HOW TO ENJOY THE BIBLE:
Or,
The "Word," and "The Words,"
How to Study them.
By
E. W. Bullinger, D.D.
1916
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CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction
PART I
The Word of God as a Whole
Introductory
I. The One Great Object of the Word
i. The LIVING Word, making known the Father
ii. The WRITTEN Word, revealing the Son
iii.
The LIVING and the WRITTEN Word
II. The One Great Subject of the Word
i. CHRIST in the Word as a whole. The KING and the KINGDOM in Promise, in
Proclamation, Rejection, Abeyance, and Manifestation
ii. CHRIST in the SEPARATE BOOKS of the Word
III. The One Great Requirement of the Word—"Rightly Dividing" It
i. As to its LITERARY FORM
1.
The TWO TESTAMENTS
2. The SEPARATE BOOKS
3.
The Division of the Hebrew Text
a.
Into open and closed Sections
b.
Into Sedarim or Triennial Pericopes
c.
Into Parashioth or Annual Pericopes
4.
The DIVISIONS of the GREEK TEXT
5.
The Divisions of the VERSIONS, AND THE ENGLISH BIBLE
a. Into Chapters
b.
Into Verses
c.
The Chapter-Breaks
d.
The Headings of Chapters and Pages
e.
The Punctuation
1.
Changes in Edition of 1611 to be preferred to later Editions
2.
Changes in later Editions which are improvements on the 1611
3.
Changes now proposed as most desirable
f.
Parentheses
ii. As to its SUBJECT MATTER
1.
The JEW, the GENTILES, and the CHURCH of God
2.
The GENTILES
3.
The EPISTLES to the DISPERSION
a.
James
b.
Hebrews
iii. As to its TIMES and DISPENSATIONS
1.
The Word "DISPENSATION"
2.
The SEVEN Dispensations
a.
The Edenic (Innocence
b.
The Patriarchal (Theocratic)
c.
Israelite (Past)
d.
The Ecclesia (Grace)
e.
Israelite (Judgment)
f.
Millennial (Theocratic)
g.
Eternal (Glory)
3.
Their SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS
a.
Man's condition in each
b.
The Crisis in each
4.
The "TIMES OF THE GENTILES"
5.
The PARENTHESIS of the PRESENT DISPENSATION
iv. As to its DISPENSATIONAL TRUTH and TEACHING
1. One part of the PAST not necessarily to be read into another part of the PAST
a.
Matthew 10:5, 6; and 28:19, 20
b.
Luke 9:3; and 22:35, 36
2.
The PAST not to be read into the PRESENT
a.
Law and Grace
b.
The Imprecatory Psalms
c.
The Sabbath
d.
The Kingdom
e.
The Gospels
f.
The Sermon on the Mount
g.
The Lord's Prayer
h.
The Priesthood
i.
Baptisms
j.
The prophecy of Amos. Amos 9:11, 12. Acts 15:14-18
k.
The title "Son of Man"
3.
The PRESENT not to be read into the PAST
a.
The Mystery
b.
"Sons of God"
c.
The "Church"
4.
The FUTURE not to be read into the PRESENT
a. The Great Tribulation
b.
The 144,000
c.
Sundry Prophecies: Psalm 2; Isaiah 2; Isaiah 60
d.
The Day of the Lord
5.
One part of the FUTURE not necessarily to be read into another part of the
FUTURE
a.
The Advents
b.
The Resurrections
c.
The Judgments
1.
2 Corinthians 5:10
2.
Matthew 25:31-36
3.
Revelation 20:11-15
6.
The Truth and Teaching of the CANONICAL ORDER to be distinguished from
the CHRONOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL ORDER
a.
The Tabernacle
b.
The Great Offerings
c.
The Four Gospels
d.
1 Samuel 16-18
e.
The Book of Jeremiah
f.
The Pauline Epistles
PART II
The Words
Introductory
I. The Meaning of Words to be Gathered from the Scope; not the Scope from the Words
i. 2 Peter 1:20, "Private interpretation"
ii. 1 Peter 3:20, "Spirits in prison"
iii.
Hebrews 9:16, 17, "Testament" or "Covenant"
iv.
Genesis 24:63, "Meditate"
v.
Revelation 1:10, "The Lord's day"
II. The Scope of a Passage to be Gathered from its Structure
i. Introductory
ii. The PRINCIPLES governing the Structure of Scripture
iii.
EXAMPLES of each principle
iv.
The ADVANTAGES and importance of the Structures
v.
ILLUSTRATIONS of these advantages
1.
2 Peter 1:16-21, "Private interpretation"
2.
1 Peter 3:18-22, "spirits in prison"
3.
Hebrews 9:15-23, "Testament" and "Covenant"
4.
2 Corinthians 5:1-5, "absent from the body"
III. The Biblical Usage of Words Essential to their Correct Interpretation
i. Where ENGLISH WORDS have gone OUT OF USE altogether
1.
All to brake
2.
Away with
3.
Come at
4.
Do to-wit
5.
For to do
6.
Full well
7.
Go to
8.
Trow
9.
Wist
10.
Very
ii.
Where the usage of ENGLISH WORDS has become CHANGED
1.
Prevent
2.
To take in
3.
Adventure
4.
Artillery
5.
Assay
6. By and By
7.
Charity
8.
Beeves
9.
Bonnet
10.
Carriages
11.
Clouted
12.
To ear
13.
Earnest
14.
Fast
15.
Libertine
16.
Lusty
17.
Naughty
18.
Nephew
19.
Occupy
20.
Penny
21.
Presently
22.
Publican
23.
Quick
24.
Quicken
25.
Quickened
26.
Quickeneth
27.
Quickening
28.
Simple
29.
Simplicity
30.
Sottish
31.
Vagabond
32.
Silly
iii.
Where the USAGE OF GREEK WORDS had become changed
1. By God:
a.
αρετη (arete), praise
b.
ηθος (ethos), manners
c.
αγγελος (angelos), angel
d.
χορηγεω (choregeo), supply
e.
εκκλησια (ecclesia), church
f.
παρακλητος (parakletos), comforter, advocate
g.
σκανδαλον (scandalon), offence
2.
By man:
a.
ζωοποιεω (zoopoieo), quicken
b.
παροικος (paroikos), neighbour
c.
πρακτωρ (praktor), officer
d.
πηρα (pera), scrip
e.
πρεσβυτερος (presbuteros), elder
f.
αναγινωσκω (anaginosko), persuade
g. αποστοµατιζω (apostomatizo), question
h.
γραφω (grapho), wrote
i.
απεχω (apecho), reward
j.
βεβαιωσις (bebaiosis), confirmation
k.
το δοκιµιον (to dokimion), trial
l.
δικαιος (dikaios), righteous
m.
ιλαστηριον (hilasterion), propitiation
n.
ευεργητης (euergetes), well-doer
o.
πληθος (plethos), multitude
p.
µικρος (mikros), little
q. παραδεισος (paradeisos), paradise
r.
κυριακος (kuriakos), Lord's
s. χειρογραφον (cheirographon), handwriting
t.
αδολος (adolos), sincere
u.
σφραγιζω (sphragizo), seal
v.
χαραγµα (charagma), mark
w.
αναπεµπω (anapempo), send
x.
βιαζοµαι (biazomai), suffer violence, press
y.
κατακριµα (katakrima), condemnation
z.
υποστασις (hupostasis), substance
iv.
Where DIFFERENT but CONCURRENT USAGES OF GREEK WORDS should be
observed in the English
1.
Parousia
2.
Pneuma
3.
Church
4.
Elements and Rudiments
5.
Saints
v.
Where a UNIFORM USAGE OF GREEK WORDS should not be departed from in the
English
1.
Withhold
2.
Temptation
3.
Poor
4.
Paradise
5.
Sheol and Hades
6.
Mystery
7.
"At hand"
8.
"Depart"
9.
Leaven
IV. The Context Always Essential to the Interpretation of Words
i. The IMPORTANCE of the CONTEXT shown
ii. Illustrations of ERROR arising from a DISREGARD of the Context
1. Isaiah 52:8, "They shall see eye to eye"
2.
Habakkuk 2:2, "That he may run that readeth"
3.
Psalm 2:8, "Ask of Me"
4.
Matthew 22:32, "The God of the living"
5.
Matthew 23:3, "That observe and do"
6.
John 6:37, "Him that cometh"
7.
Acts 16:31, "Believe...and thou shalt be saved"
8.
Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good"
9.
1 Corinthians 3:17, "Him shall God destroy"
10.
2 Corinthians 5:8, "Absent from the body"
11.
Philippians 1:21, "To die is gain"
12.
Philippians 2:12, "Work out your own salvation"
13.
Text-Mangling
14.
Text-Garbling
iii.
Illustrations of TRUTH AND TEACHING resulting from a DUE REGARD to the
Context
a.
The NEARER CONTEXT
1.
Genesis 35:2 and 34:26-29, "Put away the strange gods"
2.
2 Kings 4:13 and 3:16, 17, "Wouldst thou be spoken for to the King"
3.
Daniel 5:30, 6:1; and Esther 1:1-3, "The 120 and 127 Provinces"
4.
Ephesians 3:15 and 1:21, "The whole family"
b.
The REMOTER CONTEXT
1.
Genesis 19 and 14, The cities and the city
2.
Genesis 24:24, and 18:11, 12, Rebekah the daughter of Bethuel
3.
Genesis 37:25, 28, 36; and Judges 6-8, The Ishmaelites and Midianites
4.
Exodus 6:16-20; and Numbers 26:59, Moses' parents
5.
Numbers 16:1; and Numbers 3:29, 2:10, The sons of Kohath
6.
Numbers 16:27; and Numbers 26:11, The sons of Korah
7.
Joshua 3:15, 4:19; and Exodus 11:31; Joshua 2:6, Jordan overflowing
in time of harvest
8.
1 Samuel 13:19; and Judges 3:16, 31, 5:8, 14:5, 6, No smith found in
Israel
9.
1 Samuel 17:4; and Joshua 11:21, 22, Goliath of Gath
10.
1 Kings 17:9, 12 and Joshua 19:28
11.
2 Chronicles 17-24; and Joshua 21:13, "Jehoshaphat strengthened
himself against Israel"
12.
2 Chronicles 22:11, 12, and 24:7, Joash, Jehosheba, and nurse
13.
2 Chronicles 21:10; and Joshua 21:13, The revolt of Libnah
14.
2 Kings 18:13-16; and Isaiah 39:2; 2 Chronicles 32:22, 23, The
depletion of Hezekiah's treasury
15.
Isaiah 62:2-5; and 2 Kings 21:1, The land shall be called Hephzibah
16.
Jeremiah 13:18; and 2 Kings 24:12, 15, "Say unto the Queen"
17.
Mark 14:51, 52; and John 12:10, The young man who fled from
Gethsemane
18. John 21:15; and Matthew 26:31, 33, "Lovest thou Me more than these"
19.
Acts 2:16; and Joel 2:28-32, "This is that"
20.
1 Corinthians 11:10; and Genesis 6:1, 3, Power on her head
21.
Galatians 3:15-17; and Genesis 15; Acts 7:6, The 400 and 430 years
22.
Galatians 3:20; and Genesis 15:12, "God is one"
23.
Hebrews 12:17; and Genesis 27:34-38, "No place of repentance"
V. The First Occurrence of Words, Expressions, and Utterances Often Essential to their
Interpretation
i. WORDS:
1. "Prophet" (Gen 20:7)
2.
"Hallelujah" (Psa 104:35)
3.
"Selah" (Psa 3:2,3)
4.
"Jerusalem" (Judg 1:7,8)
5.
The Spiritual significance of Numbers
6.
The Divine Names and Titles
ii.
EXPRESSIONS:
1.
"The Son of Man" (Psa 8)
2.
"The Man of God" (Deut 33:1)
3.
"The Day of the Lord" (Isa 2:11,17)
iii.
UTTERANCES:
1. The first utterance of the Old Serpent (Gen 3:1)
2.
The first ministerial utterance of the Lord (Matt 4:4)
3.
The first utterance of the Lord as Son of Man (Luke 2:49)
4.
The first Questions in the Old and New Testaments (Gen 3:9; Matt 2:2)
5.
The first interpretation of prophecy in the New Testament (Isa 7:14; Matt
1:22,23)
VI. The Place Where a Passage Occurs is Often Essential to its Full Interpretation
1. "All Scripture given by inspiration" (2 Tim 3:16)
2.
"Come unto Me" (Matt 11:28)
3.
"Anathema, Maranatha" (1 Cor 16:22)
VII. No One Passage to be Interpreted in a Sense Repugnant to Others that are Clear
1. The rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
2.
"Destroy not thy weak brother with thy meat" (Rom 14:15; and 1 Cor 8:11)
VIII. The Importance of Accuracy in the Study of the Words of Scripture
i. In THE REMOVAL OF ERRORS
1. Ammonite or Moabite (Deut 23:3; and Matt 1:5)
2. Zedekiah and Babylon (Jer 32:4, 34:3; Eze 12:13; and 2 Kings 25:6,7)
3.
Omer and Homer (Exo 16:36; and Eze 45:11)
4.
The going of Balaam (Num 22:22)
5.
God's Command concerning Sacrifices (Jer 7:22,23; and Lev 1:3)
6.
Hearing and not hearing the Voice (Acts 9:7 and 22:9)
7.
Standing, and Falling to the earth (Acts 9:7 and 26:14)
8.
Spoken and written (Matt 2:23)
9.
"Jeremiah the prophet" (Matt 27:9)
10.
The sending of the Centurion (Luke 7:3,6; Matt 8:5)
11.
The inscriptions on the Cross
12.
The offering of drink on the Cross
13.
The "others" crucified with Christ
14.
The burying of Jacob and his sons (Acts 7:15-17)
ii.
In the REVELATION OF TRUTH
1. Words and Expressions:
a. "From above" (Luke 1:3)
b.
"Another King" (Acts 7:17)
c.
"The world that then was" (Gen 1:1,2)
d.
The mention of the "blood" in 1 John 1:7 and 2:1
e.
"Accepted" and "Acceptable" (Eph 1:6; and 2 Cor 5:9)
f.
"Man" and "Men"
g.
Remembering and Forgetting
2.
The OPPOSITE of what is said
a. "Out of the Scriptures" (Acts 17:2)
b.
"Waiting for God's Son" (1 Thess 1:9)
c.
"Except there come the Apostasy" (2 Thess 2:3)
3.
MARKS OF TIME
a.
"The second day" (Josh 10:31,32)
b.
"Then came Amalek" (Exo 17:8)
c.
"Then will I sprinkle" (Eze 36:25)
d.
"Then shall the offering" (Mal 3:4)
e.
"Then they that feared the LORD" (Mal 3:16)
f.
"Then we which are alive" (1 Thess 4:17)
g.
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven" (Matt 25:1)
h.
"Immediately" (Matt 24:29)
i.
"Afterward" (Joel 2:28)
j.
"At that time" (Matt 11:25)
4.
MARKS OF REASONING
a. "Therefore, I beseech you" (Eph 4:1)
b.
"Therefore I charge you" (2 Tim 4:1)
5.
NUMERATION
a.
50,070 (1 Sam 6:19)
b.
42,000 (Judg 12:6)
c.
The Census of Numbers 1 and 36
6. NAMES OF PERSONS AND PLACES
a.
Of PERSONS
1. The same Name borne by different Persons
2.
The same Person bearing different Names
3.
Changes in Names
4.
The Divine Names
b.
Of PLACES
1. The same Name given to different Places
2.
The same Place called by different Names
7.
CHRONOLOGY
a.
The 120 years of Genesis 6:3
b.
The 400 years of Genesis 15:3 and Acts 7:6
c.
The 430 years of Exodus 12:40 and Galatians 3:17
d.
The 450 years of Acts 13:20
e.
The 490 years of Daniel 9:27
f.
The 480th year of 1 Kings 6:1
8.
SYNONYMOUS GREEK words
9.
SYNONYMOUS HEBREW words
10.
The GENITIVE CASE
a.
The Genitive of Character
b.
The Genitive of Origin
c.
The Genitive of Possession
d.
The Genitive of Apposition
e.
The Genitive of Relation
f.
The Genitive of the Material
g.
The Genitive of the Contents
h.
The Genitive of Partition
i.
Two Genitives: one dependent on the other
IX. Figures of Speech
X. Interpretation and Application
1. The account of Creation (Gen 1)
2.
The Rejection of Messiah (Isa 53)
3.
The mourning of Israel (Rev 1:7)
4.
The Potter's house (Jer 18)
5.
The Ten Virgins (Matt 25)
XI. The Limits of Inspiration
XII. The Place of Various Readings
Back | Contents | Forward
How To Enjoy The Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Preface
It will add greatly to the interest of this work if I briefly describe the circumstances to which,
under God, it owes its origin. Nothing will so clearly show its aim and object, or so well explain
its one great design as embodied in its title: How to Enjoy the bible.
In the autumn of 1905 I found myself in one of the most important of the European Capitals. I
had preached in the morning in the Embassy Chapel, and at the close of the service, my friend,
His Britannic Majesty's Chaplain, expressed his deep regret at the absence of two members of
his congregation, whose disappointment, he said, would be very great when they discovered
they were away on the very Sunday that I was there.
As it was a matter which I could not possibly alter I was compelled, perforce, to dismiss it from
my mind with much regret, and returned to my hotel.
In the afternoon a visiting card was brought to my room, announcing a gentleman holding a high
Government position.
In explaining the object of his visit he began by saying that he had been brought up as a Roman
Catholic; and that, a few years ago, there came into the office of his department a copy of The
Illustrated London News. As he was learning English at the time, he was naturally interested in
reading it. The number contained an account of the funeral of the late Charles Haddon
Spurgeon, the illustrations of which attracted his attention. The letterpress made some reference
to Mr. Spurgeon's sermons and the world-wide fame which they had obtained. This led him to
procure some copies of the sermons, and these, by God's grace and blessing, were used for his
conversion.
He was at the time thinking of marriage, and felt the importance now of finding a Christian lady
for his wife. At the same time he began to attend my friend's English Services, and before long
he found an English lady, residing at that time in _____, and in due course the engagement
ended in marriage.
The lady, however, was, she told him, an "Anglican"; and saw no necessity for her future
husband to make any formal recantation, but for private and public reasons advised him to make
no change in his religion.
But grace had changed him so completely, that it was not a case, merely, of his holding the
truth, but of the truth holding him: consequently he could not rest until he had renounced not
only his former Roman Catholic religion, but all religion that had anything to do with the flesh;
for he had found his all in Christ, and was satisfied with the completeness which God had given
to him in HIM.
After their marriage they began to read together the sermons which had proved, under God, so
great a blessing to himself; and, before long, the same happy result took place in his wife's case,
and they rejoiced together in the Lord.
They soon however began to find that they had much to learn. Reading the sermons and the
Word of God they felt that there were many subjects in the Bible which they found little of in
the sermons. True, they found the same sound doctrines and useful teaching, and spiritual food;
but, they found also the absence of other truths which they longed to know.
They spoke to my friend their minister, and told him of their trouble. He lent them my book on
The Church Epistles. This book they began to study together, and as the husband told me, "we
went over it, three times, word by word." This they did to their great edification. "But," he said,
"we soon discovered that you did not tell us everything, and there were many things which you
assumed that we knew; and these we naturally wished to learn more about. So, a few weeks ago,
we resolved to take our holiday in London; find you out; and talk over with you the things
which filled our hearts."
"In due course we went to London; ascertained your address on enquiry at the office of The
Christian, and made our call. We found, to our disappointment, that you were here, in the very
place from which we had set out to seek you.
"So we returned here at once, and arrived only last night, but were too tired to get from our
suburb to the service this morning."
Not till that moment did I discover that these were the same two persons to whom my friend the
chaplain had referred when he spoke of his regret at their absence from the service that morning,
and of the disappointment which he was sure they would experience.
"I have lost no time in searching you out (he said), and am delighted to find you. You must
come out to us and see us in our home to-morrow."
"To-morrow (I replied) I am going to P_____."
"Oh, you cannot go," he said; and in such a tone of voice and manner as made me really feel I
could not.
I said, "I am not traveling alone, but my friend is standing near in conversation; I will go and
speak to him on the subject."
We soon concluded that as our proposed journey was only for pleasure, it was clearly my duty
to remain for a day, so we postponed our projected journey to another season. I returned to my
new friend, and said we would gladly go out to him on the morrow.
At this he was very pleased; and spoke, now, freely, of the great desire of himself and his wife
to know more of God's Word.
"We want (he said) to study it together, and to be as independent as possible of the teachings
and traditions of men. In fact,
"We Want To Enjoy The Bible.
"We want to read it, and study it, and understand it and enjoy it for ourselves!"
This, of course, sounded very sweetly in my ears; and it was arranged that he should come into
the city, the next morning early, and fetch us out to his home in the suburbs.
He arrived soon after 8 o'clock, and by 9 o'clock we were sitting down together over the Word
of God. There we sat till noon! In our preliminary conversation reference had been made to
some work the lady had undertaken in the village. So we opened our Bibles at Matthew 10:5, 6,
where I read the following words:—
"Go not into the way of the Gentiles...but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."
I did not know until a year afterwards that my friend naturally held the usual anti-Semite views
of the governing party, or this would probably have been the last Scripture I should have quoted.
But though, at the time, I little thought of what I was doing, God was over-ruling all to the
accomplishment of His own purposes.
The lady, at once, very honestly exclaimed, "Oh, but I do go to the Gentiles."
I replied, "But you see what this Scripture says."
She said, "Is there not another passage which tells us to go into all the world?"
"Yes" (I replied); and, finding that passage, I asked, "What are we to do with the other?"
She confessed her perplexity and asked me to answer my own question.
I replied, "Both are the words of God, and both must be absolutely true. We cannot cut one
passage out of the Bible and leave the other in. Both are equally true, and we may not use one
truth to upset another truth."
I proceeded to explain, alluding to the universally acknowledged fact—that "circumstances alter
cases."
The circumstances connected with the former passage showed that the Lord was sending forth
the twelve to proclaim the King, and the Kingdom at hand: while those of the latter showed that
the Proclamation had been unheeded; the Kingdom rejected, and the King crucified. And I asked
"Were not the circumstances so different in character and time as to fully account for the fact
that the former command was no longer appropriate to the changed conditions?"
I pointed out that there was a precept which specially set forth our responsibility to the Bible as
being "the Word of Truth" (2 Tim 2:15), and that was that it must be rightly divided. this
command to rightly divide, being given us in connection with this special title "the Word of
truth," spoke to us, if we had ears to hear, and told us that unless we rightly divided the Word of
Truth we should not only not get the truth; but, as God's workmen we should indeed have need
to be "ashamed."
I showed that, if we would indeed enjoy the Bible it was absolutely necessary that we should
rightly divide all that it contained, in connection with its subject-mater, as well as in connection
with its times and dispensations.
In illustration of this important duty I pointed to such passages as Luke 9:2, 3, compared with
chapter 22:36, where the words "BUT NOW" gave the Lord's own example; showing how He
distinguished the difference between the two occasions.
I also referred to Romans 11 and showed how, by "rightly dividing" the subject-matter, the great
difficulty was avoided of supposing that those who were assured in Romans 8:39 as to the
impossibility of their separation from the love of God, could ever be addressed in chapter 11:21,
22 in words of threatening and warning lest they "be cut off." The key to the solution of the
difficulty was in chapter 11:13, where the Apostle distinctly states that he was addressing
"Gentiles," as such, and of course as distinct from the Jews, and, the Church of God:
" I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES."
I also illustrated the subject by a reference to Hebrews 6:4-6; and 10:26-30. But, as these and
other passages are all dealt with at length in the following pages I need not do more now than
refer my readers to them.
Our conversation continued (as I have said) till noon; and, as it proceeded, my friends could
hardly contain themselves for joy. As for myself I began to see in what form I should respond to
my friends' desire to "enjoy the Bible."
On my journey home to England I thought much, and long, and often, of my pleasant
intercourse with my new friends: and I was impressed by the thought that what they needed,
thousands needed; and that the vast majority of Bible readers who were filled with the same
deep desire to "enjoy the Bible" were beset by the same difficulties in attaining that desire.
Shortly after my return to England my thoughts began to take shape, and finally resolved
themselves into what now appears in the "Table of Contents," and which in the following
September I had the great joy of going over with my new friends.
I visited them again in their home this September (1907), and had the pleasure of reading over
with them the proof of this "Preface," so that it might faithfully record all that had so happily
taken place.
This explanation of the origin of this work will show that no better title could be chosen, or
would so well describe its object, and explain its end. My prayer is that, the same Spirit who
inspired the words in the Scriptures of Truth, may also inspire them in the hearts of my readers
and may cause each to say (with David), "I rejoice in Thy words as one that findeth great
spoils" (Psa 119:162): and to exclaim (with Jeremiah), "Thy words were found and I did eat
them, and Thy Word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart" (Jer 15:16).
It was this combination of the "WORD" and the "WORDS," both here and in John 17:8, 17, that
suggested the sub-title: "The Word and the words; how to study them."
Part I deals with the "Word" as a whole. Part II deals with the "words"; and, under twelve
Canons, gives the important methods which must be observed and followed if we would
understand, and enjoy them. A varying number of illustrations is given under each division;
these are by no means exhaustive; and are intended only as a guide to further study.
This work should be gone carefully through, with Bible in hand, in order to verify the statements
put forward, and to enter on the margins of the Bible notes for future use.
This may be done individually; but, better still, in small classes meeting for the purpose, when
each point could be made clearer and more profitable by mutual study and conversation.
With the hope that this course will be adopted by its many readers in many countries and climes,
this work is at length sent forth.
My thanks are due to all those who, on hearing of its projection, volunteered their financial help
to ensure its publication: and, above all, to "the God of all grace," and "the spirit of wisdom and
understanding" for bringing it to a happy issue.
ETHELBERT W. BULLINGER.
LONDON, September, 1907.
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How To Enjoy The Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Introduction
"Man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of
Jehovah doth man live."—Deuteronomy 8:3.
Thus is it asserted that the WORD and the WORDS of Jehovah constitute the food of the New
nature.
As in the natural sphere so in the spiritual, the desire (or appetite) for the food which is the
proper support of each respectively, is the sign of natural and spiritual health.
Attention to diet is becoming more and more recognized as essential to nutrition and growth.
A low condition of bodily health is produced by inattention to the laws of nature as to suitable
diet. As this leads to the "drug habit," or to the immoderate use of stimulants in the natural
sphere, so it is in the spiritual sphere. A low condition of spiritual health is produced by
improper feeding or the neglect of necessary food, which is the Word of God; and the end is a
resort to all the many modern fashions and novel methods and widely advertised nostrums in the
Religious world in the attempt to remedy the inevitable results.
The Root of all the evils which abound in the spiritual sphere at the present day lies in the fact
that the Word and the words of God are not fed upon, digested, and assimilated, as they ought to
be.
If we ask the question, Why is this the case? the answer is, The Bible is not enjoyed because the
Bible is not understood. The methods and rules by which alone such an understanding may be
gained are not known or followed; hence the Bible is a neglected book.
The question Philip addressed to the Eunuch (Acts 8:30,31) is still greatly needed:
Understandest thou what thou readest?
And the Eunuch's answer is only too true to-day:
How can I, except some man should guide me?
The following pages are written with the object of furnishing this "guide." Certain canons or
principles are laid down, and each is illustrated by applying them to certain passages by way of
examples. These are intended to be taken only as examples; and the principles involved are
intended to be used for the elucidation of other passages in the course of Bible study.
The Word of God is inexhaustible. It is, therefore, neither useful, nor indeed practicable to
extend these examples beyond certain limits.
By the aid of these twelve simple canons or rules, other passages and subjects may be taken up
and pursued both with pleasure and profit—subjects which are even yet matters of controversy
and of conflict.
We have to remember that the Bible is not a book of pure Science on the one hand, nor is it a
book of Theology on the other. Yet all its science is not only true, but its statements are the
foundation of all true science.
And, it is Theology itself; for it contains all that we can ever know about God.
The cloud that now rests over its intelligent study arises from the fact that it is with us to-day as
with the Jews of old—"The Word of God has been made of none effect by the traditions of
men" (Matt 15:1-9).
Hence it is that on some of the most important questions, especially such as Biblical
Psychology, we are, still, in what the great Lord Bacon calls "a desert." He alludes to those
"deserts" in history, where discovery or research comes to a stand-still, and we get schoolmen
instead of philosophers; and clerics instead of discoverers.
The Reformation came as an oasis after one of these deserts. Men were sent from the stagnant
pools of tradition to the fountain-head of truth. But within two or three generations the Church
entered the desert again; Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms took the place of the open Bible;
the inductive method of Bible study was abandoned, and to-day it is scarcely understood.
One party abides by "Catholic consent" or the "Voice of the Church." Other parties in the same
way abide by the dicta of some who had stronger minds. Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Darby, and
Newton would be surprised to-day to find that those who question what they believed are treated
as guilty of presumption, and of a sin to be visited with excommunication!
These good men little thought that the inferences which they drew from the Bible would be
raised to a position of almost equality with the Bible itself.
The result of all this is too painfully evident. Controversies, bitterness, strifes have been
engendered. These have taken the place of simple Bible study. If studied at all it has been too
much with the view of finding support for one or other of the two sides of these controversies,
instead of with the object of discovering what God ahs really revealed and written for our
learning.
Failing to understand the Scriptures we cease to feed on them; then as a natural consequence,
and in inverse proportion, we lean on and submit to "the doctrines of men," and finally reach a
theological desert.
Bishop Butler has pointed out the way back to the land of plenty and of delight. He has shown
that the only way to study the Word of God is the way in which physical science is studied. He
says: "As it is owned, the whole scheme of Scripture is not yet understood, so if it ever comes to
be understood before the restitution of all things, and without miraculous interpositions, it must
be in the same way as natural knowledge is come at, by the continuance and progress of learning
and liberty, and by particular persons attending to, comparing, and pursuing intimations
scattered up and down it, and which are overlooked and disregarded by the generality of the
world."
On this another writer* has remarked, "Thus, the way of discovery still lies open to us in Divine
things if we have only the moral courage to go to the fountain-head of truth, instead of filling
our vessel out of this or that doctor's compendium of truth...Were Bishop Butler's method of
inductive research into Scripture more common than it is we should not have stood still so long,
as if spell-bound by the shadow of a few great names. 'It is not at all incredible,' Bishop Butler
adds, 'that a book which has been so long in the possession of mankind should contain many
truths as yet undiscovered.' Such a saying is worthy of Butler. It is only a philosopher who can
allow for time and prescription. The majority of mankind think that they think; they acquiesce,
and suppose that they argue; they flatter themselves that they are holding their own, when they
have actually grown up to manhood, with scarcely a conviction that they can call their own. So
it always was, and so it will ever be. The Divine things of the Word are no exception, but rather
an instance. The more difficult the subject, and the more serious the consequences of error, the
more averse the majority are to what is called 'unsettling men's minds'; as if truth could be held
on any other tenure than the knight's fee of holding its own against all comers. Protestantism has
brought us no relief against this torpid state of mind, for, as the error is as deep as the nature of
man, we cannot expect any deliverance from it so long as the nature of man continues the same,
and his natural love of truth almost as depraved as his natural love of holiness."
* Rev. J. B. Heard, M.A., Tripartite Nature of Man, p. 358.
But the way of discovery, as Bishop Butler has pointed out, still lies open before us; and it is our
object in this work to enter on that way, and study the Bible from within and not merely from
without.
We believe that only thus we shall be furnishing just that help which Bible students need.
It may be the work of others to explore Geography, History, Natural History, Chronology; the
antiquities of Assyria, Palestine, Egypt, and Babylon; all these are legitimate subjects of
systematic research, which cannot but help us in understanding more of the Word of God.
But our object is to "Open the book"; to let it speak; to hear its voice; to study it from within
itself; and have regard to other objects and subjects, only from what it teaches about them.
The method of the "Higher" criticism is to discredit a Book, or a passage on internal evidence.
Our method is to establish and accredit Holy Scripture on internal evidence also, and thus to
derive and provide, from its own pharmacopœia, an antidote to that subtle and malignant poison.
This method of study will reveal more convincing and "infallible proof" of inspiration than can
be adduced from all the reasonings and arguments of men.
Like Ezra of old, our desire is to
"OPEN THE BOOK"
and let it speak for itself, with the full conviction that if this can be done it can speak more
loudly, and more effectively for itself, than any man can speak on its behalf.
May the Lord deign to use these pages, and make them to be that "guide" to a better
understanding and a greater enjoyment of His own Word.
E. W. B.
LONDON, September, 1907
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
PART I
INTRODUCTORY
A revelation in writing must necessarily be given in "words." The separate words, therefore, in
which it is given must have the same importance and authority as the revelation as a whole. If
we accept the Bible as a revelation from God, and receive it as inspired by God, we cannot
separate the words of which that inspired revelation is made up, or admit the assertion "that the
Bible contains the Word of God, but is not the Word of God." The position conveyed by such an
expression is both illogical and impossible.
As we design this work for those who accept the Scriptures as the Word of God, we do not
propose to offer any arguments in proof of its inspiration.
The Bible is its own best proof of its inspiration. It claims to be "the Word of God"; and if it be
not what it claims to be, then it is not only not a "good book," but is unworthy of our further
attention.
We cannot understand the position of those who assert and believe that many of its parts are
myths and forgeries, while at the same time they continue to write commentaries upon it, and
accept their emoluments and dignities for preaching or lecturing about it.
If we were told and believed that a bank-note in our possession is a forgery, we certainly should
take no further interest in it, beyond mourning the loss which we had sustained. Our action
would thus be consistent with our belief.
We write, therefore, for those who, receiving the claims of the Scriptures as being the Word of
God, desire to study it so as to understand it and enjoy it.
When this claim is admitted, and a course of study is undertaken in this spirit, we shall be at
once overwhelmed with proofs as to its truth; and on almost every page find abundant
confirmation of our faith.
The Bible simply claims to be the Word of God. It does not attempt to establish its claim, or
seek to prove it. It merely assumes it and asserts it. It is for us to believe it or to leave it.
Hence we do not now attempt to prove or establish that claim; but, believing it, our aim is to
seek to understand what God has thus written for our learning.
Nor do we attempt to explain the phenomena connected with Inspiration. We have no theories to
offer, or suggestions to make, respecting it.
We have the Divine explanation in Acts 3:18, where we read:
"Those things which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets...
he hath so fulfilled."
The particular "things" referred to here are "that Christ should suffer"; but the assertion is
comprehensive and includes all other things "showed" by God.
Note, that it was God who, before, had showed them. It was the same God who had fulfilled
them. The "mouth" was the mouth of "all His prophets," but they were not the prophets' words.
They were the words of God.
Hence, concerning other words, it is written:
"This Scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost, by the
mouth of David, spake before concerning Judas" (Acts 1:16).
It was David's "mouth," and David's pen, David's vocal organs, and David's hand; but they were
not David's words. They were the words "which the Holy Ghost spake before concerning
Judas." David knew nothing about Judas, David could not possibly have spoken anything about
Judas. David's "mouth" spake concerning Ahithophel; but they were the words "which the Holy
Ghost spake concerning Judas."
David was "a prophet": and, being a prophet, he "spake as he was moved by the Holy Ghost" (2
Peter 1:21). Hence, in Psalm 16, he spake concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus (Acts
2:30,31). In the same way he "spake before concerning Judas."
In like manner, in the Book of Exodus Moses wrote about the Tabernacle, but he himself did not
and could not know what "the Holy Ghost signified" (Heb 9:8).
Here, then, we have all that God condescends to tell us about the phenomena of inspiration.
This is the Divine explanation of it; and this is all that can be known about it.
It is not for us to explain this explanation, but to receive it and believe it; and there leave it. It is
enough for us that God speaks to us; and that He says "Thus saith Jehovah." We do not question
the fact; we believe it; and only seek to understand it.
We desire to be in the position of those Thessalonian saints who, in this, "were ensamples to all
that believe," and to whom it was written: "For this cause thank we God without ceasing,
because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh in you that believe" (1
Thess 2:13).
The Word of God is thus for those "that believe." The "Word" as a whole; and the "words" of
which it is made up. They cannot be separated.
It is Jeremiah who says (Jer 15:16):
"THY WORDS were found,* and I did eat them; And THY WORD was unto
me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: For I am called by Thy name, O Jehovah
Elohim of hosts."
* )camaf (matza'), to discover. Genesis 2:20. Here referring to the historic fact (2
Kings 22:8; 2 Chron 34:14,15) of the finding the book of the Law by Hilkiah in the
reign of Josiah.
Here again, it is those who are called by Jehovah's name who feed upon His "words," and
rejoice in His "Word."
The same distinction is made in the New Testament by the Lord Jesus in John 17:
"I have given unto them the WORDS which thou gavest me" (v 8)
"I have given them thy WORD" (v 14)
Those who are referred to in the word "them" are described seven times over, as having been
"given" to Christ by the Father.*
* See verses, 2, 6, 9, 11, 12, 24.
These had "received" the words; these had "known surely"; these had "believed" (v 8).
It is for such as these we now write, who receive, believe, read, and desire to feed upon the
"words" of God; that the "word" of God may become "a joy, and the rejoicing" of the heart (Jer
15:16, RV).
True, this joy within will be tempered by trouble without. Jeremiah prefaces the statement,
quoted above, with the words immediately preceding it in verse 15:
"For Thy sake I have suffered rebuke."*
* hp@afr:xe (cherpah), reproach; and so nearly always rendered.
And the Lord Jesus after saying (John 17:14):
"I have given them Thy WORD."
immediately adds,
"And the world hath hated them."
Those who thus feed upon and rejoice in God's Word will soon realize their isolated position;
but, in spite of the "reproach" and "hatred" of the world, there will always be the "joy and
rejoicing" of the heart.
It was so on another occasion when the neglected Word of God was brought forth,
"AND EZRA OPENED THE BOOK,"
the people were assured that "the joy of the LORD was their strength" (Neh 8:5,10,12,17). And
we are told:
"So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and
caused them to understand the reading" (v 8).
It must be the same with us if that "Word" and those "words" are to be the cause of our joy and
rejoicing. And this is our object in writing now. We do not write for casual readers, or for those
who read a daily portion of the Word merely as the performance of a duty and as a matter of
form, but for those who "search the Scriptures," and who seek, in them, for Him of whom the
Scriptures testify (John 5:39).
Such a one was the eunuch who went up to Jerusalem from Ethiopia in Acts 8,. He sought the
Saviour, but he did not find Him in Jerusalem. He found "religion" there, and plenty of it; but he
did not find that Blessed One; for He had been rejected, "crucified, and slain." So the eunuch
was returning, and was still seeking for the Living Word in the Written Word; "and, sitting in his
chariot, read Isaiah the prophet."
Being directed by the Divine Angel-messenger, Philip "ran thither to him and heard him reading
the prophet Isaiah, and said
UNDERSTANDEST THOU WHAT THOU READEST?
And he said:
"How can I except some man should guide me?
"And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him" (Acts 8:27-31).
Philip's question (v 30) implies (in the Greek) a doubt on Philip's part as to whether the eunuch
did really understand. And the eunuch's reply (v 31) implies a negative answer. It begins with
the word "for," which is not translated either in the AV or RV. If we supply the ellipsis of the
negative which is so clearly implied we can then translate the word γαρ (gar), for; thus;
"[No]: for how should I be able unless some one should guide me."
Of course, the Holy Spirit Himself is THE guide and teacher of His own Word. But sometimes,
as in this case, He sends a messenger, and uses human instruments and agencies.
The word to guide is οδηγεω (hodegeo), to lead or guide in the way.* It is this guidance which
the ordinary reader stands in need of to-day; and never more than to-day, when so many would-
be guides are "blind leaders of the blind." On all hands there are so many attractions to draw
readers out of "the way" altogether; and so many "good" books and "helps" to lead them astray.
* From οδος (hodos), a way; and ηγεοµαι (hegeomai), to lead. It occurs only in
Matthew 15:14; Luke 6:39; John 16:13; Acts 8:31 and Revelation 7:17. It is used both
in its literal or proper sense (Exo 13:17, 32:34; Num 24:8; Deut 1:33); and in a
Tropical sense (Psa 5:8, 23:3, 25:5,9, 77:20, etc.).
We cannot pretend to be a Philip, or to have his special commission. But, without assuming to
teach others on such an important subject we may at least tell them what lines of study we have
ourselves found helpful; and what principles we have found useful in our own searchings of
God's Word.
But these will be useless unless we are first prepared to unlearn.
If any think they know all, or that they have exhausted the Divine Word; or that what they set
out to learn is only to be in addition to what they already know, instead of sometimes in
substitution for it, then we shall be of little service to them: and they need not follow us any
further.
When we come to ask ourselves, and say, "Where did I learn this?" "How did I get this?" "Who
taught me this?" it is astonishing to find how much we have imbibed from man, and from
tradition; and not directly and for ourselves, from the Word of God.
All that we have learned from our youth up must be tested and proved by the Word of God.
Where we find it is true we must learn it over again, from God. And where it will not stand the
test of His Word we must be not only content, but thankful to give it up; and receive Divine
revelation in the place of man's imagination.
With these introductory remarks we shall proceed to divide what we may call our essential and
fundamental principles of Bible study into two parts:
First, those connected with THE "WORD" as a whole; and
Second: those connected with THE "WORDS" of which the Word is composed.
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part I
I. The One Great Object of the Word
The first great and essential principle which must be ever present with us, when we study the
Word of God, as a whole, is not to treat it as something which we have to interpret, but as being
that which God has given in order to interpret Himself and His will to us.
i. This applies to Christ; as the Living Word.
When we speak of the "Word" we can never separate the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ;
and the written word, the Scriptures of Truth.
Each of these is called the "Word," because the Greek word Logos is used of both.
Logos means the spoken or written word, because it makes manifest, and reveals to us the
invisible thoughts.
It is used of Christ, the Living Word, because He reveals the invisible God. "No man hath seen
God at any time; the only begotten Son, He being in the bosom of the Father, This one [hath]
declared [Him]" (John 1:18).
It is not that we have to explain Christ, but that His mission is to explain God to us. He
interprets the Father. And we have to believe Him.
The word "declare" in John 1:18 is important in this connection, and deeply interesting. It is
from εκ (ek), out of, or forth, and ηγεοµαι (hegeomai), to lead. Hence the whole compound
verb means to lead forth, to make known, to guide, interpret, unfold, reveal, and expound (Luke
24:35).* It is from this verb that we have the cognate noun Exegesis which means Exposition.
Wycliffe renders it "He hath told out." The best Meaning is to make known.
* The word occurs only in Luke 24:35; John 1:18; Acts 10:8, 15:12,14, 21:19.
This is why Christ is called "The Word of God," because He makes known, reveals, and
explains the Father.
This is why the Scriptures are called "the Word of God," because they make known the Father
and the Son, by the Holy Spirit, the author of the Word.
Christ is "the Way" to the Father (John 14). He makes God known to us in all His attributes,
will, and words. "I have given them Thy Word." It is always "THY Word" (John 17:8,14,17).
ii. In like manner the Written Word, the Scripture, is given in order to interpret, and to testify of
Christ; and this is why (as we shall see as our next essential principle) Christ is the one great
subject of the Word.
This is why the Holy Spirit is the interpreter of both. His mission is to glorify Christ (John
16:14). He receives and shows the "things of Christ" (John 14:15). But He shows them in the
Written Word (1 Cor 2:9-14). And this is why it must be He and He alone who enables us to
preach that Word.
Thus we have the Word in three manifestations:—
The Incarnate Word,
The Written Word,
The Preached Word.
There is no other. Christ reveals the Father. The Scripture reveals Christ. The Spirit reveals both
in the written and in the preached Word (1 Cor 12:7,8).
How wonderfully does this magnify the preached Word; and show the solemnity of the charge
in 2 Timothy 4:2, "Preach the Word."
It shows how small and worthless are all the schemes, tricks and contrivances of present-day
evangelists and mission preachers with their ever-new fashions and modern methods, when we
see what a high and dignified place God has given to the Preached Word.
How careful should we be that nothing in our manner or matter should lower that dignity, or
imply in the slightest degree that the Written Word has lost any of its power; or needs any
handmaids or helpmeets.
"I HAVE GIVEN THEM THY WORD"
is the all-sufficient assurance of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to the Father. He did not say I
have given them Aids to devotion. He did not say I have given them a Hymn-book, or I have
given them thy Word AND something else.
He did not give anything instead of, or in addition to, that Word.
And that being so, we are assured that the Word which He gave is all-sufficient, in itself, to
accomplish all the purposes of God.
The Word that is preached makes known the Written Word; the Word that is written makes
known Christ the Living Word; and Christ makes known God our Father.
iii. Hence it is, that the same things are stated of both the Living and the Written Word, as it is
well put by Joseph Hart:—
The Scriptures and the Word
Bear one tremendous name,
The Living and the Written Word
In all things are the same.
This may be seen by noting carefully, in our reading, how precisely the same things are
predicated of both one and the other.
We give a few by way of example:—
SIMILAR PREDICATES OF "CHRIST" AND "THE SCRIPTURES."
"His name is called THE WORD OF GOD," Rev 19:13.
They "pressed upon Him to hear THE WORD OF GOD," Luke 5:1.
The Prince of PEACE, Isa 9:6.
The Gospel of PEACE, Rom 10:15.
Jesus said,..."No man cometh unto the Father, but BY ME," John 14:6.
"Make me to go in the PATH of Thy Commandments," Psa 119:35.
"Jesus saith unto him, I am THE WAY," John 14:6.
"Teach me, O Lord, THE WAY of Thy statutes," Psa 119:33.
"I am...THE TRUTH," John 14:6.
"Thy Word is TRUTH," John 17:17.
Christ—"Full of grace and TRUTH," John 1:14.
"All Thy Commandments are TRUTH," Psa 119:151.
"These things saith He...that is TRUE," Rev 3:7.
"The Judgments of the Lord are TRUE," Psa 19:9.
"Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal LIFE," 1 John 5:20.
"Holding forth the Word of LIFE," Phil 2:16.
"A bone of Him shall not be broken," John 19:36.
"The scripture cannot be broken," John 10:35.
"I am the Living Bread...if any man eat of this Bread he shall LIVE for ever," John 6:51.
"Man shall not LIVE by bread alone, but by every Word of God," Luke 4:4.
"With Thee is the FOUNTAIN OF LIFE," Psa 36:9.
"Thy Law...is a FOUNTAIN OF LIFE," Prov 13:14.
Jesus said, "I am the LIGHT of the World," John 8:12.
David said, "Thy Word is a LIGHT unto my path," Psa 119:105.
"The Life was the LIGHT," John 1:4.
"The Law is LIGHT," Prov 6:23.
"Thou art my LAMP, O Lord," 2 Sam 22:29.
"Thy Word is a LAMP unto my feet," Psa 119:105.
"I, saith the Lord, will be unto her a wall of FIRE," Zech 2:5.
"Is not My Word like as a FIRE? saith the Lord," Jer 23:29.
"The Light of Israel shall be for a FIRE," Isa 10:17.
"I will make My Words in thy mouth FIRE," Jer 5:14.
"To you which believe, He is PRECIOUS," 1 Peter 2:7.
"Exceeding great and PRECIOUS Promises," 2 Peter 1:4.
"My beloved is...chiefest among ten THOUSAND," Song 5:10.
"The Law of Thy mouth is better unto me than THOUSANDS of gold and silver," Psa 119:72.
"His Mouth is most SWEET," Song 5:16.
"How SWEET are Thy Words unto my taste," Psa 119:103.
"His Name shall be called WONDERFUL," Isa 9:6.
"Thy Testimonies are WONDERFUL," Psa 119:129.
"Christ, the POWER OF GOD," 1 Cor 1:24.
"The Gospel is the POWER OF GOD," Rom 1:16.
Lord, "Thou art GOOD, and doest Good," Psa 119:68.
"GOOD is the Word of the Lord," Isa 39:8.
"Ye have known Him that is FROM THE BEGINNING," 1 John 2:13.
"Thy Word is true FROM THE BEGINNING," Psa 119:160.
"From Everlasting to EVERLASTING Thou art God," Psa 90:2.
"The righteousness of Thy Testimonies is EVERLASTING," Psa 119:144.
"Thy throne, O God, is FOR EVER AND EVER," Heb 1:8.
"Thy testimonies,...Thou hast founded them FOR EVER," Psa 119:152.
"The Lord shall ENDURE for ever," Psa 9:7.
"The Word of the Lord ENDURETH for ever," 1 Peter 1:25.
"Christ ABIDETH for ever," John 12:34.
"The Word of God...ABIDETH for ever," 1 Peter 1:23.
"Worship Him that LIVETH for ever," Rev 4:10.
"The Word of God LIVETH for ever," 1 Peter 1:23.
Christ's Kingdom "shall STAND FOR EVER," Dan 2:44.
"The Word of our God shall STAND FOR EVER," Isa 40:8.
The STONE..."on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder," Luke 20:18.
"Is not my Word...saith the Lord, like a HAMMER that breaketh the rock in pieces?" Jer 23:29.
Christ, "A STUMBLING Stone," Rom 9:33.
They "STUMBLE at the Word," 1 Peter 2:8.
"Lo, I am with you ALWAY, even unto the end of the world," Matt 28:20.
"Thy commandments...are EVER WITH ME," Psa 119:98.
"Christ may DWELL in your hearts by faith," Eph 3:17.
"Let the Word of Christ DWELL in you richly," Col 3:16.
Christ said, "ABIDE in me, and I IN YOU," John 15:4.
"If... my Words ABIDE in you," John 15:7.
"Hereby we know that He ABIDETH in us," 1 John 3:24.
"The Word of God ABIDETH in you," 1 John 2:14.
Christ called, "FAITHFUL and true," Rev 19:11.
"Thy Testimonies...are very FAITHFUL," Psa 119:138.
"Out of His mouth goeth a sharp SWORD," Rev 19:15.
"The Word of God...is sharper than any two-edged SWORD," Heb 4:12.*
* Heb 4:12 probably refers to both the Living Word and the written
Word also.
"The Lord TRIETH the Righteous," Psa 11:5.
"The Word of the Lord TRIED him," Psa 105:19.
Christ a "TRIED Stone," Isa 28:16.
"The Word of the Lord is TRIED," Psa 18:30.
SIMILAR EFFECTS ATTRIBUTED TO "CHRIST" AND "THE SCRIPTURES."
We are "BORN OF God," 1 John 5:18.
"BORN...by the Word of God," 1 Peter 1:23.
"BEGOTTEN...by...Jesus Christ," 1 Peter 1:3.
BEGOTTEN...through The Gospel," 1 Cor 4:15.
"The Son QUICKENETH whom He will," John 5:21.
"Thy Word hath QUICKENED me," Psa 119:50.
"You hath he QUICKENED who were dead," &c., Eph 2:1.
"Thy Precepts...with them thou hast QUICKENED me," Psa 119:93.
"He that eateth me, even he shall LIVE by me," John 6:57.
"Desire the sincere milk of The Word, that ye may GROW thereby," 1 Peter 2:2.
"Christ hath made us FREE," Gal 5:1.
"The Truth shall make you FREE," John 8:32.
"The Blood of Jesus Christ...CLEANSETH us from all sin," 1 John 1:7.
"YE are CLEAN through the Word which I have spoken," John 15:3.
Christ "is able also to SAVE them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him," Heb 7:25.
"Receive...the engrafted Word, which is able to SAVE your souls," James 1:21.
"SANCTIFIED in Christ Jesus," 1 Cor 1:2.
"SANCTIFIED by the Word of God and prayer," 1 Tim 4:5.
"SANCTIFIED through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all," Heb 10:10.
"SANCTIFY them through THY TRUTH. Thy Word is truth," John 17:17.
"Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us WISDOM," 1 Cor 1:30.
"The Holy Scriptures...able to make thee WISE unto salvation," 2 Tim 3:15.
Christ "HEALED them," Matt 4:24.
"He sent His Word and HEALED them," Psa 107:20.
"Striving according to His Working which WORKETH in me mightily," Col 1:29.
"The Word of God which effectually WORKETH also in you that believe," 1 Thess 2:13.
"The Lord Jesus Christ...shall JUDGE the quick and the dead," 2 Tim 4:1.
"The Word that I have spoken...shall JUDGE him," John 12:48.
"I will go unto God, my exceeding Joy," Psa 43:4.
"Thy Word was unto me the JOY and rejoicing of my heart," Jer 15:16.
Thus we see that the Living Word and the Written Word cannot be separated. And we can
understand also why they cannot be separated in the preaching of the Word.
To preach the Written Word without preaching Christ is not preaching at all. Neither is it done
in the power of the Spirit.
When Paul went to Thessalonica, he ("as his manner was") "reasoned with them out of the
SCRIPTURES" (not as is done to-day, out of the newspapers, or out of the preacher's own head
or experience); but he did not end there. We are immediately told that this preaching consisted
in "opening and setting forth that CHRIST (the Living Word) must needs have suffered, and
risen again from the dead, and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ (the
Messiah)" (Acts 17:1-3).
If the Living Word and the Written Word cannot be separated, we learn that in sitting down to
the study of the Word and Words of God it is to hear His voice, to choose that "better part"; to
sit at Jesus' feet, and hear HIS word (Luke 10:39).
And it is only a "part." The best is to come; when we shall "behold His glory" (John 17:24), the
glory of our Ascended Lord; as the glory of our Incarnate Lord was beheld when on Earth (John
1:14). Then, in the future, as in the past (as now by the Holy Spirit), the wonderful "Word"—our
Glorified Lord—will continue the blessed work which He began as our Risen Lord,
"expounding in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself"; and will declare and make
known the Father to the Saints, who shall then have been gathered together unto Him (2 Thess
1:10, 2:1).
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Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part I
II. The One Great Subject of the Word
i. Christ in the Word as a Whole
The one great subject which runs through the whole Word of God is Christ: the promised seed
of the woman in Genesis 3:15.
This verse marks the depth of the ruin into which man had descended in the Fall; and it becomes
the foundation of the rest of the Bible.
All hope of restoration for man and for creation is centred in Christ; who in due time should be
born into the world, should suffer and die; and, in resurrection, should become the Head of a
new creation, and should finally crush the head of the Old Serpent, who had brought in all the
ruin. Christ, therefore, the King, and the Kingdom which He should eventually set up, become
the one great subject which occupies the whole of the Word of God.
Hence, He is the key to the Divine revelation in the Word; and apart from him it cannot be
understood.
The contents of the Bible must therefore be seen and arranged with reference to Him. The
counsels and purposes of God are all centred in Christ.
1. In the Old Testament we have the King and the Kingdom in Promise and Prophecy,
Illustration and Type.
2. In the Four Gospels we have the King and the Kingdom presented and proclaimed by John
the Baptiser, and by Christ Himself. And we see the Kingdom rejected, and the King crucified.
3. In the Acts of the Apostles we have the Transition from the Kingdom to the Church. The
Kingdom is once again offered to Israel by Peter; again it is rejected, Stephen is stoned, and
Peter imprisoned (ch 12).
Then Paul, who had been already chosen and called (ch 9), is commissioned for His Ministry
(ch 13), and on the final rejection of his testimony concerning the Kingdom, he pronounces for
the third and last time the sentence of judicial blindness in Isaiah 6,* and declares that "the
salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles" (Acts 28:25-28).
* The other two citations of Isaiah 6 were by our Lord, in Matthew 13:14, 15, and
John 12:40.
In his final communication to Hebrew believers it is written that while in God's counsels all
things had been put under Christ's feet, "we see NOT YET all things put under Him" (Heb 2:7-
9).
The Kingdom thenceforth is in abeyance.
4. In the Epistles we have the King exalted, and (while the Kingdom is in abeyance) made the
Head over all things to the Church, during this present Interval; the Dispensation of the grace of
God.
5. In the Apocalypse we have the Revelation of the King in judgment; and we see the Kingdom
set up, the King enthroned in power and glory, the promise fulfilled, and prophecy ended.
We may exhibit the above to the eye in the following Structure:—*
* See Part II, Canon II.
The one Subject of the Word as a Whole.
A. The King and the Kingdom in Promise and Prophecy. (The Old Testament)
B. The King presented, proclaimed, and rejected. The
Mysteries (or Secrets) of the Kingdom revealed.
C. Transitional (The Acts). The Kingdom
again offered and rejected (The earlier
Pauline Epistles).
B. The King exalted and made Head over all things to the
Church, "which is His body, the fulness of Him that filleth all
in all" (Eph 1:22,23). The Great Mystery revealed (The later
Pauline Epistles). The Kingdom in abeyance (Heb 2:8).
A. The King and the Kingdom unveiled. The King enthroned, and the Kingdom
set up with Divine judgment, power, and glory (Rev 19,20). Promise and
prophecy fulfilled (The Apocalypse).
Here the correspondence is seen between these five members.
In A and A we have the King and the Kingdom.
In B and B we have the King and the mysteries (or secrets) of the Kingdom (Matt 13).
In C, the central member, we have the present Interval, while the King is absent, the Holy Spirit
present, and the Kingdom in abeyance, and the mystery of the Church revealed (Eph 3).
From the Structure it will be seen that the great subject of the whole Book is one. From Genesis
3:15 to Revelation 22 "THE COMING ONE" fills our vision.
This teaches us that the Coming of Christ is no newly-invented subject of some modern faddists
or fanatics, or cranks; but that Christ's coming has always been the Hope of his people.
In "the fulness of time" He came: but having been rejected and slain He rose from the dead, and
ascended to Heaven. There He is "seated" and "henceforth expecting until His enemies shall be
placed as a footstool for His feet" (Heb 10:13).
Hence, Christ, "the Coming One," is the one all-pervading subject of the Word of God as a
whole.
He is the pneuma or life-giving spirit of the written Word, without which the latter is dead. "As
the body without the pneuma is dead" (James 2:26), so the written Word without the pneuma is
dead also. Christ is that pneuma or spirit. This is the whole argument of 2 Corinthians.
This is why the Lord Jesus could say of the Scriptures: "They testify of ME" (John 1:45, 5:39;
Luke 24:44,45).
Their one great design is to tell of the Coming One. All else is subordinated to this. This is why
we see the ordinary events in a household combining with the grandest visions of a prophet to
testify of Him who fills all Scripture. It may be said of the written Word, as it is of the New
Jerusalem, "The Lamb is the light thereof" (Rev 21:23).
Apart from Him, the natural eye of man sees only outward historical details and circumstances;
some in themselves appearing to him trifling, others offensive, and pursued at a length which
seems disproportionate to the whole; while things which "angels desire to look into" are passed
over in a few words, or in silence.
But once let "the spiritual mind" see Christ testified of "in Moses and all the prophets," then all
assumes a new aspect: trifles that seem hardly worth recording fill the whole vision and light up
the written Word and make it to shine with the glory of the Divine presence.
Then we see why the Inspired writer dwells on a matter which to the outward eye seems trivial
compared with other things which we may deem to be of world-wide importance.
Then we observe in an event, seemingly casual and unimportant, something which tells forth the
plans and counsels of God, by which He is shaping everything to His own ends. Nothing
appears to us then either great or small. All is seen to be Divine when the Coming One is
recognized as the one subject of the Word of God.
This is the master-key of the Scriptures of truth.
"These are they that testify of ME." Bearing this key in our hand we can unlock the precious
treasures of the Word; and understand words, and hints; apparently casual expressions,
circumstances, and events, which in themselves, and apart from Him, are meaningless.
It is the use of this master-key and this first great foundation principle which is to be observed in
the study of the "Word" and "words" of God. It is when we, in every part, have found "HIM of
whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write" (John 1:45), that we can understand those
parts of Scripture which are "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence" to many: that we can
explain much that is otherwise difficult; see clearly much that before was obscure; answer
objections that are brought against the Word; and "put to silence the ignorance of foolish men."
The moment this master-key is used types will be seen foreshadowing the Coming King, and
showing forth His sufferings and His Glory. Events and circumstances will show forth His
wondrous deeds and tell of the coming glory of His kingdom.
ii. Christ in the Separate Books of the Word.
In GENESIS we shall understand the record of Creation (ch 1), for we shall see in it the
counterpart of our new creation in Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:17).
In the light which shined out of darkness (Gen 1:2,3) we shall see the light which has shone "in
our hearts to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face (or person) of Jesus Christ" (2
Cor 4:6). No wonder that those who know nothing of this spiritual light of the New Creation
know nothing of the light that was created on the first day as revealed in the record of the old
creation.* The natural man sees only a myth and an old wives' fable in the Creation record, and
seems actually to prefer the Babylonian corruption of primitive truth. These "other Gentiles
walk in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the
life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart" (Eph
4:17,18). Woe be to those who follow these blind leaders, for "they shall both fall into the ditch"
they have prepared for themselves by their fleshly knowledge and worldly wisdom."
* Though the recent discovery of Radium is beginning to open our eyes and show how
light can exist without the sun.
In the Creator we shall see Christ (John 1:3; Col 1:16).
In the first Adam we shall see the last Adam (1 Cor 15:45; Rom 5:14). In the first man we shall
see "the second man, the Lord, from heaven" (1 Cor 15:47).
In the "seed of the woman" (Gen 3:15) we shall see the coming son of Abraham, the son of
David, the Son of man, the Son of God; while those who are in the black darkness of Rome see
either a helpless Infant, or a dead man, and a living woman—the Virgin Mary; having corrupted
their Authorized Vulgate Version (in Gen 3:15),* to make it the foundation of this blasphemy.
* Where the Hebrew masculine is misrepresented as feminine, and is thus made, as
Dr. Pusey has said, the foundation of Mariolatry, and the basis of the Immaculate
Conception.
In Abraham's shield we shall see the Living Word, coming, speaking, and revealing Himself to
him (ch 15:1; John 8:56).
In Isaac we shall see Christ the true seed of Abraham (Rom 9:7; Gal 3:16). In the Annunciation
to the Mother (Gen 18:10; Luke 1:30-33), the miraculous conception (Gen 18:14; Luke 1:35)
and the pre-natal naming (Gen 17:19; Matt 1:21; Luke 1:31, 2:21). In the projected death of the
one we see the foreshadowing of the other, two thousand years before, and on the same
mountain, Moriah; and this Mount, selected not by chance, or for convenience (for it was three
days' journey), but appointed in the Divine counsels as the site of the future altar of burnt
offering (Gen 22:2; 1 Chron 21:28-22:1; 2 Chron 3:1). In the wood laid upon Isaac (Gen 22:6),
and not carried by the servants or on the ass, we shall see Him who was led forth bearing His
Cross (John 19:17).
In Joseph, of whom the question was asked, "Shalt thou indeed reign over us?" we see Him of
whom His brethren afterwards said, "We will not have this man to reign over us" (Luke 19:14).
But we see the sufferings of the one followed by the glory, as we shall surely see the glory of the
true Joseph following His sufferings in the fulness of time (1 Peter 1:11), of which glory we
shall be the witnesses, and partakers (1 Peter 4:13, 5:1).
We must not pursue this great subject or principle in its further details, though we have but
touched the fringe of it, even in the book of Genesis. As the Lord Jesus began at Moses so have
we only made a beginning, and must leave our readers to follow where we have pointed out the
way.
It may be well, however, for us to indicate one or two of the leading points of the other books of
the Old Testament.
EXODUS tells of the sufferings and the glory of Moses, as Genesis does of Joseph, and in both
we see a type of the sufferings and glory of Christ.
Joseph's sufferings began with his rejection, his own brethren asking, "Shalt thou indeed reign
over us? Or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us?" (Gen 37:8). Moses' sufferings began
with his rejection and the question of "two men of the Hebrews,"—"Who made thee a ruler and
a judge over us?" (Exo 2:14). In all this we see the rejection of Christ by a similar question, the
thought of their hearts being put into their lips, in the parable, where "his citizens hated Him and
sent a message after Him saying, 'We will not have this man to reign over us'" (Luke 19:14).
But the issue in all three cases is the same. Of each it is true, as it is said of Moses, "This Moses
whom they refused, saying, 'Who made thee a ruler and a deliverer?' The same did God send to
be a ruler and a judge by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush" (Acts 7:35).
Even so will God surely "send Jesus Christ...whom the heavens must receive until the times of
restitution of all things which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the
world began" (Acts 3:20,21).
Thus early, in Genesis and Exodus, we have the great subject of the sufferings and the glory of
Christ more than foreshadowed (1 Peter 1:11, 4:13, 5:1; Luke 24:26).
Exodus tells us also of Christ as the true Paschal Lamb (1 Cor 5:7,8); as the true Priest (Exo
30:10; Heb 5:4,5); and the true Tabernacle which the Lord pitched and not men (Heb 9).
LEVITICUS gives us, in the offerings, a fourfold view of the Death of Christ (the Sin and
Trespass Offerings being reckoned as one), as the Gospels give us a fourfold view of His life.
NUMBERS foreshadows the Son of Man come to be "lifted up" (ch 21:9; John 3:14,15); the
Rock (ch 20:11; 1 Cor 10:4); the Manna that fed them (ch 11:7-9; Deut 8:2,3; John 6:57,58); and
the future Star that should arise "out of Jacob" (ch 24:17; Luke 1:78; 2 Peter 1:19; Rev 2:28,
22:16).
DEUTERONOMY reveals the coming Prophet "like unto Moses" (ch 18:15; Acts 7:23-26); the
Rock and Refuge of His people (ch 32:4, 33:27).
JOSHUA tells of "the Captain of the Lord's host" (ch 5:13-15; Heb 2:10, 12:2) who shall
triumph over all His foes; while Rahab's scarlet cord (ch 2:12-20) tells of His sufferings and
precious blood which will shelter and preserve His people in the coming day of His war.
JUDGES tells of the Covenant Angel whose name is "Secret," i.e. "Wonderful" (ch 13:18,
margin; compare Isa 9:6, where the word is the same).
RUTH reveals the type of our Kinsman-Redeemer, the true Boaz; and the question of chapter
2:10 is answered in Proverbs 11:15.
SAMUEL reveals the "sufferings" and rejection of David, who became a "Saviour" and a
"Captain" of his followers (1 Sam 22:1,2), foreshadowing David's Son and David's Lord, "the
Root and the Offspring of David" (Rev 22:16).
KINGS shows us the "glory which should follow," and the "greater than Solomon" (Matt
12:42); the "greater than the Temple" (Matt 12:6), where everything speaks of His glory (Psa
29:9 and margin).
CHRONICLES reveals Christ as "the King's Son," rescued "from among the dead," hidden in
the House of God, to be manifested in due time, "as Jehovah hath said" (2 Chron 22:10-23:3).
EZRA speaks of "a nail in a sure place" (ch 9:8), which according to Isaiah 22:23 is used of
Eliakim, who typifies Christ.
NEHEMIAH tells of the "bread from Heaven" and "water out of the Rock" (ch 9:15,20), which
are elsewhere used as typical of Christ (John 6:57,58; 1 Cor 10:4).
ESTHER sees the seed preserved which should in the fulness of time be born into the world. His
name is there, though concealed, but His will and power is manifested in defeating all enemies
in spite of the unalterable law of the Medes and Persians.
JOB reveals Him as his "Daysman" or "Mediator" (ch 9:33); and as his "Redeemer" coming
again to the earth (ch 19:25-27).
THE PSALMS are full of Christ. We see His humiliation and sufferings and death (Psa 22), His
Resurrection (Psa 16), His anointing as Prophet with grace-filled lips (Psa 45; Luke 4:22); as
Priest after the order of Melchisedec (Psa 110; Heb 5:6, 6:20, 7:17,21); as King enthroned over
all (Psa 2), and His kingdom established in the earth (Psa 103, 145, &c.).
PROVERBS reveals Christ as the "Wisdom of God" (ch 8; 1 Cor 1:24); the "Path" and "Light"
of His People (ch 4:18); the "Surety" who smarted for His people while strangers (ch 11:15;
Rom 5:8-10; Eph 2:12; 1 Peter 2:11); the "strong tower" into which the righteous run and are
safe (ch 18:10); the friend who loveth at all times, and the brother born for adversity (ch 17:17).
ECCLESIASTES tells of the "one among a thousand" in the midst of all that is vanity and
vexation of spirit (ch 7:28).
THE SONG OF SONGS reveals Him as the true and faithful Shepherd, Lover, and Bridegroom
of the Bride, who remained constant to Him in spite of all the royal grandeur and coarser
blandishments of Solomon.
ISAIAH is full of the sufferings and glories of Christ. He is the "despised and rejected of men, a
man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (ch 53:5); wounded for our transgressions,
oppressed, afflicted, and brought as a lamb to the slaughter; cut off out of the land of the living
(ch 53:2-9). Yet the glory shall follow. "He shall see of the travail of His soul and be
satisfied" (ch 53:11). He will be His people's "Light" (ch 60:1,2; Matt 4:16); "The Mighty
God" (ch 9:6; Matt 28:18); Salvation's Well (ch 12:3); the King who shall "reign in
righteousness" (ch 32:1,2); Jehovah's Branch, beautiful and glorious (ch 4:2).
JEREMIAH tells of "the Righteous Branch," and "Jehovah our Righteousness" (ch 23:5,6); of
the "Righteous Branch" and King who shall reign and prosper (ch 33:15).
EZEKIEL reveals Him as the true Shepherd (ch 34:23), and as "the Prince" (ch 37:25); the
"Plant of Renown" (ch 34:29), and "Jehovah Shammah" (ch 48:35).
DANIEL reveals Him as the "Stone" become the Head of the corner (ch 2:34; Psa 118:22; Isa
8:14, 28:16; Matt 21:42,44; Acts 4:11; 1 Peter 2:4,6). Also as the Son of Man (ch 7:13,16); and
"Messiah the Prince" (ch 9:24).
He is HOSEA'S true David (3:5), the Son out of Egypt (11:1);
JOEL'S "God dwelling in Zion" (ch 3:17);
AMOS' Raiser of David's Tabernacle (ch 9:11; Acts 15:16,17).
OBADIAH'S "Deliverer on Mount Zion" (v 17);
JONAH'S "Salvation" (ch 2:9); the "Sign" of Christ's resurrection (Matt 12:39-41).
MICAH'S "Breaker," "King" and "Lord" (ch 2:13, 5:2,5);
NAHUM'S "Stronghold in Trouble" (ch 1:7);
HABAKKUK'S "Joy" and "Confidence" (ch 3:17,18);
ZEPHANIAH'S "Mighty God in the midst of Zion" (ch 3:17);
HAGGAI'S "Desire of all nations" (ch 2:7);
ZECHARIAH'S Smitten Shepherd; The Man, Jehovah's Fellow (ch 13:7); Jehovah's
"Servant—the Branch" (ch 3:8); "the Man whose name is the Branch" (ch 6:12);
MALACHI'S "Messenger of the Covenant" (ch 3:1); the Refiner of the Sons of Levi (ch 3:3);
"The Sun of Righteousness" (ch 4:2).
Thus, the "Word" of God has one great subject.
That one great all-pervading subject is Christ; and all else stands in relation to Him. He is "the
beginning and the ending" of Scripture, as of all beside.
Hence, the Word of God, at its ending, shows how the beginning all works out; and how, that to
which we are introduced in Genesis is completed in Revelation.
Satan's first rebellion is implied between the first and second verses of the first chapter of
Genesis, and his final rebellion is seen in Revelation 20:7-9. his doom is pronounced in Genesis
3:15, and is accomplished in Revelation 20:10.
We have the primal Creation, "the world that then was," in Genesis 1:1 (2 Peter 3:6). "The
Heavens and the Earth which are now" in Genesis 1:2, etc. (2 Peter 3:7). And "The New
Heavens and the New Earth" in Revelation 21:1 (2 Peter 3:13).
We have "night" in Genesis 1:1; and see "no night there" in Revelation 22:5.
We have the "sea" in Genesis 1:10; and "no more sea" in Revelation 21:1.
We have the "sun and moon" in Genesis 1:16, 17; and "no need of the sun or the moon" in
Revelatino 21:23, 22:5.
We have the entrance of sorrow and suffering and death in Genesis 3:16,17; and "no more death,
neither sorrow nor crying" in Revelation 21:4.
We have the "curse" pronounced in Genesis 3:17; and "no more curse" in Revelatino 22:3.
We have banishment from Paradise and the Tree of Life in Genesis 3:22-24; and the welcome
back and "right to it" in Revelation 22:2.
This will be sufficient* to show the unity of the "Word" as a whole; and to stimulate Bible
students to a further study of it on the line of this great fundamental principle.
* More instances will be found in The Apocalypse; or, the Day of the Lord, by the
same author and publisher.
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part I
III. The One Great Requirement of the Word:-"Rightly Dividing" It.
The one great requirement of the Word is grounded on the fact that it is "the Word of truth."
And this fact is so stated as to imply that, unless the Word is thus rightly divided we shall not
get "truth"; and that we shall get its truth only in proportion to the measure in which we divide it
rightly.
The Requirement is thus stated in 2 Timothy 2:15: "Give diligence to present thyself approved
to God, a workman having no cause to be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth."
The word in question here is ορθοτοµουντα (orthotomounta).*
* From ορθος (orthos), right, and τεµνω (temno), to cut.
As this word occurs in no Greek writer, or even elsewhere in the New Testament, we can get
little or no help from outside, and are confined to Biblical usage.
It is used twice in the Septuagint for the Hebrew r#$ayaf (yashar), to be right, or straight. In
Proverbs 3:6, 11:5, the Hebrew is Piel (or causative), to make right (as in 2 Chron 32:30; Prov
15:21; Isa 40:3, 45:2,13).
But it is the Greek word that we have to do with here, in 2 Timothy 2:15; and we cannot get
away from the fact that τεµνω (temno) means to cut; or, from the fact that we cannot cut without
dividing. To divide belongs to the very nature of the act of cutting. Even as applied to directing
one's way, it implies that we divide off one way from others— because we desire to follow the
right way and avoid the wrong.
The only Biblical guide we have to the usage of the word is in Proverbs 3:6:
"In all thy ways acknowledge him
And he shall direct thy paths."
In the margin the RV gives, "make straight or plain" as an alternative rendering for "direct." But
our ways can only be made straight or plain by God's causing us to proceed on our way
aright—i.e., by avoiding all the ways that are wrong, and going in the one way that is right; in
other words, the right way is divided off from all the wrong ways.
What else can the word mean in 2 Timothy 2:15?
It matters little what others have thought or said. We could fill a page with their names and their
views, but we should learn but little and only become confused. The duties of Priests, Furriers,
and Ploughmen have been referred to as indicating the correct meaning. But we need not leave
the Biblical usage, which associates the word with guidance in the right way.
The scope of the verse plainly teaches that:
1. Our one great study is to seek GOD'S approval, and not man's.
2. We are to show all diligence in pursuing this study.
3. As workmen, our aim is to have no cause to be ashamed of our work.
4. In order to gain God's approval and avert our own shame we must rightly divide the
word of truth.
5. To do this we must direct our studies in the right way.
6. This great requirement is associated with the Word in its special character as being the
Word of truth; i.e., "the TRUE Word."
All this tells us that we shall not get the truth if we do not thus rightly divide it; and that we shall
get the truth only in proportion to our "rightly dividing" it.
Other titles of the Word have their own special requirements. As "the engrafted Word" it must
be received with meekness (James 1:21). As "the Faithful Word" we must hold it fast (Titus 1:9).
As "the Word of life" we must hold it forth (Phil 2:16).
But, because this is "the Word of truth," its paths must be well noted, the sign-posts must be
observed, the directions and guides which are in the Word itself must be followed.
We are to "give diligence" to this great Requirement of the Word just because it is "the Word of
truth."
It is true that there are many who altogether ignore this precept; and have no thought as to
obeying this command in their study of the Word.
There are many who make light of our insistence on obedience to this precept.
On what ground, we ask, are we to treat such an important command as though it had never
been given?
Why is not this command as binding on Bible students as any other command in the Word of
God?
What motive can such have to blunt the point and dull the edge of this "Sword of the Spirit" in
this matter?
Strange to say, those who would be-little our efforts in rendering due obedience to this
command, are themselves obliged not only to accept its division into chapters, and verses, and
punctuated sentences; but they go further, and adopt the division of its subject-matter which is
made by the insertion of chapter-headings and running page-headings according to man's own
ideas.
The only question is, Do they divide it rightly, or wrongly?
For example, in the English Bibles which our readers use, over Isaiah 29 we notice the running
page-heading "Judgment upon Jerusalem"; and on the opposite page, over chapter 30 we notice
the page-heading "God's mercies to His church."
Again, over Isaiah 59 we note the chapter-heading "The sins of the Jews"; in the chapter-heading
of chapter 60 we note "The glory of the church." And this in spite of the declared fact that this
book contains "the Vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and
Jerusalem" (ch 1:1).*
* If these headings are not found in some of the current editions of our English Bibles,
it is only a proof that still greater liberties are taken in changes of these headings.
Surely, this is dividing the Word. But the only question for us to ask is, whether it is divided
"rightly" or wrongly.
In the consideration of this great and important requirement there are four principal spheres in
which we are to give diligence so that we may follow the right ways which are so clearly cut and
marked out for our studies.
We must rightly divide the Word of Truth:
i. As to its Literary Form.
ii. As to its Subject-matter.
iii. As to its Times and Dispensations.
iv. As to its Dispensational Truth and Teaching.
We will consider these in their order.
i. Rightly Dividing the Word as to its Literary Form.
The "Word" comes to us in our English Translation. But it comes with much that is human in its
Literary Divisions; and it is far from being rightly divided.
1. The Two Testaments.
"THE WORD OF GOD" as a whole comes to us in two separate parts: one written, originally, in
Hebrew; the other in Greek. Only in the Versions are these two combined, and bound together in
one Book.
These division, of course, are not human, though the names are by which they are commonly
known.
Up to the second century the term "Old Covenant" was used by the Greeks to describe the
Hebrew Bible. This passed into the Latin Vulgate as "Vetus Testamentum," from which our
English term "Old Testament" was taken.
By way of distinction, the Greek portion was naturally spoken of as the "New Testament." But
neither of these names is Divine in its origin.
2. The Separate Books of the Bible.
When, however, we come to the Separate Books, though their origin is Divine, the human
element is at once apparent.
(a) The Books of the Old Testament.—The Books as we have them to-day are not the same as in
the Hebrew Canon, either as to their number, names, or order.
The change first came about when the first Translation of the Hebrew Bible was made into
Greek in the Version known as the Septuagint.
It was made in the latter part of the third century BC. The exact date is not known, but the
consensus of opinion leans to about 286-285 BC.
It is the oldest of all the translations of the Hebrew Text, and its Divisions and arrangement of
the Books have been followed in every translation since made.
Man has divided them into four classes: (1) The Law, (2) The Historical Books, (3) The Poetical
Books, and (4) The Prophetical Books.
The Lord Jesus divides them into Three classes: (1) The Law, (2) The Prophets, and (3) The
Psalms. And who will say that HE did not rightly divide them! But His Division was made
according to the Hebrew Bible extant in His day, and not according to man's Greek Translation
of it—which was extant also at that time.
In the Hebrew Canon these three Divisions contain twenty-four Books, in the following
order:—
(i) "The Law" (Torah)
These five books form the Pentateuch
1. Genesis
2. Exodus
3. Leviticus
4. Numbers
5. Deuteronomy
(ii) "The Prophets" (Neviim)
"The Former Prophets" (Zech 7)
6. Joshua
7. Judges
8. Samuel
9. Kings
The Latter Prophets
10. Isaiah
11. Jeremiah
12. Ezekiel
13. The Minor Prophets
(iii) "The Psalms" (K'thuvim) or the [other] writings
14. Psalms
15. Proverbs
16. Job
The Five "Megilloth" (or scrolls)
17. Song of Songs
18. Ruth
19. Lamentations
20. Ecclesiastes
21. Esther
22. Daniel
23. Ezra-Nehemiah
24. Chronicles
This is how the Books are rightly divided in the Hebrew Bible. And it is sad to find so many
good men exercising their ingenuity in order to find some Divine spiritual teaching in the utterly
human and different order of the Books given in the Translations. One actually manufactures
"five Pentateuch's," quite dislocating the books of the Bible; and he arbitrarily re-arranges them
to suit his theory. Another divides them by re-arranging them in what he conceives to be the
chronological order, which results, among other calamities, in the Psalms being dispersed
among the Historical Books.
The "Higher" Critics would have us make a Hexateuch instead of a Pentateuch.
We fear it is hopeless ever to look for the books to be rightly divided and arranged in the order
of the Hebrew Canon; so we shall have to make the best of man's having wrongly divided the
Word of truth from the very outset.
The number of Concordances and Commentaries and general works where reference is made to
the present chapters and verses would be sufficient to make such a change impossible, however
desirable it might be on other grounds.
Nevertheless, it is well for those who would study the Word of truth to have this information,
and to be in possession of the facts of the case, even if the result is only to prevent them from
attaching any importance to the present order of the books, and keep them from elaborating
some scheme of doctrine or theology based on what is only human in its origin.
(b) The Books of the New Testament.—As to the Books of the New Testament the problem
presented is somewhat different. We find them in the Manuscripts generally in five groups: (1)
the Gospels, (2) the Acts, (3) the General Epistles, (4) Paul's Epistles, and (5) the Apocalypse.
The order of these groups varies in certain MSS; and the order of the books also in the different
groups varies. There is, however, one exception which we have elsewhere pointed out: The
Epistles of Paul which are addressed to Churches are always in the same order as we have them
in our English Bible to-day. Out of the hundreds of Greek MSS not one has ever yet been seen
where the Canonical order of these Epistles is different from that in which they have come down
to us.
We can therefore build our teaching on a sure foundation, though we cannot do so on the order
of the other New Testament books.
3. The Divisions of the Hebrew Text.
The Hebrew Text is divided (in the MSS) into five different forms:—
(a) Into open and closed Sections, answering somewhat to our paragraphs. These were to
promote facility in reading.
(b) Into Sedarim or the Triennial Pericopes;* i.e., Portions marked off: so that the Pentateuch is
divided into 167 Pericopes or "Lessons," which are completed in a course of three years'
reading. There are 452 of these Seders** in the Hebrew Bible, indicated by p, in the margin.
* Greek, from peri (around) and kopto (cut); a portion or extract Pronounced Pe-ric'-o-
pe.
** From rdasaf (sadar), to arrange in order.
(c) Beside these the Pentateuch was divided into 54 Par'shioth* or Annual Pericopes, by which
the Law was read through once a year.
* From #$rap@af (parash), to divide.
(d) The division into verses. The verses in the Hebrew Bible are of ancient origin, and were
noted by a stroke called Silluk under the last word of each verse.
These words were carefully counted for each book. Hence the Scribes were so called not
because of their writing (from the Latin word Scribo), but they were called Sopherim or
Counters (from the Hebrew, Sopher, to count). The Massorah gives the number of verses as
23,203.
4. The Divisions of the Greek Text.
In the Greek MSS of the New Testament there is an indication of sections in the margin,
dividing the text according to the sense.
There is also a division of the Gospels ascribed to TATIAN (Cent. II.) called Kephalaia, i.e.
heads or summaries: these are known also as Titloi or titles. AMMONIUS, in the third century,
divided the Text according to sections, known by his name: "The Ammonian Sections." In the
fifth century EUTHALIUS, a deacon of Alexandria, divided Paul's Epistles, the Acts, and the
General Epistles into Kephalaia; and ANDREAS (Archbishop of Cæsarea in Cappadocia)
completed the work by dividing the Apocalypse into 24 Logoi or paragraphs, each being again
divided into three Kephalaia.
These dividings of the New Testament can be traced back to individual men, and are all
essentially human.
5. The Divisions of the Versions.
(a) The Chapters.—There are other more modern divisions into CHAPTERS. These are quite
foreign to the Original Texts of the Old and New Testaments. For a long time they were
attributed to HUGHES DE ST. CHER (Hugo de Sancto Caro). He was Provincial to the
Dominicans in France, and afterwards a Cardinal in Spain: he died AD 1263. But it is now
generally believed that they were made by STEPHEN LANGTON, Archbishop of Canterbury,
who died in 1227.
(b) The Verses.—Hugo made use of Langton's chapters and added subdivisions which he
indicated by letters. This was in 1248. ROBERT STEPHENS, finding these letters inadequate,
introduced numbers in their place in his Greek Testament of 1551. This was the origin of our
verse-divisions, which were first introduced into the English Version known as the Geneva
Bible (1560), and from that into our Authorized Version in 1611. These verses do not
correspond always with those of the Hebrew Bible.
(c) The Chapter Breaks—As to these chapter divisions, they were not of Jewish origin; and were
never associated with the Hebrew Bible until AD 1330, when RABBI SALOMON BEN
ISMAEL adopted the Christian chapters by placing the numerals in the margin, to facilitate
reference for purposes of controversy.*
* This appears from a note appended to MS No. 15, in the Cambridge University
Library. See Dr. Ginsburg's Introduction, etc., p. 25.
In many cases they agree with the Massoretic divisions of the Hebrew Bible, though there are
glaring instances of divergence.*
* Up to AD 1517 the Editors of the Printed Text of the Hebrew Bible closely adhered
to the MSS and ignored the Christian or Gentile chapters.
The first to reverse this practice were the Editors of the Complutensian Polyglot of
CARDINAL XIMENES (1514-1517); but still confining the indications to the margin,
in Roman Numerals.
FELIX PRATENSIS was the first to substitute Hebrew Letters for the Roman
Numerals in his Edition printed by Bomberg, Venice, in AD 1517; though he retained
the Massoretic divisions.
