01/04/09: Revelation
Ted: Revelation is the most important prophetic book in the New Testament of the Bible. The full and correct name of the book are the first five words in chapter 1, verse 1: "The Revelation of Jesus Christ." It truly is amazing how passages in Revelation "dovetail" perfectly with passages in other books of the Bible, such as Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Matthew.
The writer of Revelation was John, the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23, 20:2, 21:7,20). This is not to say that Jesus actually loved John more than the rest but, rather, that John was in special favor with Jesus. Thus, it was not surprising that Jesus would give special revelations about the end of the age to John.
About as many commentaries have been written about the Book of Revelation as there are grains of sand on the seashore. Some of them are absolutely useless; others contain valuable information. One thing is certain: A commentary on Revelation is more likely to be virtually useless if the proper chronology of the book is not understood.
As a guideline, my Brief Chronology of Revelation can be read. For more detailed information, my three-part Chronology of Revelation can be studied. I wrote the latter after almost two decades of in-depth study of the Bible and of Revelation.
The writer of Revelation was John, the "disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23, 20:2, 21:7,20). This is not to say that Jesus actually loved John more than the rest but, rather, that John was in special favor with Jesus. Thus, it was not surprising that Jesus would give special revelations about the end of the age to John.
About as many commentaries have been written about the Book of Revelation as there are grains of sand on the seashore. Some of them are absolutely useless; others contain valuable information. One thing is certain: A commentary on Revelation is more likely to be virtually useless if the proper chronology of the book is not understood.
As a guideline, my Brief Chronology of Revelation can be read. For more detailed information, my three-part Chronology of Revelation can be studied. I wrote the latter after almost two decades of in-depth study of the Bible and of Revelation.
12/12/08: Ephesians 6
Ted:
In this world, we have conflicts with other people and things in the natural. But our greater battle is against the supernatural: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18). To see explanations of the "weapons" with which we do battle against the invisible realm, see Armor, Spirit, and Angelic Assistance in my online book.
In this world, we have conflicts with other people and things in the natural. But our greater battle is against the supernatural: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:10-18). To see explanations of the "weapons" with which we do battle against the invisible realm, see Armor, Spirit, and Angelic Assistance in my online book.
12/12/08: 1 Peter 1-2
Examples of both predestination and free will can be found in 1 Peter 1 & 2. For instance, "To God's elect...who have been chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father..." (1 Peter 1:1,2). The elect have been chosen--that is, predestined--by God for salvation. Even Jesus Himself was chosen: "He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake" (1 Peter 1:20). Thus, it was predestined, by God the Father, for Jesus to come into the world. Furthermore, before the creation of the world, it also was predestined for Jesus to be slain (crucified): "All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world" (Revelation 13:8).
Interestingly, this last verse also includes a reference to the predestination and the free will (choice) of the lost, whose names have not been written in the book of life. Not only is it predestined for them to be lost, but they will choose to be lost by worshipping the beast (Antichrist). We know that these individuals will be lost forever, because "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
Other examples of both predestination and free choice, at the same time, are shown here: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15,16), and "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (2:21). In the first case, God called certain individuals to be holy, and conversely they will desire to be holy in the things that they do. In the second case, many have been called by God (to suffer for doing good--2:20); likewise, they have decided to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who suffered for them.
Another example of both predestination and free choice, within the same verse, is here: "'A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for" (1 Peter 2:8). For these unbelievers, it was destined for them to stumble; concurrently, they will choose to disobey the message, causing them to stumble. Thus, they will be lost. There is a one-to-one correspondence; neither predestination nor free choice can be present without the other.
Interestingly, this last verse also includes a reference to the predestination and the free will (choice) of the lost, whose names have not been written in the book of life. Not only is it predestined for them to be lost, but they will choose to be lost by worshipping the beast (Antichrist). We know that these individuals will be lost forever, because "If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:15).
Other examples of both predestination and free choice, at the same time, are shown here: "But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy'" (1 Peter 1:15,16), and "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (2:21). In the first case, God called certain individuals to be holy, and conversely they will desire to be holy in the things that they do. In the second case, many have been called by God (to suffer for doing good--2:20); likewise, they have decided to follow in the footsteps of Christ, who suffered for them.
Another example of both predestination and free choice, within the same verse, is here: "'A stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.' They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for" (1 Peter 2:8). For these unbelievers, it was destined for them to stumble; concurrently, they will choose to disobey the message, causing them to stumble. Thus, they will be lost. There is a one-to-one correspondence; neither predestination nor free choice can be present without the other.
12/12/08: Hebrews 11
Ted:
Speaking of Abraham, the writer of Hebrews (probably Paul) stated that he "was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). This was a reference to "the Holy City, the new Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:2), which will have twelve foundations (21:14). I believe that this city will be part of the new Creation to come--see old and new Creations.
Speaking of Abraham, the writer of Hebrews (probably Paul) stated that he "was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God" (Hebrews 11:10). This was a reference to "the Holy City, the new Jerusalem" (Revelation 21:2), which will have twelve foundations (21:14). I believe that this city will be part of the new Creation to come--see old and new Creations.
12/12/08: Romans 16
There are a few verses in the New Testament that show the Trinity, all in a single verse. Here is one of them: "I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me" (Romans 15:30). Here we see references to Jesus (the Son), to the (Holy) Spirit, and to God (the Father), all in one verse.
11/25/08: Romans 5-8
A claim made by "young-earth" creationists is that no death nor decay, of any kind, existed prior to Eve and Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6). They insist, therefore, that human disobedience and rebelliousness toward God ruined all of God's "perfect" Creation. Here is the "logic":
• The basic idea is that death for everything in Creation began with Eve and Adam's sin, prior to which nothing had died yet.
• To minimize the chances of death prior to the original sin of Eve and Adam, the "days" of creation must have been literal, 24-hour days, thus minimizing the chance of death of any type occurring prior to "day" six. (On the other hand, if the universe and earth happen to be billions of years old, and if the "days" of creation actually are lengthy eras of time, then that would seem to enhance the chances of something, somewhere dying prior to creation "day" six.)
• No death prior to creation "day" six would go hand-in-hand with the notion that the universe and earth, originally, were perfect. (I disagree with the basic premise that this Creation originally was "perfect"--see "very good" vs. "perfect" and an imperfect Creation.)
