me.” The disciples began looking at one another, at a loss to know of which one He was speaking. There was reclining on Jesus’ bosom 23 one of His disciples whom Jesus loved. So Simon Peter gestured to him, and said to him, “Tell us who it is of whom He is speaking.”  He leaning back thus on Jesus’ bosom, said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” Jesus then answered, “That is the one for whom I shall dip the morsel and give it to him.” Being 24 deeply grieved, they each one began to say to Him, “Surely not I, Lord?” And He answered, “It is one of the twelve; 25 he who dipped and dips his hand with Me in the bowl is the one who will betray Me. For the Son of Man is to go 26 just as it is written of Him, as it has been determined; but 27 woe to the man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man 28 if he had not been born.” 29 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “ You have said it yourself.”

 

Want to continue reading? To read the Splice “The Last Supper: Part Two”  click here.

 

“Picked for a Charoset”

 

NOTES

 

1  Feast of the Passover: To read about the history of The Feast of the Passover and about the Passover Lamb, see Exodus 12:1-20, 42-50, 23:15; Leviticus 23:5-7; Numbers 9:1-14, 28:16-25; Deuteronomy 16:1-8 and Ezekiel 45:21. (Back)

2 having loved His own: From John 13:1. The Greek word used for loved in this verse is agapaó and it means “to love”. Agapé love is unconditional, made by choice and on purpose. God’s love for His elect begins before the person has even been given the gift of faith to believe (see Romans 5:8; 1 John 4:19). This love cannot be separated from those whom God has chosen as His own (Romans 8:38-39). Contrary to the teachings of some sects, the Bible says you cannot lose your salvation nor God’s love. Jesus’s sacrifice was sufficient and complete (Hebrews 10:10). (Back)

3 On the first day of Unleavened Bread: The first day of Unleavened Bread is a part of the seven days of Passover. From the 14th of Abib/Nisan (the first day of Passover and when the Passover lambs are sacrificed) until the 21st, no leaven is eaten. On the 15th is the Feast of Unleavened Bread. See Note 1.  (Back)

4  Go into Jerusalem: This event is included to show us the divinity of Christ. It is possible that the water-man or the owner of the house believed that Christ is the Messiah or heard Him teach on an occasion or two, but the Bible does not mention these possibilities, nor does it mention that Jesus, Peter, John, or any of the disciples had physically met these people before. See Matthew 26:17-19; Mark 14:12-16; Luke 22:7-13. (Back)

5 he will be carrying a pitcher of water: People had to fetch their water every day, drawing it from wells or springs, and carrying it home in jars. To read some articles on the water supply of ancient Israel, click here and here. (Back)

6 large upper room: Was this the same upper room that the disciples were meeting in later on in Acts 1:13?  It is very possible; they would have needed a very large room, because by that time there were about 120 people gathering in it (Acts 1:12-15).(Back)

7 He reclined at the table: In ancient Rome and Israel, it was customary for people to lay down while eating. They leaned on their side, with their feet away from the table. To read about this ancient practice, click here. (Back)

8 Suffer:  Crucifixion was the worst way to die in ancient Rome. You can read about Jesus’s crucifixion in Matthew 27:26-56; Mark 15:15-39; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-30. To read the Splice on the crucifixion, click here.  (Back)

9 until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God: It is possible that Jesus is referring to the marriage supper of the Lamb (see Revelation 19:9). Since the Bible is not clear on the meaning, this is a guess. (Back)

10 the devil had already put into the heart: The devil can tempt anyone to do anything, but people always have the choice to resist, and to rely on the power of God (James 4:7-8). There are always lots of little steps that lead up to the committing of sin. At any of those steps, we can turn to God and ask for help to endure the temptation, and flee from it. See 1 Corinthians 10:13. (Back)

11 all things into His hands: With the understanding of John 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:27,  Colossians 1:15-20 and Hebrews 1:2-4 see these verses: Matthew 11:27, 28:18; Luke 10:22; John 3:35, 16:15; Ephesians 1:22. We might ask why it is this way. The only answer available to us to consider is that the Father loves the Son (John 3:35) and because of  Revelation 5:9-10. I’m sure the full answer is vast and wide and beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). (Back)

12  His garments:  The Greek word used for garments in John 13:4 is himation which is an outer cloak or robe; the word is in the plural for this verse, so probably both a cloak and a robe. These are probably the outer clothes that the guards will divide up between the four of them (John 19:23) approximately 12-15 hours later. People did not own multiple cloaks or robes back then unless they were wealthy. See Mark 15:24, Luke 23:34 and John 19:23-24 for the account of the guards dividing up Jesus’s outer clothes and casting lots for Jesus’s tunic. (Back)

13 wash the disciples’ feet: Washing feet was a servant’s job, if you had one. To read about this custom in ancient Israel, click here and here. (Back)