JACOB BEN CHAYIM adopted the same practice in his standard Edition (AD 1524-
5); and it was continued down to 1751, when
ARIAS MONTANUS actually went so far as to break up the Hebrew Text, and insert
the Hebrew Letters (or Numerals) into the body of the Text, in his edition printed at
Antwerp in 1571.
From this, the "pernicious practice," as Dr. Ginsburg well calls it, has continued in the
Editions of the Hebrew Text since printed, though it is discarded in his own
Massoretico-Critical Edition, printed in Vienna in 1894, and published by the
Trinitarian Bible Society of 7, Bury Street, Bloomsbury, London.
It will thus be seen how very modern, and human, and how devoid of all authority are the
chapter and verse divisions which obtain in the version of the Bible generally, and in our
English Bible in particular. Though they are most useful for purposes of reference, we must be
careful never to use them for interpretation, or for doctrinal teaching. They seldom accord with
the breaks required by the Structure.* Sometimes they break the connection altogether; at other
times they materially affect the sense.
* See Part II, Canon II.
As examples, where the chapter-breaks interfere with the Connection and the Sense, we may
notice Genesis 1 and 2, where the Introduction (1:1-2:4) is broken up, and the commencement of
the first of the Eleven Divisions (or, "Generations") is hidden. This wrong break has led to
serious confusion. Instead of seeing in 1:1-2:3 a separate Summary of Creation in the form of an
Introduction, many think they see two distinct creations, while others see a discrepancy between
two accounts of the same creation.
The break between 2 Kings 6 and 7 should come after chapter 7:2; that is to say, 7:1, 2, should
be 6:34, 35.
The break between Isaiah 8 and 9 is, to say the least, most unfortunate, dislocating, as it does,
the whole sense of the passage.
Isaiah 53 should commence at chapter 52:13. This agrees with its Structure:
A. 52:13-15. The foretold exaltation of Jehovah's Servant, the Messiah.
B. 53:1-6. His rejection by others.
B. 7-10. His own sufferings.
A. 10-12. The foretold exaltation of Messiah.
Isaiah 52:1-12 should have been the concluding portion of chapter 51.
Jeremiah 3:6 begins a new prophecy which goes down to the end of chapter 6.
Matthew 9:35-38 should belong to chapter 10.
John 3 should commence with 2:23, thus connecting the remarks about "men" with the "man of
the Pharisees."
John 8:1 should be the last verse of chapter 7, setting in contrast the destination of the people
and that of the Lord.
In Acts 4 the last two verses should have been the first two verses of chapter 5.
We can quite see that Acts 7 is already a long chapter; still, the break between it and chapter 6 is
unfortunate, because the connection between "these things" in 7:1 is quite severed from the
"things" referred to in chapter 6.
The same is the case in Acts 8:1. Also in 22:1.
Romans 4 ought to have run on to 5:11, as is clear from the argument, as shown by the
Structure.
In the same way Romans 6 ought to run on, and end with 7:6, which concludes the subject. The
commencement of 7:7, "What shall we say then?" would thus correspond with 6:1.
Romans 15:1-7 really belongs to chapter 14.*
* See Part II, Canon VII.
1 Corinthians 11:1 should be the last verse of chapter 10.
2 Corinthians 6 should end with 7:1; for 7:2 commences a new subject, and leaves the
"promises" of 7:1 to be connected with the rehearsal of them in chapter 6.
In the same way Philippians 3 ought to end with 4:1 to complete the sense.
Colossians 3 should end with 4:1. Thus "masters" would follow, and stand in connection with,
the exhortation to "servants"; and 4:2 would commence the new subject.
In 1 Peter 2:1 the word "wherefore" points to the fact that this verse is closely connected with
chapter 1.
2 Peter 2:1, in the same way, concludes chapter 1, and the "false prophets" are contrasted with
the Divinely inspired prophets.
In 2 Timothy 4:1 the force of the word "therefore" is quite lost by being cut off from the
conclusion of chapter 3.
Revelation 3, as a break, ought to be ignored, as it quite dislocates the seven letters to the
Assemblies.
Revelation 13:1 belongs to, and is the conclusion of, chapter 12. The break is thus actually made
in the RV, and the correct reading of the Greek MSS followed shows the close connection of the
words "and he [i.e. Satan] stood upon the sand of the sea," with 12:17, and also with chapter 13
as containing the result of Satan's thus standing.
In the same way the break between Revelation 21 and 22 is unfortunate, as the real chapter-
break should correspond with the Structure and should come between verses 5 and 6 of chapter
22.
Other examples may easily be found, but these will be sufficient to show the importance of
"rightly dividing the Word of Truth," even as to the Chapter Divisions.
(d) The Chapter, and Running Page-Headings.— When these chapter divisions are combined
with (1) the chapter headings, and (2) the running page-headings, they become positively
mischievous, partaking of the nature of interpretation instead of translation. It is needless to say
that we may absolutely disregard them, as always aggravating the chatper-break, and often
misleading the reader.
The running page-headings are a fruitful source of mischief. Over Isaiah 29 (as we have said
above) in an ordinary Bible we read "God's judgments upon Jerusalem." On the opposite page
we read over Isaiah 30 "God's mercies to his church." The same may be seen in the concluding
chapters of Isaiah, both in the running page-headings and in the chapter-headings. But there is
no break or change in the subject-matter. It consists of all "the vision which Isaiah saw
concerning Judah and Jerusalem" (1:1). Here is a "dividing" of the Word. But, the question is,
can it be called "rightly dividing" when God's "mercies" are claimed for the Church, and His
"judgments" generously given over to the Jews? Such "dividing" of the Word can hardly be said
to be "without partiality."
(e) Punctuation.—One other mode of dividing the Word as to its Literary Form is by
Punctuation; which is a still more important manner of dividing the Word, as it seriously affects
the Text by dividing its sentences, and thus fixing its sense.
The importance of this will be seen when we note that its effect is to fasten the interpretation of
the translator on to the Word of God by making his translation part of that Word. It thus comes
to the ordinary reader as part and parcel of the Truth of God, whereas it is absolutely arbitrary,
and is wholly destitute of either Divine or human authority.*
* Sometimes a change of punctuation may be made through inadvertence or through
ignorance. We have heard of 1 Corinthians 9:24 being read aloud thus: "They that run
in a race, run. All but one receiveth the prize." The ignorance that perpetrated this
failed to see the bad grammar which resulted in the last clause.
The Greek Manuscripts have, practically, no system of punctuation: the most ancient, none at
all; and the later MSS nothing more than an occasional single point even with the middle, or in
line with the top of the letters. Where there is anything more than this it is generally agreed that
it is the work of a later hand.
So that in the Original Manuscripts we have no guide whatever to any dividing of the Text,
whether rightly or wrongly. Indeed, in the most ancient MSS there is not only no division at all,
but there is not even any break between the words! So that we can find no help from the MSS.
When they came to be collated, edited, and printed, a system of punctuation was introduced by
the respective Editors. Each one followed his own plan, and exercised his own human judgment.
No two editors have punctuated the text in the same way; so that we have no help from them.
When we come to the English Authorized Version we are still left without guidance or help.
The Authorized Version of 1611 is destitute of any authority; for the Translators punctuated
only according to their best judgment. But even here, few readers are aware of the many
departures which have been made from the original Edition of 1611; and how many changes
have been made in subsequent Editions.*
* These changes affect not merely punctuation, but the marginal notes and references,
the uses of capital letters and italic type, orthography, grammatical peculiarities, etc.
Some of these differences arise doubtless from oversight, but other changes have been made
undoubtedly with deliberate intent. Who made them, or when they were introduced, no one can
tell. A few, however, can be traced.*
* A full account of these may be seen in the Report of the Select Committee of the
House of Commons on the Queen's Printers' Patent, 1859, a Blue Book full of
interesting information; also in DR. SCRIVENER'S Preface to The Cambridge
Paragraph Bible of 1873.
The edition of 1616 was the first edition of the AV which shows any considerable revision. The
first Cambridge Editions of 1638 and 1639 appear to have been a complete revision, though
done without any authority.
The Edition of 1660 added many marginal notes. That of 1701 was the first to introduce the
marginal dates, tables of Scripture measures and weights, &c.
The Edition of 1762 contained serious attempts at improvements made by Dr. Paris. He was the
first to substitute a full stop for the colon of 1611 in Zechariah 11:7, after "staves." This edition
considerably extended the use of Italic type; and incorporated Bishop Lloy'ds chronological
notes.
Dr. Blayney's Edition of 1769 introduced many changes and many glaring errors which,
unfortunately, have been followed without enquiry and without suspicion. These imperfections
led to a great controversy, and a Public Enquiry, which included the policy of the Royal Patent
and the working of the University Presses.
A Revision of the American Bible Society (1847-1851) prepared the way for our English
Revised Version (1881-1885).
The "Advertisement" to the Universities' Edition, called "The Parallel Bible" (of the RV and
AV), fully endorses all we have said:—
"The left hand column contains the text of the Authorized Version as usually
printed, with the marginal notes and references of the Edition of 1611, the
spelling of these being conformed to modern usage. In the left hand margin are
also placed, in square brackets, the more important differences between the
edition of 1611 and the text now in use, whether these differences are due to
corrections of the edition of 1611 or to errors which have subsequently crept
in."
In spite of all these facts many ill-informed readers of the English Bible take the punctuation as
"Gospel truth"; and not only build their own theories, and bolster up their traditions upon it, but
treat as heretics, and cast out almost as apostates any one who dares to question the authority of
this human interference with the Word of truth, if it should run counter to their Traditions,
which are generally based on such human foundations.
In view of this indefensible attitude we shall have to show its utter groundlessness.
It is beside our present object to enumerate all the cases where the punctuation has been
changed, though all are of interest, and many are of importance.
These changes may be classed under three heads.
1. Where the Edition of 1611 is to be preferred to the later Editions.
2. Where the changes in the later Editions are improvements; and
3. Where there are other proposed changes which we suggest as being most desirable.
We shall proceed to give a few examples under each of these three heads.
(1) Changes in punctuation where the Edition of 1611 is certainly to be preferred to the later
Editions.
1 Kings 19:5, "And as he [Elijah] lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold then, an angel
touched him." In 1769 this was altered to "behold, then." This comma after "behold" has
continued to the present day.
Nehemiah 9:4, "Then stood up upon the stairs of the Levites, Joshua, &c." In the Edition of
1769 this was changed to "Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Joshua."
Psalm 79:11, "come before thee, according to the greatness of thy power: Preserve thou, etc.":
instead of "come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou." This
change was made in 1769.
Psalm 89:46, "How long, LORD, wilt thou hide thyself, for ever?" instead of "How long,
LORD? wilt thou hide thyself for ever?" The third comma of 1611 was removed in 1629,* 1638,
1744, 1769, and in the current editions.
* Not 1630. In 1762 this comma was replaced by a semicolon.
In Proverbs 1:27, the final colon of 1611-1630 after "cometh upon you": is preferable to the
present full-stop, introduced in 1629, and retained in the current editions.
In Proverbs 19:2, the comma before "sinneth" should be restored, which was discarded in 1762.
In Proverbs 21:28, the comma before "speaketh" should be restored, which was removed in
1769.
Hosea 7:11, "a silly dove, without heart" instead of "silly dove without heart," since 1629; as
though the last two words related to the dove, instead of to Ephraim.
John 2:15, "and the sheep and the oxen." In 1630 (not 1638 and 1743), 1762, and current
editions, a comma was introduced after "sheep."
John 18:3, "a band of men, and officers." In 1769 the comma after "men" was dropped; hence,
the Roman cohort is not distinguished from the Jewish officers.
Acts 11:26, "taught much people, and the disciples were called." This was so from 1611 to
1630, both clauses being dependent on the verb "it came to pass." Two things came to pass, (1)
that the people were taught, and (2) that the disciples were first called Christians. But in 1638-
1743 the comma was replaced by a semicolon, and in 1762 by a full stop: the latter being quite
against the Greek.*
* The RV goes back to the semicolon, but not to the comma of 1611.
2 Corinthians 13:2, "as if I were present the second time." This was so pointed from 1611-1762.
But since 1769 a comma is inserted after "present," connecting "the second time" with the
foretelling, instead of with the being present.
Colossians 2:11. The comma was removed after "flesh," in 1762, thus making one statement
instead of two. The two clauses beginning with εν τη (en te)—"by the putting off," and "by the
circumcision of Christ." That is to say: "In whom [Christ] ye are circumcised with a
circumcision not done by hand, by the stripping off of the* body (i.e. the flesh),** by the
circumcision of Christ." Thus, this comma after "flesh" makes the last clause explanatory of the
one preceding it: and shows that in Christ there is something more than the stripping off the old
nature which is sinner ruin; even the flesh itself which is involved in creature ruin.
* All the textual critics with RV omit "of the sins."
** Genitive of Apposition.
2 Thessalonians 1:8, "in flaming fire, taking vengeance." By removing this comma in 1769 the
"fire" is wrongly connected with the "vengeance," instead of with the being "revealed" in verse
7.
Hebrews 2:9. The comma was removed in 1769 after the word "angels," compelling us to
connect "for the suffering of death" with Christ's humiliation, instead of with His crowning. If
we rightly divide these words, the suffering will be practically put in a parenthesis by the two
commas, thus: "We see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels, (for the suffering of
death crowned with glory and honour), that he by the grace of God, should taste death for
every* man." This comma is wrongly replaced in the RV.
* I.e., every, without distinction, not without exception.
Jude 7, "the cities about them, in like manner." The comma after "them" was removed in 1638
and 1699 (not 1743); while in 1762 it was placed after "in like manner," thus increasing the
error.
(2) Changes in punctuation where the later editions of the AV are improvements.
These hardly need enumeration, seeing that they are not likely to be missed. We may, however,
note a few:—
Matthew 19:4, 5. In 1611 the mark of interrogation was placed at the end of verse 4, but for
many years it has been removed to the end of verse 5.
John 12:20, "And there were certain Greeks among them, that came up to worship at the Feast."
This needless comma after "them" was not removed till 1769.
Titus 2:13, "The appearing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ." This misleading
comma, after "God," lingered till 1769; thus hiding the fact that only one Being is spoken of,
viz., "God even our Saviour": i.e. our great Saviour-God, Jesus Christ.
Luke 23:32, "And there were also two other malefactors, led with him to be put to death." This
of course practically classed the Lord Jesus as being one of three malefactors. But since 1817 a
comma has been placed after the word "other," to avoid this implication.*
* This is far better than changing "other" to "others," as is done in the American Bible,
1867. This antiquated plural is continued in the American Edition of the RV of 1898.
Acts 27:27, "as we were driven up and down in Adria about midnight, the shipmen deemed that
they drew near to some country." Not until after 1638 was the comma removed from after
"midnight," and placed after "Adria"—"driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the
shipment deemed," &c.
(3) Changes of punctuation which are now proposed as being most desirable.
These proposed changes we consider to be improvements not only in the punctuation of the
Edition of 1611 but of the subsequent editions. These suggestions are made from a better
understanding, closer study of, and respect for the Context, as modifying or correcting
traditional interpretations.
That we are more than warranted in such an attempt is shown by the Revisers in a note they
affix to Romans 9:5. In this passage, in all the editions, the full stop is placed after the word
"ever," thus: "Of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for
ever. Amen."
This text, being so weighty in witnessing to the Godhead of the Lord Jesus, was evidently
distasteful to the Socinian member of the Company of Revisers: and, judging from the note
placed in the margin, one can imagine what line the discussion had taken. All other marginal
notes in the RV refer either to alternative renderings which affect the Translation, or to ancient
manuscript "Authorities" which affect the Text. There is no example, so far as we have seen,
where interpretation has been introduced; or where there is any reference to the interpretations
of commentators. But here, there is the following lengthy marginal note, which exhibits the
compromise reached by the Revisers and the Unitarian. They evidently declined to touch the
Text; and consented to put this note in the margin. Its intention will be at once seen:
"Some modern interpreters place a full stop after flesh, and Translate, He who is
over all be (is) blessed for ever:* or He who is over all is God blessed for ever.
Others punctuate, flesh, who is over all, God be blessed for ever."
* What is to be done with the "Amen," in this case, is not stated.
The object of this note is too painfully apparent; but it shows how important is the subject of
punctuation. Moreover, it justifies us in not only calling attention to faulty punctuation, but in
suggesting changes where improvements may be made, which do not touch vital truth, except to
strengthen and enforce it. Whereas, sad to say, some of the changes made by the Revisers are,
unfortunately, those which interfere either with the Deity of Christ, the Inspiration of the
Scriptures, or the freeness of God's grace.
In 2 Samuel 23:5, if we make the last clause a question instead of a statement, we get the clue to
a better rendering of the verse.
As it stands in the AV and the RV it is difficult to make any sense of the verse, at all. Not seeing
the Structure or the true punctuation, the Translators were obliged to translate the Hebrew word
yk@i (ki), for, in four different ways: not that one way is necessary, for its usage is somewhat
elastic. It may often connect the hypothesis or condition with the result, either as a reason or
conclusion.
If we ask what the word "so" (in verse 5) means in the first line, we have the answer in verse 4,
where we have a description of God's King; and David immediately adds that it will be even so
with himself as God's King and with his house in virtue of God's covenant (in 2 Samuel 7) with
him and of the sure mercies of (or mercies made sure to) David.
In verse 4 we have an alternation, the first and third lines speaking of the shining forth of God's
light from heaven; and in the second and fourth lines, its effect on the earth.
2 Samuel 23:4
A. And He shall be as the light of the morning,
B. When the sun ariseth,
A.. Even a morning without clouds;
B.. When, from brightness and from rain,* the tender grass
shooteth forth out of the earth.
* So some Codices, with four early-printed
editions, and the Sept., Syr., and Vulg. Versions.
See Ginsburg's Heb. Text and note.
Then David goes on to say that, as that is a picture of what it will be, when He that ruleth shall
rule righteously among men, ruling in the fear of God; even so will it be with his house and
kingdom in virtue of the Covenant of God.
In verse 5 the AV renders the word yk@i (ki) in these four ways:—
"Although," "yet," "for" "although."
The RV renders them
"Verily," "yet," "for," "although."
The Structure of the verse shows that the four lines are arranged as an Introversion, in which the
first and fourth lines concern David's house; while the second and third lines are about God's
covenant.
Now, if we punctuate the first and fourth lines as questions we may have this rendering, which
certainly has the merit of consistency and clearness.
2 Samuel 23:5
C. "Verily, is not my house even so with God?
D. For He hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered
in all things, and sure:
D. Now, this Covenant is all my salvation and all my desire,
C. For, Shall He not make it (my house) to prosper?"*
* Heb., to shoot forth, as the tender grass, as in
line B. above.
We may take other examples where improvements can be suggested:—
Isaiah 64:5, "Behold thou wast wroth, and we sinned: in them have we been a long time, and,
Shall we be saved?" In this case the RV thus revises the punctuation of the AV to its great
improvement.
Jeremiah 3:1. The last clause is evidently another question, repeating a similar question earlier
in the verse: "And yet shalt thou return unto me saith the LORD?"
Matthew 19:28, "Ye that have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit on
the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
This was the punctuation of 1611, which was continued till 1629. But in 1630 a comma was
introduced after "regeneration," which entirely alters the sense. It has, happily, since been
removed from our modern editions. This improvement should be noted, and retained.
Luke 16:9, "And I; say I unto you 'Make to yourselves friends by means of the unrighteous
mammon; that, when ye fail,* they may receive YOU into the everlasting habitations?' [No!**]
He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least,
is unjust in much also. If therefore YE have not been faithful," etc.
* "When it shall fail," according to Lachmann, Tischendorf, Tregelles, Alford.
** Beza's Latin and Grashop's English Version both put a full stop after "you." Beza
begins the next sentence "Certe" (surely); Grashop begins it "Wherefore." We begin it
"No!"
'
The context clearly shows that Christ is contrasting, and not identifying, human and Divine
modes of judgment. his context (vv 10-12), and the logical conclusion of the parable, have no
meaning whatever unless the commendation of the unjust steward's lord is set in contrast with
the condemnation of Christ. These verses (10-12) are no mere independent irrelevant statement,
but are the logical conclusion to the whole argument.
The reception into the "everlasting habitations" of verse 9 is set in contrast with the unjust
steward's being received "into their houses" (v 4); the principles which govern admission there,
are the opposite of those that obtain admission here.
Hence our Lord follows this up by adding the great lesson in verse 10: "He that is faithful in that
which is least is faithful also in much! and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. If
therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to you the true
riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who will give you that
which is our own" (see RV margin).
Luke 16:22, 23. As at present translated and punctuated, the words read: "The rich man also
died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes." But if we substitute Sheol or Hades for
"hell," then we have (as in Isaiah 14:9-20) a representation of dead people talking; as we have of
the trees talking in Jotham's parable (Judg 9:8-15). If we further observe the Tenses and Moods
of the verbs, and repunctuate the passage, we have the result, as follows:
"The rich man also died, and was buried also in Hades. Having lifted up his eyes, being in
torments, he seeth." There is no "and" before "seeth." It is not an additional statement, "and he
seeth"; but it is a second verb, depending on the participle "having lifted up his eyes."
This change in translation is necessitated by the Greek; and the change in punctuation is not
suggested as a modern invention to support any particular interpretation: for it is that adopted in
the ancient Vulgate translation, which, though not the original text, and of no authority as a text,
is yet evidence of a fact. It is punctuated in the same way by Tatian, Diatessaron (AD 170) and
Marcion (AD 145); as well as in the ancient Jerusalem Syriac Version. And the fact is that the
first three words of verse 23 form, instead, the last three words of verse 22; a full stop being
placed after the word Hades: while the word "and" is treated by this as meaning "also." So that
the whole sentence would read thus: "But the rich man also died, and was buried also in Hades."
"Buried also," implies what is only inferred as to Lazarus, meaning that the one was buried as
well as the other. Whether the punctuation be allowed, or not, it does not affect the matter in the
slightest degree. For that is where he was buried in any case. It affects only the place where he is
said to lift up his eyes.
This is further shown by the fact that the three verbs "died," "buried," and "he lift up," are not all
in the same Tense as they appear to be from the English. The first two are in the past tense,
while the third is the present participle, επαρας (eparas), lifting up, thus commencing the 23rd
verse with a new thought.
Those who interpret this passage as though Hades were a place of life instead of death, make it
"repugnant" to every other place where the word occurs, and to many other scriptures which are
perfectly plain, e.g., Psalm 6:5, 31:17, 115:17, 146:4, Eccl 9:6, 10. (See Canon VII, Part II).
Luke 23:43, "Verily, I say unto thee, to-day shalt thou be with me in paradise."
This is the common punctuation, but, Is it correct? We have already seen enough to show us that
we are dependent only and entirely on the context and on the analogy of truth.
The word "verily" points us to the solemnity of the occasion, and to the importance of what is
about to be said. The solemn circumstance under which the words were uttered marked the
wonderful faith of the dying malefactor; and the Lord referred to this by connecting the word
"to-day" with "I say." "Verily, I say unto thee this day." This day, when all seems lost, and there
is no hope; this day, when instead of reigning I am about to die. This day, I say to thee, "Thou
shalt be with me in paradise."
"I say unto thee this day" was the common Hebrew idiom for emphasizing the occasion of
making a solemn statement (see Deut 4:26,39,40, 5:1, 6:6, 7:11, 8:1,11,19, 9:3, 10:13,
11:2,8,13,26,27,28,32, 13:18, 15:5, 19:9, 26:3,16,18, 27:1,4,10, 28:1,13,14,15, 29:12,
30:2,8,11,15,16,18,19, 32:46).
"Paradise" was the condition of the earth before the entrance of Satan and the pronouncing of
the curse; so it will be the condition of the earth again when Satan shall be bound, and the Lord
shall come and reign in His kingdom. It is called in Hebrew "Eden" sixteen times, and "The
Garden" nineteen times. The Greek for these is Paradisos (which we have Englished
"Paradise"). It is never used in any other sense than of a place of beauty and delight on the earth.
Never of any place above or under the earth. "The Tree of Life" and "the river of the water of
life" are its two earthly characteristics. The traditional idea of any other place is unknown and
foreign to Scripture; and is the pure invention of fallen man. It comes down to us from Babylon
through Judaism and Romanism.
We see it described in Genesis 2; lost in Genesis 3; its restoration pronounced in Revelation 2:7;
and regained and enjoyed in the New Earth (Rev 22:1-5,14,17).
The Lord answered the request of the dying believer, not by promising something for which he
did not ask; but by granting him his heart's desire and giving him the request of his lips.
We therefore suggest the following translation and punctuation: "And he said to Jesus,
Remember me, O Lord, when thou shalt have come in thy kingdom. And Jesus answered him,
Verily I say to thee this day, with me thou shalt be, in Paradise."
But there is more to be noted in the word "to-day" than this. Mrs. A. S. Lewis, of Cambridge,
has lately called attention to the reading of the ancient Palimpsest Syriac Gospels at Mount
Sinai, in which verse 39 reads, "Art thou not the Saviour? Save thyself alive to-day, and also
us."
This was the taunt of the other malefactor who thus seems to have used the word "to-day." The
faith of the other showed that he looked for something more than present deliverance: he
believed in future glory in the coming of the kingdom.
Hence, in the Lord's reply to him, He takes up this word "to-day" to show that "to-day" was not
to be the day of deliverance for either himself or others, but the day of death. But though He
spoke on that day of death, He gave the promise of future glory, in which the other malefactor
had so blessedly confessed his belief.
In this case there was a special reason for the Lord's use of the word "to-day." It was to correct a
mistake; and it was, in spite of present circumstances, to give the assurance of the coming future
glory of the kingdom.
John 7:37-39. As it stands in the AV and RV this passage is punctuated as follows:—
"In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood, and cried, saying, If any
man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the
Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this
spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive. For the
Holy Ghost (pneuma hagion) was not yet given, because that Jesus was not yet
glorified)."
We have to notice first that there is no article with the second pneuma (or Spirit) in verse 39,
which shows that what is "given" is the subject of the context, (pneuma hagion) and not the
Spirit Himself, the giver.
Then, we further notice, that the word "should" in the same verse (v 39) is not the sign of any
tense, but is a separate verb, εµελλον (emellon), to be about to be. Lit., "were about to receive";
(the latter verb "receive" being in the Infinitive Mood). As to the word "belly" it is put, by the
figure of speech called Synecdoche, for the whole person,* which is much stronger than using
the mere personal pronoun "him." It is a very emphatic "him."
* See Romans 16:18: "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their
own belly" (i.e. their own selves). Philippians 3:19: "Whose god is their belly" (i.e.
themselves, and what they can get). Titus 1:12: "Slow-bellies" (i.e. slow persons, who
by reason of large eating have grown stout, and therefore move slowly).
In this case the "his" is generally taken as referring to the believer, for with our usual selfishness
we take every good thing as applying to ourselves. But we submit that it is to be understood of
Christ, who is the great fountain from whom the rivers of pneuma and grace and blessing flow;
and not of the believer, who is only the receiver; and from whom a few drops may go forth, but
certainly not "rivers." With these preliminary observations we would punctuate it as suggested
by Stier {Words of the Lord Jesus), as follows:—
"If any man thirst, let him come unto Me; and let him drink, who believeth in
Me! Even as the Scripture [concerning Me] hath said 'Rivers out of HIM shall
flow, of living water.'"
It is not the one who drinks of Him who becomes the fountain; he is the receiver and not the
giver. The Fountain is the one whom Scripture had already designated as the source of pneuma,
and the channel whereby the rivers of spiritual grace and blessing should flow. It is not the
individual believer who is the subject of the Old Testament prophecies; he, at the best, could
only send forth one tiny stream of what he had himself first received; but it is Christ in whom
are all our springs, who alone can say, "I will give unto him that is athrist, of the fountain of
water of life, freely" (Rev 21:6). The River proceeds "out of the throne of God and of the
Lamb" (Rev 22:1). In Christ are the hidden reservoirs of blessing, out of whose abundant flow
believers receive their graces and gifts.
Not until Christ had risen from the dead, and ascended into glory, could these gifts be given.
Hence, the explanation which is added in verse 39.
The Scriptures are many which speak of Messiah as the giver of these spiritual blessings.
(Compare Isa 12:3, 55:1; Eze 47:1; Joel 3:18; Zech 13:1, 14:8.) These "rivers" of blessing flow
not from the believer, but from the throne of God, from Zion, and from Him who there will sit
as king.
The pneuma, or water, of which Christ is the giver, will be "in HIM" a well of springing water
springing up, and flowing out as a supply for others (John 4:14). The individual believer
receives only enough for his own needs. He has no reservoirs from which rivers can flow forth
for the supply of others.
John 12:27, "Now is my soul troubled; and what shall I say? Father, save me from this hour, but
for this cause came I unto this hour."
We would translate and punctuate this as follows: "Now am I* troubled; and why** should I
say, 'Father, save me from this hour?' But for this cause came I unto this hour."
* The Perfect Tense: "I have been and am."
** So τι (ti) is rendered 66 times in NT.
John 14:2, "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you.* I
go to prepare a place for you."
* So the current editions. The 1611 edition has a colon after "you."
But why would He have told them about it if it were not so. The whole statement seems so
inconsequent. But, if we punctuate it as a question, and take out the full stop after "you," we get
a beautiful confirmation of what He had said and a further assurance of its truth: "In my Father's
house are many mansions: if it were not so, Would I have told you I go to prepare a place for
you?"
John 17:24. Is it clear as to which was "before the foundation of the world"? Was it the gift, or
the love? Punctuated as in the AV it is the latter. But may it not well be rendered? "I will that
they also whom Thou hast given me may be with me where I am: That they may behold my
glory which thou hast given me, because thou lovedst me, before the foundation of the world."
The sentence "because thou lovedst me" thus becomes the basis of the whole petition; and οτι
(hoti) gets its usual consequential meaning, because.
Acts 15:17, 18, should be punctuated, and translated as follows, according to all the critical
Greek texts, with which the RV, J. N. Darby, Rotherham, and other translators agree:
"That the residue of men may seek after the Lord. And all the Gentiles, upon
whom my name is called, Saith the Lord who maketh these things known* from
the beginning of the world."
* Margin: "or, who doeth these things which were known." The
words "unto God are all his works" are omitted by all the critical
Greek texts.
From this punctuation we learn that the mystery is not the subject here; for it was not "made
known from the beginning of the world"; but was the secret "hid in God," until specially
revealed to the Apostle Paul.
Acts 23:8, "The Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit." The
comma after "angel" in the editions from 1611 to 1630, having been removed in editions from
1629 to 1743, was restored in 1762; and should be retained.
Romans 8:32, 33, "Who shall lay anything to the charge of God's elect? Shall God that
justifieth? Who is he that condemneth? Shall Christ Jesus that died?"
Here again the RV thus amends the punctuation of the AV and sets an example which we follow
in
1 Corinthians 15:29. Our revised punctuation will enable the translation to be made more literal
and more in agreement with the sense. A wrong punctuation often leads to wrong translation and
necessitates liberties which have to be taken in order to make sense.
"Else what are they doing who are being baptized? [It is] for dead [bodies, or corpses*], if the
dead rise not at all. Why are they then being baptized for dead [bodies]?"
* οι νεκροι (hoi nekroi) with the article, as here, denotes dead bodies; without the
article it means dead people.
The argument is here continued and taken up from verse 19, after the digression about
resurrection, viz., that if there be no resurrection baptism is worse than meaningless. It was
merely baptizing dying bodies instead of believers who were going to live again in resurrection:
it was only incurring trouble and suffering and persecution and risk of this life for nothing, if
there be no resurrection. This illustration, therefore, takes its place with the other illustrations by
which the argument is enforced in the following verses:—the "jeopardy" of verse 30 and the
"fighting with beasts at Ephesus" of verse 32, connecting these three illustrations of the "misery"
of verse 19.
There are other improvements which might be suggested, of less importance perhaps, but still
serving to show the wide range which our subject covers.
Ephesians 4:12 has been punctuated in all the editions, "For the perfecting of the saints, for the
work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ."
This would be quite correct if the word "for" represented the same Greek word in each of the
three clauses. But the first is προς (pros), for, making the subjective purpose originating the
gifts; the second and third are εις (eis), for, marking the objective end for which the gifts were
designed.
The commas after the words "saints" and "ministry" hide this beautiful distinction, and make
three objects instead of one (which is twofold). The punctuation should be as follows: "For the
perfecting of the saints, with a view to the work of the ministry, with a [further] view to the
building up of the body of Christ."
So that, instead of three separate propositions, we have only one—"The perfecting of the saints."
And this one is with a twofold end, viz., the work of the ministry; and this work has, for its
ultimate end, the building up of "God's building," which is the spiritual body of Christ.
(Compare 2:21,22 with 4:2,3.)
Hebrews 10:12 presents a peculiarly difficult example. In the AV from 1611-1630 it read, "But
this man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God."
But in 1638 the comma was removed, and placed after the word "sins," and it read "for ever sat
down," thus going back to the punctuation of the Bishops' Bible of 1568. This is the punctuation
in the Book of Common Prayer to this day,* though the Cambridge Bible of 1858 restored the
punctuation of 1611 ("for ever, sat down").
* The Epistle for Good Friday is so punctuated in the original MS attached to the Act
of Uniformity of 1662, and now preserved in the House of Lords.
There is something to be said for the older punctuation: "after he had offered one sacrifice of
sins, for ever sat down." This expression, translated "for ever," is not the usual εις τον αιωνα
(eis ton aiona), for the age, or for ever, but it is εις το διηνεκες (eis to dienekes), for a
continuance, in distinction from interruptedly.* It is connected not with the offering of
"sacrifice," but with "sat down."
* The expression occurs only in Hebrew 7:3, "abideth a priest continually"; 10:1,
"offered year by year continually"; 10:12, "for ever sat down" (where it should clearly
be continually); and verse 14, "hath perfected for ever" (where it should be
continually).
It asserts the fact that Christ's work as a Priest is finished. He has not to stand up again to carry it
on and continue it. Earthly priests "stood daily" and all day long, for there were no seats in the
Tabernacle or Temple for the priests; but Christ has "sat down" not to rise up again for the
purpose of sacrifice, for, having borne the sins of many, He will appear the second time without
any reference to sin, but for the complete salvation of His people. Hebrews 10:12 does not
contradict Hebrews 9:28. The scope of Hebrews 10:12 is not the coming of Christ, but the
sacrifice of Christ; and this leads us to the conclusion that the older punctuation is right, which
was, as we have said: "But this man, having offered one sacrifice for sins, sat down for a
continuance on the right hand of God" (i.e., "took His seat once for all" in contrast with the
standing of v 11).
This agrees with the scope of the passage,* which is the contrast between the ineffectual
sacrifices of the Law and the effectual Sacrifice of Christ; between the "daily standing" of the
priests with the continual session of Christ. This may be seen from
* See Part II, Canon I.
The Structure of Hebrews 9:25-10:18.
A1. 9:25. Yearly sacrifices ineffectual, because "offered often" (πολλακις,
pollakis).
B1. 9:26-28. Christ's sacrifice effectual, because offered "once
for all" (απαξ, hapax).
A2. 10:1-4. Yearly sacrifices ineffectual, because offered "continually" (εις το
οιηνεκες, eis to dienekes), for a continuance.
B2. 10:5-10. Christ's sacrifice effectual, because offered "once
for all" (εφαπαξ, ephapax), v 10.
A3. 10:11. Daily sacrifices ineffectual, because the priest "standeth daily" (καθ
ηµεραν, kath hemeran), "offering oftentimes" (παλλακις, pollakis).
B3. 10:12-18. Christ's sacrifice effectual, because having
offered "one" (µιαν, mian), He sat down "continually" (εις το
διηνεκες, eis to dienekes), for a continuance.
Thus, in the members marked A we have what is ineffectual because temporary, set in contrast
with the members marked B, in which we have what is effectual because permanent.
In the A members we have the priests, their sacrifices, and standing
"often"
"continually"
"daily"
In the B members we have Christ, His sacrifice, and session
"once"
"once for all"
"continually"
Indeed, the offering of sacrifices eis to dienekes (10:1) is put in direct contrast with Christ's
having sat down eis to dienekes, in verse 12.
2 Peter 2:22. It makes all the difference whether we put a comma after the word "and." If we
omit it we make one proverb; if we insert it we get two proverbs. "It is happened unto them
according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and, The sow that was
washed to her wallowing in the mire." The AV and RV and all the editions have no comma after
the word "and"; and thus make only one proverb.
In any case, the contrast is between the washed sow at the end of 2 Peter 2 and the stray sheep at
the end of 1 Peter 2. Both "return"; but the sheep, however dirty it has become, returns to its
shepherd; while the sow, however clean it is washed, returns to her mire.
(f) Parentheses.—The Edition of 1611 abounded in parentheses. In the subsequent editions there
has been an increasing tendency to discard them; and to supply their place by commas; or to
ignore them altogether.
But parentheses are a means of increasing the emphasis of ordinary punctuation; and, on that
account, they require more careful consideration, rather than less; as the meaning can be either
destroyed, changed, or made more clear by their use.
We shall class all under one head, without regard to the changes in the various editions; though
we will note the changes where we can discover when they were made.
Many are already so marked, so that there is no need for us to notice them. (See Deut 1:2; Matt
9:6; John 2:9, 4:8; Acts 1:15; Rom 3:8, 5:13-17,* 10:6,7; Eph 2:5; Phil 3:18,19; Col 2:21,22.)
* This was first so marked in the edition of 1769, and is continued in all the
subsequent editions, though both the English and American Revised Versions reject it.
The true Parenthesis is an addition by way of explanation, and is complete in itself.
When it is not by way of explanation, but is an independent additional statement, complete in
itself, the Greeks called it Parembole or Insertion; because it is more in the nature of a
digression.
When it was by way of feeling they called it Interjection (Psa 42:2; Eze 16:23,24).
When it was by way of a wish or prayer, they called it Ejaculation (Hosea 9:14).
When it was by way of apology or excuse they called it Hypotimesis, or under-estimating (Rom
3:5; 2 Cor 11:23).
When it was by way of detraction they called it Anæresis.
When it was by way of sudden exclamation they called it Cataploce (Eze 16:23,24; Rom 9:3).
All these parenthetical additions are complete in themselves.
But when the addition is thrown in, as it were, casually, and is not complete in itself, the Greeks
called it Epitrechon, or Running along.
In many instances the Structures of Scripture practically place the member in a parenthesis
between the two corresponding members; and this, whether it be a large complex member, or
whether it be a single sentence.
For example:—
In Genesis 15:13, the words "(and shall serve them; and they shall afflict them)" should be in a
parenthesis, as is clear from the Structure.
a. "Know of a surety that thy seed shall be a stranger in a land that is not theirs;
b. and shall serve them;
b. and they shall afflict them;
a. four hundred years."
Here, in the extremes, "a" and "a" we have the sojourn and strangership as a whole, while in "b"
and "b" we have the servitude in Egypt. It is this servitude which is thrown in parenthetically
("Epitrechon"; i.e., running along); so that the sense reads on from "a" to "a"; and the time is
not affected by the addition of what will happen to them in any part of that time.
Genesis 46:26, "All the souls that came with Jacob into Egypt (which came out of his loins)
besides Jacob's sons' wives, all the souls were threescore and six." This Epitrechon is thrown in
to explain the difference between this number (66) and the number 75 in Acts 7:14, which
included "all his kindred," and was necessarily a larger number than that of Jacob's direct
descendants.
Exodus 12:40, "Now the sojourning of the children of Israel (who dwelt in Egypt) was four
hundred and thirty years." This is an Epitrechon or remark thrown in as an additional fact to
explain exactly who these people were. It thus saves us from making the mistake of thinking that
they were in Egypt during all those 430 years.
Joshua 6:1 is a true parenthesis or an independent statement complete in itself, conveying an
additional fact; but inserted in order to explain and introduce the words of the Captain of
Jehovah's host, which are continued in verse 2.
1 Kings 7:19 is a parenthesis and helps us to connect verses 18 and 20.
In 1 Kings 8:39 and 42 we have two complete and separate parentheses.
In 1 Kings 12:32 the words "so did he in Bethel" should be marked as a parenthesis, as they
were down to 1769. It is the Figure Epitrechon.
1 Kings 21:25, 26, is a true Parembole, as is
Job 31:30, which was rightly marked as such from 1611 to 1744. The brackets were removed in
1762.
In Psalm 68:18 we have an Epitrechon—"yea, for the rebellious also"— which marks and
magnifies the free grace of God, bestowed not merely on the unworthy, but on those who were
rebellious.
In Psalm 109, verses 6 to 19 are to be included in a parenthesis as being the utterances of "the
mouth of the wicked," and the words spoken with a lying tongue; and "the words of hatred" (vv
2,3).
Then, verse 20 takes up verse 5 and says of all this:—
"This is the work* of mine adversaries (from the LORD)
And of them that speak evil against me (Heb. my soul)."
* The Hebrew is (p'ullah), work, labour, acts, deeds. Not seeing the parenthesis of
verse 6-19, both the AV and RV are driven to render it "reward." The fact that it is
rendered "reward" in no other place shows that our contention is correct. (See all the
other occurrences of the word:—Lev 19:13; 2 Chron 15:7; Psa 17:4, 28:5; Prov 10:16;
11:18; Isa 40:10, 49:4, 61:8, 62:11, 65:7; Jer 31:16; Eze 29:20.)
In Isaiah 22, verses 21-24 are to be included within a parenthesis; carrying on the thought to
Him of whom Eliakim is only a type; and returning to the type and the history in verse 25.
The Structure of Isaiah shows that chapters 36-39 are a parenthetical parenthesis, being the
history of HEZEKIAH'S siege and sickness; corresponding with chapters 7-12, which are also a
parenthesis, being historic events and prophecies connected with AHAZ.
Matthew 9:20-22 is more an Episode than a Parembole. But it was marked as a parenthesis
down to 1762. The Edition of 1762 rejected it.
Luke 1, verses 55 and 70 should each be placed in a parenthesis.
Romans 8:20. The words "not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same" are
an Epitrechon.
The Ellipsis must be supplied by the repetition of the verb "waiteth," in verse 20 from verse 19.
This is shown by
The Structure of Romans 8:19-21
a. 19. Expectation.
b. 20-. The reason: Creation made subject.
a. -20. Expectation.
b. 21. Reason: Creation delivered.
This will be seen more clearly if it is set out in full, as follows:—
Romans 8:19-21
a. Expectation: 19. For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the
manifestation of the sons of God.
b. Reason: 20-. For the creature was made subject to vanity,
not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the
same;
a.. Expectation: -20. [waiteth, I say] in hope,
b. Reason: 21. Because the creature itself shall be delivered
from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the
children of God.
Romans 9:2, 3. The Epitrechon should be punctuated as follows; noting that ηυχοµεν
(euchomen) is put, by the Figure Hyperbaton, out of its place, in order to attract and call our
attention to the fact that it is in the Imperfect Tense, which is generally well Englished by our
word "used," i.e., "used to wish" (Lit., "was wishing"):
"I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart (for I used to wish, even I myself,* to
be accursed from Christ) for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh." This shows us
that Paul's sorrow was on account of his brethren; and the Epitrechon is thrown in to explain
why he had this great heaviness and continual sorrow. As much as to say, it was because he
knew from his own experience their terrible position; for when he was in their condition he
knew what he "used to wish."
* The Pronoun, here, is very emphatic.
In 1 Corinthians 10:3-5 there is a true parenthesis; an explanation of what precedes, and it is
complete in itself.
"And all ate the same spiritual meat, and all drank the same spiritual drink. (For they drank of
that spiritual rock following [it]; but the rock was Christ.) Nevertheless, with most of them God
was not well-pleased."
Here, there is nothing about following "them," as in the AV and RV and most translations (some
putting it in brackets).
Two miracles are referred to: (1) The giving of the manna (related in Exodus 16:14); and (2) the
gift of the water in the FOLLOWING event, or chapter (Exo 17:5,6).
This is clearly the obvious meaning of the Greek, both logically, grammatically, and historically.
There is no occasion to go back to the Ancient Jewish but childish tradition; nor to charge the
Apostle with so doing, as though he were not inspired.
In a succession of miracles, one is mentioned, and then that which followed it.
The verb ακολουθεω (akoloutheo) is used of any kind of following; and of every mode of
sequence. It is used of logical sequence; Aristotle says "If there are two, it follows (ακολουθει,
akolouthei) that there must be one."
Longinus, speaking of the Figure Hyperbaton, says, "It is a removal of words or thoughts out of
their consecutive (ακολουθια) order."
Thus, it is the miracle and drinking of the water, which followed the miracle and eating of the
manna; and not the water following the people of Israel throughout their journey. That would be
no point in the Apostle's argument which called for the parenthetical explanation which he
gives. His point was that both miracles taught spiritual truths, which their fathers did not see,
either then, or in the days of John (John 6:47-59).
1 Corinthians 15:20-28 is a true Parembole, almost amounting to a digression. It must be
carefully noted in order that we may closely connect verses 19 and 29, further consequences
being stated if there be no resurrection. (See above.).
2 Corinthians 3:7-16 is a Parembole or Digression, concerning the Old and New Covenants, in
which the subject is broken off from verse 6 and continued in verse 17. This subject was the fact
that "as the body without the pneuma (or spirit) is dead" (James 2:26), so the "letter" (or old
Covenant) is dead without Christ; for "the Lord (Christ) is its pneuma."
Ephesians 2:1 takes up the words in the middle of 1:19, which does away with the necessity of
all the italics in 2:1. If we observe this parenthesis concerning the fact and results of Christ's
resurrection (in 1:19-23) we connect 2:1 with 1:19-, and preserve the truth and teaching of the
whole passage, thus:—
1:19-, "That ye may know...what is the exceeding greatness of his power to
usward who believe (...)," 2:1, "even you who were dead in trespasses and sins."
Ephesians 3. The whole of this chapter is parenthetical; and is a true Parembole, being complete
in itself. This should be carefully noted, so that we may connect the "Therefore" of 4:1 with
2:22.
There is a smaller parenthesis within the third chapter, viz. from verses 1-13, verse 14 taking up
the subject (which was broken off in verse 1) and repeating the words "For this cause."
Ephesians 4:9, 10 are also two parenthetical verses.
Philippians 1:23 is a true parenthesis, which is an addition by way of explanation to show why
the Apostle did not know which to choose, "living" or "dying." The reason was that there was a
third alternative, better than either, viz., "the Return" of Christ (το αναλυσαι) (to analusai),
when he would be with Christ. But, as to the other two (which he returns to in verse 24), he
concludes that it would be better for him to remain in the flesh, than to die; but not better than
Christ's Return.
We must put verse 23 in a parenthesis, and render it, "For I am being pressed out of (εκ, ek) the
two, having an earnest desire for the Return (see Luke 12:36*) and to be with Christ, for it is far,
far better [than either]," and read on from verse 22 to 24.
* These are the only two occurrences of the verb αναλιω (analuo), to return. The
noun αναλυσις (analusis) occurs in 2 Timothy 4:6, and is rendered departure: but the
sense is the same, return, viz., the return of the body to dust and of the spirit to God;
as in Genesis 3:19; Ecclesiastes 12:7.
Philippians 2 should commence with verse 27 of chapter 1; 1:27-29 being a parenthesis.
Philippians 3:2-14 is also a parenthesis, the fifteenth verse taking up the subject of the first
verse.
Philippians 3:8-10 is a Parembole within the parenthesis, and commences with the words "for
whom I have suffered the loss of all things," etc., down to the end of verse 10. All this is a
digression to show what he had gained in Christ Jesus his Lord as compared with what he had
lost in giving up the Jews' Religion. Verse 11 would then read on from the middle of verse 8,
thus:
8. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the
knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: (...) 11. If by any means I might become
partaker* of the out-resurrection from among the dead.
* See note on Phil 1:21, Canon IV, Div. 2.
From what we have said under Division 4, Section 6, the Apostle may be referring to a fresh
revelation of truth, which he received while in prison in Rome, concerning the prize of our
"calling on high," and our removal thither; and this may be either explanatory of 1
Thessalonians 4:13-18 or an additional and subsequent revelation pointing to a prior removal (as
implied in the word ex-anastasis).
In any case, it shows that Paul was not desiring to obtain this, or any other advantage, by
holiness of life, but by believing God concerning this calling on high (not "upward calling").
Colossians 2:21 and part of 22 are already rightly printed within a parenthesis, which should be
carefully noted.
1 Timothy 3 parts of verse 14 and 15 should be read, "These things write I unto thee (...) that
thou mayest know," etc.
Hebrews 1, 2, presents us with a beautiful example of the manner in which the Structure of a
passage puts its various members into their respective parentheses, showing the true connections
and logical continuations.
a. 1:1,2-. God speaking.
b. 1:-2-14. The Son: God. "better than angels"
a. 2:1-4. God speaking.
b. 2:5-18. The Son: Man. "lower than angels"
It will be seen from this that the member "b" (vv 2-14) is practically a digression, concerning the
Son of whom God had spoken in verse 1.
Similarly, the member "a" (2:1-4) is a parenthesis standing between 1:14 and 2:5. So that 2:1
(the word "therefore") reads on from the word "Son" in 1:2. And 2:5 (the word "for") reads on
from the word "salvation" in 1:14.*
* See Part II, Canon II.
The study of the Structure of God's Word is therefore necessary, if we would discover its logical
divisions, as well as the perfection of its literary divisions.
Hebrews 2:9, "But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels (for the suffering of
death crowned with glory and honour) that he by the grace of God should taste death for every*
man."
* Without distinction, not without exception: this epistle being written to Hebrew
believers.
This parenthesis teaches us that the Lord Jesus was crowned with glory and honour for the
suffering of death. At His Transfiguration we see Him so crowned (2 Peter 1:17).
We have already included this passage under the former division on Punctuation (
see above).
1 Peter 1:3-5. These verses are parenthetical, verse 6 being the continuation of verse 2.
In 2 Peter 1:19 the Epitrechon should be thus carefully marked: "Whereunto (i.e., to the
prophetic Word) ye do well that ye take heed (as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until
the Day dawn and the Day-star arise) in your hearts."
The words "in your hearts" must be connected with the words "ye do well to take heed," and not
with the dawning of the coming Day or with the rising of the Morning Star. That rising will not
be in our hearts, but it will be Christ's glorious manifestation to Israel and to the world (Luke
1:78; Rev 22:16).
This world is a dark place, and the prophetic word is the only light in it to which we do well to
"take heed in our hearts."
Tradition says that Prophecy is a dark place, and that we do well to avoid it. But this only proves
the truth of the Scripture in which Jehovah declares, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither
are your ways my ways, saith the LORD" (Isa 55:8).
These examples will be sufficient to show the importance of this branch of "rightly dividing the
Word of truth," as to its Literary Form.
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part I
III. The One Great Requirement of the Word:—"Rightly Dividing" It.
ii. Rightly Dividing the Word as to its Subject-Matter
It is the common belief that every part of the Bible is to be interpreted directly as referring to the
Church of God; or as pertaining to every person, at every stage of the world's history.
This neglect of the precept to rightly divide it is an effectual bar to the right understanding of it,
and to our enjoyment in its study.
This non-understanding of the Word is the explanation of its neglect, and this neglect is the
reason why so many who should be feeding on the spiritual food of the Word are so ill-fed in
themselves; and so ill-furnished for every good work (2 Tim 3:17).
While the Word of God is written FOR all persons, and FOR all time, yet it is as true that not
every part of it is addressed TO all persons or ABOUT all persons IN all time.
1. The Jews, the Gentiles, and the Church of God.—Every word is "written FOR our learning,"
and contains what all ought to know: yet, its subject-matter is written according to the principle
involved in 1 Corinthians 10:32, and is written concerning one or other of three distinct classes
of persons, separately or combined:—
"The Jews,
The Gentiles, and
The Church of God."
According to the general belief, everything that goes to make up the subject-matter of the Word
of God is about only one of these three: and, whatever may be said about the other two (the Jews
and the Gentiles), all is to be interpreted of only the one, viz., the Church of God.
This comes of that inbred selfishness which pertains to human nature: which, doing with this as
with all beside, is ever ready to appropriate that which belongs to others.
But no greater impediment to a right understanding of the Word could possibly be devised.
We are quite aware that, in saying this, we lay ourselves open to the charge which has been
made by some, that we are "robbing them of their Bible."
But the charge is groundless; and it arises from a total misapprehension of what we mean, or
from a perversion of what we have said.
It is necessary, therefore, for us to repeat, and to state categorically our belief that every word
from Genesis to Revelation is written FOR the Church of God. There is not one word that we
can do without: not one word that we can dispense with, without loss.
We deprive no one of any portion of the Word of Truth.
We protest against robbery in this sphere, as in all others.
It is not we who rob the church of God; but it is they who rob the Jews and the Gentiles. We
would fain restore stolen property to the rightful owners; property which has been stolen by the
very persons who charge us with robbery!
We may indeed retort in the words of Romans 2:21: "Thou that preachest a man should not
steal, Dost thou steal?"
We are prepared to make this counter-charge, and to sustain it.
The charge against us we disclaim; while those who make it are themselves guilty of the very
offence for which they condemn us.
We hold that what is written to and about the Jew, belongs to and must be interpreted of the Jew.
We hold that what is written of and about the Gentile, belongs to and must be interpreted of the
Gentile.
We hold that what is written to and about the Church of God, belongs to and must be interpreted
of the Church of God.
Is this robbery? or, Is it justice?
Is it stealing? or, Is it restitution?
Evidence of the misappropriation (to use a milder term) is furnished by the Bible which lies
open before us, to which we have already referred in speaking of the page-headings of Isaiah 29
and 30, in our current editions of the English Bibles, in which the former is declared to be
"Judgment upon Jerusalem"; and the latter, "God's mercies to his church." (See
page 28).
What is this but not only wrongly dividing the Word of truth, but the introduction of error, by
robbing Jerusalem of her promised "mercies" and appropriating these stolen mercies to the
Church? while the "judgments" are left for Jerusalem, just as burglars take away what is
portable, and leave behind what they do not want or cannot carry away.
We believe God when He says that the Visions shown to Isaiah were "CONCERNING Judah
and Jerusalem" (Isa 1:1).
True, they were written FOR us; and "for our learning" (Rom 15:4); but they are not addressed
TO us, or written CONCERNING us, but "concerning Judah and Jerusalem."
It would be an act of dishonesty, therefore, for us thus to appropriate, by interpreting of
ourselves, that which was spoken of Israel.
In like manner, if we take, as some do, the words of the Epistle to the Ephesians as though they
were written to or concerning the Gentiles (or the unconverted world), then we not only rob the
Church of God of its most precious heritage, but we teach the "universal Fatherhood of God"
instead of His Fatherhood of only those who are His children in Christ Jesus.
It will thus be seen that unless we rightly divide the subject-matter of the Word of truth we shall
not get the truth, but shall get error instead.
Every part of the Bible is written "concerning" one or other of these three divisions, or classes of
persons.
Sometimes in the same passage or book there may be that which is concerning all three.
Sometimes a whole book may be concerning only one of these three, and the other two be
altogether excluded. We may all three learn much from what is written of only the one; for the
inspired, God-breathed Word is "profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction," FOR all who shall read it (2 Tim 3:16). That which happened to Israel happened
unto THEM for ensamples; "and they are written for OUR admonition" (1 Cor 10:11).
"Whatsoever was written aforetime was written FOR our learning" (Rom 15:4).
But while this is so, and remains true; what we mean is that every Scripture is written
CONCERNING one or other of these three classes; and is specially addressed TO that particular
class. This class has therefore the prior claim to that Scripture. The interpretation of it belongs
to that class; while the other two may apply it to themselves, and are to learn from it. But,
inasmuch as it is only an application and not THE interpretation, such application must be made
only so far as it agrees with the interpretation of those Scriptures which are specially addressed
to and relate to such class. Otherwise we shall find ourselves using one truth to upset another
truth; we shall be setting what is true of one class in opposition to what is true of another class.*
* See further on this subject in Part II, Canon X.
All that we are concerned with now is the right dividing of the subject-matter of the Bible,
which is three-fold. And the great requirement of the Word as to this is, that we should, and
must, whenever we study any portion of the Word of God, ask the question,
CONCERNING WHOM IS THIS WRITTEN?
Whichever of the three it may be, we must be careful to confine and limit the interpretation of
that passage to the class whom it concerns; while we may make any application of it to
ourselves so long as it does not conflict with what is written elsewhere concerning "the church
of God."
We must not take that which concerns the Jew and interpret it of the Church. We must not take
that which concerns the Church and interpret it of the world. We must not take what is said
concerning the Gentile and interpret it of the Church.
If we do, we shall get darkness instead of light, confusion instead of instruction, trouble instead
of peace, and error instead of truth.
To see this, we have only to notice the effect on such a Scripture as Romans 11.
2. The Gentiles.—What child of God who has "access by faith into this GRACE wherein we
stand" has not rejoiced "in hope of the GLORY of God" (Rom 5:2), as he went on to learn, in
8:1, that there is "no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus"; and that "neither death,
nor life, nor angles, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come; nor
height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which
is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Rom 8:38,39).
But when we turn over one leaf (or two, perhaps in some Bibles), we read, in chapter 11 of the
"Olive tree," and of the solemn threats, and warnings to the branches (that had been grafted into
it in place of the natural branches): "If God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he
also spare not thee" (v 21): and "behold, therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them
which fell, severity; but toward thee goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou
also shalt be cut off" (v 22).
Having read these words in the eleventh chapter of Romans, the reader remembers what he had
read in the eighth chapter, and is perplexed. He imagines that they are both written "concerning"
him, and the result is he cannot understand either passage. God says in chapter 8 that "nothing
can separate" the child of God from his love, and in chapter 11 God tells him that if he does not
take heed he will be "cut off."
How is the reader to solve the difficulty?
Only by "rightly dividing" this chapter according to the subject-matter; then, and only then, will
he not only remove that which is the cause of the trouble, but at the same time he will produce
new beauty, light, and instruction, out of the darkness and confusion.
He must ask what the subject-matter is about. Then he will look at the context to see if he can
discover it. He will go back to chapter 8, which he remembers was all about the Church of God;
and, on looking at the next chapter (ch 9) he finds that the subject-matter is no longer about the
Church, but about "the Jews"; the Apostle's "brethren according to the flesh" (9:3). He finds it is
the same with chapters 10 and 11, and notices that in 11:11, the "Gentiles" are introduced.
Indeed, in verse 13 the Apostle distinctly says,
"I SPEAK TO YOU GENTILES."
Thus he learns that those warnings and threats of 11:21, 22, are "for his learning"; but that thy
are neither addressed to him, nor are they written concerning him as a member of "the Church of
God."
On following up this clue he begins to notice the figure of the Olive tree, and remembers that it
is one of three trees to which Israel is compared in the Old Testament, the Fig tree being the
symbol of Israel's national privileges; the Olive tree, of Israel's religious privileges; and the
Vine, of Israel's spiritual privileges.
Here he learns that the natural branches are broken off for a season, and the branches of the wild
Olive (as the Gentiles are called) are grafted in, also for a season.
Israel is shown to have lost their religious privileges, which have passed over to the Gentiles as
such. Israel once had their own land, their own metropolitan city, their own government, their
own religious privileges, which are summed up in this context (9:4,5), and in 3:1, 2, where the
question is asked, "What advantage then hath the Jew?" and the answer is, "Much every way,
but chiefly that unto them were committed the Oracles of God."
Up to the rejection (Acts 28:25,26) of Peter's offer (Acts 3:19,20) no Gentile could get a
blessing except in connection with Israel. In Acts 8, 9 and 10 we have three typical examples
grouped together, as though to emphasize the fact by giving one from each of the three great
branches of the human family: The Ethiopian (from Ham), Saul (from Shem), and Cornelius
(from Japhet).
In the present dispensation no Jew can come into blessing except in Christ, in connection with
Gentiles.
But in the New Dispensation of the Acts of the Apostles the Israelite branches were already
being "broken off," and Gentile branches were already being grafted in. These latter had no
greater privileges as Gentiles as to standing than Israelites (as Israelites). Hence the words of
Romans 11:18-21 applied to all such; for though the doctrinal foundation of the Mystery had
been laid in Romans 1-8, the Mystery itself was not revealed until it was committed to writing in
the Prison Epistles (Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians). The Epistle itself was not written
until nearly the end of the Acts, and only a short time before Ephesians.
Now we can see the cause of all the confusion. The olive tree is almost universally taken as
symbolizing the Church. We know of no commentary where this is not done. The Word of truth
is not rightly divided as to its subject-matter; and, though the Apostle says, "I speak to you
Gentiles," yet what he says is interpreted as addressed to the Church of God. Hence, the
immutable truth concerning the standing of the Church of God in Christ Jesus is overthrown by
what is equally true concerning the Gentile; and all this evil comes from not heeding the Divine
precept of 2 Timothy 2:15.
True, it is all written for us, for the Church, "for our learning." There may be a kind of general
application for us as to our use of any privileges which God may have given us as individuals;
but, the true interpretation as it concerns the Gentiles, as such, will alone give us the "truth" of
this portion of the Word.
Oh, what confusion is brought into the Word, and what trouble is brought into our minds by not
rightly dividing the subject-matter of this Scripture.
We have only to take up almost any commentary on this chapter, and we see at once the
struggles that have to be made to bring Romans 11 into harmony with Romans 8. It cannot be
done; hence it is that the effort is so painfully obvious.
Look, for example, at one of the best commentaries on Romans, by one of the best
commentators (the present Bishop of Durham, Dr. Handley Moule). He sees the difficulty, and
he grapples with it. He dare not ignore the truth of chapter 8, and yet he treats chapter 11 in a
way that practically upsets it. His words are:—
"Here...we have man thrown back on the thought of his responsibility, of the
contingency, in a certain sense, of his safety on his fidelity, 'If you are true to
mercy, mercy will be true to you; otherwise you too will be broken off,'...Let
him put no pillow of theory between the sharpness of that warning and his soul.
Penitent, self-despairing, resting on Christ alone, let him 'abide by the goodness
of God.'"
These words would be true if slightly modified and spoken of the Gentile, as such. But they are
not true as addressed to "man," as such; still less as a warning to the individual child of God,
who can never be separated from that goodness and love of God by all the powers of earth and
hell combined (Rom 8:38,39).
We could hardly have a more suitable and powerful example of the importance of attending to
the one great requirement of "the Word of Truth"; as to rightly dividing its subject matter.
In the matter of letters, or epistles, it is very important in our social life to carefully observe the
address written on the envelope. It makes for peace and harmony, and prevents awkward
mistakes and misunderstandings.
It is a mistake that is sometimes made, and it may be that when we have opened a letter that is
not addressed to us we commence to read it; and as we read on we find things said that are
exceedingly interesting and most instructive; but we come upon other things which we cannot
make out, and we find references to matters which we do not understand, and to circumstances
with which we are unacquainted, because we are not the persons directly written to.
Then, if we are wise, we turn to the address, and there we discover the mistake we have made,
and the cause of all our confusion. It is exactly so with
3. The Epistles to the Dispersion.—No Epistle has been the source of such confusion, and none
has received such treatment as that written by James.
(a) The Epistle of James is addressed:—
To the Twelve Tribes which are scattered abroad.
Doubtless they were believers, up to a certain point; but exactly what they believed, or how far
they believed we are not told.
They evidently, as Jews, believed that Christ was the Messiah, and had a certain amount of light:
but the question is, Did they, as sinners, believe in Christ as their Saviour; or know that "Christ
is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth"? It is clear from the surface
of the Epistle that they did not have the standing of those who were "called to be saints": or of
members of the spiritual Body of Christ, as set forth in the Epistles addressed to the churches of
Ephesus, Philippi, and Colosse.
They were "Christians" as distinguished from Jews and Gentiles, but were they members of "the
Church of God?" Who are the "ye" in chapter 4? Who are the "rich men" in 5:1? The stand-point
of the epistle is wholly Jewish. They were monotheists as appears from 2:19. Their place of
worship was the "Synagogue" (2:2, margin).
In 5:12 the prohibition of swearing is according to the Jewish formula; and, in verse 14 the
anointing with oil is in accordance with Jewish practice at that time.
Spiritual and vital Christianity is nowhere seen. Only twice is "Christ" named at all (1:1; 2:1).
The word "Gospel" is not used, and the "Mystery" is unknown. The fundamental doctrines of
the Gospel are not even alluded to: such as Incarnation, Atonement, Redemption, Resurrection,
or Ascension.
The Morality of the Law is there (2:8,13). The coming of the Lord as the Judge is there (5:8,9).
Justification by works is there (2:20-26).
All the errors combated refer to Judaism. Religion (threskeia) is there, but it is shown that the
works of mercy and charity are better than all the outward forms of religious worship. Fatalism,
formalism and hypocrisy, arrogance and oppression, are specially dealt with; but surely these are
not the sins which distinguish and characterize the Church of God.
All the phenomena are Palestinian or Eastern, as we may gather from the references to the early
and latter rain (5:7); to the fig, oil, and wine (3:12); to drought (5:17,18); to salt and bitter
springs (3:11,12); and to the hot wind (1:11).
The Epistle is full of references to the Sermon on the Mount, which (as we shall see later) has
reference to the past Dispensation, not to the present. We may compare
James 1:2, 5:10,11 with Matthew 5:10-12
James 1:4 with Matthew 5:48
James 1:5,17, 5:15 with Matthew 7:7,11
James 1:9, 2:5 with Matthew 5:3
James 1:22-25, 2:10,11 with Matthew 5:19
James 1:20 with Matthew 5:22
James 1:22, 2:14, 5:7-9 with Matthew 7:21-26
James 2:1-3 with Matthew 6:2,5
James 2:8 with Matthew 7:12
James 2:10,11 with Matthew 7:12
James 2:13 with Matthew 6:14,15, 7:2
James 2:14 with Matthew 7:21
James 3:1, 4:11 with Matthew 7:1
James 3:12 with Matthew 7:16
James 3:17,18 with Matthew 5:9
James 4:3 with Matthew 7:8
James 4:4 with Matthew 6:24
James 4:8 with Matthew 5:8
James 4:9 with Matthew 5:4
James 4:10 with Matthew 5:3,4
James 4:11 with Matthew 7:1
James 4:13-16 with Matthew 6:25
James 5:2 with Matthew 6:19
James 5:10 with Matthew 5:12
James 5:12 with Matthew 5:34
From other parts of the Lord's teaching in connection with the Kingdom we may compare
James 1:14 with Matthew 15:19
James 4:12 with Matthew 10:28
James 5:1 with Luke 6:24
These phenomena in the subject-matter, when interpreted of the Church of God, and
appropriated by those who are "in Christ," and "complete in Him," led to such confusion that,
though the Epistle was in the primitive Syriac version from the first (cent. ii.), and was quoted as
Canonical by the great Greek Fathers or cent. iv., yet there were always great doubts about its
canonicity, and delays in receiving it.
These doubts were revived when translations of the Bible began to be made at the Reformation.
Erasmus, Luther, and others questioned the canonicity of the Epistle; and it is well known that
Luther went so far as to call it "a veritable Epistle of straw" ("Eine rechte stroherne Epistel").
The same difficulties and doubts are felt to-day. But they are all caused by interpreting of the
Church of God that which is written to quite a different class of people belonging to "the Twelve
Tribes."
The question is, Do we belong to "the Twelve Tribes"? Do we worship in a Synagogue? Is it our
custom, as a People, to anoint with oil? Is not the "Assembly" of James 5:14* identical with the
"Synagogue of 2:2?**
* Which is translated "church" in AV and RV.
** Which is translated "Assembly" in AV and "Synagogue" in RV.
The answers to these questions will show that the Epistle is not addressed to us, i.e., to those
who are "in Christ," and who are "the Church of God."
The moment we discern this, and rightly divide off, the class of persons addressed, there will be
an end of all the laboured arguments to bring the Epistle of James into harmony with the Epistle
to the Romans; and of all attempts to reconcile its teaching with that of Ephesians or Colossians.
There will be nothing either to harmonize or to reconcile. James will be seen to be true in what
he wrote to those whom he addressed, and Paul will be seen to be true in what he wrote. Both
will be seen to be true in what they said to those to whom they were respectively inspired to
write, if we rightly divide these portions of the Word of truth.
(b) The Epistle to the Hebrews.—We have another example, very similar to this, in the Epistle
addressed to other Hebrew believers.
These were evidently more advanced than those who were addressed by James, and less,
perhaps, than those who were addressed by Peter. All these three belonged to the same class; the
Diaspora,* or Dispersion, of Israel.
* The word διασπορα (diaspora), a scattering or dispersion. In the Septuagint it was
used of Israelites dispersed among foreign nations (Deut 28:25, 30:4; Isa 49:6, Heb.
"preserved"; Psa 147:2). In the NT Diaspora becomes a proper title, the Dispersion.
See John 7:35 (dispersed), 1 Peter 1:1 (scattered), James 1:1 (scattered).
The epistle of James was addressed to the Diaspora. Two were written by Peter (compare 1
Peter 1:1 with 2 Peter 3:1): and another was written to them by Paul. This is distinctly so stated
in 2 Peter 3:15, where Peter says "our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given
unto him hath written UNTO YOU": i.e., you believers among the Diaspora.
Paul was thus the writer of the Epistle to Hebrew believers among the Dispersion; for no other
such Epistle of Paul has ever been heard of. Who these Hebrews were, or what they believed, or
what their earlier standing was, may be gathered from Acts 21:20, where James says to Paul on
the arrival of the latter at Jerusalem: "Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are
which believe; and they are all zealous of the law." If they were "all zealous of the law," and
continued to offer sacrifices for sins (as it is clear they did from verse 26), they could not have
believed that Christ was "the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth" (Rom
10:4); and they could not have known their standing in Christ. In Acts 21 they are not
distinguished from those who beat Paul (v 32), and cried "Away with him" (v 36): and their zeal
for the law was so great, that, they not only observed it themselves, but would persecute and
destroy those who forsook it (Acts 21:21-24; compare 1 Thess 2:14-16).
It was to such Hebrews as these, who believed so little, and worked so much, that Paul was
afterward inspired to write an Epistle.
It was written to those who had "a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they, being
ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, had not
submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law, for
righteousness, to every one that believeth" (Rom 10:2-4).
To make this known to them the Epistle to the Hebrews was written. For Paul's name to have
been prefixed to it, as it was to all his other Epistles, would have been (humanly speaking) fatal
to its acceptance or usefulness, after the events recorded in Acts 21:17-40: events which ended
his public ministry.
The Holy Spirit therefore suppressed Paul's name, and put the name of "God" at the beginning
of the Epistle. Thus, "God," who had given the law, was the God who showed how it had been
fulfilled and ended in Christ.
In spite of all this, Christians, to-day, take the Epistle as addressed directly to themselves; and,
when they come to passages like Hebrews 6:6, and read about "falling away," or to 10:26, and
read how "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins" for those who "sin wilfully," they are
naturally greatly perplexed and perturbed: for all this is in direct contradiction to what is written
and specially addressed to them concerning their own standing in Christ, in Romans 8 and the
other Church Epistles.
All this confusion comes from not "rightly-dividing" the class of persons to whom, and
concerning whom, the Epistle to the Hebrews is addressed.
It may be applied by any and all believers who are still "zealous of the law"; and therefore it
concerns such, and only such, to-day, whether Romanists, Romanizers, or Sacramentarians.
Of course it is written "for" us, yea, "for our learning."
In the Epistle to the Romans we learn the fact, that "Christ IS the end of the law for every one
that believeth," but in Hebrews we learn how Christ BECAME the end of the law, and the end of
Priests and Sacrifices. We learn the true meaning of the types of Exodus and Leviticus; which
we could never otherwise have known.
But to interpret the Epistle to the Hebrews now of, or as addressed to, those who are "complete
in Christ," "found in Him, not having their own righteousness, which is of the law, but that
which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith" (Phil 3:9), is to
produce only confusion and trouble. And, to take what was perfectly true of such Hebrew
believers who were still "zealous of the law," and to understand it of those who have died to the
law in Christ, is not only to disobey the precept as to "rightly dividing" the Word of truth, but it
is to pervert that very Word and make it teach error in the place of truth.
Many other examples might be given; but several others will come better under our fourth
division of this ONE GREAT REQUIREMENT.
In 2 Timothy 2:15 God's children are compared to workmen, whose chief Work lies in
connection with His "Word of truth." He who gave that Word has directed them how to work, so
as to excel as His workmen; and that they may not be ashamed of their work at His coming. He
has sent them a special message showing how they are to work in order to secure this happy
result. He has sent them an inspired instruction so that they may find the "truth" they seek; and
at the same time have the blessed assurance of showing themselves and their work, alike,
"approved unto God."
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part I
III. The One Great Requirement of the Word:—"Rightly Dividing" It.
iii. Rightly Dividing the Word as to its Times and Dispensations
"Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; For Jehovah hath spoken," Isaiah 1:2
1. The Word "Dispensation."
God hath spoken, "at sundry times," as well as "in divers manners" (Heb 1:1).
And, if we are to understand what He has spoken, we must learn to distinguish, not only the
various peoples whom He has spoken, but the "sundry times" at which He has spoken to them,
and also the "divers manners."
It is true that the word πολυµερως (polumeros) means strictly, in many parts, or portions. But it
is equally true that these parts were spoken at different, or "sundry times"; so that the rendering
of the AV is literal as to the fact, and to the sense—though not literal to the Words.
The "time" when God spoke "to the fathers" is manifestly set in contrast with the time in which
He hath "spoken unto us." The "time" in which "He spake by the prophets" stands in contrast
with the time in which "He spake by His Son." And the "time past" is obviously distinguished
from "these last days" (Heb 1:1).
So that Times and Dispensations are inseparable from the Divine Word; not only the Times in
which the Words were spoken, but the Times of which they were spoken, and to which they
refer.
These different times are called Dispensations.
The Greek word rendered Dispensation is οικονοµια (oikonomia), and refers to the act of
administering. By the Figure Metonymy, the act of administering is transferred to the time
during which that administering is carried on.
The word itself is from οικος (oikos), house and νεµω (nemo), to dispense, to weigh or deal out,
as a steward or housekeeper. Hence the word was used of the management or administration of a
household.
Our English word "Dispensation" comes from the Latin: dis (apart), and pendere (to weigh): a
weighing out. We still use the word in this particular sense in connection with medicine which is
dispensed, i.e., weighed or measured out: the place where it is done being called "a
Dispensary."*
* The Church of Rome uses it of the giving out of privileges called "indulgencies"; but
as these are generally privileges to do without certain things, or to do certain things
without incurring the penalties or penances, the word comes to have the sense of
"doing without" or "dispensing with."
The Greek word Oikonomia is transliterated in our English word Economy; and we still preserve
its original meaning when we speak of Political, Domestic or Social Economy, etc. This was its
meaning at the date of our AV 1611, and it was used in the sense of administration. But, like
many other words it degenerated by its usage;* and, as such administration was carried out
rather with the view to saving than spending, so Economy came to mean frugality or thrift.
* See Part II, Canon III, the Biblical usage of words.
But the meaning of the Greek in the New Testament is not affected by these modern changes.
It is always Administration.
In Isaiah 22:21 it is rendered "government," and in verse 19 it is rendered "station" (RV
"office").
In the New Testament it is a question whether the word is used in any other sense than that of
administration. It is either the ACT of administering or of the TIME during which such act of
administration is carried out.
The word occurs in Luke 16:2, 3, 4, where it is rendered "stewardship."
In four other places it is rendered "dispensation."
In 1 Corinthians 9:17, Paul says that "an administration is committed unto me."
In Ephesians 1:10 we learn that God's secret purpose* which He hath purposed in Himself is
with a view to (not "in") the Administration of the fulness of times (RV the times, marg.
seasons); when He will head up (RV sum up) "all things in Christ."
* This is the meaning of the words rendered, "mystery of His will."
In Ephesians 3:2 we learn that the "administration of the grace of God" was committed specially
to Paul, that he might be the means of first making known the Mystery (or Secret).
This is further shown in verse 9, where the rendering "fellowship" should be
administration:—"to bring to light, or enlighten all [as to] what [is] the administration of the
Mystery (or Secret)."
In Colossians 1:25 we read "I am made a minister, according to the administration of God which
is given to me for you, to fully preach the word of God."
In 1 Timothy 1:4, "neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which bring (RV
minister) questionings, rather than an administration* of God which is in faith."
* It is oikonomia in the Received Text (1550), though the Translators of 1611 must
have read it οικοδοµια (oikodomia), for they translated it "edifying." It is oikodomia
in Beza's Text (1565) and Elzevirs (1624).
These are all the places where the word Oikonomia occurs, and, in each, the idea is the same.
Our use of the term, now, in these pages, agrees with this usage; i.e. either the act of
administration; or, by an easy transition (Metonymy), the time or period during which any
special form of administration is carried on. This transference, however, is not necessary; for we
may still think of Dispensational truth as being the same thing as Administrational Truth.
It is manifestly clear that God's principles of administration must always have been perfectly
adapted to the "times and seasons" during which they have been respectively carried out.
God's principles of administration with Adam, before the Fall, must have been quite different
from those with his immediate posterity after the Fall.
His administration with Israel "under the Law" was carried out on different principles from
those which obtain now, during this present administration of grace.
These again are obviously quite different from those which will characterize God's coming
administration in Judgment.
And these, again, will be necessarily quite different from those which will belong to the
administration of glory in "the fulness of times" when all things shall be gathered together in
one under the Headship of Christ (Eph 1:10).
The present administration of God is in Grace; not in Law, Judgment, or Glory. It belongs to the
time which is called "the Administration of the Mystery" (or Secret): that Secret (as the word
Mystery means in the Greek) "which in other ages was not made known to the sons of
men" (Eph 3:5). It was "hid in God from the beginning of the world" (Eph 3:9). It "was kept
secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25). But Paul was made the special administrator of all
the truth connected with it. It was committed to him by God: and the Word of God could not be
"fully preached" without it (Col 1:25, margin). The Word of truth can be preached to-day, but it
cannot be "fully preached" without the truth connected with this Mystery.
Here then, at the outset, we have various administrations suited to the various and corresponding
Times and Dispensations, during which they were carried out, and in force. In "other ages"
certain truths were hidden, which are contrasted with the truths which are "now revealed."
In the same way the Lord Jesus said, "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear
them now" (John 16:12).
It is clear therefore that, while "God hath spoken," everything which He has said belongs to its
own proper Time and Dispensation. These times in which, or concerning which, He spoke, must
therefore be carefully distinguished. "The Word of truth" must be rightly divided in this
important matter, or, clearly, we shall not get the truth.
If we read into one Time or Dispensation that which belongs to another, we must necessarily
have only confusion; and, confusion so great, that it will be absolutely impossible for us to have
any idea of the purpose or meaning of what "God hath spoken."
We are specially enjoined by the Lord not to separate what God hath joined together; and it is
equally true that we must not join together what He has separated.
If we take what God said and did in one Dispensation, and carry it forward to another in which
His Administration was on quite a different principle; or, if we take a truth subsequently
revealed, and read it backward into the Time when it was hidden from the sons of men, it is
impossible for us to understand what we read; we shall find ourselves taking what is quite true
of one Time, and using it to contradict what is also true of another Time.
God deals not only with the three distinct classes of persons (the Jew, the Gentile, and the
Church of God), but He deals with them in distinct ages and epochs; and on different principles
of Administration. If therefore we mix them all up together, and indiscriminately take what was
said of one time and interpret it of another, we only create insuperable difficulties, and make it
impossible for us to arrive at the truth of the revealed Word.
When the Lord Jesus in Luke 21:24 speaks of "the times of the Gentiles," He necessarily, by
implication, contrasts these "times" with other times which are, obviously, "times of the Jews."
He thus divides off, in a very marked manner, two of these "times," and sets one in contrast with
the other.
Leaving these to be considered in their proper place and order, we must note that the right
division of the subject-matter of "the Word of truth" will thus necessarily lead us in the second
place to a right division of
2. The Seven Times or Dispensations.
We shall find that there are at least seven distinct Administrations each having its own
beginning and ending clearly revealed and marked off.
These seven are, in turn, characterized by the principles of God's Administration, which mark all
that He said and did during each special and distinct period.
We have for instance, the Theocratic Administration suited to the time of Innocence before the
Fall (Gen 1,2).
We have the Patriarchal Administration suited to mankind after the Fall, but before the Law was
given (Gen 4-Exo 20).
We have the Legal Administration suited only to Israel under the Law.
We have the present Administration of Grace which is for Jew and Gentile alike, i.e., for
individuals out of both, without the distinction previously made.
After this will come the Judicial Administration preparatory to the restoration of all things
which were spoken before by the prophets.
Then will follow the Millennial Dispensation: ending with the Administration of Glory in the
Eternal State.
These may be thus exhibited to the eye:
A. The Edenic State (Innocence)
B. Mankind as a whole (Patriarchal)
C. Israel (under Law)
D. The Church of God. The
Secret. The Dispensation of
Grace.
C. Israel (Judicial)
B. Mankind as a whole (Millennial)
A. The Eternal State (Glory)
We thus see that these times and periods of different Administrations have their correspondence:
in which
● The first corresponds with the seventh;
● The second with the sixth;
● The third with the fifth;
● The fourth, occupying the central position, stands out alone by itself, and has no
correspondence with any of the others.
The first and seventh correspond, each being characterized as Divine, in its origin and principles,
God being in direct communion and intercourse with man; the one before the entrance of sin,
and the other after the ending of sin.
The second and sixth are each occupied with mankind as a whole, the former being Patriarchal
and the latter Millennial.
The third and fifth are occupied with Israel; in the former being governed under Law, in the
latter judged "by the law."
The fourth, the Church of God, stands alone and by itself, as occupying the great central
position, showing the "purpose of God"—round which all His counsels circle, and with
reference to which they all exist according to His eternal purpose.
Let us look at them in order:—
(a) The Edenic Dispensation.—It is clear that the period beginning with Genesis 1:26 and going
down to the end of Genesis 2 is perfectly unique. There is nothing like it until we come to the
last, or seventh, Dispensation, which is the Eternal state. In these two there is only the innocence
of man; and both are characterized by the absence of sin and the presence of God. God came
down and communed with Adam, revealing Himself to him: and the mark of the Eternal state is
given in the words, "The Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them" (Rev
21:3).
Adam was directly under the Divine administration and tuition of God Himself. God was his
Teacher, revealing Himself and His wonderful works to Adam. He visited Adam at certain
definite times, with audible sounds by which His coming was known (Gen 3:8*). He came for
the definite purpose of teaching man. He brought the animals to Adam to instruct him (Gen
2:19,20); He gave him a companion (Gen 2:21,22); and we know not what else He did, and
would have done, had not all this Divine communion been suddenly snapped and suspended by
the Fall. Such direct communion of man with God has, since that moment, been in abeyance,
and will continue to be so until the curse shall have been removed, and the Edenic state of bliss
find more than its counterpart in the Eternal state of Glory.
* The Hebrew lwq (chol), rendered voice, means any sound or noise in an extensive
sense; e.g. crackling, Ecclesiastes 7:6; trumpet, Exodus 19:16; thunder, Exodus 20:18;
noise, 1 Kings 1:45; sound, 2 Kings 6:32; proclamation, 2 Chronicles 24:9.
In this first Administration Adam was dealt with as innocent; and man can never be dealt with in
a corresponding manner during all the succeeding Dispensations, until the curse and all its
effects shall have been done away.
Man was then what is called "under probation." This marks off that Administration sharply and
absolutely; for man is not now under probation. To suppose that he is so, is a popular fallacy
which strikes at the root of the doctrines of Grace. Man has been tried and tested, and has been
proved to be a ruin. Ever since that moment man has been dealt with as lost, guilty, ruined,
helpless, unclean, and undone; and all this because of what he is, and not merely from what he
has done. That is to say, he is not only a ruined sinner, but a ruined creature.
Man failed, just as Satan and Angels before him had failed under their trial. Man showed the
same result, and proved that, apart from the Creator, no created being could stand. By Christ, the
Creator, all things not only exist; but in Him only can they consist (Col 1:16,17).
The one test was THE WORD OF GOD. God had spoken; and the question was; Will man
believe God or Satan?
This was the one simple test. It was not what man whittles down by his tradition to the "eating
of an apple"; but in Genesis 3 the first crucial words are, "Hath God said?" (v 1).
Satan is introduced to us as using these words, and as substituting two lies for what God had
said:—
1. "Ye shall be as God";
2. "Ye shall not surely die."
These two lies are the foundation of Satan's old religion and man's "New Theology," and are the
hall-marks of the coming Apostasy, under the Beast of Revelation 13.
Our first parents believed Satan's lies, and their descendants have followed in their steps. Part of
them believe neither God nor the Old Serpent; the bulk of them believe only Satan.
The teaching of demons is to-day embraced by the strictest of Evangelicals and Protestants, as
well as by the Heathen, by Romanists, and by Spiritists: and they all unite in endorsing these
two great lies of the Old Serpent. They all believe and hold (1) That man has within him the
Divine ("Ye shall be as God"): (2) that "There is no death" ("Ye shall not surely die").
Man was under probation, and he failed in the proving.
Never again in any succeeding Dispensation has he been, or can he be thus tried.
Popular theology still teaches that "man is under probation." It is false! Man has been tried, and
declared to be, in consequence, utterly ruined, and "at enmity with God"; he is not "subject to
the law of God, neither indeed can be," and has "no good thing" in him.
Man needs no further probation to verify this solemn fact.