• Thus, Eve and Adam's original sin instantly changed God's perfect Creation into an imperfect one, in which death reigned for all living things.
There are biblical passages to which "young-earth" creationists point, in an attempt to "prove" that death entered all of Creation via the original sin of Eve and Adam. Three of these verses are Romans 5:12, Romans 8:22, and 1 Corinthians 15:21,22. Here is a discussion of the first one:
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned..." (Romans 5:12). This verse, though, speaks of Adam's original sin and how, through that sin, sin entered the world of mankind. As a result, all men have sinned.
Moreover, "Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men" (Romans 5:18). Again, all men are condemned due to the trespass of Adam. Furthermore, all men are capable of being justified by the righteous act of one man--Jesus' death on the cross. Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a), and because all men have sinned, then death is the penalty mankind must pay, due to sin. In no way does this imply that death came to the animal or plant kingdoms because of sin.
The wages of each person's sin is the death of that person. Animals and plants cannot sin; they are incapable of disobedience and rebellion against God, and God does not hold them personally responsible for their actions. Animals and plants lived and died on the earth to help prepare the earth for the onset of mankind (beginning with Adam and Eve) into the world, on the sixth "day" of creation.
Of all of God's creatures, Adam and Eve were the only ones who had the opportunity to escape death. They alone were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26a,27a) and were given the capacity to live forever, had they chosen not to sin.
Whether this present creation is young or old (I believe very old--see my commentary, The Creation), it has been subjected to frustration (by God Himself). Yet, one day it will be liberated by the children of God, whose bodies will be redeemed and glorified (at the Rapture): "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:19-23). At that time, glorified believers will rule and reign with Christ over all of Creation.
• The basic idea is that death for everything in Creation began with Eve and Adam's sin, prior to which nothing had died yet.
• To minimize the chances of death prior to the original sin of Eve and Adam, the "days" of creation must have been literal, 24-hour days, thus minimizing the chance of death of any type occurring prior to "day" six. (On the other hand, if the universe and earth happen to be billions of years old, and if the "days" of creation actually are lengthy eras of time, then that would seem to enhance the chances of something, somewhere dying prior to creation "day" six.)
• No death prior to creation "day" six would go hand-in-hand with the notion that the universe and earth, originally, were perfect. (I disagree with the basic premise that this Creation originally was "perfect"--see "very good" vs. "perfect" and an imperfect Creation.)
• Thus, Eve and Adam's original sin instantly changed God's perfect Creation into an imperfect one, in which death reigned for all living things.
There are biblical passages to which "young-earth" creationists point, in an attempt to "prove" that death entered all of Creation via the original sin of Eve and Adam. Three of these verses are Romans 5:12, Romans 8:22, and 1 Corinthians 15:21,22. Here is a discussion of the first one:
"Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned..." (Romans 5:12). This verse, though, speaks of Adam's original sin and how, through that sin, sin entered the world of mankind. As a result, all men have sinned.
Moreover, "Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men" (Romans 5:18). Again, all men are condemned due to the trespass of Adam. Furthermore, all men are capable of being justified by the righteous act of one man--Jesus' death on the cross. Because the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23a), and because all men have sinned, then death is the penalty mankind must pay, due to sin. In no way does this imply that death came to the animal or plant kingdoms because of sin.
The wages of each person's sin is the death of that person. Animals and plants cannot sin; they are incapable of disobedience and rebellion against God, and God does not hold them personally responsible for their actions. Animals and plants lived and died on the earth to help prepare the earth for the onset of mankind (beginning with Adam and Eve) into the world, on the sixth "day" of creation.
Of all of God's creatures, Adam and Eve were the only ones who had the opportunity to escape death. They alone were made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26a,27a) and were given the capacity to live forever, had they chosen not to sin.
Whether this present creation is young or old (I believe very old--see my commentary, The Creation), it has been subjected to frustration (by God Himself). Yet, one day it will be liberated by the children of God, whose bodies will be redeemed and glorified (at the Rapture): "The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Romans 8:19-23). At that time, glorified believers will rule and reign with Christ over all of Creation.
11/23/08: 2 Corinthians 5
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life" (2 Corinthians 1-4). Our present bodies are like simple, perishable, destructible "tents"; however, our "heavenly dwellings" correspond to what Jesus previously said: "In my Father's house are many rooms [or mansions]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:2,3).
Many people envision these "rooms" or "mansions" or "places" that Jesus is preparing for us as elaborate buildings in heaven, just as we live in houses here on earth. I disagree. I believe that Paul and Jesus were referring to our glorified bodies, which we will receive at the Rapture, when Jesus appears again in the clouds and takes us to be with Him. "For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:53). We will dwell in that "clothing" forever.
Even the ancient prophet Isaiah associated the entering of our "rooms" with the resurrection. While in those "rooms," we will avoid the wrath of God which will come upon the rest of the world: "But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. See, the LORD is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed upon her; she will conceal her slain no longer" (Isaiah 26:19-21).
Many people envision these "rooms" or "mansions" or "places" that Jesus is preparing for us as elaborate buildings in heaven, just as we live in houses here on earth. I disagree. I believe that Paul and Jesus were referring to our glorified bodies, which we will receive at the Rapture, when Jesus appears again in the clouds and takes us to be with Him. "For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality" (1 Corinthians 15:53). We will dwell in that "clothing" forever.
Even the ancient prophet Isaiah associated the entering of our "rooms" with the resurrection. While in those "rooms," we will avoid the wrath of God which will come upon the rest of the world: "But your dead will live; their bodies will rise. You who dwell in the dust, wake up and shout for joy. Your dew is like the dew of the morning; the earth will give birth to her dead. Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by. See, the LORD is coming out of his dwelling to punish the people of the earth for their sins. The earth will disclose the blood shed upon her; she will conceal her slain no longer" (Isaiah 26:19-21).
11/23/08: 2 Corinthians 3
"For what was glorious has no glory now in comparison with the surpassing glory. And if what was fading away came with glory, how much greater is the glory of that which lasts!" (2 Corinthians 3:10,11). Previous to this, Paul had been talking about the law, written on stone, given by God to Moses (3:7). At the time, it was glorious, because without the law, people would not have been aware of all of their sins. And without an awareness that one is sinning, there would be no awareness of the need to be saved from sin, and all would be lost.