14  Never shall You wash my feet!: Some believe this statement of Peter’s was an example of Peter’s pride. I don’t believe this to be true, because then Peter wouldn’t have been so quick to say, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head” in John 13:9. I believe the reason why Peter says “Never shall You wash my feet!” is because he was shocked at Jesus’s positioning as a lowly slave, washing feet. Knowing that Jesus was the Messiah, (see Matthew 16:16 and Mark 8:29), Peter was finding feet-washing an unfathomable position for Jesus and he didn’t understand yet that it was an object lesson. Jesus explains to him that he will understand it eventually. See John 13:4-10. (Back)

15 not only my feet, but also my hands and my head. In my opinion, Peter says Feet, Hands and Head because: Feet carry us to where we go (whether walking towards good or towards bad, metaphorically or physically), Hands are the tools we use to do work (whether good or bad, whether metaphorically or physically), and in the Head is where we first decide whether or not to sin, whether to do the Lord’s work or our own. (Back)

16 He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean:  Here, Jesus is saying that once you are saved (clean) you don’t need to be saved again. Allegorically, He is saying that this washing of the feet is the continued work that He performs in our lives, and the intercession that He makes on our behalf (Romans 8:30, 33, 34; Hebrews 7:25). (Back)

17 Not all of you are clean: Lookin’ at you, Judas Iscariot! Matthew 10:4, Luke 6:16; John 6:64, 70-71; Acts 1:16-17. (Back)

18 you also ought to wash one another’s feet: The idea of being a servant or a slave in God’s kingdom is an honored and elevated position, quite contrary to our nature as human beings and how the world views (and uses) slavery and servitude. See Matthew 20:20-28; 23:11. (Back)

19 Truly, truly, I say to you, a slave is not greater than his master: The Greek word used for truly is amén and it means “verily, truly”. It is used to emphatically mark the sentence as truth. It is used twice in a row in John 13:16. (Back)

20  HE WHO EATS MY BREAD HAS LIFTED UP HIS HEEL AGAINST ME: Jesus is quoting from Psalm 41:9. (Back)

21 he who receives whomever I send receives Me: Jesus teaches this lesson vividly in Matthew 25:31-46. (Back)

22 he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me: See John 1:1, 14:6-11. (Back)

23 one of His disciples: John, writer of the gospel of John, 1st, 2nd and 3rd epistles of John and Revelation. John recalls this as a memory in John 21:20. (Back)

24  deeply grieved: The Greek text says “grieved exceedingly”. The Greek word used for grieved in Matthew 26:22 is lupeó and this kind of grief means “to experience an intense, deep grief, or an overwhelming sorrow”. Jesus was called “a man of sorrows” in Isaiah 53:3. See Isaiah 53 for an almost poetical description on the sufferings and sorrows of the Messiah.  (Back)

25 he who dipped and dips: It is important to understand that at the Passover meal, Jesus would be residing over it and would have given pieces of food to everyone there and everyone would have been dipping in the bowl with Him. (Back)

26 just as it is written of Him: See Isaiah 53. (Back)

27 woe to the man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed: This would be Judas Iscariot. At least one of Judas’s duties was steward of the coffers (John 12:6, 13:29) for Jesus’s ministry. He, like so many others when given the opportunity, was stealing from the funds (John 12:4-6). Some of that money was from private donations from women (Luke 8:3), a group of people that were disregarded and marginalized by society, so it makes the crime even more distasteful, if that’s possible. He arranged with some of the Sanhedrin to betray Jesus, for a price of 30 pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16; Mark 14:10-11; Luke 22:1-6). When he realized his sin, he went out and tried to give the money back to the priests. Then he hanged himself and in the process, his body fell headlong and burst open on the ground (Matthew 27:3-10; Acts 1:16-20) . The love of money is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:9-10). (Back)

28 if he had not been born.: There are worse things than not being born. Being born and then dying into eternal damnation is far worse than not being born at all. Hell is eternal separation from God, eternal pain and suffering, eternal shame and darkness. See Isaiah 66:24; Daniel 12:2; Mark 9:47-48; Luke 16:19-31; 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9; Jude 1:13; Revelation 14:11, 20:10-15. (Back)

29 And Judas, who was betraying Him, said, “Surely it is not I, Rabbi?” Jesus said to him, “ You have said it yourself.”:  John 13:21-30 says that Jesus explains who the betrayer will be, and it also explains that no one recognizes that the betrayer is Judas. They don’t even recognize it when in Matthew 26:25, Jesus outright and out loud says, Yes, it’s you, Judas (I’m paraphrasing here). Why? There were several times where the Bible records that the disciples were kept from recognizing truth for God’s purposes. For an example, see John 20:9. It is possible that the other 11 disciples were too wrapped up in their own grief in hearing that one of them was to betray Jesus to pay any attention to what Jesus was saying to Judas, or it was kept from their sight because they might have tried to stop Judas. Peter was fairly quick with that sword in John 18:10, after all. It was for God’s purpose that Judas be the betrayer and actually go through with betraying Jesus. (Back)