But we must return to our special point, which is this: All that was said and done by God in that
first Administration, the Edenic State, was peculiar to, and appropriate only to that state, and to
no other. It can never be characteristic of any other Dispensation.
God was man's teacher—God was His own Revealer. He gave man his trial and his test, and
after these had done their work God pronounced His sentence on man, and his doom on the Old
Serpent.
(b) The Patriarchal Dispensation.—In the second Administration, the one great principle on
which mankind was treated was as a whole, and as having completely failed under the probation
in which man had been placed. Having lost the Divine teaching, the Dispensation is
characterized as the "Times of Ignorance" (Acts 17:30).
Mankind fails collectively, as man had failed individually; and furnishes another example of the
fact that, no created being or beings can stand, apart from the upholding power of the Creator
(Col 1:16,17).
All the words and actions of Jehovah were appropriate to this second Administration.
The "times of ignorance" are contrasted in Acts 17:30 with later times, which are distinguished
by the words, "But now."
In those times God "overlooked" that which He could not overlook after He had given the Law;
those things which, before the Law, were "sins," became afterward "transgressions."
The principles which governed God's Administration in those "times of ignorance," could not be
appropriate for the times when He revealed His Law by Moses, and made known His will to the
sons of men.
It is clear, therefore, that these Dispensations must be rightly divided; for even the future
judgment of mankind is based on the distinction which we must make between these two
periods, viz., "without law" and "under law." See Romans 2:12.
As many as have sinned WITHOUT LAW
shall PERISH also without law;
And as many as have sinned IN THE LAW
shall be JUDGED by the law.
It is evident that these two principles belong to the two different Dispensations (before and after
the Law) respectively. They teach us that the same principles must prevail when the final
judgment of those who have lived in both Dispensations shall come.
We may well believe also that the same principle will be acted on in the future judgment of
those who are living in this present Dispensation; for there are, to-day, those who sin without
having heard the Gospel, and there are those who have heard it and have not obeyed it (2 Thess
1:8).
If we rightly divide these, and their judgments also, as announced in Romans 2:10, 12, we shall
have the key to a problem which has perplexed many a child of God.
These then are the great principles which govern God's dealings with mankind; those that were
"without law," and those who were "under law": those that are without the Gospel, and those
who are under the Gospel.
It was not merely, or only, that one dispensation was "without law" and another "under law," but
that there were those in each who knew the law and those who did not; those who obeyed and
those who obeyed not.
And God dealt with mankind on this principle of judgment in all subsequent dispensations: for
all were under His administration as to government.
The second Dispensation, that which succeeded the Fall, was governed by Patriarchal Law, as
the following one was governed by Mosaic Law.
Both laws were given by God.
It is often supposed that before the Mosaic Law mankind were left to themselves.
But such was not the case. Mankind as a whole was in a sense "under law," but it was "unwritten
law"; while Israel was under written law, "written by the finger of God" (Exo 31:18).
No sooner had our first parents been driven out from their first abode and passed from God's
administration which corresponded with and marked their state of innocence, than the different
character of His new administration was seen.
His first act was to point out THE WAY BACK to Himself and to peace with God.
Immediately after the Fall, and the loss of God's presence and teaching, the way back to His
favour was opened by Himself.
(1) It is evident that the way back was declared to be by sacrifice, by substitution, and by blood.
Those who believed God obeyed the commands which He must have given and made known.
It was "by faith" that Abel brought his substitute—the Sacrificial Lamb—to suffer in his stead.
But "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God" (Rom 10:17). Abel, therefore,
with the rest of mankind, must have heard and known God's command. Abel obeyed it. It was
"by faith": otherwise it would have been by fancy. Hence, Abel "obtained witness that he was
righteous, God testifying of His gifts" (Heb 11:4).
God testified of Abel's offering by consuming it with "fire from heaven."
For only by such fire God "accepted" sacrifice (Psa 20:3, margin and compare Lev 9:24; Judg
6:21; 1 Kings 18:38; 1 Chron 21:26; 2 Chron 7:1): not by any fire emanating from or kindled on
this earth. Only by such formal acceptance with "fire from heaven," did God "testify" of and
have respect to Abel's gifts. Only by such acceptance did Abel "obtain witness that he was
righteous." Only by such witness did God show, and Cain know, that He "had not respect" to the
offering that Cain brought unto the Lord.
The fire fell upon Abel's lamb, instead of upon Abel; upon the substitute, instead of upon the
sinner.
But it fell not on Cain's offering—for God did not accept it. It was the "fruit of the ground" (Gen
4:2,3), the fruit of that which God had only just declared, "Cursed be the ground" (Gen 3:17).
Thus was the way back to God opened and made clear; and thus was man's disobedience
manifested.
There was God's way, which Abel took; and there was man's way, which Cain invented. There
have been but those two ways back to God from that day to this.
● One was God's, and the other was man's.
● One was by faith, the other by works.
● One was Christ, the other was Religion.
● One was by God's grace, the other was by human merit.
There never have been but these two ways.
This is God's way now, by faith through Grace—faith in Christ—the Saviour whom God has
provided, which is summed up in the words,
"NOTHING in my hand I bring."
All other ways are one; for however they may differ, they are all alike in saying,
"SOMETHING in my hand I bring."
They differ only in what that "something" is to be; and those who differ from them, as Abel did,
are ever in great danger of getting killed, as Abel was. For nothing is so cruel as "Religion."
Thus the first act in God's changed administration after the Fall was to open the way back to
Himself; and it is placed unmistakably on the forefront of revelation.
But there are many other marks as to the character of God's administration.
If we will search for its principles we shall find various words, expressions, and hints, casually
dropped, which give us some insight into the principles which characterized that administration;
for there is no attempt to give a detailed description of them. We are left to note and mark them
for ourselves.
(2) It is evident that there was a Place of worship, a place set apart where access to the LORD
was to be had.
At the moment of the Fall, when man was driven out, the LORD God "placed [as in a
tabernacle], at the east of the Garden of Eden, Cherubim" (Gen 3:24). The word "placed" is Nka#
$af (shakan), to place, station or dwell in a tabernacle. Hence it is used of God's dwelling-place
among His people.*
* Exodus 25:8, 29:45,46; Joshua 18:1, 22:19; 1 Kings 6:13, 8:12; 2 Chronicles 6:1;
Psalm 68:18. It is from this word that we have the word shekinah, that glorious light
which was the symbol of God's presence in that tabernacle.
Hither Abel and Cain brought their offerings (Gen 4:3,4; compare Lev 1:3). Thither Cain "went
out from the presence of the LORD" (v 16). At its "door" lay the sin-offering which Cain might
have brought as well as Abel (Gen 4:7).
Thither Rebekah went to "inquire of the LORD" (Gen 25:22).
Hence, the statement that certain things were done "before the LORD" expressed a great reality
(Gen 13:13, 18:22, 19:27, 27:7. Compare Exo 16:9,33, 23:17, 33:7, etc.).
(3) Certain persons evidently had official positions. Shem was one who probably had charge of
this tent or tents (Gen 9:26,27).
Melchisedek was "a priest of the Most High God" (Gen 14:18). Heads of families so acted (Gen
8:20, 12:8, 35:7).
Tithes were already paid (Heb 7:9).
The first-born evidently had certain privileges, among them the duty of offering sacrifices. Who
else can "the young men" be whom we find so acting in Exodus 24:5, before the consecration of
Aaron and his sons under the Law, as priests of the nation as such?
If there were priests, so were there preachers also (2 Peter 2:5), and prophets (Gen 20:7; Jude
14,15).
(4) Certain official garments appear to have been worn by those who thus officiated. What was
the "goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau," which Rebekah stored so carefully, but clothes or
garments afterward used by the priests under the Law? (compare Lev 21:10; Exo 35:19; Lev
10:6*). The word "goodly" is also used (though not exclusively) of sacred things in connection
with the Temple (2 Chron 36:10; Isa 64:11; Lam 1:10**).
* In all these passages the Hebrew word Mydigafb: (begadim) is the same; but not so
in Deuteronomy 29:5, where Moses says of the ordinary clothes of the people, "your
clothes waxed not old." Here it is, hmafl:#&a (salmah).
** Rendered "pleasant" in the latter passages.
If this be so, we can understand why Esau was "profane" when he despised his birthright (Heb
12:16).
Joseph's "coat of many colours," instead of being (according to some) a peculiar coat of "gaudy
patchwork," or, according to others, an ordinary "long tunic" in general wear, seems to have
been a special garment by which Jacob designated him for one, at least, of the three parts of the
birthright which Reuben had forfeited.* At any rate, the word rendered colours (Mys@ip@a,
passim) is always used of colours** and never of pieces; and though Aaron's coat is not actually
so called, it was so in fact, as we see from Exodus 39:1 and Exodus 28:4, 39, where it is said to
be embroidered. The word rendered "coat" (tnt&ek@:, k'thoneth) is also associated with the
coats of the priests,*** or with those of royalty (2 Sam 13:18,19).
* According to 1 Chronicles 5:1,2, Reuben forfeited his birthright (Gen 35:22;
compare 49:3,4). This birth-right consisted of three parts. Levi obtained the priestly
office; as Judah had the part connected with rule, indicated by the possession of the
tribal "staff" or "sceptre," and as Joseph had the firstborn's double portion, in Ephraim
and Manasseh, according to Deut 33:17.
** Genesis 37:3,23,32; 2 Samuel 13:18,19.
***See Ezra 2:69; Nehemiah 7:70,72.
(5) Again, certain forms and ceremonies are also incidentally mentioned, which give us a still
further insight into the nature of the administration of that dispensation. Thus we have anointing
or consecration with oil (Gen 28:18, 31:13); building of altars (Gen 8:20, 12:7, 35:1,3, etc.);
pouring out drink offerings (Gen 35:14); the making of a covenant by sacrifice (Gen 15:9-18);
the keeping of the Sabbath, before the actual proclamation of the Law (Exo 16:23; compare Exo
15:25 and Deut 5:12); the offering of "seven ewe lambs" (Gen 21:31); the distinction between
"clean" and "unclean" (Gen 7:2, 8:20); the prohibition of blood as food (Gen 9:4); the execution
of the murderer (Gen 9:6, 42:22); the prohibition of adultery (Gen 12:18, 26:10, 39:9, 49:4); the
binding nature of oaths (Gen 26:28); the obligation of vows (Gen 28:20-22, 31:13); the sin of
fornication (Gen 34:7); marriage with the uncircumcised (Gen 34:14; compare Exo 34:16);
honouring of parents (Gen 9:25,26); purification, or ceremonial cleansing for worship (Gen
35:2); the birthright of the firstborn (Gen 25:31; compare Exo 22:29 and Deut 21:17); and the
marrying of the brother's widow (Gen 38:8).
What are all these but so many hints and glimpses which reveal the existence of an orderly
administration, which must have been Divinely promulgated, and exactly suited for that
dispensation? All was not confusion as the unobservant reader might suppose. Men were not left
to themselves during that Patriarchal Dispensation.
But to bring the laws of that administration into another dispensation, either for the purpose of
limitation or supplement, is to mix up together things which are perfectly distinct, and to
introduce confusion where all is otherwise in perfect order.
(c) The Israelite Dispensation "under Law."—In the third Administration we have a totally
different principle involved. All is changed by the giving of the Law. This third Dispensation
stands out in contrast with the previous one, which was "without Law"; as it does from this
present Dispensation, which is characterized by Grace.
The communications of God, and His dealings with Israel, were appropriate to, and in harmony
with, the principles of His administration "under law."
If we read all that into this present Dispensation, and interpret it of ourselves, we at once place
ourselves under a covenant of works, and practically deny our standing in grace.
Unless we rightly divide the Word of truth in this matter we shall be filled with confusion.
It was true, in that Dispensation of Works, to say: "When the wicked man turneth away from his
wickedness and doeth that which is lawful and right, he shall save himself [Heb., his soul]
alive" (Eze 18:27). But to interpret that of ourselves, now, is contrary to fact: and to do so is to
flatly deny our true church-standing which declares, that we are not saved by works,* but by
grace (Titus 3:5; Rom 11:6).
* If any think of James 2 as contradicting this, let them turn to James 1:1, and they
will see that the Epistle is addressed "To the Twelve Tribes," and is therefore quite in
harmony with that Epistle (see above).
The Ceremonial Law was given to Israel; not to Assyria or Egypt, or any other nation. Any
precepts, of course, that may be of universal application will be wisely applied. The commands
as to the food to be used or avoided were neither meaningless nor arbitrary, but were given
according to the infinite knowledge of God. It will be our wisdom, therefore, if we are guided by
them for our health's sake; but in no sense as being "under law."
The Ceremonial Law continued down to the destruction of Jerusalem, and the burning of the
Temple, when it ceased absolutely, as it had already ceased relatively, by the death and sacrifice
of Christ, which fulfilled the law (Col 2:14, etc.).
The four Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles do not belong to this present Gospel Dispensation
of Grace, but they rather close up the Dispensation of the Law (the Acts being transitional).
Christ did not come "to found a church" as those assert who do not heed the difference between
the various Dispensations. That is man's, and Rome's, constant assertion. But God's revelation
tells us that "Jesus Christ was a MINISTER OF THE CIRCUMCISION, for the truth of God, to
confirm the promises made unto the Fathers, and that the Gentiles (after Israel's salvation) might
glorify God for His mercy" (Rom 15:8,9).
Christ's coming had reference to the Jew and Gentile, not to the founding of a church.
The Jews rejected the Kingdom and crucified their king. And the Gentiles (as such) have not yet
glorified God for His mercy.
A subsequent offer was afterward made by Peter, to whom "the keys of the kingdom" were
given (not of the Church, but of the Kingdom). The Kingdom was again proclaimed in the Acts,
and the promise of Christ's return on their national repentance was repeated (Acts 3:19-21, RV).
But the command to repent was unheeded by the nation and its rulers; and so, in the Acts of the
Apostles, we see the gradual transition taking place, until the final pronouncement of God's
rejection of the nation is formally made by Paul in Acts 28:24-28.
(d) The Ecclesia: the Dispensation of Grace.—In this the fourth Dispensation neither Jews nor
Gentiles are dealt with as such: but, individuals, both "transgressors" of the Jews and "sinners of
the Gentiles," are called out, and made into a new body, a third People, called "the Church of
God," in which now "there is neither Jew nor Gentile...but all are one in Christ Jesus"; being
baptized into the body of Christ, not with the old material element of water, but with the new
spiritual medium or element of pneuma hagion (Gal 3:27,28).
All this had been kept secret until it was revealed to Paul and made known by the prophets and
apostles in "prophetic writings" (Rom 16:25,26).
Had it been made the subject of prophecy the Jew, to-day, could reply against God and say that
he was obliged to fulfil prophecy. It was therefore "hid in God" (Eph 3:9). God kept the secret to
Himself. What He would have done had the nation of Israel obeyed the command to repent, in
Acts 3:19, 20, none can tell. God is sovereign, and we may be perfectly sure that the Scripture
would have been fulfilled. Nothing was unforeknown, or unforeseen; for the members of the
Church of God were "chosen in Christ BEFORE the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:4). All we
can say is that "the secret things belong unto God." Those that are revealed alone concern us.
One of these secrets, the "Great" one (1 Tim 3:16; Eph 5:32), has been revealed; and we now
rejoice in its revelation.
This Dispensation of "the Church of God," of "the grace of God," and of the "Spirit of God"
commenced outwardly by the ministry of Paul, in the Dispensation or administration committed
formally to him; and inwardly by the revelation of the mystery as further set forth in its fulness
in those epistles which he wrote from his prison in Rome: Ephesians, Philippians, and
Colossians.
This Dispensation will end by the members of Christ's body, the Church of the living God, being
"received up in glory" (1 Tim 3:16); "caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so to be ever with
the Lord" (1 Thess 4:17; Phil 3:20,21). This is called in 2 Thessalonians 2:1, "our gathering
together unto Him"; and this glorious rapture will close this fourth Dispensation. The one object,
therefore, of this Dispensation is not, as is popularly supposed, the conversion of the world; still
less its social improvement: but the formation of the one spiritual Body of Christ by calling out
those who were chosen in Him "before the foundation of the world."
To that end, and that alone, is this good news made known to-day in all the world. In no former
Dispensation was such a Gospel ever preached; and in no subsequent one will the good news of
such free grace be proclaimed.
Before this Dispensation, and after it, all is connected with man, and what he is, and what he is
to do. But in this Dispensation it is a question of what Christ is, and of what He has done.
This Dispensation of grace will be followed by:
(e) The Dispensation of Judgment.—In the fifth Dispensation, which is characterized by
judgment, Israel becomes once again the central object.
When the Church, the mystical body of Christ, has been "received up in glory" the day of grace
will be over. And Israel will once more be dealt with, not again under law, but under judgment.
The present Dispensation is (apart from God's purpose in the election of grace) called "Man's
Day" (1 Cor 4:3, marg.), because it is during this present period that man is judging. But, the
next Dispensation is called "the Lord's Day" (Rev 1:10), because that will be the time when He
will judge. Man's day of judging will be closed and the Lord's day of judging will begin.
Hence "the day of the Lord" is the day of the Lord's judging and ruling; and the first occurrence
of the expression gives us its essential meaning; and the object and aim of that judgment.* It
will be the day when
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,
And the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down:
And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day."
(Isaiah 2:11,12,17)
* See under Canon I, 5 and Canon V, ii.
Whatever may be the dealings of God with men, and whatever may be His judgments, this is the
end and aim and object of them all:
The abasement of Man
and
The exaltation of Jehovah.
The whole of that dispensation is called "the Day of the Lord." It is the day which has to do with
"times and seasons"; with Israel and the Gentiles. But which has nothing to do with "the Church
of God."
This is clear from 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5. That day cannot overtake the Church of God "as a
thief," because the Church has nothing to do with "times and seasons." That day has to do with
those whom it will thus "overtake."
All that is said and done in that coming dispensation is appropriate to, and in harmony with, the
great principle which will characterize God's administration in that day.
It will then be right for Israel to rejoice over the judgments inflicted on all their enemies.
Then, the "Imprecatory Psalms" will be in their appropriate place.
That dispensation of judgment will have its own peculiar characteristics; and language is
therefore used of it which could never have been used in any former dispensation.
Israel will not again be under law; but it will be under a "new covenant," when the stony or hard
heart of flesh will be taken away, and a new heart implanted within them, and a new spirit
imparted to them (Jer 31:31-34; Eze 36:24-38), making Israel, then, the only indefectible nation
that the world has ever seen.
This belongs, with the Dispensation which follows it, to "the times of the restitution of all things
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began" (Acts
3:21).
So that, here again, we have certain definite times spoken of.
These "times of restitution" include the succeeding, or
(f) The Millennial or Theocratic Dispensation.—The Sixth Dispensation, in which mankind will
again be dealt with as a whole. It will begin with the binding of Satan (Rev 20:1,2) and will end
with the great white throne and the lake of fire (Rev 20:15). A thousand years will be the period
of its duration.
The principle of God's dealings with men during these Millennial days will be neither Law, nor
Grace, nor Judgment; but Righteousness, Power, and Glory. It will be the administration of
Righteousness in all its purity. The prayer for the coming kingdom will then, at length, find its
abundant answer; the kingdom of God will have come at last; and His will will then be done on
earth as it is done in heaven.
That dispensation is characterized by the binding of Satan. It is clear, therefore, that language
peculiar to that time would not be appropriate to any other preceding dispensation, in which
Satan is not bound.
It stands alone, unique; and it issues in the last or seventh Dispensation, which corresponds with
the first Edenic state, and may be called
(g) The Eternal State.—Very little is said about this last. In this respect it is like the first. It
begins at Revelation 21:1, with "the new Heavens and the new Earth," and nothing is said about
its end.
Beyond this, therefore, we cannot go. In these last two chapters of Revelation we have all that
can be known.
These, then, are the seven Times or Dispensations; each of which has its own defined beginning
and ending; and its own special characteristics. It is necessary for us to rightly divide them, and
rightly to divide the Word of truth which tells us of them.
3. The Special Characteristics of the Dispensations.
It may help us if we summarize these, by connecting each with a definite characteristic word or
thought.
(a) As to man's condition in each, it is, in the
● 1st. Innocence
● 2nd. Without Law.
● 3rd. Under Law.
● 4th. Under Grace.
● 5th. Under Judgment.
● 6th. Millennial.
● 7th. Glory.
(b) As to the Crisis, or Judgment, in which each ends:
● 1st. The Edenic state ended in the expulsion from Eden.
● 2nd. The Period without Law ended with the Flood and the Judgment on Babel.
● 3rd. The Period under Law ended in the Rejection of Israel.
● 4th. The Dispensation of Grace will end in the Rapture of the Church, and "the Day of
the Lord."
● 5th. The Dispensation of Judgment will end in the Destruction of Anti-Christ.
● 6th. The Millennium will end in the Destruction of Satan, and the Judgment of the Great
White throne.
● 7th. Will have "no end."
It must be evident that, in all these seven Dispensations, we have a variety of different
characteristics which demand the utmost care and attention which we are able to give them.
There are, however, two further matters on which to speak; for beside these distinct landmarks
by which these dispensations are known, there are larger "times" which embrace or overlap
more than one of these divisions.
4. "The Times of the Gentiles."
We have "the times of the Gentiles," which not only embrace this present Church Dispensation,
but stand specially in contrast with the Jews. They commence with Jerusalem falling under the
power of Babylon; they continue during the whole period while Jerusalem is "trodden down of
the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24); and they will end only when the Gentiles shall cease thus to tread
down Jerusalem, and its streets shall be again trodden by its rightful owners, the People of
Israel. Then those "times of the Gentiles" will be changed for the times of the Jews.
Those times therefore are not co-terminous with any of the seven dispensations mentioned
above, but overlap. They begin before the present Church period, and do not close until after it
has ended.
These same times are referred to in Romans 11:25: "Blindness in part is happened to Israel until
the fulness of the Gentiles be come in." This is usually spoken of as pertaining to the completion
of the Church. But the Church is not in question here at all. It is the relation between the Jews
and the Gentiles; and the Church is not composed of Gentiles as distinct from Jews, or of Jews
as distinct from Gentiles. For it is made up both of Jews and Gentiles, who, on becoming
members of "the Church of God," lose this distinction altogether, being made members of a
Body in which now there is neither Jew nor Gentile. This is expressly stated in Galatians 3:28;
Colossians 3:11. (Compare Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 5:6; Eph 2:15.) This must therefore
refer to the fulness or filling up of the times of the Gentiles; and the word "Gentiles" must be
understood as being put for the "times" which they fill up.
Moreover, Israel will not be saved by the Rapture of the Church, but by the coming of "the
Deliverer out of Zion, turning away ungodliness from Jacob." It is Isaiah 59:20 that is being
quoted in Romans 11:26, and not 1 Thessalonians 4:16; and there is nothing about the "fulness"
or completion of the Church in Isaiah.
Before the Deliverer comes there must be that from which Israel is to be delivered; and that will
be the great Tribulation, "when the enemy shall come in like a flood" (see Isa 59:19-21).
It is clear, therefore, that Romans 11:25 refers to the same "times of the Gentiles" of which the
Lord speaks in Luke 21:24.
5. The Parenthesis of the Present Dispensation.
There is another matter connected with these Times and Dispensations. This is revealed by our
Lord's own action in the synagogue at Nazareth (Luke 4:16-20). He stood up and read Isaiah
61:1, 2. He read the first verse; but, after He had read the first sentence in the second verse, "HE
CLOSED THE BOOK, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down" (Luke 4:20).
Why did the Lord close the book at that point? The answer to this question is the revelation to us
of the great principle which we are now, and here, insisting upon. The next sentence belonged,
and still belongs, to a yet future dispensation. "The acceptable year of the Lord" had come. But
"the day of vengeance of our God" had not (and has not even yet) come. The Lord divided these
two Dispensations off by closing the book, and that is what we must do if we are not to join
together, and thus confuse and confound, to our own great hindrance and loss, that which God
has separated and distinguished. But alas! most Christians insist on keeping that book open, and
refuse to learn the lesson here emphatically taught and enforced by the Lord.
There is no mark in the Hebrew text to indicate such a break, which involves an interval of
nearly 2,000 years: and yet the break is surely there.
As to "the acceptable year of the Lord," Christ could and did say: "This day is this Scripture
fulfilled in your ears" (Luke 4:21). But He could not have said it if He had read the next
sentence, "and the day of vengeance of our God." And yet the whole of this present Church
Dispensation, the present interval of the Dispensation of Grace, comes between those two
sentences. Only a comma divides them in our English Translation.
This is because the Mystery (or Secret) of the Church was "hid in God," and had not yet been
revealed to the sons of men. How then could mention be made of it? It was necessarily passed
over. Hence the Lord "closed the book" and "sat down."
This was why the prophets who spoke and wrote "as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2
Peter 1:21) "enquired and searched diligently what, or WHAT MANNER OF TIME (concerning
Christ) the Spirit which was in them could signify, when it testified beforehand of the
SUFFERINGS of Christ, and the GLORY which should follow" (1 Peter 1:10,11). There was
nothing to tell them what length of "time" should elapse between "the sufferings and the glory";
whether the glory should follow immediately on the sufferings; or whether there should be any
interval of time at all between them. Hence, their enquiry, and their search. The prophets
themselves revealed the sufferings; they saw them, and, just as it is when one views the outline
of a nearer range of mountains, they saw the outline of another range beyond them as they
testified of the "glory": but what distance separated those two mountain ranges, or what valleys
and hills, and cities and lakes, lay between them they could not see. In like manner the events
which lay between the "sufferings" and the glory that should follow was not revealed either to
them, or by them. We know, now, that nearly 1,900 years have passed since the first coming and
the "sufferings" of Christ; but the "glory" has not yet been revealed. Notwithstanding this, many
treat these times and dispensations as of no account, and of no importance in their study of the
Scriptures. The majority of Bible Students do not "enquire" at all; they neither search, nor
"search diligently," as to these times; nay, they even reproach those who would thus search.
Those who, like ourselves, would thus humbly search are derided; and this special time between
the present and the coming Dispensation has been nick-named by them "the Gap theory." But it
is no theory at all. The action of our adorable Lord in the Synagogue at Nazareth when He
"closed the book" was no "theory." He showed that there was a gap, and that gap was a fact and
not a fiction.
We are content to follow His example and share His rejection when at Nazareth. We would
learn the lesson that He there taught. We would "open the book," the Bible, like Ezra, and
search, and try and find out why the Lord "closed the book" of Isaiah; and, like the prophets of
old, would search diligently as to "what manner of time" is taught by the Holy Spirit of God in
these Scriptures of truth.
In the English Bible there is only a comma between the "sufferings and the glory" in 1 Peter
1:11. See also 1 Peter 4:13, 5:1; and Luke 24:26, where we have the same two "times" spoken
of, with the "gap" of our present Dispensation passed over, as silently as though to the inspired
speakers and writers this Dispensation of the Church of God were non-existent.
This is why the closing words of the Four Gospels do not lead us on into this present
Dispensation, but leap over it. Having been occupied with the proclamation of the Kingdom
they "close the book," and when it is opened again, it is opened at the Apocalypse, where we see
the Kingdom set up with Divine power and glory.*
* See further on this point in Section II of Chapter II of Part I, page 16.
The period during which the rejected kingdom is in abeyance is not taken account of in the four
Gospels, for it had not yet been revealed.
It was one of "the secrets of the kingdom" spoken of by our Lord in Matthew 13:11, and then
made known by Him.
The seven parables of the Kingdom in Matthew 13 leap over this present Dispensation, as if it
had no existence. They carry over the truths concerning the Kingdom, and continue them as
though the Kingdom had never been in abeyance. To understand these seven parables aright we
must entirely exclude the Church of God, and the period of its Dispensation, and read them
without any reference whatever to it. We can then easily see which part of each parable belongs
to the past Dispensation, and which part belongs to the next.
There are many places in Scripture in which this passing over of the present Dispensation is
very plainly evident; and where, in our reading, we have, like our Lord, to "close the book." If
we fail to do this, and if we refuse to notice these so-called "gaps," we cannot possibly
understand the Scriptures which we read.
We give a few by way of example, placing this mark (—) to indicate the parenthesis of this
present Dispensation, which comes between the previous Dispensation of Law, and the next
Dispensation of Judgment which is to follow this Present Dispensation of Grace.
Psalm 118:22, "The stone which the builders refused (—) is become the head-stone of the
corner."
Isaiah 9:6, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: (—) and the government shall be
upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." (Compare Luke 1:31,32.)
Isaiah 53:10, 11, "It pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief; when thou shalt
make his soul an offering for sin (—) he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the
pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hands. He shall see of the travail of his soul and be
satisfied."
Zechariah 9:9, 10, "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem; behold,
thy King cometh unto thee: he is just and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and
upon a colt the foal of an ass. (—) And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse
from Jerusalem, and the battle-bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen:
and his dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth."
Luke 1:32, 32, "And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt
call his name Jesus. (—) He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the
Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David."*
* Others may be seen in Amos 9:10,11; Dan 9:26,27; Hab 2:13,14; Zeph 3:7,8; Zech
8:2,3; Luke 21:26.
All this shows us the far-reaching consequences of the Lord's example in the Synagogue at
Nazareth. Far-reaching in the confusion which arises from not heeding it; and far-reaching also
in the happy results of applying the same principle that He applied to Isaiah 61:1, 2, in all the
other passages where the present Dispensation is passed over, and indicated only by a comma.
This applies only to Scriptures where the two other Dispensations are actually referred to. But
there are many where only one is in question; and more care is then required to detect it, so as
not to interpret of one Dispensation that which refers to another.
God's dealings in each period correspond with its distinct character; and if we would understand
those dealings we must be able, readily, to classify the truth appropriate to each.
This classification forms a subject quite distinct from the Dispensations themselves, and
demands separate treatment, which we propose to give in our next chapter.
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part I
III. The One Great Requirement of the Word:—"Rightly Dividing" It.
iv. Rightly Dividing the Word as to its Dispensational Truth and Teaching.
This part of the great Requirement of the Word flows from, and, at the same time, depends upon
a thorough understanding of the Times and Dispensations themselves.
When these are rightly divided then it will be easy for us to keep the truth pertaining to each
quite distinct.
There are whole departments of Truth which belong exclusively to one or other of these
Dispensations, and not to the rest.
If we take a truth which belongs to one Dispensation and interpret it of another it will lead not
only to confusion in the mind, to discordance in the Word, and uncertainty as to the truth; but it
will lead to disaster in the life. For, if the Word be not understood, there will be no enjoyment in
the study of it; consequently, the reading of it will be neglected, and we shall cease to feed upon
it; our spiritual strength will grow weak and we shall be unfit for God's service, beside being a
misery to ourselves.
Not only, therefore, must we rightly divide the Word of truth as to its Times and Dispensations,
but as to its Truth and Teaching also: we must learn to appropriate each truth to the particular
Dispensation to which it belongs.
Unless we do this we shall not "grow in knowledge": for we are to increase in knowledge as
well as in "grace" (2 Peter 3:18).
To do this we must empty ourselves of all Tradition. We must question all that we have thus
received; and be prepared to unlearn what we have previously been taught by man if it does not
recognize this great requirement of the Word of truth.
If we think we know, it will be impossible for us to learn. If a vessel be full it is impossible for
its contents to be increased. We must make room for this blessed increase by continually
replacing what we have learnt from man with what we learn from the Lord. And even if what we
have learned from man does agree with the Word, then we must be prepared to learn it over
again, direct from the Word, so that the Truth may hold us, instead of our holding the Truth.
There are six distinct departments in which the truth of the Word has to be rightly divided in
order to obtain its Teaching in connection with the Times and Dispensations.*
* All this refers, of course, only to Interpretation, and not to Application. This will
form a chapter by itself when we come to consider the "Words." We may apply all
that is written so long as we do so in harmony with what is addressed especially TO us
in this Dispensation. All was and is "written for our learning": all is FOR us. But not
all is addressed or applies TO us. We must not apply what was true of one
Dispensation to upset what is true of another Dispensation.
In order to keep this Dispensational truth and teaching rightly divided—
1. We must not take Truth belonging to ONE PART of a PAST Dispensation and read it into
ANOTHER PART of the PAST.
The whole of the four Gospels belongs to the Old Dispensation; to the special period of Time
during which the Kingdom was proclaimed and afterward rejected.
Truth pertaining to the proclamation period is not truth for the rejection period.
(a) For example, in Matthew 10:5, 6, we find the command, "Go not into the way of the
Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel."
If the Word is not to be divided at all, rightly or wrongly, as some who oppose our teaching
assert, then this command must be still binding on all the Lord's servants.
If it belongs to all persons, for all time, and for all times, then it is of universal interpretation.
According to this, there ought to be no Missionary Societies for work among the Gentiles; but
every Missionary Society should be only for the Jews.
But this is not quite the principle which pertains to and governs modern missionary operations.
Then there must be something wrong somewhere. Either this command remains in force and
modern Missions set it at naught, and are carried on in defiance of it; or, there must be some
explanation which shall exonerate such contumacy.
If it be said, in defence, that there are later commands, such as "Go ye into all the world and
preach the Gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15); then this is to argue (1) that the Word of
God either flatly contradicts itself as to the fundamental principle of the missionary work; or (2)
that some division must be made between the two commands.
But this latter is all that we are contending for. Only, the division which we would make does
not ignore either command, but gives each its own due and proper place, significance, and
importance. It does not exalt one at the expense of the other, but assigns to each its own
appropriate sphere.
The former command, "Go not," etc., was given in connection with the proclamation of the King
and the kingdom: but, when both had been rejected, and the King was about to be crucified, then
this command was no longer appropriate to the changed circumstances.
Another command could then be given, "Go ye," instead of "Go not."
Both were equally true. The one was true as to its special reference to the lost sheep of the house
of Israel; the other is true as to its general reference to all. But both commands were given in the
past Dispensation.
(b) Luke 9:3. In connection with the above command there were other precepts given. "Provide
neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats,
nor yet staves" (marg. Gr. a staff). Matthew 10:9, 10.
But when the kingdom had been rejected, and the King was on the eve of being crucified, these
commands were formally abrogated by the Lord Himself, as being no longer suitable to the
changed circumstances. The Lord repeats them, and asks whether they did not find His promise
true: "When I sent you without purse, and scrip, and shoes, lacked ye anything? And they said,
Nothing."
"Then said he unto them, BUT NOW, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip:
and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one" (Luke 22:36).
Those two words "But now" announce the fact that even in that same Dispensation, with only a
brief interval of time between them, those two commands are to be rightly divided.
The whole principle for which we contend is wrapped up in those two words "But now."
According to this principle, that which belongs to one part of the past Dispensation, must not
necessarily be interpreted of another part of that same Dispensation. How much more then must
the truth and teaching of the different Dispensations themselves be carefully divided: when not
only different circumstances prevail, but where the whole sphere has changed: not only where
the people dealt with are different, but where the principle on which they were dealt with by
God is changed.
And yet, in spite of these two examples from Matthew 10 and Luke 9, the whole Bible is
jumbled together, Law, Gospel, Grace, Judgment, Glory, Jew, Gentile, Church of God, Times
and Dispensations, all confused in one vast tangle, till it is no wonder that thousands of readers,
if they do not give it all up in dismay, neglect it to their own present loss of peace and joy and
strength.
2. We must not take Truth belonging to a PAST Dispensation and interpret it of the
PRESENT.
If we do we at once put ourselves under the Law, to which we died, in Christ, and from which
Christ hath therefore made us free; the Law having no power over a man that has died.
(a) Law and Grace.—To those who lived under the Law it could rightly and truly be said: "It
shall be our righteousness, if we observe to do all these commandments before the LORD our
God, as he hath commanded us" (Deut 6:25). But to those who live in this present Dispensation
of grace, it is as truly declared, "By the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in his
sight" (Rom 3:20; see also Gal 2:16, 3:11, &c.). But this is the very opposite of Deuteronomy
6:25! What then are we to say, or to do? Which of these two statements is true? and which is
false?
The answer is, that neither is false. But both are true if we rightly divide the Word of truth as to
its Dispensational truth and teaching.
Deuteronomy 6:25 was true, then, "concerning" Israel; and is in harmony with the covenant of
works under which Israel had placed itself. But Romans 3:20 and Galatians 2:16 are true now
"concerning" all three, Jew, Gentile, and Church of God. The statement in these two passages
concerning all "flesh" was made after Israel had broken that covenant (Heb 10:29); and after
Christ had introduced the unconditional "everlasting covenant" (Heb 13:20) of grace, into which
He entered for His people "before the foundation of the world" (Eph 1:3,4).
These are two statements exactly opposite to each other. Is it then the fact that the one is true
and the other false? Nay, both are true; absolutely true. And this will be seen at once if we
appropriate each to, and interpret each of, the Dispensation to which it properly belongs. The
former is not true now in this Present Dispensation. It was true of those under the Law. The
latter is as true now of those who are under Grace.
But we fear that multitudes as they hear the Old Testament read in our churches fail so to divide
them rightly, but understand the interpretation of them as belonging to themselves now. They
thus put themselves under law, and deny their standing which God has given them in Christ;
hence it is that they fail to enjoy that liberty wherewith Christ hath made His people free (Gal
5:1).
In the Old Dispensation God dealt with one nation only; but in the Present Dispensation He no
longer deals with any one nation, but with individuals out of all nations. This is the key to the
understanding of those many passages where the words "all" and "every" and "world" are used
in the New Testament. "All" must mean one of two things: either "all" without exception, or
"all" without distinction; and it is in this latter sense it is constantly used in contrast with the one
nation of Israel.
"I, if I be lifted up from the earth* will draw all men unto me" (John 12:32). If this means "all"
without exception, then it is not true, for all men have not been drawn unto Him. But it is most
blessedly true, if it means "all" without distinction, as it surely does.
* I.e., in crucifixion, as the next verse (33) distinctly states.
The expression He tasted death "for every man" (Heb 2:9) must be understood in the same
sense; i.e., not limited as heretofore to Israel; but extended without distinction to all, whether
Jews or Gentiles. With this agrees 1 John 2:1, 2.
In the Old Dispensation God's light shone only in and on Israel; but now, having come into the
world, it lighteneth "every man" without distinction of nation, race, or creed (John 1:9; compare
Titus 2:11).
In the Old Dispensation God dealt according to man's work: now He deals according to Christ's
work.
In the Old Dispensation, Israel was to work for life: now we work from life.
The Law gave works for man to do: Grace brings words for man to believe.
Two words distinguish the Two dispensations. "Do" distinguishes the former; "Done" the latter.
Then, salvation depended on what man was to do; now it depends upon what Christ has done.
(b) The Imprecatory Psalms.—These have been a trouble to most Christians: who among us has
not been disquieted by them? Critics speak of them as "very unfit for the lips of our Lord."
There must be very, very few who have not felt the difficulty; and though they have realized it
they have not seen the way out of it: neither will they, nor can they do so, until they learn to
rightly divide the Word of truth, and interpret these Psalms of the Dispensation to which they
belong. They must be appropriated to the Old Dispensation of the Law. There they are in place;
as they will be in place again in the coming Dispensation of Judgment.
"The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance" (Psa 58:10,11). So will the great
voice of much people in heaven say "Hallelujah...for true and righteous are his judgments" (Rev
19:1,2).* This clearly shows that these and all such "Cursing" Scriptures (as they are called) are
in perfect keeping with the Dispensation to which they belong.
* Thus the first "Hallelujah" (praise ye the LORD) in the Old Testament (Psa 104:35)
agrees with the first in the New Testament in connection with vengeance and
judgment.
In all probability Psalm 109 admits of another explanation by putting verses 6-19 within a
parenthesis; in which case verse 20 may be rendered as explaining it:—
"This is the work of mine adversaries from the LORD,
And of those that speak evil against my soul (i.e. me)."
Verses 6-19 will then be the "evil" which David's enemies spake against him.* These will be the
words that came from "the mouth of the wicked and deceitful": and the proceeds of the "lying
tongue" (v 4). These will be the "words of hatred" (v 3), and the "evil for good" with which
David's enemies rewarded his love (v 5).
* See under Section I of this Chapter III of part I, p. 59.
But Psalm 137:8, 9 does not admit of such an explanation. The spirit is appropriate to the
Dispensations of Law and Judgment, but not to the present Dispensation of Grace:—
"Remember, O Jehovah, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem:
Who said, Rase it, Rase it even to the foundation thereof.
O daughter of Babylon, who are to be destroyed:
Happy shall he be that rewardeth thee as thou hast served us.
Happy shall he be that taketh and dasheth thy little ones against the stones."
There is a time of judgment coming for which all such language will be appropriate (Isa 26:9;
Rev 2:26,27); but that language is not for this present Dispensation of grace. If we do so
interpret it, then there is an end of ever hoping to find the "truth": and all hope of ever
understanding the Word of God is destroyed.
(c) As to the Sabbath.—Obedience to 2 Timothy 2:15 clears away heaps of confusion, and
delivers from the bondage of law, in which so many, through disobedience to that great precept
to "rightly divide the Word of truth," are still bound: some of them "bound hand and foot."
The Ceremonial Laws of the Sabbath were given to Israel, and not to the Gentile nations of the
earth, Pagan or otherwise. While the interpretation therefore belongs to Israel, it would be wise
for all nations to make an application of the great principle laid down in the Law, as to resting
from servile labour on one day in seven. But the law of the Sabbath is neither abrogated,
changed, nor transferred to any other day of the week. And if any believe that the Law is to be
obeyed now, they have no liberty to alter that law, or to modify it in any way; but are bound to
"keep holy the seventh day." They have no choice in the matter, and dare not take the liberty of
altering the law of God.
But, on the other hand, Christians in this present Dispensation are "not under law, but under
grace." We "died to the law," in Christ (Rom 7:4), and the law has no power over one who has
died. "We are delivered from the law, having died to that wherein we were held" (v 6). We are
"under [obedience to the] commandments of Christ" (1 Cor 9:21).
To those in Galatia who desired "to be under the law" (Gal 4:21) the Apostle wrote, "How turn
ye again to the beggarly elements (i.e., religious ordinances) whereunto ye desire again to be in
bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid of you, lest I have
bestowed upon you labour in vain" (Gal 4:9-11).
This Scripture is specially addressed to, and is to be interpreted of the Church of God, to-day;
and all who would thus have us return to and put ourselves under law we have great need to be
"afraid."
As towards others and himself, the Christian can apply those laws as far as they are compatible
with his own Church Epistles. There he is told that, "one man esteemeth one day above another:
another [man] esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He
that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord
he doth not regard it" (Rom 14:5,6).
It is a matter of being persuaded in one's own mind, and not as being under law; still less as
being under the judgment of our fellow believers in this matter. "Let no man therefore judge you
in meats or in drink; or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath" (Col
2:16). We do not "let them judge" us, but they do so all the same. We shall be judged, yea, and
condemned by many for writing even as much as this: and though we quote the Word of God,
we shall be met by arguments of expediency, which are all based on a total disregard to another
command, equally binding, belonging as it does to this present Dispensation; and that is the
command, as to "rightly dividing the Word of truth" (2 Tim 2:15).
The Sabbath laws are either still binding on us, or they are not still binding. If they are, then
those who keep "the seventh day" and not "the first," are right. If they are not binding, then we
are all "free from the law," and we have our guidance in Romans 14:5, 6; Colossians 2:16 and
Galatians 4:1-11.
But, if we read into the present Dispensation that which pertained only to the former, there can
be nothing but confusion in our own minds, and conflict and arguments with our fellow-
Christians.
And, beside this conflict with them, we shall be seeking to put not only the Church of God, but
all the Gentiles also under the laws which were given by Moses to Israel alone.
It will be seen that thus "rightly dividing the Word of truth" as to Sabbath-keeping is the only
effectual answer to the large body called "Seventh Day" Christians; who, not seeing the blessed
truth that we are free from the law of Moses, and under the law of Christ, who is the Lord of the
Sabbath, are not only observing the seventh-day Sabbath themselves, but are carrying on an
active propaganda to induce all Christians to join their ranks.
(d) As to the Kingdom.—There are some Past Dispensational truths, like those which concern
the Kingdom, which leap over the Present, and belong both to the Past and the Future.
They were truth in the Past Dispensation; and they will be truth in the Future: but, they are not
truth in or for this Present Dispensation.
This Present Dispensation, so far as regards the truth pertaining to the other two, is not
reckoned; and this present interval is passed over as though it did not exist.
The Past and the Coming Dispensations have to do with the Kingdom. This Present
Dispensation has to do with the Church of God.
The former had to do with the Law, the next has to do with Judgment: but, the Present
Dispensation has to do with Grace.
If therefore we read into the present that which has to do both with the past and the future; and,
if we read into the Dispensation of Grace that which has to do with Law and Judgment we at
once leave the high ground of Grace on which God has set us; we lose the blessing of that
standing which is ours in Christ; and we interpret of ourselves, language, which is appropriate
only to a Dispensation of Judgment or of Glory. This means, not only loss of blessing to
ourselves, but it means the introduction of confusion into our minds, and contradiction into the
Word of God.
This is specially true if we take that which was spoken of the KINGDOM and understand it of
the CHURCH of God.
Of course, if anyone holds that the Kingdom IS the Church, it would be consistent so to take it.
But those who do so make no attempt to rightly divide the Word of truth: and they treat
language as being useless for the purposes of Revelation.
If, when God says one thing He always means another, then the Bible becomes a book of
Enigmas instead of Enlightenment; and the door is opened for all those differences of
interpretation which are not only a puzzle to the children of God, but are a source of all those
divisions among Christians which are a defilement of God's building (1 Cor 3:17); and of all
those controversies which are a scandal and a stumblingblock to those that are without.
It would be a sufficient answer to those who say that the Kingdom is the Church, to reply, "You
say so." Or, to those who say the Church is the Kingdom to answer, "So you say": for no such
assertion is made in the Word of truth. It is only an inference; and it is wrong, because it comes
of wrongly dividing the Word of truth.
But, as we write, not for confutation, but for instruction, we may mention the following facts for
the guidance of those who would, like the Eunuch of Ethiopia, understand what they read.
The Kingdom, as we have said, belongs to the past Dispensation. It was proclaimed by John the
Baptist; and afterward as being then "at hand"; it was the first subject of the Lord's own ministry
(Matt 4:17); but, having been rejected, it is now in abeyance until the time comes to set it up in
Divine power and glory.
It is clear, therefore, that truth which is appropriate for that Kingdom, whether past or future, is
not truth appropriate for the present Dispensation of the Church. Even the expressions used and
the terminology employed are not the same. What is said of the Kingdom is not true when
spoken of the Church.
The Kingdom is said to be "set up" (Dan 2:44; Acts 15:16). The Church is "built up" (Eph 2:20-
22; 1 Cor 3:9; Col 2:7).
We hear much about the "extension of the Kingdom" and the "advancement of the Kingdom";
but these are non-scriptural expressions when spoken of the Kingdom, and un-scriptural when
used of the Church.
We read of those who are "heirs of the Kingdom" (James 2:5), but not of the Church; of
"Children of the Kingdom" (Matt 8:12); but not of the Church (except in the Church of Rome).
We read of having "received the Kingdom" (Luke 19:12,15); and of "entering" it (Matt 18:3); of
"seeing" it (John 3:3); and of "inheriting" it (Matt 25:34). But never do we once find such
expressions used in Scripture of the Church of God! In no sense can any one "inherit," or "see,"
or "receive" the Church.
Among all the Figures used for the Church the Kingdom is never so used. We find it compared
to a "house" (1 Tim 3:15); "a Temple" (1 Cor 3:16,17); "a Body" (1 Cor 12:27, &c.), but never to
the Kingdom.
The Kingdom, proclaimed in the past, and now in abeyance, is yet to come; and all Christians
pray "Thy kingdom come." But the Church is here, now; and is soon going away: for it is
waiting to be "caught up to meet the Lord in the air, so to be ever with the Lord" (1 Thess 4:14-
17). If the Church, therefore, is the Kingdom, the prayer ought to be "Thy kingdom go"!
Again, the Church is an election, hence its name Ecclesia, which means a calling out. But the
Kingdom, when it is set up, will be universal and all-embracing (Psa 103:19; Rev 11:15).
Christ is now the Head over all things to his Body, the Church (Eph 1:22, 4:15; Col 1:18); but
He is never called its King. How much error and confusion is created from the use of non-
scriptural expressions it is impossible to tell.
We quite understand that, as the word βασιλεια (basileia), kingdom, means not the material
country or the subjects, but the sovereignty or administrative rule of the King, so, the Church
necessarily finds its sphere and place within that rule. But, in this case it is always "the kingdom
(i.e. the sovereignty) of God" (Rom 14:17; 1 Cor 4:20; Col 4:11); or "the kingdom (or
sovereignty) of the Son of His love" (Col 1:13). Amid all the realms of this all-embracing
Sovereignty of God in heaven and on earth, among angels and men, the Church has its proper,
distinctive, and unique place; just as in the sovereignty of a house, there is the place for the
Head, the Wife, the Children, the Friends, the Visitors, the Guests, the Officials, and the
Servants. This is not to say that any one of these IS the other. Each one has its own peculiar
position within this universal sovereignty; and the Church of God its own unique position within
it. It is part of the "Body" of which Christ is the "Head"—part therefore of the Head, "one NEW
MAN" (Eph 2:15), "a PERFECT MAN," even "the measure of the stature of the fulness of the
Christ" (Eph 4:13). If these scriptural expressions had been heeded we should never hear the
Church spoken of as in our Hymns and Sermons as "she" and "her"; as though the Church were
"one new woman," or "a perfect woman."
But, while this is so, as to the Church having its own place in the vast and universal sovereignty
of God, it is never included in the more limited expression "the kingdom of heaven" as it
appears in the Gospel of Matthew, and which belongs peculiarly to Israel. Nor is it included in
the wider, but yet limited, Kingdom of Heaven to which the Lord's prayer refers; for the sphere
of this is on the earth.
"The Kingdom (or Sovereignty) of HEAVEN"
● Has the Messiah for its King.
● It is from heaven, and under the heavens upon earth.
● It is limited in its scope.
● It is Political in its sphere.
● It is Jewish and Exclusive in its character.
● It is National in its aspect.
● And is the special subject of Old Testament prophecy.
"The Kingdom (or Sovereignty) of GOD"
● Has God for its ruler.
● It is in Heaven, over the Earth.
● It is Unlimited in its Scope.
● It is Moral in its sphere.
● It is Inclusive in its character (including even the Church).
● It is Universal in its aspect.
● And in its wider aspect is the subject of New Testament revelation.
All this is true, and yet it is equally true that, if we call the Church the Kingdom, we are not
"rightly dividing the Word of truth."
Thus, even though the Church, as such, comes within and under the universal Divine
Sovereignty, we may not put one part of that Sovereignty for another part without injuriously
affecting the whole.
When the Lord said to Peter "I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of Heaven" (Matt
16:19), He did not mean the keys of the Church. This, at one stroke, does away with the
preposterous claim of the Church of Rome. Keys are used for opening and for admission. Peter
used these keys when he again proclaimed the kingdom to Israel (Acts 2-7), and afterward to
Gentiles (Acts 8-12).*
* The other part of the Commission (v 19) was likewise confined solely to Peter. To
no one else was this commission given, and Peter had neither the power nor authority
to transfer that commission to others, still less to give to the others the power of
transmitting either the one or the other. This is the explanation also of those other
passages as to "binding" and "loosing," "retaining" and "remitting."
(e) The Various Gospels.—From this confusion between the Kingdom and the Church comes
the confusion between the various GOSPELS of which the Scripture speaks.
There is no dispute as to the meaning of the word. The English word Gospel may mean either
good news, or God's News. But the Greek word means only good news. This does not carry us
far. It tells us only the fact that the news is good. There is a further question for us to ask; viz.,
What is the news that is so good?
News is of different kinds. In our Newspapers we find Political News, Financial News, Judicial
News, Social News, Sporting News, and indeed news of all kinds.
We have therefore to answer our own question as to what this "News" from God is, and what it
is that makes it "good."
We read for example of—
● The Gospel of the Kingdom,
● The Gospel of God,
● The Gospel of the grace of God,
● The Gospel of the Glory, and
● The Everlasting Gospel.
The question is, Do all these expressions mean the same thing? Is the "good news" the same in
each case? If God has thus put these five Gospels asunder, are we at liberty to join them
together? Has God thus distinguished them, and, shall we say that there is no distinction
whatever?
It is very general not only for those who read, but for those who teach, to say that there is only
one kind of Gospel, and those who say this do not hesitate to use harsh language of us, and of
those who seek rightly to divide these Gospels and endeavour to apportion them and their
peculiar news to the Time or Dispensation to which they respectively belong.
"The Gospel of the Kingdom"
Was the good news that, the Kingdom, which had been the subject of Old Testament promise
and prophecy, was at length "at hand." That was good news indeed for all those who waited "for
the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25); who "looked for redemption in Jerusalem" (v 38); and
who "waited for the Kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43). Many believed this good news concerning
Christ the King, and "trusted that it had been he who should have redeemed Israel" (Luke
24:21).
But, after the Kingdom had been rejected, and the King crucified, it was again proclaimed to
Israel, and the announcement made that the King was ready to return (Acts 2:38, 3:19-21), on
the one condition of national repentance. But the making of this proclamation was still opposed
by the People through their rulers (Acts 4:17,18); and the preachers of this "Gospel of the
Kingdom" were "threatened" (v 21).
When Peter's Ministry to the Circumcision ended in his imprisonment (Acts 12), and Paul was
raised up and sent forth, it was with the added good news of Grace. This was what is again and
again claimed by Paul as "my Gospel." Then after all this: after the rejection and Crucifixion of
the King, after the Martyrdom of Stephen, and after the Imprisonment of Peter, the Epistle to the
Romans (which stands first of the subsequent Canonical writings) opens with the words, "Paul, a
servant of Jesus Christ, called to be (or, by Divine Calling) an Apostle, separated unto
"God's Gospel"
This was good news of a different character. This was news of grace proclaimed, not to Israel
only, or to any one nation, but to individual transgressors of the Jews, and sinners of the
Gentiles alike; to all without distinction. It was grace proclaimed to Jews who deserved wrath,
and to Gentiles who deserved nothing. Hence it is called
The Gospel of the Grace of God
This was further good news, as set forth in Romans and the other Church Epistles. It was the
good news that those who are in Christ are reckoned by God (and hence are to be reckoned by
us) as having died with Christ and having risen with Him; and that when this Gospel shall have
accomplished its object and gathered out from Jews and Gentiles all the members of the one
Body, these shall be gathered together unto Christ the Glorious Head in glory (2 Thess 2:1).
This good news is called THE GLORIOUS GOSPEL, or better,
"The Gospel of the Glory
of the blessed God which was (Paul says) committed to my trust" (1 Tim 1:11). In 2 Corinthians
4:4 it is called "the glorious Gospel of Christ," i.e., the good news of the "glory" which is to
follow the "sufferings" of Christ; and which is to be the outcome of those sufferings. This good
news is preached now. It is part of the good news of the Grace of God; for grace and glory are
inseparably bound together. There is no Gospel of the grace of God, without the Gospel of the
glory of God. Grace is the flower, Glory will be the fruit. The Church is not always to be in
sorrow and trial; and the good news concerning the glory is "the knowledge of the glory of God
in the person of Jesus Christ" (2 Cor 4:6).
But when the preaching of this double Gospel of Grace and Glory shall have closed, we read of
another Gospel which is to be proclaimed in the midst of the Dispensation of Judgment. It is
called
"The Everlasting Gospel"
It is not proclaimed until the very crisis of the apocalyptic judgments; after the Judgments of the
Seven Seals, the Judgments of the Seven Trumpets, and the revelation of the Beast in his
superhuman stage (Rev 13). Then, before the final judgments of the seven Vials, seven angels
make seven proclamations (Rev 14:6-20). The first is the proclamation of "the everlasting
Gospel"; of mercy in the midst of judgment. It is the command to mankind simply to "Fear God"
as the Creator. Not a word as to the Redeemer, or as to grace or glory, but a simple command to
"Fear God." What else will be contained in that Gospel of the coming Day of Judgment we
know not now.
It is called "everlasting" because the acknowledgment of God as the Creator was before all other
news; and will follow after all news of the kingdom, grace and glory will have passed away. It
announces God, only as the Creator; not as Lord, or as Jehovah (the Covenant God), but as
"God" (the Creator). It is not "Repent," or "do this" or "do that," but only "Fear God and give
glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come; and worship Him that made heaven and
earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (Compare Exodus 9:30; Psalm 33:8.)
Is it not strange that this should ever have been supposed to be the same as the Gospel of the
Grace of God? Is it not strange that news of God's present grace should ever be taken as being
the same as the news of God's mercy in the midst of judgment?
Nothing can account for such perversity but the fact that it comes only from human selfishness,
and the determination to take everything, past, present, and future, as belonging to, or having to
do with, the Church of God.
Rightly divide these different Gospels, according to the Dispensations to which they belong, and
we have only harmony, consistency, and truth.
(f) The Sermon on the Mount.—Few portions of God's Word have suffered more from want of
compliance with the one great requirement of the Word of truth as given in 2 Timothy 2:15.
It occupies the greater part of the first of the four periods of the Lord's ministry.
The first period was occupied with the Proclamation of the King and the Kingdom.
It beings in Matthew at 4:17, and goes on down to the end of chapter 7, and thus occupies the
whole of chapters 5, 6 and 7.
This shows us that what we call "the Sermon on the Mount" (which, after all, is only Man's
name for it) has to do with the Kingdom. It shows that the laws of that Kingdom which was the
sole subject of that first period of Christ's ministry were to be very different from the laws given
by God through Moses on Mount Sinai; and very different also from the traditions which had
made so many of them of none effect. This teaching follows, naturally, as being in harmony
with the truth which pertains to the Kingdom, and not with that which pertains to the Church of
God. It is appropriate to a Dispensation of Law and not to a Dispensation of Grace; to a Past or
Future Dispensation, but not to the Present Dispensation.
This is, of course, the case so far as interpretation is concerned. But, when it comes to
application, then, if there be truths of eternal application we may, of course, apply them; and if
there be truths in harmony with what is addressed specially to the Church of God, and agreeing
with the truth addressed directly to it in the Church Epistles, then we may apply it, so far, but no
further.
"Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be
fulfilled" (Matt 5:18). This is truth, of eternal application.
"Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt 6:21) is also truth of eternal
application.
But the instruction as to "agreeing with our adversary" (5:25); instructions as to "fasting" (6:16-
18), the "danger of the Council" (5:22); the "Judge," the "Officer," and the Altar (5:24,25); the
seeking the kingdom (6:33), the profession "I never knew you" (7:23), the doing, and works
(7:21,24); all these are like a foreign language when compared with the language addressed to
us in our Church Epistles.
Moreover those who hold that this discourse is to be interpreted of the Church of God make no
attempt to obey its precepts. Instead of loving their enemies (5:44) they do not even love their
brethren, if they commit the unpardonable sin of daring to differ from them in opinion.
Instead of trying to agree with their adversary quickly (5:25) they do not try to agree with their
fellow-believers, even slowly.
Instead of not judging others (7:1) it is the one thing that they are most addicted to, and well-
practised in. If any sue them and would take away their coat (5:40), then, instead of letting him
have their cloak as well, they let him have the law.
They read (5:42), "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn
not thou away," but, all we say is, "Try it; go and 'ask,' and see how they carry out this precept
which they maintain is written and addressed to them." As for ourselves we feel under no such
obligation, either on the one hand to give or to lend whenever we may be asked; or, on the other
hand, to wait till we are asked.
And then, to what altar do they carry and lay their gift, or offering (5:23,24)? unless they count
Flowers, and Eggs, and Dolls, as "Sacrifices," and their Communion Tables as Altars.
Who is to compel them to go one mile, and they go two miles?* (Matt 5:41).
* This was perfectly intelligible in that Past Dispensation, though it can have no place
in the Present. The verb αγγαρευω (aggareuo) is a word brought into the Greek
language from Persia, and refers to the practice of commandeering or forcing others
into the royal service. The αγγαροι (aggaroi) are mentioned as royal couriers, in the
papyri. The verb had come into general use, and was naturalized as early as the third
century BC, and was well understood by the people, though quite technical. It is still
found in modern Greek in the sense of compelling. (See Deissmann, Bible Studies, p.
86.)
Finally we strongly advise our readers, if they smite those who interpret this "Sermon" of the
Church on one cheek (5:39), not to wait and see whether they turn the other, but to get out of the
way as quickly as they can.
They will glibly pray "thy kingdom come" (6:10), but with the same breath, and the same
persistent inconsistency shown throughout, they will pray for the "advancement" and the
"extension" of the same kingdom which, according to this, has come and is already here.
They will not think of measuring the forgiveness they ask God for, by the forgiveness which
they extend to those who have sinned against them.
As to asking why they behold the mote in their brother's eye (7:3), we would ask why they
behold so many which are not there at all.
All this confusion comes from interpreting what is said of the Kingdom, and was spoken to those
who were proclaiming it, of a condition of things wholly different. The kingdom, whose laws
the King was there laying down, was, after that, rejected. And the King having been crucified,
the kingdom is therefore now in abeyance. The precepts pertaining to it are in abeyance also.
His own words "BUT NOW" in Luke 22:36 (see above) are sufficient not only to warrant us in
so treating "the Sermon on the Mount," but sufficient to compel us to do so.
If we do not heed the corrective instruction contained in the words "But now," and thus carry
out the principle involved in them, then all must be confusion.
The world can plainly see the inconsistency produced by it; and, in consequence, turns it against
the Church, and against Christians; and uses that very inconsistency, which is so manifest, as an
argument against the truth of Christianity itself.
Those Christians who say that these chapters are addressed to them are charged by the world
with direct disobedience to their precepts. And Christ also is charged with the inconsistency of
giving commands which cannot possibly be carried out.
But once we rightly divide the Dispensations, and the truth pertaining to them, we see that "the
Sermon on the Mount" belonged to a past brief Dispensation, while the kingdom was being
proclaimed; and will be appropriate again to a succeeding Dispensation when the kingdom shall
have come: but it neither belongs to, nor can be interpreted of, nor even applied to the totally
different circumstances of this present Dispensation of Grace.
Those who are imbued with the precepts peculiar to the Church of God, in the Epistles
addressed to it, could never for one moment make the grave mistake of putting themselves under
these laws of the kingdom which are infinitely more stringent and spiritual than the laws of
Sinai; nor could they thus mislead the world and give it its strongest argument against the very
truth of the Gospel of the Grace of God.
(g) The Lord's Prayer.—This occurs in the "Sermon on the Mount," and it manifestly forms an
integral part of it.
That it pertains wholly to the kingdom is clear. It is a prayer for that kingdom to come, in order
that God's will may be done on earth, as it is done in heaven.
Its standard is Law, and not Grace.
Forgiveness is sought not on the ground of grace, but of works; and not on the ground of mercy,
but of merit.
The future and approaching Tribulation is contemplated as imminent, if not present.
The Evil One, the Beast, is present in power. None are able to buy or sell except that which has
his mark (Rev 13:17). Daily bread must be miraculously "given," if those who use this prayer
are to be kept alive.
No name of Christ is in it, nor is it offered in His name or merits, as He Himself declared it
should be (John 16:23,24).
It is a prayer suitable to the time, while the kingdom was being proclaimed as "at hand." And
when the Church shall have been removed it will be seen how appropriate it will be when the
kingdom shall be again proclaimed as "at hand"; and the "Gospel of the kingdom" shall be again
preached in the coming days of "the Great Tribulation."
(h) As to Priesthood.—All the false doctrine connected with Priestly assumptions in the present
day arises from this same misplacement of truth, which takes that which was true for the Past
and Future Dispensations, and mistakenly regards it as being true for the Present Dispensation,
which it is not.
Not only does priestcraft and all its attendant evils spring from this misplacement, but the
mischief can be met and remedied only by replacing the truth in the Dispensation to which it
belongs.
The difficulty is experienced; and to get over it, truth is taken from the coming Dispensation and
put into the present in order to meet the error which comes from first taking truth from the Past
and putting it into the Present Dispensation. These are the shifts which have to be resorted to in
consequence of disobedience to 2 Timothy 2:15.
It is urged that in this present Dispensation "all are priests"; but this is just as incorrect as to say
that some, or any, are priests.
On earth, God has never recognized a priesthood except that which He ordained Himself and
confined to the nation of Israel (Exo 19:6), and to the tribe of Levi (Exo 29:9). To those who had
put themselves under the Law it was said, "If ye shall obey my voice and keep my covenant then
ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine, and ye shall be
unto me a kingdom of priests and an holy nation" (Exo 19:5,6).
That was a true promise and prophecy of and for Israel, in the past Dispensation. But Israel
failed to fulfil the condition necessary for national priesthood as announced in Exodus 19:5.
Israel did not keep the covenant. Hence the conditional promise, "Ye shall be unto me a
kingdom of priests," was not performed. The tribe of Levi was substituted for the nation, and the
national performance of that promise remains still in abeyance until such time as Israel shall turn
to the Lord. Hence, the prophecy was repeated at a later period in the prophecy of Isaiah 61:1,
which the Lord read, only in part, in the Synagogue at Nazareth, when He "closed the book,"
and stopped at the point where the prophecy had been fulfilled (Luke 4:18-20). After "the day of
vengeance" (which the Lord omitted, because it was still future) shall have passed, then it is
declared of the nation as a whole: "Ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD; men shall call
you the ministers of our God" (Isa 61:6, 66:21).
John sees in proleptic vision, i.e., by anticipation, the yet future fulfillment of this prophecy. In
Revelation 1:6 he announces it when he gives glory to God for what He will then have done,
even to "Him who hath made us (i.e., John and his brethren according to the flesh) kings and
priests unto God and his Father."
In Revelation 5:9, 10, John hears the four Zoa (or Living Creatures), and the Twenty-four Elders
sing a new song referring to that yet future day; "Thou hast redeemed [a People] to God by thy
blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people and nation; and hast made them unto our
God a kingdom and priests; and they shall reign on the earth."
This is the true reading and rendering* of Revelation 5:9, 10; and with this the RV practically
agrees.
* See the author's work on the Apocalypse.
Peter, who wrote specially to believers among the Dispersed (the Diaspora) of Israel, could
speak of them as the spiritual house (of Israel) and call them "a holy Priesthood to offer up
spiritual sacrifices."
But in no case could this be said of believing sinners of the Gentiles either then, or now, or in
the future.
Is it not strange that those who do this, do not see that they are compelled to take only one of the
two classes mentioned? Only the "priests"! We never hear of their claiming to be "kings," now,
in this day of grace. Wrongly dividing the word of truth, or not dividing it at all, introduces
"priests" into the Church of God, and those who do that are driven into a further and necessary
inconsistency, and are, perforce, obliged to leave out the "kings" altogether!
Surely this is sufficient to show us the error of Sacerdotalists and the error also of their
opponents. Both are wrong. The one is wrong in making a baseless claim, and the other is wrong
for attempting to refute it by a baseless argument. Both the false claim and the false argument
proceed alike from the same cause.
The fact is there is no priesthood recognized by God on the earth during this present
Dispensation, while Israel as a nation is excluded.
It is said even of the Lord Jesus Himself, that now, "IF HE WERE ON EARTH He would not be
a priest" (Heb 8:4).
And the reason given is that, on earth, priesthood belongs to the tribe of Levi only; and "our
Lord sprang out of Judah; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood" (Heb
7:12-14).
Christ is a Priest, but HIS priesthood belongs to Heaven, and not to earth; and is "after the order
of Melchizedek," and "not after the order of Aaron."
To see the truth as to priesthood, Dispensationally, puts an end to all controversy as to the
claims of Sacerdotalists, as well as to all the weak replies of Protestants, which only serve to
strengthen those claims instead of meeting them.
To see this Dispensational truth makes a priesthood in the Church of God an impossibility. For
Christ never was a priest on earth; and He would not be a priest if He were on earth to-day.
Once we rightly divide the Word of truth as to Priesthood, away goes all Prelacy and Priestcraft,
which have created "Christendom," and turned it into a Babylon; a "hold of every foul spirit, and
a cage of every unclean and hateful bird" (Rev 18:2).
True, Peter can write to Believers among "the Dispersion" (1 Peter 1:1; compare John 7:35) and
apply Exodus 19:6, as the Lord applied Isaiah 61:1, in the Synagogue at Nazareth, and show
how those believing Israelites to whom he wrote fulfilled the past, and anticipated the future in a
"spiritual" manner (1 Peter 2:4-10). All this could be applied to them, as it could not be even
applied to us; though, even here, there was one thing that could not be then applied to them.
They were priests only in a "spiritual" sense; but they were not "kings" in any sense at all. So the
reference to the past Dispensation was rightly divided so far as it could be applied to the new
(though transitional) condition of things.
Here we have, then, another example of how, and how far, we may apply a scripture to that of
which it cannot be interpreted.
(i) As to Baptism.—We have the same confusion in Truth and Teaching, and all the
controversies as to doctrine and practice.
It is clear, from the Gospels, that it has to do with the kingdom. The very first time it is
mentioned is in connection with the kingdom (Matt 3:1-6).
It was preached by John who was known as "the Baptiser"; and John was not a minister of the
Gospel of the Grace of God, but a prophet under the old covenant appointed to "prepare the way
of the Lord," who came "to confirm the promises made unto the fathers" (Rom 15:8).
His ministry was unique; and his message was "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand":
and he baptized those who believed his preaching and confessed their sins. The reason why he
baptized was in order that Christ should "be made manifest to Israel" (John 1:31).
Moreover he testified of the One who should come after him, and who should baptize also; not
with material water, as John did, but with pneuma hagion or spiritual water, that is, with "power
from on high."
This the Lord Himself confirmed in Acts 1:4, 5.
But, as we have already abundantly shown and seen, the kingdom was rejected, and the King
crucified.
John, as we have said, baptized individuals who "believed on Him who should come after
him" (see Acts 19:4).
But, in Matthew 28:19, 20, the Lord speaks of a future baptism, not of individuals, but of all
"nations," not in the name of Him as the coming One, for He had already come, and would be
with them; but "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Strange to say, this command was never obeyed on any one of the several occasions recorded in
the New Testament, when baptism was "administered." Not once do we find any of the apostles,
nor any of the first preachers of the Gospel making any exception to the use of this one
particular formula. This practice was invariable.
In Acts 2:38 Peter commands those of the Dispersion who believed: "Repent, and be baptized
every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ."
In Acts 8:16 Peter and John "baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus."
In Acts 10:48 Peter "commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (RV Jesus
Christ).
In Acts 19:5 (whether this refers to those who heard John or those who heard Paul; or whether it
refers to John's act or Paul's) it is certain that "they were baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus."
In Romans 6:3 Paul speaks of "as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ."
And in 1 Corinthians 1:13, 15, "baptized in the name of Paul," is clearly contrasted with baptism
in the name of Christ.
There is not one exception to this practice.
It is equally certain that Matthew 28:19, 20 definitely commands the DISCIPLING of "THE
NATIONS" by baptizing them in the Triune name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The full command is as follows:
"Go ye therefore and make all nations disciples, baptizing them into the name
of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe
all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold, I (even I) am with
you all the days until the end of the age."
This command speaks of "nations" (or Gentiles), and thus excludes the Jews, for it is distinctly
declared of them that they should "not be reckoned among the nations" (Num 23:9). Whereas,
the Gospel of the Grace of God is preached to day to Jew and Gentile alike.
The command speaks of "all nations," and it says, "make all nations disciples" or "Disciple all
nations" as such; whereas this present Dispensation is eclectic, and it is individual Jews and
Gentiles who are taken out of all nations.
The word rendered "teach" in verse 19 is not the same as "teaching" in verse 20. The former
means to "make disciples"; while the latter means to instruct the individuals who are thus made
disciples. But neither of these terms is peculiar to the present Dispensation. Ministerial work to-
day is, according to the Church Epistles, not to "disciple nations" or Gentiles, but to preach and
proclaim the Gospel of the Grace of God to individuals, as lost sinners, that they may be taken
out not only from among the Jews, but from AMONG the nations. It is to "preach the Word";
and we are to do this the more earnestly because, as the days get darker, men will be less ready
to "endure sound doctrine" (2 Tim 4:1-4).
The command in Matthew 28 manifestly applies to a very different condition of things from that
which is common to our experience.
The only ground for this command is that "all power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
For, while, in the divine counsels, it can be said, "Thou hast put all things under his feet," yet, it
is immediately added (Heb 2:8), "we see NOT YET all things put under him." The references
given in the margin of Matthew 28:18 fully bear this out. Not until the yet future opening scene
in the coming Dispensation of Judgment will the gift of "all power" on the earth be formally
made and received, and the heavenly song burst forth, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, to
receive power," etc. (Rev 5:12, etc.).
But this is the only reason given for obedience to this command: "Go ye THEREFORE."
Moreover, certain definite days seem to be marked off; and this, at the end of the age, or of that
Dispensation of the kingdom, when the proclamation of "the gospel of the kingdom" will again
be made (see
above) and accompanied by its companion ordinance of baptism.
That baptism will not be into the name of the One who was to come (as in the Gospels); not into
the name of One who had come and been rejected (as in the Acts of the Apostles); but into the
Triune name of "the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." This will indeed be a work
which will require "all power" in order to secure the submission of Jews and Mahommedans, as
nations, to receive this baptism as the sign and token that they have acknowledged and
submitted themselves to Christ, the Messiah, as their Lord and King.
This national work is that referred to in Matthew 24:13, 14, "He that shall endure unto the END
shall be saved. And this Gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed in the whole world for a
witness, and then shall come the END"; i.e., the end of "the days" referred to in Matthew 28:20.
This is the "end" here referred to in Matthew 28:19, 20.
The whole of this Dispensation is leaped over, as is done in Isaiah 61:2, and many other
passages, as we have shown earlier.
This command spoken of the Future, in a past Dispensation, entirely disregards this present
interval and contemplates obedience to it as being carried out not in the Present, but in the
Future Dispensation.
We have exactly the same phenomenon in Matthew 10. There the Lord commissions the Twelve
for their immediate proclamation of the kingdom to Israel alone, as distinct from the Gentiles
(Matt 10:1-15). The Lord then passes on, and passes over this present Dispensation; and
contemplates the yet future proclamation in which the heralds will be sent forth as "sheep
among wolves." This Gospel of the kingdom is to be "for a testimony" to the nations (here
rendered Gentiles) as well as to Israel; and we have the same promise made to the preachers in
Matthew 10:22 as in 24:13. The words are exactly the same in both passages (in the Greek): "He
that endureth to the END the same shall be saved." The command is continued in the next verse
(10:23): "But when they persecute you in this city flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you,
Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of Man be come."*
* Greek, ελθη (elthe), shall have come.
If this coming be the same as the destruction of Jerusalem (as is generally supposed) then it is
perfectly certain that the Twelve could not have gone on proclaiming the kingdom as being "at
hand" for nearly forty years after it had been rejected, and the King crucified!
Moreover, in the ministry of the Disciples as recorded in the Gospels, we have not the slightest
hint of their going among "wolves," and of their being "persecuted," and "fleeing" from city to
city. On the contrary, their ministry seems to have been most peaceful and peaceable; and they
had no such report of trial and trouble to give the Master when they returned from their mission.
On the contrary it was marked as having had great success (Luke 10:17-19).*
* It seems as though, after they had spoken of the Present, that the Lord, in proleptic
vision, passes over and sees beyond this Present Dispensation; and, beholding
Revelation 12:9, repeats the promises suited to that time, as given in Matthew 10:16-
33, 28:19,20; Mark 16:15-18.
That mission must indeed have been very brief, for we gather from the Gospel record that they
were with the Lord the greater part of his ministry.
And where did His promise to be "with" them "all the days" of that proclaiming and baptizing,
find its fulfillment, if He were immediately going away, and about to send the Holy Spirit to be
with them during His absence. When the promise is so strongly personal and definite it seems
very forced to interpret that presence as being spiritual or delegated to the Holy Spirit. The
pronoun εγω (ego), I, is very emphatic: "And, behold, I, even I, am with you all the days, until
the completion of the age (sunteleia, or Dispensation)." (RV margin, until the consummation of
the age.)
It seems clear, therefore, that the proclamation referred to in Matthew 28:19, 20, is yet future;
and that it is closely connected with the then imminent personal appearance and promised
presence of the Son of Man.
From all this it is abundantly manifest that, to take a command which belongs to a Past and
Future Dispensation and to interpret it as being operative during the whole of this Present
Dispensation can lead only to difficulty and contradiction.
Indeed, the bringing of John's baptism, which belonged to the kingdom, into this present Church
period has led to confusion and disruption. It has proved a bomb which has rent the visible
Church into fragments.
It has led to controversies and divisions, and strifes and contentions, which are to-day carried on
with unabated vigour, and with the same bitterness as of old. It has led to the breaking up of the
Church instead of its building up. It is the ordinance which has divided the Church instead of
uniting it.
Is it not passing strange that, if the command in Matthew 28:19, 20 really belongs to this
Dispensation, the Apostles themselves, to whom the command was given, never once so
interpreted it; and never once attempted to obey it?
The Lord had continued with them for forty days "speaking of the things pertaining to the
kingdom of God" (Acts 1:3). One would have thought (judging from present-day interpretation)
that He spoke only of the things pertaining to the Church, which according to the teaching of
most Christians was set up, within ten days. But no! not a word was spoken about the Church. It
was all about the kingdom. The Church of God was still kept a "great secret." It was "hid in
God" (Eph 3:9). It was not yet "made known unto the sons of men" (Eph 3:5). It had been "kept
secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25).
The only question the Apostles asked was about the kingdom, not about the Church. They did
not ask whether the kingdom was to be restored to Israel or not. They asked only as to the
"time" when it was to be restored; whether it would be now, "at this time," or at some future
time. They neither doubted nor questioned the fact of its restoration.
It is certainly very strange that Peter, who heard these words, should, within a few days, have
stood up and said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you IN THE NAME OF JESUS
CHRIST" (Acts 2:38).
It is impossible for us to suppose that Peter, and those who afterward baptized, should be either
forgetful of, or disobedient to, the Lord's command, within so few days of its having been given.
Having had direct teaching from the Lord Himself on these very subjects, surely we should see,
in the immediately subsequent acts of the Apostles, the nature of the instructions they had
received.
If we thus rightly divide this portion of the Word of truth, we find that all is truth. There is no
confusion. No violence is done to the Word of God. The command of Christ is left untouched.
There it stands, through all these centuries, in all its truth and power, waiting for the moment
when it will be obeyed (as it has never yet been obeyed), and the promise fulfilled to the very
letter.
The action of the disciples is left unimpaired. Their obedience is not called in question. We are
not called upon to blame them, or to excuse them; to condemn them, or to defend them. They
followed John the Baptiser in their proclamation of the kingdom, and they continued to use the
baptism with which he had baptized.
As long as the Divine offer of the kingdom made by Peter in Acts 3:19-21 (RV) was open,
baptism with material water was carried on, side by side with the baptism with spiritual water
(pneuma hagion), which was administered by the laying on of hands (compare Acts 19:6*); the
one decreasing and the other increasing, on the principle of John 3:30.
* Verses 4 and 5 were what Paul said, and verse 6 is what Paul did. The "they" in
verse 5 were the people who heard John, not they who heard Paul.
This coming change had been four times foretold (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 3:16 and Acts
1:5), and we see it taking place; but the change is not complete until the offer of the kingdom
made in Acts 3:19, 20 was finally and formally closed and withdrawn in Acts 28:25, 26. Until
then baptism with water was continued, though it was decreasing. And it is mentioned only in
those Pauline Epistles written during that period (1 Cor and Rom 6), but never again afterward.
In the Epistles written after that solemn epoch it is never once referred to; but only the "one
baptism" with pneuma hagion. In Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and the Pastoral Epistles
there is no mention of any ordinances; except to emphasize the fact that they no longer exist, but
are all done away in that completeness which is ours "in Christ."
Ordinances that had to do with the flesh have no place in the Mystery or Secret which was
revealed to Paul. There, all is Spiritual.
When the Mystery was revealed to Paul, and by him was "made known to the sons of men," the
Hebrew "doctrine of baptisms" was left behind with many other things, and the new doctrine of
the "one baptism" with pneuma hagion, or with a spiritual (instead of a material) medium, was
brought in.
"This, while the Word of truth" is cleared of all confusion the "traditions of men" are torn up by
the roots.
The churches to-day profess to take the Acts of the Apostles as their guide to church doctrine
and practice (instead of the Epistles that were specially addressed to them as churches); yet they
ignore its teaching as to that very ordinance which they all agree in treating as fundamental,
though at the same time they differ so widely as to its administration.
They then wrest a command of Christ, given with reference to the totally different and Future
Dispensation, and strive to obey it in this present Dispensation in which it has no place.
They thus land themselves in an insurmountable difficulty; and erect barriers which effectually
divide up the visible Church into hostile camps.
Failing to divide the Word of truth rightly, they get error instead of truth; and, believing they are
obeying the Word of God, they are really only following the tradition of men.
For what is the state of the case historically?
From the Acts of the Apostles we know that they baptized only in the one name.
We know also that for some time this practice must have continued.
We hear nothing of baptism in the Triune name till the time of Justin Martyr (AD 114-165), and
at the London Synod, called by Augustine in 605, any other form of words was pronounced to
be invalid. This was confirmed by Pope Zacharius (741-752).
On the other hand, we have evidence of the baptism in the one name in the days of Cyprian, for
he condemns those who held that it was sufficient to say "in the name of Jesus Christ." But it
was declared to be valid by the Council of Frejus, AD 792, and also by Pope Nicholas I as late
as (858-867).
So that there was evidently confusion of practice as well as of doctrine, down to a very late
period.
Various explanations of this diversity are given, but they are all based only on reasoning and
probability.
We cannot believe that such a difference between the command in Matthew 28 and the practice
of the Apostles in the Acts, can be accounted for on the ground that there is no difference
between the use of the three names and the one. For in this case we may ask, What are words
for? They are useless for the purpose of revelation, if in a simple and yet crucial case like this
they do not mean what they say.
We could understand it better if the command had been to baptize in the one name, and the
practice had been in the three names, for then the greater would have included the less. But,
How can the less include the greater? How can the one include the three? and In what respect
would this differ from John's baptism? John baptized into the one name. Did this include the
three? If not, Why not? and why should Peter's baptism include the three, if John's did not?
The fact is, there is no real explanation of any kind. The actual conflict is between tradition and
revelation.
Our choice lies between these two. We may disobey 2 Timothy 2:15 and follow tradition with
all its consequent confusion; or, we may rightly divide the Word of truth, and find clearness of
vision and peace of mind.
No question of infant baptism, or of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, can arise where all is
spiritual and Divine.
We must include the closing verses of Mark's Gospel in considering the effect of rightly
dividing the Word of truth, as it touches the question of baptism.
Here, again, the difficulties are great indeed, if those verses which refer to the kingdom and its
proclamation in the yet Future Dispensation, be taken and read into the Present.
Some of those who do this, logically insist on the point that we ought to see these miraculous
signs and gifts in the Church to-day; but, as we do not see them, it is concluded that there must
be something wrong in the Christian lives of believers; and, hence it is urged that, an increase of
holiness must be acquired by some means or other.
Some, who do not see these wonderful gifts and signs, conclude that the passage refers only to
the past, and is now done with.
While others, seeing the difficulty created, treat the whole passage as spurious, and regard it as a
corruption of the text which ought to be removed.
These are the difficulties which result from reading the commands that refer to the Past and
Future Dispensations into the Present; whereas, if we rightly divide them, all difficulties are at
once removed.
(k) The prophecy of Amos.—Acts 15:14-18, in which the prophecy of Amos 9:11, 12, is quoted,
was written in a Past Dispensation, and is to receive its fulfillment in the Future. It must not,
therefore, be read into the present Dispensation.
When James quoted it in the Council at Jerusalem, the Mystery had not yet been made known
for the obedience of faith, for (as we have seen) it was never the subject of Old Testament
prophecy.
The prophecy of Amos refers to what will take place "in that day" (9:11). The "day" spoken of is
the day when (Jehovah says) "I will bring again the captivity of my people Israel, and they shall
build the waste cities and inhabit them" (v 14). Then:
"In that day will I raise again the Tabernacle of David that is fallen,
And close up the breaches thereof;
And I will raise up his ruins,
And I will build it as in the days of old;
That they may possess the remnant of Edom
And of all the heathen, which are called by my name,
Saith the LORD, that doeth thus."
This prophecy refers neither to the Church of God nor to the temple of Jerusalem; but to "the
Tabernacle of David," which stood on Mount Zion before the Temple was erected on Mount
Moriah (2 Sam 6:17).
It speaks of the heathen, i.e., the Gentile nations, being called "in that day" by the Name of the
LORD.
When Peter declared in the Council how God made choice of him, that the Gentiles by his
mouth should hear the word of the Gospel (committed unto him) and believe; and was followed
by Paul and Barnabas declaring what signs and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles
by them: then James said that the words of the prophets agreed with this, for God had declared
by Amos that He would return and build again the Tabernacle of David, and bring the Gentiles
into blessing with Israel.
God had just shown this by using Peter to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom, first to Israel
(Acts 6, 7) and afterward to the Gentiles (Acts 8-12).
The moment had come, therefore, for the call to Repentance, which was the one condition of
this national blessing of Jews and Gentiles as such.