Once Jesus came and sacrificed Himself for sinners, He surpassed or supplanted the glory of the law. The law initially was kept by the Israelites, and any transgressions of the law were atoned for by the blood sacrifices of animals. It was glorious not only that God gave the Israelites the law, but also that He provided a means by which atonement could be made for breaking the law. With time, though, that glory faded, because Israel continued to sink deeper into sin. Eventually, even the atonement rituals for sin were ceased, so all of that glory faded away.
But once Jesus came,--the perfect "Lamb" who was the ultimate sacrifice for sin (1 Corinthians 5:7)--then the original glory and intent of the law was restored. He also brought the promise to all who believe in Him that they will be glorified (changed into a perfect form) at the resurrection. Furthermore, not one bit of the law will change, throughout Jesus' glorious reign during the Millennium, until heaven and earth disappear (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17; Revelation 20:), and a new heaven and earth appear (Revelation 21:1,5).
Once Jesus came and sacrificed Himself for sinners, He surpassed or supplanted the glory of the law. The law initially was kept by the Israelites, and any transgressions of the law were atoned for by the blood sacrifices of animals. It was glorious not only that God gave the Israelites the law, but also that He provided a means by which atonement could be made for breaking the law. With time, though, that glory faded, because Israel continued to sink deeper into sin. Eventually, even the atonement rituals for sin were ceased, so all of that glory faded away.
But once Jesus came,--the perfect "Lamb" who was the ultimate sacrifice for sin (1 Corinthians 5:7)--then the original glory and intent of the law was restored. He also brought the promise to all who believe in Him that they will be glorified (changed into a perfect form) at the resurrection. Furthermore, not one bit of the law will change, throughout Jesus' glorious reign during the Millennium, until heaven and earth disappear (Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17; Revelation 20:), and a new heaven and earth appear (Revelation 21:1,5).
11/23/08: 1 Corinthians 15
"Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death" (1 Corinthians 15:24-26). This is referring to the end of all things as we know them (i.e., this universe), which will take place at the end of the Millennium. It is not until then that death will be destroyed by being thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14).
After this, a brand new Creation ("a new heaven and a new earth"--Revelation 21:1,5) will come into existence, and it will last for eternity. See old and new Creations.
One of the main passages in the Bible, describing the resurrection and the Rapture of believers, is 1 Corinthians 15:50-55.
After this, a brand new Creation ("a new heaven and a new earth"--Revelation 21:1,5) will come into existence, and it will last for eternity. See old and new Creations.
One of the main passages in the Bible, describing the resurrection and the Rapture of believers, is 1 Corinthians 15:50-55.
11/06/08: Acts 14
Many believe it was when Paul was stoned, and left for dead (Acts 14:19), that he had his vision of the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-7). In the latter, he spoke of himself in the third person. He himself was the man who was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things (12:4).
11/04/08: Acts 7
Acts 7:2-53 is an excellent summary, by Stephen, of the history of the Israelites from Abraham to Jesus (the Righteous One). At the stoning of Stephen, Saul was present (7:58).
Saul's name later was changed to Paul, when he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and a radical conversion to Christianity (Acts 9:3-19). This same Paul, originally a fervent hater and persecutor of Christians, later wrote most of the New Testament.
Saul's name later was changed to Paul, when he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and a radical conversion to Christianity (Acts 9:3-19). This same Paul, originally a fervent hater and persecutor of Christians, later wrote most of the New Testament.
11/04/08: Acts 2
The day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1) occurred on the fiftieth ("pente") day following the resurrection of Jesus from the dead (on the Feast of Firstfruits--Leviticus 23:9-14). Pentecost corresponds to the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Leviticus 23:15-22), also known as Shavuot. Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, fulfilled this Jewish Feast by coming onto many people in power, filling them, and causing them to speak with other tongues and languages (Acts 2:2-4).
11/01/08: John 19
Jesus was crucified on the day of Preparation of Passover week (John 19:14,31). This was the day that the Passover lambs throughout Israel were slaughtered (Exodus 12:6). Jesus had to die on Passover, because He was the world's Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7)--something that had been predetermined, by God, from the creation of the world (Revelation 13:8).
Tradition dictates that Jesus was crucified on a Friday: Good Friday. I disagree; I believe that it was in the middle of the afternoon on Thursday, a few hours before sunset, at which time Friday began (since a Jewish 24-hour day begins at sunset). To read why I believe this, see Good Thursday.
Tradition dictates that Jesus was crucified on a Friday: Good Friday. I disagree; I believe that it was in the middle of the afternoon on Thursday, a few hours before sunset, at which time Friday began (since a Jewish 24-hour day begins at sunset). To read why I believe this, see Good Thursday.
11/01/08: John 14
Jesus spoke about "many rooms" in His Father's house that He would prepare for those who believed in Him (John 14:2). Most Bible versions say "mansions" instead of "rooms." Many believe this refers to big rooms or mansions in heaven that Jesus has constructed for all believers, where they will live after Jesus returns in the clouds (at the Rapture) and takes them away to be with Him there. I have a different view. Read Are the "mansions" Jesus is preparing for us actual buildings in which we will dwell while in heaven? to see more.
11/01/08: John 11-13
"Jesus wept" (John 11:35) is the shortest verse in the entire Bible.
There was one disciple that Jesus favored above all the rest. He was referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23--see also 19:26, 20:2, 21:7,20). This disciple is the one "who testifies to these things and who wrote them down" (21:24)--that is, John.
Interestingly, it was John under whose care Jesus put His mother while He was on the cross (John 19:26,27). Decades later, it also was John to whom Jesus appeared, when John was a very old man, and revealed the future time of the end, as written in the Book of Revelation. Also, John was one of three who were eyewitnesses to Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:1,2). Furthermore, John described whom Jesus actually was and is, in much greater detail, in his Gospel book than did any of the other Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
I have read varying commentaries trying to explain why Jesus would have "loved" John more than all the rest of His disciples. There are various types of "love" mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. I see the "love" that Jesus had for John simply as a special affinity toward Him, perhaps because John had the most faith in whom Jesus was: the Son of God and the Messiah/Savior of the world. I believe history shows that all of Jesus' disciples died untimely and unpleasant deaths except for John, who most likely died of simple old age.
There was one disciple that Jesus favored above all the rest. He was referred to as "the disciple whom Jesus loved" (John 13:23--see also 19:26, 20:2, 21:7,20). This disciple is the one "who testifies to these things and who wrote them down" (21:24)--that is, John.
Interestingly, it was John under whose care Jesus put His mother while He was on the cross (John 19:26,27). Decades later, it also was John to whom Jesus appeared, when John was a very old man, and revealed the future time of the end, as written in the Book of Revelation. Also, John was one of three who were eyewitnesses to Jesus' transfiguration (Matthew 17:1,2). Furthermore, John described whom Jesus actually was and is, in much greater detail, in his Gospel book than did any of the other Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, and Luke).
I have read varying commentaries trying to explain why Jesus would have "loved" John more than all the rest of His disciples. There are various types of "love" mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible. I see the "love" that Jesus had for John simply as a special affinity toward Him, perhaps because John had the most faith in whom Jesus was: the Son of God and the Messiah/Savior of the world. I believe history shows that all of Jesus' disciples died untimely and unpleasant deaths except for John, who most likely died of simple old age.
10/29/08: John 8-9
Ted: Jesus claimed, in several places, "I am" (John 8:24,28,58), which was a claim to be God (the name God used for Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14). When He explained to the Jews that "before Abraham was, I am!" they picked up stones to stone Him (John 8:58,59), because they understood that this was a claim by Him to be God, and they felt that He was guilty of blasphemy, the penalty of which was being stoned.
Just before Jesus healed a man blind from birth, His disciples asked Him if the man had been born blind because the man had sinned or because his parents had sinned (John 9:1,2). Jesus indicated that neither of these was the reason, but rather so that God's work (i.e., the man's miraculous healing) could be displayed (9:3). Because of this, many have assumed that sin, of any type, never is a factor in anyone's being born with a physical disability or ailment. Some even go so far as to insist that nothing bad that happens to any of us is ever a result of sin.
I disagree with all of that. Jesus, very specifically, answered questions addressed to Him. For this particular man, to whom Jesus was going to give sight that he'd never had before, sin evidently was not a reason why he was born blind. However, we cannot automatically assume that sin never is involved in anyone's infirmities, ill-health, or bad things that happen to them/us. In fact, the Bible is full of examples of bad things that happened to people because they sinned, which probably is what prompted the disciples to ask Jesus what they did in the first place, about the blind man.
Just before Jesus healed a man blind from birth, His disciples asked Him if the man had been born blind because the man had sinned or because his parents had sinned (John 9:1,2). Jesus indicated that neither of these was the reason, but rather so that God's work (i.e., the man's miraculous healing) could be displayed (9:3). Because of this, many have assumed that sin, of any type, never is a factor in anyone's being born with a physical disability or ailment. Some even go so far as to insist that nothing bad that happens to any of us is ever a result of sin.
I disagree with all of that. Jesus, very specifically, answered questions addressed to Him. For this particular man, to whom Jesus was going to give sight that he'd never had before, sin evidently was not a reason why he was born blind. However, we cannot automatically assume that sin never is involved in anyone's infirmities, ill-health, or bad things that happen to them/us. In fact, the Bible is full of examples of bad things that happened to people because they sinned, which probably is what prompted the disciples to ask Jesus what they did in the first place, about the blind man.
10/26/08: John 1
Ted: Jesus, the Word of God, was with God (the Father) at the beginning (John 1:1,2) of the universe and of time. All things were made through Jesus (1:3), which means He is co-Creator with God the Father. He is part of the Trinity of God.
Jesus came to His own (the Jews), but they did not recognize Him (John 1:10); that is, they (most of them) did not understand that He was the prophesied Messiah. This is because, from ancient times, their eyes and ears were closed to the truth (Isaiah 6:10).
Jesus came to His own (the Jews), but they did not recognize Him (John 1:10); that is, they (most of them) did not understand that He was the prophesied Messiah. This is because, from ancient times, their eyes and ears were closed to the truth (Isaiah 6:10).
10/13/08: Mark 3
Ted: The religious Jews of the day (Pharisees and Sadducees) wanted to kill Jesus (as in Mark 3:6). There were several reasons for this:
1) Their concept of the Messiah was NOT someone coming as humble, meek, and mild. They felt that the Messiah would come in great power and immediately take over, destroying Israel's enemies and bringing the Israelites into the new kingdom of God.
2) Jesus exposed them for the hypocrites that they were. They told the people what to do, interpreting the laws as they conveniently perceived them to be, yet did not follow many of the laws themselves. They felt that they were "above" the law and resented being told that they were not.
3) They did not like the people's attention taken away from them and focused on Jesus. They were jealous of this, and they were envious of the miraculous powers that He had but which they did not have.
4) They knew that if, indeed, Jesus WERE the true Messiah, He probably would be taking over soon, and their status would be diminished, if not totally vanquished. They were not willing to take second place to anybody, including God.
1) Their concept of the Messiah was NOT someone coming as humble, meek, and mild. They felt that the Messiah would come in great power and immediately take over, destroying Israel's enemies and bringing the Israelites into the new kingdom of God.
2) Jesus exposed them for the hypocrites that they were. They told the people what to do, interpreting the laws as they conveniently perceived them to be, yet did not follow many of the laws themselves. They felt that they were "above" the law and resented being told that they were not.
3) They did not like the people's attention taken away from them and focused on Jesus. They were jealous of this, and they were envious of the miraculous powers that He had but which they did not have.
4) They knew that if, indeed, Jesus WERE the true Messiah, He probably would be taking over soon, and their status would be diminished, if not totally vanquished. They were not willing to take second place to anybody, including God.
10/12/08: Matthew 27
Ted: Jesus was flogged, had a crown of thorns placed on His head, was beaten, and then had His hands and feet pierced in crucifixion (Matthew 27:26,29-31). Compare all of this with Isaiah's prophecies centuries before these things took place (Isaiah 52:14, 53:3-5).
10/11/08: Matthew 24
Ted: Matthew 24 is one of the most prophetic chapters in the Bible about end-time events, specifically the final seven years (70th week, prophesied in Daniel 9:27). Jesus called the attention of His disciples to the temple and surrounding buildings, telling them that there would be a time when not one stone in them would be left on another (Matthew 24:1,2). Many have assumed that this was prophetic of the destruction of the second temple, by the Romans, in 70 A.D.