But we know that the proclamation was unheeded, and Peter's call was not obeyed. All this was
followed shortly afterward (Acts 28:25-28) by the solemn and formal proclamation of Isaiah
6:9, and the fulfillment of the threat of judicial blindness which has, from that day, covered
Israel's heart (2 Cor 3:15; Rom 11:25).
Gentile blessing in association with Israel is now in abeyance: and Acts 15 does not refer to the
Mystery, or to the Church of God, but to the Gentile nations as such.
The Mystery had not yet been made known, but "these things" had been "made known from the
beginning." The following is the correct rendering of what was the Primitive Greek text of Acts
15:17 and 18, according to the RV., Rotherham, J. N. Darby, and other translators:—
"That the residue of men may seek after the Lord,
And all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called,
Saith the Lord, who maketh these things known* from the beginning of the
world."
* Margin: "Or, who doeth these things which were known."
Thus it is quite clear that this Scripture, written in the Past, and referring to the Future, must not
be read into the Present Dispensation of the Mystery, which was "hid in God from the beginning
of the world."
(l) "Son of Man."—The title of the Lord Jesus Christ as the "Son of Man" is a title that belongs
to Him in the Past and Future Dispensations as "the Second Man," "the last Adam," having
dominion in the earth; and not to the Present Dispensation.
Its first occurrence* in Psalm 8, and its first occurrence in the New Testament (Matt 8:20), and
its last (Rev 14:14-16), all show this connection with the earth.
* See Canon V, Part ii.
Out of the eighty-four occurrences of this title in the New Testament, eighty of them are in the
four Gospels and not one in the Church Epistles. There is only one in the Acts (7:56), and after a
quotation in Hebrews 2:6, we do not meet with it again until we come to the two places in
Revelation (1:13 and 14:14), and these are in connection with His coming to take up His great
power and exercise His dominion in the earth.
This of itself is sufficient to show us the significance and teaching of this title; and that, quite
apart from the principle we are now illustrating, we must not read past and future Dispensational
truths into the present.
We have no more to do with the Lord Jesus as "the Son of Man," than the Gentile woman of
Canaan had to do with Him as the "Son of David." When she made her plea and based it on that
relationship, what could the Lord say but "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of
Israel"? (Matt 15:21-24).
The Church of God is brought into union with the risen and exalted Christ as "THE SON OF
GOD," and in no sense are we associated with Him in His title "Son of Man."
This at once shuts the Church out of the Gospels, and out of the Tribulation of Matthew 24 (of
which we have more to say below), and out of all the passages in which we have the title "the
Son of Man."
If we were imbued with the words employed in the Church Epistles, and had them ever in our
minds, we should instinctively reject any teaching which would bring us into union with Christ
as the "Son of Man," or into Tribulation and Judgment scenes where that title is, and will be, so
appropriate.
3. The PRESENT not to be read into the PAST.
As we may not read the Past into the Present, so we may not read the Present into the Past.
A few examples will suffice.
(a) The Mystery, or Secret, concerning "the Church of God."—This was first "made known to
the sons of men" directly, by special revelation from God to the Apostle Paul, and by the
"Apostles and prophets" specially raised up for that purpose.
Before that, it had been "kept secret since the world began" (Rom 16:25).
"In other ages it was not made known unto the sons of men" (Eph 3:5). "From the beginning of
the world it had been hid in God" (v 9).
It had been "hid from ages and from generations" (Col 1:26).
Surely these statements are perfectly plain, and admit of no dispute.
It has been suggested that this secret refers to the blessing of Gentiles, as such, with Israel; but
the simple and conclusive answer to this is, that such blessing was never a secret, but was made
known at the same moment as the blessing for Israel was made known.
In Genesis 12:3, it was included in, and was an integral part of, the very first promise ever made
to Abraham: "In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed."
This was repeated at various times. In Genesis 18:18, Jehovah said of Abraham, "All the nations
of the earth shall be blessed in him." (See also Gen 22:18, 26:4, etc.; Deut 32:43; Psa 18:49,
67:2; Isa 11:10, 49:6; Luke 2:32; Rom 15:8, etc.)
This was blessing for Gentiles as such, in contrast, and yet in conjunction with Israel. But this is
a very different thing from what had been "kept secret." The secret was not concerning Jews and
Gentiles as such, but concerning a people taken out from both, and made "fellow-heirs" and
members of "the same body" (Eph 3:6), i.e., "the one body," the spiritual body of Christ, which
is the one great subject of the Epistle to the Ephesians, and in which there is neither Jew nor
Gentile (Rom 10:12; 1 Cor 12:13; Gal 3:28; Col 3:11).
It seems almost unnecessary to say more, for if these plain Scriptures are not convincing,
nothing that we may add of our own is likely to make them so. Language, for the purposes of
revelation, is useless if what is said to be "hidden" was made known; or what is called a "secret"
had never been kept in silence.
If, however, we accept the statements as to the Mystery having been kept secret until revealed to
and by Paul, then we shall look in vain to find it in the Old Testament, or in the Four Gospels, or
anywhere before its revelation through the Apostle Paul.
If we think we find it, then we shall at once introduce confusion into the older Scriptures,
because we shall arbitrarily, and of our own will, dislocate the Scriptures of truth, and read into
the Old Testament what God says He carefully kept out of it.
The Church of God is specially instructed in the Epistles addressed to it.
In these Epistles the Holy Spirit fulfils the Lord's promise made in John 16:12-15. There, Christ
said, "He shall receive of mine and shall show it unto you." Twice over the Lord repeats these
words* (vv 14 and 15). These things, which related to Christ, included all that God has made
Christ to be unto us who are saved, and all that He has made us to be in Christ. Of this truth the
Lord says, "I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when
he, the Spirit of Truth shall have come, he will guide you into all the truth" (John 16:12,13).
* In the Greek they are the same, though the AV unnecessarily renders them
differently in the two verses.
If, then, we take the truth which was afterwards revealed, and which could not have been then
borne or understood, and put it into the Gospels, from which the Lord designedly and purposely
excluded it, we do despite to His purpose; we set at nought His wisdom; we attempt to do what
He declares could not be done.
His hearers could not have understood His words had He revealed them then, for the great
foundation facts of His death and resurrection on which they were based had not then taken
place. But people to-day think they can understand the four Gospels if they read this
subsequently-revealed truth into them now.
It is just this which brings in all the confusion in our reading of the Gospels; and causes us to
use one truth to destroy another truth, and prevents us from understanding either.
It is this that makes many exalt what they irreverently call "the teaching of Jesus" in the
Gospels, and set it up in opposition to the teaching of Paul.
Whereas both spake by the Holy Ghost: both uttered the words of God as given to them to
speak.
The Lord Jesus said of Himself:—
"He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God" (John 3:34).
"My teaching is not mine but his that sent me" (John 7:16).
"I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me" (John 17:8).*
* See page 183.
But the Apostle Paul also spoke only the words given him to speak, and he declares that they
were "the words...which the Holy Ghost teacheth" (1 Cor 2:13).
Paul was commissioned to speak and write the truth which, in John 16:12, was designedly kept
back. If, therefore, we take what Paul wrote, and put it in where the Lord left it out, what can be
the result but confusion in our own minds, and a flouting of the expressed purpose and design of
the Holy Spirit, in what He withheld and in what He revealed?
This is why, if the Church is put into the Great Tribulation of Matthew 24,* it must be to the
destruction of that "blessed hope," which should ever be with us as our present comfort and
strength.
* See under No. 4 below, "The Future not to be read into the Present."
This is why John 6 is interpreted of the Lord's Supper, which was the subject of a subsequent
revelation, and could therefore have no possible teaching concerning it.
This is why the Church of the Pauline Epistles has been read into the Old Testament prophecies
and put in the place of the Bride. (See Psa 45; Isa 54:5-8, 62:4; Jer 3:14; Hosea 2:16,19, etc.)
This is why the Church of God is spoken of as "she," while in the Epistles its members grow up
"unto a perfect MAN"; and are part of Him who is the Bridegroom; and in Him are made "one
new man," and not a "new woman."
(b) The title "sons of God" is closely associated with the Church of God; for, according to the
Pauline usage it is the peculiar title of those who are new creations in Christ Jesus. This we see
from all the Church Epistles, especially Romans 8.
We must not therefore read this usage into the Old Testament, and interpret int he same sense
the expression "sons of God" which we meet with there eight times: viz., Genesis 6:2, 4; Job
1:6, 2:1, 38:7; Psalm 29:1, 89:6; Daniel 3:25.
In all these passages the expression "sons of God" is used of angels.*
* Job 38:7 was clearly before the creation of man. And in Daniel 3:25 there is no
article, and it does not denote Christ, but an angelic being.
The ground on which the two distinct usages are equally true of the two different classes of
beings, respectively, is this: that "a son of God" denotes a being which exists as the direct
creative act of God; produced by Him in contrast with being produced by man.
The angels are called "sons of God" because they are a separate creation distinct from all others.
The first man, Adam, could be called a "son of God" in the same sense (Luke 3:38), because
God created him. But Adam's descendants were not the special creations of God; for Adam,
"created...in the likeness of God" (Gen 5:1), BEGAT a son "in his own likeness" (v 3). So that,
being the sons of the first Adam, we are "sons of men," and we cannot be called sons of God by
natural generation. When, however, we are His workmanship, created in "Christ Jesus" (Eph
2:10); "new creations" in Christ (2 Cor 5:17); then, in Him, we can be called "sons of God." We
are, then, His sons by the act of spiritual regeneration; for, He has created within us a New
nature, and given us a "sonship spirit," whereby we are able to say "Abba," i.e., my Father.
(Rom 8:15; Gal 4:6)
This Pauline usage of the expression is, therefore, quite distinct from the expression as we find it
in the Old Testament. Had this been discerned, and the Present Dispensation not read into the
Past, it would never have entered into any one's head to have thought that the expression "the
sons of God" in Genesis 6:2, 4, could have been used of the sons of Seth!*
* For, as a matter of fact, we see good and bad men and women marrying every day
without any breed of monstrosities such as were the Nephilim, Rephaim, etc.
(c) The word "Church" may be considered here; for the changes in its meaning, though they
might be classed under usage, depend rather on the changes of Dispensation than on usage, as
such; and on Chronology rather than on Grammar.
In the Pauline Epistles the word acquires a meaning which it never had before. The meaning
which is peculiar to this present Dispensation must not, therefore, be read into the Word when it
is used in the Past Dispensation.
As to its Etymology Ecclesia means Assembly, or a Congregation of called out ones. But there
are various classes of people who are called out from others.*
* The Greek word εκκλησια (ecclesia) is used 70 times in the Septuagint for
lhafk@af (cahal), from which we have our English word, with its meaning, to call.
Israel was an Ecclesia, or an assembly of People called out from other Peoples and Nations. See
Genesis 28:3 (its first occurrence), where it is rendered multitude, and is used of Israel as a
whole, as called out and distinct from all other nations.
It is used, in Genesis 49:6, of a smaller company of Israelites, or assembly of people called out
from Israel, viz., of the Tribal Council of Simeon and Levi.
Later on, in the same Past Dispensation, we find it used of another kind of assembly, viz., of
those who were called out of all Israel as worshippers assembling themselves together, as such,
before the Tabernacle and the Temple. This is the meaning of the word in Psalm 22:22, 25, in
the Gospels, Acts 7:38, etc. A further development of the usage of the word was caused in the
closing or transition period of the Past Dispensation, which affected the meaning of the word as
used in the Gospels, and in the Acts of the Apostles: at any rate, in the earlier portion of the
Acts, which is a transitional book. During that period (covered by the Gospels and Acts) the
called out ones are the "Sheep-fold" of John 10. The assembly was composed of "the lost sheep
of the house of Israel." "The Porter" (John the Baptist) opened it and admitted the true Shepherd
and the sheep whom He gathered; Baptism (the pool by the sheep-gate) being the mode of
admission. Christ was the good Shepherd of these "lost sheep of the house of Israel" thus called
out. Hence He was at once the "door" (v 7), and the "shepherd" (v 14).
Peter called out the "other sheep" which the Shepherd had (Acts 8-12), and brought them in to
the "one flock" (v 16). They were "not of this (Jewish) fold," but Gentiles (as such), with
Israelites in the place of their dispersion, who confessed Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God.
These are the Ecclesia or "Church" of the Gospels and Acts.
They had been led into this fold, but they were to be led out (John 10:9), and this commission
was given to Paul. In Acts 19:9, he began this work when he "separated the disciples," and the
"hardening" of Isaiah 6 was approaching its "completion." When that Prophecy was fulfilled in
Acts 28 the change of Dispensation was completed.
Henceforward the word Ecclesia acquires a more restricted meaning, and is used of "the Church
of God" eleven times in Paul's Epistles.
We must not, therefore, confuse the truth belonging and peculiar to these Dispensations, which
is seen in the various usages of the word Ecclesia.
There are thus no less than five distinct usages of the word Ecclesia.
(1) It is first used of all Israel as called out from the Nations.
(2) It is used of those of Israel who feared the Lord and were called out as His worshippers
(Acts 7:38).
(3) It is used of this company of called-out ones in the Gospels and earlier chapters of the Acts.
In Matthew 16:18 the reference was to a future called-out people. "On this rock I WILL
BUILD."
There could have been no reference here to the "Ecclesia in the wilderness" (Acts 7:38); nor to
the Ecclesia of the Church of God in this Dispensation. Those who heard these words of the
Lord's promise could not connect them with the Secret or Mystery which was "hid in God," and
had not yet been made known to the sons of men. But they could connect them with Hosea 1:10
and 2:23. This is the promise which the Lord's hearers would have known. Only with that
promise in Hosea could they have associated this promise of the Lord in Matthew 16:18.
The revelation here made was an addition to the promise in Hosea. The Son of Man was about
to be rejected. The prophecies of Him as "the stone which the builders refused" were about to be
fulfilled. Nevertheless, the time was approaching when He would become God's "sure
foundation" according to Isaiah 28:16: "Thus saith Adonai Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a
foundation, a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation," etc. That may be
either "I have laid" (RV), or "I will lay." Both are true. Christ had been laid already then, in the
counsels of God, and He would yet be laid in their fulfillment by God.
The Lord here repeats that promise. And the whole point was, Who was this Son of Man? Some
said one thing and some another, and the Lord asks: "But YE, whom do ye say that I am? And
Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living God. And Jesus,
answering, said to him, Blessed art thou, Simon son of Jona, for flesh and blood revealed it not
to thee, but my Father who is in the heavens. And I say also to thee, that thou art [called] Petros
(a stone), and on this Petra (a rock) I will build my Ecclesia, and [the] gates of Hades shall not
prevail against it, and I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of the heavens" (Matt 16:15-
19).
In the words which follow we learn that the builders were about to reject God's foundation; for
in the very next verse we read "FROM THAT TIME forth began Jesus to show unto His
disciples, how that He must go unto Jerusalem, and SUFFER" (v 21).
Thus, His sufferings are not mentioned until the announcement had been made, that, though the
foundation-stone was about to be rejected, it would yet be built upon. This rejected "Son of
Man" is indeed the Christ, God's "Anointed," and He will become "the head of the corner."
On Him, the Messiah, His Ecclesia or Assembly, spoken of in the Prophets, would yet be built.
"I will build" are His words. "I will call" are Jehovah's words in Hosea: "I will call them my
people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come
to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people: there shall they be
called the children of the living God. Isaiah also crieth CONCERNING ISRAEL, though the
number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, A REMNANT SHALL BE
SAVED" (Rom 9:25-27).
This Remnant is the Ecclesia mentioned by the Lord in Matthew 16:18.
The gates of hell will strive against it, as Romans 9:29 testifies, but the remnant shall be saved.
This future Ecclesia of Israel is to be built UPON Christ, the Messiah, as the Foundation Stone.
The Church of God, as an Assembly, is also compared to a building; its members are built
individually on a doctrinal foundation, but the building itself is "a holy temple IN the Lord; IN
whom ye also are builded together by [the] Spirit."
The Church of God is now a spiritual building IN Christ: but the Ecclesia of Matthew 16:18 is
the future, corporate, saved "remnant" of Israel.
The present Church of God is composed of Jews AND Gentiles, but the Ecclesia of Matthew
16:18 taken with Hosea 2:23; Isaiah 10:22, 23 and Romans 9:27, is a "remnant" OF "the
children of Israel."
(4) In Acts 19:32, 41 it is used of the guild or "company" of the Ephesian craftsmen as distinct
from the rest of the population of Ephesus (compare verse 25).
(5) In Acts 19:39 it is used of what we call a "Town's meeting," i.e., a duly summoned gathering
of the citizens in meeting assembled.
In James 2:2 the word "assembly" is not the rendering of the Greek Ecclesia, but it is the word
Synagogue. "If there come into your Synagogue" (so margin).
From all this it will be seen how necessary it is to confine the meaning of the word Ecclesia, or
Church, to the Dispensation in which it is used; and to note whether it is used, in the Past
Dispensation, of all Israel; or of Godly Israelites; or of the whole of God's people; or of a
portion of them in a certain District, City, or House.*
* The word is never used of a building; nor is the Pauline sense used in the Old
Testament, nor in the Gospels, nor in the earlier transitional portion of the Acts. Our
English word "church" is said to be derived from a combination and corruption of two
Greek words, κυριος (kyrios), Lord, and οικος (oikos), house. Hence Kyriake, the
Lord's house, preserved in Scotch kirk.
The special usage of this word Ecclesia, in this Present Dispensation, by the Holy Spirit was not
known until it was revealed to Paul as the Secret (or Mystery) which had been "hid in
God" (Eph 3:9); "hid from ages and from generations" (Col 1:26); "kept secret since the world
began" (Rom 16:25).
No, the "great mystery," or Secret, is concerning the one spiritual unity of "Christ and His
church," and the end of it belongs to this present dispensation, and will close it up when the
members of that Body will be
"Received up in glory" (1 Tim 3:16).
4. The FUTURE not to be read into the PRESENT.
(a) The Great Tribulation, all believe to be still future; but yet, many Preachers and Teachers
hold and teach that the Church of God, altogether or in part, will pass through it in whole or in
part.
Some teach that all the Church will pass through all the Tribulation; others teach that only a part
of the Church will so pass through it all; while there are yet others who teach that all the Church
will pass through a part of the Tribulation. These last hold what is known as "the firstfruits
view," which identifies the Church of God with the 144,000 of Revelation 14, and places the
Rapture of the Church in or after the middle of the Great Tribulation, and after the revelation of
the Beast in his superhuman form, in chapter 13.
But there, again, we see the confusion and contradiction of reading what refers to Israel in the
Future into the Present Dispensation; and interpreting it of the Church of God, to the destruction
of its present hope of being alive and remaining at the Lord's coming forth into the air to receive
them, its members, to Himself, before the Day of the Lord bursts suddenly like a thief upon a
world which cries "peace and safety."
The Church of God is assured that that Day shall not overtake it as a thief (1 Thess 5:1-4).
The firstfruits in Revelation 14 are the firstfruits of those who are redeemed "from the earth" (v
3); redeemed "from among men." They stand "before the throne" (vv 1, 3); and they "follow the
Lamb whithersoever He goeth" (v 4). But all such language as this is foreign to the Church of
God. We who are members of the spiritual Body of Christ are already "seated in the heavenlies
in Christ Jesus" (Eph 2:6); and we shall not "stand before the throne," but be actually seated
with Him when He shall have received us up into glory.
The other view, of part of the Church of God passing through the Tribulation is equally
erroneous, and misleading. The Body is "one." There is no amputation of the spiritual body of
Christ. There can be no deformity such as would be caused by the absence of any of its
members. If the Head "cannot say to the feet I have no need of you," while here on earth, how
much less can it be said in the day when "the number of the elect shall be accomplished" and the
whole body presented perfect, complete, and "faultless" in glory. It is impossible for any one
who is imbued with the language of the Pauline Epistles to imagine any connection between the
Church of God and the Great Tribulation.
To say that the Church of God will be divided, and part of it go through the Tribulation, and part
not; and that this division is based on the degree of holiness or watchfulness, or light, or
doctrinal views, is to destroy the whole foundation of Grace, and put human merit in its place.
Membership in the body of Christ is based on life, not on light. It depends neither on wages nor
works; but, on the "gift of God," not on the acquirement of knowledge; on the reception of God's
grace, not on the reception of man's tradition.
Still less is there anything to warrant the belief that the Church of God must pass through the
whole, or any part, of the Tribulation.
If we fail to rightly divide the Word of truth as to this we shall bring dishonour upon the free
grace of God.
Indeed the Spirit of God seems to have taken special care to preserve us from such mistakes.
The Tribulation is everywhere either distinctly stated or specially indicated as being connected
with Israel. The words are spoken "concerning Israel and concerning Judah" (Jer 30:4). This
fact, of itself, shows that it has no connection with the Church of God.
In Jeremiah 30:7 it is called "the time of Jacob's trouble." And why "Jacob"? Because that name
carries us back to that night of Jacob's trouble in Genesis 32:24-30, when, after many years of
exile, he was about to return to his own land, and had reached its borders. There he heard of
Esau's preparations to come and meet him at the head of 400 armed men. When he heard this,
"Jacob was greatly afraid and distressed" (v 7), and he cries to God in his distress, and pleads
the "mercies" of God, and deliverance from the hand of Esau lest he come and smite. It was the
crisis of Jacob's life; when, had "the mother with the children" been smitten, there would have
been an end of the future nation of Israel, whose name was, for the first time, revealed on that
eventful night.
Even so the coming Tribulation will be the time of "Jacob's trouble," the crisis of the coming
nation. It will not arrive until Israel returns to the land. This is clear from Jeremiah 30:3, which
proceeds to describe the "trembling" and "fear," and adds "Alas! for that day is great, so that
none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob's trouble; but he shall be saved out of it" (v 7). The
whole of this chapter should be carefully studied; and with it, Daniel 12:1: "At that time (i.e., at
the crisis of Antichrist's power, see the end of chapter 11) shall Michael stand up, the great
prince which standeth for the children of thy (Daniel's) people: and there shall be a time of
trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy
(Daniel's) people shall be delivered."
It is positively certain that that time has not yet arrived; for, at the destruction of Jerusalem
(which is supposed by some to be the Tribulation), instead of returning to their land the people
were driven out of it; instead of being "gathered," they were "scattered"; instead of being
"saved" and "delivered," they fled in their terror.
There are many Scriptures which speak of this time of trouble. Daniel 7:8, 8:9-12,23-26, 11:30-
39; Revelation 6-19 all refer to those days; but it is in Matthew 24 that the Lord Himself gives
us its outline, and connects it with the Apocalyptic scenes.
In verses 4-6 its beginnings in "that generation" are described; but this introduction is closed
with the word "THE END (τελος, telos) IS NOT YET." This is emphatic, and is repeated in
Mark 13:7, and Luke 21:9.* This is what is referred to in Matthew 24:34, and Luke 21:32,
where the word is γενηται (genetai), to begin to be, arise.** That generation did actually see
the beginning of those things which the Lord mentions in Matthew 24:4-6.
* The English "by and by" meant (in 1611) exactly what the Greek means here,
immediately (ευθεως, eutheos).
** This is not the word used in Luke 21:24 for "fulfilled," which is quite another word,
viz., πληροω (pleroo), to fulfil, or fill full.
Then, in verse 7 (Mark 13:8; Luke 21:10,11), the Lord describes the opening scenes of the Great
Tribulation itself, which correspond exactly with the opening of the seals in Revelation 6.
● The 1st Seal (vv 1,2) will be a repetition of what took place in that past generation, viz.,
the coming of many false Messiahs.
● The 2nd Seal: Wars (vv 3,4). "Nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against
kingdom."
"BUT THE END IS NOT YET" (Matt 24:4-6).
Then:
● The 3rd Seal: Famines (vv 5,6).
● The 4th Seal: Pestilences (vv 7,8).
● The 5th Seal: Martyrdoms (vv 9-11).
● The 6th Seal: Signs in Heaven and Earth (vv 12-17).
Then it is added in Matthew 24:7, 8, and Mark 13:8,
"THESE ARE THE BEGINNING OF SORROWS."*
* Greek ωδινοι (odinoi), birth-pangs, or throes. Compare Isaiah 66:6-11 with
Jeremiah 30:5-24.
But in Luke 21:12 it does not go on to describe these events, which belong to the Great
Tribulation, but it goes back to what shall be
"BEFORE ALL THESE THINGS,"
and describes the events up to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70 in verses 12-24. Then the
description (having passed over the details of the Tribulation itself given in Matthew 24:9-28
and Mark 13:9-23) joins with them in describing the end, and what shall be "immediately after
the tribulation of those days," culminating in the coming of the Son of Man, which is the
common subject of Matthew 24:29-31; Mark 13:24-27; Luke 21:25-28.
The very title of Christ as "Son of Man" in this description of the Tribulation shows that the
Church of God is not here. That title, as we have seen (
page 140), has nothing to do with the
Church or with this Dispensation of grace. It has to do with the earth, and with Christ's
dominion in the earth. It contemplates the Jews as in their own land, observing their own
Sabbath laws (Matt 24:20). It concerns those who are "in Judea" (v 16). All the expressions used
point to a people under the Mosaic law. This cannot therefore refer to the Church of God, which
is "not under the law" (Rom 6:14; 1 Cor 9:21).
True, the Church of God has tribulation NOW, in the world, at least many of its members have,
but not the Church, as such. But this is a very different thing from the Church, or any part of it,
being IN "the tribulation, the great one."
On the other hand, the Scriptures, other than the epistles addressed to the Church of God,
constantly refer to that coming time of tribulation (Matt 10:16-23;* Rev 1:9, 2:9,10,13, 3:10,
7:13-17).
* See above.
Thus, the moment we recognize the great duty of "rightly dividing" the different principles of
administration, apportioning each to its own distinct time and Dispensation, we see that the
Church of God can have no place in the Great Tribulation; and that, being "not under the law," it
must be excluded from all those Scriptures which have the law for its governing principle, and
Judaea for the scene of its administration.
(b) In the same way, we must not interpret the 144,000 of Revelation 7 or 14 of the Church of
God. We see them involved in the horrors of the Great Tribulation, and in the Dispensation of
Judgment; and specially sealed so that they should be preserved through it; whereas the promise
to those who belong to the Church of God is very positive that that Day shall not overtake, or
come upon it (1 Thess 5:4).
But beside this, the very enumeration of them excludes all except those who belong to the tribes
of the children of Israel. Not only are these tribes mentioned thus, collectively, in Revelation
7:4, but, in verses 5-8, each tribe is afterward mentioned separately by name.
The promise to Daniel was, that when that time of trouble should come, "thy people shall be
delivered." Here we see how that deliverance will be secured. This is the deliverance which is
referred to in Joel 2:28-32.
As the Lord had 7,000 who had not bowed the knee to Baal, in the days of Ahab and Jezebel, so
He will have 144,000 of those who will refuse to bow the knee to the Beast, or receive his mark
in the days of the Great Tribulation.
In Revelation 7 we have two of the three peoples with whom Scripture deals. In verses 1-8 we
have the Jews; in verses 9-17 we have the Gentiles. It is clear therefore that we must not put in
the Church of God where He has left it out. As for the Jews, we are told that "they shall not be
reckoned among the nations" (or Gentiles), Numbers 23:9, and as to the Church of God, there is
neither Jew nor Gentile (as such) in it (Gal 3:28, 5:6, 6:15; Col 3:11).
If we, therefore, join together what God has thus kept distinct, we must get error instead of truth.
Besides, what do we gain by this disobedience to 2 Timothy 2:15? Where does our advantage
come in, by thrusting the Church of God in everywhere, whether the Scripture speaks of Israel
or the Gentiles, or the Cherubim, or the Twenty-four Elders, the Bride, Zion, and the New
Jerusalem, and everything else? How much must be lost to us of what God would teach us about
these various subjects of revelation.
Here, then, we have another example as to our not reading what is still future into this present
Dispensation. We need not put the Church of God among those who are numbered of the twelve
Tribes of Israel, nor into the innumerable Gentile multitude. A time is coming when the nations
will "learn righteousness," not by the grace of God, but by the judgments of God; not by the
preaching of the Gospel, but by the proclamations of wrath. "O LORD...when thy judgments are
in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness" (Isa 26:9). These are the
learners who will make up this "great multitude which no man can number." Many may be of
that number who will be left behind when the members of the "One Body" shall have been
received up in glory. Many who have been members of churches, but not members of the
Church of God. Many who have been labouring at trying to make a unity of the Body, instead of
"endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit." They will then learn from the judgments of God
what they failed to learn from the grace of God; and they will pass through and come out of the
Great Tribulation and stand before the throne of God.
Those who believe they will pass through the Great Tribulation must not be surprised if God
deals with them "according to their faith"!
(c) Sundry Prophecies relating to the Future Dispensation are interpreted of the Present, to the
loss of coherency in the Word, and the gain of perplexity in the mind; to say nothing of the evils
produced by perverting, and even "wresting" certain Scriptures from their own specific teaching.
"The heathen for thine inheritance."—How often, for example, have we all heard Psalm 2:8
quoted on the platforms of missionary meetings:—
"Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance,
And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."
This promise to Christ, as Messiah, is quoted, as though it was to be fulfilled by the preaching of
the Gospel of the grace of God in this present Dispensation; whereas, the very next verse, if
quoted with it, would make such an interpretation, or even application, impossible; for it would
show us exactly how that promise is going to be made good; and that it will be by judgment, not
by grace.
"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
When missionaries go forth equipped with a sceptre of iron, instead of the gospel of peace, we
may regard such an application as being consistent.
This, really, comes under another head, which we propose to consider later, viz., the Importance
of the Context; and the evils which are brought in by wresting any passage from its context. The
context of Psalm 2:8, when read with verse 9, shows decisively what the true interpretation of
verse 8 should be; and the scope of the whole Psalm would be seen to confirm it.
"The mountain of the Lord's house."—Isaiah 2 is another example. We must all have heard verse
2 quoted again and again of the Church of God:—
"And it shall come to pass in the last days,
That the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the
mountains.
And shall be exalted above the hills;
And all nations shall flow unto it," etc.
This is supposed to teach the future extension of the Church of God, and its universal blessing to
the nations; and this, in spite of the many passages in the Epistles which plainly tell us of the
dark and terrible character of the last days of the Church on earth: evil men waxing worse and
worse, scoffers walking after their own lusts, the departure of many from the faith, turning away
their ears from the truth, and the turning them unto fables, and all this culminating in "the
apostasy" and the revelation of Antichrist (1 Tim 4; 2 Tim 4; 2 Thess 2; 2 Peter 3, etc.)
But beside all this, the immediate context of Isaiah 2:2 should have made such an interpretation
(or even, application) impossible; for the previous verse distinctly states that it was "the word
that Isaiah saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem," and not concerning the Church of God.
No application may be made of any Scripture that is not in harmony with what is revealed
elsewhere. Such an application is forbidden by the subsequent teaching of the Epistles as to the
last days of this Dispensation; while such an interpretation is forbidden by the context.
"Thy light is come."—Isaiah 60:1, 3, 11, 12 is another portion which is continually applied to the
Church, and used to set forth the ultimate triumph of the Gospel, in order to the encouragement
of missionary enterprise:
"Arise, shine for thy light is come,
And the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee" (Isa 60:1).
Whose light? And, Risen upon whom? Not the Church of God, but upon Jacob's seed, and his
seed's seed (Isa 59:20) when "the Redeemer shall come to Zion."
So far from the Church being in this Scripture, verse 3 distinguishes Jew and Gentile; and
Galatians 3:27, 28 distinguishes the Church from both:
"And the Gentiles shall come to thy light,
And kings to the brightness of thy rising."
Here we see that the subject-matter is the Jew and the Gentile; while in the Church of God there
is neither the one nor the other. The prophet is speaking of the Future Dispensation, after the
Church shall have been "received up in Glory"; he is speaking of that moment in the Millennial
Dispensation, when the Jew shall no longer be the tail, but the head of the nations; and when the
Gentiles shall bring their wealth and their glory to Israel. This flowing of the nations for the
aggrandizement of Israel is spoken of in other prophecies, and in such terms as to make even an
application of them impossible; to say nothing of the interpretation. See Isaiah 61:3-6, and
Zechariah 14:16-24, where it is distinctly stated that all this shall be when "the LORD shall be
king over all the earth" (v 9); when "Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited" (v 11); and all this, not
until Messiah's feet shall have stood "upon the Mount of Olives"; even that mount "which is
before Jerusalem on the East" (v 4).
(d) "The Day of the Lord" is the Day when the Lord shall rule the world in Judgment and
Righteousness.
We shall see later, under the section which deals with the importance of first occurrences of
words and expressions (
Canon 5), that the one great outstanding fact that will characterize that
day will be that man will be abased, and Jehovah exalted (Isa 2:11,17). Whatever may be the
judgments, or the means employed, the result will be that the day of man's activities will come
to an end, and Jehovah will begin to work: and truly, our hearts being to say even now:
"It is time for Thee, LORD, to work:
For they have made void Thy law" (Psa 119:126).
In this day, and in all previous Dispensations, judgment and rule and power in the earth have
been committed unto man. It is called "Man's Day" in 1 Corinthians 4:3, where it is translated
"man's judgment" (margin, "Greek, day"). Though the Greek word is "day" it is thus beautifully
translated; for, this is the day when man is judging, nationally and individually. Nationally he is
a failure; for, the end of nearly six thousand years finds good government to be the great want of
the age, and the great problem of the nations. Individually, man is a worker of untold evils, and
this in the Church as well as in the world, or even more so. For, the judgment of others instead
of himself seems to be his one great object, while the wreckage of broken hearts and ruined lives
testifies to the extent of the evils he has wrought.
Yes, this is "man's day." But, "the Lord's Day" is coming, and John sees it laid out in vision
before him, when by the Spirit he was shown its course and its end (Rev 1:10).
This is the day that concerns the world, and it will suddenly overtake it, at the moment when
"peace, peace" shall be its cry, and "safety" its creed.
But we must not read that future Day into the present hope of the Church of God, to the
destruction of that hope, and the loss of our peace, and the extinction of our joy. For the promise
to us is given in no uncertain sound: "that day shall not overtake you as a thief." The reason is,
because we are "not in darkness" concerning it; we have the prophetic word which is a light in
this darkness (2 Peter 1:19); and, for that very reason we are called "the children of the light, and
the children of the day" (1 Thess 5:1-5).
By rightly dividing the Word of truth we distinguish between Man's day and the Lord's day; and
also between the Lord's day and "the day of Christ" (Phil 1:6, 2:16), when He who has begun the
good work in us will perfect it; and we shall be with Christ; and rejoice to find that we "have not
run in vain, neither laboured in vain."
5. One Part of THE FUTURE not necessarily to be read into another part of the Future.
There are Advents, and Resurrections, and Judgments which are all still future, and they must be
rightly divided the one from the other, respectively, if we would learn, and know the truth
respecting them.
(a) The Advents.—There is the "Parousia," or Presence of Christ, which is the subject of the
earlier Pauline Epistles, involving the Rapture of living saints and the dead in Christ (1 Thess 4),
and "our gathering together unto Him" (2 Thess 2:1) before His Advent in judgment glory
connected with "the Day of the Lord" (Isa 2:11,17; 1 Thess 5:2).
These two are to be carefully and rightly divided.
The Parousia will be "our gathering unto" Christ, while the Advent will be the gathering of
Israel to their Messiah and their Land (Gen 49:10; Isa 40:11, 43:5, 54:7; Jer 29:14, 31:10, 32:37;
Eze 20:34,41, 34:12-14, &c.).
The Church of God has nothing to do with the Day of the Lord. That day will overtake the world
as a thief in the night (1 Thess 5:2).
But the Church of God is distinctly told that "that day shall not overtake you as a thief" (v 4).
The Church is assured that it will be at "rest...WHEN the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from
heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God" (2
Thess 1:7,8). These will "be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord
and from the glory of His power WHEN HE SHALL HAVE COME* to be glorified in his
saints,and admired in all them that believe" (vv 9,10). There are two marks of time "WHEN" in
2 Thessalonians 1:7 and 10; but they are not expressed in the same way in the Greek.** The first
means "at"; the second means "when."
* Greek, ελθη (elthe), 2nd aorist Tense subjunctive Mood, as in Luke 17:10; 1
Corinthians 15:24, where it is so translated. Compare Matthew 21:40; Mark 8:38,
10:23; John 4:25, 16:13; Acts 23:35; Romans 11:27.
** In verse 7 it is εν τη αποκαλυψει (en te apokalupsei), AT THE APOCALYPSE,
or revelation (as in the RV). In verse 10 it is οταν ελθη (hotan elthe), WHEN HE
SHALL HAVE COME to be glorified.
Verse 7 relates to the Revelation of Christ to His enemies; verse 10 relates to the glorification of
Christ with His saints.
The Saints will be at rest AT His revelation (v 7).
And WHEN He is revealed, He will have already come and have been glorified with His saints
(v 10).
Scripture can hardly be clearer than this.
In order that there may be no mistake, the same fact is put in two ways: first, the "rest" which
we shall have AT His Advent (His revelation in Judgment); and, second, the fact that He shall
have already given us this rest, WHEN He is revealed.
It was this Advent which was the subject of Old Testament prophecy. We read nothing of the
Rapture until it was revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11. This revelation was made on purpose
that we might not be "ignorant"; as all are, and must be, concerning these things, unless they
know what is here made known.
It was revealed for the special purpose, not only of informing the Church of God as to what it
was ignorant of, but of comforting it. Twice over we have the exhortation, "Wherefore comfort
one another with these words" (1 Thess 4:18); and, "Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and
edify (or build up) one another" (1 Thess 5:11). Both exhortations are introduced (in English)
with the word "wherefore,"* showing the necessary connection between the cause and the
effect; and linking them together.
* The former is ωστε (hoste), so that, marking the exhortation as the logical result of
the revelation. The latter is dio(dio), on which account, wherefore, marking the
revelation as being the ground of the exhortation.
If we read the Scriptures relating to the Rapture, and interpret them of the Advent, what is
intended for our "comfort" will be used as an object of fear, and what is given as "blessed
hope" (Titus 2:13) will be taken as our dread.
With many this is the case. And all the mischief is caused by not "rightly dividing" two truths
both belonging to the same Dispensation.
At the present moment of writing, both are, of course, future. Hence it is that so many mix them
up together. They both concern the Lord's Coming, hence it is they are confused.
It is the same Christ who will gather His saints to Himself at their Rapture; and who will
afterwards gather Israel to their Land.
His coming, from Genesis 3:15, onward, has always been the hope of Creation (Rom 8:19,23),
and the hope of Israel (Jer 14:8), as it is now the hope of the Church of God (Titus 2:13). But, as
with the Resurrections, each is "in its own order."
In due time He came, but He was rejected and crucified. Israel was "not gathered" at that
coming (Isa 49:5); therefore that gathering is now in abeyance, until the Lord's Advent, the Day
of the Lord.
In that, which we speak of (for the sake of convenience) as the "first coming," we have an
illustration of what we call the "second coming."
There were prophecies even of that first coming which had to be rightly divided in order to be
understood, even when read by those who lived in the Past Dispensation; and which might have
been understood had the words of those prophecies been carefully noted. As these prophecies
serve to illustrate the order of events connected with the second coming it may be well to look at
them more closely:
In Micah 5:2, and Zechariah 9:9, we have two passages which both foretell and relate to that
same first coming; and, fortunately, the English Version is as clear as the Hebrew in both cases.
In Micah 5:2 the word is )cayaf (yatza'), to come out.
In Zechariah 9:9 it is )w$b (bo'), to come in.
In Micah 5:2 the former is rendered "come forth," and in Zechariah 9:9 the latter is rendered
"come unto."
Both were then future. The one prophesied of Christ's "coming forth" at Bethlehem, and the
other prophesied of Christ's "coming unto" Jerusalem.
Until the time came for their fulfillment, there was nothing in those prophecies to tell the readers
what would be the interval between those two comings, or whether there would be any at all.
There was nothing to tell them that they were separated, as we now know, by more than thirty
years.
Some readers indeed might interpret them of one and the same event, and come to the
conclusion that there was "a discrepancy"; or that the text was corrupt, or that there was
something wrong with the translation.
These are the conclusions so readily come to by Higher and Lower Critics, who first create the
difficulty by not rightly dividing the Word, and then endeavour to explain it by cutting it to
pieces with their pens, as Jehoiakim did with his pen-knife.
Both these Scriptures speak of the same coming of the Lord; but they are separated by some
thirty-three years. He "came forth" from Bethlehem at His Incarnation (Matt 2:1). He "came
unto" Jerusalem six days before His crucifixion (Matt 21:1-10).
Had the Jews carefully read and received these words of God as they were known and
understood by many at the time (Matt 2:4-6) they would not have stumbled at His birth in
humiliation.
All the events connected with those thirty-three years we speak of as having taken place at His
first coming.
In like manner, all the events that will take place between Christ's "coming forth" into the air
and His "coming unto" Jerusalem in the Day of the Lord go to make up what we speak of as His
second coming.
But those events are all perfectly distinct, and are to be rightly divided off the one from the
other, and are not to be confused or confounded.
All the events which will occur between the coming forth or the Descension of the Lord into the
air, for our "gathering together unto Him" there, and His coming unto the earth, in power and
great glory to execute judgment, must be rightly divided in order to be rightly understood.
We cannot, of course, speak positively as to the exact duration of that interval between the
"coming forth" and the "coming unto."
Those who do not divide the Word at all make no interval, but jumble all the Scriptures up in
confusion.
Others, who do make some attempt to divide it, make the mistake, we believe, of limiting that
interval to "seven years," as being the "last week of Daniel."
True, there is such a period of "seven years" (Dan 9:27): but there is no need thus to limit that
interval. They may be the last seven of a larger number of years: for many events have to take
place and many things have to be done during that interval.
Moreover, there is the συντελεια (sunteleia), the consummation of the ages; and there is the
τελος (telos), the crisis or end of the age.*
* For the former see Matthew 13:39,40,49, 24:3; and for the latter compare Matthew
24:6,13,14.
If the whole sunteleia should be forty years, and the telos should be the last seven years, then we
should have both periods of the thirty-three years and the seven years.
(b) The Resurrections.—Several resurrections are spoken of in the New Testament.
These have all to be rightly divided if we would learn the truth of the Word.
Like the Coming of Christ, Resurrection was always the hope of God's people.*
* Job 19:26; Psalm 16:10, 49:15; Isa 26:19; Daniel 12:2; Hosea 13:14. It was
announced at the Bush (Exo 3:6), where Christ says God spake "touching the
resurrection of the dead" (Matt 22:31,32), "for God is not the God of the dead but of
the living." Therefore (the argument is), Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob must rise again.
This was their hope (Heb 11:8-16).
And this Resurrection was twofold, and its hope consisted of a first resurrection as distinct from
a second (see Psa 49:15; Dan 12:2). These were distinguished as that of the "just" and
"unjust" (Acts 24:15), "life" and "condemnation" (John 5:29).
And they were distinguished also as to the times at which they shall take place.
Both are connected with the Advent: the one being immediately before the thousand years, and
the other at the end of the thousand years (Rev 20:4-6,13).
These are referred to by our Lord: and the times and their order are very definitely stated in 1
Corinthians 15:20-28.
Christ the firstfruits already raised.
Then there will be those who will be raised in their own ranks, or order: "they that are Christ's"
at "the first resurrection" of Revelation 20:5, 6.
Then there will come "the end" or last rank, at the end of the thousand years (1 Corinthians
15:23,24); when, after the judgment of the great white throne, Christ will deliver up the
kingdom to the Father.
But in 1 Thessalonians 4 we have a special revelation as to another resurrection at the time of
the Rapture. We must not confuse it with the "first" and "second" Resurrections of Revelation
20. These are both connected with the Advent, the one, as we have seen, immediately before the
thousand years, and the other immediately after. Both were the subject of Old Testament
prophecy; while the Resurrection of 1 Thessalonians 4:16 was a secret, then, for the first time,
made known in a special revelation "by the word of the Lord." This formula always denotes a
special and specific prophetic announcement.* Moreover, it is not called a "Resurrection." The
word is not a Noun, but a Verb. "The dead in Christ shall rise first." This word "first" has
nothing to do with the "first resurrection" of Revelation 20:5, 6; but only with the fact that it
would be the former of the two there spoken of; their mention following closely one on the
other. But in 1 Thessalonians 4, two events are spoken of, not two resurrections: first "the dead
in Christ shall rise": and second, the living who remain shall be caught away in clouds together,
with them, unto the meeting of the Lord, into the air; "and so (i.e., in this manner) we shall be
ever with the Lord."
* See Genesis 15:1; 1 Samuel 9:27; 2 Samuel 7:4; 1 Kings 12:22; 1 Chronicles 17:3; 2
Chronicles 11:2, 12:7; Revelation 1:2,9, 6:9, 19:13, 20:4.
Thus, the rising revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4, though it is still future, at the moment of writing,
will be the great closing event of this present Dispensation, and will usher in the succeeding
Dispensation of Judgment.
There are some who believe that, in Philippians 3:11-14, we have a later revelation* referring
either to an earlier removal of the Saints; or to the hope of our "change" without dying; as the
special hope of the "prize of our calling on high" (v 14). This would then be either an expansion
of, or addition to, what is revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4 concerning those who shall be alive and
remain; or a fresh revelation of another and perhaps earlier "calling on high."
* 1 Thessalonians having been written AD 52 and Philippians not till ten or more
years afterwards.
Certainly we do not seem to have grasped or exhausted all that that wonderful chapter (Phil 3)
reveals. It seems to be connected specially with the glorious revelations made later in Ephesians
and Colossians: and therefore with the Mystery of Christ and the Church in Ephesians 5.
It may be asked whether 1 Thessalonians 4 and 1 Corinthians 15 completed all that God had
then yet to reveal of the riches of His glory: and whether the "prize of our calling on high" may
not refer to something special which God had held out for Paul's encouragement when in prison
in Rome.
The εξαναστασις (exanastasis) of Philippians 3:11 certainly seems to be something beyond the
resurrection revealed in the former and earlier Scriptures. It means, etymologically, out-
resurrection, and followed as it is by the pronoun εκ (ek), out of, points to something quite
different and special.
The word occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It is used by Polybius in the sense of
removal, and by Strabo in the sense of migration. In any case it was something Paul hoped for
and longed to arrive at.*
* The word is κατανταω (katantao), to arrive at (see all the occurrences: Acts 16:1,
18:19,24; 20:15, 21:7, 25:13, 26:7, 27:12, 28:13; 1 Cor 10:11, 14:36; Eph 4:13; and
Phil 3:11). The word "attained" in verse 12 is λαµβανω (lambano), to receive.
It may point to our removal without dying, or to a more special, wondrous, and glorious change,
corresponding more with 1 Timothy 3:16, "received up in glory," referring only to those who
shall be alive and remain.
Is not this, our removal, something for us to arrive at? Is it not a great and glorious change to
hope for?
In any case, if a special word of this kind is used later, in Philippians 3:11, are we right in
jumping to the conclusion that nothing different is meant, and there is no further truth for us to
receive or to rightly divide?
We have certainly several resurrections revealed: and these resurrections being all future, and all
in their own proper order, it is impossible for us to avoid confusion if we join them all together
and make only one "general resurrection" instead of "rightly dividing" them according to the
"order" which God has revealed.
(c) The Judgments.—The creeds of the churches know of but one judgment, which they speak of
as the "general judgment," as they know and speak only of one "general resurrection." Yet, more
than one is revealed in Scripture; and they are all still future. But, each will be "in its own
order," place, and time (Eccl 3:1,17):—
(1) 2 Corinthians 5:10.—First, there is the appearance of the risen and changed saints before the
Bema of Christ.
The time of this is "the Day of Christ" in the air, while it is the day of Antichrist on the earth.
The place is the Bema of Christ: that is the dais from which rewards and prizes are given; not
the Bench from which sentences or judgments are pronounced.
The reason why "we" appear is to "receive" rewards for "deeds done," service rendered, and
works wrought: as well as the "crown of righteousness" which the righteous Judge shall give in
that day. We "appear" there not to receive condemnation (Rom 8:1); but to "have praise of
God" (1 Cor 4:5): we shall "not come into judgment" as to our standing or aught else (John
5:24); for the feeblest, and weakest, and poorest of the children of God will "appear" there as
having been already judged in the person of their Substitute.
The persons who will stand there will be there in all the glory and perfection of their
resurrection bodies. We are, even here, and now, "in Christ"; and we shall be none the less that
when we are changed and made like Christ Himself. True, "we shall all stand before the Bema
of Christ" (Rom 14:9-13), but we shall stand there as saved: with and in our resurrection bodies
made like Christ's own glorious body (Phil 3:20,21).
(2) Matthew 25:31-46.—In this passage we have another judgment spoken of.
The "time" for this will be "when the Son of Man shall...sit upon the throne of His glory and
before him shall be gathered all the Gentiles" (τα εθνη, ta ethne).
The persons will be the nations. The word εθνη (ethne) is rendered nations 64 times, and
Gentiles 93 times; heathen, 5 times, and people, twice. The Jews therefore will not be there, for
they are "not reckoned among the nations" (Num 23:9); and the Church of God will not be there,
because it bears no relation to Christ as "the Son of Man" (see
above), and because it shall not
come into judgment at all (John 5:24; Rom 8:1).
The place is "before the throne of his glory." That this throne will be on earth is clear from
Isaiah 34:1, 2; Ezekiel 39:21; Joel 3:1, 2, 11, 12.
The ground of the judgment is not even righteousness, much less holiness. It is not the ground
either of grace, or of faith. And as to works, it is not even "good works" generally, and as such,
but only one specific work, viz., as to how they have treated the "brethren" of the Judge, i.e., the
Jews. This can only refer to those nations who are alive to stand before that Judge, and which
have thus treated or maltreated His "brethren." For there is not a word about resurrection, and
we dare not put into the passage so important a matter when the Holy Spirit has so scrupulously
left it out. But there are many who do this, and yet with a strange perversity would leave it out
of Revelation 20:4-6, where God has put it in with all the emphasis of reiteration.
The reward is peculiar. It is entrance into "the Kingdom prepared FROM the foundation of the
world."
How the Church, which is "in Christ" BEFORE the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4),* can
"enter the Kingdom," is a problem, which those who make it must solve as best they can.
* When Christ or the Church is mentioned it is "before" the foundation of the world
(John 17:24; Eph 1:4; 1 Peter 1:20); but whenever the Kingdom is in question it is
"from" the foundation of the world (Matt 13:35, 25:34; Luke 11:50; Heb 4:3, 9:26;
Rev 13:8, 17:8).
This kingdom is "under the whole heaven" (Psa 115:16), upon the earth, and before the
Millennium when He shall appear with His holy angels "to execute judgment" (Zech 14:5; 2
Thess 2:8; Jude 14) (see above).
But even this judgment is neither total, nor final, for after the thousand years, Satan "must be
loosed for a little season," in order to show that man remains the same in spite of all the
evidences of the Glory of the Millennial reign.
The nations of the Gentiles immediately range themselves under Satan's banner of revolt; and
are at once destroyed without parley, by the special judgment of "fire from heaven" (Rev 20:7-
10).
(3) Revelation 20:11-15. This is the great and final judgment scene.
As to time, it is immediately after the thousand years. This marks it off from all others.
As to place, it is before "the great white throne."
The persons who appear before it are to be raised from the dead for this special purpose. They
lived before the thousand years, but they "lived not again until the thousand years were
finished" (v 4). Those who died during the thousand years must also be there, not one will be
there who has not died. It is "the resurrection of judgment" (John 5:29) or condemnation.
Those who introduce the dead among the living nations in Matthew 25 do not hesitate to
introduce the living among the dead in Revelation 20.
We have thus seen that there are these several judgments: and that while all are still future, we
have to rightly divide them as to their order, and nature, and character.
6. The Truth and Teaching of the CANONICAL Order is to be distinguished from the
CHRONOLOGICAL and Historical Order.
By Canonical order we mean the order in which the teaching comes to us in the Canon of
Scripture. That order is more or less Divine, at any rate so far as the Old Testament is
concerned; and so far as the order of the Pauline Epistles is concerned.
By Chronological and Historical order we mean the order in which books were written and
events happened.
These two may not always be the same in their teaching. One may be Dispensational, and the
other may be Experimental.
All God's "works" are perfect, and so are all His "ways." All can see His works, but He has
Himself to make known His own ways; as it is written (Psa 103:7),
"He made known His WAYS unto Moses,
His ACTS unto the children of Israel."
(a) The Tabernacle.—When He ordered the making of the Tabernacle He began with the Ark of
the Covenant (Exo 25:10); then the Mercy Seat (v 17); then the Table (v 23); then the
Candlestick (v 31); then the Tabernacle (chap 26); then the Altar of Burnt Offering, and the Gate
(27:1,9,16). But that was the historical order, as originating only from God's side. He begins
with and from Himself. But those for whom it was given, and who approached to receive its
benefits and its blessings, experimentally, began at the other end, with the Gate; and then went
on to the worship of God, ending with the communion of the Mercy Seat.
(b) The Great Offerings.—It was the same with the four Great Offerings (the Sin and Trespass
Offerings being reckoned as one). God begins (Lev 1) with the whole Burnt Offering, setting
forth the value of Christ's offering in relation to Himself; descending by the Meal Offering (Lev
2), the Peace Offering (Lev 3), the Sin and the Trespass Offering (Lev 4,5), to the deepest needs
of His people. But His people began at the other end, and approached with the sin offering first,
as setting forth the experimental sense of their need (Psa 32:1,2).
(c) The Four Gospels.—So, also, as it required four Great Offerings to set forth all the various
aspects of Christ's death, so it required four Gospel records to set forth His earthly life; and it
would be as reasonable to attempt to make the four Offerings into one as to vainly attempt to
"harmonize" the four Gospels into one; as though there were any want of "harmony" in them.
(d) 1 Samuel.—It is well known that objections have been made against the text of the Book of
Samuel because all the events are not in chronological order. But where is it said that they are?
And why should they necessarily be so?
A human author arranges his matter as he pleases; and after bringing up his subject to a certain
point, may go back and bring up some other matter to the same point.
Or he may introduce a later event and record it where it is desirable to bring out a certain
contrast by way of emphasizing it, leaving it to the reader to discover his reason for doing so,
and thereby fixing the lesson more surely on his mind.
A human author, we repeat, may do this; but the Holy Spirit of God may not do it, forsooth,
without having objections raised against Inspiration!
Notably is this the case with 1 Samuel 16:1 to 18:30.
Here the commentators do not hesitate to charge the Text with being corrupted, interpolated or
transposed; and charges of contradictions and discrepancies are levelled against the genuineness
and authority of Scripture.*
* Dr. Adam Clarke questions "the authenticity" of the verses which concern this
subject, and quotes Pilkington and Kennicott, who suppose it "to be an interpolation of
some rabbinical writer, added at a very early period to the Hebrew Text," and a proof
of "the carelessness or infidelity of transcribers." But, surely, to put these passages
down, thus, to knavery is to charge the writers also with the folly of children!
Why not recognize the fact that we have four events the Chronological and Historical order of
which is as follows:
1. 1 Samuel 16:1-13. The Call of David by God.
2. 17:1-18:4. The Call of David by Saul.
3. 16:14-23. David enters Saul's house.
4. 18:5-30. David leaving Saul's house.
This being the historical order, why may not the Holy Spirit arrange them in such order that He
may call attention to His secret movements which were shaping the whole history? And why
may He not alternate DAVID and SAUL in order to emphasize the coming of the Spirit on
David, and the departing of the Spirit from Saul? In order to show this we have the four events
in their spiritual significance and teaching, according to the following:
Structure of Canonical Order: 1 Samuel 16-18
A. 16:1-13. DAVID'S Call by God. The Spirit coming upon him.
B. 16:14-23. SAUL: The Spirit departing from him.
A. 17:1-18:4. DAVID'S Call by Saul.
B. 18:5-30. SAUL. The Spirit departing from him.
Here, instead of the bare historical facts and exoteric events, we are taken to the esoteric reason
for them all. That which explains them is the underlying counsel of God, who had rejected Saul,
and taken His Spirit from him.
Thus we have the double lesson; and we retain the latter without losing the former.
If we compare the outward historical order with the inner and spiritual teaching we see at once
why 16:14-23, where the Spirit departs from Saul, is brought out of its chronological place, and
placed in close juxtaposition with 16:1-13, where the Spirit comes upon David.
(3) "The Words of Jeremiah."—Few books have suffered more from this treatment than the
Prophet Jeremiah.
It is not disputed that the chapters as they are given to us in Scripture are not necessarily given
in their Historical and Chronological order.
This is so obvious that there is no hint of it given in the text. Even the natural man can easily
arrange the chapters according to their chronology.
But in this case again the experimental teaching depends entirely on the canonical order of the
chapters. And the canonical order can be shown only by its structure:
The Prophecy of Jeremiah as a whole.
A. 1:1-3. Introduction.
B. 1:4-19. Jeremiah's commission given.
C. 2-20. Prophecies addressed to the Jews
(Josiah).
D. 21-35. History, etc.
(Jehoiakim) (Not in
chronological order.).
E. 36.
Baruch. His
mission to
Jehoiakim.
D. 37-45. History, etc.
(Zedekiah). (In chronological
order.)
C. 46-51:64-. Prophecies addressed to the
Gentiles.
B. 51:-64. Jeremiah's commission ended.
A. 52. Appendix.
It will be seen from the above structure that it is the history connected with Jehoiakim which is
not given in its chronological order.
The member D is specially set in contrast with the member D, and ZEDEKIAH'S history, being
in chronological order, emphasizes and calls our attention to the fact, that it is JEHOIAKIM'S
history which is not in chronological order.
And why should it be? Who was Jehoiakim? Was it not he who cut up the words of Jehovah
with a pen-knife? Why should not his history be cut up with the pen? What does it matter how
his history is treated? Note the contrast between him and king Josiah. Josiah, when the book of
the law was found and the king heard the words of the law, rent his clothes (2 Chron
34:14,19,21,30) and submitted himself to it. He reigned with honour, and when he died he "was
buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers, and all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for
Josiah" (2 Chron 35:24).
On the other hand, Jehoiakim, who refused to hear the word of the LORD, and cut it in pieces,
was "buried with the burial of an ass, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem"; and
his dead body was "cast out in the day to the heat and in the night to the frost" (according to the
prophecies in Jer 22:18,19, 36:30).
And, if any doubt remains as to the reason why this lesson of the prophecy of Jeremiah should
not be lost, and its experimental teaching hidden and marred, let the structure of the Canonical
portion connected with Jehoiakim be carefully studied; and its perfection be duly noted.
It is as follows:
D. (Jer 21-35). The Canonical History connected with Jehoiakim. (Not chronological.)
F. 21. Defeat and Captivity proclaimed.
G. 22-23:8. Promise of the BRANCH.
H. 23:9-40. Whirlwind. False Prophets.
Rejection.
J. 24. Figs. Discrimination.
(Captives and Remnant.)
K. 25:1-11.
Time:
Seventy
years.
L.
25:12-
38.
Nations
(The
Cup).
M.
26.
Proclamation
in
the
Court
of
Jehovah's
House.
L.
27.
Nations.
(The
Bonds
and
Yoke.)
K. 28. Time:
Two years.
J. 29. Figs. Discrimination.
(Captives and Remnant.)
H. 30, 31. Whirlwind. The Book. Restoration.
G. 32, 33. Promise of the BRANCH.
F. 34, 35. Defeat and Captivity proclaimed.
Is it not clear why this, the Canonical order, is so perfectly constructed? And is not the
Experimental teaching exhibited by it shown to be of far greater importance than that of the
mere Chronological and Literary order?
(f) The Pauline Epistles.—In our work on the Church Epistles we have set forth the
experimental teaching of their canonical order: and have shown that they are presented to us in
the order in which we are to study them.
In them we have the fulfillment of the Lord's own promise, given in John 16:12-15: "I have
many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit, when He the Spirit of truth
(lit., shall have) come, He will guide you into all the truth. He shall not speak of (or from)
Himself; but whatsoever He shall hear, that shall He speak: and He will shew you things to
come. He shall glorify me: for He shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things
that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that He shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto
you."
That is to say, that had the Lord spoken them then His disciples would not have been able to
bear them.
Whatever may be the force of the word "bear," the contrast is between what they could not do
"now," at that time, and what they would be able to do at some later time.
Time, therefore, does enter into the interpretation of words.
There could be no doctrine until the facts had taken place on which they were based.
There could be no Epistles until the Gospel history had been accomplished.
There could be no doctrine of Redemption or Atonement until His blood had been shed; and He,
as a corn of wheat, had fallen into the ground and died (John 12:24).
"The things of Christ" were the doctrines concerning Him which were afterward "taken" and
revealed by the Holy Spirit in the Epistles specially addressed to churches as such. If not,
Where, and How, and When, has this Divine promise ever been fulfilled? Where has He guided
us into "all the truth"? Where are we to look for this truth except in these Epistles which were
written when He, the Spirit of truth had come?
Those who neglect the teaching of the Epistles reject these words of Christ. They "cannot bear
them," even now. They put themselves back into a Dispensation which has passed away, and
refuse to bear the words now that they have been spoken and written for our learning.
Many, thank God, are heeding what has since been revealed. Many are rejoicing in these "things
of Christ" which the Spirit of truth has received, and has shown what God has made Christ to be
unto us, and what He has made us to be "in Christ." Many are reading and studying the Epistles
which the Spirit of truth has addressed to the churches by the Apostle Paul.
We have spoken of some of the Dispersion Epistles under the heading of rightly dividing of the
subject-matter (see The Epistles to the Dispersion), according to which Paul's Epistles must be
divided off from those other Epistles which are not addressed directly to the Church of God.
We are specially concerned now, therefore, with
The Pauline Epistles
Besides the group of Epistles addressed to the Dispersion (1 and 2 Peter, and James), there is
another group of General Epistles (1, 2, and 3 John and Jude); and yet another group of Pauline
Epistles.
These groups, whatever may be their order in the ancient Greek manuscripts, always consist of
the same Epistles, and are thus preserved distinct and separate from the others.
In some MSS, the Dispersion group follows the Acts; and is followed by the General group,
concluding with the Pauline group.
In the Pauline group the order of the Epistles varies to this extent; the Epistles addressed to
churches (in which we include Romans and Ephesians, though they are not specifically so
addressed) are always found together, and in the order in which we have them in our Bibles to-
day. No Greek MS has ever yet been seen in which this order varies. But in some MSS the other
Pauline Epistles do vary; the Pastoral Epistles sometimes preceding and sometimes following
the Epistle to the Hebrews. We believe that the proper place of Hebrews is last, both canonically
and chronologically, thus closing up Judaism effectually and cutting it off completely.
Many have observed the importance of the epoch marked by the Destruction of the Temple in
AD 70, and the wonderful effect it must have had on Judaism and Christianity. This epoch is
marked in the New Testament by the Epistle to the Hebrews, written in AD 68.
In our work on The Church Epistles we have dealt only with their Canonical order; but their
Chronological order is not without its own direct teaching.
The Holy Spirit of God has specially preserved and given them to us in their Canonical order,
because that is the order in which we have to learn their truths, which are experimental, and are
therefore more important for our spiritual life.
That Canonical order is as follows:—
A1. ROMANS. Doctrinal. Dogmatic Instruction (in which Paul was alone in
writing).
B. CORINTHIANS. Reproof for practical failure as to
Romans' teaching. (Paul, Sosthenes, and Timothy.)
C. GALATIANS. Correction for doctrinal
failure as to Romans' teaching. (Paul and all
the brethren).
A2. EPHESIANS. Doctrinal. Dogmatic instruction. (Paul alone in writing.)
B. PHILIPPIANS. Reproof for practical failure as to
Ephesians' teaching. (Paul and Timothy.)
C. COLOSSIANS. Correction for doctrinal
failure as to Ephesians' teaching. (Paul and
Timothy.)
A3. THESSALONIANS. Praise and thanksgiving for a model church,
manifesting the fruits of Paul's teaching in Acts 17:1-3, in holiness of life and
missionary zeal (Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy).
These are the experimental lessons of the Canonical order.
But the Chronological order is equally a fact, and it has its own special teaching for us, which is
Dispensational.
These Epistles are not given to us in this order, because the Dispensational teaching is not so
important or so essential to our salvation.
The experimental teaching, which is essential, is ensured to us by the Canonical order in which
we receive them; but the Dispensational teaching of their Chronological order has to be sought
out, by rightly dividing them according to the times when they were respectively written.
Both orders are divine; and they have their distinct and separate teaching.
This element of time, in interpretation, reminds us that Paul never saw any of John's writings!
None of the churches to whom he addressed his Epistles had ever yet seen John's Gospel! That
Gospel, therefore, cannot be necessary to the understanding of the Epistles, or to the formation
of churches.
Not until some twenty years after Paul's death was John inspired to write. how real must have
been his inspiration to give us those verbal conversations of the Lord with Nicodemus, the
woman of Samaria and others at which John himself was not present, even though he was a
disciple at the time.
All this shows us that we are not to read subsequent revelations into previous writings. The "not
yet" of Hebrews 2:8 and the "cannot now" of John 16:12, must be allowed to have their full
weight in the interpretation of the Scriptures of truth; and, especially in the Epistles of Paul, if
we are to "understand the Scriptures."
The churches whom he addressed could not fail to rightly divide the words of truth which they
received. They could not mix up the four Gospels with the Prison-Epistles. The Thessalonians
could not confuse their teaching with what was written long after to the Ephesians, or to the
Hebrews; and which they had never seen.
But we now have "All Scripture" and our responsibility is therefore greater.
If we do not rightly divide "all Scripture" according to the times, when, and as it was written, it
will be impossible for us to be guided into "all truth."
Even where this dividing of the Word of truth according to its subject-matter is carried out, there
has been failure to carry it out fully with reference to its dispensational or chronological
teaching.
And as so very few thus fully observe this all-important precept, and fulfil this great requirement
of the Divine Word, it is all the more necessary that we should make an attempt to do so, in
some measure, here, and now.
The Chronological order is as follows, according to the generally received dates:—
1 Thessalonians AD 52 from Corinth
2 Thessalonians AD 53 from Corinth
1 Corinthians AD 57 from Ephesus (spring)
2 Corinthians AD 57 from Ephesus (autumn)
Galatians AD 57 from Corinth (winter)
Romans AD 58 from Corinth
Acts 28:25, 26 (AD 62)
Ephesians AD 62 from prison in Rome (spring)
Colossians AD 62 from prison in Rome (spring)
Philippians AD 62 from prison in Rome (autumn)
1 Timothy AD 67 from Corinth
Titus AD 67 from Corinth
2 Timothy AD 68 from prison in Rome
It is obvious that we must not read into the Acts or Paul's earlier Epistles that which was
revealed to him later, while in prison in Rome.
Up to Acts 28 Peter's offer of the kingdom (Acts 3:19-21, RV) was still open.
Stephen (AD 33) sees the Lord Jesus still standing (Acts 7:55), for He had not yet "sat down" at
the right hand of God (Heb 10:12, AD 68).
Isaiah 6 had been twice quoted by Christ as not yet fulfilled, Matthew 13:15 (Mark 4:12; Luke
8:10) and John 12:40.
Not until Acts 28:25, 26, was Paul commissioned to pronounce this threatened judicial
blindness, for the third, and last time.
It is obvious that not until after Acts 28 could any declaration of the Mystery have been made.
Until then nothing could be said which would be incompatible with the possible acceptance of
Peter's offer.
However, we must refer the reader to our separate pamphlet on this subject; and to pages 165,
166, above, where we have spoken of the possibility of there being some further revelation in
Philippians 3.
Enough has been said on this whole subject of rightly dividing the Dispensational truth and
teaching to show the importance of obeying the precept in these various particulars.
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Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Introductory
Having considered the study of the WORD as a whole, we now come to the study of the
WORDS of which it is made up.
The Lord Jesus said, not only, "I have given them Thy WORD" (John 17:14); but, "I have given
unto them the WORDS which Thou gavest me" (v 8).
In the former of these two solemn statements λογος (logos) is used; in the latter it is ρηµα
(rhema).
There is this difference between the two: λογος (logos), generally speaking, is taken as meaning
a word as made up of letters; and ρηµα (rhema), a saying as made up of words.
It is worthy of note, that it is in this latter connection our Lord speaks of all that He uttered as
being given to Him by the Father to speak: He spake nothing of, or from, Himself.
Seven times did He declare this great and solemn fact:* so that those who charge our Lord with
ignorance of what He said, or with knowingly accommodating Himself to the traditional belief
of the people, are charging this home upon God Himself; for the words of Christ were, He says,
"not mine, but the Father's which sent me."
* 1. "My doctrine is not Mine, but His that sent me" (John 7:16).
2. "As My Father hath taught Me I speak these things" (John 8:28).
3. "Why do ye not believe Me? He that is of God heareth God's words" (John 8:47).
4. "The Father which sent me, He gave Me a commandment what I should say and
what I should speak" (John 12:49).
5. "The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself" (John 14:10).
6. "The word which ye hear is not Mine, but the Father's, which sent Me" (John
14:24). And here—
7. "I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest Me" (John 17:8).
The "higher" critics, therefore, who say that David did not write Psalm 110 really "make God a
liar."
But this is not our point here, though it would be unwise to pass it by.
The "Word" as a whole, Christ speaks of in His last prayer to the Father as "THY WORDS";
and the matter, and the words of which it is made up, are the words given Him, by the Father, to
speak.
Whether "sayings" or "words," a revelation, in writing, is impossible apart from words; hence
the importance of studying, not merely the Word as a whole, but the actual words in which it is
given to us.
When, of course, we speak of the "words" it must be borne in mind that we mean Hebrew and
Greek words; for in these, the original languages, have the words been given to us.
We cannot hold the Spirit of God responsible for the way in which individual men have chosen
to translate the original words in their respective languages.
It was truly said by Archbishop Whately that "the Bible consists of the Old Testament in
Hebrew and the New Testament in Greek; and a translation of them is only an Interpretation
according to the best judgment of the translator."
Each, doubtless, has done the best he could, and has brought to bear upon the work his highest
powers.
But, unless he has been guided by principles such as those which we have laid down in the first
part of this work, his best efforts will be of little avail for us; for he will have given us only his
own judgment and his own views.
Those views are, very largely, traditional. He comes to the work of Bible study with his views
already more or less fixed. These have been derived from what he has first, and already,
received from a man like himself. He may perhaps be more widely read in what others before
him have said, but still he is more or less tied and bound by traditional views.
It is surprising, when we really come to examine ourselves closely in this matter, how much of
what we already believe has been "received by tradition from our fathers." How little has
actually been derived from our own direct personal study of the Word of God itself. We believe
what we have received from man; and we do our best to get it confirmed by the Bible. When we
are unable to get the confirmation we are in search of, then we find what we call a "difficulty."
But the difficulty is not in the Word of God itself; it is in our own minds. The real difficulty is in
giving up our own views because we fail to make the Bible conform to them. It does not, at first,
occur to our minds that we may have to abandon some of our views if we would get rid of the
difficulty.
Even where there is no difficulty, and our view is indeed in accord with the Word of God, we
shall find it better to study the Word of truth afresh, and learn it again direct from the Scriptures.
This is what we must do if we would really profit by the Word so as to enjoy it. It is better for
the truth to hold us, than for us to hold the truth. The two things are very different.
Hence the importance of our great subject, how to study the "WORDS which the Holy Ghost
teacheth" (1 Cor 2:13).
As to the original words we must consider them further on. Though, in one sense, that
consideration should logically come first, yet, as we are writing for English readers, we may
well defer the Hebrew and Greek words to our section on "The Usage of Greek Words" (Canon
III), and "The Place of Various Readings" (Canon XII), in which we shall put our English
readers in possession of all that is essential for them to know.
Our concern now is with the words in the English versions: and our object is to see how far they
accord with the words in the original, without a specific knowledge of that original. That is to
say, how far an English reader may, by observing certain principles, which we propose to lay
down, find out for himself the meaning of the original, and discover the mind of God, who is
revealing Himself therein.
Our task is not easy, because often, while we are discussing one particular principle, the passage
in question may require the application of several of these principles, or Canons, in order to our
full and proper understanding of it.
We would therefore lay down our first great principle that the meaning of words is to be
gathered from the scope of a passage, and not the interpretation of a passage from the words.
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Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon I
The Meaning of Words is to be Gathered from the Scope of the Passage; and not the Scope
from the Words.
1. "Private Interpretation."— passage which furnishes a good illustration is 2 Peter 1:20: "No
prophecy of the Scripture is of any private interpretation."
These words, taken by themselves, would present no difficulty to a Roman Catholic, because
they appear to agree with the tradition he has received. But they present a grave difficulty to a
Protestant who has been taught, and who believes, that God's word is for all.
"Hear, O heavens, and
Give ear, O earth,
For Jehovah hath spoken."
This word from Isaiah 1:2 sums up the ground of our belief; and this is why this text was printed
by the Reformers on the title-page of the early editions of our English Bibles.
The question which here presents itself is: How is this apparent difficulty to be solved.
We are studying the "Words," and we desire to know what these two words "private," and
"interpretation" mean.
Our first principle now comes in to help us: and it affirms that the meaning of these words must
be gathered from the scope of the passage in which we find them. The application of our first
Canon to this particular passage is intended only as an illustration of the way in which it may be
used to elucidate other passages.
When we speak of the "Scope" we mean—what it is all about; the one subject which is being
treated of, or written about. This will always furnish a key to the meaning of the words
employed.
This is not quite the same as "The Importance of the Context," which forms the subject of our
third Great Principle or Canon, because the Context has to do with the interpretation and sense
of a passage as distinct from the actual meaning of its separate words.
On examination of this particular passage (2 Peter 1:20) in which our words occur,we find that
the verse forms part of a larger context the Scope or subject of which is not what Scripture
means, but whence it came.
This is evident from the most cursory reading of the whole passage. There is not one word about
the meaning, but a great deal about the origin of prophecy; not a word about its interpretation,
but about its source.
That this is the scope is quite apparent from the mere surface of the passage; and it is borne out
by the Structure, which is the subject of the second great principle we wish to lay down (see
Canon II).
This is sufficient to put us on the right track to find out the meaning of the words "private" and
"interpretation." And our business, therefore, is to see if they can have a meaning more in
harmony with the general scope of the passage.
As to the word rendered "private" we find that it is ιδιος (idios) and that it occurs 114 times.
Out of these 114 times we find that it is nearly always rendered one's own; "his own sheep," "his
own servants," "his own house," "his own country," etc.; but not once is it rendered "private,"
except in this passage. This shows us that the rendering "private" is sufficiently abnormal to be
suspected; and that it would be more consistent to render it one's own (or lit., of its own).
As to the word rendered "interpretation" we shall find that it occurs nowhere else; neither in the
New Testament, nor in the Septuagint. It is επιλυσις (epilusis). We have no guide to its
meaning as we had with the word "private." As this noun occurs nowhere else we must go to the
verb επιλυω (epiluo), which is made up of the preposition επι (epi), upon, and λυω (luo), to
loosen. We find Xenophon using it of letting dogs loose upon the ground to chase a hare.
Another Greek writer uses it of breaking open a letter bearing upon a certain subject. So that its
usage is perfectly clear so far. In the New Testament this verb occurs only twice (Mark 4:34 and
Acts 19:39). From Mark 4:34 it is evident that it will bear the AV rendering expound* but it will
also bear a larger meaning. He spake publicly "with many such parables," but "when they were
alone," He broke open the casket which hid His real meaning; He unfolded the treasures that
were therein; He let them loose as it were and displayed them before the eyes of His disciples.
* Just as private will bear the meaning of one's own: inasmuch as what is one's own is
private; and what is private is one's own.
In Acts 19:39 the Town Clerk said "If ye enquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be
made known (or shown) in a lawful assembly."
Any of these meanings will do here in 2 Peter 1:20, 21, and it will be seen how they harmonise
with the one matter which is the subject, or scope, of the whole passage.
"Getting to know, this, first:—that not any prophecy of Scripture springs* from its own
unfolding,
[Why?]
For, not by the will of man was prophecy at any time brought forth—
[How then did it come?]
But being borne along by holy spirit,** men spake from God."
* γινοµαι (ginomai), to begin, come into being, begin to be, become, arise, happen.
** πνευµα αγιον (pneuma hagion), Divine power from on high.
Thus, the words are brought into harmony with the scope, or subject of the whole passage; and
we see how they refer to the origin and source of the prophetic Word, and not to its meaning or
interpretation.
2. "The Spirits in Prison."—1 Peter 3:19 is another passage which has been wholly
misinterpreted and misunderstood, because it has been taken, not only apart from the Context,
but apart from the larger question, viz., the scope or subject of the whole chapter.
This verse does not stand alone. It is not an illuminated text we hang on a wall; but is made up
of words which God has placed in immediate connection with other words, on which they
depend for their right understanding.
The question we have to ask ourselves, as to the whole chapter, is this: What is it about? What is
the great subject which is being treated of?
The smaller passage itself commences at verse 18 with the word "FOR." "For Christ Himself
also suffered, the just for the unjust." Verse 19 is therefore part of a reason which is being given
to explain or illustrate something which has been already said. It is not a new and independent
subject which is being introduced.
We must ask therefore, What is this something which has been said, and has to be thus
illustrated, and explained?
It requires only care and common sense to see, what the Translators themselves saw, when they
put at the head of the chapter "exhorting all men to unity and love, and to suffer persecution."
This is right so far as it goes, but it is not all. On reading the whole passage we do indeed see
that it is an exhortation to suffer persecution, and especially if the suffering and the persecution
be for "well-doing." "It is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing than for
evil doing." This is the scope. This is what it is all about. This is verse 17; and then, verse 18
goes on to give us the reason why it is "better"; "For." What follows, must be interpreted by the
sense of this scope. It is to show us why it is BETTER to "suffer for well-doing."
Now, verse 19 about "the spirits in prison" is usually taken by itself apart from the scope as
referring to people who have died, and as teaching that after death they have "a second chance."
But our simple question is, In what way would this be a reason for, or proof of the fact that it is
"better to suffer for well doing than for evil doing"?
If these were dead men, they must have been evil doers, or there would be no reason for their
needing this "second chance." It would, therefore, be an excuse for evil doing, seeing that they
have this hope to lean upon.
We can see at once, that this common interpretation must be wrong, as it is inconsequent and
illogical. It has no connection with or relation to what has gone before; and takes no account of
the word "For" which introduces this statement.
We have, therefore, still to look for a reason, why "it is better to suffer for well doing, than for
evil doing."
The reason given is that Christ suffered for well-doing. All he did was "just." He "suffered for
the unjust," to bring us to God. That was "better." But "He was put to death in the flesh." What
then? Where does the "better" come in? What happened after that? Ah! He had a glorious
resurrection. He was "made a quickening spirit" (1 Cor 15:45). "He was put to death indeed as to
the flesh." He was "quickened" (or made alive again) as to spirit.*
* All the Critical Greek Texts omit the article here.
What does made alive mean? What can it mean but resurrection? How can anyone who has died
be made alive again except by being raised from the dead?*
* As in Revelation 20:5, where the rest of the dead lived again, only in resurrection
after the thousand years.
It is the very expression used in 1 Corinthians 15:45. "It is sown a natural (Greek, psychical or
soulical) body; it is raised a spiritual body." And so also it standeth written, the first man Adam
"became, or, came to be, a living soul";* "the last Adam was made to be a quickening spirit."
How? The verses that follow go on to explain that this was in resurrection.
* The Greek has the Preposition εις (eis) in both clauses. Its use in this connection is
Hebrew idion, and expresses the object in view. Man was made for, or as, or with a
view to his being a living soul. See Acts 13:22, "he raised up unto them David to be
their king," i.e., as their king. So Acts 7:21, "for her son"; Acts 13:47, "to be a light," i.
e., as, or for, a light; 19:27, "to be despised"; Greek, to be "reckoned for naught."
Compare Romans 2:26, for circumcision; 9:8, for the seed.
But here, in 1 Peter 3 there is more than resurrection. It was that which made it "better" for
Christ to have suffered for well-doing. He had a glorious triumph as well. He went in His
resurrection body (εν ω, en ho, by, or, in which) and made proclamation* of it to "the in-prison-
spirits."
* The word is κηρυσσω (kerusso), to herald, i.e., to proclaim as a κηρυξ (kerux), a
herald, not ευαγγελιζω (euangelizo), to preach the Gospel.
What and who can these be? To answer this question we have to go a little further afield. But
not far. The same Peter tells us over leaf, in 2 Peter 2:4, of the angels that sinned in the days of
Noah, and who are now cast down to Tartarus and there "delivered into chains of darkness to be
reserved unto judgment." And when we read further in Jude 6 (a remoter context) of the same
historical fact—the sinning and imprisonment of these angels; and when we remember that
angels are spirits, and are so called in Hebrews 1:7 and 14, then we are at no loss to understand
that the triumph of Christ was so great that, in His resurrection body, He went and made
proclamation of it; and it reached to the limits of creation; even the angels now in prison for
their sin.
Any one can see that verses 20 and 21 are a parenthetical clause, and that the Relative "which"
at the beginning of verse 20 introduces a digression about these angels, in order to tell us what
their sin was (viz., "disobedience"), and when their sin was* (viz., "in the days of Noah"). And
having come round to "the resurrection of Jesus Christ" (at the end of the digression), to the
point where we started in verse 18, we are led on now to the end of the Triumph, beyond
resurrection; ever to ascension and exaltation and glory, "angels and authorities and powers
having been made subject unto Him" (v 22).
* Not when this proclamation of Christ was.
Here was triumph indeed. Here we see the reason of the "For" in verse 18. Yes! It is indeed
"better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing." It was "better" for Christ, the just; and, it
will be better for us. We also shall have a resurrection. If we are judged (according to the will of
men) and put to death in the flesh, it is only that we might live again in resurrection (according
to the will of God) in our spiritual bodies, as Christ did. This is the argument in 1 Peter 4:6. It is
in view of this blessed hope that the Gospel was preached to them that are now dead. This is
why it is preached to us; to show us why it is "better to suffer for well-doing."
If we ask, why these "in-prison spirits" should have this proclamation made to them, we have
only to follow up the clue already given in the nearer and remoter contexts.
They took part in the gigantic plot to corrupt and destroy the whole human race. The nature of
their sin is clear from Jude 6. The time of it is also given in 2 Peter 2:4, 5, and here, in 1 Peter
3:20. The object of it we have in Genesis 6. The great promise and prophecy had gone forth in
Genesis 3:15, that "the seed of the woman" should come into the world, and should finally crush
the head of the Old Serpent.
Satan's object therefore was to frustrate this counsel of God.
Having as yet no clue as to the line by which "the seed of the woman" should come into the
world, his first effort was to corrupt and destroy the whole human race. This he carried out as
described in Genesis 6 and Jude 6. "The sons of God" were angels; "the angels who sinned." All
beings who are the direct creation of God are called his "sons." Adam was "a son of God" (Gen
5:1; Luke 3:38). We are not. By nature we are sons of Adam begotten in his likeness (Gen 5:3).
The New nature in us makes us "sons of God," because that is God's own new-creation work
(Eph 2:10; 2 Cor 5:17; Rom 8:14-17). For the same reason also, angels are called "sons of God,"
because they are the direct creation of God. In the Old Testament the expression always has this
meaning. Before Adam was created "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God
shouted for joy" (Job 38:7). An angel was sent to the lions' den to shut the lions' mouths (Dan
6:22), as another was sent to the fiery furnace to deliver Jehovah's servants; this angel is called
"a son of God" (for there is no article).
They cannot (in Gen 6) be the seed of Seth, as is generally taught, because they are contrasted
with "the daughters of MEN"; which shows they must be of a different nature.
We know from Genesis 6 how nearly that great plot succeeded; how the whole earth was
corrupted* (Gen 6:11,12).
* txa#af (shachath), to ruin, lay in ruins, to make good for nothing. Hence txi#a
(shackath), a sepulchre, corruption.
All, except Noah's family, were tainted with this uncanny and unholy breed called "Nephilim."
Noah was tamim, i.e., "without blemish," as the word for "perfect" here is generally rendered
elsewhere. All had to be destroyed by the Flood; but the angels who sinned are "reserved," in
"chains" and "in prison" (1 Peter 3:19; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), for their judgment at a yet future
day.
The aim of Satan was to corrupt, and so secure the destruction of the whole human race. And his
plot would have succeeded but for the direct interposition of Divine judgment.
"The seed of the woman" ultimately came into the world. The Word of God was fulfilled; and
now, though His heel had been bruised, and He suffered and died, yet God raised Him from the
dead, the token that Satan's head shall in due time be crushed.
This glorious triumph had to be heralded forth. Those who had taken part in that awful plot had
to learn that the designs of Satan, their lord and master, had failed. This was the reason why
Christ, having risen from the dead, went and proclaimed His glorious triumph.
This is why it is "better to suffer for well-doing than for evil-doing. FOR Christ also
suffered" [for well doing], "the just for the unjust." And, it was "better" for Him; for He has
triumphed gloriously: and it is "better" for us also; for we are thereby saved eternally.
Not merely saved through* the judgment (as the digression shows); not saved by means of
material water; but by the "suffering" of that perfect sacrifice, which has made the comers
thereunto "perfect as pertaining to the conscience" (Heb 9:9, 10:1), and given them "the answer
of a good conscience toward God" (1 Peter 3:21).
* This is the force of διασωζω (diasozo). See its only occurrences: Matthew 14:36;
Luke 7:3; Acts 23:24, 27:43,44, 28:1,4; and here 1 Peter 3:20.
Thus we see how the scope (or one great subject) of the whole passage determines for us the
sense in which we are to understand the words which are employed in it; and we see also how
this is the only sense which gives cogency and consistency to the whole argument.
Moreover the scope of this passage is in harmony with the scope of the whole Epistle.# We see
and are shown throughout how it is "better to suffer for well doing than for evil doing."
* See the Structure, under Canon II, pages 216-219.
In 1:7 the trial of our faith is to be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of
Jesus Christ.
In 1:11 the subject of prophecy was that Christ's sufferings were to be followed by glory.
In 1:13 we are, in our trials, to "hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto us at the
revelation of Jesus Christ."
In 1:19-21, when Christ's sufferings were over, and the "precious blood" was shed, God "raised
Him from the dead and gave Him glory."
In 2:20 they are asked, "What glory is it if when ye be buffeted for your faults ye shall take it
patiently? but if, when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with
God."
In 2:21-24 Christ's example is given to prove this. He suffered for well-doing, and when he died
he committed His spirit* unto Him who judgeth righteously (2:23; comp. Luke 23:46). And all
this was done in order that we, having died to sins, might live again** unto righteousness, in
newness of life here, and of resurrection life which the righteous Judge shall give us in that day
(2 Tim 4:8).
* "himself" is in italics both in AV and RV. RV margin suggests "his cause"; but Luke
23:46 shows us what it was He committed to the Father—as connected with the
glorious resurrection—which was His reward in consequence.
** ζαω (zao), to live, especially in resurrection life, real or typical. John 5:25, 11:25;
Rev 1:18, 20:4.
In 4:6, though they might be judged indeed according to the will of men, in the flesh; they might
live again in resurrection life according to the will of God, in their spiritual bodies.
In 4:13 they are to rejoice that inasmuch as they were partakers of Christ's sufferings, they
would be glad also with exceeding joy when Christ's glory should be revealed.
In 4:19 if they suffered, and this suffering was according to the will of God, they were to
commit themselves (in well-doing) to God as to a faithful creator, who was thus able to re-create
them in resurrection.
In 5:1 Peter himself was a witness of this great truth, for he had been a witness of Christ's
sufferings, and would be a partaker of His glory also when it shall be revealed.
Finally, in 5:10, they are reminded that though they may "suffer awhile," yet, the God of all
grace has called them unto eternal glory.
There can be no question, therefore, as to what is the scope of the Epistle as a whole; neither can
there be any doubt as to the scope of the particular passage (3:18-22), where the resurrection,
ascension, and glorification of Christ after His sufferings, proved that it was "better to suffer for
well-doing than for evil-dong." A triumph it was. And, a triumph so great, that He went and
proclaimed it to the in-prison spirits in Tartarus to show them that all this triumph was in spite
of the Satanic plot referred to and recorded in Genesis 6 and in which they had so great a share,
so great a guilt, and so great a condemnation. This is the triumph of Colossians 2:14, 15.
3. Testament and Covenant.—Hebrews 9:15-23 affords* another example, showing how the
scope of a passage will furnish us with the meaning of the word διαθηκη (diatheke), covenant.
* See Canon II, pp. 220-223, our reason for giving these verses as the context or
scope.
In the AV it is consistently, but, as we shall see, wrongly rendered by our word "testament." The
RV is certainly inconsistent, for in verse 15 it twice renders it "covenant," and in verses 16 and
17 it twice renders it "testament"; while in verses 18 and 20 it twice again has the word
"covenant" (one of the two being put in italics; as the word "testament" is similarly supplied in
italics).
All this confusion speaks loudly to us, and tells us that there is something, here, that needs
explanation. The note also given by the Revisers tells us that they were perfectly aware of their
inconsistency: for against each of the occurrences of the word in question they say in the
margin:
"The Greek word here used signifies both covenant and testament."
This statement may be true of Greek classical authors, but this passage is in God's Word.* Greek
writers knew nothing of God's covenants with Noah and Abraham, and Israel and David. Here,
it is entirely a question of what is the subject or scope of the passage. What is it all about? This
is the question we have to ask. And if we look at the whole passage from verse 15 to verse 23,
we see at once that the one great subject is a contrast between the NEW Covenant (v 15), and
the OLD Covenant (vv 19-22).
* διαθηκη (diatheke) occurs 280 times in the Septuagint, and is used always of a
covenant. This must be its meaning throughout the NT. The late Dr. Hatch, in his
Essays in Biblical Greek (Oxford Press, 1889), says, "The attempt to give it in certain
passages its classical meaning of 'testament' is not only at variance with its use in
Hellenistic Greek, but is probably also the survival of a mistake: in ignorance of the
philology of later and vulgar Latin, it was formerly supposed that 'testamentum,' by
which the word is rendered in the early Latin versions as well as in the Vulgate, meant
'testament' or 'will'; whereas, in fact, it meant also, if not exclusively, 'covenant.'"
This should settle the question for us, once for all. We have no right within the compass of a few
verses to change the subject of our own arbitrary will. It is a serious matter so to do, and it leads
to grave consequences. Here, it quite changes the scope, and affects the translation of the whole
passage.
(1) In verse 17 επι νεκροις (epi nekrois) is rendered in the AV "after men are dead," and in the
RV "where there hath been a death." But the Revisers' note against this, in the margin, is "Greek
over the dead." This shows that, having changed the subject they are forced to do violence to the
translation, and to abandon the plain meaning of the Greek. The marginal note is a confession of
this.
(2) In other ways both Versions are compelled to adapt their translation of the words to suit the
new subject which they have introduced.
ο διαθεµενος (ho diathemenos) means the appointed; and here, the appointed sacrifice, by
which all covenants must be made. It is masculine in Gender in order to agree not with the
Greek work θυσια (thusia), sacrifice, but with the Hebrew thought (xbazaf (zavach), sacrifice,
which is masculine).
The word diathemenos is the participle of διατιθηµι (diatithemi), to appoint (see Luke 22:29;
Acts 3:25; Heb 8:10 and 10:16; the only places where the verb occurs); and it is specially used
of making a covenant (Heb 8:10 and 10:16).
We have said enough to enable us now to give the words their true meaning and force according
to the scope; and we are not compelled to adapt them to a different subject.
The scope of Hebrews 9:15-23 is the same as that of Exodus 24:5-8, which describes the old
covenant-making.
"For where a covenant [is made, the] death of the appointed [sacrifice] is necessary to be
brought in: for, a covenant [is] confirmed [only] over dead [victims or sacrifices]; since it hath
no force while the appointed [sacrifice] is living."
The change of the scope in the AV and RV necessitates the bringing in of the word
"men"—about which there is not even a hint in the Greek. All is about covenants and sacrifices.
This will be seen when we look at this passage again, where we shall see its scope made more
clear by its structure. (See
pp. 220-223.)
We see sufficient here to illustrate our first Canon: that the scope of the passage must determine
the meaning of the several words employed in it.
4. Another example of a different character is found in Genesis 24:63: "And Isaac went out to
meditate in the field at the eventide."
This is a case in which the context must give us the meaning of the word xaw@#& (suach),
which is rendered "meditate," "or, to pray," in the margin.
That translators are perplexed is clear. The RV has "meditate," the Syriac has "to take a walk."
Gesenius suggests to go to and fro in the field (to muster the flocks)! We get the rendering
"meditate" from the Vulgate's "ad meditandum."
But even granting that the word "meditate" would serve, is there any thing to show us what sort
of a meditation it was likely to be?
It is clear that chapter 24, long as it is, is only a digression introduced in order to give us the
mission of Eliezer, to seek a wife for Isaac.
The last event, immediately before that mission was the burial of Sarah, Isaac's mother (Gen
23:19).
The next thing we read of Isaac is his going forth in the field to meditate. This is followed
immediately by his reception of Rebekah: "And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent,
and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his
mother's death" (24:67).
Is there nothing in this context to show us what is the meaning of the word rendered "meditate"?
Yes, it sends us again to the Lexicon and to the Concordance. There we find that usage connects
it with being bowed down. Psalm 44:25 (26), "Our soul is bowed down to the dust."
Lamentations 3:20, "my soul...is humbled in me" (margin "Hebrew bowed").*
* Compare also Psalm 6:6, "I am bowed down with my groaning"; 1 Samuel 1:15, a
sorrowful spirit; Proverbs 23:29, "Who hath melancholy" (not "babbling"!); RV has
"complaining."
Why was Isaac "comforted after his mother's death"? Comfort is for those who mourn. Isaac
was therefore still mourning the death of his mother; and he went out into the field to be alone,
and to give vent to his grief.
He did not go out either to pray or to think out some problem; but to seek in solitude comfort
and relief.
5. "The Lord's Day."—Revelation 1:10—Here, the whole scope of the passage in which we find
these words is concerning judgment. The nine verses which precede lead up to it, and the whole
subsequent subject of the book has to do with the coming of the Lord in judgment.
This can have no more to do with a day of the week than with a day of the month; but it does
have to do with "the Day of the Lord."
That this meaning of the expression is not only in agreement with the scope of the book, but
with all the known facts of the case, can be tested and proved (see
pages 158, 159).
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon II
The Scope of a Passage may best be Discovered by its Structure
I. Introductory: The History and Importance of the Subject.
Every Word of God is pure; and His words, like all His works, are perfect. Perfect in order,
perfect in truth, perfect in the use of number, perfect in structure.
"The works of Jehovah are great: sought out of all them that have pleasure therein" (Psa 111:2).
Those who seek out His works find wondrous treasures; and see perfection, whether revealed by
the telescope or the microscope. Neither of these exhaust those wonders. Both are only relative,
and limited by human powers of sight.
It is the same with that most wonderful of all His works— WORD. Use what powers of human
intellect we may, we find that we know only "in part" (1 Cor 13:9). Pursue any line of truth as
far as our human minds can go, and we come to a wall of adamant, which we can neither mount
over, pierce through, nor pass round; we return baffled, but solemnized by the fact that we know
"in part."
We shall not be surprised therefore to find literary perfection as well as spiritual perfection. For
there is perfection of literary form, as well as perfection of spiritual truth.
The correspondence between parallel lines must always have been visible even on the surface to
any one who carefully observed the Scriptures even as literary compositions.
Josephus, Philo Judaeus, Origen, Eusebius, Jerome, Isidore, among the Ancients, professed to
have discovered metres in the Hebrew original. They were followed by others among modern
scholars, some of whom agreed with them, while others refuted them.
In spite of Bishop Lowth's Larger and Shorter Confutations, which showed that all efforts to
discover the rhymes and metres which characterize common poetry must be fruitless, some few
writers have persevered in such attempts even to the present day.
"Bishop Lowth was the first to put the whole subject on a better and surer foundation; reducing
the chaos of medieval writings to something like order. His works were based on one or two
who had preceded him, and had laid the foundations on which he built with such effect that he
came to be universally recognised and appealed to as the ultimate and classical authority in these
matters."
But, as we have said, Bishop Lowth built on the foundations laid by others.*
* Rabbi Bon Isaac ben Jehudah, a celebrated Spanish-Jewish statesman, philosopher,
theologian, and commentator, born 1437. His commentaries anticipate much of what
has been advanced as new by modern theologians (Kitto, Enc. Bibl article by CDG).
Abravanel, a learned Jew of the fifteenth century, and Azariah de Rossi* in the sixteenth
century, were the first to demonstrate and illustrate the phenomena exhibited in the parallel lines
of Holy Scripture.
* Azariah Min Ha-Adonim, as the Jews call him, was born in Mantua, 1513.
Azariah de Rossi published, in 1574-5, in Mantua, his celebrated work which he called Myny
( rw)m (Meor Enayim), or The Light of the Eyes. It was a remarkable work and almost an
encyclopedia of biblical literature in itself. Several of its chapters have been translated and
published separately, in Latin and English. One chapter (60) was sufficient to kindle Bishop
Lowth's enthusiasm; and he translated it in his Preliminary Dissertation to his last great work,
his translation of Isaiah (London, 1835). But, before this, Lowth had already used De Rossi's
wonderful work to such purpose that in 1753 he published his Proelections on the Sacred Poetry
of the Hebrews. This caused quite a sensation in the biblical world, and soon became of
European fame.
Meanwhile Christian Schoettgen (born 1687) had published in 1733-42 his Horoe Hebraicoe et
Talmudicoe (2 vols. 4to), at Dresden and Leipzig; Bishop Lowth does not appear to have known
of this work, for it anticipates him, and under the heading "Exergasia Sacra" it lays down the
very doctrine which it remained for Lowth to improve and elucidate. Schoettgen lays down ten
canons, and he illustrates each with three examples.
Bishop Jebb (born 1775 at Drogheda) published his Sacred Literature in London, 1820: and,
until Thomas Boys began to write in 1824, Jebb's work had remained the last word on the
subject. It was a review of Lowth's work and "an application of the principles so reviewed" to
the illustration of the New Testament.
But both these works of Bishops Lowth and Jebb were almost entirely confined to the verbal
correspondences in parallel lines; and never proceeded beyond short stanzas; and, even then, did
not rise beyond what Lowth called "parallelism" and Jebb called "Sacred Composition."
It was reserved for Thomas Boys to raise the whole subject on to a higher level altogether, and
to lift it out of the literary parallelism between words and lines; and to develop it into the
correspondence between the subject-matter and truth of the Divine Word.
In 1824 Thomas Boys soon followed up Bishop Jebb by publishing his Tactica Sacra, and in
1827-30 his Key to the Book of Psalms.*
* This was only a description of his principles of Correspondence, which he applied to
some sixteen Psalms. It was the privilege of Dr. Bullinger to edit Thomas Boys's
manuscript; and, from pencilled notes in Boys's Interleaved Hebrew Bible
(Boothroyd's Edition with Commentary), to complete and publish, in 1890, the whole
of the Psalms with a Preface, and Memoir by his friend the Rev. Sydney Thelwall
(who had been a personal friend of Boys), then Vicar of Westleigh, North Devon. An
Introduction and Appendix were added by Dr. Bullinger as editor. This work was
called A Key to the Book of Psalms to preserve a continuity with Boys's own title.
While the successive works of Bishops Lowth and Jebb were enthusiastically and generally
received, yet the works of Thomas Boys not only had to fight their way through much
opposition, but are now practically unknown to Biblical students. Whether it is because they
afford such a wonderful evidence of the supernatural and miraculous in the Bible, and such a
proof of the Divine Authorship of the Word of God, that they are therefore the special object of
attack by the enemies of that Word (both Satanic and human) He alone knows. But so it is.
Bishop Jebb, however, we are thankful to say, in the Second Edition of his Sacred Literature
(1831), does recognize Boys's work in a note on page 74. He says, "Since the publication of
Sacred Literature, this peculiarity of composition has been largely and happily illustrated, in his
Tactica Sacra, by the Rev. Thomas Boys."
In 1851 Richard Baillie Roe made a great effort to revive the subject by publishing An
Analytical Arrangement of the Holy Scriptures according to the principles developed under the
name of Parallelism in the writings of Bishop Lowth, Bishop Jebb, and the Rev. Thomas Boys.
This appears to have shared the same fate as all the others. Roe's book gives us too much as well
as too little. It gives too much of dry analysis, and too little of the end for which it is made.
Moreover, it is not improved by departing from Boys's simplicity; and serves only to complicate
the subject by adding much that is arbitrary in arrangement. It may be said of Roe's method, that
what is true is not new; and what is new is no improvement.
The facts being as thus stated, it shows that the subject has either not yet been grasped nor
understood by Bible students; or, that it makes too much for the Inspiration and Divine Origin
and Authority of the Word of God; and that there are spiritual powers, working with the human,
whose one great object is to make the Word of God of none effect (Eph 6:12 and 17).
And yet, we may say that, no more powerful weapon has yet been placed in our hands outside
that Word, which is "the Spirit's sword." It affords a wondrous proof of Inspiration; it gives us a
clearer and more comprehensive view of the scope of the Scriptures, than the most learned and
elaborate commentaries can ever hope to do; and it is capable of even turning the scale in
doubtful, doctrinal, and critical questions.
By its means the student is led to views and truths, and reflections which, without it, would
never have occurred to him. And it is not too much to say that until the Correspondences of the
Biblical Structure are duly recognized we shall never get a correct translation or a true
interpretation of many passages which are to this day dark and confused in both our Versions,
the RV as well as in the AV.
Preaching on another subject, Bishop Lowth truthfully and feelingly observed that "It pleased
God, in His unsearchable wisdom, to suffer the progress of the Reformation to be stopped mid-
way; and the effects of it to be greatly weakened by many unhappy divisions among the
reformed."
The same may be said of the Law of Correspondence in the Structure of the Word of God, so
wonderfully discovered and developed; and yet, needing to-day almost to be rediscovered, and
certainly to be developed in its application to the whole Word of truth.
Parts of the world, remaining yet unexplored, are eagerly sought out without stint of labour or
money. Would that the same zeal could be seen applied in the interest of this great subject.
ii. The Principles Governing the Structure of Scripture
Having said thus much on the History and Importance of the Structure of Scripture, it is
necessary that we should present an account and description of it in some kind of order more or
less complete.
We do not propose to wade through all the Divisions and Subdivisions which have been
suggested or laid down in connection with Parallelism as it relates to Lines. Our general object is
to understand the Word of truth; and our special object is to consider how we may, by its means,
arrive at the scope or subject of a particular passage.
The laws which govern this Parallelism of lines we will re-state as briefly as may be consistent
with clearness. The main principles are as follows:—
Parallel Lines are:—
(1) COGNATE* or GRADATIONAL, where the same thought is expressed in different or
progressive terms:—
"Seek ye Jehovah, while He may be found;
Call ye upon Him, while He is near.—Isaiah 55:6
* This is Bishop Jebb's improvement of Bishop Lowth's word
"synonymous," as including different as well as practically
equivalent terms.
(2) ANTITHETIC or OPPOSITE, where the terms or subjects are set in contrast:—
"Faithful are the wounds of a friend;
But deceitful are the kisses of an enemy."— Proverbs 27:6
(3) SYNTHETIC, or CONSTRUCTIVE, where the terms or subjects correspond in a similar
form of construction, either as equivalent or opposite. (As in Psalm 19:7-10; Isaiah 44:26-28.) It
discriminates and differentiates between the thoughts, as well as the words; building up truth by
layers, as it were, placing one on the other.
"O the happiness of that man,
Who hath not walked in the counsel of the ungodly;
And hath not stood in the way of sinners;
And hath not sat in the seat of the scornful."—Psalm 1:1
(4) INTROVERTED, where, whatever be the number of lines, the first line is parallel with the
last; the second with the penultimate (or next to the last); the third with the antepenultimate (or
next but one to the last); and so throughout, until we come to the two corresponding lines in the
middle.
This was the discovery of Bishop Jebb; and could not be seen until a larger number of
consecutive lines were examined.
"Make the heart of this people fat,
And make their ears heavy,
And shut their eyes:
Lest they see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears
And understand with their heart."—Isaiah 6:10
Here, the correspondence is manifest.
It was, however, as we have said, reserved for Thomas Boys to lift the whole study out of the
sphere of words and lines; and see the Law of Correspondence between subjects and subject-
matter. Instead of occupying us with lines he bade us look at what he designated members.
These members consisted of verses, and whole paragraphs. And the larger paragraphs were
soon seen to have their own peculiar structure* or expansions.
* The reader will find further elucidation on this subject in Figures of Speech, by the
same author and publisher.
This brings us to the consideration of what we have called the Structure of Scripture.
Most of our readers will be acquainted with the practice of marking their Bibles by ruling lines
connecting the same word or words as they recur on the same or the adjoining page. The words
recur, because the subject recurs; and the Law of Correspondences not only explains the
practice of such Bible markings, but shows why it can be done.
The principles and phenomena of the Laws of Correspondence are exceedingly simple, however
perplexing they may appear to the eye at first sight. A little attention will soon make all clear to
the mind as well as to the eye.
There are practically only two ways in which the subject is repeated:—
1. By Alternation.
2. By Introversion.
1. Alternation.
This is where two (or more) subjects are repeated alternately.
(a) We call it Simple Alternation where there are only two subjects each of which is repeated in
alternate lines. Thus:—
A. _______________
B. _______________
A. ______________
B. _______________
Here, the letters are used quite arbitrarily, and merely for the convenience of reference. Thus,
the subject in the passage marked with an Italic letter (A) is the same as the subject in the
passage marked with the corresponding Roman letter (A); while the B subject is the same as the
B subject, the similar Roman and Italic letters indicating their similar, opposite and contrasted,
or common subject.
(b) Where the two subjects are repeated more than once we call it Repeated Alternation, and
indicate it thus:—
A1. _______________
B1. _______________
A2. _______________
B2. _______________
A3. _______________
B3. _______________
And so on: all the members marked A corresponding in subject; and the members marked B
corresponding in like manner. There is no limit to this repetition.
(c) Where there are more than two subjects alternating then we call it Extended Alternation; and
there will be as many pairs, or sets of members, as there are subjects (unless, of course, these are
repeated, when it would be a Repeated Extended Alternation):—
A. _______________
B. _______________
C. _______________
A. _______________
B. _______________
C. _______________
2. Introversion.
This is where the subjects are repeated, not in alternation, but in introversion; i.e. from opposite
ends. In this case there will be as many subjects as there are pairs of introverted members.
Suppose we have an example of four subjects. This will give us eight members, in which the 1st
will correspond with the 8th; the 2nd with the 7th; the 3rd with the 6th; and the 4th with the 5th.
Thus:—
A. _______________
B. _______________
C. _______________
D. _______________
D. _______________
C. _______________
B. _______________
A. _______________
Now, with these few simple facts and phenomena, it is possible to have a very great variety. For
they are practically unlimited, and can be combined in so many ways, and in such varying
numbers, that there seems no end to the variety. But, all conform to the above simple laws, in
which there is no exception.
iii. Examples of Each Principle.
We will give an example of each kind: premising (1) that 1- indicates the first part of a verse, -1
the latter part, and -1- a middle part; (2) that all the larger members have their own special
Structures, in which the Correspondences of each may be expanded and exhibited.
We give the examples from the Psalms because they are not encumbered with the human
chapter divisions.
Simple Alternation.
Psalm 19
A. 1-4-. The Heavens.
B. -4, 6. In them (mheb@:) "The Sun."
A. 7-10. The Scriptures
B. 11-14. In them (mheb@:) "Thy Servant."
Repeated Alternation.
Psalm 145
A1. 1, 2. Praise promised. From me, to Jehovah Himself.
B1. 3. Praise offered.
A2. 4-7. Praise promised. From others and me for Jehovah's works.
B2. 8, 9. Praise offered.
A3. 10-12. Praise promised. From others, and His works, for Jehovah's
kingdom.
B3. 13-20. Praise offered.
A4. 21. Praise promised from me and others, to Jehovah Himself.
Introversion and Extended Alternation Combined.
Psalm 105
History. Patriarchs.
A. 1-7. Exhortation to praise.
B. 8-12. Basis of praise. Covenant in promise.
C a. 13. Their journeyings.
b. 14, 15. Their prosperings.
c. 16. Their
affliction
d.
17-
22.
Mission
of
deliverance
(xla#
$af).
Joseph.
History. The nation.
C a. 23. Their journeyings.
b. 24. Their prosperings.
c. 25. Their
affliction.
d.
26-
41.
Mission
of
deliverance
(xla#
$af).
Moses
and
Aaron.
B. 42-45-. Basis of praise. Covenant performed.
A. -45. Exhortation to praise.
In order to discover the structure of a particular passage it is necessary that we begin to read the
portion of Scripture very carefully, and note the subject. We mark it A.
We read on until the subject changes, and we note and indent it thus B.
So far there can be no difficulty. But when we come to the next change we may find either a
third subject, in which case we must further indent it and mark it C., or, we shall find the first
subject again (as in Psalm 19 above). If it be the latter, then we know that we are going to find
an alternation (and this, either simple as in Psalm 19 above, or repeated as in Psalm 145 above),
and we must mark it A. and put it beneath the A. If it is a repetition of the second subject, then
we know that it is going to be an Introversion, and must mark it B. and place it under the B.
Let us take, as a working example, "The Prophecy of Zacharias," in Luke 1:68-79; this being a
passage of Scripture complete in itself, and not a human or arbitrary division.
We read verse 68 with the object of finding and noting its subjects:—"Blessed be the Lord God
of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people." Here, the subject may be either "Visited"
or "Redeemed." So we give the place of honour to the former of these two words, and write it
down, thus:—
A. 68. Visitation.
We then read the next verse, "And hath raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his
servant David." Here there can be no doubt that the subject is Salvation. This we must mark
"B," and set it down, indented, thus:
B. 69. Salvation.
So far all is clear. But we know not, as yet, what the subject of the third member is to be. If it is
Visitation we must set it down under "A" and mark it with an italic "A." Then we read slowly
on:—"As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began." It
is manifest that we have, as yet, no repetition of either of the subjects in "A" or "B." If it had
been that of "A," it would be a Simple or Repeated Alternation. If it had been that of "B," we
should know that it was going to be an Introversion. But, it is a fresh subject, which is clearly,
"Prophets." So we must mark it "C," and write it down, indenting it still more, thus:
C. 70. Prophets.
Even now, there is nothing to tell us what the Structure is going to be. So far as we can see, it
may be an Extended Alternation by the repetition of "A," "B," and "C"; or it may be an
Introversion to be marked "C," "B," and "A." So we must read on:—"That we should be saved
from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us." Here, we still have no Repetition: but
we find a new subject, which is clearly "Enemies." So we must mark it "D," and write down
(still further indenting it) thus:
D. 71. Enemies.
If the subject is a Repetition of any of the above subjects, we know that we are going to have an
Alternation of some kind, or an Introversion. So we must still read on:—"To perform the mercy
promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant." Here, there can be no doubt that
we have again a new subject, and that it must be Covenant. So we put it down, as before, and
still further indent it, thus:
E. 72. The
Covenant.
We can now be sure that we are going to have either a very Extended Alternation or an
Introversion. So we must still read on, closely scanning every word, in order to get the clue. We
find it in the next verse (v 73):—"The oath which he sware to our father Abraham." Here, at
length, we get one of our subjects repeated, as we were bound to do before long. It is the subject
of "E," where the word "Covenant" is repeated in the synonymous word "Oath," thus indicating
the sureness and certainty of the Covenant. We must mark this "E," and write it down under the
"E," thus:
E. 73. The
Oath.
All we have to do now is to read on, and we soon discover that we have an Introversion, of great
beauty, which we may now easily complete and set out, as follows:
Introversion.
The song of Zacharias (Luke 1:68-79).
A. 68. Visitation.
B. 69. Salvation.
C. 70. Prophets.
D. 71. Enemies.
E. 72. The
Covenant.
E. 73. The
Oath.
D. 74, 75. Enemies.
C. 76. Prophet.
B. 77. Salvation.
A. 78, 79. Visitation.
By practice and observation we shall soon surmount the initial difficulties; and in course of time
the study and formation of structures will become increasingly easy and happy work.
iv. The Advantages and Importance of the Structures will be Seen.
(a) In telling us what a particular passage of Scripture is all about. In other words, what is the
Scope or the Subject of the passage we are studying.
(b) This will give us the key to the meaning which we are to put upon the words which are
employed (as we saw under Canon I).
(c) In a case of doubt, the subject which is clearly stated in one of the members will inform us as
to what it must be in the corresponding member, where it may not be so clearly stated.
(d) As the sense generally reads on from one member to its corresponding member, it will
practically place the intervening member or members in a parenthesis. We shall therefore have
to read on from "A" to "A" and from "B" to "B," etc. in order to get connected sense, instead of
apparent confusion. This may be seen from any of the above examples, especially Psalm 105.
But we may append another beautiful example:
Hebrews 1, 2.
A. 1:1-2-. God speaking.
B. 1:-2-14. The Son. God. Better than Angels.
A. 2:1-4. God speaking.
B. 2:5-18. The Son. Man. Lower than Angels.
Here, 2:1 ("A") reads on from 1:2- ("A"), and 2:5 ("B") reads on from 1:14 ("B").
(e) Corroborative evidence is sometimes thus obtained for the support or otherwise of a various
reading.
v. Illustrations of these Advantages.
But the chief importance of this branch of our subject lies in the fact that the Structure gives us
the Scope, and the Scope will give us the key to the meaning of the words.
It will be interesting if we now apply the principle involved in this our Second Canon to our
First Canon, and to the same passages there considered. We shall thus see how the Structure of
the passages which furnished the several illustrations under Canon I does indeed give us their
Scope: which, in turn, gives us the meanings of the words in 2 Peter 1:20, 21 and 1 Peter 3:18-
20.
1. "Private interpretation" (2 Peter 1:20,21). As the Epistles come to us as a whole, without
division into chapters, we must not be guided by these human divisions at all in looking for the
Structure; neither may we arbitrarily take a few verses, and say: these form a member by
themselves. We must show that these verses in question stand in their own special place and
have their own proper correspondences in the Epistle as a whole. In looking, therefore, for the
structure of 2 Peter 1:20 we must first find the Structure of the whole Epistle, and see where this
particular verse comes in; so that we may know of what subject it forms part; and with what
other member it has its correspondence.
The 2nd Epistle of Peter as a whole.
(Combined Introversion and Extended Alternation.)
A. 1:1-4. Epistolary. Introduction. Grace and knowledge to be increased. Christ,
"God and Saviour."
B. 1:5-11. Exhortations and Reasons.
C. a. 1:12-15. Peter.
b. 1:16-21. Apostles and
prophets.
c. 2. The
wicked, etc.
C. a. 3:1. Peter.
b. 3:2. Prophets and apostles.
c. 3:3-13.
The wicked,
etc.
B. 3:14-17. Exhortations and reasons.
A. 3:18. Epistolary. Conclusion. Grace and knowledge to be increased. Christ,
"Lord and Saviour."
We thus see that 1:20 forms part of a larger member (marked "b") which has for its subject
"Apostles and prophets."
This one member (b, 1:16-21) is capable of a wonderful expansion, from which we see that it
consists of two distinct parts: Apostolic witness (vv 16-18); and, the Prophetic word (vv 19-21).
These two, on careful examination, are seen to have a similar construction: Alternately negative
and positive.
2 Peter 1:16-21
(Simple Alternation Combined with Introversion.)
The Apostolic Witness (vv 16-18).
b.D.d. 1:16. What it was NOT. "Not cunningly devised (or self-originated)
Myths."
e. 1:-16. What it WAS. A vision of the power and coming of
Christ (comp. Matt 16:28 and 7:1-5).
E. 1:17, 18. How it CAME. Voice came
(φερω) from the excellent glory. Voice came
(φερω) from heaven. "Heard" and "made
known."
The Prophetic Word (vv 19-21).
e. 1:19. What it IS. A light to be well-heeded till the Day of
Christ's coming shall dawn; and He, the Day Star, shall arise.
d. 1:20. What it is NOT. Not of its own revealment. Not self-originating.
E. 1:21. How it CAME. Not brought (φερω)
by the Will of Man; but brought (φερω) by
pneuma hagion, or "power from on high."
"heard," and "spoken."
From this we see the obvious contrast standing out very clearly between the self-originated
myths that came by "the will of man"; and the Divine and heavenly visions and revelations sent
and received, and seen and heard from God in heaven.
This revelation is further seen to concern Christ's Coming. In "e" it is the Vision of it, as fore-
shown in the Transfiguration: in "e" it is the grand reality of it, of which the Transfiguration was
only a typical Vision. The former was believed on the Apostolic Witness: the latter was to be
believed on the testimony of the Prophetic Word.
Further, the great subject, as to How the Apostolic Witness and the Prophetic Word came is
strongly emphasized by the repetition of the same verb φερω (phero), to bring or bear. We have
it twice in each of the two corresponding members (E and E), showing us how the human
Witness and the Divine Word were both brought to us from heaven; and did not originate from
any man or men on earth, as did the cunningly-devised myths.
It is this fact which stamps the Apostasy of the present day. Those who profess to be in the
Apostolic succession turn away their ears from the prophetic Word; and, while they declare that
many of its records are myths, are themselves "turned unto" the myths* of man's devising.
* So the Greek word rendered "Fables" in 2 Timothy 4:4.
We may add, in order to complete this passage, the following Expansions, verbatim:—
The Expansion of D (2 Peter 1:19,20).
The Prophetic Word.
(Introversion—Six Members)
D.f. And we have more sure, the prophetic word (written prophecy);
g. to which ye do well to take heed,
h. as to a light shining in a dark place,
h. until the day dawn, and the day star arise,
g. in your hearts;
D.f. this knowing first, that no prophecy of scripture came of its own disclosure.
Here, we observe, that the subject of "f" and "f" is the Prophecy. In "f" it is spoken of as a
whole; in "f" in part, a particular prophecy. In "g" and "g" we have Exhortation as to our duty
with regard to it. In "g" we are exhorted to take heed to it; and in "g" how we are to take
heed—viz., in our hearts. Lastly, in "h" and "h" we have the Prophetic Word again. In "h" its
character (a light in a dark place); and in "h" its duration and object (until the day dawn, etc.).
Then in verse 21 we have the reason given.
The Expansion of E (2 Peter 1:21).
The Reason.
(Introversion)
E.i. For not by the will of man
k. was prophecy, at any time, borne in,
k. but by the Holy Spirit, borne along,
E.i. spake the holy men of God.
Here again we have in "i" and "i" man's relation to the Prophetic Word; in "i" negative, in "i"
positive. While in "k" and "k" we have its origin; in "k" negative, and in "k" positive.
The above two Structures may be now explained by the following Key:
The Key to D and E.
The Prophetic Word. (2 Peter 1:19,20)
(Introversion)
D.f. The prophetic word as a whole.
g. Exhortation (general) to take heed to it.
h. Its character: a light in a dark place.
h. Its duration: until the Day dawn.
g. Exhortation (particular): to take heed to it in our hearts.
D.f. Prophecy in particular.
The Reason. (2 Peter 1:21)
(Introversion)
E.i. Man's part in it. (Negative)
k. How it did not come. (Negative)
k. How it did come. (Positive)
E.i. Man's part in it. (Positive)
Thus the scope, or great subject, of 2 Peter 1:16-21 is gathered from its structure; and it is seen
to be, not what Scripture means, but whence it came: and it is concerned not with the
interpretation of Scripture, but with its origin, as already shown above (
pp. 186-188).
2. "The spirits in prison" (1 Peter 3:18-22). To understand this expression the Structure is
necessary to give us the scope of 1 Peter 3.
Verse 19 does not stand by itself, but forms part of a larger member; and that member has its
own Scope, or subject, which will give us the meaning of the expression—"The in-prison
spirits."
This member is not to be arbitrarily delimited, but must be found from
The Structure of 1 Peter as a whole.
(Combined Introversion and Extended Alternation.)
A. 1:1, 2. Epistolary.
B. 1:3-12. Introduction. Giving out the great subject. "The
End." Glory, after suffering for a season (ολιγον, oligon).
C.a. 1:13-2:10. General Exhortations in view
of "the End" (1:13). Grace to be brought at
Revelation of Jesus Christ.
b. 2:11-4:6. Particular
Exhortations as to
"sufferings" to be followed
by "glory" (2:20, 3:17-22).
C.a. 4:7-19. General Exhortations in view of
"the End." Joy to be brought at Revelation of
Christ's glory.
b. 5:1-9. Particular
Exhortations as to
"sufferings" to be followed
by "glory" (5:1).
B. 5:10, 11. Conclusion. Embodying the great subject. "The
End." Glory after suffering awhile (ολιγον, oligon).
A. 5:12-14. Epistolary.
From this structure it is perfectly clear that the Scope and subject of the whole Epistle is only
one. This Scope is given in the words of 3:17.
"It is better to suffer for well doing than for evil doing."
This truth is enforced and illustrated and emphasized again and again throughout the Epistle.
The verses which follow (3:17-4:6)* are added as the reason, which is given in proof of this
statement of the Scope of this Epistle. The word "FOR" introduces it, and thus tells us that we
have arrived at the very kernel of the whole Epistle. Not some passage which we are to explain
as best we can and as though we wished it were not there: but which we are to embrace as all-
important, and as though it were indispensable, as it is, to the subject of the Epistle.
* We cannot break off at end of chapter 3 for chapter 4 begins "Forasmuch then,"
which shows that it follows in close continuation of chapter 3.
But here again we must go back; for though we see that these verses (3:17-4:6) occur in the
member "b," yet we see also that they form only a part of that member.
It is necessary for us, therefore, to go back, and see whether it is really an integral part, and
whether the break in the whole member (2:11-4:6) really does occur at 3:17.
Expansion of "b" (1 Peter 2:11-4:6).
(Extended Alternation.)
b.D. 2:11. Exhortations (Personal).
E. 2:12. Calumnies: and how to refute them.
F. 2:13-3:7. Submission to man for the Lord's
sake: "The will of God" (2:15). Reason:
"For" (2:21), and Example of Christ in His
sufferings.
b.D. 3:8-15. Exhortations (General).
E. 3:16. Calumnies: and how to refute them.
F. 3:17-4:6. Submission to man for the Lord's
sake: "The will of God" (3:17). Reason:
"For" (3:18), and Example of Christ in His
glorification.
The Correspondence of these members, each to each, is exceedingly exact and minute. From this
we see that the last member F does actually commence with 3:17, the "For" corresponding
exactly with the "For" in 2:21: each "for" introducing the example of Christ.
Now we are, at length, in a position to examine the further delimitation of this member F (3:17-
4:6): which is as follows:—
The Reasons for Submission to the Will of God
(1 Peter 3:17-4:6).
(Simple Alternation Combined with Introversion.)
F.G.c. 3:17. Reason for our suffering here, in the flesh, "if the will of God be
so."
d. 3:18-. Reason for Christ's suffering here as to His flesh, "put
to death."
H. 3:-18-22. Christ's glory which followed.
(Resurrection, Triumph, Glory, and
Dominion).
d. 4:1-. Reason for Christ's suffering here, in the flesh.
F.G.c. -1-5. Our suffering here in the flesh, at the "will of man," by "the will of
God."
H. 4:6. Reason for our glory which shall
follow. Though judged in the flesh according
to the "will of man," we shall live again in
resurrection according to the "will of
God" (compare v 19).
Here we see the beautiful contrast between our suffering and Christ's; our glory and Christ's.
This leads us up, naturally, to Christ's example, which follows verses 18-22, with which we are
now concerned.
We see, from the above Structure, that these particular verses are located in the member "H," the
subject of which is the Example of Christ in His glorification, corresponding with His example
in 2:21, which was Christ in His suffering.
In H (3:18-22) the two examples are combined in order to connect the sufferings with the glory;
and to show that Christ's glorious triumph which followed was the reason why it is better to
suffer here, and now. (Compare 3:-18, with 4:-6.)
This is the triumph referred to in Colossians 2:14, 15, where, having "spoiled principalities and
powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it."
The Triumph of Christ (H, 1 Peter 3:18-22).
(Introversion and Extended Alternation.)
H.J.e. 3:-18. The Resurrection of Christ.
f. 19. Result. πορευθεις (poreutheis), having gone (to
Tartarus, 2 Peter 2:4) He made proclamation of His Triumph to
the in-prison spirits or angels.
g. 20-. The insubjection of spirits in the days
of Noah (Gen 6; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6).
K. -20. Noah saved then. Ark
the type. Material water the
means.
K. 21-. We saved now.
Baptism the Antitype.
Spiritual water the means.
H.J.e. -21. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
f. 22-. Result. πορευθεις (poreutheis), having gone into
heaven, is on the right hand of God.
g. -22. The subjection of angels, authorities,
and powers.
Here we come to the direct proof that verses 18-22 have for their subject the "glory" of Christ,
which followed on His "sufferings," forming the reason why "it is better to suffer for well-doing
than for evil-doing."
We see also the importance of the Structure in giving us the interpretation: for the "spirits" in
verse 20 are shown to be "angels" in verse 22: the insubjection of the former being set in
contrast with the latter.
Thus we have another example of our second great principle that the scope, or subject, of a
passage is to be sought for in its Structure.
We have also some evidence as to the Divine origin of Scripture. For, these Structures are
altogether beyond the power of "unlearned and ignorant men" such as Peter was (Acts 4:13),
and are the best possible proofs we can have of Divine Inspiration.
(c) "Testament" and Covenant (Heb 9:15-23).—This will furnish us with an illustration of what
we have already said on this passage above (
pages 195-197)
There we have shown how the meaning of certain words in this passage is determined by its
Scope. Now we have to show how the scope, and, therefore, the interpretation of the passage is
determined by its Structure.
It is more profitable to show this in the case of passages we have already dealt with above, than
to seek for other examples which would only divert our thoughts instead of concentrating them
on the further elucidation of passages already in our minds.
When we say that Hebrews 9:15-23 forms a distinct member by itself, the burden of proof
devolves upon us; for, we may not make this arbitrary statement: we must show that it is so in
fact, and that it has its own separate place in
The Epistle to the Hebrews as a whole.
(Introversion and Simple Alternation.)
A. 1, 2. Doctrinal Introduction.
B. 3:1-4:13. The Mission of Christ.
C. 4:14-16. General Application. ("Having
therefore") Boldness.
B. 5:1-10:18. The Priesthood of Christ.
C. 10:19-12:29. Particular Application.
("Having therefore") Boldness.
A. 13. Practical Conclusion.
We are now in a position to see where our particular passage (9:15-23) comes in.
It is in the member marked B (5:1-10:18) that we find it.
We have to see, next, what particular part of that member it occupies, before we can discover its
Scope.
Having thus given the Structure of the Epistle to the Hebrews as a whole, we are now in a
position to see where the particular passage which we are considering comes in.
We have before remarked that we cannot be guided in this matter by the chapter-breaks, which
are entirely and only of human authority, which is no authority at all.
In the case of an Epistle, we are compelled therefore to begin with the Epistle as a whole before
we can discover the position of a particular passage or verse.
The Structure of this member B, is based on the same model on which the Epistle itself, as a
whole, is framed; and it is as follows:
The Priesthood of Christ.
(B, Heb 5:1-10:18).
(Introversion, combined with Simple Alternation.)
B.a. 5:1-4. The nature of Priesthood in General. πας γαρ (pas gar) "for
every..."
b. 5:5-10. Christ called by God after the order of Melchisedec.
c. 5:11-6:20. Digression, concerning
Melchisedec as the Type.
b. 7. Christ called by God after the order of Melchisedec.
c. 8:1, 2. Summation, concerning Christ as the
Antitype.
B.a. 8:3-10:18. The Efficacy of Christ's Priesthood in particular πας γαρ (pas
gar) "for every..."
Now we see that the verses we are seeking (Heb 9:15-23) form part of a larger member, viz.,
Hebrews 8:3-10:18, and that, in the above expansion, it is the member marked "a," which is the
last member of the above Structure; and further, we see that its subject is the Efficacy and
Superiority of Christ's Sacrifice as compared with the Priesthood of Aaron under the Law.
All we have to do now is to get the Scope of this member (a, 8:3-10:18) by observing its own
special Structure.
We have said above that all these larger members have their own peculiar construction; but we
must not be tempted nor turned aside from our main purpose; we must confine our attention, in
each case, to the particular members involved in our search: and continue this until we narrow
the whole question down to the passage we are examining, and are able to locate the verses
(9:15-23) and thus discover their scope.
We are now in a position to do this by expanding the member "a," above, which we shall find to
be as follows:—
The Efficacy and Superiority of Christ's Priesthood.
(a, Heb 8:3-10:18).
(Extended Alternation.)
a.d. 8:3-6. Christ's Priesthood. "A more excellent ministry," "a better covenant"
on "better promises."
e. 8:7-13. The Old and New Covenants compared and
contrasted.
f. 9:1-5. The Earthly Sanctuary a copy of the
Heavenly Pattern.
g. 9:6-10. The Offerings.
a.d. 9:11-14. Christ's Priesthood. "A greater and more perfect Tabernacle." "His
own blood."
e. 9:15-23. The Old and New Covenants compared and
contrasted.
f. 9:24. The Heavenly Sanctuary the pattern of
the Earthly Copy.
g. 9:25-10:18. The Offerings.
Here we see that our special member which we are tracking out is found in that marked "e,"
9:15-23. Thus, at length, we learn that its subject is The Old and New Covenants Compared and
Contrasted.
This settles its Scope for us. All that remains for us to do now is to confirm it by discovering its
own Structure and seeing whether this be really the case.
To see the full force of this it will be well to look also at the member with which it stands in
Correspondence, viz., "e," 8:7-13, which is an Introversion. It also follows the model of the
Epistle as a whole.
The Old and New Covenants Compared and Contrasted.
(e, Heb 8:7-13)
(Introversion and Simple Alternation.)
e.h. 7,8. The First Covenant Faulty.
i. 9. The New Covenant (Negative). Not the same in the
making and material.
k. 10. The New Covenant (Positive). Spiritual.
i. 11. The New Covenant (Negative). Not the same in its result
and effect.
k. 12. The New Covenant (Positive). Spiritual.
e.h. 13. The First Covenant Evanescent.
Now we are in a position to look at the member with which we are specially concerned, and
again we notice that the Structure follows the model of the Epistle as a whole:—
The Old and New Covenants Compared and Contrasted.
(e, Heb 9:15-23)
(Introversion and Simple Alternation.)
e.l. 9:15. The Old Covenant related only to "the promise of the eternal
inheritance."
m. 16. Death necessary for its making.
n. 17. Reason for this necessity.
m. 18. Blood necessary for its consecration.
n. 19-23-. Reason for this necessity.
e.l. -23. The New Covenant related to "the heavenly things themselves."
It is impossible to miss the great subject of these verses. It forbids us to ignore its importance,
which is so essential to the whole argument.
To arbitrarily change this subject is to entirely miss its scope, and to be driven to force a
meaning into the words and expressions which are quite foreign to their Biblical usage.
4. "Absent from the Body."—2 Corinthians 5 will furnish us with another illustration of the
importance of the Structure in determining the Scope. And we have seen, under Canon I, the
necessity of the Scope to give us the meaning of the word, and to show us how indispensable it
is for a right understanding of the whole.
The Structure will show us how much we lose by the break between the fourth and fifth chapters
of the second Epistle to the Corinthians. Chapter 5 commences as though it began an entirely
fresh subject, whereas it begins with the word "FOR," which shows that it is the conclusion of
what had been begun towards the end of chapter 4. That subject is Resurrection as our blessed
hope in view of the perishing of our outward man day by day. As a comforting conclusion it is
added, "FOR we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a
building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens." This is one of the
"things unseen," and which are "eternal"; at which, and for which, we are to "look."
Where the real literary and logical breaks occur can be discovered only from the Structure.
As a matter of fact, 2 Corinthians 5 forms part of a member which runs from 2 Corinthians 3:1-
6:10; but we must not make such an arbitrary statement without producing the evidence, so that
others may judge for themselves as to its accuracy.
To prove this we must first give
The Structure of 2 Corinthians as a whole.
A. 1:1, 2. Salutation.
B.a. 1:3-11. Thanksgiving.
b. 1:12. Paul's Ministry.
C. 1:13-2:13. Epistolary.
B.a. 2:14-17. Thanksgiving.
b. 3:1-6:10. Paul's Ministry.
C. 6:11-13:10. Epistolary.
A. 13:11-14. Salutations.
Without going into the exquisite beauties of C and C, we note that the small portion in which the
expression "Absent from the body" occurs is the member marked b (3:1-6:10). We must dissect
and expand this member, which will be seen to be as follows:
The Character of Paul's Ministry.
(b, 2 Cor 3:1-6:10)
b.c. 3:1-3. Commendation (Positive).
d. 3:4, 5. Trust in God. God's Sufficiency.
e. 3:6-18. The Ministry of the New Covenant.
f. 4:1-5:11. Support under
Afflictions.
b.c. 5:12, 13. Commendation (Negative).
d. 5:14-18-. Love of Christ. All of God.
e. 5:-18-6:2. The Ministry of Reconciliation.
f. 6:3-10. Approval under
Afflictions.
We are thus narrowing down the issue, which is now seen to lie in the member marked "f" (4:1-
5:11).
The subject of this member is Support under afflictions; and its Structure is a repeated
alternation, as follows:
Support under Afflictions.
(2 Cor 4:1-5:11)
f.g1. 4:1-6 Confidence (Negative). "We faint not."
h1. 4:7-15. Grounds. "Earthen vessels." The working of death
in them (4:12), with pledge of Resurrection (4:14).
f.g2. 4:16-. Confidence (Negative). "We faint not."
h2. 4:-16-5:5. Grounds. "Earthly house." The working of
afflictions (4:17), and the working of God, in Resurrection
(5:5).
f.g3. 5:6-11. Confidence (Positive). "We are confident."
We need not purse these expansion further, though we might well do so.
We can see very clearly now, that the wonderful ground of support of Paul and Timothy in their
afflictions was the consideration of the "unseen" things, as outweighing the "things seen"; so
that though the "earthen vessels" of their bodies were dissolved there was the "excellency of the
power" of God which would be put forth in Resurrection.
It is thus seen how the break between chapters 4 and 5 destroys the connection: in fact, breaks in
two the one member, "h2" (4:-16-5:5), which has only one subject, viz., Resurrection, as the
ground of the confidence, and the reason for not fainting in their labours of ministry.
We might have included this under the head of rightly dividing the Word of truth as to its
literary form, as shown by the division into chapters (
pages 34, 35). We might also have
included it under the heading of the importance of the Scope of a passage (
Canon I). We might
have included it under the heading of the importance of the Context (see
Canon III). It belongs
to all three; but considering that the Structure is necessary to the crowning proof, we have given
this illustration here.
It is little less than a crime for anyone to pick out certain words and frame them into a sentence,
not only disregarding the Scope and the context, but ignoring the other words in the verse, and
quote the words "absent from the body present with the Lord" with the view of dispensing with
the hope of Resurrection (which is the subject of the whole passage), as though it were
unnecessary; and as though "presence with the Lord" is obtainable without it!
Apart from the doctrine involved, and apart from the teaching of Tradition (true or false), it is a
literary fraud thus to treat the words which the Holy Ghost teacheth.
We see therefore, for it must be clear to us, that the Scope of a passage is the key to its words;
and that the Structure of a passage is the key to its Scope.
This will show us the importance of our second Canon.
How great must be our loss if we fail to use this key to the wonderful words of God.
Like all His works they bear the minutest searching out.
All the works of God are perfect. And the microscope and telescope can both be used to
examine them; though neither of them can ever exhaust the wonders of God's works. In both
directions an increase of the power of the lens will reveal new beauties and fresh marvels.
The Word of God, being one of His works, must have the same phenomena: and nothing
exhibits these phenomena like the Study of its Literary Structure.
To us, God's Word is the greatest and most important of all His works. If we understand all His
other works (which no one does or can) and yet know not His Word, our knowledge will not
carry us beyond the grave.
But we must not lose sight of the great underlying lesson, and the great outcome of the whole of
this subject, which is this: If the external form be so perfect, what must the inward truth be: if
the setting be so valuable, how valuable must be the jewel: if the literary order be Divine, how
solemn must be the warnings, how important the truth, how faithful the promises, how sure the
words of which the Word is made up.
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon III
The Biblical Usage of Words is Essential to their Correct Interpretation.
Next to the Scope of a passage in determining the meaning of words must be placed the Biblical
usage of words, as distinct from the meanings put upon them by lexicons, dictionaries, and
commentaries.
These are too often based on etymology merely, or on the meaning put upon words by tradition;
or on their usage at some time other than the time at which they were written or spoken.
The usage of words is prior in time, as well as in importance, to all dictionaries.
Indeed, in all languages, the dictionary has to be compiled directly from such usage, and is, in
fact, only a record of it, so far as it can be gathered.
Hence the value of such a work is in direct proportion to the number of examples which it gives
of usage by different writers recognized as standard authorities.
In the case of many words, changes of usage can be traced through different periods of time.
Words in a living language are like coins which are in constant use; and, as coins not only differ
in value between different countries, but change their own values at different periods in the
same countries; so it is with words; there is a constant change in value when measured by their
purchasing power.
The greatest possible care, therefore, is required in dealing with "words," especially when they
are the "words which the Holy Ghost teacheth."
It is necessary that we should get not only the exact equivalent in changing words from one
language to another, as we do in changing coins; but that we should know the relative value of
the same words (or coins) in the same country at different periods of its history.
Over and above this, we read in Psalm 12:6:
a. The words of Jehovah are pure words,
b. As silver tried in a furnace:
a. [Words] of the earth,
b. Purified seven times.
The Holy Spirit has used words pertaining to this world. He has not spoken with "the tongues of
angels" (1 Cor 13:1), but with "the tongues of men." In using men's words, and words pertaining
to this world, He has used them in all perfection.
The Hebrew Old Testament we must regard as consisting only of Divinely chosen and inspired
words, as we have no literature that goes behind it.
With the Greek of the New Testament the case is different, for there is the whole of Greek
classical literature behind it.
It is intensely interesting to notice that while there are 97,921 words used by the classical Greek
writers,* the Holy Spirit has chosen and used only 5,857 in the Greek New Testament.**
* This is the number of words treated in Liddle and Scott's Standard Greek Lexicon,
8th Edition, 1901. (It consists of 1774 pages.)
** This is the number of words treated in Thayer's (Grimm's Wilke's) Greek-English
Lexicon to the New Testament.
So that there are 92,064 Greek words which the Holy Spirit has never used at all.
That is to say, out of all the Greek words used in Greek Classical Literature the Holy Spirit has
used only one in sixteen, or six per cent!
Those He has used, He has, in many cases, used in a higher sense.
Some He has used in a different sense.
While others, again. He has coined Himself.*
* These should, of course, be deducted from the 5,857 mentioned above.
It is unnecessary for us to consider those words He has never used at all.
There are five distinct divisions under which this subject of usage of words may be profitably
considered:
i. Where English words have gone out of use altogether.
ii. Where the usage of English words has been changed.
iii. Where the usage of Greek words had become changed:
a. By God;
b. By man
iv. Where different, but concurrent usages of Greek words should be observed in the
English.
v. Where a uniform usage of Greek words should not be departed from in the English;
English words obsolete.
i. Where English Words have Gone out of Use Altogether.
In the English language certain words and expressions which were common in the seventeenth
century have gone out of use altogether, and require explanation before they can be correctly
interpreted.
The following are examples of words and expressions which have become obsolete:—
All to brake (Judges 9:53) is the Anglo-Saxon tobrecan, which meant to smash. "All to brake,"
therefore, was used in the sense of to completely smash or break.
Away with (Isa 1:13), meant to tolerate.
Come at, meant to come near (Num 6:6).
Do to wit (2 Cor 8:1), meant make to know, to certify.
For to do, meant in order to do (Deut 4:1).
Full well (Mark 7:9), meant with full knowledge.
Go to (James 4:13), meant come now.
Trow (Luke 17:9), meant to suppose or imagine.
Wist (Luke 2:49; Mark 14:40), is the past tense of the Anglo-Saxon wit, to know. Unwittingly
(Josh 20:3), meant unknowingly.
Very (Gen 27:21; Prov 17:9; John 7:26, 8:4), meant true, real.
These are only examples. There are many other such words for the Bible student to search out.
ii. Where the Use of English Words has Become Changed.
Another class of words, which have not themselves become obsolete, but of which the usage has
become entirely changed during the centuries, requires careful discrimination.
We are familiar with some of these changes, notably in the word
Prevent, which originally meant to precede or go before, but now means to hinder. The
importance of this is seen in such a passage as 1 Thessalonians 4:15, "We shall not precede
those who are fallen asleep." So RV. (See also Job 3:12; Psa 17:13 (marg), 59:10, 79:8, 88:13,
95:2 (marg), 119:148; Amos 9:10.)
It is a strange commentary on fallen human nature to see words thus changing their usage; for
this change is uniformly in one direction; it is always a change for the worse. We never find a
word acquiring a higher meaning! It is always down, down, like fallen and falling man himself,
who thus drags down with him the meanings of the words he uses.
How, for example, did the change in the usage of this word "prevent" come about? And why? It
was because whenever one man got before another, it was generally for his own advantage, and
to the hindrance, hurt, and loss of the other; hence the word came to have this new and lower
meaning.
Other words may be studied with advantage, e.g., boor, pagan, brat, imp, bombast, oversight,
wretch, vagabond, craft, inquisition, impose, meddle, impertinent, garble, equivocation.*
* The same may be seen in the word apology, which was used of a defence, as in
Jewel's Apology (i.e., Defence) of the Reformation. But, because man's defences of
himself are usually so poor, the word has come to mean a mere excuse.
Our word censure was used simply of judgment, which might be favourable or
otherwise; but, inasmuch as such judgments have generally proved to be unfavourable,
the word is used, to-day, only of blame.
Our word story was originally short for history, but because so many histories and
stories are what they are, the word has come to mean that which is not true.
Knave was originally a boy, especially a servant boy; but his character has served the
purpose of changing the usage of the word to describe what he so often proved himself
to be. In Scotland a knave-bairn was a boy-child. Wyckliffe rendered Exodus 1:13, "If
it be a knave child, sle ye him." While Paul calls himself "a knave of Jesus Christ."
Cunning meant merely knowing; but because knowing people generally know too
much, or use their knowledge to a bad purpose, it has come to have its present usage.
Subtle meant finely-woven; hence, fine, accurate, clever.
Villain meant a servant of a villa, or of a country or farm-house. The house has kept its
good meaning, but the man has lost it.
Parasite meant, in Greek, a sacred granary; but it is a word which has sunk low
indeed, seeing that in Shakespeare's time he was able to write:
"'Most smiling, smooth, detested parasites.
Courteous destroyers, affable wolves, meek bears,
You fools of fortune."
Yet in Greece, where it originated, parasite was once a highly respectable word. The
original parasites were 'all honourable men; in repute alike for their learning and
integrity.' They held positions of trust in Church and State, for which they had salaries
and a table furnished them by the State. This latter fact led to their name, and
ultimately to the downfall of the word. For long, however, the profession of parasite
was an honourable one, and so great was the public confidence in them that a sacred
granary, the Parasitium, containing corn for the service of the gods, was placed in
their charge. Mural inscriptions recording the services of the parasites were placed in
the temples, and some of them obtained the civic crown of gold. Presently, however,
the word began to be used for those who fed at the expense of others. The hungry tribe
sank yet lower in public estimation, and became the toadies and sycophants at great
men's tables."—The Globe (London, Eng.), April 23, 1907.
Inn, again, is another example of a word which has seen better days. It is "now applied
only to low places and the better sort of public-house in which travellers are
entertained; it formerly signified a great house, mansion, or family palace." Yet, in
London, it still retains some signs of its former grandeur in Lincoln's Inn, formerly the
residence of the Earls of Lincoln, and Gray's Inn, once the mansion of the noble
family of Gray. Clement's Inn takes its name from Clement, the Dane on whose burial
place a church was subsequently built. Thavie's Inn was built by John Thavie in 1347.
Clifford's Inn was denominated from Robert de Clifford, 1309; and Furnival's Inn,
from Sir William Furnival, 1388.
But in this section we are dealing with English words where the fall is not so great, but where
the old meaning has gone out.
To take in, was the act of hospitality (Matt 25:35), but it stands on the border line, and is used of
what it more often is than is not, viz., to deceive.
Adventure, meant to go (Acts 19:31; Deut 28:56).
Artillery, meant any instruments made by art; hence, weapons of any kind (1 Sam 20:40).
Assay, meant to attempt, to try (Job 4:2).
By and by, meant immediately. This change is very important in the interpretation of Luke 21:9.
Charity, meant love; not from the Greek χαρις (charis), but from the old French charitet, which
meant dearness. This dearness of affection has resolved itself into the mercenary act of giving
money, which has passed into our word charity, which no longer, therefore, represents the Greek
word charis.
Beeves, was the plural of beef, the Norman-French for an ox (Num 31:33).
Bonnet, was used of a man's head-dress (Exo 28:40), but to-day it is used only of a woman's
(except in Scotland).
Carriages (Acts 21:15), was used of what was carried. To-day it is used of that which carries.
Clouted, meant patched (Josh 9:5).
To ear, meant to plow (1 Sam 8:12; Isa 30:24). And earing meant plowing (Gen 45:6; Exo
34:21); and eared meant plowed (Deut 21:4).
Earnest, meant a pledge, but of the same kind (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:14). A pledge might be of a
different kind, and hence in that case it would not be an earnest. An earnest is to show that one
is, as we say, "in earnest," or serious.
Fast was used in the sense of near, or close by (Ruth 2:8).
Libertine, was used originally of a class of freedmen among the Romans; but even in those days
it came to be used (as now) of the licentious use of this liberty (Acts 6:9).
Lusty, meant vigorous (John 8:44; 2 Tim 4:3; 1 John 2:16). Lust meant desire; but to-day it is
used of one particular kind of desire.
Naughty, meant worth nought, worthless (Prov 6:12, 17:4; Jer 24:2). Now it is used to gloss over
any evil, or evil of some special kind.
Nephew, was used of a grandson (Judg 12:14; Job 18:19; Isa 14:22; 1 Tim 5:4).
Occupy, was used of carrying on any business or trade. This usage is still preserved in the noun
occupation (Luke 19:13).
Penny, was used of any piece of money (Matt 20:2). Even silver money was called a penny. This
usage is still preserved in our expression "to turn a penny." The word originally meant a little
pledge or token, then any coin. Then it was used of a day's wage (Matt 20:2). In Luke 10:35 of
two days' wage. Now, usage confines it to one particular coin, the twelfth part of a shilling. But
that is not the usage in the New Testament.
Presently, meant immediately (1 Sam 2:16; Prov 12:16; Matt 21:19, 26:53; Phil 2:23).
Publican, was the Latin publicanus, or tax-gatherer (Matt 9:10, &c.). To-day it is used only of a
vintner.
Quick, is the Anglo-Saxon cwic, alive, as opposite to being dead (Lev 13:10,24; Num 16:30; Psa
55:15, 124:3; Isa 11:3; Acts 10:42; 2 Tim 4:1; Heb 4:12; 1 Peter 4:5). To-day we use it in the
sense of lively, as the opposite to slow.
Quicken, means to make alive (Psa 71:20, 80:18, 119:25,37,40,88,107,149,154,156,159, 143:11;
Rom 8:11).
Quickened, means made alive (Psa 119:50,93; 1 Cor 15:36; Eph 2:1,5; 1 Peter 3:18).
Quickeneth, means maketh alive (John 5:21, 6:63; Rom 4:17; 2 Cor 3:6 (marg); 1 Tim 6:13).
Quickening, means making alive (1 Cor 15:45).
Simple, meant one fold, without guile, open artless. But because such an one says and does what
more worldly-wise people would conceal, he is considered foolish. Hence the changed usage of
the word. (See Psa 19:7, 116:6, 119:130; Prov 1:4,22,32, 7:7, 8:5, 9:4,13, 14:15,18, 21:11, 22:3;
Eze 45:20; Rom 16:18,19).
Simplicity, has a similarly changed usage (see 2 Sam 15:11; Prov 1:22; Rom 12:8; 2 Cor 1:12,
11:3).
Sottish, meant dull, heavy, stupid (Jer 4:22), but because people are made so by intoxicants, it is
used of dullness so caused.
Vagabond, meant a wanderer (Gen 4:12,14; Acts 19:13). Our modern usage testifies to the
character of most wanderers.
Silly, is the Anglo-Saxon for inoffensive, harmless; but because persons who are such are
regarded as an easy prey for designing persons, the word has come to be used of those who are
easily duped. (See Job 5:2; Hosea 7:11; 2 Tim 3:6).
It will be seen from these examples how important it is that we should have due regard to these
changes of usage in our own English language.
As we have exactly the same phenomena in the Greek (as in all living* languages) it will be
necessary to consider this under our next heading.
* This is why Latin is used in all scientific terminology, because, being a dead
language, the meaning of its words is fixed, and cannot now be changed by flux of
time, or by use.
iii. Where the Usage of Greek Words had become Changed.
Greek being a living language, its words (like coins) became changed in usage.* Some words
were thus changed by the Holy Spirit, and were purified as silver is purified in a furnace; and
used in a higher, a better, nobler and a different sense from that in which man had ever used
them.
* Similar changes are taking place to-day: χρονος (chronos), which, in Ancient
Greek, meant time, is used in Modern Greek of a year; and καιρος (kairos), which
meant season, is now used of weather!
We will consider first the
(1) Changes of usage made by God, the Holy Spirit—
αρετη (arete). Man used this only of manhood or manly prowess, but the Holy Spirit uses it in
the far higher sense of Divine glory and of what God could praise. The only occurrences in the
NT: Philippians 4:8; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3, 5.
ηθος (ethos) was used only of the haunt of an animal, but it came to have the moral meaning of
custom, or character (1 Cor 15:33).
αγγελος (angelos) was the Greek word for any messenger, also for a messenger of the gods. But
the Holy Spirit takes it up, and purifies it, by using it as a messenger from God, and "the Angel
of the LORD."
χορηγεω (choregeo) meant simply to supply or furnish a chorus. But the Spirit uses it of the
Divine supply of all his people's needs (1 Peter 4:11).
εκκλησια (ecclesia) was used, by the Greeks, only of a town's meeting of its citizens (Acts
19:39). But the Spirit uses it of the assemblies of God's elect.*
* See above.
παρακλητος (parakletos) was used only of a legal assistant or helper. But Christ uses it of the
Holy Spirit or "Comforter" within us that we may not sin (John 14:16,26, 15:26, 16:7). And the
Spirit uses it of Christ as the Advocate with the Father if we do sin (1 John 2:1).
σκανδαλον (scandalon) was used only of a snare to catch animals; but in the New Testament it
is used in a moral and spiritual sense of that which causes anyone to stumble or fall (Matt 11:6);
a sense in which the Greeks never used it.*
* The noun is always translated offence in AV, except Romans 11:9; 1 Corinthians
1:23 and Revelation 2:14, where it is "stumbling-block"; Romans 14:13, where it is
"occasion to fall." The Verb σκανδαλιζω (scandalizo) is always rendered offend.
But there are other
(2) Changes of usage, made by man.
The Greek language was in use some four centuries before Christ, and had a wonderful
literature. But, in the course of time the laws which operate to affect and change the usage of
words wrought the same inevitable changes in many Greek words.
For this reason classical Greek usages are no infallible guide to the usage of Biblical Greek.
The vast moral and spiritual nature of the subject-matter of the New Testament necessitated of
itself many changes, quite apart from those which were produced by the changes of time.
The Septuagint Version (of the Hebrew Old Testament into Greek) marks many of these
changes. But within the last few years the evidence from this source of information has been
vastly increased by the multitude of papyri which have been discovered, and dug up, in Egypt.
These are daily increasing in number, and are being bought up for deposit and study in the
principal libraries of Europe. Some students are engaged in their discovery, others in their
translation, while others (like ourselves) are at work in applying them to the language of the
Greek New Testament. All these are rendering great service to God's Word by making their
discoveries public.*
* Notably Professor Deissmann, of Heidelberg; Professor Flinders Petrie, of Oxford,
and others.
These papyri consist of documents of all kinds; exactly what would be found centuries hence in
a house, buried suddenly to-day in sand, or put away in tombs. There are business-letters, love-
letters, contracts, estimates, certificates, agreements, accounts, bills of sale, mortgages, school-
exercises, receipts, bribes, charms, litanies, tales, magical literature, pawn tickets, and every sort
of literary production.
All these are of inestimable value in enabling us to arrive at a true knowledge of many Greek
words of which our translators, and, indeed, the Revisers, did not possess; having merely the
help of lexicons, which gave the usage of words only in classical Greek.
It is impossible for us, in a small work like this, to give anything like even a general view of so
vast a subject. We can only indicate the existence and nature of such a field of study, and give a
few examples by way of illustration of its usefulness in connection with this our third Division,
which concerns the changes of usage in Greek words brought about by man, but used by the
Holy Spirit.
We must take them at random, and cannot even attempt to observe alphabetical or other order.
The word ζωοποιεω (zoopoieo), was used in classical Greek as meaning to produce live
offspring; but the usage became in NT Greek to make alive again, either of spiritual or of
resurrection life (John 5:21, 6:63; Rom 4:17, 8:11; 1 Cor 15:22,36,45; 2 Cor 3:6; Gal 3:21; 1
Tim 6:13; 1 Peter 3:18).
παροικος (paroikos), which meant neighbour, had come to mean sojourner (Acts 7:6,29; Eph
2:19 (foreigner); 1 Peter 2:11 (strangers)).
πρακτωρ (praktor), which is literally a doer of anything, came to mean the man who did the
most objectionable thing, viz., the tax-collecotr. But the papyri show us that it came to have a
still lower meaning. The tax collector was the one who put them into prison; hence, it came to
be used of the jailor! The word occurs twice (Luke 12:58), and should not be rendered "officer,"
but jailor.
πηρα (pera), is rendered "scrip" in the AV, and "wallet" in the RV, but commentators are quite
undecided as to whether it means a "portmanteau" or a "bread-bag"; though the latter seems
superfluous after the word "bread."
The following are the passages:—
Matthew 10:10, "Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely ye have
received, freely give. Provide neither gold nor silver, nor brass in your purses: nor scrip (RV
'wallet') for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves."
Mark 6:8, "And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff
only: no scrip (RV 'wallet'), no bread, no money in their purse."
Luke 9:3 (compare 10:4 and 22:35,36), "Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip,
(RV 'wallet'), neither bread, neither money, neither have two coats apiece."
But a special meaning is made known to us by an ancient stone monument. A Greek inscription
of the Roman period has been discovered at Kefr-Hauar in Syria, in which a "slave" of the
"Syrian goddess" speaks of the begging expeditions he has undertaken for the "Lady." This
heathen apostle— who speaks of himself as "sent by the Lady"—tells with triumph how each of
his journeys brought in seventy bags. Here he uses this word πηρα. It means, not bags filled
with provisions and taken on the journey, but a beggar's collecting bag. This is evidently the
meaning in the passages cited above: and when we connect it with the context in St. Matthew,
we learn the Lord meant that they were not to earn money, and they were also not to beg. The
nature of the Lord's commission is at once seen from what is involved in this interpretation of
the word πηρα (pera). In the days of early Christianity the mendicant priest of the ancestral
goddess wanders through the Syrian land; from village to village the string of sumpter animals
lengthens, bearing his pious booty to the shrine, and the Lady will not be unmindful of her slave.
In the same land, and in the same age, was One who had not where to lay His head, and He sent
out His apostles with the words:
"Freely ye received, freely give. Get you no gold, nor silver, nor brass in your
purses: no wallet (or beggar's collecting bag) for your journey."
He who sent them had "all power" to provide for their supply
πρεσβυτερος (presbuteros), which meant one older in years, is, in the papyri always used of
official position, civil as well as religious (just as we use our word "alderman"). This is its usage
in the New Testament.
αναγινωσκω (anaginosko), meant to persuade; then, to know well, gather exact knowledge;
then, to read. But later usage extended this reading to reading aloud with comments, with a view
to persuade. This is its meaning in the New Testament. (See Matt 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke
4:16; Col 4:16; 1 Thess 5:27; Rev 1:3, etc.)
αποστοµατιζω (apostomatizo), meant to dictate to a pupil what he was to write or recite. But
its later usage was to examine by questioning on what had been taught. This is its usage in Luke
11:53: "They began to urgently press him and question him about many things" [as though he
were their pupil]. They were not seeking for information, but for grounds of accusation.
γραφω (grapho), to write, is always used in the papyri of legal, official, and documentary
writing. The perfect γεγραπται (gegraptai), it standeth written, always implies an appeal to
authoritative, incontestable authority, definite and regulative.
In this we see the position held by Holy Scripture over oral tradition. In this, too, we may see a
reference to the certainty and nature of the revelation of the Mystery (or secret) in the γραφων
προφητικων (graphon prophetikon), prophetic writings, of Romans 16:26 (compare Eph 2:20,
4:11, and 2 Peter 1:20, etc.). We may also see in this a reason for Paul's desire to have "the
parchments" which he asked Timothy to bring with him (2 Tim 4:13): for, Bible truth is based
on documentary evidence, and not on oral tradition.
απεχω (apecho), to have from, to receive or be [distant] from. But the papyri show that it was
the common form of giving a receipt in full. This is its usage in Matthew 6:2, 5, 16; Luke 6:24,
and Philemon 15, which shows that when the scribes prayed they did it to be seen of men; men
had seen them; they had got their receipt, therefore, in full; and there was nothing more for them
to receive: no real answer to their prayers to be expected. The rendering "reward" (AV and RV)
conveys no sense.
βεβαιωσις (bebaiosis), confirmation. In the papyri it is the guarantee of the seller to the buyer
as to the validity of the sale (Phil 1:7; Heb 6:16, where it is rendered "confirmation").
το δοκιµιον (to dokimion), the trial or trying. In the papyri this is always used as an adjective,
meaning genuine, tested, and is found especially on pawn-tickets and marriage-contracts in the
sense of certified. This is its usage in the NT, which had come to denote the result of trial, and
had been changed from the act or process of trial. Hence 1 Peter 1:7 means "your tried or
genuine faith"; and James 1:3, "your tried or tested faith enables you to be patient."
δικαιος (dikaios), just, or righteous, is used in the papyri of that which comes up to the required
standard expected or looked for. It is used of a horse, of cattle, of a cubit; as it is used in the
Septuagint (Prov 11:1) of "a just weight."
This is its New Testament usage, showing that God's righteousness, when it is bestowed, brings
its recipient up to the standard which God Himself requires and looks for. The saved sinner is
therefore by it "made meet for the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col 1:12), and hence can be
declared "complete in Christ."
ιλαστηριον (hilasterion) comes to us through the Septuagint; where, in Exodus 25:17 (Heb
16), "thou shalt make a trep@&k@a (kapporeth), cover, of pure gold." This word kapporeth
(cover) is rendered ιλαστηριον επιθεµα (hilasterion epithema), propitiatory cover, because the
cover, on which the blood was sprinkled, was the means of propitiation.
The word in Hebrews 9:5 must retain this usage, and be rendered "the cherubim of glory
shadowing the propitiatory [cover]." By the figure, Metonymy, the result (propitiation) is put
for the means by which it was obtained (the cover of the ark on which the blood was sprinkled).
That was what the cherubim shadowed, not the propitiation itself.
So that the word can be taken in this sense here; as it must be in the other passage where it
occurs, Romans 3:25: "Whom God hath set forth as His propitiatory gift."
In the papyri and on inscriptions and monuments this word is used in the sense of votive or
propitiatory gift.
So here, Christ was God's propitiatory gift, the gift of Divine love. Not man's gift to God; but
God's gift to man.
The rendering of hilasterion by "mercy-seat" is quite wrong. The RV puts in the margin, "Greek
the propitiatory"; but, not seeing the Figure of Speech, nor knowing of the usage of the word in
the papyri, the Revisers did not add the noun, "cover," after the adjective "propitiatory"; and
with the AV rendered "propitiatory" in Romans 3:25 as a noun, "propitiation."
The saints of God in Rome would hardly know the technical "mercy-seat," but they would know
the common usage of the word at the time as being a propitiatory gift.*
* In 1 John 2:2, 4:10 it is the noun ιλασµος (hilasmos), propitiation.
ευεργετης (euergetes), meant a well-doer, but our Lord uses it in Luke 22:25 in the particular
and almost technical sense which recent discoveries have revealed. The word had been restricted
from the extended sense of well-doing to the limited and special sense of a well-doing on behalf
of the public, which deserved the public recognition of one as being a BENEFACTOR.
The discoveries of inscriptions and coins, added to the literary evidence already available,
establishes this special usage of the word in our Lord's days.
πληθος (plethos), is generally rendered multitude. In the papyri it has a technical usage
applying to associates in a community or congregation. This appears to be the usage in Luke
1:10, 19:37; Acts 2:6, 4:32, 6:2, 5, 15:12, 30, 19:9, 21:22.
µικρος (mikros), small, little. In the papyri this word is used in the sense of junior in contrast
with µεγας (megas), great, which is used as senior. This is clearly the sense in Mark 15:40; and
it is a question whether it is not also in Matthew 11:11, 18:6, 10, 14; Acts 8:10, 26:22.
κυριακος (kuriakos), the Lord's, is used in the papyri of what is imperial, and especially
pertaining to the κυριος (kurios), the Lord, as Ruler.
χειρογραφον (cheirographon), hand-writing. In the papyri this is the technical term for a bond
or certificate of debt. Many have been found; some of them are scored through and thus
cancelled. This is the sense in Colossians 2:14, where only it is found.
αδολος (adolos), occurs only in 1 Peter 2:2 and is rendered sincere. In the papyri the usage is in
the sense of unadulterated, referring to food.
σφραγιζο (sphragizo), to seal. In the papyri it is used of delivering property into the possession
of the receiver. To seal a thing to a person was used of delivering and securing that thing to him,
sealing being the last thing done prior to such delivery. Thus we read "Seal the wheat and the
barley," i.e., seal [the sacks containing] the wheat and the barley [and deliver them].
This is the usage in Romans 15:28; Ephesians 4:30.
χαραγµα (charagma), a mark. In the papyri this word (1) is always used of a mark connected
with the emperor; and (2) it always contains his name or effigy, and the year of his reign. (3) It
was necessary for buying and selling. (4) It was technically known as charagma.
It is found on all sorts of documents, even on "a bill of sale." In Acts 17:29 it is rendered
"graven." Elsewhere it is used only of the "mark" of the Beast (Rev 13:16,17, 14:9,11, 15:2,
16:2, 19:20, 20:4). He will be the Overlord in that day!
αναπεµπω (anapempo), to send up. This word is used in the papyri of sending up to a superior
authority. This is the usage in Luke 23:7, 11, 15 and Acts 25:21.*
* Here all the Critical Greek Texts prefer this word to the simple πεµπω (pempo), to
send by an escort.
It is also used of sending up with pomp and dignity.
βιαζοµαι (biazomai), to use force or press with violence. Commentators tell us that it occurs
only twice in the New Testament, and that it must, in the former of the two passages, be taken as
a Passive. The former passage is Matthew 11:12, "the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence."
The latter is Luke 16:16, "every man presseth into it."
But the meaning of the word, and the interpretation of both passages is settled for us by an
inscription found in a temple near Sunium,* built not earlier than the imperial period which
commenced in BC 24.
* Sunium is a promontory at the SE extremity of Attica, Greece, now known as Cape
Colonna. It contains to-day the ruins of a temple measuring 44 by 98 feet. Twelve
columns are still standing.
It was founded by Xanthus the Lycian as a sanctuary.
In this inscription certain ceremonial purifications are prescribed as a condition of entrance into
the temple; and it goes on to say that no one may sacrifice in the temple without permission
from its founder. Then the regulation continues:—
εαν δε τις βιασηται
"But if any one forces [his way in]
απροσδεκτος η θυσια παρα του θεου
his offering is not pleasing to the god."
This settles the usage of the word in the two passages:
Matthew 11:12, "But from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven forces
itself [on the people], and the pushful seize on it."
Luke 16:16, "Since that time (John's) the kingdom of God is announced [as good news] and
every one forces [his way] into it."
Thus, both passages harmonize; the usage in both is the same; and, both accord with the usage
which obtained in the New Testament period.
κατακριµα (katakrima), is an important word, occurring only three times in the New
Testament.
Romans 5:16, "The judgment was by one offence unto condemnation."
Verse 18, "As by one offence [judgment came] unto all men for condemnation."
Romans 8:1, "There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus."
In deeds of sale found among the papyri this word is found in its legal usage. It is used of a
burden on land, such as debts, taxes of all kinds, arrears, and all payments of every kind. All are
mentioned, but the effect of the legal document is to declare that the land sold is free from all
burdens of every kind. Note the bearing of this in such passages as Romans 8:1.
υποστασις (hupostasis), rendered "substance" in Hebrews 11:1, is used in the papyri in the
sense of title-deeds. This shows that believing what God has said and promised, is our title-deed
for which He has caused us to hope.
iv. Where Different but Concurrent Usages of Words Should be Observed in the English.
Quite apart from age or clime there are many Greek words which the Holy Spirit Himself uses
in different connections, and with varying meanings. These can be easily seen, observed, and
classified; and our English renderings can and must be made to conform to them.
Unlike our last division (
No. iii. above) this is work for the English reader, who is at no
disadvantage with the Greek scholar, provided he uses our Lexicon and Concordance to the
English and Greek New Testament. It is designed for English readers; and, though the Greek
words are given, the truth can be gained without looking at them; for they are numbered, and the
reference is to the meaning given under that number.
The use of that book will enable the student to find out, at a glance, under the English word, the
Greek word which is so translated. The index will tell him whether the word is translated
otherwise elsewhere; and, if so, under what renderings he can find them. At this stage he will be
able to use more readily the Englishman's Greek Concordance and easily make out a list of all
the occurrences of the word in question.
It is here that his real study of this branch of our subject will begin. For now he must turn to
every passage, and note how the Holy Spirit uses the word; and when he has all the data before
him he will soon discover whether the usage is uniform; or whether there is more than one sense
in which the word is employed.
This part of the study requires a spiritual understanding (1 John 5:20; 1 Cor 2:14), common
sense, and strength of mind to follow the leading of God's Word in spite of all that has been
imbibed and "received from the fathers by tradition."
When difficulty is experienced in receiving the truth of God, it is because we try at the same
time to hold on to tradition, and try to combine the two. But the moment we let tradition go all
will become easy. It is not the simple truth that is difficult, but it is the endeavour to hold on to
the traditional belief as well as the simple truth. Let one of the two beliefs go, and either will be
easy; it is the effort to hold both that creates the real difficulty.
Let us illustrate this by looking at the word.
1. "Parousia."—παρουσια (parousia).— This word furnishes us with an excellent and useful
example, showing the necessity of discriminating between its different usages.
Many take it as a proper noun, and speak of "The Parousia" as though it always refers to one
separate and distinct act, viz., the coming of the Lord as revealed in 1 Thessalonians 4.
The next step is that, when they find that this same word is used of the coming of Christ in
Matthew 24, "immediately after the Tribulation of those days," there is no alternative but to
interpret 1 Thessalonians 4 as being after the Tribulation.
Thus, trouble and confusion is created; and the loss of the blessed hope and waiting for God's
Son from heaven is shrouded in darkness.
But all is made clear, the moment we discriminate between the various usages of the word
parousia. There is no dispute about the meaning of the word. All are agreed that its only
meaning is presence; and when translated coming it always denotes the actual presence of the
person who thus comes.
From our Greek and English Lexicon and Concordance we find that παρουσια (parousia)
occurs twenty-four times; and that it is rendered twice presence, and twenty-two times coming.
Our object, now, is to find out how the Holy Spirit uses it; and whether the teaching of some is
correct, who tell us that it refers always to the coming of Christ for his Saints before the
Tribulation, and not the coming of Christ with His saints, after the Tribulation.
No one can help us in making this discovery; neither do we need any help beyond collecting all
the data, and looking closely at every passage, and noting the different usages.
Having got our complete lists of twenty-four Texts, we read each (with its context, of course),
and we find that:—
(a) Six times it is used of the presence of INDIVIDUALS, and that it is always their personal,
bodily presence.
1 Corinthians 16:17, Stephanus.
2 Corinthians 7:6, 7, Titus.
2 Corinthians 10:10, and Philippians 1:26; 2:12, Paul.
(b) Six times it is used of Christ's presence in the air, when He comes forth thither to meet His
raptured saints, before the Great Tribulation (1 Thess 2:19, 3:13, 4:15, 5:23; 2 Thess 2:1 and 1
John 2:28). We note that all but one of these six are in the Epistles to the Thessalonians.
(c) Eleven times it is used of Christ's presence on earth, when with His Church He comes unto
the earth, in the Day of the Lord, "Immediately after the Tribulation of those days" (Matt
24:3,27,37,39; 1 Cor 15:23; 2 Thess 2:8; James 5:7,8; 2 Peter 1:16, 3:4,12).
(d) Once it is used of the presence of "that lawless one," who shall be destroyed by the glorious
advent of Christ (2 Thess 2:9).
Here are all the usages; and we see, at once, that it is not correct to speak of "The Parousia" as
though it related only to Christ; or to His coming as being one single act; or to one part only of
that coming.
We note that there is one chapter (2 Thess 2) where the word is used of three distinct acts of
being present:—
There is the presence of Christ in the air before the Tribulation (2 Thess 2:1) and our gathering
together unto Him there;
There is the presence of the Lawless one on the earth during the Tribulation (2 Thess 2:9);
And there is the presence of the Lord on the earth, in all His glory, by which the Lawless one
will be destroyed. This will be after the Tribulation (2 Thess 2:8).
If we are not careful to distinguish these various usages of the word parousia, we shall only
create confusion in the Word, and trouble in our own minds. We shall find ourselves taking a
passage which speaks of the Lord's presence on earth after the Tribulation, and interpreting it of
His presence in the air before the Tribulation; and, if we thus take the word parousia as being
used of the latter, then we shall interpret 1 Thessalonians 4 by Matthew 24, and not only take the
Church through the Tribulation, but we shall defer the realization of the Rapture of 1
Thessalonians 4 until after the Tribulation, and take all the blessedness out of it. We shall give a
flat contradiction to 1 Thessalonians 5:4, which categorically assures us that "the Day of the
Lord shall not overtake us as a thief"; and plunge ourselves into that very "darkness" which the
same word declares that we are "not in."