However, as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives (which is why the remainder of this chapter often is referred to as the "Olivet Discourse"), His disciples said, "Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). It seems as though they were equating the destruction of the temple, along with Jesus' next coming, with the end of the age. Thus, it would seem that they understood that there would be a destruction of the temple at the end of the age. If so, and since the second temple is gone, then this would seem to imply that a third temple will be standing at the end of the age, and that it would be destroyed.
Jesus proceeded to give what I believe was a summary of most of the final seven years of this age, prior to his appearance in the clouds (which will be the next "coming" about which His disciples had an interest). In fact, I feel that His description in Matthew 24:5-31 parallels John's description of the first six seals in Revelation 6:1-17 (see Parallels Between the Six Seals and the Olivet Discourse and Chronology of the Olivet Discourse).
Specifically, Matthew 24:15 is a direct reference to the "abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel." In Daniel 9:27, this "abomination" is something that is set up in the third temple in the middle of the final seven years. Concurrently, this is when the Antichrist "will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This "beast" will be "given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months [3½ years]" (Revelation 13:5).
It is after the midpoint, Jesus noted, that "there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again" (Matthew 24:21). Most Bible translations read "great tribulation" rather than "great distress." It is a referral to the period of the Great Tribulation, which will begin in the middle of the final seven years--a time of great persecution of believers (Revelation 6:9-11).
For the sake of the elect, that dreadful period will be "cut short" (Matthew 24:22) when, immediately after the distress or tribulation of those days, the cosmic disturbances of the Sixth Seal will take place (Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12,13). This will be the "sign" Jesus' disciples asked about, signifying His imminent return in the clouds at the Rapture, to gather His elect to be with Him (Matthew 24:30,31), yet causing the remainder of the "left behind" world to be terrified--knowing that God's wrath is forthcoming (Revelation 6:15-17).
Many have believed that the timing of the Rapture event cannot be known, because of this statement by Jesus: "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). Yet, it is more likely that Jesus was signifying something very specific with that statement.
Rosh haShanah, the Jewish new year, takes place on a new moon. Before methods were available to calculate the exact time of each new moon, no one knew the day or hour of the new moon until two witnesses, peering into the sky, detected the first tiny sliver of the waxing moon. Upon their announcement, Rosh haShanah, officially, would begin. Thus, when Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour [of His appearance in the sky]...," He most likely was making an explicit reference to Rosh haShanah--which one, only the Father knew.
Even if we could know in which year Jesus’ aerial appearance will be, Rosh haShanah, traditionally, is observed on two consecutive days. A shofar (ram's horn or "trumpet"—Psalm 81:3, 98:6; Joel 2:1,15) is blown on both days. So we would not know on which of those two days, nor at what hour, Jesus will materialize.
However, as Jesus sat on the Mount of Olives (which is why the remainder of this chapter often is referred to as the "Olivet Discourse"), His disciples said, "Tell us, when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3). It seems as though they were equating the destruction of the temple, along with Jesus' next coming, with the end of the age. Thus, it would seem that they understood that there would be a destruction of the temple at the end of the age. If so, and since the second temple is gone, then this would seem to imply that a third temple will be standing at the end of the age, and that it would be destroyed.
Jesus proceeded to give what I believe was a summary of most of the final seven years of this age, prior to his appearance in the clouds (which will be the next "coming" about which His disciples had an interest). In fact, I feel that His description in Matthew 24:5-31 parallels John's description of the first six seals in Revelation 6:1-17 (see Parallels Between the Six Seals and the Olivet Discourse and Chronology of the Olivet Discourse).
Specifically, Matthew 24:15 is a direct reference to the "abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel." In Daniel 9:27, this "abomination" is something that is set up in the third temple in the middle of the final seven years. Concurrently, this is when the Antichrist "will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God's temple, proclaiming himself to be God" (2 Thessalonians 2:4). This "beast" will be "given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his authority for forty-two months [3½ years]" (Revelation 13:5).
It is after the midpoint, Jesus noted, that "there will be great distress, unequaled from the beginning of the world until now—and never to be equaled again" (Matthew 24:21). Most Bible translations read "great tribulation" rather than "great distress." It is a referral to the period of the Great Tribulation, which will begin in the middle of the final seven years--a time of great persecution of believers (Revelation 6:9-11).
For the sake of the elect, that dreadful period will be "cut short" (Matthew 24:22) when, immediately after the distress or tribulation of those days, the cosmic disturbances of the Sixth Seal will take place (Matthew 24:29; Revelation 6:12,13). This will be the "sign" Jesus' disciples asked about, signifying His imminent return in the clouds at the Rapture, to gather His elect to be with Him (Matthew 24:30,31), yet causing the remainder of the "left behind" world to be terrified--knowing that God's wrath is forthcoming (Revelation 6:15-17).
Many have believed that the timing of the Rapture event cannot be known, because of this statement by Jesus: "No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). Yet, it is more likely that Jesus was signifying something very specific with that statement.
Rosh haShanah, the Jewish new year, takes place on a new moon. Before methods were available to calculate the exact time of each new moon, no one knew the day or hour of the new moon until two witnesses, peering into the sky, detected the first tiny sliver of the waxing moon. Upon their announcement, Rosh haShanah, officially, would begin. Thus, when Jesus said, "No one knows about that day or hour [of His appearance in the sky]...," He most likely was making an explicit reference to Rosh haShanah--which one, only the Father knew.
Even if we could know in which year Jesus’ aerial appearance will be, Rosh haShanah, traditionally, is observed on two consecutive days. A shofar (ram's horn or "trumpet"—Psalm 81:3, 98:6; Joel 2:1,15) is blown on both days. So we would not know on which of those two days, nor at what hour, Jesus will materialize.
10/10/08: Matthew 21-22
Ted: Jesus told His disciples to go find a donkey and a colt (Matthew 21:2-5). This was prophesied centuries before it happened (Zechariah 9:9). This "triumphal entry" of Jesus into Jerusalem oon Palm Sunday (also described in Luke 19:28-44) fulfilled the coming of the Anointed One written about in Daniel 9:25. Later that week (Good Thursday), Jesus was crucified or, according to the prophecy, "cut off." This concluded 69 of the 70 "weeks" of years, causing the time count to stop.