2. Pneuma, spirit.—The word πνευµα (pneuma), spirit, is a word of the greatest importance.
When we have made out our complete list (as before we made of Parousia) we find that there is
practically little or no difference as to its translation; for it is rendered spirit every time, except
John 3:8, where it is rendered wind; Revelation 13:15, where it is rendered "life" (marg. breath);
Matthew 27:50 and John 19:30, where it is rendered ghost.
In this case, though there are different usages, they are all confined to interpretation and not to
translation.
We need not say more on this word here, for in our work, The Giver and His Gifts, or, the Holy
Spirit and His Work, we have given a complete list of all the occurrences of the word pneuma;
and have set out, in an exhaustive manner, all the data.
Fourteen different usages are given, and classified lists are appended, from which the reader can
gather for himself all that can be learnt from those lists.
It is used of (1) God, (2) Christ, (3) the Holy Spirit, (4) the Operations of the Spirit, (5) the New
Nature, (6) Psychologically, (7) of Character, (8) by Metonymy for what is not of the body, (9)
by Synecdoche for one's self, (10) Adverbially, (11) of Angels, (12) of Demons, (13) of the
Resurrection Body, (14) in combination with the word "holy," without the article.
The usages of this word are so important that it requires a separate volume for their full
treatment.
One great fact may be noted here, viz., that the expression πνευµα ηαγιον (pneuma hagion),
holy spirit, occurs fifty times (out of 388), and it always refers to the gifts and operations of the
Holy Spirit, and never to the Holy Spirit, the Giver.
The evidence is simple and clear. In Luke 24:49 the Lord Jesus calls "the promise of my
Father" (for which the apostles were to tarry in Jerusalem), "power from on high."
In Acts 1:5 He calls this same promise "pneuma hagion."
Therefore pneuma hagion is "power from on high."
This proves that pneuma hagion is what is given, and not the Giver.
If further proof is needed, then it is furnished by that crucial passage, Acts 2:4, "And they were
all filled with pneuma hagion, and began to speak with other tongues as THE SPIRIT gave them
utterance."
Here the Giver and His gifts are quite distinct. What was given was "the gift of tongues." The
Giver, who "gave," was "The Spirit."
Nothing could be clearer than this.
Unfortunately the AV and RV have, in all these fifty occurrences of pneuma hagion, arbitrarily
inserted the article, and used capital letters for "Holy Spirit," so that the English reader is
entirely misled, and is compelled to understand that it is the Person who is meant; while he is
kept quite uninformed of the fact that it means His gifts and operations.
The subject is so important, and the information so difficult to be obtained, that it will be
necessary for us to give a list of the fifty passages. They will repay abundantly any pains that
may be taken in their careful study. The reader should take his or her Bible, and mark in the
margin every one of these
Fifty occurrences of pneuma hagion: Matt 1:18,20, 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:15,35,41,67, 2:25,
3:16, 4:1 (first), 11:13; John 1:33 (second), 20:22; Acts 1:2,5,8, 2:4 (first),33,38, 4:8,(25),31,
6:3,5, 7:55, 8:15,17,(18),19, 9:17, 10:38,45, 11:16,24, 13:9,52, 19:2 (twice),6; Rom 5:5, 9:1,
14:17, 15:19; 1 Cor 2:13, 6:19, 12:3 (second); 2 Cor 6:6; 1 Thess 1:5,6; 2 Tim 1:14; Titus 3:5;
Heb 2:4, 6:4 1 Peter 1:12; 2 Peter 1:20; Jude 21.
Some of the above passages are very important, and will be found most instructive if studied in
the following order: Acts 6:3; Luke 11:13; John 20:22; Acts 8:15, 17, 19, 20.
3. Church.—We have already considered this word under
"Dispensation Truth and Teaching.
But there is something further to be learnt from the usage of the word εκκλησια (ecclesia), of
which it is generally the translation.
This rendering is unfortunate, considering the fact that our English word "church" has also,
itself, several usages.
It is important therefore that we should carefully adjust the two usages, and rightly adjust and
appropriate the one to the other.
The Greek word ecclesia means a convocation of persons called out. Hence, an assembly of
persons so called out.
It is used (1) of Israel as a People called out from the rest of the nations (Gen 28:3); (2) of the
Tribal Council of Simeon and Levi, a smaller company, called out from each Tribe (Gen 49:6);
(3) of an assembly of Israelites called out for worship or any other purpose (Deut 18:16, 31:30;
Josh 8:35; Judg 21:8; 1 Kings 8:65; 1 Chron 29:1; Acts 7:38); (4) any assembly of worshippers
as a congregation (Psa 22:22,25; Matt 16:18, 18:17; 1 Cor 14:19,35; Gal 1:13; Heb 2:12); (5) of
separate assemblies in different localities (Acts 5:11, 8:3; 1 Cor 4:17, etc.); (6) of the Guild or
Company of Ephesian Craftsmen (Acts 19:32) as distinct from the population of Ephesus; (7) of
a Town's meeting (Acts 19:39).
Then there is the special Pauline usage, which was quite different from any of the above. Other
assemblies consisted of called out ones from Jews, or from Gentiles (as in Acts 19); but this new
Body is called out from both and yet consists of neither (Gal 3:28, 6:15). This calling out is the
Secret (or Mystery) which was hidden in God, and never revealed to men until the
administration of it was committed to the Apostle Paul.*
* See Part I, Chapter III (pp 141-143).
The usage of the English word "church" is just as varied. It is used (1) of any congregation, (2)
of a particular church (as Rome or England), (3) of the Ministry of a church, (4) of the Building
in which the congregation assembles, (5) of Church as distinct from Chapel, (6) it is used of the
Church as distinct from the world, and (7) it is used in the Pauline sense, of the Body of Christ.
This shows us the extreme care with which we should note the usage of words.
4. "Elements" or "Rudiments."—The Greek word στοιχεια (stoicheia) has at least two different
usages, one material, and the other moral.
It is used of what is material in 2 Peter 3:10, 12; of the material elements of which creation, or
this world, is made up.
In the other five passages it is used of the moral and religious ordinances which make up the
outward acts of religion, with all its rites and ceremonies.
Four times it is used in the Epistles which are addressed to churches; twice in Galatians and
twice in Colossians, these two being the Epistles which are written to correct errors in doctrine.
Galatians corrects errors in connection with the doctrine as taught in the Epistle to the Romans
concerning justification, Colossians being written to correct errors in doctrine as taught in the
Epistle to the Ephesians concerning the Mystery.
In these, the outward ordinances of Religion are contrasted with the spiritual truths of
Christianity (as distinct from Religion).
The AV renderings show the confusion of thought in the mind of the Translators. In Galatians
4:3 and 9 they render it "elements" in the text, and "rudiments" in the margin.
In Colossians 2:8 and 20 they render it "rudiments" in the text, and "elements" in the margin.
The RV agrees with the AV translation in Colossians; and in all four passages renders the word
"rudiments" in the text, and "elements" in the margin.
The usage of the word in the Church Epistles is seen to be peculiar to them, and this fact must
be borne in mind in the interpretation of these four passages.
5. Saints.—The word αγιος (hagios), holy, is when in the plural αγιοι (hagioi) always
translated saints.
Of course it means the same, holy, i.e., or, holy ones, except that it is left to be inferred from the
context who the holy ones are who are so designated.
A brief examination of the usages of the plural, hagioi, will show us that they are four in
number.
Of course, ordinary readers, who are, as a fact, more familiar with the New Testament usage;
and, as a matter of selfishness, more prone, as well as accustomed, to interpret everything of the
church! will have neither the inclination to study its usage, nor the willingness to part with the
meaning which they have appropriated to themselves.
This is sufficient to show us the necessity of studying the usage of this word "saints."
(1) It is used of Angels (Deut 33:2).
"Jehovah came from Sinai,
And rose up from Seir unto them;
He shined forth from mount Paran,
And He came with ten thousands of holy [ones]:
From His right hand went a fiery law for them."
Here, it is evident that the word "angels" should be supplied after the word holy, thus "holy
[angels]" for these celestial beings are meant. This is proved by a reference to Psalm 68:17;
where, in a reference to the same Divine descent at Sinai, the word "angels" is used instead of
"holy ones," as another name for them.
(2) It is used of Israel in the very next verse (Deut 33:3).
"Yea, He loved the People;
All His holy ones are in Thy hand."
Here the word is used of the People of Israel. For the preceding words are—"This is the blessing
wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death."
It is a blessing which is yet to receive its full consummation when the Lord shall have come
again, and the People of Israel shall know Him to be their Divine Redeemer, their King, and
their God.
(3) It is used also of individuals and other godly Israelites, as in Psalm 16:3, 34:9, 89:5, 7,
106:16; Hosea 11:12.*
* The English word "saints" represents quite a different Hebrew word in 1 Samuel 2:9;
2 Chronicles 6:41; Psalm 30:4, 31:23, 37:28, 50:5, 52:9, 85:8, 97:10, 116:15, 132:9,
16, 145:10, 148:14. Here the Hebrew word is dysixaf (chasid), pious, Godly.
(4) It is used in the Church Epistles specially of the members of the one Spiritual Body, whose
holiness is that of Christ; and whose saintship therefore, though enjoyed on earth, is higher than
that of any other created beings, being merged in their higher title, "the sons of God."
This is its usage in the commencement of the Epistles, as in Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:2, etc.
With this key, Bible students will have no difficulty in determining what the usage of the word
is in any particular passage; for the Context alone is the all-sufficient guide as to what it must
be.
We need not go through all the passages where the word "saints" occurs; this would be doing the
work which it should be our readers' pleasure and profit to carry out.
One or two passages may be doubtful; in which case it may be well to come to no conclusion,
but to wait for further light.
A few other passages will receive a new interpretation and lead to a change in our traditional
views.
With Matthew 25:31 before us we shall find that several passages which we have been in the
habit of referring to the Church of God, really refer to angelic beings.
"When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit
upon the throne of his glory" (Matt 25:31).
Here we have the word "angels" associated with the word "holy" (pl.), which leaves us in no
doubt.
In harmony with this passage we must take 1 Thessalonians 3:13. "To the end he may establish
your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ with all his holy [angels]."
On the other hand, in 2 Thessalonians 1:10 the word "saints" is used synonymously of "all them
that believe," and in contrast with "the mighty angels" of verse 7, because
"At the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven" (v 7), those who have been troubled now will
be at "rest."
This revelation in judgment (v 10) will take place "when He shall have come to be glorified
amid His saints on earth (Israel), and wondered at (in that day) amid all raptured believers."
In Jude 14 the word "saints" clearly refers to angels; "Enoch also, the seventh from Adam,
prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints to execute
judgment upon all."
In Revelation 15:3 the word "saints" should be "ages" according to the RV, or "nations"
according to the RV margin. The Structure (Introversion) requires "nations."
v. Where a Uniform Usage of Greek Words should not be Departed from in the English.
It is not always that Greek words have different usages. The vast majority have one uniform
usage; and this must not be departed from in the English, and cannot be ignored without serious
loss.
Even where it does not lead to a misunderstanding or a wrong interpretation of a passage, it
creates great and unnecessary confusion.
1. Withhold, κατεχω (katecho). Who would imagine that "let" and "withhold" of the AV; and
"restrain" of the RV in 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7, are all the rendering of one and the same Greek
word?
The word κατεχω (katecho) occurs nineteen times, and is rendered by thirteen different English
words.
Who is to help us in coming to a true interpretation of this word, and of the passages in which it
occurs?
There is no help outside the Word of God.
It is rendered hold fast three times, and hold three times, so that these are the most frequent
renderings.
The only way of finding and testing the correct rendering is to look at every one of the passages
and see if the one rendering hold fast can be consistently used. It will not follow that this word
will be the very best according to our English idiom; and we need not make it the uniform
rendering. We may use other words more in harmony with the genius of the English language so
long as we keep the uniform sense hold fast in our mind:—
● Matthew 21:38, "let us seize on his inheritance" (let us hold fast).
● Luke 4:42, "and stayed him, that he should not depart" (held him fast).
● Luke 8:15, "having heard the word keep it" (hold it fast).
● Luke 14:9, "with shame to take the lowest place" (to hold).
● John 5:4, "of whatsoever disease he had" (he was held).
● Acts 27:40, "and made towards shore" (held their course toward).
● Romans 1:18, "who hold the truth in unrighteousness"* (hold fast).
● Romans 7:6, "having died to that by which we were held" (so margin and RV).
● 1 Corinthians 7:30, "as though they possessed not" (held nothing fast).
● 1 Corinthians 11:2, and keep the ordinances" (hold them fast).
● 1 Corinthians 15:2, "if ye keep in memory what I preached" (hold fast).
● 2 Corinthians 6:10, "and yet possessing all things."**
● 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "prove all things, hold fast that which is good."***
● 2 Thessalonians 2:6, "ye know what withholdeth" (holds [him] fast).
● 2 Thessalonians 2:7, "only he who now letteth" (he who now holdest fast).****
● Philemon 13, "I would have retained" (held fast).
● Hebrews 3:6, "if we hold fast the confidence."
● Hebrews 3:14, "if we hold the beginning of our confidence" (hold fast).
● Hebrews 10:23, "let us hold fast the profession of our faith."
* This is done in cases where any may "hold the truth," and where
the truth does not hold them. In that case such may continue to act
unrighteously; e.g., when the proprietor of a journal, who holds the
truth, allows an editor or writer to regularly teach what he knows to
be error; and this for the sake of gain. That is holding the truth in
unrighteousness; and, unfortunately such a thing is not unknown
even in religious journalism.
** The context shows that this rendering could not be improved,
though the idea is there.
*** Here the correct rendering occurs in one of the very Epistles
where we have the wrong rendering, 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7.
**** This is Satan, who holdeth fast to something. What it is may
be suggested in Revelation 12:9-13:1, viz., to his position in the
heavenlies; from whence when he is cast out, he stands upon the
sand of the sea, and "the man of sin" is revealed in his appointed
season.
Thus, we see, that hold fast is, and must be, the only correct rendering in 2 Thessalonians 2:6, 7.
This gives us, therefore, the key to the true interpretation of that prophecy.
2. Temptation.—πειραζω (peirazo), tempt; πειρασµος (peirasmos), temptation.—These words
are of frequent occurrence. The latter word occurs twenty-one times, and in all but one is
rendered temptation.
But the usage of peirasmos in the Bible is always in the sense of trial: hence specially of trouble
or tribulation, because it is that which really tries a man better than anything else.
Our English word "temptation" meant, originally, much the same: to stretch out, handle, try the
strength of.
This is stated to be the object of trial (Deut 8:2).
In the Old Testament the word is used of the troubles themselves (Deut 7:19, 29:3. Compare
Wisdom 3:5, 11:10; Sirach 2:1; Judith 8:24-27).
This is also clearly its use in Luke 8:13: "in time of trial or trouble [not temptation in the sense
of enticement, as we now use the word almost exclusively] fall away." (So Matthew 13:21, and
Mark 4:17.)
In Acts 20:19 Paul is evidently alluding to what he calls, in 2 Corinthians 11:26, the "perils by
mine own countrymen."
In Hebrews 2:18; 1 Peter 1:6; Revelation 3:10 the meaning is the same.
From all this we see that in the Lord's Prayer the word should be trial or tribulation, viz., the
Great Tribulation.
In Matthew 4:1; Mark 1:13, and Luke 4:2 the physical sufferings of our Lord are meant
(compare Hebrews 4:15).
3. Poor, πενης (penes).—The words used for and rendered "poor," πενης (penes), πραυς
(praus), πτωχος (ptochos), and ταπεινος (tapeinos), all mean oppressed.
Our Western idea of being poor has come to mean being without money, because the condition
of the poor in modern times has lost the one great characteristic of the poor in past centuries, and
of present times still, in the East.
But the Biblical usage of the word has not changed, though customs have.
In the Greek civilization the word had much the same meaning as that in which we use it to-day,
because oppression was not then associated with poverty.
But the Bible deals with and describes Eastern conditions, and hence though in classical Greek
πενης (penes) meant poor as opposed to rich, πτωχος (ptochos) meant destitute as opposed to
affluent, and πραυς (praus) meant easy-tempered as opposed to violent, yet in the Bible these
words are all used of the oppressed class of any country: the peasantry or fellahin, who then, as
now, lived quiet lives and were the victims of constant oppression, ill-treatment, and plunder at
the hands of their autocratic rulers.
This is the meaning of the words poor and meek.
See Psalm 10:9, 37:14, "He lieth in wait to catch the poor"; or Psalm 35:10:
"All my bones shall say, LORD, who is like unto Thee,
Which deliverest the poor from him that is too strong for him,
Yea, the poor and needy from him that spoileth him."
This is why God is represented so often as the deliverer of the poor, or oppressed (Psa 12:5,
34:6, 37:10,11, 40:17, 72:4,13, 76:9, 147:6).
In the New Testament this usage is the same.
4. Paradise, παραδειοσος.— Paradise is an Oriental word, and was apparently first used by
Xenophon to indicate the parks of the Persian kings. It originally meant an enclosed park,
planted with trees, and stocked with game. In such paradises eastern monarchs were wont to
take their pleasure in hunting.
But the Holy Spirit has exalted it, and used it in a sense higher than that in which man had ever
used it. For "the Paradise of God" is the "garden" which God planted in Eden for man's blissful
abode. And when the curse shall have been removed, the whole earth will be a paradise where
God shall again dwell with man.
The Bible knows no other Paradise. The Greek word παραδεισος occurs in the Septuagint
twenty-eight times. In nine it represents the Hebrew word "Eden"; and in nineteen places the
Hebrew word Nga (gan), garden. In English it is rendered Eden, Garden, Forest, Orchard.
The Hebrew word Eden occurs sixteen times; and Garden, is used of Eden, thirteen times in
Genesis; and six times in other passages of "the Garden of God" (see Gen 2; Neh 2:8; Eccl 2:5;
Song 4:13).
It is man who has changed the usage of the word from its only Biblical usage, and dragged it
down and fastened on it the meaning given to it in Babylonian, Jewish, and Romish traditions.
5. "Sheol" and "Hades."—Here, again, the Biblical usage of these words is uniform, and we
must refer our readers to our separate pamphlet on this subject, in which will be found every
passage in the Bible where these words occur, with their renderings.
These renderings are so various that, they are not only confusing to the mind, but misleading as
regards the truth.
The Hebrew Sheol, and the Greek Hades are rendered thirty-one times the grave, thirty-one
times hell, three times pit; sixty-five times in all. Four times the grave is put in the margin for
hell, which increases the rendering the grave to thirty-five times and reduces the rendering hell
to twenty-seven times.
On the face of the matter, this gives the preference to the grave, not "A grave," for which there
are other words: but "THE grave," for which there is no other word. Grave-dom, or the state of
the dead as being in the dom-inion of the grave, is the idea associated with the word. Not the act
of dying, but the state of the dead, the present condition of death.
The Old Testament Biblical usage must settle the meaning of the heathen (i.e., the Greek) usage
of the word Hades, because the Holy Spirit uses it of His own Hebrew word Sheol in Acts 2:27
by quoting Psalm 16:10.
From these last two passages it is clear that Sheol or Hades is the place where "corruption" is
seen (Acts 13:34-37); and from which Resurrection is the only exit (Rev 20:4,5). Those who are
raised in the First Resurrection "live and reign with Christ a thousand years." Of those who are
not raised then it is written they "LIVED NOT AGAIN until the thousand years were finished."
This is conclusive as to the Holy Spirit's own usage of these words.
6. "Mystery," µυστηριον (musterion).—This English word is a transliteration of the Greek
word µυστηριον (mysterion), but its usage by us to-day in no sense corresponds with the
meaning of the Greek word.
The Greeks used it of a secret, pure and simple; a secret which can be perfectly well understood
when made known; whereas we use the word "mystery" of what cannot be understood at all; and
is past comprehension even when it is revealed. Thus our usage of the word to-day is quite
different from the Biblical usage.
We must be careful, therefore, not to read our present usage of the word into the past usage. Not
so very long ago the word was used in its true sense. This was in legal language, when an
apprentice was articled in order to learn the "mysteries" or secrets of a certain trade or business.
This is the sense also in which we still use it when we speak of the Greek "mysteries" or secrets
of a certain trade or business. This is the sense also in which we still use it when we speak of the
Greek "mysteries," i.e., the secrets of that religion into which persons were initiated. This is the
usage of the word in the Greek Testament, and in our transliteration of it.
No matter what the context may relate to, the usage of the word is uniformly secret.
(1) It is used in connection with the duration of Israel's blindness (Rom 11:25). That blindness
itself was not a secret: for it was clearly foretold in Isaiah 6:9, 10. But the duration of that
blindness was not revealed (Isa 6:11; Rom 11:25).
(b) It is used in connection with the rejection of the kingdom, the fact of its remaining in
abeyance, and the duration of that abeyance. The Lord revealed this secret to the Apostles "in
the house" (Matt 13:11,35), while it was still hidden from the people "out of the
house." (Compare verses 1 and 36.)
In this revelation, the duration of this present interval between "the sufferings and the glory"
was also kept secret (1 Peter 1:10,11).
Hence, the secrets which the Lord then revealed, concerned the kingdom only; and all that He
said about it must be read on, leaping over this (as yet, to them, secret, and unknown) present
interval: and taking up the kingdom again, as though such interval had no existence.
(c) It is used in connection with the counsels and purposes of the lawless one (2 Thess 2:7),
which, though secret, were already beginning to work themselves out.
(d) It is used in connection with the word Ecclesia. There was nothing to show that that word
was going to be used in a sense altogether different from any in which it had before been used.*
* See pp. 141-149; 248, 249.
(e) It is used also, and specially of "the great secret" (1 Tim 3:16; Rom 16:25,26; Eph 3:1-11;
Col 1:24-27).
This secret does not refer to the fact that Gentiles were to be blessed with Israel. That was never
a secret, but was revealed to Abraham at the moment of his own call (Gen 12:3, 22:18, 26:4, etc.
Compare Psa 72:17, 67:1,2, 18:49; Deut 32:43; Isa 11:10, 49:6; Luke 2:32).
Thus though the connections are different, the meaning and usage of the word are uniform; and
the translation and usage of it in English should be uniform also.
7. "At hand," ενιστηµι (enistemi).—The word occurs seven times, and though its usage is
uniform, it is rendered in four different ways in English. One of them is of great importance, and
most misleading. The word means to be present, and is so rendered in Romans 8:38; 1
Corinthians 3:22, 7:26; Galatians 1:4; Hebrews 9:9.
In 2 Timothy 3:1 it is "perilous times shall come": i.e., be present.
But in 2 Thessalonians 2:2 it is rendered "at hand," in connection with "the Day of the Lord" as
being "now present" (RV).
The interpretation of the verse is thus shown to be that the Day of the Lord could not then have
been present, inasmuch as the foretold Apostasy had not taken place, and the Man of Sin had not
yet been revealed.
This being the case they were not to be troubled or disturbed in their mind.
On the other hand, however, if that had been the case, and the Day of the Lord had set in, there
was every reason why they should have been troubled; for, the Apostle's word would in that
case have failed; the revelation made in 1 Thessalonians 4 would not have been fulfilled; and the
comfort would have been given in vain. That day would have overtaken them as a thief, which
he had assured them should not be the case (1 Thess 5:4). And they had not "gathered together"
unto Christ in the air as He had promised them.
The rendering "at hand" makes the whole context of none effect.
The English expression "at hand" occurs in twenty other places, but in not one of them is it the
Greek word enistemi as in 2 Thessalonians 2:2.
8. "Depart," αναλυω (analuo).—The word rendered depart in Philippians 1:23 must be taken
in the same sense as that in which it is used in the only other passage where it occurs; viz., Luke
12:36: "when he shall RETURN from the wedding." It does NOT mean to depart, in the sense
of setting off from the place where one is, but to return to the place that one has left. The verb
does not occur in the Greek translation of the Canonical books of the Old Testament, but it does
occur in the Apocryphal books; which, though of no authority for the established of doctrine, are
invaluable as to the use and meaning of words. In these books, this word always means to
return, and is generally so translated.
This settles for us the uniform usage of the word rendered "depart" in Philippians 1:23, and
shows that it must have the same rendering as it has in Luke 12:36.
It was the return of Christ and to be with Him for which the Apostle longed; and this longing
pressed him out of the other alternatives of living or dying.
It was not his personal gain of which he was thinking, but the gain to the Gospel. The Scope of
the whole passage is the Gospel. The argument is that, If his imprisonment had turned out for
the "furtherance" and gain of the preaching of the Gospel, what might not the gain be by his
death.
It ought to be added that there are no less than twenty-two Greek words rendered "depart" some
one hundred and thirty times: but this one word αναλυω (analuo) occurs only twice, and in one
of these it is rendered "depart" and in the other "return." If this is not convincing evidence as to
what should be the correct rendering in Philippians 1:23, we know not what evidence is
required.
We have the noun αναλυσις (analysis) in 2 Timothy 4:6, but it has the same meaning,
returning or dissolution; i.e., the body returning to dust as it was, and the spirit returning to God
who gave it.
9. "Leaven," ζυµη (zume).—The usage of this word is uniformly in a bad sense throughout
Scripture.
(1) It must be put away at the Passover (Exo 12:15).
(2) It must not come into contact with any sacrifice (Exo 34:25; Lev 2:11, 10:12).
(3) It is likened to the corrupt doctrines of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees (Matt 16:6); and
of Herod (Mark 8:15).
(4) The Corinthian Church was commanded to purge out corrupt persons (1 Cor 5:7) because "a
little leaven leaveneth the whole lump" (v 6); and
(5) It is used of "malice and wickedness" (1 Cor 5:8).
In the face of this, How can anyone dare to use "leaven" in a sense totally opposite, and interpret
it of that which is good in itself and in its workings and effects?
The supposed exceptions are—
(1) Leviticus 23:17. From verse 9-14. The wave-sheaf or first-fruits was to have no leaven. But
in verse 17 the "Two wave loaves" offered fifty days after were to have leaven with them. This
distinction was made because the "wave-sheaf" represented Christ the first-fruits in resurrection,
without sin (1 Cor 15:23); while the two wave-loaves represented those who were endued with
His gifts (fifty days later, Acts 2:1-4): but who had sin and corruption in them. This is why
leaven was used in the two wave-loaves and not in the wave-sheaf.
(2) Amos 4:4, 5. But here the offering "a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven" is what is
described as the multiplying of transgression.
(3) Matthew 13:33. The Parable of the Leaven hidden in three measures of meal. It is one of
seven parables which all have to do with the "Kingdom," and therefore not with the Church.
This we have already seen under our chapter on "Dispensational Truth and Teaching."
The Kingdom was proclaimed by John the Baptist, by Christ, and by Peter. But since it was
finally rejected, it is in abeyance, and is not recognized as having any place in Scripture.
"We see not yet all things put under Him" (Heb 2:8), who is now "henceforth expecting till his
enemies be made his footstool" (Heb 10:13).
Till that day, the Kingdom has no place on earth, and it must not be read into those Scriptures
which concern the present position and portion of the "Church of God."
The Scriptures relating to the Kingdom must be confined to the Kingdom period which is before
and after this present Church-Interval: they must be read on from its rejection in the Acts of the
Apostles to the coming of the King; leaping over this present Dispensation as though it had no
existence.
Only thus shall we understand the Seven Parables of Matthew 13.
The Kingdom was proclaimed by John the Baptist and Christ: The seed was sown. But from that
moment the enemy (likened to the "fowls of the air") was on the watch, not only to catch it
away, but to sow and mingle tares with the good seed. The tares appear, but nothing more is said
about them "till the harvest": nothing is done till "the time of harvest." "The harvest is the end of
the age": i.e., after the present Dispensation.
The mustard-tree, rooted in the earth, gives shelter for the same "fowls of the air" (Rev 18:2).
The leaven follows immediately to illustrate the inward corruption (as the mustard-tree shows
the outward).
If the leaven be taken here in a good sense it would reverse the whole course and point and
scope of the previous teaching; and this parable would be the very opposite of the others.
It cannot mean the preaching of the Gospel in this present Dispensation; for the woman hides it,
but the Gospel is proclaimed openly.
The usage of the word "leaven" here must be taken in this sense; and thus, uniform with all the
other passages where the word occurs.
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon IV
The Context is Always Essential to the Interpretation of Words.
i. The Importance of the Context Shown.
We have already seen something of this in the consideration of the Structure of the Word and
the Words of God.
The order of the words is as perfect as the truth revealed by them, and contained in them.
This order is Divine: and it is nothing less than a crime for any human hand to subvert that
order, either by ignoring it or changing it.
Beware of any teacher to whom the context is not manifestly essential. Beware of any teaching
that is not based upon it.
Some passages of Scripture derive their chief importance from some remarkable words
employed; others derive their chief importance from some wonderful truth revealed; while
others derive their chief importance from the place where we find them. Every passage has its
own importance in this last respect. When we find a passage in its own particular place, there is
a Divine reason why it is there, and also why it is not in any other place.
It is essential to our understanding of the "words" to find out why they are where we find them.
It is essential to our enjoyment of the words that we should discover not only what they mean,
but why they are not in any other passage. If we would find the words and the Word of God to
be a delight to us, instead of a perplexing jumble, we must have special regard to the Context.
If this be disregarded, then a word, a sentence, or a verse, may be taken out from its context and
interpreted of something quite foreign to its original intent.
We have all heard the proverbial saying that "the Bible may be made to prove anything."
Exactly so; but this, very often, is only when, and because, a verse is taken apart from its
context: otherwise it could never be made to teach anything different from the context in which
God has set it.
Every sentence and every verse has something going before it and something following after it.
We call this the context. This is regarded as being essential even in the case of human writers.
How often are complaints made by public speakers and writers that only a part of what they
have said is quoted; whereas, if the whole had been given, or even the sentence that preceded or
followed, quite a different complexion would have been given to the point referred to.
If this be so important where man is concerned, how essential it must be when we remember
that, in the case we are considering, it is God's context and not man's.
How great must be the presumption if we disregard or disturb that context.
Yet this is constantly done in order to prop up some tradition.
Let us illustrate this by giving a few examples of error arising from a disregard of the context.
ii. Examples of Error Arising from a Disregard of the Context.
1. Isaiah 52:8, "They shall see eye to eye."
The context shows that this means the seeing of one another personally "face to face," and not
the agreement with one another in opinion or judgment.
2. Habakkuk 2:2, "That he may run that readeth it."
"Write the vision
And make it plain upon tables,
That he may run who readeth it."
The reason given in the next verse (v 3) shows that the verb Cw@r (rutz) is to be taken in its
sense of hasten, or flee: viz., that he who reads of the coming troubles may flee from them.
It does not mean that he may be able to run while he reads it; but flee when he reads it.
3. Psalm 2:8, "Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the utmost
parts of the earth for thy possession."
How often have we heard these words quoted on missionary platforms and in pulpits, as though,
by missionary efforts, the reign of Christ here spoken of as the one subject of the psalm is to be
brought about.
But this is not to be the way in which that glorious reign is to be inaugurated. Many are the
Scriptures which state this unmistakably. Judgment, not grace, is to be the means employed.
"Worse and worse" is to be the character of the coming days, until they are like "the days of
Noah," which will end up in the Great Tribulation. Then, without any interval or break of any
kind, "IMMEDIATELY after the Tribulation of those days...then shall appear the sign of the
Son of Man in heaven...and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of
heaven" (Matt 24:29,30).
This exactly accords with Psalm 2 as is shown by the words that immediately follow verse 8:
"Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron;
Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel" (v 9).
But, these words of verse 9 are never quoted at missionary meetings, because it is all too plain
that it is not such means as these that missionary societies use, or profess to use. Their agents
proclaim the good news of "the grace of God." They are not sent out to break the "heathen."
They are not commissioned to "dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."
And so the context of this ninth verse is prudently left out! And the quotation always stops short
at the end of the eighth verse!
This is very clever; but is it right? It is one way of "dividing the Word of truth." But, Is it
"RIGHTLY dividing" it?
It is dividing it for a purpose; and that purpose is manifest. It is done in order to make the
Scripture appear to give a Divine support to the tradition of men, that the work of the Church
and the Gospel is to bring about the Millennium; and that, by their means the earth is to be "full
of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Isa 11:9).
But here again the context forbids such an application, for verses 3 and 4 state that it is to be by
righteous judgment that He will "SMITE the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath
of his lips shall he SLAY the wicked."
If the context, which is always essential, had been duly noted and considered, it would have
been impossible for Psalm 2:8 ever to have been distorted, and have an interpretation given to it
which is contrary to the whole teaching of the Word of truth.
4. Another example of error arising from disregard of the context is seen in Matthew 22:32:
"God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."
Quoted thus, apart from the context, as an independent statement, the words are at once placed,
by those who hear them, in the context of their own traditional belief; instead of in the context of
God's Word, and in connection with the rest of the words of the Lord Jesus.
Misquoted as above by being taken thus, apart from their context, they are used to teach that the
dead are not dead at all, but that they are alive. This is exactly what the Old Serpent said in
Genesis 3:4 when he gave the lie to what God had said (Gen 2:17).
But, as in the two cases already cited, not only are the words thus perverted from their meaning,
but the logical sequence of the whole context is suddenly broken off, and ends in a bathos. There
is no conclusion to the Lord's words. He set out to prove the truth of resurrection, which, among
other things, His opponents, the Sadducees, denied:
"Then came the Sadducees which say that there is NO RESURRECTION" (v
23).
They propound a hypothetical case of the woman with the seven husbands, and ask therefore
"IN THE RESURRECTION whose wife shall she be of the seven?" (v 28).
The Lord replies by saying:
"Ye do err, not* knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God. For IN THE
RESURRECTION they neither marry nor are given in marriage."
* Greek, µη (me), not, used subjectively; i.e., not wishing to know
the Scriptures.
He goes on to refer to Scripture:
"But as TOUCHING THE RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, have ye not
read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of
Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the god of
the dead, but of the living."
Is it not clear that these words are used by the Lord in order to prove the fact and truth of
resurrection? How could this argument prove that the dead would rise again if He meant that the
dead are alive now?
Surely the logical conclusion is that, If God is "the God of the living," the dead Abraham, and
the dead Isaac, and the dead Jacob must live again,* in resurrection, in order to have God's
promise to them fulfilled. God had promised to each of these three patriarchs, that not only their
seed, but that they themselves, should possess the land, and therefore, to do this, they must "live
again."
* Compare Revelation 20:5, "the rest of the dead lived not again
until the thousand years were finished," which proves that they
cannot be alive during the thousand years, while they remain "dead."
"TO THEE, and to thy seed"
was the promise made to Abraham (Gen 13:15), to Isaac (Gen 26:3), and to Jacob (Gen 28:13),
It is a matter of history that neither of them ever possessed the land (Heb 11:13), and never had
more than a sepulchre there. That sepulchre they purchased and there they were buried (Gen
49:29-33); but it was not the promised gift.
How then can God's promise to these three patriarchs be fulfilled except by resurrection? The
argument of the Lord proves, unmistakably, the necessity of resurrection if God is to fulfil His
promise to them, and to be faithful to His word to Moses at the Bush.
Apart from the context the Lord's argument is shorn of its conclusion and robbed of its point;
while God's promise is made to fall to the ground, and the hope of resurrection lost. And all this
because a sentence is wrested from the context in which the Holy Spirit of God has placed it.
These are good examples of how a short sentence may be perverted by a violation of this canon.
It will be noticed how these examples point to the fact that it is only traditional beliefs that seem
to require such a treatment of Scripture, and that this treatment is practically confined to them.
This explains why so many of our examples are connected with these strongholds of tradition.
Unable to find Scriptural support for the traditions of men, resort must perforce be had to a few
isolated passages which are thus forced apart from their Divine context for this special purpose.
5. "Observe and do."—Another example may be seen in Matthew 23:3, where the context
clearly tells us whether the translation should be "observe and do" as a command, or "ye observe
and do" as a statement.
In the Greek the second person plural Indicative Mood is exactly the same as the Imperative.
There is nothing therefore to guide us, as to which Mood should be read, but the context. Now,
the context of the immediate passage, and the context of the whole Gospel, leads us to expect
that the Lord cannot possibly be thought of here as enjoining obedience to the teaching of the
Scribes and Pharisees. On the contrary, He was always uttering the most solemn warnings
against them and their teachings. We must, therefore, read them as being in the Indicative
Mood; as stating a fact, and not as enjoining a precept. This is still more clear if we observe that
the word translated "sit" is not in the Present Tense, but in the Past: "have taken their seat."
With these two notes we must translate the passage as follows:
"The Scribes and Pharisees have seated themselves in Moses' seat: all things,
therefore, whatsoever they bid you, ye observe and do: but do not ye according
to their works."
The word "therefore" is very significant. It is because "they have taken their seat in Moses' seat"
that ye observe and do whatever they bid you. But, the injunction is "Do them not." And then in
verses 4-33 the most weighty reasons are given why they should not do them. How, then, can
we go out of our way, gratuitously to create a difficulty, by taking the Mood as being the
Imperative, and make the Lord command them to do the very things He was about to condemn?
The Chief Priests and Elders who had thus arrogated to themselves the authority of Moses,
shortly after this used it to bid the people "that they should ask Barabbas and destroy
Jesus" (Matt 27:20-23). Are we to suppose, for one moment, that in observing to do this bidding
the people were acting in conformity with the Lord's words in 23:3? This consideration by itself
is quite sufficient to condemn the "reading" riveted on the Greek by the Revisers' text; quite
apart from the Critical evidence which can be adduced in favour of the Received Text.
There is another and overwhelming reason for this understanding of the Lord's words; and that
is the concluding reason given why they are not to do the works which the Scribes and Pharisees
commanded, "for they say and do not."
Can the argument be: Do the works (which they command) because they do them not?
Surely there is no sense in such an argument. But rather it is: "Do not ye the works [which they
command], for they do not do them themselves"; which clearly shows how grievous their heavy
burdens were.
This is the continuation of the Lord's argument; and it is the only logical conclusion from His
words as recorded in the context.
6. John 6:37, "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." This verse is indeed divided;
but wrongly, not rightly, divided by quoting only a part of it as though it were the whole.
How often do we hear the promise—"Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out." But
how seldom do we hear the first half, which is an integral part of the sentence. "All that the
Father giveth me shall come to me: AND him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out."
The reason for the mangling of this verse is the same reason why, when the Lord stated the same
truth in verse 65, "No man can come unto me, except it were given him of my Father; FROM
THAT TIME many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him."
Wherever this same truth is proclaimed to-day, the same result will follow; and this, in spite of
all the talk about "the teaching of Jesus," which is only an excuse for attempting to get rid of the
teaching of the Holy Ghost by Paul.
7. Acts 16:31, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved."
This is an example of how a special and personal injunction is detached from its context, put
forth, and used as a general and universal command.
The quotation generally stops here, because the words "thou and thy house" would show the
special nature of the command. The context shows that it was given to one who was under deep
conviction of sin. The jailor had seen himself in the presence of God. His one thought was that
the prisoners had fled. His one act was that "he drew out his sword and would have killed
himself": for he knew what his fate would be in the morning (Acts 12:19).
But there was One who knew what he thought, and the voice said, "We are all here." There was
One who could see in that darkness what he was going to do, and the voice said, "Do thyself no
harm." "THEN he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling and fell down," and
asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
To all such in similar circumstances; to all who thus fall down and ask such a question, this is
the right answer. But it is no command at all to those who are not under conviction of sin. Such
have first to believe God as to their lost and ruined condition.
There are other passages, however, which are not so serious, where mistakes are made and
errors are fallen into through partial quotations, where a part of a verse is used to upset the
teaching of the other part, or of the immediate context.
8. Romans 8:28, "All things work together for good."
These words are often taken by themselves, as though they were an independent statement; a
statement moreover which is contrary to fact.
Sometimes the words that follow are added, "to them that love God."
But very seldom do we hear the next sentence: "to them that are the called according to his
purpose."
9. 1 Corinthians 3:17, "Him shall God destroy."
"If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy,
which temple ye are."
It is well for us first to note the fact that the words "defile" and "destroy" represent but one and
the same word in the Greek. In both clauses the word is φθειρω (phtheiro), to spoil or corrupt.
That this is the meaning may be seen from 1 Corinthians 15:33; 2 Corinthians 7:2, 11:3, etc.
But, the pronoun rendered "him" is τουτον (touton), this. To what noun does the pronoun "this"
refer? The context alone can help us.
It cannot be "this" man, or "him" as in AV; because verse 15 distinctly states that "he himself
shall be saved."
It can be, therefore, only "this" thing that the man builds on the one foundation as stated in verse
12. Whatever man's building-work may be—good, bad, or indifferent; "gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, stubble"; grand, imposing, insignificant, or mean, whatever it may be, it will
be burnt up (vv 13-15).
"Ye are God's building" (v 9).
"Ye are the temple of God" (v 16).
"Which temple ye are" (v 17).
That temple is God's building (Eph 2:21). It is "one body" (Eph 4:16). It is a spiritual unity (Eph
4:3,4).
If any man builds any other "temple," or makes any other "body," or creates any other "unity," it
is corporate; and it "defiles God's building"; and "this" it is that God will destroy.
10. 2 Corinthians 5:8. "Absent from the body."
In this case a few words are taken out of their context and used as a motto or proverbial
expression; and are quoted as conclusively settling a disputed question. We have already
considered this illustration under Canon II (
pages 223-226), where we showed the Scope of the
Passage from its Structure. We wish to show now, how these words can be explained by simply
heeding the context.
Again and again we hear:
"Absent from the body,
Present with the Lord"
quoted as though it asserted that the moment a believer is "absent from the body" he is "present
with the Lord."
But this is what it does not say. Many will be surprised to hear that no such collocation of words
occurs in Scripture: and that 2 Corinthians 5:8 reads
"We are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the
Lord,"
which is quite a different thing; because the whole context from 2 Corinthians 4:14 down to this
verse, is wholly occupied with the subject of Resurrection, and a longing and desire not to die,
or to be unclothed (v 4), but "to be clothed upon" with our heavenly and glorious resurrection
body.
While we are in this body we are "absent from the Lord." That is why we so earnestly desire to
be alive and remain till His coming, that we may be clothed upon with our house* which is from
heaven.
* The word here rendered "house" is οικητηριον (oiketerion), which is used of the
spirit-body which we shall have in resurrection. The word occurs only here and in
Jude 6, where it is rendered "habitation," and is used here of whatever that word may
mean when used of angels or angelic beings in Jude 6. The word οικος (oikos) is used
of our present human body or house (2 Cor 5:1). It is also used of our resurrection
body in the same verse, but there it is specially distinguished as being "not made with
hands." This shows that the meaning of oiketerion in verse 2, is a spirit-body, because
it is not made with human hands, but "a building of God," "which is from heaven."
We ourselves are very willing to be thus "absent from the body"; nay, we are desirous of it,
because, when we are, we shall then have our oiketerion in which we shall be "at home with the
Lord."
We have precisely the same teaching in the word "SO" in 1 Thessalonians 4:17. "SO shall we
ever be with the Lord." The Greek is ουτως (houtos), thus, in this manner; viz. by Resurrection,
and Ascension; raised and "caught up to meet the Lord in the air, SO shall we ever be with the
Lord."
It will be noticed again that it is tradition which thus requires such perverted misquotations. This
is because the errors of tradition are produced by ignoring the context. We have another:
11. "To die is gain," (Phil 1:21), constantly cited as though it were a separate, independent, and
dogmatic categorical statement of Divine truth; whereas it is nothing of the kind. It is not even a
complete sentence. The verse says:
"For to me to live is Christ,
And to die is gain."
The very word "For" should be sufficient to show that the statement is not independent; but that
it depends on what has been before said, and is added as a reason for it.
What has been said before? What is the context all about?
A very cursory reader will at once see that it is all about the "gain" of the Gospel. That is what
the Apostle was so deeply concerned about. He was in prison, and yet he wanted them to
"understand that the things which happened unto me have fallen out rather unto the furtherance
of the Gospel." And he goes on to show that the one effect of his bonds on many of the brethren
had been to make their confidence to increase, so that they were "much more bold to speak the
Word without fear."
Paul rejoiced at this, notwithstanding that some did it of contention and others from love.
It made him bold also, and bold enough to say that he did not care what happened to himself; he
did not mind whether he lived or died. Christ would be magnified in his body (v 20) in either
case. "The furtherance of the Gospel" was the one thing he cared about; not his own personal
"gain." He never thought of that. It ruins the whole scope of the chapter to introduce the thought,
yea, the slanderous thought, and charge him with such selfishness, as though he were thinking
only of his own personal gain. It is a gross injustice to the Apostle, as well as a perversion of his
words, thus to bring against him a charge of which he was not only innocent, but which is
foreign to the context.
It also mars and breaks up the logical sequence of the Context, considered merely as literary
matter. The argument is this; If my bonds have resulted in the furtherance of the Gospel, what
might not my death produce? Christ is preached through my bonds; so He may be magnified
through my body, whether by my living or dying, "For to me to live will be Christ; and to die
[will be His] gain." In either case He will be magnified. The gain will be His.
But though his death might result in Christ's gain, it might not be their gain; for to abide in the
flesh would be more needful for those to whom he wrote.*
* See above, under Canon III, Section 5:8; the word "Depart."
12. Philippians 2:12. We have a similar example in the next chapter: "Work out your own
salvation with fear and trembling."
These words are quoted as a general instruction applying to everyone universally. Whereas the
preceding context shows that they are part of an exhortation for these Philippian saints to do this
working in the Apostle's absence as they had always done in his presence.
Moreover the context which follows gives the reason why they should, and why they could, do
this working out; "FOR it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good
pleasure."
What that work is, is added in verse 14. "Do all things without murmurings and disputings."
That is how they would work out that salvation which they had in Christ, during the Apostle's
absence.
We must not dismiss this negative branch of our subject without a reference to the two
pernicious practices which may be termed Text-mangling on the one hand, and Text-garbling on
the other.
13. Text-mangling is common on illuminated wall-texts, motto-cards, birth-day books, and
almanacs.
The practice is to take a few words (for the space is often very limited) regardless of the context
in which they may be found; regardless also of their proper interpretation. Hence, passages are
often selected which may give false peace to those who stand in need of conviction of sin; or
they may disturb the peace of those who need assurance; or they may remove others from the
ground of grace to the ground of works. Sometimes also this practice causes the words of God to
be treated as Shakespeare is often treated by advertisers, comic artists, and others, who are thus
able to show at once their intimate knowledge of Shakespeare and their cleverness in twisting
his words to an end and for a purpose which Shakespeare never dreamed of. This is done in
order to attract attention by showing the absurdity of making Shakespeare recommend some
"buttons," "pills," or "soap" of which he never heard.
This practice may be innocent and amusing when it is confined to a human author; but, when it
is brought into use in dealing with the words of God, the practice cannot be too strongly
reprobated as being an insult to God, and pernicious to man.
Just in this same way we might quote, or rather misquote, the words of Truth:
"There is no God" (Psa 14:1).
"Hang all the law and the prophets" (Matt 22:40).
"Woe unto you lawyers" (Luke 11:52).
All these are true, if taken in connection with the context in which they stand; but not otherwise.
Apart from their context these and others may form complete sentences, but they may make
either nonsense or false sense.
We have actually seen the following short sentence as a wall-text:—
"Thou shalt not drink wine"
as though this was a general command demanding universal obedience.
But it is taken from the Minor Prophets, where it forms part of Divine threatening of judgment:
"Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied;...
Thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver...
Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap;
Thou shalt tread olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil;
And sweet wine, but shalt not drink wine (Micah 6:15; compare Zeph 1:13).
Not only are these words thus wrested from their proper context and meaning; but, by so doing,
they are set in flat contradiction to Amos 9:14, where exactly the opposite prophecy is given by
way of blessing:
"They shall plant vineyards
And drink the wine thereof."
On the other hand, there are texts which are of such universal and eternal application, and which
so touch the conscience, that they could not fail to be of untold blessing to thousands, if they
were chosen for this purpose.
How seldom, if ever, do we see such passages as these plainly printed and prominently exposed:
"The LORD seeth not as man seeth." (1 Sam 16:7).
or
"Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." (1 Sam 16:7).
or
"Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the
LORD?" (1 Sam 15:22).
or
"To obey is better than sacrifice,
And to hearken, than the fat of rams." (1 Sam 15:22)
The governing principle in this matter should be that, what is put out for general observation
should be in perfect harmony with, not wrenched from, its context, and universal and eternal in
its application.
14. Text-garbling differs from Text-mangling in that a passage is not only taken out of the
context in which God has set it, but it is placed in another context in which He has not set it.
This, to say the least, is an act of the grossest impertinence.
There are some writers who are specially addicted to this habit, and string a number of texts
together as though they occurred exactly in this order in God's Word. True, the references may
be given with each verse; but unwary readers may not notice or heed this; hence they will read
on from one to the other as though they are reading the words as God has given them.
There is one book, especially, in our mind, which does this, and leads many to do this "daily,"
every day of the year: but whether in each case it gives daily light is another matter.
If it comes to merely stringing texts together, this can easily be done; we could say:
"Judas went and hanged himself (Matt 27:5).
Go and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37).
This shows the absurdity to which such a principle can be reduced.
We do not deny, of course, that it is possible for a well-taught and well-read spiritually-minded
student of the Word of truth to do this with effect. Great light may be thrown often on a passage
by putting it alongside another, thus letting one Scripture be its own Divine comment on
another. That is quite a different thing altogether from the ill-considered practice of dislocating a
passage from its own context and putting it into another.
What we are speaking of is the habit of garbling Scripture by bringing texts together, regardless
as to whether such displacement affects in any way the special interpretation which they have in
their own respective contexts.
It may be that, with due regard to this point, the truth and teaching of each of two such passages
may be enhanced. But the practice is one which requires much spiritual discernment, great care,
long experience, special knowledge of the context, extensive knowledge of Scripture, and a
recognition of the principle involved in the important distinction between interpretation and
application, dealt with in
Canon X.
iii. Examples of Truth and Teaching Resulting from a Due Regard to the Context.
We come now to another part of this subject, as to the context being essential.
What we have said above is negative and destructive rather than positive and constructive. We
have shown some of the mistakes arising from a disregard of the context; and have seen some of
the evils resulting from this dangerous practice.
We now have a happier branch of this subject, viz., we have to show some of the advantages of
giving heed to the context; and the blessing, truth, and teaching resulting from a careful
observation of the context, not only in the removal of difficulties, or in the explanation of so-
called "discrepancies," but in the manifestation of the perfections of the Divine Word.
We shall divide this branch of our subject into two parts—
(a) The Nearer Context, and
(b) The Remoter Context.
From one point of view, the Word of truth, coming as it does, as a whole, from one and the same
Divine Author, is its own context. That is to say, a particular passage is to be regarded not only
in the relation it bears to its own nearer or remoter context; but, in the relation which it bears to
the Word of God as a whole.
It may not be intended to teach science, chronology, or history, either Assyrian, Babylonian,
Palestinian, or Egyptian, as such; but, everything that it records will be in perfect harmony with
whatever is true of any or all of these. Scientia means knowledge, and nothing in Scripture will
be found to contradict what we really know, which is true science. Much that goes by the name
of "science" is only hypothesis; and, in much more, supposition is so mixed up with knowledge
that the result is vitiated.
All must be brought to the bar of the Divine Word. That Word as a whole is the context for its
every part. All that is outside the two covers of the Word of God must be judged by what is
within. We must not reverse this process and judge what is within by anything that may come to
us from without.
With this understanding we will look at a few illustrations, which show how certain passages
may receive light; how certain difficulties may be removed, how new beauties may be revealed
by having regard to this, our fourth canon or principle, that the context is always essential.
Let us take, first, passages which are illuminated by
(a) The Nearer Context.
By this we mean what we may find and read on the same page, or opening; or at the most on the
pages or in the chapters near to it.
[By the Remoter Context we mean that which is separated from it by some chapters at least; or
even by other books of Scripture.]
1. In Genesis 35:2, we read Jacob's command, "Put away the strange gods [Hebrew, the gods of
the stranger] that are among you, and be clean and change your garments."
This looks, at first sight, as though Jacob and his family had become idolaters. It is true, we read
of the "teraphim" which Rachel had taken away when she fled with Jacob from her father's
house (31:19); but it does not appear that they were for worship. More probably they were of
silver or gold, and were taken as valuables in lieu of the balance of wages still owing by Laban
to Jacob.
It is hardly credible that idolatry could have been common in Jacob's household as the command
in Genesis 35:2 would seem to imply.
We have not far to look before we find the explanation. Only a few verses before (34:26-29) we
read how the sons of Jacob had just captured the city of Shechem and taken their cattle, and "all
their wealth, and all their little ones and their wives took they captive, and spoiled even all that
was in the house."
Here then we have the explanation of these strangers and their strange gods. Here also we see
why Jacob gave this command not only "unto his household," but "to all that were with him."
2. In 2 Kings 4:13 Elisha asks "a great woman" of Shunem (who had befriended him): "Behold,
thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? Wouldest thou be
spoken for to the king or to the captain of the host?"
This sounds strange, when, from the previous history, we should hardly suppose that Elisha was
on sufficiently good terms with Jehoram king of Israel to have any grounds for holding out such
hopes to this woman. And yet he could not be trifling with her after all her care of him.
What then is the explanation? We find it in the immediate context. Chapter 3:16, 17 tells how he
had just by a miraculous supply of water saved the armies of Israel and enabled them to defeat
their enemy.
Elisha might well therefore presume that he had some ground on which he could appeal for a
favour to the king; or at any rate to "the captain of the host."
3. In Daniel 5:30 we read, "In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain. And
Darius the Median took the kingdom."
In 6:1, we read, "It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom an hundred and twenty princes which
should be over the whole kingdom."
In Esther 1:1-3, we read that Ahashuerus (a subsequent king of Persia) "reigned from India even
unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces."
Here, if princes necessarily imply provinces, there appears to be a discrepancy as to which no
explanation is vouchsafed by the historian: the fact being stated as well known and needing
nothing beyond its statement.
However, in Daniel 8:4, the Nearer Context, we find that Daniel had a vision in the reign of
Belshazzar, showing the nature and character of the impending change, and the rise of the Medo-
Persian kingdom.
It is pictured as "a ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts
might stand before him" (Dan 8:1-4).
This can mean only that, in the early days of its existence, the Medo-Persian kingdom would
extend its boundaries, and receive accessions of empire.
This is exactly what we find from Esther 1:1-3, where the one hundred and twenty provinces of
Daniel 6:1 had increased to one hundred and twenty-seven in the subsequent reign of
Ahashuerus.
4. Ephesians 3:15, "The whole family in heaven and earth." This is another illustration of quite a
different character. But first we must ask what is the sense in which we are to take the word
"family." It is an unfortunate rendering of the Greek πατρια (patria), and yet it is so difficult to
suggest a better, that the only alternative is to try and understand it. Our English word "family"
takes its meaning from the lowest in the household; from famulus, the servant, and not from the
father. The Latin familia was the household of servants. But the idea of patria is Hebrew, and is
a group or class of families all claiming a common descent from one πατηρ (pater), or father.
The twelve tribes were divided into patria, and these again into οικοι (oikoi), houses. Joseph
was of the house and family of David. The word occurs only here, Luke 2:4 and Acts 3:25. It
denotes a clan all descended from a common stock.
So much for the meaning of the word. Now for the meaning of the verse: "Of whom the whole
family [RV every family] in heaven and earth is named."
This verse is always understood of "the Church of God"; and is taken to mean that one part of it
is already in heaven, and the other part is on earth.
But this is not an illuminated wall-text, or a text from a birthday book, or from an almanac. It
occurs in the middle of an Epistle which has something to say about the names, and about the
naming of these families.
God has many families, in heaven and on earth, both in this world and in the world to come. But
we, with our usual selfishness, can see only one Family; and that must, of course, be the Church,
for that is the Family we belong to. Thus we bring everything round to ourselves; especially if
there is blessing, mercy, or glory attached to it.
In Ephesians 1:21 we have the names of some of these "Families": "Principalities, Powers,
Might, Dominions, Thrones, Angels and Archangels."
These belong to "heaven above" and to "the world to come." Two of them are again mentioned
in Ephesians 3:10, viz., the "Principalities and Powers," to whom God is manifesting now His
manifold wisdom by means of the Church, using it as His object-lesson. The Church must,
therefore, be distinct from these families in heaven.
What these heavenly families may be we do not know. Others are mentioned in Romans 8:38;
Colossians 1:16; 1 Peter 3:22,* but the Greek words employed reveal no more to us than the
English words. For words that pertain only to "this world" cannot contain any information as to
the "world to come."
* From Ephesians 6:12 we gather that there are similar classes of spirit-being who are
evil and fallen, opposing and conflicting with the good and unfallen (see Col 2:15).
Other "names that are named" are referred to in Ephesians 1:21.
And yet in spite of all this when the RV correctly renders πασα πατρια (pasa patria) every
family (Eph 3:15) an outcry is made because Ephesians 3:15 has been heretofore wrongly
limited and restricted to the Church; and that verse has been used as a proof that part of the
Church is in heaven and part of it is on earth. On this unwarranted limitation the non-Scriptural
(not to say un-Scriptural) terms of "church militant" and "church triumphant" are based.
But the text reads, "Of [or, by] whom every family in the heavens and upon earth is named."
We know this only because we are here told of it. No further explanation is given. We have the
key to the interpretation in the Nearer Context (Eph 1:21). We have "every family that is
named" in 3:15, and "every name that is named" in 1:21. It seems very inconsistent to translate
"every name" in 1:21, and "the whole family" in 3:15. But out of this inconsistency flows the
error; and on this inconsistency is built up the figment of part of the Church being in heaven and
part on earth. Those who believe in and teach an "Intermediate state" must get over this
difficulty as best they can. For our own part we see no difficulty at all; but only a simple
revelation as to unseen realities.
We have here in Ephesians 3:15 and 1:21 a universal truth; but those who limit it to the Church
of God not only lose that great truth, but they get error in its stead.
Rightly divided, the families in heaven consist of Principalities, Powers, Might, Dominions,
Thrones, Angels and Archangels, while the families on earth are Israel and the Church of God.
All the promises of God to the Church are made concerning heavenly things; all the promises
made to Israel, the other earthly family, have to do with earth and earthly things.
Presently the Church will take its place in the heavens, and will be the chiefest of every family
in heaven, while Israel will be the Family on Earth. The object in the Epistle to the Ephesians is
to show how the risen Christ has been given and made the Head over all things to (or for) the
Church. He is and will be the centre of all things in heaven and on earth, both to the Church and
to Israel.
Join together what God has put asunder; fail to divide rightly or to recognize the distinction
between these families; allow ourselves to be misled by tradition and deceived by partisan
teachers that there is only one family (part of it in heaven and part on earth), and we shall not
only lose some of the most wonderful truths of the Word of God, but we shall find ourselves in
the mists and clouds of darkness and error.
Rightly divide the Word of truth, giving due heed to the Context, and there will be opened out to
us whole vistas of separate truths, which will all converge and unite in magnifying the Word of
God, and in glorifying the Christ of God.
(b) The Remoter Context.
By this we mean that the Word of God, being one whole, is its own Context, for every separate
passage, quite apart from all that is outside its own covers; and each passage has to be read in
reference to the whole book.
Each passage stands, not only in its own immediate Context, but it stands also in the Context of
the Bible as a whole; and is to be read, and explained, and understood, and interpreted in the
light of the rest of Scripture.
An inexplicable verse, or act, or fact may find its solution in some other part of Scripture. For all
of it is God-breathed. All has one Author. The Bible is not a "Symposium" of many authors; for
though there are many writers there is only one Author, the Holy Spirit of God.
He has used various mouths to speak and various pens to write; He has "spoken at sundry times,
and in divers manners": but it is the same God who has spoken.
When we realize this great fact, we shall perceive the all-pervading presence of that one Author
in all parts of the Word, which was written as holy men of old spake from God as they were
moved by that same Spirit.
If any doubt the truth of this fact they will soon be convinced as they consider the Illustrations
which we propose to give them.
1. Genesis 19 and 14. The cities and the city.—, for example, at Genesis 18, where Abraham
pleaded with God for Sodom that the city might be spared in the day of His judgment.
God had told him that He would destroy the cities (v 20) Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19
speaks of "the cities." But Abraham prayed only for "the city." No reason is given. And, for
aught that is said in these two chapters, we might conclude that he was influenced solely by
feelings of humanity. But on referring back to 14:12, we learn that his nephew Lot and his
family dwelt in Sodom, and thus we see a special reason why Abraham should thus feel so
acutely, and intercede so earnestly for deliverance of that city.
We may further learn that God has more than one way of answering prayer.
When we are in difficulty, danger, or trouble, we see a way out of it, and we ask God, very
"definitely," to deliver us by that way.
All the time He has many ways of delivering us, each better than the one we can see.
No greater evil could happen to us than for God always to answer our prayer and grant our
definite request.
Here, in this history, Abraham could see only one way of delivering his nephew Lot; so he prays
that God would avert His judgment from Sodom and spare "the city."
God did not grant his request, but he delivered Lot out of the midst of the overthrow; and thus
answered Abraham's prayer, though not in the way Abraham had asked.
2. In Genesis 24:24 Rebekah is said to be "the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she
bare unto Nahor."
From verse 15 we learn that Nahor was Abraham's brother. But there is nothing in all this
chapter to explain to us how it was that a grand-daughter of Abraham's brother could be old
enough to marry Isaac, Abraham's son; in other words, how Rebekah of the third generation
could marry Isaac who was of the second generation.
We have to go back to Genesis 18:11, 12, quite a remote context, and there we read that Sarah,
Abraham's wife, was "old and well stricken in years," before Isaac was born.
This quite accounts for what otherwise would be a difficulty. Dr. Blunt refers to such an
example as this for quite a different purpose. In his work on Undesigned Coincidences he uses
these and similar examples as an argument for the veracity of the Scriptures.
We refer to the same examples with quite a different object, viz., to show how, in a difficulty
which we meet with in a particular passage, we find the solution in a remote Context, and often
in a mere passing parenthetical statement.
3. Genesis 37. The Ishmaelites and Midianites.—In Genesis 37:25 Joseph's brethren "lifted up
their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their
camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt."
In verse 28: "Then there passed by Midianites merchant-men: and they [Joseph's brethren] drew
and lifted up Joseph out of the pit and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver."
In verse 36: "And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar an officer of Pharaoh's."
In 39:1: Potiphar "bought him of the hands of the Ishmaelites which had brought him down
thither."
Grave charges have been brought against the Text on account of these and other so-called
"discrepancies" by the "Higher" Critics of the present day. But it will be found that most of these
objections are contained in the writings of the French and English Atheists and Deists of the
eighteenth century, though the cursory reader may be quite sure that no writer or editor would be
so ignorant, or would be so careless, as to make such blunders, if blunders they are.
Moses and his readers knew the facts so well that there could be no possibility of the record
being misunderstood.
It is rather an evidence of veracity and accuracy that the interchange of names should thus be
made, without any attempt to explain it. A later editor would be sure to have noted the
phenomenon presented in the Text, and have made some effort to correct or explain it.
It is in the remoter Context of Judges 8:24 that we learn from a parenthetical remark, connected
with quite another subject, that the Midianites, whom Gideon had just defeated, "had golden
earrings* because they were Ishmaelites."
* Mzene (nezem), a ring, from Mzanaf (nazam), to bore. Hence, any ring as worn in
the ear or the nose. It appears to be a nose-ring in Genesis 24:47; Isaiah 3:21;
Proverbs 11:22; Ezekiel 16:12; and an ear-ring in Genesis 35:4 and Exodus 32:2. In
certain passages it is doubtful where the ring was worn, the part of the body not being
named. See Judges 8:24, 25; Job 42:11; Proverbs 25:12; Hosea 2:13.
Thus it must have been a well-known fact as shown by this parenthetical remark that all
Midianites were Ishmaelites, but all Ishmaelites were not Midianites.
But if we enquire further, and ask how this could be, we have to go to another context
altogether, even to two Scriptures earlier than Genesis 37.
We find our first clue in Genesis 16:11, 12, where we learn that ISHMAEL was the son of
Abram, by his wife Hagar: while from Genesis 25:2 we learn that MIDIAN and MEDAN were
Abraham's sons by his wife Keturah. So that Ishmael and Midian were half-brothers, and
doubtless shared the same countries and the same life. Hence, in Genesis 37 there was no need
to add any explanation of this fact, because it would be a matter of common knowledge.
But we, approaching Genesis 37 from its own standpoint, are left to discover the fact; and we do
so, from the remoter Context of Judges 8 (where a parenthetical remark solves the whole
difficulty), and from Genesis 16:11, 12 and 25:2.
Thus, it is clear, from Genesis 37, that while the caravan at a distance was seen and known to be
Ishamaelite, a closer inspection showed that there were Midianite merchant-men travelling with
the company, and were known by wearing the same nose- or ear-rings, which we see from
Judges 8 were the distinguishing badge of all Ishmaelites.
We could hardly find an example which more clearly shows the importance of the Canon we are
considering, and affords evidence of the exceeding value of carefully studying and marking the
Context, however remote it may be, for the purposes of interpretation.
4. Exodus 6:16-20. Moses' Parents.—Another Illustration is found in the case of the parents of
Moses.
From Exodus 6:16, 18, 20 we learn that his father Amram was the grandson of Levi, and that he
married Jochebed the daughter of Levi.
This looks as though there must have been a great disparity of age, belonging as they did to
different generations.
But it is not until we look in the book of Numbers that we find there, in the remoter Context, the
solution of the difficulty. There we read, in Numbers 26:59, that "the name of Amram's wife
was Jochebed, the daughter of Levi, whom her mother bare to Levi in Egypt."
Thus, Jochebed of the first generation would be about the same age as Amram of the second.
Dr. Blunt cites this to show that, as the object of Numbers 26:59 was not to explain this matter,
we have an undesigned coincidence which establishes the veracity of the Scriptures. We cite it
to show the importance of always noting and heeding the context.
5. Numbers 16:1. The Sons of Kohath and Reuben.—In Numbers 16:1 we read of the rebellion
of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, the sons of Kohath and Reuben.
Nothing is said as to why these should have joined together in the conspiracy. But in the remoter
Context of Numbers 3:29 we find that the tents of Kohath were pitched on the South side of the
Tabernacle; and from Numbers 2:10 we find that the camp of Reuben was on the same (South)
side also.
These statements are not made to explain how it was that Kohathites and Reubenites conspired
together; but so it was, and so the difficulty is explained.
6. Numbers 16:27. The Sons of Korah.—Again, from this chapter, Numbers 16, it reads as
though all shared the same judgment.
But, in the nearer Context we find the "sons" of Dathan and Abiram mentioned in verse 27.
Korah himself and his "men" who conspired with him and his goods are mentioned also; but no
mention is made of Korah's sons.
Then, in the remoter Context, ten chapters later, we read in 26:11, "notwithstanding the sons of
Korah died not."
Doubtless, therefore, they obeyed the call of Moses and Aaron (16:24) and "gat up" out of the
Tabernacle which these rebels had set up; and so were delivered.
These "sons of Korah," thus rescued as brands from the burning, monuments of the grace of
God, were in later days conspicuous in the prominence given to them and their descendants in
the worship of the Temple the "true Tabernacle" under David and Hezekiah.
7. Joshua 3:15. Jordan overflowing in time of harvest.—In Joshua 3:14-17 we have the crossing
of the Jordan described, and the parenthetical remark that it was in "the time of harvest" (v 15).
In Joshua 4:19 we read that it was also on "the tenth day of the first month." This was the season
of the Passover, and of barley harvest, seven weeks before the Feast of Weeks, when the wheat
harvest was celebrated (Exo 23:14; Lev 23:15).
But, according to Exodus 9:31, this was also the time of the flax harvest.
How wonderful, then, and how simple is the truth of the narrative in Joshua 2:6, where we are
told that Rahab hid Joshua's two spies beneath "the stalks of flax."
8. 1 Samuel 13:19. No smith found in Israel.—A brief statement in 1 Samuel 13:19 explains
many circumstances when read in the light of remoter Contexts. There we read "there was no
smith found throughout all the land of Israel," and the reason is given as the result of the
rigorous law of the Philistines, who oppressed Israel at that time, and held them in subjection.
This explains how it was that Ehud "made him a dagger which had two edges"; and made it
himself (Judg 3:16).
Shamgar had to use an ox-goad in his attack on the Philistines (Judg 3:31).
Samson "had nothing in his hand," no weapon, when he slew the lion (Judg 14:5,6).
There was not "a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel" (Judge 5:8).
In the days of Israel's liberty we read of men that "drew the sword"; but in the days of their
oppression we read of the sling and the stone (Judg 20:2,15; 1 Sam 17:40) and other ignoble
weapons.
Dr. Blunt cites all these as arguments for the veracity of Scripture.
We use them for another purpose; to show the necessity of having due regard to the remoter
Contexts of the Word of God in order to understand parenthetical remarks which are made, and
left, without any explanation being given in the immediate context.
9. 1 Samuel 17:4. "Goliath of Gath."—In 1 Samuel 17:4 and 2 Samuel 21:18-22 "Gath" is
spoken of and emphasized as the city of Goliath, and of his brother and sons. It is mentioned
incidentally, as needing no explanation.
But the explanation is found in the remoter Context of Joshua 11:21, 22, where we read of the
utter destruction of the Anakim (or giants); and it is added that "there was none of the Anakim
left in the land of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod there remained."
10. 1 Kings 17:9. "A little oil in a cruse."—In 1 Kings 17:9 Elijah is commanded to get him to
Zarephath which belongeth to Zidon, and dwell there; where a widow woman was to sustain
him.
He goes to Zarephath and meets the widow, who says: "As the LORD thy God liveth, I have not
a cake, but an handful of meal in a barrel, and a little oil in a cruse."
This Zarephath (in the New Testament called Sarepta) belonged to Zidon.
Now, from the remoter Context (Josh 19:24-28), we find that the district of Zidon fell to the lot
of Asher; and if we turn to another context, still more remote (Deut 33:24), we learn that in the
blessing of the Tribes by Moses it is written: "And of Asher he said:
Let Asher be blessed with children,
Let him be acceptable to his brethren,
And let him dip his foot in oil."
If this last sentence means anything, it denotes an abundance of olive trees and of oil, as the
special characteristic of Asher's blessing.
This is just what we find in 1 Kings 17:9, where after three years and a half of drought there is
still a little oil left; and that in the store of a widow who was probably only a small proprietor.
11. 2 Chronicles 17:1. "Jehoshaphat strengthened himself against Israel."—The histories of
Jehoshaphat king of Judah, and of Jehoram his son, furnish us with several illustrations.
There is first the nearer context, 2 Chronicles 17:1, "And Jehoshaphat strengthened himself
against Israel."
This is meant to exhibit the enormity of his sin when, in 18:1, he married his son Jehoram to
Athaliah, the daughter of Jezebel; who afterwards did for Judah what Jezebel had done for
Israel.
12. 2 Chronicles 22:11, 12. Joash, Jehosheba and nurse hidden six years in the Temple.—The
history of Jehoram goes on to tell us how he slew all his brethren (21:4); how the Arabians came
and destroyed all his children, and left him "never a son, save Jehoahaz [or Ahaziah] the
youngest of his sons" (21:17).
Then we are told that, when this Ahaziah died, his mother Athaliah "arose and destroyed all the
seed royal of the house of Judah" (22:10).
We are told also how the infant Joash was rescued by Jehosheba, the wife of Jehoiada, the High
Priest (22:11,12); and how she and the nurse and the child were hid in the house of God for six
years.
We marvel how such a thing could be; for, for aught that is said there, the worship of the
Temple was still going on, and the difficulty of hiding these three for so long a time looks as
though the thing were impossible.
If we had no regard to the remoter Context we should see here an insuperable difficulty; but
when we read the whole context we find that, like most of our other difficulties, they are made
by ourselves!
It is not until we reach chapter 24 that we learn what had previously taken place.
Not until those six years had run their course, and Athaliah was slain, and Joash sat upon the
throne of Judah, not until then does it come out (and even then, not at all for the purpose of
solving our difficulty or removing our perplexity) that in the previous reign the house of God
had been broken up, and all the vessels removed to the temple of Baal which had been
established in Judah (24:7).
Not until Joash begins to reign are we told this, and even then it is only to explain why Joash set
himself to repair it by preparing timber and stones and masons and carpenters for the work
(24:12-14), and not to explain why Hehosheba, Joash, and his nurse found the house of the
LORD such a safe hiding-place. These large preparations made by Joash for the repairs show
the extent of the breaches which had been made; and tell us how that ruined and deserted
Temple was the safest place in the whole kingdom.
13. 2 Chronicles 21:10. The revolt of Libnah.—Another circumstance, mentioned quite
parenthetically in 2 Chronicles 21:10, and without any apparent object, throws a flood of light
on the whole history when we compare it with its remoter Context in the book of Joshua.
The revolt of Edom from under the hand of Jehoram king of Judah (2 Chron 21:8-1) is not
recorded as fulfilling prophecy; but it did, as we shall see if we look at the still more remote
Context of Genesis 27:40.
The parenthetical remark in 2 Chronicles 21:10 merely states the fact that at "the same time also
did Libnah revolt from under his [Jehoram's] hand; because he had forsaken the LORD God of
his fathers."
What is this remark thrown in here for? To tell us to look and see where and what Libnah was.
We have to go back as far as Joshua 21:13, and there we find that Libnah was one of the cities
of the Priests.
This tells us that when Jehoram and Athaliah broke up the Temple of God, and set up the house
of Baal, the priests held aloof, and must have conspired to restore Joash to the throne as soon as
the convenient time should come.
This explains why Jehoiada the High Priest had the chief part in the restoration of Joash and the
execution of Athaliah, and the slaying of Mattan her priest of Baal (2 Chron 23:14-16).
This is why the priests took such a prominent part in collecting the money to repair and restore
the House of the LORD (24:4-11).
So that these references to the remoter Context reveal all these truths, explain these difficulties,
and throw a flood of light on the whole history.
14. 2 Kings 18:13, 14. The depletion of Hezekiah's Treasury.—In the history of Hezekiah we
read (2 Kings 18:13-16) that his treasury had been depleted by the demands of the king of
Assyria; for he had not only given him what was in his own house, but he was reduced to the
necessity of stripping the gold from the doors of the Temple.
Yet in Isaiah 39:2 we find Hezekiah showing the emissaries of Babylon all "the house of his
precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices," etc.
No attempt is made to explain how this could be after so short an interval; and that interval
covered by his sickness, and the siege of Jerusalem.
But there is one short passage, 2 Chronicles 32:22, 23, introduced there quite independently of
all else:
"Thus the LORD saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the
hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria, and from the hand of all other, and
guided them on every side. And many brought gifts unto the LORD to
Jerusalem, and presents to Hezekiah king of Judah: so that he was magnified in
the sight of all the nations from henceforth."
In addition to these presents there must have been vast spoils after Sennacherib's army had been
destroyed, if we may judge from another remote Context, in 2 Kings 7:15, where, when the
Syrians fled, "all the way was full of garments and vessels which the Syrians had cast away in
their haste."
15. Isaiah 62:4, 5. Thy land shall be called Hephzibah.—In Isaiah 62:2 we are told that in the
day of Israel's future and coming glory both People and Land will be called by "a new name
which the mouth of Jehovah shall name."
In verses 4, 5 we read of the giving of this new name:
"Thou shalt no more be termed 'Forsaken'; neither shall thy land any more be
termed 'Desolate': But thou shalt be called 'Hephzi-bah' (i.e., my delight is in
her) And thy land 'Beulah' (i.e. married). For Jehovah delighteth in thee, And
thy land shall be married. For as a young man marrieth (i.e., possesseth) a
virgin, so shall thy sons marry (i.e., possess) thee: And as the bridegroom
rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee."
Now, when we remember that Isaiah prophesied in the days of Hezekiah, we may well conclude
that this prophecy synchronized with the marriage of Hezekiah with his wife Hephzibah (2
Kings 21:1).
As to when this took place we have no record; but we do know that at the time he was stricken
unto death (in the fourteenth year of his reign) he had no son; nor was Manasseh born until three
of those miraculously added fifteen years had run their course.
The marriage of Hezekiah therefore occupies an important, not to say a solemn, place in his
history; and might well be thus used in connection with another solemn crisis in the miraculous
future history of Israel.
16. Jeremiah 13:18. "Say...unto the Queen."—In Jeremiah 13:18 we read "Say unto the king and
unto the Queen, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your principalities shall come down, even the
crown of your glory."
There is nothing in the prophecy to enable us to identify either the king or the queen. But in the
remoter Context of 2 Kings 24 we find that in the second of three invasions of Nebuchadnezzar,
"Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon, he, and his mother, and his
servants, and his princes and his officers; and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of
his reign" (v 12); and in verse 15 we read:
"And he carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon, and the king's mother, and the
king's wives, and his officers, and the mighty of the land, those carried he into
captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon."
Dr. Blunt suggests that as Jehoiachin was only eighteen and had reigned only three months (v
8), the queen dowager held a position of some influence, which is sufficient to explain the
reference of Jehovah to her by Jeremiah.
17. Mark 14:51, 52. The young man who fled from Gethsemane.—In Mark 14:51, 52, we read of
the young man who followed Christ, and when they attempted to take him prisoner "he left the
linen cloth and fled from them naked."
There is no indication here as to the identity of this young man.
But from the remoter Contexts we learn:
1. That the Lord was sleeping out at Bethany, each night during that last week (Luke
21:37, 22:39. Compare Matt 26:6). He would be staying there with Lazarus and Martha
and Mary.
2. On this night they would be watching for the Lord's return. And seeing the lights in the
garden below the mount, what more natural than that Lazarus should go down to see
what the tumult was about.
3. We know from John 12:10 that "the chief priests consulted that they might put Lazarus
also to death." We read of no one else whom they wished to take, or to kill. All His
disciples seem to have been quite safe. The reason for the decision to put Lazarus to
death is given in John 12:9-11.
4. The linen cloth betokens considerable wealth. This the family possessed, judging from
Matthew 26:7, the purchase of the very precious ointment which excited the cupidity of
Judas.
This garment must have been put on hastily and loosely, for it was left in the enemies' hands
unceremoniously.
All these different contexts unite in helping us to identify this young man with Lazarus whom
the Lord had raised from the dead.
18. John 21:15. "Lovest thou me more than these?"—In John 21:15 there is nothing to show us
whom or what the Lord referred to by the pronoun "these": "Lovest thou me more than these?"
But in the remoter Context of Matthew 26:31, 33 and Mark 14:27, 29, we have the words of
Peter, to which the Lord, doubtless, referred: "All ye shall be offended because of me this night...
Peter answered and said unto him, Though all shall be offended because of thee, yet will I never
[i.e. in no wise] be offended."
From this it is clear that the pronoun "these" refers to Peter's fellow disciples; and the ellipsis
must be supplied, not "Lovest thou me more than [thou lovest] these"; but, Lovest thou me more
than these [love me].
19. Acts 2:16. "This is that."—Acts 2:16-21 is an illustration which affects the remoter Context
as well as the nearer, because it is a quotation from Joel 2:28-32 (Hebrew text, 3:1-5). This fact
makes all the difference.
"This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel" (Acts 2:16). There is nothing in these words
to tell us what is "this" and what is "that." The word "this" is emphatic; and the word "but," with
which the new argument begins, sets what follows in contrast, not in correspondence. It does
not begin with the word "For," but with the word "But." This points to the fact that the quotation
is intended to show that their enemies' charge (that they were drunk) would not stand. So far
from such signs and wonders proving they were drunk, Peter asks, What about the prophecy of
Joel? He prophesied of similar scenes "in the last days."
Peter does not say that these were the last days, but:— "this is what Joel says" of those days.
Will those scenes (he argues) lie open to the same charge of drunkenness? Certainly not! Then,
how can these men be charged with drunkenness now, especially "seeing it is but the third hour
of the day."
Peter is not expounding Joel. Nor is he saying that that prophecy was then fulfilled. He does not
say "then was fulfilled"; or, "as it is written." He merely calls attention to what Joel said of a
similar scene, which is to be fulfilled "in the last days."
That this is so is clear the moment we turn to the prophet Joel, and read what Jehovah there
speaks by him.
To understand Joel's prophecy it is absolutely necessary for us to see exactly what is the subject
of it. What Dispensation is he speaking about? Is it about the Christian Dispensation, or is it the
Dispensation of Judgment which shall follow it? Is it all about the Jew? or about the Gentile? or,
is it about the Church of God?
The Structure will give us the Scope. It is exceedingly simple:—
The Prophecy of Joel, as a whole.
A. 1:1-3. The Call to hear.
B. 1:4-12. The evil which had come upon the Land and the
People.
A. 1:13-2:17. The Call to Repentance.
B. 2:18-3:21. The evil removed from the Land and the People.
We see, from this, what the prophecy of Joel is all about. It describes the fulfillment of the last
clause of "the Song of Moses" in Deuteronomy 32 (see
The Apocalypse), which finishes up with
the solemn but gracious assurance in verse 43:
"Rejoice, O ye nations, with His People:
For He will avenge the blood of His servants,
And will render vengeance to His adversaries,
And will be merciful unto His Land and to His People."
So the member B (Joel 2:18) begins:—
"Then will Jehovah be jealous for His Land;
And pity His People."
"THIS," therefore, is "THAT." This is the scope, or the subject-matter, or context of Acts 2:16.
It concerns Jehovah's "Land" and Jehovah's "People," and not "the Church of God." Peter
addresses these "people": he says, "Ye men of Judea" (v 14), "Ye men of Israel" (v 22). He calls
"the house of Israel" (v 36) to this very repentance to which Joel calls in view of "the last days."
For national repentance is ever declared to be the condition of national blessing.
But the key to the correct understanding of Peter's quotation lies in the word "afterward" of Joel
2:28. After what? No one can tell us but Joel. We ourselves cannot tell apart from his prophecy.
We see that 2:28 is part of the member we have marked B (2:18-3:21), the subject of which is
the evil (of B, 1:4-12) removed from the Land and the People.
The removal of this evil is elaborately set forth and described. The member B is no mere
conglomeration or jumble of words and phrases. It has its own Structure as follows:—
Expansion of B. (Joel 2:18-3:21).
B.a1. 2:18, 19. Blessings bestowed. (Temporal)
b1. 2:20. Evil removed. (Judgment prophesied)
a2. 2:21-29. Blessing bestowed. (Temporal and Spiritual)
b2. 2:30, 31. Evil removed. (Accompanying Judgment signs)
a3. 2:32. Blessing bestowed. (Spiritual)
b3. 3:1-16-. Evil removed. (Fulfillment)*
a4. 3:-16-18. Blessings bestowed. (Spiritual and Temporal)
b4. 3:19. Evil removed. (Judgment executed)
a5. 3:20, 21. Blessing bestowed. (Spiritual)
* The expansion of b3 (3:1-16) is just as perfect
and beautiful:—
b3.c1.d1. 3:1, 2-. Assemblage.
e1. -2-6. Judgment.
f1. 7, 8.
Threatening.
b3.c2.d2. 9-12-. Assemblage.
e2. -12. Judgment.
f2. 13.
Execution.
b3.c3.d3. 14-. Assemblage.
e3. -14. Judgment.
f3. 15, 16.
Threatening.
These "Blessings bestowed" must be read on from one to the other; and the "Evil removed"
must, in like manner, be connected; the members relating to the "Evil removed" being treated as
parenthetical to the members which treat of "Blessing bestowed," and the "Blessing bestowed"
members being treated as parenthetical to the "Evil removed" members.
From the above Structure we see that 2:28 is contained in the member marked "a2," and is not a
separate member to be treated parenthetically; but it connects the Spiritual blessing with the
temporal, and shows that it follows on from it.
This Spiritual blessing is introduced by the words:
"And it shall come to pass AFTERWARD that I will pour out my Spirit upon
all flesh" (v 28).
After what?
After the Temporal blessings of
● The former and latter rain (v 23).
● The fulness of the threshing floors and of the wine and oil-presses (v 24).
● The plenty* and satisfaction (v 26).
● The entire and perpetual removal of shame (vv 26,27).
● When Jehovah shall be "in the midst of Israel" (v 27).
* Hebrew, "Eat to eat and be satisfied." The infinitive of the verb
following its own finite, i.e., eat and eat is most expressive and
emphatic.
It is "afterward"; after all these temporal blessings, that these Spiritual blessings shall be
bestowed.
This is "afterward"; when the Spirit shall be poured out "upon all flesh."
The most cursory reader must see and know that the Spirit was NOT poured out upon all flesh in
Acts 2, but only on those then present: that none of these wondrous and great signs had been
shown: that deliverance was not manifested in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem; for the Land and
the People were still in the power of the Romans.
This word "AFTERWARD" thus shows that the prophecy of Joel in Acts 2 is not quoted in
order to prove that this Pentecostal scene was the fulfillment of it; but in order to show that, as
that future scene could not be ascribed to drunkenness, so neither could this Pentecostal scene be
so ascribed.
At least, a child could see that Acts 2 is not the fulfillment of Joel 2; but it is hopeless for those
to see it whose eyes are blinded by believing the tradition of those who persist in saying that
"the Church was formed at Pentecost."
They not only say this with great assurance; but they lay it down as an article of faith; and are
ready to excommunicate any who do not believe it.
But this is only the Tradition of the Brethren; not even the Tradition of the Fathers though it just
as surely makes void the Word of God.