The 70th and final week of years was prophesied to begin when Israel engaged in a 7-year agreement, confirming a previous covenant. This very well may have happened in October 2006, with the establishment and funding of the European Neighbourhood Policy. If so, the 70 weeks of years will conclude in the Fall of 2013.
After Jesus entered Jerusalem, He went to the temple and drove out those who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12,13). The reason for this was that the Passover was in a few days away (Jesus was crucified on Passover), and those at the temple selling animals for the traditional sacrifices were charging the people outrageous prices. This made Jesus angry, so He got rid of them.
The original Passover lambs were chosen on the 10th of the month (of Nisan) and examined to make sure that they were free of defects (Exodus 12:3,5). Then they were slaughtered on the 14th of the month (12:6). Likewise, Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) was questioned and found to be perfect and free of "defects" (Matthew 22:15-46) between the time He entered Jerusalem on Sunday the 10th and was crucified on Thursday the 14th.
The 70th and final week of years was prophesied to begin when Israel engaged in a 7-year agreement, confirming a previous covenant. This very well may have happened in October 2006, with the establishment and funding of the European Neighbourhood Policy. If so, the 70 weeks of years will conclude in the Fall of 2013.
After Jesus entered Jerusalem, He went to the temple and drove out those who were buying and selling there (Matthew 21:12,13). The reason for this was that the Passover was in a few days away (Jesus was crucified on Passover), and those at the temple selling animals for the traditional sacrifices were charging the people outrageous prices. This made Jesus angry, so He got rid of them.
The original Passover lambs were chosen on the 10th of the month (of Nisan) and examined to make sure that they were free of defects (Exodus 12:3,5). Then they were slaughtered on the 14th of the month (12:6). Likewise, Jesus, the ultimate Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7) was questioned and found to be perfect and free of "defects" (Matthew 22:15-46) between the time He entered Jerusalem on Sunday the 10th and was crucified on Thursday the 14th.
10/10/08: Nehemiah 9
Nehemiah 9:7-37 provides maybe the best summary in the Bible of the Israelites. It begins with Abram (Abraham) and concludes with the distressful bondage of the Israelites in Babylon. Included is an excellent description of the following:
• Israel would turn away from God;
• the people would be punished, often severely;
• they would cry out to God for mercy and turn back to Him;
• God, in great compassion, would turn back to them and again would bless them; and then
• the same cycle would repeat, time after time, for centuries.
• Israel would turn away from God;
• the people would be punished, often severely;
• they would cry out to God for mercy and turn back to Him;
• God, in great compassion, would turn back to them and again would bless them; and then
• the same cycle would repeat, time after time, for centuries.
09/20/08: Esther 2
Esther was an example of an Israelite to whom God showed special favor. She rose from a position of anonymity and insignificance to a level of great fame and importance, as Queen of the Medo-Persian Empire (Esther 2:17).
As such, she was similar to Joseph in Egypt, who became head over Potiphar's household and everything he owned (Genesis 39:4), and later second in command over all of Egypt (41:40). She also was similar to Daniel in Babylon, who was raised to very high positions by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:48) and by King Belshazzar (5:29).
As such, she was similar to Joseph in Egypt, who became head over Potiphar's household and everything he owned (Genesis 39:4), and later second in command over all of Egypt (41:40). She also was similar to Daniel in Babylon, who was raised to very high positions by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:48) and by King Belshazzar (5:29).
09/20/08: Daniel 12
The 1,290 days and the 1,335 days of Daniel 12:11,12 are important prophecies. They are explained in more details in these three sections of my Final Battles commentary: extensions to the 70th Week, 30 days, and 45 days.
09/20/08: Daniel 7-9
Daniel had a dream about four beasts (Daniel 7:1-28). More about this can be found in the Daniel's four beasts section of my Beasts commentary.
Daniel's next dream, about a ram and a goat, is interesting. The "goat with a prominent horn" (Daniel 8:5) represented the mighty Grecian Empire, headed by the powerful Alexander the Great. He died at the height of his power, and his empire was fragmented into four parts (8:8). The "four prominent horns" (rulers of the fragmented Grecian Empire) were Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. From one of them (Seleucus) came "another horn" (8:9): Antiochus Epiphanes.
Antiochus Epiphanes was a monster of a dictator. He, in his deeds and ruthlessness, was a foreshadowing of the future Antichrist. In fact, the remainder of that chapter probably is descriptive both of what Anthiochus did and what the Antichrist will do.
Daniel 9:2 shows how Daniel understood from the Scriptures (specifically, from Jeremiah 25:11) that the Israelites would be captives in Babylon for seventy years. Daniel, an old man at this point, then proceeded to pray for the release of his people, the Israelites, from Babylon.
It was at this time that God sent the angel Gabriel--the same angel who, hundreds of years later, was sent to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to a son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-33)--to give Daniel probably the most significant prophecy in the entire Bible: the prophecy of the seventy "weeks" of years (Daniel 9:21-27).
Very briefly, from the time that the decree went out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-9), in 445 B.C., there would be a total of sixty-nine "weeks" of years (that is, 483 years) before the Anointed One (Messiah = Jesus) would be cut off or crucified (Daniel 9:25). On Palm Sunday, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, He wept over the city, saying "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Luke 19:41,42). By the prophecy Daniel had recorded, Israel had been told exactly when their Messiah would come to them; yet they failed to see it. Since then, for the most part, they have continued not to understand that Jesus is their Messiah.
When Jesus was cut off, the time count of the seventy "weeks" of years stopped. There would be an indefinite span of time before the seventieth and final "week" of years would begin and transpire. It would begin with the confirmation, for seven years, of a prior covenant with many nations, including Daniel's people, Israel (Daniel 9:27a). Never before in the history of Israel has that nation engaged into any agreement for a period of seven years--that is, until the European Neighbourhood Policy came along. Furthermore, the ENP is a confirmation or strengthening of a prior covenant, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, or Barcelona Process, established in 1995.
Many, including myself, suspect that the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) may be the prophesied seven-year agreement. Israel was the first non-European nation to sign onto the ENP. Although the ENP began officially on January 1, 2007, it was established and funded in October 2006. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EuroMed), which the ENP confirms or strengthens, contains most of the same nations (including Israel) that the ENP does
Both EuroMed and the ENP were promoted and advanced primarily by one man: Javier Solana. Many believe that he is the "he" referred to in Daniel 9:27.