There can be no mistake about Joe's word "afterward." The Holy Spirit by Peter interprets it as
of "the last days." The Hebrew is not the simple rxa)af ('achar), after (Gen 5:4),* but it is this,
compounded with Nk@' (ken), so, or thus (Gen 1:7), referring always to what follows. It is
Nk@'-yr'x:)a ('acharey-ken), after that (Gen 6:4, 7:14, 23:19, 41:30; 1 Sam 9:13, etc., etc.).
* In these and all similar references to the meaning of a word in the Original we give
the First Occurrence of it. See
Canon V.
It is thus perfectly certain that the word "this" in Acts 2:16 refers to what follows, and not to
what precedes: to the yet future events prophesied by Joel, and not to the events then taking
place at Jerusalem.
The word "this" is an emphatic pronoun. But there is no similarly emphatic pronoun for the
word "that." It is simply the article with the perfect passive participle:—"This [that follows] is
what has been said by the prophet Joel." Not "this" (which has happened); for, in that case, what
could be the "this"? This apparent drunkenness? There was no "this," preceding. It would be
these events; these phenomena; these Pentecostal scenes. But it is Singular, "this," agreeing with
the Scripture about to be quoted from Joel.
The word "this" could not, and cannot, refer to these Pentecostal scenes; for no gift of tongues
was spoken of by Joel.
It could not refer to the pouring-out foretold by Joel, because here, this pouring-out was only on
the Apostles; whereas Joel speaks of it being poured upon "all flesh." There is not a word said in
Acts 2 about any of their "sons and daughters" prophesying; or of their "old men" dreaming
dreams; or of their "young men" seeing visions; or of their "servants and handmaids" receiving
spiritual gifts.
In fact there is in Acts 2 no fulfillment at all of Joel's prophecy, either implied or expressed.
There is nothing beyond the argument that the charge of drunkenness could no more be brought
against these present Pentecostal scenes than against those yet future scenes connected with the
blessings to be bestowed upon Israel, prophesied of by Joel, as what should take place
"afterward": i.e., after all those temporal blessings have been bestowed on Israel's Land and on
Israel's People.
20. 1 Corinthians 11:10. "Power on her head."—"For this cause ought the woman to have power
[see margin] on her head because of the angels."
"Power" is put by Metonymy for the vail which was the symbol of being under her husband's
power.
For this we have to go to the very remote Context of Genesis 6:1, 4, where we learn by
comparing 2 Peter 2:4 and Jude 6 the reason for this injunction. (See
Canon I, pp. 192, 193, and
notes on
"angel" and "spirit".)
21. Galatians 3:15-17. The four hundred, and the four hundred and thirty years.—The subject of
these verses is the "promise" or unconditional Covenant which God made with Abraham.
This was four hundred and thirty years before the giving of the Law (Exo 12:40).
When the four hundred years are mentioned they are reckoned from Abraham's "seed," which
was Isaac, who was not born till thirty years later (Gen 15:13 [see
Parentheses] and Acts 7:6).
22. Galatians 3:20. "God is one."—"Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one."
Verse 19, compared with the remoter Contexts of Acts 7:53; Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 68:17;
Hebrews 2:2, shows that the Law was given by a mediator.
Now where there is a mediator there must be two parties to a covenant.
But in Genesis 15 there was only one party; and that was God. When Abraham was about to
take part in making the Covenant according to the custom (Jer 34:18,19), God put him to sleep
(Gen 15:12), and passed between the pieces Himself, alone (v 17). He was "one"; one party,
alone in the "promise." That Covenant is not only prior to the Law as to time, but was superior
to it because it was unconditional.
23. Hebrews 12:17. "No place of repentance."—"For ye know how, afterward, when he would
have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no way to change his [father's] mind
[see margin] though he sought it carefully with tears."
To what does the pronoun "it" refer? What was "it" that Esau sought so carefully?
The Context (and especially the remoter Context of Genesis 27:34,36,38) clearly shows that it
was the "blessing" which he sought.
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon V
The First Occurrence of Words, Expressions, and Utterances are Generally Essential to
their Interpretation.
This is a law we have long since noticed, and have never yet found it to fail. The first occurrence
of a Word, or an Expression, or an Utterance is the key to its subsequent usage and meaning; or
at least a guide as to the essential point connected with it.
We propose to consider this Law as illustrated in these three classes:—
i. Words.
ii. Expressions.
iii. Utterances.
i. Words.
1. Prophet.—The first occurrence of the word Prophet is in Genesis 20:7, and is used by God to
Abimelech king of Gerar, of Abraham—
"Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet and he shall pray
for thee."
This first occurrence of the word shows that it is used in a very different sense from that in
which we use it to-day.
Of course, even apart from this, our present usage is of no account in determining the Biblical
usage.
We use it of one whose sole mission is to foretell future events.
But, here, it is used in connection with Abraham, who foretold nothing; and of whose
prophecies, as such, we have neither mention, allusion, or record.
The only thing associated with the prophet, in Abraham, here, is prayer!
This first occurrence, therefore, speaks to us if we have ears to hear; and, being so contrary to
our current usage, tells us to search further and see what it teaches us in connection with its
other occurrences.
We soon learn from Exodus 7:1 that the same God calls Aaron, Moses' "prophet." This takes us
a step further; and leads to another question: How could one man be another man's "prophet"?
The answer is found in Exodus 4:16, where God, referring to the same matter, says of Aaron, to
Moses, "He shall be thy spokesman."
Here, then, we learn that the essential interpretation of the word "prophet" is spokesman. So that
the prophet was one who spoke FOR God, whether by way of Exhortation, Instruction, Reproof,
Warning, Correction, Reprobation, or Judgment. Foretelling was only a very small part of his
duties.
There was "no prophet greater than John the Baptist" (Matt 11:9-11). He prophesied that Christ
should baptize with pneuma hagion, but where are his prophecies, as we understand the word, to-
day? Not one is recorded. But he was God's spokesman, prepared, equipped, and sent forth by
God to prepare the way of the Messiah (Luke 1:13-17,76-79).
The prophet, therefore, was essentially God's spokesman; and his sole mission was to speak only
those words which were given him to speak.
In this sense Moses was the great prophet typical of the Lord Jesus. Seven times in the closing
words of Exodus we find the refrain associating Moses' words and deeds with his obedience, "as
the Lord commanded Moses" (Exo 40:19,21,23,25,27,29,32).
Even so the Lord Jesus was "the prophet like unto Moses." Why? Not because of His foretelling
future events, but because "He whom God sent speaketh the words of God" (John 3:34.
Compare John 3:32, 7:16,26,28, 15:15, etc.).
For the same reason "prophets" were bestowed upon the Church at the beginning (Eph 4:11);
"for [προς, pros] the perfecting of the Saints with a view to [εις, eis] the work of the ministry
for [εις, eis] the building up of the body of Christ." (See
pages 53,54.) This was the special
object of the New Testament prophetic ministry (compare Ephesians 2:20; Romans 16:26,
"prophetic writings," 2 Peter 1:19, "the prophetic* word").
* In both these passages the Greek has the adjective, not the noun.
The work of these prophets was specially connected with the making known the "Mystery" or
the great secret, which had been "hid in God." (See
p. 257)
It is a great mistake to suppose that Ephesians 2:20 refers to the Old Testament Prophets; and
that the Church is built upon them! There is abundant evidence as to the New Testament order
of Prophets; and that they were charged with quite a different mission, though they were God's
spokesmen: Barnabas (Acts 4:36), Stephen (Acts 6:10,15), Agabus (Acts 11:28, 21:10),
Silvanus, Silas, and Judas (Acts 15:32), Manaen and Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1), Timothy (1
Tim 6:11; 2 Tim 3:17), the daughters of Philip (Acts 21:9), and others, unnamed (Acts 8:17,
10:44-46, 19:6).
The Exhortations addressed to and connected with the prophets are also special. "Despise not
prophesyings" shows that the word "spirit" in the preceding clause refers to the spiritual gift of
prophesying (1 Thess 5:20); and "Quench not the spirit" means, Do not stifle or suppress such
spiritual gifts in others.
Examples of this prophetic power in action and teaching, etc., are seen in Acts 5:4, 13:2, 21:1-
14; 1 Corinthians 14:24, 25; 1 Timothy 1:18, 4:1.
Thus, the first occurrence of the word "prophet" leads us into all this line of teaching, and shows
us that the Preposition προ (pro), before, is not used with regard to time, but to manner; not to
speaking beforehand, or telling-before, but telling forth.
Moreover, we may note there was no place for the ministry of prophets till the priests had failed
in their mission, which was to teach the Word of God. When the priests became absorbed in
their ritual, then God raised up prophets as His spokesmen. Hence a prophet was known as a
"Man of God" (see
below).
2. "Hallelujah."—This Hebrew word occurs twenty-eight times, and is eleven times
transliterated "Hallelujah," or, according to the Greek spelling in the New Testament, "Alleluia";
and is nineteen times translated, "Praise ye the Lord."
But our question now is to ask, Where is the first occurrence of this word? and by it to discover
not merely the meaning of the word, but its significance and interpretation.
It is found first at the end of Psalm 104; and, its position there leaves us in no doubt as to its true
interpretation. It is associated with praise for deliverance from, and for the destruction of,
enemies—
"Let sinners be consumed out of the earth,
And let the wicked be no more.
Bless Jehovah, O my soul,
Hallelujah" (Psa 104:35).
Its first occurrence in the New Testament is in precisely the same connection (Rev 19:1,3):—
"HALLELUJAH,
Salvation, and glory and honour, and power
Unto the Lord our God.
For true and righteous are His judgments:
For He hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her
fornication,
And hath avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.
And again they said HALLELUJAH."
The word is thus associated with the thought of judgment: not necessarily every time; for praise
must be rendered for many things: but this is its first great theme.
This thought will not be repugnant to those who "rightly divide the Word of truth," and
understand such "praise." Though it is out of harmony in this Dispensation of grace, it is quite in
keeping with the past Dispensation of works and the coming Dispensation of Judgment. (See
pages 110,111.)
3. "Selah."—The first occurrence of this word furnishes us with the key to its meaning.
All explanations of it which have been given, and have been derived from sources outside the
Word of God, are worthless. They are only what men have thought; and have never risen above
musical notation.
No meaning has hitherto been suggested that is worthy of the dignity of the Inspired Word; or
that is connected with the truth, teaching, or subject-matter of the Scriptures.
Some have said that it always marks the end of a Strophe; others that it marks the beginning.
Both are wrong, being only a part of the truth; and, as is so often the case in other departments
of Bible study, when a part is put for the whole the result is error instead of truth.
The word Selah may be derived from one of two roots: either from hlafsaf (salah), to pause,
and, though this may well apply to the pausing of the heart and mind to dwell on the words of
God, yet man seems unable to rise above the thought of the musical instruments pausing, while
the voices go on. On the other hand, some derive it from llasaf (salal), to lift up; but they limit
this to lifting up the voices in song, and do not rise to the lifting up the voices in song, and do
not rise to the lifting up of the heart.
The word Selah occurs seventy-four times in the Old Testament: seventy-one times in the Book
of Psalms and three times in the Prophecy of Habakkuk.
Of these it occurs several times in the middle of a verse; which is a proof that it need neither
commence nor end a Paragraph or Strophe.
The key will be furnished by its first occurrence, in Psalm 3, where it occurs three times—
1. Between verses 2 and 3.
2. Between verses 4 and 5.
3. Between Psalms 3 and 4.
Here, it will be seen that the word is used as a connecting link, calling our attention to what has
been said, and bidding us to associate it with what immediately follows.
This may be for various purposes:
1. It may be by way of contrast.
2. It may be by way of further explanation.
3. It may be to mark a cause, or an effect; or,
4. It may be at the end of a Psalm, in which case it connects the two Psalms and tells us
that they relate to the same authorship, or have the same subject-matter.
In this first occurrence (Psa 3) we have three of these usages.
The first Selah (between verses 2 and 3) contrasts what the many said of David:
"There is no help for him in God,"
with what David could say to the LORD:
"But Thou, O Jehovah, art a shield for me."
Here the "many" are thus put into contrast with the one; and, while the many knew the Divine
being only as "God" (the creator),* David knew Him as "Jehovah," his Covenant God, the God
to Whom he stood in a covenant relation.**
* The first occurrence of the word "God," in Genesis 1:1, shows that this is the
essence of its meaning.
** This is shown by the first occurrence of Jehovah, in Genesis 2:4, at the
commencement of the section (or Toledoth), "the generations of the heavens and the
earth," when God (as Jehovah Elohim) comes into Covenant relation with Adam,
whom He had created.
The second Selah (between verses 4 and 5) marks and connects the cause and effect. It is a
practical exhibition of the truth afterwards revealed in Philippians 4:6, 7.
"Let your requests be made known unto God,
And
God's peace...shall keep your heart and mind."
This is what David experienced, practically, in that terrible night, in his flight from Jerusalem:
"I cried unto God with my voice,
And He heard me out of His holy hill.
Selah
I laid me down and slept; I awaked:
For Jehovah sustained me."
The third Selah (between the two Psalms 3 and 4) connects not merely the two verses (Psa 3:8
and 4:1), but the two Psalms, as such. It tells us that Psalm 4 relates to the same time, and to the
same circumstances in David's life: and gives us further details as to what the cry and the prayer
was that is referred to in Psalm 3.
Having thus got the key to the usage of the word Selah, which is of far greater importance than
its Etymology or Lexical meaning, we can apply it to all its other occurrences.
It is, in fact, another example of our third Canon (
page 227), where the Biblical usage of words
is considered as being essential to their correct interpretation.
4. "Jerusalem."—The first occurrence of the word "Jerusalem" is in Judges 1:7, 8. And in one
sentence the whole subsequent history of centuries is condensed.
"The children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem, and had taken it, and smitten it with the
edge of the sword, and set the city on fire."
This is in strange contrast with its name:— But it is in accordance with its history.
It has been a history of sieges. Some twenty-seven times has it been besieged, three times has
the city, and twice its temple, been destroyed by fire.*
* See Bible Prophecy Research file ...when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with
armies...'
But it is yet to be the centre and symbol of peace. Peace shall be the eternal character and
blessedness of Jerusalem, in spite of her past history, as foreshadowed in the first occurrence of
the name. (See Psa 122:6-8, 125:5, 128:6; Isa 32:17, 54:12, 60:17, 66:12; Hagg, 2:9.)
5. Numbers.—The Spiritual Significance of numbers is seen in their first occurrence.
One is associated with Deity (Gen 1:3,4). "God is light" (1 John 1:5).
Two is associated with Separation and Division (Gen 1:6-8), though afterwards it is associated
with union in testimony (Deut 17:6; Rev 11:3).
Three is associated with resurrection in Genesis 1:9, when the earth rises up out of and above
the waters; and fruit arises out of the earth.
Four is associated with the earth when (Gen 1:14-19) the Sun and Moon were established as
light-holders, to "give light upon the Earth."
Five is associated with grace, in the gift of life, in the creation of living creatures; and in the
production of life out of the waters of the great deep.
Six is associated with the creation of Man (Gen 1:26-31). Man was created on the sixth day; and
hence six is man's "Hall-mark"; and, with its multiples, is stamped upon all that characterizes
man as falling short of God; or in opposition to or defiance of God.
Goliath was six cubits high; his spear's head weighed 600 shekels of iron; and he had six pieces
of armour enumerated.
Nebuchadnezzar was similarly marked. His image was 60 cubits high, and six cubits wide, while
six instruments of music called for its universal worship.
The Beast is marked by the threefold combination of 666 (Rev 13).
Seven is associated with Divine Blessing and Rest (Gen 2:1-3), and is thus the mark of the Spirit
of God as "the author and giver of life," and blessing, and rest. Hence it is that this number is so
frequent in Scripture, as being the "Hall-mark" of the Spirit's authorship of "the Word of life."
Eight is a new first and, like the Number Three, is associated with newness, especially in
resurrection, which took place on "the first day of the week." It first occurs in Genesis 5:4 in the
number of the years of Adam, the end of the first man. "The second man" began his resurrection
life on the eighth day. Hence the association of the number with resurrection.
Nine occurs first in Leviticus 25:22, and is used of the end of full time. Inasmuch as the fulness
of time issues in judgment for good or evil, so nine becomes the symbol or hall-mark of all that
stands connected with judgment.
Ten is the great cardinal number, completing one order and commencing a new one. Hence it is
used of ordinal perfection, and is so used in its first occurrence in Genesis 24:55.
Twelve is associated with service, rule, and Government. "Twelve years they served" (Gen
14:4). Henceforth we find 12 and its multiples connected with Government both in heaven and
on earth. It is the factor in the heavenly Signs, Constellations, and Measurements. It is the factor
in all earthly enumerations that have to do with government.*
* See Bible Prophecy Research file The Numbers 10, 11, and 12.
Thirteen first occurs in Genesis 14:4 also, "Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer and the
thirteenth year they rebelled." So that ever after, in Scripture, the Number 13, and every
multiple of it, is associated with rebellion, apostacy, and disintegration.* It is universally a
number of evil omen: but those who go back for the origin of anything never go back far
enough. They go back, in their own imagination, to the Twelve Apostles and our Lord as
making 13; but the first occurrence of the number takes us back to the Divine usage of the
Word, Genesis 14:4.
* See Bible Prophecy Research file The Number 13.
6. The Divine Names and Titles are determined in the same way by their first occurrence.
GOD (Gen 1:1). "In the beginning God created." Hence whenever we meet with the name of
God we may always associate with it the thought of the Creator, and its appropriate use by His
creatures (see
p. 309).
LORD or Jehovah (Gen 2:4) first occurs as the special title used in the first of the Eleven
Toledoth or "Generations." It is the Creator standing in Covenant relation, and in
communication with those whom He had created.
Most High, or Elyon, occurs first in Genesis 14:18, and is associated with God as being "the
possessor of Heaven and Earth." This is the essence of the meaning wherever we afterwards find
it; and this will give the Scope of the passage in which we find it.
ii. Expressions.
The same is true not only of separate Words, but of a combination of words in such expressions
as "Son of Man," "Man of God," "Day of the Lord," etc.
1. "The Son of Man."*—This expression is first met with in Psalm 8. And if we wish to know
what its distinctive significance is we must note its associations.
* See p. 140.
There we find, from the first and last verses, that it is "the earth" which is in question, and that it
is "dominion" in the earth which is the scope of the Psalm as a whole. It is universal dominion
over all the works of God's hands.
This then is the special thought to be borne in mind whenever we subsequently meet with this
title.
Not "a son of man," for every mortal being is that, as a descendant of Adam. Ezekiel is
constantly so called. "A son of man" is the converse of "a son of God."
There is just the same difference between "a son of God" and "the Son of God" as there is
between "a son of Man" and "the Son of Man."
"The Son of Man" is the special title of the Lord Jesus, in connection with His right and title to
universal dominion in the earth; and as having had all things placed as a footstool for His feet,
when the time comes for Him to exercise that right.
At the present moment, according tot he Divine Counsels "we see NOT YET all things put
under Him" (Heb 2:8); but we shall see them in due time, when "He shall come whose right it
is" to reign (Isa 32:1; Eze 21:27).
It was as "the Son of Man" that He came unto His own dominion. But His own people "received
Him not" (John 1:11), hence His title is associated with His humiliation.
The first New Testament occurrence is full of significance. It is in Matthew 8:20; where we are
told that "the Son of Man" had not where to lay His head on that earth which was His by right.
This title, in perfect harmony with that first occurrence, is used eighty times in the four Gospels,
not once in the Church Epistles; once in Acts 7:56; once (and then only as a quotation) in the
Epistle to the Hebrews. It does not reappear until the Apocalypse, twice (1:13, 14:14). There, at
the crisis, when the moment arrives for executing judgment in the earth, He is seen and
described as "the Son of Man"; no longer in humiliation, no longer wearing a crown of thorns,
but "having on His head a golden crown" (Rev 14:14-16).
The fact that this title never once occurs in the Epistles that are addressed to churches speaks
loudly to those who have ears to hear; for it declares that we, as the members of the Body of
Christ, have no more connection with Him by the title of "the Son of Man," than had the Syro-
Phoenician woman with Him as "The Son of David" (Matt 15:21-24). Hence, it follows, that the
Church of God must be rightly divided off, and excluded from all portions of those Scriptures
where the Lord Jesus bears this title of "the Son of Man." The use of that title is sufficient proof
in itself that the Scope of all such passages where it occurs is dominion in the earth; and not
glory in the heavens.
2. "The Man of God."—We find this expression used twice of Timothy in the New Testament (1
Tim 6:11; 2 Tim 3:17). And if we ask for the exact essence and force of the expression; and
what is the teaching conveyed in it, we have to ask for its first occurrence.
We find it in Deuteronomy 33:1: "This is the blessing wherewith Moses the man of God blessed
the children of Israel before his death."
This blessing is a great prophecy: and Moses, in this Book, is spoken of as being that Prophet,
like unto whom Christ was to be hereafter raised up (Deut 18:15).
This title "Man of God" came to be the popular description or title of the prophet, and we meet
with it, as being so used, throughout the historical books of the Old Testament. What this
teaches us will be further seen under our next Canon, as to the importance of the place, in
Scripture, where we meet with certain expressions, in addition to the first place in which we find
it.
3. "The Day of the Lord."—This we have already considered in part, under Part I, section 4 (p.
158). It only remains, here, to show that what we have there said is based upon what we learn
from its first occurrence.
We meet with it first in Isaiah 2:11, 12.
"The lofty looks of man shall be humbled,
And the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down,
And the LORD alone shall be exalted in that Day.
For the Day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud," etc.
Here we have the essence of the expression. Whatever may be the marks and accompaniments
of that Day; whatever may be its judgments and plagues and terrors, they have all only one
twofold object;
The abasement of Man and
The exaltation of God.
This is their object and this is the great and final result.
Now, it is "Man's day" (1 Cor 4:3, margin). Man is judging. But "the Lord's Day" is coming,
when He will be the judge. John is carried away by the Spirit and shown the future judgment
scenes in the visions which are described in the Apocalypse: so that we can there read about the
unveiling and exaltation of Christ, and the abasement of man in that day.
iii. Utterances.
1. The first Utterance of the Old Serpent.
In Genesis 3:1 the Old Serpent is introduced to us as already fallen, and his first words are
intended to impress us with the fact that, the special sphere of his activities is not the criminal
sphere; not the sphere of immorality; but it is the Religious sphere: it is the sphere which has the
Word of God for the great object of attack.
The first utterance of Satan, as the Old Serpent, was to question the truth of the Word of God.
"He said unto the woman,
Yea, God hath said ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden,"
It is not certain whether this should be a question or a statement. The woman's answer appears to
regard it as a statement, by meeting it with a denial and an explanation.
And the woman said unto the Serpent
"We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden," etc,
But we are concerned now with the subject of Satan's first utterance.
It is about the Word and truth of God. God had spoken. Shall man believe what He has said?
This fact speaks to us if we have ears to hear.
It bids us look for Satan's sphere of influence to-day, not in the Police Courts, but in the Pulpits;
not in the Newspapers, but in Sermons; not on the Stage, but in our Universities; not in our
streets, but in the Professors' Chairs at our Theological Colleges.
Time was when Infidels carried on a platform campaign of lectures against the Word of God. In
our day this has practically ceased. There is no further need for it; the work is more effectually
done in the Pulpit by Theological Infidels, who have "turned away their ears from the truth and
are turned unto myths" (2 Tim 4:3,4). Treating the Word of God as "unhistorical" and its records
as "fables," they teach the myths of men instead of obeying the command to "Preach the word."
This is what we learn from this first utterance of the Old Serpent.
With this we ought to couple
2. The First Ministerial Utterance of the Lord Jesus.
We have it in Matthew 4:4; immediately after His consecration for His office of Prophet.
The Old Serpent comes to the Second man, the last Adam, not in a garden of delights, but in the
wilderness. He questions again the truth of God's words, the echo of which, "This is my beloved
son," had scarcely died away:—"If thou be the Son of God."
What are the words of the Lord's reply.
"IT IS WRITTEN."
This is the Lord's first ministerial utterance.
Could language tell us more pointedly and plainly that we are again on the same battle-field in
which the truth of God's Word is at stake?
"It is written." What was written? What can be written but words? How can it be possible to
have writing apart from words?
And yet there are those that tell us that the Bible "contains the Word of God," but that it "is not
the Word of God." That its thoughts are inspired, but not its words. But again we ask, How can
thoughts be written down without words? It is by words, and only by words that thoughts can be
made known.
When Milton dictated his poems to his amanuensis, did he communicate his thoughts and leave
his words to the choice of another? Are not the actual words, and even the spelling and rhythm
of them, vital to the whole matter? Are not the choice of the words and the scanning of their
syllables the very essence of what made the result Milton's, and not that of his amanuensis?
"IT IS WRITTEN."
This is an utterance which settles such questions for ever; and closes the mouth of Satan and all
"his ministers" (2 Cor 11:15).
At least, it closed the mouth of Satan; though men's mouths will be open and vent their
blasphemies until they are closed in judgment.
Three times did the Lord Jesus use that first utterance, "It is written," and three times did He
utter no other than the words written, until He dismissed the Old Serpent with the rebuke: "Get
thee hence, Satan."
Is it not as significant as it is remarkable, that when the Lord delivered up His trust, having
finished the work which was given Him to do, He again, three times, referred to God's Word
written, in John 17:
"Thy word is truth" (v 17).
"I have given them Thy Word" (v 14).
"I have given unto them the words which Thou gavest me" (v 8)?
Does not this fact speak to us? Surely the fact that the Lord's ministry began and ended with a
three-fold reference to the Word of God emphatically assures us that—
THE BEGINNING AND END OF ALL MINISTRY IS THE WORD OF GOD.
3. The first utterance of the Lord as the Son of Man.
This also is important, as distinct from this first official and ministerial utterance.
He must have spoken from the time that all children speak. But not one syllable has the Holy
Spirit written down until twelve years had passed by; and then, not another until eighteen years
later.
Only one utterance of the Lord Jesus through all those thirty years of His earthly life as the Son
of Man.
It was this:
"Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" (Luke 2:49).
It was in the form of a question which Joseph and Mary could neither understand—nor answer.
It was a rebuke; for Mary had spoken of "thy father and I." The Lord speaks of "I" and "My
Father."
No utterance could have more fully, completely or beautifully summed up His whole
mission—which had been, centuries before, written "in the Volume of the Book," concerning
Him (Psa 40:7; Heb 10:7).
"Lo I come to do Thy will, O my God."
And, when we compare with this His last recorded utterance as the Son of Man, no language can
describe its fulness of meaning, its significance, and its importance:
"It is finished."
What was finished? The Father's business which He came to be about!
4. The First Questions in the Old and New Testaments.
We have already seen (
page 315) that the words of the Old Serpent in Genesis 3:1 are, probably,
not to be regarded as a question.
In that case the first question in the Old Testament is put by Jehovah Elohim to the lost sinner
(Gen 3:9)—
"Where art thou?"
This question reveals to Adam his lost and ruined condition; and makes way for the promise of
the needed Saviour which is given in verse 15.
Then the first question in the New Testament (Matt 2:2) is put by those who are seeking that
Saviour—
"Where is He?"
In these two questions we have the object of the two Testaments. The Old, which ministers law
and condemnation, is intended to convict the sinner of his sin and to show him his need; the
New, which ministers grace, is intended to bring peace and blessing in the gift of the Saviour
whom God has provided, anointed, given, and sent.
"Where is He?" Where is that Saviour who has been promised? Where is the Saviour of whom I,
as a lost sinner, have discovered my need?
5. The Holy Spirit's first Interpretation of Prophecy.
The first interpretation of a prophecy written in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New must
furnish us with a key to the interpretation and understanding of all other prophecies.
It occurs in Matthew 1:22, 23, and the way in which the Holy Spirit, who inspired it through
Isaiah, records his own fulfillment of it by Matthew must needs be full of instruction.
We have gone into this very fully in our work on Number in Scripture, so that it is not necessary
to repeat it here. We only recommend the study of this first example of interpretation as being a
guide to the way in which we should approach the interpretation of other prophecies.
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon VI
The Place Where the Passage Occurs is Often Essential to its Full Interpretation.
Some passages of Scripture derive their chief importance from the revelation of a great truth
which is made in them.
Some derive their chief importance from certain words employed in that revelation.
But others derive their chief importance from the place where we find them written.
It is well, therefore, for us always to notice and see whether this last is the case with any passage
which we may be considering.
We must ask: why is this passage or verse here? Why is it in this Book, or in this Epistle? Why
is it not in some other Book or Epistle?
This, it will be seen, is closely connected with our Canon IV as to the Context being always
essential to correct interpretation: for, the examination of the place where a Scripture is written
involves giving this attention to the Context.
Yet it is distinct; for it has a special object in view, instead of a general object.
Let us give a few illustrations.
1. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
This passage is remarkable for all three of the reasons given above.
It is remarkable for its wondrous revelation of the claim that the Scriptures are the gift of God;
and that they are "God-breathed."
It is remarkable also for certain words employed in this revelation of truth:
Especially for the word θεοπνευστος (theopneustos), God-breathed, which is rendered by the
five English words, "given-by-inspiration-of-God."
It is remarkable also for the expression "the man of God," which is the Hebrew idiom for the
prophet, as being God's "spokesman" (compare Exo 7:1 with 4:16--see
pp. 304, 305), and
needing, therefore, the God-breathed Scriptures so that he may know what to say for Him for
whom he speaks as His spokesman.
It is remarkable also for the word αρτιος (artios), rendered perfect, but meaning fitted as
perfectly as a joint is fitted in its socket.
Also for the word εξαρτιζω (exartizo), to fit out, used of fitting out a vessel for sea, which must
take everything, on every voyage, which experience has shown may by any possibility be
needed.
All this teaches us that only the man of God who thus has the profitable God-breathed Word is
thus fitted out, prepared and equipped for every emergency as God's prophet or spokesman.
But our particular question now is not confined to the revelation of truth, however important, or
even to the words employed, however interesting, but to the place where we find both.
Why is this passage given to us here in this third chapter of Paul's second Epistle to Timothy?
Why not in one of the other four chapters? Why not in the first Epistle to Timothy? or in some
other Epistle?
The answer to these questions leads us to "search" this Epistle, and track out that reason.
In doing this we note, in 1:15, the falling away of some who turned away from the Apostle Paul
and his teaching; and we note also the Divine provision for such a trial in his unfeigned faith in
God (v 12), who would never turn away from him.
In 2:18 we read of those "who concerning THE TRUTH have erred," and note the Divine
provision of comfort in the fact that "The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The
Lord knoweth them that are His" (v 19). Those secured on that foundation will not so "err."
In 3:8 we read of those who "resist THE TRUTH." What is the Divine provision for an
emergency like this? We have it introduced in the fourteenth verse: "But continue thou in the
things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of"; going on and leading up to the verses
we are considering as to the profitableness of the God-breathed Word for God's spokesman,
fitting him out for this special conflict with those who oppose and withstand the truth.
The fact of this passage occurring here, as the Divine provision for this conflict, speaks to us, if
we have ears to hear; and it says:
"When men 'resist the truth,' do not trust in your own wisdom, but in Scriptures
of truth. If they will not believe God, they will not believe you. If God's Word
will not conquer them, be sure yours will not. Remember how the Lord Jesus
engaged in His conflict by using this Sword of the Spirit: 'It is written.'"
The reason why so many fail in silencing those who "resist the truth" is because they depend on
the logic of their argument, or the neatness of their retorts, or the smartness of their replies, or
the cleverness of their answers, instead of on the power of the Word of God.
The fact of this passage occurring here speaks to us and says: "Open the book." Close your own
mouth, and quote and use the words of God, the Sword of the Spirit, in meeting resistance to his
truth.
In 4:4 we read of those who would "turn away their ears from THE TRUTH, and be turned unto
fables," and we note that the Divine provision in such a condition of things is our one and only
duty to "Preach the word." Nothing more, nothing less, nothing different. And this, all the more
diligently and earnestly, for the reason given, because "the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine," but "will turn away their ears from the truth." At such a time we are not
to seek for something which men will endure, but to "Preach the Word."
Thus, in this brief epistle, we have a complete directory for these last "perilous times" in which
our lot is cast; and a Divine provision for all our needs. We have:
● God's faithfulness toward us for our comfort (1:12).
● God's foundation beneath us for our security (2:19).
● God's Word within us for our defence (3:16).
● God's crown before us for our hope (4:8).
And thus we have:
● Unfeigned faith for our Possession.
● Divine security for our Position.
● The God-breathed Word for our Protection, and
● The crown of righteousness for our Prospect.
2. Matthew 11:28: "Come unto me, all ye that are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest."
How often are these words used, and interpreted, as being addressed to sinners, to come and be
saved.
But what is the interpretation of them, when looked at in the light of the question as to where we
find them?
If we go back in the chapter to verses 2, 3, we find John the Baptist wondering whether Christ
were indeed He that should come.
In verses 16-18 the Lord upbraids the people respecting both John and Himself, and for saying
that John was possessed by a demon, and that Himself was a glutton and a drunkard.
In verses 20-24 he upbraided the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, and said "Woe
unto thee," "Woe unto thee."
Then, in verse 25, we read, "AT THAT TIME Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father,
Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast
revealed them unto babes. Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight."*
* This passage might have been considered under Canon VIII—The Importance of
Accuracy in noting Marks of Time.
In other words, at the moment when (humanly speaking, of course) His mission was ending in
failure; when He and the kingdom were being alike rejected, and His testimony not believed, "at
that time," and at such a time, the Lord Jesus found His REST in the Father's will. Here was rest
indeed, in not seeking or desiring to accomplish anything that was not in the Father's will.
Then, turning to His "weary and heavy-laden" servants and disciples, He speaks, in order that
they may find their rest where He found His, and says:
"Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy-laden, and I will give you
rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in
heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden
is light."
He alludes not to their sins, but to their service: not to their guilt, but to their labour; not to their
conscience, but to their heart; not to their repentance, but to their learning of Him; not to their
finding forgiveness of their sin, but to their finding rest in His yoke.
This fact, again, speaks to us if we have ears to hear, and it says: If you would find rest in your
service, and be without care; be free from the heavy burden of responsibility as to the results of
your testimony, and enjoy peace, the peace of God, in the midst of what man might call, and we
might regard, as failure, then you will find your rest where Christ found His, in submission to
the Father's will, and say: "Even so, Father, for so it seemeth good in Thy sight."
3. 1 Corinthians 16:22: "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema. Maran-
atha."
"Anathema" means accursed.
"Maran-atha" means the Lord cometh.
This verse, though it speaks of love, is not written in John's Epistles.
Though it speaks of a curse, it is not written in the Epistle to the Galatians.
Though it speaks of the Lord's Coming, we do not find it in the Epistle to the Thessalonians.
No! it occurs in this first Epistle to the Corinthians.
And, not at the beginning, or in the middle, but at the end. And right at the end, immediately
before "The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." In fact, the very last verse of the Epistle proper.
What lesson does its position here have for us? Surely the place where we find it gives the verse
a fulness of meaning, both by interpretation and application, which it would not possess if it
occurred in any other part of Scripture.
It owes its chief importance, and all the solemnity of its lesson, entirely to the fact that we find it
here, and nowhere else.
It bids us, therefore, look at the Epistle as a whole; there we see, on the very surface, that the
Epistle is full of reproof for practical errors in life and walk:
1. There is reproof for their divisions, envyings, strifes, and contentions (1 Cor 1-3), which
are further particularized as including debates, envyings, wrath, strifes, backbitings,
swellings, tumults (2 Cor 12:20).
2. There are errors of life, and sins of uncleanness (1 Cor 5), further particularized in 2
Corinthians 12:20, 21, as including fornication and lasciviousness.
3. There is brother going to law with brother before the ungodly (1 Cor 6).
4. There is the wounding of the weak brother's conscience (1 Cor 8). (See further on this
points,
page 328.)
5. There is the questioning of Paul's apostleship (1 Cor 9).
6. There are errors in ritual (1 Cor 11).
7. There are errors in the use of gifts (1 Cor 14).
8. There are errors in doctrine (1 Cor 15).
But when it comes to the end of the Epistle, and all is viewed in the light of Maran-atha—the
Lord cometh, not one of these things is mentioned.
It does not say, "If any man be not moral in his life," "If any man be not correct in his ritual," or
"orthodox in his creed"; but, "if any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ."
This fact speaks to us and tells us that a man may be perfectly moral and yet have no love for
Christ. He may be correct in ritual, and orthodox in creed, but he may have a heart as hard as a
stone, and as cold as ice toward the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
It is not that these errors are made light of. God forbid! but, that if a man have no error, and yet
have no love, he will be accursed when the Lord cometh.
In the light of that day, love will be the true test; loyalty will be the true token of acceptable
service.
It was even so with the "Last words of David," when at the end of his reign he summed up and
numbered his "mighty men" and set forth their service. In 2 Samuel 23 all is enumerated,
wonderful deeds are recorded, marks of devotion are cited.
The boldness of one through whom "the LORD wrought a great victory" (v 10), though "the
men of Israel had fled" (v 9).
And of another who defended David's rights when "the people fled from the Philistines" (vv
11,12).
But among the mighty men and servants of David there were those who were noted for military
prowess, political wisdom, and diligent service, whose names are not enumerated in this list.
Yes, their names are mentioned, but they themselves are not numbered.
JOAB'S name is there, three times: as the brother of Abishai (v 18), as the brother of Asahel (v
24); but he himself is not numbered, though "Nehari...armour-bearer to Joab" is (v 37).
AHITHOPHEL'S name is there; but he is not numbered: though we find "Eliam the son of
Ahithophel" (v 34).
ABIATHAR the high priest, David's friend (1 Sam 22:23), is neither named nor numbered;
though "Uriah the Hittite" is.
What does all this say to us but exactly what we have in 1 Corinthians 16:22: "if any man love
not."
It is not might, nor courage, nor wisdom that constitutes true service; but it is loyalty and love.
Ahithophel failed in his loyalty when Joab stood firm: for Joab and Abiathar remained loyal
during Absalom's rebellion, but failed in the rising of Adonijah.
Thus was their service truly appraised, and their hearts tested. The test was not the skilfulness of
the hand, or the wisdom of the head, but the loyalty of the heart (Jer 9:23,24).
This is the great lesson which is impressed upon us by the place where we find the words: "If
any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be anathema, Maran-atha." These are "the last
words" of that first Epistle to the Corinthians.
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon VII
No One Passage to be Interpreted in a Sense Repugnant to Others.
This Canon is laid down in the twentieth of "the Thirty-nine Articles of Religion" of the Church
of England.
That article treats of "The Authority of the Church." It says: "The Church hath power to decree
Rites or Ceremonies, and authority in Controversies of Faith: and yet it is not lawful for the
Church to ordain any thing that is contrary to God's Word written, neither may it so expound one
place of Scripture that it be repugnant to another..."
With the claim here made as to "The Authority of the Church" we are not now concerned; but
we cannot deny that, in the latter clause quoted, we have a very important principle laid down: a
principle which we shall do well ever to bear in mind in our study of the "words which the Holy
Ghost teacheth."
This principle is true: because, as no one text is repugnant to another, it is clear that to explain
one as being so repugnant, is what cannot lawfully be done.
If one passage appears to be repugnant to others, then there is something amiss either in the
translation of it, or in our understanding of it.
In either case it behooves us to examine it and see where the fault lies. The one, apparently more
difficult passage, must be understood, explained, and interpreted by the others which are quite
plain and clear.
If this method be not possible, then the difficult passage must be left unsolved for the present,
with the prayer that God will, in His own time, bestow the needed grace and light. But in no
case must we allow that one difficult passage to disturb all the others which are clear; nor must
we give heed for a moment to any false teaching which Tradition may have founded upon its
misunderstanding or perversion of that one passage, whether through ignorance or malice.
1. We may apply this Canon to the Scripture concerning "the Rich man and Lazarus."
Without entering at all into the question of the interpretation of this Scripture, we would merely
call attention to many other passages of Scripture which are perfectly clear and plain as to Man
and Death, and to the condition of man "after death." These do not at all agree with what this
Scripture seems to teach.
What then is our duty as humble students of, and firm believers in, the truth of all and of every
part of God's Word?
Are we to believe one and leave the others?
Are we to explain the one to our own satisfaction, and then explain the others away?
This is clearly impossible, though it is what the majority of Bible readers do!
If we cannot reconcile them, then let us wait for further light, and "with meekness, and all
lowliness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love," "let each esteem other better
than ourselves," and let us each suffer long with other fellow-believers, who think they see a
way of interpreting all that is said on this subject in Scripture, in harmony with Scripture, and
with satisfaction to their own consciences before God.
The same principle applies, of course, to other subjects.
2. We have an example in 1 Corinthians 8:11 and Romans 14:15.
These two passages furnish us with a valuable example as to how our Canon No. VII should be
used.
1 Corinthians 8:11.—"Through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish for
whom Christ died?"
Romans 14:15.— "Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died."
It will be at once observed that these two passages appear to be repugnant to many other
passages which speak of the eternal preservation of the saints, and which assure them that they
can "never perish," and that nothing can separate them from the love of God (Rom 8:38,39).
The many passages which speak on this wise are perfectly clear. The repugnance to them is
contained in these two passages (Rom 14:15 and 1 Cor 8:11).
According to our present Canon we must not attempt to make the many yield to these two; but,
if we can, we must find an explanation of them which shall put them in harmony with the many.
If we cannot do this, then we must wait till further light can be obtained; or until such
discoveries are made which will enable us to harmonize the two with the many.
While we are thus waiting, we will say something which may tend to remove their apparent
repugnance.
1. The number of various readings in the Greek, and the many conflicting expositions of the
commentators, show us that some difficulty has been experienced in the Text, with which
transcribers, as well as translators, have had to cope. Their struggles are all too painfully
evident. There is scarcely a word in 1 Corinthians 8:11 which is not the subject of a various
reading in the Greek.
2. We will first suggest what may prove a key; and then see whether the Structure of the two
passages, and the Scope, will bear out and support it; or whether, on the other hand, they will
condemn and overthrow it.
We suggest that the reading of the MS known as "D" should be taken as having been the
primitive reading. Notwithstanding the fact that the numerical weight of the MSS is not in its
favour, it is quite possible that the MS "D" may represent a reading more ancient than MSS
which are themselves older.*
* On the whole subject of Various Readings, see Canon XII.
3. There are two verbs which are much alike, and which, in fact, differ only in having one "l"
instead of two ("ll"): απολυω (apoluo), and απολλυω (apolluo).
Apoluo (with one "l") means to put away; as in Matthew 1:19, 5:31, 32, 19:3, 7, 8, 9; Mark 10:2,
4, 11, 12; Luke 16:18 (twice).
Apolluo (with two "lls") means to destroy.
The former verb is that which is written in the MS known as "D(2)."* It is called the Codex
Claromontanus, and is now in the National Library at Paris (No. 107).** Tischendorf believes it
to be of the sixth century, and Dr. Tregelles says "it is one of the most valuable MSS extant;
none of the Texts published by Tischendorf is so important, with the single exception of the
Palimpsest Codex Ephraemi."
* See p 410.
** This MS is to be distinguished from D(1) (see
p 409). D(1) contains the Gospels
and Acts; while D(2) contains the Pauline Epistles and Hebrews.
It is noteworthy that we have the same confusion of readings in Romans 14:15 as well as in 1
Corinthians 8:11. This difference of reading, therefore, must have been introduced at a very
early date.
The one reading is µη απολυται (me apolutai), do not put away, separate not, do not put out.
The other reading is µη απολλυται (me apollutai), do not destroy.*
* But even this is the subject of divergences in the MSS which favour it.
We will give the two passages separately, as the authorities are not the same for each.
In 1 Corinthians 8:11 the reading "Do not put away" (or "put out") is supported by "D" (see
above), and was the original reading of that MS; while the other reading is the subject of four
various readings, showing the perplexity of the transcribers.
The question is, How did all these Various Readings arise? There must surely have been some
ancient original authority which was copied by Codex D, and this may have been a reading older
than some of the MSS which were written earlier than "D."
We are quite aware that this is conjecture; but it is not without foundation. It is not as though we
invented the idea out of our own head. It is something more than that; and the difference
between the two spellings, with "l" or "ll," is so slight, that an error once made might well come,
by being copied and re-copied, to be the recognized reading. But, if originally an error, the fact
of its multiplication has no bearing on the point, or weight in the argument.
There seems, then, to be room for another line of proof.
1. There is the whole analogy of New Testament teaching as to the eternal preservation of God's
Saints to which these two passages seem to be repugnant. Indeed, it seems as though a Pelagian
copyist might well be tempted to add another "l," when, by so doing, he could so easily obtain a
proof of his doctrine.
2. Then there is the Scope of each of the two passages to be considered according to our first
Canon. If one reading suits the Scope perfectly, and the other is quite out of harmony with it,
that would be a very weighty piece of evidence, sufficient of itself to settle the matter.
To take 1 Corinthians 8:11 first, it is obvious that the Epistle is directed against the Divisions,
Separations, Strifes, and Contentions of 1 Corinthians 1-3. Then, further, we have the truth of
the one spiritual Body of Christ set forth, from which there can be neither amputation nor
separation (1 Cor 12).
The whole of this eighth chapter is directed as a warning against doing anything that would be a
stumbling-block to a brother.
One point is dealt with concerning which enquiry had been made by the Saints at Corinth; viz.,
the eating of meat offered to idols, about which there were evidently differences of opinion
likely to lead to, and end in, Division and Separation.
These are dealt with, in the manner shown by the Structure: for we must apply our second
Canon in order to find the Scope.
Two points are treated of:—
1. The knowledge of different brethren (vv 1-8).
2. The liberty in the use of this knowledge (vv 9-13).
1 Corinthians 8
Things enquired of Paul.
1. The knowledge of different brethren (vv 1-8).
A. 1-. "Touching things offered to idols."
B. -1, 2. The possession of knowledge.
C. 3. God's knowledge of the believer.
D.a. 4-. Idols are nothing.
b. -4. There
is one God.
D.a. 5. Idols are many.
b. 6-. There
is one God.
C. -6. The believer's knowledge of God.
B. 7-. The possession of knowledge.
A. -7, 8. Concerning "a thing offered to an idol."
2. Liberty in the use of this knowledge (1 Cor 8:9-13).
E. 9. Care lest liberty to eat causes stumbling.
F.c. 10-. Influence of thy "knowledge" on the weak brother.
d. -10. Effect of example on the conscience of
a weak brother (singular).
F.c. 11. Result of "thy knowledge" in the putting away of the
weak brother.
d. 12. Result of the example on the
consciences of the weak brethren (plural) who
have put the brother away.
E. 13. Care lest liberty to eat causes stumbling.
Here, all seems quite clear. The abuse of knowledge leads to a bad influence on a weak brother,
who is "put away" in consequence; and it leads also to trouble of the weak brethren, who have
put him away.
The fact that Christ died for such an one should be sufficient to make them use the care which is
enjoined.
In Romans 14:15 the reading Do not put away is supported by the MS described above, known
as D
3
(the small numeral denoting the work of a corrector in Cent. viii.).
Another Codex, known as L, the Codex Angelicus Romanus, a MS in the Anglican Library of
the Augustinian Monks in Rome.
A Lambeth MS (No. 1,182), Cent. xii., known as "a."
A British Museum MS (Add. MSS, no. 11,837) known as "h," and dated 1157.
A Trinity Coll. Camb. MS (B. x. 16) known as "k," and written about 1316.
Another Codex, known as Codex Leicestrensis of about Cent. xii., known as "m."
To find the scope of the passage in which Romans 14:15 occurs, we must, according to our
Canon II, first find its place in the Epistle as a whole. If we do this we find that the member of
which it forms a part deals with practical matters:
Romans 12:1-15:7
Practical duties.
A. 12:1-8. Ecclesiastical.
B. 12:9-21. Social.
C. 13:1-7. Civil.
B. 13:8-14. Social.
A. 14:1-15:7. Ecclesiastical.
From this it will be seen that our verse (Rom 14:15) forms part of our Ecclesiastical obligations,
A (14:1-15:7) and may be thus expanded:
A (Rom 14:1-15:7)
Ecclesiastical duties.
A.D1. 14:1. Reception of the weak.
E1. 14:2-23. Our self-denial
A.D2. 15:1, 2. Our bearing with the weak.
E2. 15:3, 4. Christ's self-denial.
A.D3. 15:5-7. Our mutual reception of one another.
The scope of this member is at once clearly seen. And the place occupied by our passage is
discerned. It is in the member E1, and the subject of it is Our exercise of self-denial.
"If on account of thy meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer according to love. Do
not grieve him, do not separate [or put away] with thy meat him for whom Christ died."
It will be seen that the word "Destroy not" is altogether out of harmony with the whole scope of
the chapter. Moreover, we have in verse 20 the correlative word to the one we suggest: viz.,
καταλυω (kataluo), to throw down. The difference between apoluo and kataluo is at once seen.
Apoluo is to throw out; kataluo is to throw down.*
* See Matt 24:2; Mark 13:2; Luke 21:6; Acts 5:38,39, etc.
"For meat do not throw down or upset the work of God" (v 20). What work of God? "God's
building" (1 Cor 3:9). This is corrupted and defiled when we build any thing on to the one
foundation. It is thrown down and injured to that extent, when we throw out, or put away, any
weak brother whom God has built upon that foundation.
Thus we see that these two passages, which seem to be repugnant to many passages which are
perfectly clear, are capable of an explanation which not only sets them in harmony with all the
others, but shows that the explanation is in harmony with the full context and structure of both
passages.
The word is not "Do not destroy": but it is "Do not put away," or "Do not separate."
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon VIII
The Importance of Accuracy in the Study of the Words of Scripture.
This canon will be conceded by all as one of the first magnitude. Accuracy is everywhere
demanded, and in every department of life, and in every branch of service.
How many calamities and disasters have occurred from a want of accuracy. The want of
accuracy in understanding a word of command led to the disastrous cavalry charge at Balaclava.
Want of accuracy or the misunderstanding of a word in a correspondence has led to the
separation of close friends or the miscarriage of important business.
Inaccuracy is no less disastrous in the reading and study of the Word of God.
It is said of a poorly-informed preacher in southern Illinois, that he took his text from Luke 14:4,
and read it out "And he took him, and held him, and let him go." The preacher was trying to
explain the difficulty thus created, when a daring interrupter called, out, "My Bible says, 'He
healed him, and let him go.'" As may be imagined, the proposed exegesis was brought to a
sudden close.
But there are many popular difficulties of which this is a typical example; and which might all
be ended as suddenly, if a similar remark were made.
How long shall we hear of the Fall as having been brought about by the eating of an apple? And
how soon would the fiction vanish if we would exclaim, "My Bible doesn't say apple."
How long shall we hear about Jonah's being swallowed by the whale? when we could stop it by
simply saying "My Bible doesn't say whale." Jonah 1:17 says, "The LORD had prepared a great
fish."*
* The Lord Jesus used the word κητος (ketos) in Matthew 12:40. It is a pity that any
ground was given to the cry of the Infidel and the Higher Critics by translating it
"whale" in the AV. But it is unpardonable of the RV to perpetuate it, when it puts in
the margin "Greek sea-monster," though the words of Jonah 1:17, "a great fish," were
ready to their hand. Why not have put "sea-monster" or "great fish" in the Text?
How long are we to hear about the sin of the children of Israel by command of God, as
borrowing without intention of returning the property of the Egyptians (Exo 3:22, 11:2,
12:35,36)? Our AV seems to say this, and has thus provided material for scoffers. The RV
rightly translates the Hebrew l)a#$af (sha'al), to ask: and out of one hundred and sixty-eight
occurrences it is only six times rendered in the AV borrow; while in all the other one hundred
and sixty-two passages it is rendered ask, beg, require, or some similar word. (See Psa 2:8, "Ask
of me," etc.: this, surely, cannot mean "Borrow of me?")
The same want of accuracy in reading the sacred text has led to the mistakes of artists as well as
of theologians. For angels are always represented as women instead of men; and in the piercing
of the Lord the heart is always represented as being on the right side instead of on the left.
Similar are the mistakes of interpreters.
"Ye do ALWAY resist the Holy Ghost" (Acts 7:51) is quoted to prove that men can successfully
withstand the Spirit, instead of stumbling at His words.
While "Ye WILL NOT come unto me" (lit., "will not to come": John 5:40) is quoted to prove
that men will to come; and this, in spite of Philippians 2:13.
And in 1 Corinthians 16:1, the injunction to lay by in store, that there be "no collection," is used
to support the modern practice of having a collection at every service.
The Lord's Supper, in spite of its being so called, and being instituted as part of a meal, is
ordered by all Romanizers to be taken in the morning, fasting.
"Blood and Fire," which is a description of the judgment of the great Day of the LORD (Joel
2:30), is adopted as the symbol of salvation by His grace.
Instead of hearing what the Spirit saith to the churches we are commanded by man to hear what
the Church says to us; and to heed "the voice of the Church."
The same want of accuracy leads those who set themselves up as "Higher" Critics to forget that
it is the Word of God which is to be their critic, or judge. (Heb 4:12, "discerner." Greek critic or
judge. Compare John 12:48, and see Number in Scripture, p. 70.)
These and many other examples are sufficient to emphasize the importance of accuracy in our
reading of Scripture if we would avoid falling into mistakes and blunders of any kind.
Examples and illustrations abound where this canon may be applied. We cannot pretend to make
the list of those we give exhaustive; we offer them only as specimens.
We will divide them into two classes: where the principle may be used
i. In the removal of difficulties.
ii. In the revelation of truths.
i. Illustration of Accuracy Applied to the Removal of Difficulties.
1. The Ammonite and Moabite.—In Deuteronomy 23:3 it is declared that "an Ammonite or
Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD." And it is urged that, it was in
contravention of this, when Ruth not only entered into the congregation, but into the genealogy
of our Lord (Ruth 4:13-22; Matt 1:5).
But if we read Deuteronomy 23:3 accurately, we find that the word is masculine ybi)afw$m
(moabi), Moabite, while in the Book of Ruth it is feminine, and she is called hyafbi)a:w$m
(moabiyah). (Ruth 1:22, 2:2,6, 4:5,10.)
2. Zedekiah and Babylon.—In Jeremiah 32:4 and 34:3 King Zedekiah was told that he should
see the king of Babylon, and "speak with him mouth to mouth, and his eyes shall behold his
eyes," and should go to Babylon.
In Ezekiel 12:13 it is as distinctly said that he should not see Babylon, though he should die
there.
If we read these two passages accurately, we shall see how both are true as recorded in 2 Kings
25:6, 7, where we are told that Zedekiah was brought to the king of Babylon at Riblah, and
spoke with him; that he was tried and then condemned, had his eyes put out, and bound with
fetters of brass and was taken to Babylon. Thus, though he died there, he never "saw" it.
This apparent difficulty might have been given under Canon IV as being explained by a
reference in the Remoter Context.
3. Omer and Homer.—In Exodus 16:36, we are told that "an omer is the tenth part of an ephah."
In Ezekiel 45:11 an ephah is said to be the tenth part of apparently the same measure.
But if we read the two passages accurately we find the former is spelt "omer," and the latter is
spelt "homer." And though the letter "h" is often treated with scant respect in speaking, it is well
to give it its place when we find it in writing. The difference compels us to look at the Hebrew,
where we find that in Exodus 16 the word is rme(& ('omer), while in Ezekiel 45 the word is
rmex& (chomer).
Thus we have two totally different words denoting two different measures.
4. The Going of Balaam.—In Numbers 22:22 we read that "God's anger was kindled because he
[Balaam] went" with the princes of Moab.
It is supposed that this anger was out of place, because God had said, "Rise up and go with
them" (v 20). But it does not seem to be noticed that a condition was attached to this
permission, viz.: "If the men come to call thee."
No such coming and calling is mentioned; and it is quite gratuitous for any one to assume that
this condition was fulfilled, when such assumption creates the very difficulty to which objection
is made.
5. God's command concerning sacrifices.—In Jeremiah 7:22, 23, we read: "I spake not unto
your fathers, nor commanded them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt,
concerning burnt offerings and sacrifices; but this thing commanded I them, Obey my voice, and
I will be your God."
It was through reading this inaccurately that the late Professor Mivart left the Church of Rome
and gave up his belief in the Bible. He supposed (as many have done before and since) that God
did command sacrifices.
If Leviticus be read accurately it will be seen that God did not "COMMAND" the offering of
sacrifices. The very essence of all offerings was that the act should be voluntary, "of his own
voluntary will." This being the case, God did then lay down the conditions on which they should
be brought and offered. Hence the book of Leviticus begins by saying, "IF any man of you bring
an offering unto the LORD, ye shall bring," etc. (Compare Lev 1:2,3,10,14, 2:4,5,7,14,
3:1,6,7,12, 4:32, etc.).
It was essential that all sacrifices should be of the offerer's "own voluntary will" (Lev 1:3). What
Jehovah commanded "in the day that He brought them out of Egypt" was to "diligently hearken
to the voice of the LORD"; and "Do that which is right" in His sight; and "Give ear to His
commandments; keep all His statutes." This was the command "in the day that He brought them
out of Egypt" (see Exo 15:26).
This inaccurate reading not only creates the difficulty; but misses the very scope of Jeremiah
7:22, 23.
6. Hearing and not hearing the voice.—In Acts 9:7 we read, "The men that were with him
[Saul] stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man."
In Acts 22:9 "they heard not the voice of him that spake to me."
In this case it is the Greek that has to be read accurately. The verb ακουω (akouo), to hear, is
the same in both passages, but it governs two cases of the noun which follows it.
It takes the Genitive case of the sound which is heard; and it takes the Accusative case of the
words or matter which is heard.
In Acts 9:7 "the voice" that was heard is in the Genitive case (φωνης, phones).
In Acts 22:9 "the voice" that was not heard (i.e., the matter) is in the Accusative case: so that
while the men with Saul heard the sound of the voice, they did not hear the words that were
spoken. (Compare Luke 11:28.)
7. Standing and falling to the earth.—But there is another difficulty in these passages besides
the hearing and not hearing.
There is the difficulty between Acts 9:7, "the men that journeyed with him stood speechless,"
and Acts 26:14, "and when we were all fallen to the earth."
This difficulty is removed the moment we read the passage accurately and notice that the word
ισταµαι (histamai) has another meaning besides standing erect on one's legs. It means to
remain motionless in whatever position one may be.
It is rendered abode in John 8:44; continue in Acts 26:22 (RV stand); stanch in Luke 8:44.
Hence it is used of standing fast (1 Cor 7:37; Col 4:12; 2 Tim 2:19).
More to the point is the Septuagint of 1 Samuel 28:20, where it is said of Saul that he "made
haste, and fell motionless upon the earth." No one would think of rendering this, he "fell
standing."*
* Homer, in reference to one thus fallen, says: "he fell from his car...and then, for a
long time remained he motionless"; (not standing on his legs after he had fallen!).
Iliad, v. 585.
So that the two passages taken together mean that "the men that journeyed with him" fell to the
ground and remained speechless; or were motionless as well as speechless.
8. Spoken and written.—In Matthew 2:23 we read: "He came and dwelt in a city called
Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a
Nazarene."
This being inaccurately read, search is made in the prophets for any such prophecy.
But none can be found.
The Hebrew word rcen' (netzer), a branch, is then taken, and an attempt is made to identify it
with "Nazarene." But even if this could be established (which it cannot be) it would not solve
the difficulty which has been created; for the word netzer is used of Christ, only in Isaiah; and it
says prophetS.
If we read the verse accurately we notice that it says "spoken," and not written.
Some prophecies were written and not spoken. Some were spoken and not written; others were
both spoken and written.
There is all the difference, surely, between το ρηθεν (to rhethen), that which was spoken, and ο
γεγραπται (ho gegraptai), that which standeth written.
Even granting that by a figure of speech, what is written is sometimes said to be spoken, there is
no necessity arbitrarily to introduce the hypothesis when such introduction actually creates the
difficulty.
9. Jeremiah the Prophet.—The same application of accuracy in reading the words of a Scripture
solves the precisely similar difficulty in Matthew 27:9. The prophecy as to the "thirty pieces of
silver" was first "spoken by Jeremiah the prophet," and afterwards written down by Zechariah.
And yet, having arbitrarily substituted in their minds the word "written" instead of "spoken,"
commentators are at their wits' end to explain the difficulty they have themselves created.
One says "Matthew quoted it from memory" (Augustine, followed by Alford); another speaks of
it as a "slip of the pen" on the part of Matthew.
Another thinks that Jeremiah is put for the whole body of the prophets (Bishop Lightfoot).
Another thinks that the passage was originally in Jeremiah, but the Jews cut it out (Eusebius and
others).
Another thinks that it may have been in another writing of Jeremiah which is now lost (Origen
and others).
Another, (Bishop Wordsworth) believes that the mistake was made on purpose, so that we
should not trouble ourselves as to who the writer was, but receive all prophecy as coming direct
from God.
We make no comment on these, but only mention them to show the shifts to which expositors
are driven in order to get out of the pit which they have digged themselves.
The solutions which are suggested are a greater obstacle to faith than the original difficulty;
even if it were real instead of being only apparent.
10. The sending of the Centurion (Luke 7:3,6 and Matt 8:5).—In Matthew 8:5 it reads as though
the centurion came himself to the Lord; and in Luke 7:3, 6, it reads as though he sent others and
remained behind himself.
The difficulty is removed the moment we read the Greek accurately, and note that in Luke two
different words are used for sending.
In Luke 7:3 it is the verb αποστελλω (apostello), which means to send away from, the sender
remaining behind. This is when he sends "the elders of the Jews."
In verse 6 the centurion "sent friends," but here it is the verb πεµπω (pempo), which means to
send with, the sender either accompanying or sending an escort.*
* In John 20:21 we have both words in one verse: "As my Father hath sent me
(apostello), even so send I you (pempo)." While in other passages the latter verb is
used also of the sending of the Lord Jesus by the Father; yet, here, in John 20:21, for
the purpose of emphasizing the fact that the Lord remains with those whom He sends,
the verb pempo is used.
From the latter word being used in verse 6 it is clear that the centurion accompanied his
"friends." This is where the account in Matthew takes up the narrative, when he says "there
came to him a centurion."
We may note further that, in Matthew 8:13, the Lord said, "Go thy way." But from Luke 7:10 it
appears that the Centurion did not go; his great faith not making it necessary for him to go and
verify the Lord's word.
11. The Inscriptions on the Cross.—The variation between these in the four Gospels has given
rise to charges which detract from the claim of the Gospels to the accuracy involved in
inspiration;* while the defences and explanations have been little less injurious in their effects.
* A very moderate statement of the difficulty presents it as follows: "The Evangelists,
while fully agreeing in the substance of their narratives, are by no means careful about
literal words—as for example, their record of the Inscriptions on the Cross, where no
two of them exactly agree."—Rev. J. Paterson Smyth, in How God Inspired the Bible.
The inscriptions are as follows:
1. Matthew 27:37, "This is Jesus the King of the Jews."
2. Mark 15:26, "The King of the Jews."
3. Luke 23:38, "This is the King of the Jews."
4. John 19:19, "Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews."
It is universally assumed that there was only one inscription: and, some Interpreters account for
the differences by a further supposition that the full and complete version was—
"THIS IS JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS,"
the four consisting of certain words which formed a part of that whole.
It has been suggested by one (the late Rev. James Kelly) that these four, respectively, are in
harmony with the special object and scope of the Gospel in which it is found. This is ingenious
and would be worthy of Divine revelation if it could be substantiated.
Others suggest that as the inscription was originally in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin, they are the
translations of these respectively.
But this involves another assumption, viz., that these three were not only not the same, but were
so different as to allow of such various renderings. It also accounts for only three out of the four;
and does not explain how the Greek form could be a translation of the Greek!
In all these cases of difficulty it is well to "open the book" and see exactly what is said, and
whether there is any ground for the original assumption that there was only one inscription,
which is the foundation of the difficulty and the cause of its explanations.
Let us begin with Mark 15:26:
1. "The King of the Jews." Here we have not a word about a "title" (τιτλος, titlos, John 19:19)
being on the Cross at all, or which any one had seen. It is a question of "his accusation." It is the
bill of his indictment, or the ground or cause of his condemnation, which was His claim to be
"the King of the Jews."
2. John 19:19. This was written by Pilate, and put upon the cross before it left Pilate's presence.
For no one suggests that Pilate went to the scene of the execution and wrote anything there. It
was written in Hebrew, Greek, and Latin. The Latin put last as Pilate's language.
This title was read after the cross was set up; and became a source of argument between the
chief priests and Pilate (John 19:21,22), before the parting of the garments (vv 23,24).
What the final result of this argument was, does not appear from John's Gospel; but it appears
from
3. Matthew 27:37, that it must have resulted in that one being taken down, and another "set up
over his head" after they had "parted his garments among them" and after they had set down to
watch him there (vv 35,36).
4. Luke 23:38. This appears to have been a different one again. For we are not told all that took
place. It is evident from John that the feelings of those concerned were deeply stirred.
The inscription mentioned by Luke was evidently much later, and was seen close upon the sixth
hour (v 44), when the darkness fell. It was put upon or "over him" (v. 38, επ αυτω, epauto), and
in this order: "Greek, Latin and Hebrew," and after the revilings of the people. (Compare vv 35-
37 with v 38.) Matthew's (No. 2) was before the revilings. (Compare Matt 27:37 with v 39).
If we accurately notice what is written we conclude:
a. That Mark's was only his indictment
b. That John's was the first, written by Pilate and put on the Cross before it left his
presence.
c. That Matthew's was substituted for it and placed "over his head" after the dividing of
the garments and after the soldiers had set down to watch; but before the revilings.
d. That Luke's was the last, put upon or "over him" after the revilings, and seen near the
sixth hour.
12. The offering of drink at the Cross.—A great difficulty has been created by a want of
accuracy in discriminating the three different occasions on which drink was offered to the Lord
when on the Cross: the assumption being that it was offered only once.
The words of God have to be rightly divided in more senses than one.
There are great differences between the three accounts. If these are identified and treated as
being different versions of one event, instead of complementary accounts, each supplementing
the other, then we shall have what is so glibly called a "discrepancy."
Now read the words accurately and note—
1. The three occasions:
a. Mark 15:22,23, "When they were come unto the place called
Golgotha."
b. Matthew 27:34, "When they were come unto Golgotha."
c. Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36; John 19:29. Six hours after the former
two, in response to the Lord's cry, "I thirst."
2. The three kinds of drink offered—
a. "Wine mingled with myrrh."
b. "Vinegar with gall."
c. "Vinegar."
3. The three receptions:
a. The first was refused without even tasting it.
b. The second was first tasted and then was refused.
c. The third was "received" after He had called for it.
Thus so far from there being any discrepancy, the absolute accuracy of the Divine word is
brought clearly out.
13. The "others" crucified with Christ.—Through not reading accurately what is written in the
several accounts of the Crucifixion, and being misled by tradition and the mistakes of mediaeval
artists, ground has been given for objections to be made as to the truth of the Scriptures; and
difficulties have been gratuitously created.
The pictures and tradition give us "two" men who were crucified with Christ. In Matthew 27:44,
and Mark 15:32, it is stated that they both reviled Christ: "the thieves also which were crucified
with him, cast the same in his teeth." But in Luke 23:39 it is as distinctly stated that it was only
"one" of them: and that they were not "thieves," but "malefactors."
Moreover, in Luke, the two were led forth, with Christ, from Pilate's presence; whereas, in
Matthew and Mark, they were not brought to the place of crucifixion until after the dividing of
Christ's garments.
These are adduced as obvious errors: and it is alleged that both accounts cannot be correct.
The usual defence of the accuracy of these Scriptures is to assume that both the men reviled
Christ at first; but that afterward one of them repented.
But this is a pure assumption, and is not only not so stated, but is quite contrary to what is so
clearly written: "One of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be the
Messiah, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him saying...This man hath done
nothing amiss" (Luke 23:40,41).
But even if this were not so, and there were nothing against the assumption, there are still other
difficulties which require explanation.
In Matthew and Mark they are called δυο λησται (duo lestai), two robbers.
In Luke 23:32, they are called δυο κακουργοι (duo kakourgoi), two malefactors.
This also is supposed to be an inaccuracy. And so it is, if we accept the assumption of Tradition
and Painting.
But if we read the accounts, as written in the Word of God, more accurately, we shall have to
revise all our views which we have received from the "Traditions of Men."
1. We start from the alleged discrepancy, and accept the two statements that there were four men
crucified with the Lord Jesus—Two Malefactors and Two Robbers.
2. These words are different; for while a Robber is a Malefactor (or evil-worker), yet an evil-
worker is not necessarily a Robber.*
* There is a difference between κακουργος (kakourgos), an evil-worker, and
κακοποιος (kakopoios), an evil-doer. The former is general, while the latter is worse,
in that it is specific. Paul was treated as the former (2 Tim 2:9), Christ was charged
with being the latter (John 18:30).
3. It is also the fact that the two Malefactors "were led with him to be put to death and when
they were come [Greek, came] to the place which is called Calvary, there they crucified him and
the malefactors, one on the right hand and one on the left" (Luke 23:32,33).
4. The two Robbers were not brought till much later. Not until the garments had been divided
and after they had sat down to watch Him there. "Then," i.e., at that particular moment, while
they were thus watching; "THEN were two robbers crucified with Him, one on the right hand,
and one on the left" (Matt 27:38; Mark 15:27).
5. The two Malefactors would therefore be on the inside next to the Lord; and the two Robbers
would be on the outside. Being nearer to Him, the two malefactors could more easily speak with
one another, and to the Lord.
6. John adds his testimony in 19:18, without any note of time: only of place "where" (not of
time, "then"). He speaks generally of the fact: "where they crucified him, and with him, others,
two on this side and on that side, and Jesus in the midst." The Greek is clear: δυο εντευθεν και
εντευθεν (duo enteuthen kai enteuthen). In Revelation 22:2 we have "enteuthen kai enteuthen"
translated "on either side." So it should be here in John's other writing (Gospel, 19:18), "and
with him others, two on either side." This is exactly in accord with the other three Gospels, and
combines their statements.
7. But John bears further testimony. He says (19:32,33), "then came the soldiers and brake the
legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came [Greek,
'having come'] to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs." This shows
that the soldiers in approaching Christ passed two of the four men before coming to Him.
8. Note the two different words translated "other," in John 19:32: "the first and of the other."
The word is αλλος (allos), which is the other (the second) of two when there are more.*
* See Matt 10:23, 25:16,17,20, 27:61, 28:1; John 18:15,16, 20:2,4,8 (the 2nd of
eleven), and Rev 17:10 (the 2nd of seven).
In Luke 23:32 the word is ετερος (heteros), "and others also, two, were led with him."* Heteros
is used of and denotes not one of the two malefactors, but both of them, they being one party of
two, and the Lord being the other, and different.
* Matt 6:24, 8:21, 11:3; Luke 5:7, 6:6, 7:41, 9:56, 14:31, 16:13,18, 17:34-36, 18:10
and 23:40.
It is the same word (heteros) in verse 40, because here it is other of the two malefactors; viz., the
one who did not "rail on him."
We thus reach the conclusion that there were four others crucified with the Lord Jesus. This fact
not only removes all difficulties, but perfectly harmonizes all the four Scriptures, and establishes
the Divine accuracy of every word and every expression.
Of course it does not agree with Tradition; and we are quite aware that we shall have to reckon
with all Traditionalists for thus upsetting their idol.
14. The burying of Jacob and his sons.—The difficulty in Acts 7:15, 16 arises from confusing
two distinct purchases; one by Abraham in Genesis 23:19, and another by Jacob in Genesis
33:18, 19; and Joshua 24:32.
Abraham's purchase was of Ephron the Hittite in Hebron; a field, with a cave (Machpelah) at the
end of it, for 400 shekels of silver.
Jacob's purchase was "a parcel of a field" in Shechem, of the sons of Hamor the father of
Shechem for 100 lambs.
There can be no confusion between these two.
As to the historical record, the burials in Abraham's sepulchre were Sarah (Gen 23:19),
Abraham (Gen 25:9), Isaac (Gen 35:29), Rebekah and Leah (Gen 49:31), and Jacob (Gen
50:12,13).
The burials in Jacob's field were Joseph (Josh 24:32), and, according to Acts 7:16, the other sons
of Jacob who were carried over into Sychem.
Acts 7:15, 16 agrees with this history if we note two simple Various Readings of the Greek
supported by most of the Textual Editors (see Canon XII); and if we remember that the
circumstances were so well known to Stephen's hearers that they perfectly understood what he
said. Though they were waiting to catch something out of his lips, yet they saw nothing to
stumble at.
The two readings are ω (ho), in that which, instead of ο (ho), that (before Abraham); and εν
(en), in, instead of του (tou), of [the], in the phrase "[the father] of Sychem." In which case we
read "in Sychem," and do not read the italics "the father" or the word "of" before Sychem.
With these changes the verses will read as follows:
"So Jacob went down into Egypt, and died, he, and our fathers, and they [our
fathers] were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the sepulchre: he [Jacob] in
that which Abraham bought for a sum of money, [and they in that which was
bought] from the sons of Hamor, in Sychem."
Thus, Jacob was buried in the sepulchre which Abraham bought; and his sons were afterwards
buried in that which Jacob bought. The historic record is perfectly simple and clear; and no
difficulty whatever exists, except in the minds of those who create it.
ii. Illustrations of Accuracy Applied to the Revelation of Truth.
1. Words and Expressions.
"From above."—In Luke 1:3 we read, "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect
understanding of all things from the very first to write unto you in order."
There is no "very" in the Greek. The RV says simply "from the first."
But, when we read this accurately, we note that the word is ανωθεν (anothen); and, when we
look at all the other passages where it occurs we see that it means here from above. That is
where Luke got his information from. That is why his understanding was so "perfect."
If the following passages be read carefully this will be seen to be the meaning: Matthew 27:51;
Mark 15:38; John 3:3, 7, 31, 19:11, 23; James 1:17, 3:15, 17.
With two exceptions (Acts 26:5 and Gal 4:9) the word always means from above. There is no
occasion to introduce the idea of time where it is not needed. If the ordinary meaning makes
sense, and makes for the Inspiration of God's Word, why arbitrarily take a meaning which
destroys the sense? If holy men of old spake from God, who is "above" (2 Peter 1:21), why give
ανωθεν a meaning here which makes them speak from themselves?
"Another King" (Acts 7:17,18).—Here we read the words of Stephen: "The people grew and
multiplied in Egypt till another king arose which knew not Joseph."
If we read this accurately we notice that the word for another is ετερος (heteros), another, of a
different kind; and not αλλος (allos), which means another of the same kind.*
* The force of these may be seen in Matthew 2:12: "another way" (allos); Matthew
4:21: "other two brethren" (allos); Galatians 1:6, 7: "a different [heteros] gospel,
which is not another" (allos); Matthew 6:24: "hate one and love the other" (heteros);
Matthew 11:3: "do we look for another" (heteros); Hebrews 7:11; "another
priest" (heteros).
The word points, therefore, to the fact that it was not another king of the same dynasty, but a
different dynasty altogether.
With this agrees Exodus 1:8, not, of course, in the use of the word heteros, which is Greek, but
in the Hebrew "arose," which is Mw@q (kum), and means to stand up and occupy the place of
another (See Dan 2:31,39,44, 3:24). Moreover the word "new" is #$dafqaf (chadash) (for the
meaning of which see Deut 32:17, and compare Judg 5:8).
Josephus says, "the crown being come into another family" (Ant. ii. 9).
The discoveries now made in Egypt prove that this was the case. The mummy of this very
Pharaoh is to be seen to-day in the Museum at Bulak, and it is clear that this Rameses was the
Pharaoh of the Oppression.*
* While Menephta, his son, was the Pharaoh of the Exodus.
He was an Assyrian, and every feature of his face shows that this was the case, being so
different from the pictures of the Pharaoh who preceded him.
Now we can understand Isaiah 52:4, which has so puzzled the commentators, who were unable
to understand why the two oppressions, in Egypt and Assyria, should be mentioned together in
the same sentence, as though they were almost contemporary.
The discoveries in Egypt, and the Accuracy of the Divine Words, show that this latter was
indeed the case. For in Isaiah 52:4 we read:
"Thus saith Adonai Jehovah,
My People went down aforetime into Egypt to sojourn there;
And the Assyrian oppressed them without cause."
These words are now seen to be exquisitely accurate; for that was exactly what took place: Israel
did go down into Egypt to sojourn there, but a new king arose, of a different dynasty, and he, an
Assyrian, oppressed them without cause.
There is no occasion to assume that Isaiah couple together two events separated by centuries,
when such assumption creates the very difficulty complained of.
"The world that then was" (Gen 1:2).—The accurate reading in the English of the AV Genesis
1:2 will be sufficient to show there is something in the verse which needs explanation; and when
we have explained it we shall find that it points to a wonderful exposition of the Creation, and
provides a complete answer to all the cavils of Geologists.
This discovery would be impossible if the Revised Version were used, as the Revisers
deliberately discarded the use of italics in certain cases, one of which was in the case of the verb
"to be," which does not exist in Hebrew.
In Genesis 1:2 (AV) we read: "And the earth was without form and void; and darkness was upon
the face of the deep."
Here, it will be seen that, the first "was" is in Roman type, while the second is in Italic type.
This accuracy tells us that the latter verb, "was," represents the verb to be; and that the former
"was" must represent a different verb, and not the verb "to be." This is the case; and the verb is
hyahaf (hayah), to become, come to pass.
That this is its meaning is clear from the very next verse (v 3): "Let there be light, and there was
light." Here the verb for "be" and "was" is hayah, and means become, while, in verse 4, the verb
"was" is the verb to be, and is in italics.
The same use of "was" (Roman type) and "was" (Italic type) may be seen in verses 9 and 10;
and in verses 11 and 12.
If we enquire further about the verb hayah we find it in Genesis 2:7, "and man became a living
soul; 4:14, "it shall come to pass"; 9:15, "the waters shall no more become a flood"; 19:26, Lot's
wife "became a pillar of salt."
From all this we assuredly learn that Genesis 1:2 should read, "and the earth BECAME without
form."
Having made this discovery we now pursue it further; and we "search the Scriptures" to find out
whether God has said anything else about the way in which He created the earth. And we find it
in Isaiah 45:18. Here the sentences are heaped together, in order to impress us with the fact that,
He who created the earth, ought to know, and be able to tell us, how He made it. Note the
words:
"Thus saith Jehovah that created the heavens;
Elohim himself that formed the earth, and made it;
He hath established it,
He created it not tohu."
But this word w@ht& (tohu) is the very word which is translated "without form" in Genesis 1:2.
So that, whatever tohu means, it is evident that God did not create the earth tohu. Therefore it
must have become so, at some time, in some way, and from some cause which we are not told.
It is clear from this that in Genesis 1:1 we have the record concerning what is called in 2 Peter
3:6 "the world that then was." This earth, we are there told also, "being overflowed with water
perished." This is exactly what is stated in Genesis 1:1, 2.
So that at the end of the first verse we must put a very large full stop; or draw a line; or leave a
blank space, so as to separate verse 1 from what follows in verse 2, which relates to "the
heavens and earth which are now" (2 Peter 3:7), and which will continue, until the time comes
for "the new heavens and the new earth" of 2 Peter 3:13, and of many other Scriptures.
When Geologists have settled how many years they require between the first and second verses
of Genesis 1 there is ample room for all they want, and a large margin beside.
Meanwhile, we may well conclude that all the fossils and remains which are found belonged to
"the world that then was," and thus, at one stroke, remove all friction between Geology and
Scripture.
Again, we ask, why assume that all the Geological phenomena pertain to the earth "which is
now," when it is this very assumption which creates the difficulty? and compels us to ignore all
the phenomena of God's Word mentioned above?
His Word is misinterpreted, and His works are misunderstood, and the difficulty thus created is
charged against the Scriptures of Truth!
"The mention of the blood" in 1 John 1:7 and 2:1.—Much may be learnt from accuracy in noting
that "the blood of Jesus Christ" is mentioned in 1 John 1:7 in connection with "walking in the
light"; but it is not mentioned in 1 John 2:1 in connection with the commission of sin.
This fact speaks to us, if we have ears to hear, and tells us that, when we "walk in the light," i.e.,
when we have access into His presence, as the High Priest had (though only on one day in the
year), it is entirely in virtue of that precious blood of Christ which gives us a title to that access,
and preserves us in that presence. The High Priest could not enter into the Holy of Holies and
see that glorious light of the Shekinah which symbolized the presence of God, without blood;
neither can we enter into and enjoy "fellowship" with God, who is light (vv 5-7), apart from the
merits of that precious blood of Christ. Then it is that we need those merits; then it is that we are
reminded of them; then it is that the blood is mentioned.
But, in 1 John 2:1, when it is a question of sin, there is no need to mention it at all; for it was
once offered, once for all, and its virtues and merits in the putting away of sin are eternal in their
results. It is "eternal redemption," "eternal salvation."
Hence, "if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father." It does not say "a high priest with
God"; for that title was in connection with the priestly act of access and approach through blood,
but "an advocate with the Father." This is to remind us that relationship has not been broken. He
who is spoken of as "God" in connection with the access of his sinful creatures, is spoken of as
"Father" in connection with His sinful "children."
Thus, accuracy in reading shows us that these Scriptures are Divine; for where the Holy Spirit
mentions the blood, man (if he had written it) would surely have left it out; while, where the
Holy Spirit does not mention it, man would certainly have put it in. Indeed he does so,
constantly, in his prayers, and in his writings.
"Accepted" and "Acceptable" (Eph 1:6 and 2 Cor 5:9).—We must accurately note the distinction
between these two words. In the AV we have the one word "accepted" in both passages; but in
the Greek they are different.
The former (Eph 1:6) is χαριτοω (charitoo), to make one an object of favour. This refers to the
standing which God has given us, in Christ, in the heavenlies.
The latter (2 Cor 5:9) is ευαρεστος (euarestos), well-pleasing. This refers to our state, and our
daily walk and life on earth.
The former relates to the person, the latter to his actions.
It is one thing for us to be accepted in Christ, for His merits' sake; and it is another thing for our
walk to be well-pleasing to God.
The former is the gift of God's grace; the latter is the fruit of that grace.
It is most important that we should be accurate in noting this distinction, so that we may be
preserved from legality on the one hand, and from laxity on the other.
All the children of God have the same standing; the strongest as well as the feeblest, the oldest
as well as the youngest.
We do not labour to be accepted, but having been "accepted in the Beloved" we make it our aim
(RV) for our walk to be acceptable.
"Man" and "men."—It is important that we should be accurate in noticing such a difference
between the singular and the plural; for example, in this case, between "man" and "men,"
especially in the Divine use of these words.
"Man," God has written down as lost, ruined, guilty, helpless, and hopeless; though the world
deifies "man"; and exalts him as having within him a part of the Divine.
"Men," God graciously saves; and deals with individual men in mercy, pity, and blessing;
though the world thinks little and makes less of individual sinners. They may go to the wall for
all that the world cares, when it comes to showing kindness, or giving help.
In this is manifested the difference between God's thoughts and the world's thoughts (Isa 55:8).
God declares that "there is no good thing" in man (Rom 7:18). The world with one voice, in
Pulpit, Platform, and Press, declares that there is some good thing in man.
The issue is clear, sharp, and decisive; and the only question is, Do we believe what God says?
or Do we believe what man says?
Remembering and Forgetting.—The same difference is manifested in the treatment of man by
God, and by the world.
As to our frailties and infirmities the world makes no allowance for them. It does not remember
our weaknesses; but holds us responsible for our mistakes however excusable. But God
"knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are but dust" (Psa 103:14).
As to our sins, the world remembers them. After long years they are brought up against us; and
the time and the circumstances are remembered, enumerated, and described in all their detail.
But God has written of His forgiven people: "Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no
more" (Heb 8:12, 10:17; Jer 31:34).
Thus what God remembers, man forgets; and what God forgets, man remembers.
2. The negative of what is said.
It is sometimes useful, if not important, to note this; and to put what is said into opposite
language.
"Out of the Scriptures" (Acts 17:2).—For example, in Acts 17:2, where Paul for "three Sabbath
days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures," it may be well to note that it does not say, "out
of the newspapers" or "out of his own head."
"Waiting for God's Son from heaven" (1 Thess 1:10).—When we read that the Thessalonian
saints were "waiting for God's son from heaven," it is well to note what they were not waiting
for.
It does not say that they waited for the "Spirit of God," but for the Son of God.
It does not say that they waited for "death," for that comes without waiting for it.
It does not say that they were waiting for Titus with his armies to come from Rome, but for
God's Son to come from heaven.
It does not say that they waited for the fulfillment of prophecy, for Nebuchadnezzar's Image, or
Daniel's Beasts, but for "God's Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus,
which delivered us from the wrath to come."
"Except there come the Apostasy first" (2 Thess 2:3).—When it says "that day [the day of the
Lord] shall not come except there come the Apostasy first and that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition," we are to note that it does not say, "till the world's conversion comes," but till
the Apostasy comes.
It does not say, "the world is not yet good enough," but the world is not yet bad enough.
3. Marks of Time.
These are of the utmost importance, often pointing the way to the correct interpretation; giving
us the clue to the explanation of some difficulty; or, bringing out some hidden truth or beauty
concealed in that particular Scripture.
"The second day" (Joshua 10:31,32).—Here we read: "And Joshua passed from Libnah, and all
Israel with him, unto Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it. And the LORD
delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel, which took it on the second day and smote it with the
edge of the sword."