Just as the ancient Israelites failed to see the first coming of their Messiah, Jesus, I believe it is likely that present-day Christians will fail, for the most part, to understand the timing of the second coming of Jesus. So far, I have seen nothing that refutes the idea that the ENP is the prophesied agreement and that we have entered the final seven years of this age. If so, the 70th Week will end with the return of Jesus Christ back to earth, to rule and reign, in the Fall of 2013.
Daniel's next dream, about a ram and a goat, is interesting. The "goat with a prominent horn" (Daniel 8:5) represented the mighty Grecian Empire, headed by the powerful Alexander the Great. He died at the height of his power, and his empire was fragmented into four parts (8:8). The "four prominent horns" (rulers of the fragmented Grecian Empire) were Cassander, Lysimachus, Seleucus, and Ptolemy. From one of them (Seleucus) came "another horn" (8:9): Antiochus Epiphanes.
Antiochus Epiphanes was a monster of a dictator. He, in his deeds and ruthlessness, was a foreshadowing of the future Antichrist. In fact, the remainder of that chapter probably is descriptive both of what Anthiochus did and what the Antichrist will do.
Daniel 9:2 shows how Daniel understood from the Scriptures (specifically, from Jeremiah 25:11) that the Israelites would be captives in Babylon for seventy years. Daniel, an old man at this point, then proceeded to pray for the release of his people, the Israelites, from Babylon.
It was at this time that God sent the angel Gabriel--the same angel who, hundreds of years later, was sent to Mary to tell her that she would give birth to a son, Jesus (Luke 1:26-33)--to give Daniel probably the most significant prophecy in the entire Bible: the prophecy of the seventy "weeks" of years (Daniel 9:21-27).
Very briefly, from the time that the decree went out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-9), in 445 B.C., there would be a total of sixty-nine "weeks" of years (that is, 483 years) before the Anointed One (Messiah = Jesus) would be cut off or crucified (Daniel 9:25). On Palm Sunday, as Jesus approached Jerusalem, He wept over the city, saying "If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace--but now it is hidden from your eyes" (Luke 19:41,42). By the prophecy Daniel had recorded, Israel had been told exactly when their Messiah would come to them; yet they failed to see it. Since then, for the most part, they have continued not to understand that Jesus is their Messiah.
When Jesus was cut off, the time count of the seventy "weeks" of years stopped. There would be an indefinite span of time before the seventieth and final "week" of years would begin and transpire. It would begin with the confirmation, for seven years, of a prior covenant with many nations, including Daniel's people, Israel (Daniel 9:27a). Never before in the history of Israel has that nation engaged into any agreement for a period of seven years--that is, until the European Neighbourhood Policy came along. Furthermore, the ENP is a confirmation or strengthening of a prior covenant, the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership, or Barcelona Process, established in 1995.
Many, including myself, suspect that the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) may be the prophesied seven-year agreement. Israel was the first non-European nation to sign onto the ENP. Although the ENP began officially on January 1, 2007, it was established and funded in October 2006. The Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EuroMed), which the ENP confirms or strengthens, contains most of the same nations (including Israel) that the ENP does
Both EuroMed and the ENP were promoted and advanced primarily by one man: Javier Solana. Many believe that he is the "he" referred to in Daniel 9:27.
Just as the ancient Israelites failed to see the first coming of their Messiah, Jesus, I believe it is likely that present-day Christians will fail, for the most part, to understand the timing of the second coming of Jesus. So far, I have seen nothing that refutes the idea that the ENP is the prophesied agreement and that we have entered the final seven years of this age. If so, the 70th Week will end with the return of Jesus Christ back to earth, to rule and reign, in the Fall of 2013.
09/16/08: Daniel 1-3
When Judah was taken captivity to Babylon, Daniel was among many of those who went. He probably was a teenager at the time, and he was there at least seventy years. Therefore, he was a very old, wise man when God gave him some of the greatest and most significant prophecies that we read in the Bible.
Even as a kid, Daniel was totally devoted to God. He did not want to be "defiled" by the royal food and wine he was given (Daniel 1:8). So, instead, he and his three close friends were given vegetables and water (1:12), which made them look healthier and better nourished than all of the other young men (1:15). As such, King Nebuchadnezzar chose them to enter into his service 1:19-21. This i an example of how doing things God's way, rather than the world's way, will yield much greater rewards.
Unlike most people, Daniel revered God greatly and had an immense faith in Him, which was incorporated into Daniel's daily lifestyle. After King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, he insisted that his astrologers and wise men tell him what the dream was, as well as interpret it; but no one could, so he decreed that all of them should die (Daniel 2:1-12). However, Daniel and his friends prayed that God would reveal the dream and its interpretation to Daniel, which God did (2:16-19).
The dream concerned a large statue (Daniel 2:31-33), representing the present and future kingdoms of that part of the world--all the major kingdoms, from that point forward, who would have control over Israel (since Israel is at the center of most of human history). The statue had a head of gold (Babylonian Empire), chest and arms of silver (Medo-Persian Empire), belly and thighs of bronze (Greecian Empire), legs of iron (Roman Empire, divided into a western section and an eastern section), and feet and toes of iron and clay (revived Roman Empire, most likely represented today by the European Union and Middle Eastern nations with which the EU has alliances).
At the end of the age, a "rock" (that is, Jesus) will smash the feet of the "statue," bringing down the entire statue at once, and becoming a kingdom that will rule the entire world (Daniel 2:34,35,44). This indicates that the end-time world system will be a conglomerate of all of the previous major kingdoms of the world, all of which have worshiped gods other than the one true God. More details about the statue can be found in the Nebuchadnezzar's statue section of my Beasts commentary.
Later, King Nebuchadnezzar set up a gold image that was sixty cubits high and six cubits wide (Daniel 3:1). Presumably, it also was six cubits deep. Thus, the number 666 was associated with this image. All people were commanded to fall down and worship the image, upon penalty of death (3:4-6). This image was a foreshadowing of the end-time image that will be set up to honor the beast (Antichrist), which all people will be commanded to worship, or else be killed if they don't (Revelation 13:14,15). Likewise, the number 666 will be associated with the beast (13:18), after whom the image will have been erected.
Just as "all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up" (Daniel 3:7), the majority of the world at the end of the age will worship the beast and even will receive a mark in their right hands or foreheads, enabling them to buy and sell within the world's economic system (Revelation 13:16,17). The Jewish men, Daniel and his friends, refused to worship the image; and they were thrown into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:6-23). Yet, one "like a son of the gods" joined the men in the furnace (3:25). This was none other than the preincarnate Son of God, Jesus, who saved Daniel and his friends from being destroyed.
Likewise, in the final 3½ years of the age, many who adhere to the word of God, and refuse to worship the beast, will be killed (Revelation 6:9, 13:15). Yet, I believe that those who know God intimately, and who revere Him as much as Daniel and his friends did, will be protected by the Son of God during this ultimate time of Great Tribulation.
Even as a kid, Daniel was totally devoted to God. He did not want to be "defiled" by the royal food and wine he was given (Daniel 1:8). So, instead, he and his three close friends were given vegetables and water (1:12), which made them look healthier and better nourished than all of the other young men (1:15). As such, King Nebuchadnezzar chose them to enter into his service 1:19-21. This i an example of how doing things God's way, rather than the world's way, will yield much greater rewards.
Unlike most people, Daniel revered God greatly and had an immense faith in Him, which was incorporated into Daniel's daily lifestyle. After King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream, he insisted that his astrologers and wise men tell him what the dream was, as well as interpret it; but no one could, so he decreed that all of them should die (Daniel 2:1-12). However, Daniel and his friends prayed that God would reveal the dream and its interpretation to Daniel, which God did (2:16-19).
The dream concerned a large statue (Daniel 2:31-33), representing the present and future kingdoms of that part of the world--all the major kingdoms, from that point forward, who would have control over Israel (since Israel is at the center of most of human history). The statue had a head of gold (Babylonian Empire), chest and arms of silver (Medo-Persian Empire), belly and thighs of bronze (Greecian Empire), legs of iron (Roman Empire, divided into a western section and an eastern section), and feet and toes of iron and clay (revived Roman Empire, most likely represented today by the European Union and Middle Eastern nations with which the EU has alliances).
At the end of the age, a "rock" (that is, Jesus) will smash the feet of the "statue," bringing down the entire statue at once, and becoming a kingdom that will rule the entire world (Daniel 2:34,35,44). This indicates that the end-time world system will be a conglomerate of all of the previous major kingdoms of the world, all of which have worshiped gods other than the one true God. More details about the statue can be found in the Nebuchadnezzar's statue section of my Beasts commentary.
Later, King Nebuchadnezzar set up a gold image that was sixty cubits high and six cubits wide (Daniel 3:1). Presumably, it also was six cubits deep. Thus, the number 666 was associated with this image. All people were commanded to fall down and worship the image, upon penalty of death (3:4-6). This image was a foreshadowing of the end-time image that will be set up to honor the beast (Antichrist), which all people will be commanded to worship, or else be killed if they don't (Revelation 13:14,15). Likewise, the number 666 will be associated with the beast (13:18), after whom the image will have been erected.
Just as "all the peoples, nations and men of every language fell down and worshiped the image of gold that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up" (Daniel 3:7), the majority of the world at the end of the age will worship the beast and even will receive a mark in their right hands or foreheads, enabling them to buy and sell within the world's economic system (Revelation 13:16,17). The Jewish men, Daniel and his friends, refused to worship the image; and they were thrown into a fiery furnace (Daniel 3:6-23). Yet, one "like a son of the gods" joined the men in the furnace (3:25). This was none other than the preincarnate Son of God, Jesus, who saved Daniel and his friends from being destroyed.
Likewise, in the final 3½ years of the age, many who adhere to the word of God, and refuse to worship the beast, will be killed (Revelation 6:9, 13:15). Yet, I believe that those who know God intimately, and who revere Him as much as Daniel and his friends did, will be protected by the Son of God during this ultimate time of Great Tribulation.
09/16/08: Ezekiel 40-42
The temple described in Ezekiel 40-42 is the future Millennial Temple, which will stand in Jerusalem for 1,000 years after Jesus returns.
09/16/08: Ezekiel 38-39
Ezekiel 38 & 39 describe one of the most important prophecies about the end times in the Bible. The attack on Israel by God/Magog never has taken place, so it definitely is a future event. Many people believe that this attack will take place at the beginning of the final seven years. On the other hand, I am convinced that it will take place at the very end, when Jesus returns to earth. More about this can be found in my Final Battles commentary here:
http://www.tedmontgomery.com/bblovrvw/GogAntichrist
http://www.tedmontgomery.com/bblovrvw/GogAntichrist
09/10/08: Ezekiel 8
Here is another appearance of the pre-incarnate Jesus, who simply is the physical manifestation of God in bodily form: "I looked, and I saw a figure like that of a man. From what appeared to be his waist down he was like fire, and from there up his appearance was as bright as glowing metal" (Ezekiel 8:2). This is similar to the "man" seen previously by Ezekiel (1:26,27).
God chose to have a personal, special, one-on-one relationship with Ezekiel, as He did with several others in the Old Testament. With our close friends, we tend to be willing to confide our deepest feelings, even of jealousy and anger. God did this with Ezekiel, describing ways the Israelites were worshiping and revering idols and others gods besides their one true God, provoking Him to jealousy and anger (Ezekiel 8:5-18).
God chose to have a personal, special, one-on-one relationship with Ezekiel, as He did with several others in the Old Testament. With our close friends, we tend to be willing to confide our deepest feelings, even of jealousy and anger. God did this with Ezekiel, describing ways the Israelites were worshiping and revering idols and others gods besides their one true God, provoking Him to jealousy and anger (Ezekiel 8:5-18).
09/03/08: Ezekiel 5-6
Ezekiel was told how Israel would be punished, due to its detestable idol worship; and God would do something not done before and not to be done again (Ezekiel 5:1). I believe that this is a future prophecy: "A third of your people will die of the plague or perish by famine inside you; a third will fall by the sword outside your walls; and a third I will scatter to the winds and pursue with drawn sword" (5:12). Yet, a remnant will be spared (6:8). More about this can be read in three thirds and a remnant.