Thus Lachish seems to be an exception to all the other cities taken by Joshua at that time. Of
Lachish alone is it said that "he took it on the second day."
This point of accuracy invites our attention: and when we give it by looking more closely into
Lachish, we find that—
In 2 Chronicles 32:9 "Sennacherib himself laid siege against Lachish, and all his power with
him"; while he sent Rabshakeh to Jerusalem with a summons to Hezekiah.
Yet when Rabshakeh returned he "found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah; for he
heard that he was departed from Lachish" (2 Kings 19:8). He evidently found Lachish a difficult
place to take, as Joshua had done.
We note the further confirmation of this in a reference by Jeremiah to a subsequent assault by
another king of Babylon. He says:
"When the king of Babylon's army fought against all the cities of Judah that
were left, against Lachish, and against Azekah; for these defenced cities
remained of the cities of Judah" (Jer 34:7).
So that when we read in Joshua 10:31, 32, about Joshua taking Lachish on "the second day" of
the siege, we get a note of time which is not a mere casual remark, but is full of meaning when
compared with other references to the same city.
"Then came Amalek" (Exo 17:8).—Here we read that immediately after the miraculous supply
of water recorded in verses 1-7, "THEN came Amalek and fought with Israel in Rephidim."
No reason is given for this assault on the part of Amalek beyond what may be inferred from the
word "Then."
When we consider what is recorded in remoter contexts we gather that in a land of that
character, a well of springing water would be a bone of contention, and a possession to be
coveted and, if possible, taken by force.
In Genesis 21:25 we read of Abraham reproving Abimelech "because of a well of water which
Abimelech's servants had violently taken away."
In Genesis 26:19, 20, we read how Isaac's servants found "a well of springing water, and the
herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen saying the water is ours...And they digged
another, and strove for that also."
In Exodus 2:17 we read how the shepherds drove away the daughters of Reuel who came to
draw water; and how Moses helped them.
In Numbers 20:19 we read how Israel offered in vain to pay for the water as they passed through
Edom; also afterwards how the same offer was made to Sihon the king of the Amorites.
In Judges 5:11 Deborah sang of the wells as scenes of conflict.
No wonder then that such a miraculous supply of water as at Rephidim should at once become a
reason why Amalek should thus make this assault against Israel "then."
"Then will I sprinkle" (Eze 36:25).—
"THEN will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean;
From all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you,
And a new spirit will I put within you."
When? When Jehovah shall have taken the house of Israel from among the heathen whither He
has scattered them, and gathered them out of all countries and brought them "INTO THEIR
OWN LAND" (vv 16-24).
If we observe this mark of time, it will effectually prevent our misinterpretation of this passage,
and save us from taking what is spoken of Israel in a future day and applying it to the Church of
God in the present day.
"Then shall the offering" (Mal 3:4).—"THEN shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be
pleasant unto Jehovah as in the days of old, and as in former years."
When? When Jehovah shall have sent His Messenger, who will sit as a refiner and "purify the
sons of Levi that they may offer unto Jehovah an offering in righteousness" (vv 1-3).
"THEN they that feared Jehovah spake often one to another," etc. (Mal 3:16).
When? In a time of apostasy, and neglect of the service and worship of Jehovah. In days of
darkness and "perilous times." When the godly are minished; and it is difficult to find the
assembly of true worshippers. "THEN" will be the time for believers to meet together, and speak
often to one another and "think upon His name" (vv 7-18).
May we not apply this Scripture to the condition of things in the present day, without robbing
Israel of the interpretation of it in a future day?
"THEN we which are alive and remain shall be caught up with them in the clouds, to meet the
Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thess 4:17).
When? When the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven; and when the dead in Christ shall
have first risen.
"Then" (Matt 25:1).—'"THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which
took their lamps and went forth to meet the Bridegroom."
The word "then" points to the fact that this prophetic parable will have its fulfillment, not now,
but at that particular moment in the sequence of events then being revealed by the Lord.
It forms part of the Lord's instruction and teaching as to His coming; and finds its place in His
last great prophetic discourse contained in Matthew 24 and 25.
No one part may be taken out from its context, and interpreted apart from it, as conveying a
lesson different from that which it was first intended to teach.
In the first place, the whole discourse is wrongly divided from the literary point of view. The
Structure and the Scope combine to show that chapter 25 should begin at 24:29. It consists of
two portions of unequal length, answering to the two questions of 24:3. These portions are
differently constructed in order to mark their different subjects and scope.
The first part is an Extended Alternation. The second part is a Complex Introversion.
The questions were two in number.
1. When (ποτε, pote)? and
2. What (τι, ti)?
1. "When shall these things (spoken of) be?"
2. "What shall be the sign of Thy coming and of the sunteleia of the age (or
Dispensation)?"
Answer to the First Question, "When?"
(Matthew 24:4-28).
A. 4-6. Events heard of, leading up to the end (telos), which is "not yet."
Direction to "see that ye be not troubled."
B. 7, 8. The birth-pangs of the Great Tribulation.
C. 9, 14. Events leading up to the end (telos).
A. 15-20. Events seen, sign of the end (telos). Direction to "understand it," and
"flee."
B. 21, 22. The Great Tribulation itself.
C. 23-28. Events ending it.
Thus far we have the Great Tribulation: and the events leading up to, characterizing, and ending
it.
Now, in the second part, we have the events following it.
Answer to the Second Question, "What?"
(Matthew 24:29-25:46)
D.a. 29, 30. The Coming of the Son of Man.
b. 31. The gathering of the elect Remnant of Israel from
judgment.
E.c. 32-41. Parables (General). Fig-tree and
Noah.
d. 42-44. Warning. "Watch."
e. 45-51.
Servants
(General).
E.c. 25:1-12. Parable (Special). Ten Virgins.
d. 13. Warning. "Watch."
e. 14-30.
Servants
(Special).
D.a. 31. The Coming of the Son of Man.
b. 32-46. The gathering of the nations for judgment.
From all this, which is pointed out by the word "THEN" in Matt 25:1, it will be seen how
impossible it is for us to read the Church of God into the parable of the Ten Virgins without
introducing confusion of thought, loss of instruction, and dislocation of our Lord's teaching.
"Immediately" (Matt 24:29).—The word "Immediately" in Matthew 24:29 tells us that there is
no interval between the end of the Great Tribulation and the appearing of the Son of Man in His
glory, for judgment.
No room for a Millennium therefore, before that glorious Advent.
No Place for a thousand years of universal peace and blessing without Christ.
This word "immediately" writes folly on all man's vaunted remedies for the world's sorrows.
It convicts of grossest ignorance all the Church's self-claimed mission to "convert the world"
before that Advent.
If the Church is to convert the world, where is the place or possibility of the Great Tribulation?
And, if the Coming of Christ follows that Tribulation "immediately," where is there room for the
conversion of the world, or for any Millennium before His coming?
The whole argument which is so universally made on behalf of Foreign Missions is radically
false. It must be, and can be based on truly Scriptural grounds, without thus mangling and
marring the Scriptures of truth. Not only does this want of accuracy in interpreting the Word of
God bring it into contempt and make it of none effect; but it deceives the world, and enables the
scoffer to ask, "Where are the signs that your mission is being accomplished?"
The Church answers back, that though there are no signs yet; though heathen births far exceed
the converts' deaths, yet they are "waiting for an outpouring of the Spirit." Thus they deceive
themselves with a false hope, and substitute it for the true hope which God has given, which is,
"to wait for God's Son (not God's Spirit) from heaven."
If the Church urges, as it does, that Daniel's prophecies were fulfilled under Antiochus
Epiphanes, and that it was he who set up "the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel
the prophet," it is a sufficient answer to point out that the Lord speaks of it, in His day, as being
still future, and gives solemn warning to those who shall see it, to heed it and "understand" it;
and adds specific directions as to what they are to do.
"Afterward" (Joel 2:28).—"And it shall come to pass AFTERWARD, that I will pour out my
spirit upon all flesh," etc.*
* On the whole context of this passage, see pages 297-302.
After what?
After God has brought Israel back into their own land, and made it fruitful, and blessed it and
them with all blessings. If we read the previous part of the chapter we can see plainly enough
when the pouring out of spiritual gifts shall take place. The verse immediately before reads:
"And ye shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,
And that I am Jehovah your God, and none else:
And my people shall never be ashamed.
And it shall come to pass AFTERWARD," etc.
This shows that Peter could not have been referring to Joel to show that that prophecy was then
being fulfilled, for none of those things had taken place; and none of those conditions had been
enjoyed.
Peter is merely rebutting the charge of drunkenness, and showing that it could not be true,
inasmuch as similar scenes were spoken of by Joel the prophet. When he says, "This is that
which was spoken of by the prophet Joel" he can mean only this (sing.) prophecy which he
proceeds to quote; not those (pl.) events which were taking place.
And yet his utterance is so worded that had the people and their rulers repented, as he exhorted
them (Acts 2:38, 3:19-26, RV), and as it was required by the one great condition of the
fulfillment of the promise of Joel 2:12-17, then the prophecy of Joel 2:28 (which Peter quoted)
would have been fulfilled: for that will be the time when the LORD will "be jealous for His
LAND and pity His PEOPLE," as long before foretold in "the Song of Moses" (Deut 32:43).
"At that time" (Matt 11:25).—This mark of time we have already referred to under Canon VI
(
page 323).
4. Marks of Reasoning.
"Therefore" (Eph 4:1).—"I THEREFORE the prisoner of the Lord beseech you that ye walk
worthy of the calling wherewith ye are called."
Why? Chapter 3 being a parenthesis between chapter 2 and chapter 4 (see
page 62), we see that
the word "therefore" stands connected with 2:22.
It is the one building "fitly framed together"; the "holy temple" (2:21,22): It is the one body
which is likewise "fitly framed together" (3:16).
"THEREFORE," endeavour to keep this unity of the spirit (this spiritual unity) which God HAS
MADE in Christ.
Seek not to make a corporate or bodily unity; but give diligence to KEEP to the Spiritual unity
which God has made.
To do this will require "all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another
in love" (v 2).
"Therefore...I charge thee" (2 Tim 4:1).—Here, and in all similar cases where we have such
words as "Therefore," "Wherefore," marking logical conclusions of arguments or statements, it
is always important for us, in our reading, to be most accurate, and to notice the matter thus
introduced and emphasized by the word "therefore." This is the more important, because such
words, more often than not, come at the beginning of a chapter, where the break is apt to sever
the connection between the argument and the conclusion, between the cause and the effect, or
between a statement and its result.
A good example is furnished in 2 Timothy 4:1. The chapter begins:
"I charge thee THEREFORE, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall
judge the quick and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom—Preach
the Word." (RV).
Why is this charge given? and why is it given here?
The answer to these questions is furnished by the word "therefore." Chapter 3 had ended with a
statement as to the wonderful profitableness of the God-breathed Word, fitting out God's
spokesman for every emergency (see under Canon V,
pp. 304, 305, and VI, p 321). The solemn
conclusion is:—
Seeing that the Divine Word is God-breathed;—seeing that it is so profitable,—seeing that it is
so necessary to fit out him who thus possesses it,
THEREFORE
"Preach the Word." Note the comparison thus suggested between 3:16 and 4:2.
Seeing it is profitable for "doctrine," therefore "preach it in season and out of season."
Seeing it is profitable for "reproof," therefore "reprove."
Seeing it is profitable for "correction," therefore "rebuke."
Seeing it is profitable for "instruction in righteousness," therefore "exhort with all longsuffering
and doctrine."
All this, and more, is wrapped up in this word "therefore."
Similar examples may be noted, and instruction gained by accurately observing the occurrences
of such words.
5. Numeration
It is a great question whether we have the correct method of translating numbers. Each nation
has its own method of reckoning, and its own idioms of numeration.
We have only to go to the French and to one illustration to see this. Take as an example our
simple ninety-seven (97). How is this to be translated into French? Idiomatically, of course, and
not literally. The French would be quatre-vingt-dix-sept, or four-twenty-ten-seven: i.e.,
four
twenties
= 80
ten = 10
seven = 07
= 97
Now, may it not be well to ask whether the Hebrew mode of reckoning was the same as the
English; or, indeed, whether it was the same in Old Testament days as it is to-day?
In any case, is it not wiser to ask this question instead of first assuming an answer which may be
incorrect, then charging the error on the inspired writers, and then explaining it by talking of
"exaggeration," or of "round numbers"?
That is an easy, not to say the usual, way out of difficulties which we ourselves perhaps have
created.
1 Samuel 6:19.—Infidels and Critics have brought charges of error, for example, against 1
Samuel 6:19:
"And he smote the men of Beth-shemesh, because they had looked into the Ark
of Jehovah, even he smote of the people fifty thousand and three-score and ten
men" (i.e., 50,070 men).
This is what the AV says.
But, Is this what the Word of God says?
The Hebrew of the latter clause reads: "Jehovah smote seventy men, [two] fifties and one
thousand."
The word "fifties" is in the Dual number, which means two fifties.
So that we have, according to this—
seventy men
=
0070
two fifties
=
0100
one
thousand
=
1000
total men
=
1170
There is a slight difference it will be observed. And, as Beth-shemesh was quite a small place,
this smaller number would appear to be more correct.
Judges 12:6.—Another example might be found in Judges 12:6, where we read of the tribe of
Ephraim: "And there fell at that time forty, and two thousand."
This would be 0040
and 2000
or, as we should
say
2040
This would be more in harmony with Numbers 26:37, which gives the total of the second census
of Ephraim as 32,500, while the first was not more than 40,500 (Num 1:33). Not only is the
above more in harmony, for the other reckoning is out of all harmony; as those slain of the tribe
would be more than the number of the whole tribe, within about three hundred years.
The Census of Numbers 1 and 26.—This leads to another suggestion which is made by Professor
W. M. Flinders Petrie in his Researches in Sinai. His suggestion is that in the two Census Lists
of Numbers 1 and 26 the word Eleph, thousand, should be taken in the sense of family or tent.
He would then reckon, Reuben (Num 1:21) as "46 eleph 500 people": i.e., eleven to a tent.
But the objection to this is (1) that it is not "people," but the "men over twenty years of age"; (2)
that the first list works out at 598 eleph 5,550 men over twenty years old (not people), whereas it
is several times given as 603 eleph 3,550 men; which shows that the 598 and 5,550 must be
reckoned as thousands, in order to arrive at the totals as given in Exodus 38:26; Numbers 1:46,
2:32, viz., 598,000 + 3,550 = 603,550 (compare Exo 12:37; Num 11:21).
We must therefore conclude that Moses knew more about what he was writing than explorers
and critics can imagine.
Our suggestion as given above does not lie under these serious objections, but relates merely to
the principle underlying the method of numeration, and the idioms used in stating it.
6. Names of Persons and Places.
Accuracy is also required in the study of the names of persons and places. Apart from Scripture
evidence we know that, in all countries, many places and persons have the same name; while on
the other hand some are known by, and have, several names.
We should expect, therefore, to find these phenomena in the Bible.
So far from being a discrepancy which amounts to an objection, it is only a difficulty calling for
greater accuracy and care in our study of the Word.
Moreover, it is an argument for the veracity of God's Word, in that, what are difficulties to us,
are left unexplained because the truth as to the facts was perfectly well known.
(a) As to Persons.
1. The same name was borne by different persons then, as now.
This is particularly noticeable in the case of James.
JAMES.—We have to distinguish:
1. James the son of Zebedee, and brother of John (Matt 4:21, 17:1, etc.).
2. James the son of Alphaeus, one of the Twelve (Mark 3:18; Matt 10:3, etc.).
3. James the Lord's brother (Gal 1:19; Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3).
JOHN.—We have to distinguish—
1. John the Baptist (Matt 3:4).
2. John the Apostle (Mark 1:20).
3. John Mark (Acts 12:12,25, 13:5,13, 15:37).
4. John of Acts 4:6.
SIMON was a name borne by at least ten persons in the New Testament. There were—
1. SIMON (Luke 2:25).
2. SIMON PETER the Apostle.
3. SIMON ZELOTES, one of the Twelve (Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). This is the same as
SIMON THE CANANITE (Matt 10:4; Mark 3:18), being the Aramaic for Zelotes, both
meaning Zeal or Zealot; the name of a Jewish sect.
4. SIMON son of Joseph and Mary (Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3).
5. SIMON the father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71, 12:4, 13:2,26).
6. SIMON the Pharisee (Luke 7:40,43,44).
7. SIMON THE LEPER (Matt 26:6; Mark 14:3).
8. SIMON THE CYRENIAN (Matt 27:32; Mark 15:21).
9. SIMON THE TANNER (Acts 9:43, 10:6,32).
10. SIMON MAGUS (Acts 8:9,13).
HEROD was a name borne by seven different persons:
1. HEROD THE GREAT of whom we read in Matthew 2 and Luke 1. He died in the year
of the true Nativity (BC 4). During his last illness he ordered the slaughter of the
children at Bethlehem (Matt 2:16-18).
2. HEROD ANTIPAS, son of Herod I, Tetrarch of Galilee (Luke 3:1), the central portion
of kingdom of Herod I. He was the half-brother of Herod Philip I and abducted his wife
Herodias and married her (Matt 14:3; Luke 3:19; Mark 6:17). He heard John gladly, but
afterwards beheaded him (Mark 6:20). This was the Herod to whom the Lord was sent
for trial (Luke 23:8-12).
3. HEROD ARCHELAUS, son of Herod I. Ethnarch of portion of kingdom of Herod I, on
account of whom Joseph turned aside into Galilee (Matt 2:22).
4. HEROD PHILIP I, son of Herod I, without territory. Husband of Herodias, who was
abducted and married by Herod Antipas (Matt 14:3; Mark 6:17; Luke 3:19).
5. HEROD PHILIP II, son of Herod I, Tetrarch of the NE portion of kingdom of Herod I
(Luke 3:1). Built Caesarea Philippi (Matt 16:13; Mark 8:27).
6. HEROD AGRIPPA I, grandson of Herod I, succeeded Philip II. Put James to death, and
Peter in prison (Acts 12).
7. HEROD AGRIPPA II, son of Agrippa I, whom he succeeded in part. The Herod before
whom Paul stood (Acts 25:13).
The same name in some cases arises from the fact that it is a title associated with royalty; just as
the words "Czar," "Kaiser," etc.
● ABIMELECH was the common name for the kings of the Philistines.
● AGAG, for the kings of the Amalekites.
● CAESAR, for the emperors of Rome.
● PHARAOH, for the kings of the Egyptians, such as Pharaoh Hophra (Jer 44:30);
Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:29,33,34,35; Jer 46:2).
We may learn a solemn lesson from the history of the calamitous and fatal matrimonial alliance
of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat with Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel.
We find, after this, the same names being given to members of both families, showing how close
this alliance became, and how the evil leaven worked and permeated the whole mass.
Not only was the house of Jehovah broken up and the vessels thereof taken to the house of Baal,
but the two families became alike in their life and their religion.
Care has to be taken by the Bible student in the midst of the confusion created for him by this
unholy alliance: and the difficulties caused by it have to be noted and unravelled.
2. The same person has different names,* or more than one:
* Sometimes this is only apparent, as in the case of JESUS, which is
the Greek form of JOSHUA (Acts 7:45; Heb 4:8). CHRIST is the
Greek for the Hebrew MESSIAH. REMPHAN (Acts 7:43) is the
Greek for CHIUN (Amos 5:26). So in the same way ALLELUIA
(Rev 19:1,3,4,6) is the Greek form of the Hebrew HALLELUJAH.
● ABIEL (1 Sam 9:1) is NER of 1 Chronicles 9:39.
● ISHUI (1 Sam 14:49) is ABINADAB of 31:2.
● ABIMELECH of Psalm 34 (Title) is ACHISH of 1 Samuel 21:11.
● LEVI (Luke 5:27) is the same as MATTHEW.
● THOMAS and DIDYMUS are the Hebrew and Greek words respectively for twins.
● SILVANUS (2 Cor 1:19; 1 Thess 1:1; 1 Peter 5:12) is the same as SILAS (Acts
15:22,27,34,40, 16:19,25).
● TIMOTHEUS (Acts 16:1, etc.) is TIMOTHY.
● CEPHAS (John 1:42; 1 Cor 1:12, 3:22, 9:5, 15:5; Gal 2:9) is the Aramaic for the Greek
PETER. His Hebrew name was SIMEON or SIMON. Hence he was sometimes called
SIMON PETER. But there were several who are known by the name of SIMON.
Esau's Wives.—Perhaps one of the most intricate of these problems is that of Esau's wives. As
infidels and "higher" critics (which too often mean very much the same thing) have sometimes
referred to this as showing the human element in an untrustworthy record, it may be well to say
a few words about it.
In Genesis 36:1-3 we have "the generations of Esau." This, therefore, is the correct and standard
genealogy which must be our foundation.
Here Esau's wives are stated to be three in number; and their names are thus definitely stated:
1. ADAH.
2. AHOLIBAMAH.
3. BASHEMATH.
1. As to the first, ADAH, she was the daughter of Elon the Hittite. In Genesis 26:34 she has a
second name, BASHEMATH, which happened to be the same as that of the first name of the
third wife, and therefore is dropped here.
2. As to the second, AHOLIBAMAH, she was the daughter of Anah the Hivite* (Gen
36:3,14,25). In Genesis 26:34 she is called JUDITH, and her father is called BEERI the Hittite.
Doubtless ANAH got this name later on, from a fact that is mentioned in 36:24 concerning
ANAH. "This is that ANAH who found** the hot springs*** in the wilderness as he fed the
asses of Zibeon his father."
* In Genesis 26:34 he is called "Hittite." Hittite is the general name, which includes
the Hivite, which is particular. Chapter 26:34 is history, but 36:2 is genealogy, and is
therefore more precise (see Josh 1:4; 1 Kings 10:29; 2 Kings 7:6). In Genesis 28:8
these Hittite wives are called "daughters of Canaan," i.e., the general name.
** The Hebrew is )cafmaf (matza), to happen on, meet with, find, discover (not to
invent or find out).
*** Hebrew, Mymiy@'ha (hayyemim), hot springs. (The Vulgate has aquoe calidoe.
Probably the Calirrhoe in the Wady Zerka Maein, or Wady el Asha, SE of the Dead
Sea.) Hence Anah was called Beeri, which would mean the spring-man. It certainly
cannot mean mules, as the word for mules is Mydirafp@: (peradim). (See 2 Sam
13:29, 18:9; 1 Kings 10:25; 2 Kings 5:17; Psa 32:9.)
This was the origin of his other name BEERI or the spring-man, or the man that discovered the
hot springs.
3. As to the third, BASHEMATH, she was the daughter of Ishmael and had a second name
MAHALATH (28:9).
There is no difficulty, therefore, if we accurately note these different names; and remember that
a forger would be perfectly sure to have made all clear, and have left no such matters in doubt;
also that women, as a rule, received a second or additional name on their marriage.
3. Changes in Names.—In some cases different names came from a definite change, as
ABRAHAM for ABRAM (Gen 17:5). BOANERGES for JOHN and JAMES, PETER for
SIMON (Mark 3:16,17). PAUL for SAUL (Acts 13:9). DANIEL and his three companions (Dan
1:7). JOSEPH (Gen 41:45).
4. The Divine Names and Titles.—These also need careful discrimination if we would explain
difficulties, and see new beauties in the words of God.
There is no need to say anything on the subject here, as the whole subject is referred to above (
p.
312); and is fully dealt with in our separate pamphlet on this subject.
(b) Of places.
1. The same name was given to different places.
CAESAREA
1. Was given to DAN, before called LAISH, and
2. Was called CAESAREA PHILIPPI* (Matt 16:13; Mark 8:27) to
distinguish it from CAESAREA of Palestine, which was on the coast
(Acts 18:22, 10:1,24, 12:19, 21:8, 25:6,13).
* Because beautified by Philip the Tetrarch, now
known as BANIAS.
ANTIOCH was the name of
1. A city in Syria (Acts 11:20-26); and
2. A city of Pisidia (Acts 13:14).
DAN was the name of a city or country in the north of Palestine (Gen 14:14;
Deut 34:1), long before the tribe of Dan changed the name of quite another
place (before called Laish) to the name of their ancestor, Dan (Judges 18:29).
BETHSAIDA:
1. The city of Andrew and Peter on the NE shore of Galilee (John 1:44),
called πολις (polis), a city.
2. On the W shore (called κωµη (kome), a village, Mark 8:22,23).
3. Of Gaulonitis, Luke 9:10 (afterwards called Julias).
BEEROTH:
1. In Benjamin, Joshua 9:1-18; 2 Samuel 4:2.
2. Of the children of Jaakan, Deuteronomy 10:6 (Num 33:31,32, called
Bene-jaakan).
RAMAH:
1. A city of Benjamin (Judg 4:5, 19:13; 1 Sam 22:6; Jer 31:15; Matt
2:18).
2. In Asher (Josh 19:29).
3. In Naphtali (Josh 19:36).
4. In Gilead (2 Kings 8:29; 2 Chron 22:6).
5. The birth-place of Samuel (1 Sam 1:19, 2:11, etc.).
Sometimes these names were so indeterminate that it was necessary to couple with them some
explanatory word:—
KIRJATH. From Kir, a wall or walled. Hence we have:
1. Kirjath Arba (Gen 23:2, 35:27; Josh 14:15, 15:13,54, 20:7, 21:11; Neh
11:25).
2. Kirjath Baal (Josh 15:60, 18:14).
3. Kirjath Huzoth (Num 22:39).
4. Kirjath Jearim (Ezra 2:25; Josh 9:17).
5. Kirjath Sepher (Josh 15:15,16; Judg 1:11,12).
6. Kirjath Sannah (Josh 15:49).
ARAM (meaning high, but translated "Syria"). From this we have:
1. Aram of Damascus (2 Sam 8:5,6).
2. Aram-beth-Rehob (2 Sam 10:6).
3. Aram-Zobah (2 Sam 10:6).
4. Aram-Naharaim (i.e., Aram of the two rivers, translated
"Mesopotamia"), (Gen 24:10. Compare 27:43).
So that if we note accurately the use of these various names we shall not, like many, jump to the
conclusion that there must be a "discrepancy."
The same phenomena are seen in all countries.
2. The same place has different names.
●
● JEGAR-SAHADUTHA was the Aramaic name, but the Hebrew name was GALEED
(both having the same meaning) (Gen 31:47).
● LUZ was afterwards called BETHEL (Gen 28:19).
● HERMON was known as SIRION by the Sidonians, and as SHENIR by the Amorites
(Deut 3:9), also by the name of SION (4:48).
● EGYPT was known as HAM (Psa 78:51, 105:23), and as RAHAB (Psa 87:4, 89:10; Isa
51:9).
● JERUSALEM is called ARIEL (The lion of God, Isa 29:1), as it had been called JEBUS
by the Jebusites (Judg 19:10).
● BABYLON is called SHESHAK (Jer 25:26).
● CAESAREA in Galilee was called LAISH at first, and was afterwards known as DAN
(Judge 18:29; 1 Kings 12:29). This has to be distinguished from another CAESAREA,
which was on the coast (Acts 18:22).
● THE LAKE OF GENNESARETH was known also as the SEA OF TIBERIAS, and as
the SEA OF GALILEE (John 6:1,23). Also as CHINNERETH.
● CHARRAN of Acts 7:2 is the HARAN of Genesis 11.
● ARAM is the same as MESOPOTAMIA and SYRIA (Num 23:7).
● MIZRAIM is EGYPT.
● LAISH was afterwards called DAN (Judg 18:29).
● SINAI is know also as HOREB.
7. Chronology.
Accurate reading of the words, as written, will soon make it apparent that there is no
Chronology as such in the Scriptures. Years are numbered not as dates, but as to duration. And
when dates are used they are reckoned as having happened in a certain year from some event, or
from the commencement of a reign, or a captivity, etc.: otherwise, the years are reckoned only
as being so many, during a certain period. This is the case with
The 120 years of Genesis 6:3.—These are usually taken as referring to one hundred and twenty
years of probation before the Flood. But, is this the case? The AV reads: "Jehovah said, My
spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days shall be a hundred
and twenty years."
There are several traditional interpretations of this verse, all equally unsatisfactory.
There is the fanciful Rabbinical one which makes it refer to Moses' age.
The popular idea is that it refers to the period of probation between that time and the Flood:
another explanation refers it to the altered duration of human life.
But, if we note accurately the words employed another interpretation will be suggested.
1. The word rendered "man" is Mdaf)af ('adam), Adam. It occurs thirty-seven times in these
early chapters of Genesis (from Gen 1-6:3), and is rendered Adam nineteen times and man
eighteen times. It occurs without the article twelve times.*
* Gen 1:26, 2:5,20 (2nd), 3:17,21, 4:25, 5:1 (twice), 2,3,4,5.
2. It occurs with the article Mdaf)afhaf (ha'adam), twenty-one times.*
* Gen 2:7 (2nd), 16,18,19 (twice), 20 (1st), 21,22 (twice), 23,25, 3:8,9,12,20,22,24,
4:1, 6:1,2,3.
3. It occurs not only with the article, but with this and the very strong demonstrative t)e (eth)
four times.* Eth means self, this same, this very, and is quite emphatic.**
* Gen 1:27, 2:7 (1st), 8,15.
** In order that the reader may judge for himself, we give all the above passages in
their order, indicating which of the three forms of the word is used in each:—
1. Gen 1:26; 3. Gen 1:27; 1. Gen 2:5; 3. Gen 2:7 (1st); 2. Gen 2:7
(2nd); 3. Gen 2:8,15; 2. Gen 2:16,18,19 (twice); 2. Gen 2:20 (1st); 1.
Gen 2:20 (2nd); 2. Gen 2:21,22 (twice), 23, 25; 2. Gen 3:8,9,12; 1.
Gen 3:17; 2. Gen 3:20; 1. Gen 3:21; 2. Gen 3:22,24; 2. Gen 4:1; 1.
Gen 4:25; 1. Gen 5:1 (twice), 2,3,4,5; 2. Gen 6:1,2,3
4. Nos. 2 and 3 always mean the man, Adam.
Where it occurs without the article it is rendered "Adam," except in Genesis 1:26 and 2:5, where
it is rendered "man."
Where it is used without the article and with the pronoun and verb in the plural number, as in
1:26, it denotes man or mankind as such ("Let us make man (sing.)...and let them have
dominion," etc.).
In Genesis 6:1 we have Adam in the singular with the article, and it means, "Adam began to
multiply, and daughters were born to them." Here the plural pronoun shows that Eve is
associated with Adam as in 5:2.
In Genesis 6:3 it must mean the man Adam, because it has the article and is followed by the
pronoun and the verb in the Singular Number: "because that he also is flesh." The Hebrew is )
w@h Mg@af#ab@: (beshaggam hu'), because that also he. This has no sense whatever if it
does not refer to the man Adam. To whom does the word "also" refer if it refers not to him? If
men as such were meant, it would say, "for that they also are flesh": but it says, "for that he also
is." That is to say, Adam had become like the others. He was flesh as they were. All flesh had
corrupted his way on the earth. Noah and his family alone had preserved their breed "perfect" (v
8): Hebrew, Mymit@af (tamim), without blemish.*
* And is generally so rendered. See Exo 12:5, 29:1; Leviticus and Numbers
throughout.
The word "generations" occurs twice in verse 8. The first time it means Noah's family history
(Toledoth); but the second is a different word (Dor), and means his contemporaries.
This is the third reference to the man Adam's end. In Genesis 2:17 it was prophetically
announced. In 3:22-24 he was driven out from the tree of life that he might not eat and live for
ever; and now, here, the actual year of his death was fixed. He should live 120 years more, but
not for ever.
In Genesis 6:3 we have a chronological indication of the date of this announcement. Adam
lived, altogether, 930 years. If we deduct from this, these 120 years, we get AM 810 as the date.
But the corruption spoken of in this chapter must have commenced much earlier.
The word rendered "strive" is Nw@d (dun). It occurs only here. The Ancient Versions (the
Septuagint, Syriac, Arabic, and Latin) give it the sense of remaining or dwelling. They are right;
and what Genesis 6:3 actually says is, "My spirit [or, breath of life] shall not always remain in
Adam, for that he also is flesh." (Compare Isa 62:16).
"Spirit," here, must mean "breath," or life, as in verse 17, 7:15, 22.*
* xaw@r (ruach) is rendered breath in Gen 6:16, 7:15,22; 2 Sam 22:16; Job 4:9, 9:18,
12:10, 15:30, 17:1, 19:17, 27:3, marg.; Psa 18:15, 33:6, 104:29, 135:17, 146:4; Eccl
3:19; Isa 11:4, 30:28, 33:11; Jer 10:14, 51:17; Lam 4:20; Eze 37:5,6,8,9,10; Hab 2:19.
Both AV and RV use a small "s" and not a capital letter.
The 400 years of Genesis 15:13 and Acts 7:6 (see under Canon V, pages
58 and 302).
The 430 years of Exodus 12:40 and Galatians 3:17 (see under Canon V, pages 58 and 302), and
The 450 years of Acts 13:20, and
The 490 years of Daniel 9:24.
These are part of a larger period: the second of the four periods of 490 years, which was the
duration of the four hundred and seventy hebdomads, or seventy sevens of years, during which
Jehovah stood in special covenant relation with Israel. As these were covenant relations, the
years when those relations were interrupted were not reckoned in the number of the years of
such periods.
Just as, in this present interval, while Israel is Lo ammi, ("not my people," Hosea 1:9,10; Isa
54:7,8), the years are not reckoned, but are deducted from the 490 years.
The first of these periods is reckoned from the birth of Abraham (Gen 11:26) to the Exodus. But
to get these 490 years we must deduct fifteen years. And these were exactly the number of years
that Ishmael was in Abraham's house.
The second period of 490 years is reckoned from the Exodus (Exo 12:40,41) to the Foundation
of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings 6:1). But to get this 490 years we must deduct the ninety-three
years of the captivities of Judges, and add three years for the building.
The 480th year of 1 Kings 6:1 is an Ordinal number, and not a Cardinal number. It is the four
hundred and eightiETH year after the Exodus, omitting the ninety-three years referred to above.
The third period of 490 years is reckoned from the Dedication of Solomon's Temple (1 Kings
6:1) to "the going forth of the Decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem" (Dan 9:24-27; Neh 2:1).
But to get these 490 years we must deduct the seventy years of the Captivity in Babylon.
The fourth period of 490 years dates from the going forth of the Decree (Neh 2:1-8), BC 454, to
the consummation; deducting the years of this present interval, dating from "cutting off of the
Messiah" (Dan 9:26) to the fulness of the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Isa 59:19,20).
That there are such parentheses in God's reckonings; and the particular parenthesis of this
present Dispensation see above under "Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth as to its Times and
Dispensations." See Part I, pages 100-104.
8. Synonymous Greek Words.
The importance of accuracy in discriminating many synonymous Greek words cannot be
overrated. This can be done by English readers who know little or nothing of Greek by the use
of our Lexicon and Concordance. By means of this the meaning of any Greek word can be seen
at a glance, and the different shades of meaning between various words which are similarly
translated. Among the most important are the words rendered "world," "wash," "if," "search,"
"hell," "judgment," "no," and "not."
There are 32 different Greek words rendered "come," 10 "destroy," 18 "receive," 5
"rest" (noun), 8 "say," 13 "see," 12 "deliver," 13 "in," 20 "show," 13 "then," 12 "think," 17
"when," 22 "for," 11 "suffer," 22 "take," 17 "therefore," 14 "call," 12 "behold," 6 "know," 9
"leave," 10 "ordain," 14 "make," 7 "master," 7 "mind," 16 "give," 21 "go," 15 "keep," 5 "pray,"
6 "preach," 4 "redeem," 8 "wash," 12 "perceive," 4 "perfect," 6 "perish," etc.
It will thus be seen that Cruden's Concordance, while indispensable for the purpose of finding a
particular passage, is misleading for finding the sense of it, if we suppose that in each passage
we have the same Greek word.
Sometimes the same English word occurs only in two passages, but in each case it may be a
different word in the Greek; e.g., "found," "be spent," "spill," "tidings," "victuals," "company
with," "censer," "certain" (adj), "deceitful," "settle," "unmoveable," "unreasonable," "bring
word," "eye-witness," "joyfully," "justification," "unblameable," "unwise," "be wearied,"
"young," "assent," "last," "lend," "liberality," "malefactor," "melt," "spy," "stay," "make
straight," "support," "unawares," "mist," "pollution," "powerful," "purification," "quarrel," "be
quiet," "quietness," "race," "reason," "religious," "rust."
Sometimes an English word will occur three times, and each time represent a different Greek
word: e.g., "imagination," "merchandise," "press," "reasoning," "roar," "sorcerer," "stand with,"
"subvert," "swift," "break up," "trial," "uncircumcised," "unruly," "vehemently," "vile,"
"confer," "brightness," "bring again," "assay."
"Tempest" occurs four times, each time representing a different Greek word. So also does
"throng."
"Purpose" occurs seven times, and six out of the seven represent different Greek words.
"Stir up" occurs nine times as a rendering of eight different Greek words.
"Strengthen" occurs nine times, and represents seven different Greek words.
These examples (taken promiscuously) will be sufficient to show the importance of accuracy
when we sit down to interpret the "words which the Holy Ghost teacheth."
We can, commend, therefore, the use of our own Critical Lexicon and Concordance to the
English and Greek New Testaments, because all the occurrences of the English word on which
light is sought are given in one list, in which the Greek words are referred to by numbers; and
the correct meaning is seen at a glance. Young's Concordance gives as many separate lists of
passages as there are Greek words, and each list has to be examined in turn: e.g., if there are
twelve Greek words the reader has to wade through twelve separate lists of words. Moreover,
the Lexicographical part is very meagre, generally giving only one meaning; and what is more,
it is not critical: that is to say, it gives the word which stands in the Textus Receptus, but does
not indicate any of the Various Readings which are found in the MSS or in the Greek Texts of
the various printed editions.
Our own work gives, in addition to all this, an Index of Greek Words showing all the various
renderings of each, and the number of times such rendering is given.
9. Synonymous Hebrew Words.
We have a similar phenomenon in the case of the rendering of Hebrew words.
No less than 66 different Hebrew words are translated "bring," 45 "lay," 49 "make," 24 "think,"
74 "take," 23 "run," 24 "keep," 21 "join," 26 "hold," 26 "high," 29 "grief," 23 "grow," 26 "turn,"
30 "trouble," 35 "give," 68 "go," 23 "burn," 47 "come," 26 "cover," 25 "deliver," 55 "destroy,"
12 "eat," 27 "end," 30 "fail," 24 "fall."
Our English word "know" is used to represent 5 Hebrew words, "judge" 10, "iniquity" 7,
"increase" 17, "hear" 4, "haste" 14, "habitation" 11, "prophet" 5, "wicked" 13, "world" 5,
"worm" 4, "work" 21, "word" 5, "good" 13, "grave" 8, "guide" 9, "hand" 13, "hard" 14, "heart"
7, "congregation" 4.
The importance of this branch of our subject will be seen in connection with such words as
"man," which represents thirteen different Hebrew words, four of which it is very important for
us to distinguish, e.g.:
●
● Mdaf)af ('adam), man as a created being, and as descended from the first man.
● #$y)i ('ish), a notable man of quality or degree.
● #$w&n)e ('enosh), a frail, mortal man.
● rbeg@e (gever), a strong or mighty man
Sometimes an English rendering is used only twice, and each time it is a different Hebrew
word:
●
● "Haven." Genesis 49:13 (coast). Psalm 107:30 (destination).
● "Apiece." 1 Kings 7:15 (one). Numbers 7:86 (a spoon, lit. each spoon). 1 Kings 7:15
(pillar, lit. each pillar).
● "Behead." 2 Samuel 4:7 (to take off). Deuteronomy 21:6 (break the neck).
● "Bunch." Exodus 12:22 (a bundle). Isaiah 30:6 (camel's bunch).
● "Cliff." Job 30:6 (anything inspiring terror). 2 Chronicles 20:16 (an ascent).
● "Convey." 1 Kings 5:9 (to place). Nehemiah 2:7 (to pass).
● "Decrease." Genesis 8:5 (to grow less). Psalm 107:38 (to be few).
● "Enjoin." Esther 9:31 (ordain, decree). Job 36:23 (give charge over).
● "Even." Job 31:6 (righteousness, lit. a righteous balance). Psalm 26:12 (plain, smooth).
Sometimes one English word occurs only three times, and each time represents a different
Hebrew word:
●
● "Appease." Genesis 32:20 (cover or propitiate). Esther 2:1 (subside). Proverbs 15:18 (to
still).
● "Deprive." Genesis 27:45 (to be bereaved). Job 39:17 (to cause to forget). Isaiah 38:10
(made to miss, i.e., to want).
The Hebrew words for "Tabernacle" must be carefully distinguished; e.g.:
●
● lhe)& ('ohel), tent, has regard to the place where the people or congregation assembled.
● Nik@af#$:mi (mishcan), tabernacle, has regard to the place where God dwelt.
The Hebrew words rendered "sin" are also to be distinguished:
●
● M#$af)af ('asham), is sin moral or ceremonial committed through mistake or ignorance.
Usually translated trespass.
● )+afxaf (chatah), sin, as a missing of the mark; a falling short of what ought to be done.
● Nw$(af ('avon), sin, as to its nature and consequences, iniquity.
● (#ap@e (pesha'), sin, as revolting from constituted authority.
● hga#$af (shagah), error through inadvertence.
These examples are taken out at random, merely to serve as illustrations of this branch of our
subject.
As to helps for these Old Testament Words, there is Strong's Concordance, or Young's. The
drawbacks to the latter are stated above.
Far and away the best is The Bible Student's Guide, by the late Rev. W. Wilson, DD, Canon of
Winchester, the second edition of which was published by Macmillan & Co. in 1870. It is,
unfortunately, out of print, and can now occasionally be obtained second-hand.* It is on exactly
the same lines as our Lexicon and Concordance of the Greek New Testament.
* We constantly buy up secondhand copies and supply them for ten shillings. If means
were forthcoming, we would gladly enter into negotiations with the owner of the
copyright for the production of a new edition; or, if health, strength, means, and
leisure permitted, we would willingly undertake to prepare one ourselves.
10. The Genitive Case.
The importance of accuracy is nowhere so clearly shown as in the interpretation of the word
"of."
It is usually the sign of the Genitive case, though it is used also to represent fourteen different
Greek words. What these words are and where the renderings are can be seen at a glance (so far
as the New Testament is concerned) under the word "OF" in our Critical Lexicon and
Concordance.
In all other cases it is the rendering of the Genitive Case of a noun: and is used by the Holy
Spirit in quite a variety of different senses. We propose to present them in nine different classes.
We have gone fully into them in our work on Figures of Speech used in the Bible, and Appendix
B of that work ought to be studied in this connection. We give a brief resume here.
Every Bible student who desires to enjoy the study of the "words" of God must stop whenever
he comes to the word "of," and first look at our Critical Lexicon and see whether it represents a
separate Greek word.
If he finds it does not, then it must be the Genitive Case of some noun; and in that case it
belongs to one of the following nine classes.
No one can help him in determining to which of the nine it belongs. Opinions may, and do,
differ. The Context and a spiritual instinct will be the best guides.
Sometimes it may be doubtful as to which of two classes it belongs; and it may often be that it
belongs to both, and that each may yield a truly Scriptural sense.
(a) The Genitive of Character
This is when it is an emphatic adjective. The ordinary way of qualifying a Noun is by using an
Adjective; but when special emphasis is desired to be placed on the Adjective, the author goes
out of his way to use a Noun instead, which is a Figure of Speech called Enallage, or exchange.
Thus, if we say, "a bright day," the emphasis is on "day," and we mean "a bright DAY." If we
say "a day of brightness," we exchange the Adjective "bright" for the Noun "brightness," and
thus put the emphasis on "brightness," and we mean "a BRIGHT day."
In the former case we think only of the day as being bright. In the latter case we think of the
brightness which characterizes the day.
So, if the Scripture used the Adjective "mighty" in connection with "angels," the emphasis
would be on the Noun "angels": "mighty ANGELS, " but if attention is called to their power it
would say "angels of might," i.e., "MIGHTY angels" (2 Thess 1:7; see margin).
The following examples will illustrate this:
●
● "Zion, the mount of my holiness," i.e., my HOLY mount (Psa 2:6).
● "A man of understanding" is a WISE man (Ezra 8:18).
● "Be to me for a rock of strength": i.e., a STRONG rock (Psa 31:2).
● "Men of scorning": i.e., SCORNFUL men (Prov 29:8).
● "A wild bull of a net": i.e., a NETTED wild bull (Isa 51:20).
● "My portion of desire": i.e., my DESIRED portion (Jer 12:10).
● "The burial of an ass": i.e., an ASS'S burial (Jer 22:19).
● "A sleep of perpetuity": i.e., a PERPETUAL sleep (Jer 51:39).
● "The bread of the children": i.e., the CHILDREN'S bread (Matt 15:26).
● "The throne of his glory": i.e., his GLORIOUS throne (Matt 19:28).
● "The steward of injustice": i.e., the UNJUST steward (Luke 16:8; so 18:6, UNJUST
judge).
● "The body of this death": i.e., this MORTAL body (Rom 7:24).
● "Mind of the spirit" and "mind of the flesh"; rendered SPIRITUALLY minded, and
CARNALLY minded (Rom 8:6).
● "Fathers of our flesh": i.e., HUMAN fathers (Heb 12:9).
● "A hearer of forgetfulness": is a FORGETFUL hearer (James 1:25).
● "The word of life": i.e., the LIVING word (1 John 1:1).
● "The word of truth": i.e., the TRUE Word (2 Tim 2:15). This is in contrast with the
other passages where we have the Adjective, and the emphasis is on "the true
SAYINGS" (Rev 19:9, 22:6), or "the true WORDS" (Acts 26:25). In the one case (2
Tim 2:15) the emphasis is on the character of what is said; in the others it is on the
matter.
(b) The Genitive of Origin.
This marks the efficient cause; the source from which anything has its origin.
●
● "Words of God" is not character (Divine words), but words which come FROM God
(Num 24:4,16).
● "The provoking of his sons and his daughters" means the provocation produced BY the
conduct of His people (Deut 32:19).
● "The overthrow of strangers": i.e., overthrown BY strangers (Isa 1:7; see margin).
● "The Prince of peace": i.e., the Prince who BRINGS peace (Isa 9:6).
● "Smitten of God" means smitten BY God (Isa 53:4).
● "The chastisement of our peace" means the chastisement which PROCURED and
GIVES us peace (Isa 53:5).
● "Taught of the LORD" means taught BY the LORD (Isa 54:13).
● "Visions of God" means visions FROM God, given by God (Eze 1:1).
● "Kingdom of heaven," "kingdom of God," means the kingdom which comes FROM
heaven, as being "not of" (ek), out of, or from this world (John 18:36).
● "The obedience of faith" means which SPRINGS FROM faith (Rom 1:5).
● "The righteousness of faith" means which COMES FROM or THROUGH faith (Rom
4:11,13).
● "Justification of life" means which PRODUCES or GIVES life (Rom 5:18).
● "Comfort of the Scriptures" means which COMES FROM the Scriptures; or which the
Scripture GIVES or ministers (Rom 15:4).
● "Dangers of waters" means which were occasioned BY waters (2 Cor 11:26; RV,
rivers).
● "The God of peace," i.e., the God who has MADE peace, and who GIVES peace (Phil
4:9).*
* This differs from "the peace of God" in verse 7, which is the Genitive of
"possession" (see under Genitive of Possession, Philippians 4:7).
● "The word of his power." This does not mean His powerful word, but that His word is
the instrument BY which His power works (Heb 1:3); or it may be "His POWERFUL
word" (character).
● "The bond of peace" means the bond which PRODUCES peace. The acknowledgement
of the spiritual unity of the one body, which God has already made in Christ, and which
we are to endeavour to keep, is a bond which is productive only of peace. Whereas the
attempt to make a corporate unity in sects and denominations is the fruitful source of
strifes and divisions (Eph 4:3. Compare 1 Cor 1:10-13, 3:1-4, 11:18).
● "The mystery of godliness" is the Great Mystery (or Secret), the knowledge of which
produces true godliness of life, to which Timothy is exhorted (1 Tim 3:15,16).
(c) The Genitive of Possession.
This is perhaps the most common, and is generally unmistakable. But there are some cases
where it may not be so clear.
●
● "The business of my Father" means my FATHER'S business, which was the Father's
will (Luke 2:49). Here, the emphatic Pronoun "my" stands in marked contrast with the
"thy" of verse 48. (See pp. 318 and 404.)
● "The shield of faith" means Faith's shield, which is Christ (Eph 6:16. Compare Gen
15:1; Psa 84:11).
● "The sword of the Spirit" means the Spirit's sword, which is the Word of God (Eph
6:17).
● "The peace of God" means God's peace; the peace which reigns with Him, and in His
presence, the peace which belongs to Him. Of this peace we shall know something if we
make our requests known unto Him (Phil 4:6,7). Compare this with "the God of peace,"
above (Phil 4:9).
● "The patience of Christ" (Greek) means Christ's patient waiting (2 Thess 3:5 and
margin). Compare RV.
(d) The Genitive of Apposition.
In this case the "of" means "that is to say," or "which is."
●
● "The heights of the clouds": i.e, "the heights, that is to say, the clouds" (Isa 14:14).
● "The temple of His body" means the temple, that is to say, His body (John 2:21).
● "A sign of circumcision" means a sign, that is to say, circumcision (Rom 4:11). So "the
first fruits of the Spirit" (Rom 8:23) means, "the first fruits, that is to say, the Spirit." So
also:
● "The house of our tabernacle" (2 Cor 5:1).
● "The earnest of the Spirit" (2 Cor 5:5).
● "The lower parts of the earth" means the lower parts, that is to say, the earth (Eph 4:9)
in contrast with heaven.
● "The breastplate of righteousness" (Eph 6:14) means "the breastplate," that is to say,
"righteousness."
● "The cities of Sodom," etc., which means "the cities, that is to say, Sodom and
Gomorrha" (2 Peter 2:6).
(e) The Genitive of Relation.
This is perhaps the most interesting of all; and requires a greater variety in the manner of
expressing the particular relation. This must be gathered from the context. It may be objective,
or subjective, or both. For example:
"The love of Christ" (2 Cor 5:14). Is this the love which Christ bears to us? or is it our love
which we bear to Christ? No one can decide apart from the context. Verse 14 seems to show that
it means the love which Christ bore to us in thus dying for us; or, if we judge from verse 13, it
seems to be the constraining power of love for Christ which made the Apostle to appear to be
beside himself for their sakes.
The following are a few examples:—
●
● "The tree of life" is the tree which PRESERVED life (Gen 2:9).
● "The way of the tree of life" is the way LEADING TO the tree of life (Gen 3:24).
● "The God of my righteousness" is the God who DEFENDS my righteous cause (Psa
4:1). It may be the God who procures and gives us His righteousness. This is true, of
course, but the context seems to require relation rather than origin.
● "Sheep of slaughter" (Greek) means sheep DESTINED FOR slaughter (Psa 44:22; Rom
8:36).
● "The fear of the LORD," i.e., the fear or reverence shown TOWARD God (Prov 1:7.
Compare Psa 5:7).
● "Little of the earth": little IN the earth (Prov 30:24).
● "The spoil of the poor": i.e., TAKEN FROM the poor (Isa 3:14).
● "The sure mercies of David," i.e., PERTAINING TO David (Isa 55:3. Compare Acts
13:34).
● "The gospel of the kingdom" means the good news RELATING to the kingdom (Matt
4:23, 24:14).
● "Fowls of the air" means fowls which FLY in the air (Matt 6:26).
● "Lilies of the field" means lilies which GROW IN the field (Matt 6:28).
● "Have faith of God" means have faith WITH RESPECT TO God (Mark 11:22).
● "By faith of Jesus Christ," i.e., faith which HAS RESPECT TO Jesus Christ (Rom
3:22).
● "They have a zeal of God" means a zeal FOR God (Rom 10:2).
● "Obedience of Christ" means obedience RENDERED TO Christ (2 Cor 10:5).
● "Every joint of supply" (Greek) means every joint which MINISTERS supply (Eph
4:16).
● "The afflictions of Christ" means the afflictions UNDERGONE FOR Christ (Col 1:24).
● "Reproach of Christ" means reproach SUFFERED FOR Christ (Heb 11:26).
● "Conscience of God" (Greek) means conscience TOWARD God (1 Peter 2:19).
● "The word of my patience": My word which ENJOINS patience, or patient waiting
(Rev 3:10).
● "The testimony of Jesus" means testimony CONCERNING Jesus; or perhaps the
testimony which He gave (Gen. of Origin). (Rev 19:10)
(f) The Genitive of the Material.
When the genitive denotes the material of which anything is made, the words "made of" have to
be substituted for it, e.g.:—
●
● "Coats of skins," i.e., made out of skins (Gen 3:21).
● "An ark of gopher wood" (Gen 6:14).
● "A cake of barley-bread" (Judg 7:13).
● "A house of cedar" (2 Sam 7:2).
● "A rod of iron" (Psa 2:9).
● "This head of gold" (Dan 2:38).
(g) The Genitive of the Contents.
Denotes that with which anything is filled.
●
● "A bottle of wine" means a bottle or skin FILLED WITH wine (1 Sam 16:20).
● "A cup of cold water": a cup CONTAINING cold water (Matt 10:42).
● "Waterpots of water" (Greek), i.e., water-pots FULL OF water (John 2:7).
This is the Genitive which always follows the verb to fill: while the vessel filled takes the
Accusative case, and the one by whom it is filled is put in the Dative case.
"They were all filled OF pneuma hagion [i.e., with the gift of speaking with tongues], and began
to speak with tongues as the Spirit [the Giver] gave them utterance" (Acts 2:4).
In Romans 15:13 we have all three Cases in one verse. "Now the God of hope [i.e., 'who GIVES
hope.' Gen. of Origin] fill you [Acc. Case] of all joy [i.e., 'WITH all joy.' Gen. Case] and peace,
in [i.e., 'BY or THROUGH'] believing." (Dative Case).
So we have
●
● "Filled of wrath," i.e., WITH wrath (Luke 4:28).
● "Filled of fear" (Luke 5:26).
● "Filled of madness" (Luke 6:11).
● "Filled of wonder" (Acts 3:10).
● "Filled of joy" (Acts 13:52).
But not "filled of the spirit" in Ephesians 5:18. For here it is the Dative Case and means "be
filled BY wine..." but be "filled BY the Spirit" with His own precious gifts, which the context
shows to be the gift of speaking.
(h) The Genitive of Partition.
Separation, or Ablation, where it denotes to be in or among, or have part in; e.g.:
●
● "To obtain of that world" a PART, SHARE, or PLACE IN that world (Luke 20:35).
● "The least of the Apostles": i.e., the least AMONG the apostles (1 Cor 15:9).
● "Sojourners of the dispersion," i.e., sojourners being SOME OF the Dispersion (Greek,
the Diaspora, or belonging to the "Scattered Nation").
(i) Two Genitives depending on one another.
These have both to be distinguished, and are often quite different, the one from the other.
●
● "This is of [Partition] the anointing of Aaron [Possession, Aaron's anointing], and of
the anointing [Partition] of his sons" (Possession) (Lev 7:35).
● "The Sea of Galilee [Relation] of Tiberias" (Apposition), and means "the sea
PERTAINING TO Galilee, THAT IS TO SAY, Tiberias" (John 6:1).
● "We are witnesses of him [Possession, His witnesses] of these things" (Relation with
respect to these things, Acts 5:32).
● "The gospel of the grace [Relation] of God" (Origin or Possession, Acts 20:24; 1 Thess
2:9).
● "The earthly house of us [Possession, our] of the tabernacle" (Apposition, that is to say,
our tabernacle, 2 Cor 5:1).
The above passages are given only as examples of each class of Genitive: and they are sufficient
to show how the door is open to a vast field of profitable study, if we see the importance of
accuracy in our study of God's word.
It is wonderful to think how there can be so much to think of, and think out, in connection with
this smallest of words, "of."
Back | Contents | Forward
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon IX
Figures of Speech
Here again we must refer our readers to our larger work on this great subject.*
* Figures of Speech used in the Bible, by the same author and publisher. Consisting of
1,104 pages (large 8vo), five Appendices, and seven Indexes.
When we say that most of the errors which cause our unhappy divisions to-day, arise from either
taking literally that which is Figurative, or from taking Figuratively that which is literal, the
importance of this branch of study cannot be overrated.
And yet it is practically neglected.
Only a few writers, who may all be counted on one hand, have ever bestowed any attention to
the subject. And yet it lies at the very root of all translation; and it is the key to true
interpretation.
John Vilant Macbeth, Professor of Rhetoric, etc., in the University of West Virginia, has said:
"There is no even tolerably good treatise on Figures existing at present in our language. Is there
in any other tongue? There is no consecutive discussion of them of more than a few pages; the
examples brought forward by all others being trivial in the extreme, and threadbare; while the
main conception of what constitutes the chief class of Figures is altogether narrow, erroneous,
and unphilosophical. Writers generally, even the ablest, are wholly in the dark as to the precise
distinction between a Trope and a Metonymy; and very few even of literary men have so much
as heard of Hypocatastasis."
This witness is true. Journalism to-day has no idea of the subject. It never rises beyond a
Metaphor; and it talks glibly of "Mixed Metaphors" as though there was no other Figure of
Speech, and as though all Figures were "Metaphors."
The late Dean Alford often sneered at the Figure Hendiadys; and hardly a commentator gives
any heed to Figures of Speech except John Albert Bengel. And since his Commentary was
published (1687-1752) no commentator has taken up the subject or applied it to the elucidation
of Scripture, as Bengel did.
No one invented Figures of Speech. Everyone uses them, unknowingly. They arise of necessity
in the use of language.
A Figure relates to form. When we speak of a person being "a Figure" we mean that he or she is
dressed out of the usual or common fashion, as to colour or cut or material.
So, a Figure is a word used out of its ordinary sense; or put out of its usual order in a sentence;
or it is a sentence thrown into a peculiar form, or expressing a thing in an unusual manner.
A Figure is a departure from the natural and fixed laws of grammar; a legitimate departure from
law: not arising from ignorance or accident, but from design.
This departure is made with the set purpose of calling attention to what is said, in order to
emphasize it.
Hence, the Figures, when used in connection with the "words which the Holy Ghost teacheth,"
give us the Holy Spirit's own marking, so to speak, of our Bible. We hear of a "marked
Testament," but the marking is made by human beings according to the marker's own idea of
what is important. How much more wonderful and important it must be to have the Holy Spirit's
own marking; calling our attention to what He desires us to notice for our learning, as being
emphatic, and conveying His own special teaching.
A Figure may not be true to fact, but it is true to feeling, and truer to truth.
We may say "the ground needs rain": that is a plain, cold statement of fact. But if we say "the
ground is thirsty," we at once use a Figure, not so true to fact, but truer to reality, and to feeling;
full of warmth and life.
Hence we say "the crops suffer," "a hard heart," "an iron will." Or when we say "the kettle boils"
we do not mean the kettle, literally, but the water; nor do we state a fact. What we mean is that
the water in the kettle boils.
So when we say "the glass is rising" we mean the mercury, not the glass, or barometer.
When we say "light the fire" we do not mean this literally, for fire is already alight; but what we
mean is, put it to what we call the firing.
All these are Figures, and they all have names. These names were mostly given by the Greeks,
centuries before Christ; and their number runs into hundreds, many of them having several
varieties.
In our own work of over 1,000 pages we have classified 217 Figures; and have given some
8,000 passages of Scripture illustrated by them. When we state that these are only given by way
of example, it will be seen that another vast field of study lies open before the Bible student.
It will also be seen that it is impossible here to do more than thus call attention to it; otherwise
we should like to give a few examples of Ellipsis, Metonymy, Metalepsis, Asyndeton,
Polysyndeton, Hypocatastasis, and Metaphor, which last is a special Figure by itself and not a
general name for any figure, as modern writers seem to think.
We said that errors are built up on ignorance of Figures.
These errors are therefore to be refuted not by argument merely, but by Scientific, Literary,a nd
Grammatical facts. Thus:
●
● "This is my body" can be proved to be Metaphor, meaning "this represents my
body" (Matt 26:26).
● "We have an altar" can be proved to be Metonymy, meaning "we have a sacrifice" (Heb
13:10).
● "The caperberry shall fail" (Eccl 12:5, RV) can be proved to be Metalepsis, meaning, as
beautifully rendered by the AV, "desire shall fail."
And so with many passages which have created confusion to readers, difficulties to
commentators, and divisions among brethren.
We earnestly commend, therefore, close attention to "Figures of Speech," without which no
study of the Bible can be complete.
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Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon X
Interpretation and Application
It is of the utmost importance that we should clearly and constantly discriminate between these
two.
The Interpretation of a passage is one thing, but the Application of that passage is quite a
different thing.
The Interpretation of a passage belongs to the occasion when, and the persons to whom, or of
whom, the words were originally intended. When that has been settled, then it is open to us to
make an application of those words to ourselves or others, so far as we can do so without
coming into conflict with any other passages.
We have already seen something of this, and of its importance in connection with
Dispensational Truth and Teaching; but the principle extends far beyond this, and affects all
kinds of Truth.
It is this that makes the precept to rightly divide the Word of truth so weighty and so
indispensable.
It may even be, when the application is made in full accord with Scripture teaching given
elsewhere, that it is not only true, but may have a far deeper and more real meaning than the
interpretation itself; and may convey truths and lessons far beyond it.
This is very different from the common practice called spiritualizing. This too often ignores or
denies all that may be learnt from the interpretation of a passage, and robs those to whom it
belongs of a precious treasure; while it appropriates to itself or other parties the property which
has thus been stolen.
Such a practice cannot be too strongly deprecated; not only because of the injury done to the
Word itself, and the mistakes involved, but because it is so wholly unnecessary.
All the sweetness, all the blessing, all the truth can be obtained by a wise application, without in
the slightest degree impairing the true interpretation. This may be left and preserved in all its
integrity, and yet something really spiritual may be appropriated by application; all, in fact, that
can be desired, without doing any violence to the Divine Word, as is done when its
interpretation is not only ignored, but often when the application is actually substituted for the
interpretation.
This Canon is very far-reaching as governing our study of the Word and the words of God. Its
importance cannot be over-estiamted, if we would not only understand but really enjoy our
Bible studies.
It will come into operation on nearly every page of Scripture; and on this account it is
impossible to give more than examples.
We content ourselves with a few as a guide to the way in which other passages may be treated.
Take, for instance:
1. The Account of Creation (Gen 1).—Instead of troubling our heads with Babylonian "creation-
tablets," which were the incoherent babblings of people who had forgotten and corrupted, or
knew little of, primitive truth, we turn to the inspired record and endorse the Divine assertion,
"The beginning of Thy word is true" (Psa 119:160, marg.).
We have already dealt with this interpretation of Genesis 1,* and shown how the first chapter of
Genesis, when compared with other Scriptures, is far in advance of the inferences drawn from
the ever-shifting and changing hypotheses of Geologists, which are foisted upon us under the
name of "science falsely so-called" (1 Tim 6:20).
* See under Canon VIII, p. 351.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."—This is "the world that then was" of
2 Peter 3:6.
And the earth became tohu and bohu.—The verb "was" means, and is translated "became" in
Genesis 2:7, 4:14, 9:15, 19:26, etc.
It became w@ht& (tohu). Whatever may be the meaning of the word rendered "without form,"
it is distinctly stated in Isaiah 44:18 that God "created it not tohu." It must therefore have
"become" so, as stated in Genesis 1:2.
The combination of the two words tohu and bohu occurs in Isaiah 45:19, 34:11, and Jeremiah
4:23, where it may be seen that it denotes ruin, emptiness, waste, desolation.
This was the end of "the world that then was" (2 Peter 3:5,6).
The chapter next goes on to describe the creation of "the heavens and the earth which are
now" (2 Peter 3:7); and in 2 Peter 3:13 we are informed that these will be followed hereafter by
"a new heavens and new earth."
If we interpret the chapter on these lines, and do not make Moses or the Holy Spirit responsible
for the mistakes of translators and commentators, we have a surer foundation for any application
we make.
In doing this we destroy the miserable imagination of a criticism which regards it as either an
"allegory" or as a "myth."
The interpretation tells us that at some time in the eternal ages past, "God created the heavens
and the earth."
And then, that at some time, in some manner, and for some reason (which are not revealed) it
became a ruin, empty, waste, desolate, and overwhelmed with water.
This is the interpretation.
Now, the application of this to the creation and the new creation of man rests on this sure
foundation; and reveals truth and teaching of infinite importance.
1. The earth was created perfect. this is implied in the word rendered "create," and is embodied
in the word "cosmos."* So was man. "God made man upright" (Eccl 7:29).
* It is rendered ornament in Exo 33:4,5,6; Isa 49:18; 3:18; Jer 4:30; Eze 7:20. And
adorning in 1 Peter 3:3.
2. But the earth became a ruin, and so did man. We are not told why or when man thus fell: but
in this case we are told how in Genesis 3. Man's natural condition is described as "dead" (Eph
2:1), "darkened" (Eph 4:18), and destitute of any good thing (Rom 7:18).
3. While the old creation was in this ruined condition, the first act and movement was on the
part of God: "the Spirit of God moved" (Gen 1:2). Thus it is in the case of man. He must be
"born of the Spirit" (John 3:5,6).
4. The next act was also of God, "And God said" (Gen 1:3). God spake: The Word of God came.
So with man. He must be "begotten by the word of God" as well as by the Spirit (1 Peter 1:23-
25).
5. The next creative act was the creation of light.* And this is true in the experience of the saved
sinner: "The entrance of thy words giveth light" (Psa 119:130). This is precisely the application
made in 2 Corinthians 4:6: "God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined
in our hearts, to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus
Christ."
* Whatever that was. Scientists once thought they knew; but recent discoveries of the
X-rays and N-rays and radium, etc., are so wonderful and far-reaching that no scientist
would now venture to frame a definition. One thing we know, that whether they call it
"luminiferous ether" or anything else, it is not the same as the word rendered "lights"
in Genesis 1:14, 16. The sun and moon were called rw$)maf (maor), light-holders, or
candlesticks. Thus, we are taught in Genesis 1 that which science is only just getting
to know: viz., that what God called "light" exists independently of the sun.
6. In the Old Creation the light shines on the ruin; and so it is in the New Creation. Here it is that
we first come in. Here is where we begin. Here is where we first experience and come to a
knowledge of all that has already been going on. A vast deal of work has been wrought by God
before we are cognizant of anything except the misery through which we have passed. But when
we learn the true spiritual application of the interpretation, then, in spite of all the evil which the
light has revealed, we look up, and thank God for the light, and we say, as God said when He
saw the light, that "it was good."
We must not pursue the application which may be made throughout the whole chapter, but we
commend the above as an example of our Canon X.
Another example may be seen in
2. The Rejection of Messiah (Isa 53).—The interpretation belongs to those who were specially
addressed by the prophet Isaiah, who spake of and to "Judah and Jerusalem"; and that chapter
must take its place in the context in which God Himself has set it.
Leaving its interpretation there we lose none of its precious truths for ourselves when we apply
it as we may, and do, in accordance with our own Church Epistles. Its great and solemn lesson is
even stronger and deeper in its application than in its interpretation.
It must be admitted by all that Israel will be able to use those words in a sense which we can
never do.
The Lord Jesus did grow up in their midst (v 2) as He has not in ours.
When He did so, there was a literal sense in which His People to whom He came did not see any
form or comeliness in Him, or any beauty that they should desire Him (v 2), which was not
equally true of us, as Gentiles, though it can be truly applied to us.
There was a sense in which they "hid their faces from Him and esteemed Him not" (v 3), which
is not so literally true of us; though our application of the words finds a real counterpart.
We were not God's "sheep" and "people" as Israel was, and it could not be said of us as of them,
"All we like sheep have gone astray" (v 6). We were far more than "lost sheep" (Matt 10:6): we
are "dead in trespasses and sins," but of Israel it was specially said that they were "the sheep of
His pasture" (Psa 95:7, 100:3, etc.).
It was for Isaiah's people that Messiah was specially stricken (v 8); but, as afterwards revealed,
we may apply the words in a very true sense of ourselves.
3. The mourning of Israel (Rev 1:7).—In like manner there is a very special sense in which the
interpretation of the words in Revelation 1:7 will be true of Israel—"they which pierced him...
shall mourn over him." There can be only a somewhat strained application to ourselves;
certainly not an interpretation of us.
4. The Potter's house (Jer 18).—This chapter affords an instructive example of this Canon. The
prophet is told to go down to the Potter's house and note what he sees.
He sees the Potter make a vessel on the wheels, and the vessel was marred in his hands.
Then he made it again another vessel as it pleased the Potter to make it (vv 1-4).
In the verses that follow, the interpretation is given by God Himself; and He interprets it of
Israel.
But there are several applications which we may make, all equally true; and to us, more vitally
important than the interpretation itself.
When Jehovah sent Jeremiah to the Potter's house, it was to teach him a great eternal principle,
that He would never mend that which man had marred, but would make an end of it and put a
new thing altogether in its place.
Jehovah's own interpretation of what Jeremiah saw, was that Israel, like that clay, had become
marred. He, the great Potter, would not mend the nation; but would make a new nation, a new
Israel in whom He could put a new spirit, and write His law in their hearts (Jer 18, 31:31-37).
This new nation is the interpretation of the Lord Jesus also, in Matthew 21:43, when He said to
and of the nation, in His day, "Therefore say I unto you, The Kingdom of God shall be taken
from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof."
That nation will not be the vessel that was marred. It will be the same clay, but re-made "another
vessel as seemed good to the potter to make it."
This is God's own interpretation, and we may not ignore it; or rob Israel of the blessed hope
which is revealed in it, and is yet in store for that nation.
But, leaving Israel in full and sure possession of this promise we are at liberty to make as many
applications of the lesson in the Potter's house as may be consistent with the other teaching of
the Word of God.
1. We may apply it to "the heavens and earth which are now." This earth came under the curse,
and is marred: marred, so that "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until
now" (Rom 8:22). God will not mend this earth; but will make "a new heaven and a new
earth" (2 Peter 3:13); as may "seem good to the Potter to make it"; and of which this present
earth will have a foretaste in millennial blessings (Rev 21, 22). Those who are labouring to
mend this marred creation have not yet learned the lesson of this application of the Potter's
house.
2. We may apply it to man. Man was marred, and at the Fall became alienated from the life of
God (Rom 5:12-21; Eph 2:1-3, 4:17-19, etc.). God will not mend or reform the natural man; but
He makes "a new man" "a new creation, in Christ" (2 Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10), and bestows a new
nature, and gives a new spirit; "as it pleases the Potter to make it."
3. We may apply it to the Covenant which God made with Israel, "which my covenant they
brake," He says. That Covenant is marred. But God will not mend it. He will "make a new
Covenant." That is His own application, and we find it in Hebrews 8:7-13, 10:16. (Compare Jer
31:33,34.)
4. We may apply it to the Sacrifices as ordained by God. But these were marred in the making.
They, like the Covenant itself, "were not faultless"; "for it is not possible that the blood of bulls
and of goats should take away sins." They were marred, and will not be mended. A new and
living way has been made and opened by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ—once for all. "Lo, I come
to do Thy will, O God. He taketh away the first that He may establish the second." The second is
the new vessel "as it pleased the Potter to make it" (Heb 10:1-23).
5. We may apply it to the institution of Kings, and the setting up of the throne of David. The
Kings failed (as the Priests also failed). The throne was marred. But, it is not in God's counsels
to mend it. The confusion must go on, while all the nations of the earth are seeking, striving, and
struggling to attain a better government by human remedies, reforms, or revolutions. This will
go on—For in His own application of this, He has said: "I will overturn, overturn, overturn"
until He comes whose right it is to reign (Eze 21:27; Isa 32:1). And, while kings fail and set
themselves against Jehovah and His anointed, and thrones totter and fall, and dynasties change
and pass away, yet, looking forward to that coming day when He will of this clay make another
vessel, as it seemeth good for Him to make it, His counsel is declared even now, in the midst of
the ruin: "Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion" (Psa 2:6).
6. We may apply this great eternal principle of the Potter's house to our mortal bodies. Made in
the image of Elohim, capable of living for ever through the virtues of the "tree of life," these
human bodies became mortal; marred through the Fall, and made subject to death through sin.
Man may use his means, improve his arts; and may mend by his medicines; he may delay, but
he cannot stay the appointment of God for man: "It is appointed unto men once to die" (Heb
9:27; Gen 3:19; Eccl 3:20).
God will not mend these marred bodies of our humiliation, but He has prepared for His people
"another" body. A "house not made with hands," a "house from heaven," re-made, in
resurrection, like Christ's own body of glory (2 Cor 4:14-5:2).
Now, while in "our earthly house of this tabernacle" we are "absent from the Lord." Therefore it
is that we are earnestly longing for that resurrection day when we shall be "clothed upon with
our house* which is from heaven," when we shall be absent, out of, or away from these vile
bodies, and present with the Lord, in bodies made like the glorious body of Christ (Phil
3:20,21). Then, and only then, will "mortality be swallowed up of life" (2 Cor 5:4).
* 2 Corinthians 5:2. Greek, οικητηριον (oiketerion), a spiritual body, similar to that
of the angels. See Jude 6.
If any ask, "How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?" Then the answer
is that which comes to us as the echo from the lesson in the Potter's house: "God giveth it a body
AS IT HATH PLEASED HIM" (1 Cor 15:35,38). Then, and then only, "shall be brought to pass
the saying," "Death is swallowed up in victory" (1 Cor 15:54).
We could not give a better illustration of this important Canon than that of the Potter's house,
which shows us how, after we have settled and distinguished the interpretation of a passage, we
may make one or more applications of it, so long as they are in harmony with the general
teaching of the whole Word of truth.
One more example, and that from the New Testament, must suffice.
5. The parable of the Ten Virgins (Matt 25).—In no Scripture is this great principle less
observed than in the general treatment of this parable. For not only is the interpretation evaded
and avoided, but it is ignored altogether; and the application is put in its place: indeed, it is
actually substituted for it, and itself made the interpretation.
The application thus made is self-contradictory; for while the "kingdom of heaven" is supposed
to be the Church, the Bride also is held to be the Church, "the Virgins her companions" are also
taken as representing the Church; and we are constantly and universally exhorted to be "wise"
and have our lamps trimmed and "oil in our vessels"; the oil being the Holy Spirit, which we
refuse to give to the unwise, but bid them go and buy for themselves!
This farrago of Arminian theology is supposed to be what the Lord was then teaching to His
disciples, and which we are to supposed them to have understood.
But there is a true interpretation; and there is also a true application. The latter cannot be made
until the former is obtained; for the interpretation is the foundation on which the application is
built. There can be no building till the foundation is laid.
The interpretation is clearly indicated by the first word with which it commences: "THEN."*
* As we have seen p 359.
That is to say, at this stage of the Lord's last great prophetic address, and at this point in the
succession of events which He was unfolding: "THEN shall the kingdom of heaven be likened
unto ten virgins," etc.
When the interpretation of this prophecy shall be fulfilled those who are waiting for the
Bridegroom will go forth to meet Him.
"It shall be said in that day,
Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him,
And he will save us:
This is Jehovah, we have waited for him,
We will be glad and rejoice in his salvation." (Isa 25:9).
Having thus settled the interpretation; it is now open to us to make such application as we may
be able; and one lies on the surface: viz., the general exhortation to watchfulness; which is none
the less solemn and none the less powerful, weighty, and effective because the true
interpretation has been made. For if they have need to watch who have and are to have "Signs"
given to them, how much more watchful should we be who have no such signs, but are "waiting
for God's Son from heaven," who may come at any moment to meet His risen and changed ones
in the air and receive them up into glory.
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon XI
The Limits of Inspiration
Though there is not much to be said on this subject, yet the importance of this Canon is very
great.
Not only is the Spirit of God often held responsible for the mistakes and errors of translators and
commentators, but other things are put down to Him when they are really the statements of
others, for which the speakers alone are responsible.
The Scriptures contain records of conversations, and statements made by Satan, by demons, by
the human enemies of God, and by His mistaken and erring servants. We have an inspired
record of all that was said and done; but it does not follow that all that was said and done was
inspired!
To Job and his friends, God categorically said, "Ye have not spoken of me the thing that is
right" (Job 42:7,8. Compare 33:12). "Job hath spoken without knowledge, and his words without
wisdom" (34:35), and he "multiplieth words without knowledge" (35:16). "Who is this [God
asked Job] that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge" (38:2). Are we then to quote
such words as inspired? Surely not, unless we are distinctly told that God "put them into the
mouths" of the speakers as He did into Balaam's mouth (Num 23:5,16).
Surely we have to be careful in all our quotations of God's Word, to see that they are the words
of God, and that we are not making Him responsible for the words of fallen, erring, and ignorant
human beings.
It is a question whether the song of Deborah (Judg 5) was inspired: though we have an inspired
record of the words of her song. We do not say it is not; but, if any do think so, they need not be
at too great pains to reconcile her statements or her ethics with the attributes of Jehovah: though,
as we have shown, they are perfectly in accord with the Dispensation in which we find them.
In many cases grave difficulties are created by not observing this Canon of interpretation; and
hopeless efforts are made to get out of the entanglements of our own assumptions.
If exceptions prove the rule, then the truth of the Inspired record is enhanced by the one or two
exceptions which are distinctly stated to be such by the Apostle Paul himself. He thereby sets his
seal to the fact that all his other statements have divine authority.
The same principle must be applied to actions of God's servants.
David was "a man after God's own heart," as to his being chosen as God's king: but it does not
follow, nor does it say, that all David's acts were according to God's choice or even approval;
for we know how he was judged by God for his sins and infirmities. The word "heart" in the
above quotation has to do with God's call and not with David's walk.
The same is the case with Paul's last journey to Jerusalem. It was commenced in disobedience;
characterized by dissembling; and concluded in disaster (personally).
Peter also at Antioch manifested the same weakness of human nature.
God's servants were men of like passions with ourselves, neither more nor less. And we have an
inspired record of their actions and their words, which have to be distinguished and rightly
divided from the "words which the Holy Ghost teacheth"; and those acts which were done by
direct Inspiration.
See what mischief has been made of the words of Mary in Luke 2:48, "Thy father and I have
sought thee sorrowing." These words have been quoted and used as supporting the denial of the
Virgin birth of the Lord Jesus. Various arguments have been used to explain Mary's words. In
The Record of February 1, 1907, a correspondent labours to upset the Received Text, which,
here, is unquestioned, by setting above it some old Latin Versions. But there is no need for all
this if we remember that this is not the only occasion when Mary "erred with her lips." That she
did so err is shown by the next verse, where the Lord's correction is very pointed and emphatic.
She said "Thy father and I have sought thee" (v 48). He replies, "Wist ye not that I must be
about MY Father's business?" (v 49). "They understood not the saying which He spake unto
them" (v 50). But those who do not observe this Canon of interpretation do not "understand the
saying"; and not only misunderstand it, but misuse it for the support of error. (See pp 318 and
385.)
The need of observing it is clear enough in such cases as the words Satan, and evil spirits, and
the enemies of God, such as Pharaoh, Rabshakeh, Herod, the Scribes and Pharisees who
opposed the Lord Jesus.
When we consider the havoc wrought by the first two lies of the Old Serpent, we may see the
importance of this Canon. Not only is the Old Theology permeated with these two lies, but they
are the two pillars on which the "New Theology" is based:
"Ye shall be as God" (Gen 3:5).
"Ye shall not surely die" (Gen 3:4).
These two lies led to the Fall of man; and they are still the two great signs of his fallen
condition, for fallen man prefers them to the truth of God.
When it comes to the words of others there is danger lest we put them on the same level with the
"words which the Holy Ghost teacheth." The words and utterances of men have all to be judged
by the words of God; hence the need of careful attention to this Canon of interpretation.
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Part II—The Words
Canon XII
The Place of Various Readings
In speaking on or of the "words" of God, references are sometimes made to variations in the
Original Text of the Old and New Testaments.
It may be well, therefore, to put the general reader, who has not time to devote to this subject, in
possession of a few elementary facts in connection with it.
The Word of God has come down to us in manuscript form; and not until the invention of
printing was it possible to have it in any other form.*
* This (in England) was in 1455, but as early as 1475 there are two dated books. These
are in Hebrew. The first printed books of the Bible were the Hebrew Psalter, 1477, and
the Hebrew Pentateuch, 1482 (Bologna).
These manuscripts are written by different hands at different times, and existing copies date
from the fourth century.
Translations of them made before the fourth century are also in existence, though the MSS of
these versions (still in existence) are, of course, not so old.
There are also many quotations from these MSS preserved in the writings of those who lived
before the fourth century, though the MSS of their works are not so old.
These transcriptions all bear the marks of human frailties and infirmities, notwithstanding the
great care in copying them. In spite of all the safeguards invented and provided for insuring
accuracy, there are many variations.
The human element in the transmission of the Divine Word is neither more nor less than in the
transmission or ordinary literature.
Variations in reading are the normal characteristics of all manuscripts, and it has ever been a
copyist's or editor's aim to spare no pains in securing a good copy and a sound text.
The mere mechanical act of copying, extending as it did for many hours a day, and often for
many months and even years, not to speak of drowsy intelligences and numbed fingers in a
draughty scriptorium, will easily account for deviations from an authentic text.
The many editions of Shakespeare, carried out by numerous editors, show a remarkable
tendency to a progressive deterioration in textual accuracy.*
* Especially in the four well-known folio editions between 1623 and 1685. Milton,
Pope, Gray, Keats, Shelley, Cowper, and Wordsworth have all suffered at the hands of
their editors. Dr. Bentley's outrages, in 1732, on the text of Paradise Lost are
inexcusable.
The original texts of the Bible have had a singularly happy exemption from the treatment of the
texts of modern writers.
Emendations are confined for the most part to the pages of commentators, while the vast
majority of textual variations are trivial in the extreme, very many being only a difference in
spelling. Those which are really vital and which affect doctrine or teaching may be counted on
one's fingers, if not on those of one hand.
There are many, of course, which are full of interest, and are of more or less importance. We
speak first of
The Hebrew MSS (The Old Testament).
There were two great schools, or recensions of MSS, where they were transcribed between the
sixth and tenth centuries. One at Babylon in the East, and the other at Tiberias in the West.
The variations are neither numerous* nor important, being confined to the vowel-points with a
few exceptions.
* They are estimated at 864 for the whole of the Old Testament.
There are five great standard Codices from which all subsequent copies have been made.
1. The Codex of Hillel, which Rabbi Kimchi (cent. xii.) says he saw at Toledo.
2. The Codex of Ben Asher, President of the School at Tiberias in the early part of the
eleventh century, known as the Jerusalem Codex.
3. The Codex of Ben Naphtali, President at Babylon, and hence known as the Babylonian
Codex.
4. The Pentateuch of Jericho, which was held by Elias Levita to be the most perfect and
correct.
5. The Codex of Sinai, also of the Pentateuch, and differing from that of Jericho only in
some of the accents.
Besides these there are various readings noted in the Massorah, i.e., the writing in small
characters which is seen at the head, foot, and in the margins of all the ancient Hebrew MSS. No
one MS contains the whole of this Massorah, and no one man had set himself to collect the
whole from vast numbers of MSS until Dr. Christian D. Ginsburg devoted his life to it. His
edition of the Hebrew Bible is the only one which exhibits these Various Readings; and his
Introduction to the Hebrew Bible is the only one which contains a complete history of the
Hebrew written and printed text.
Unfortunately, the work was so long neglected by scholars, that we do not yet possess an
Apparatus Criticus or recognized list of MSS. The scholars of various nations have not yet
agreed on a universal or standard list by which the MSS may be referred to or known by letters,
numerals, or symbols, as is the case with the New Testament. This is a great work which is still
needed to be done.
The New Testament.
The Greek MSS of the New Testament (in whole or in part) are over five hundred in number.
They are divided into two great classes, known as Uncial (i.e., written in capital letters), or
Cursive (i.e., written in running-hand). The former are mostly earlier than the eighth century, the
latter date from the tenth.
There is a further classification, according to certain characteristics, into Recensions (which in
the case of printed books, we speak of as Editions).
1. The Alexandrine or Egyptian.
2. The Western or Occidental.
3. The Oriental or Byzantine.
But the collators and editors of these MSS are not all agreed, and their reckonings often overlap.
There are other Recensions than these recognized and named by other scholars and critics.
The chief MSS of the New Testament are known and referred to as follows:—
"A" is the recognized symbol of the Codex Alexandrinus. The MS is so called because it was
brought from Alexandria by Cyrillus Lucaris, a native of Crete and patriarch of Constantinople,
who sent it by Sir Thomas Rowe, the British Ambassador, to King Charles I. The proprietor of
the MS, before it came into the hands of Cyrillus Lucaris, had written a subscription in Arabic,
stating that it was written by Thecla, a Christian martyr, about 1300 years before. This would
make the date of the MS about the end of the fourth century. It could not be earlier, as it
contains a letter of Athanasius. It is preserved in the British Museum.
"B" is the Codex Vaticanus. This MS is so called because it is preserved in the Vatican Library
at Rome.
It is generally supposed to belong to the fourth or fifth century.
"C" is the Codex Ephraemi. It is so called because the MS contains, in the first part, several
Greek writings of Ephrem the Syrian. It is generally believed to have been written in Egypt in
the fifth or sixth century. It is preserved in the National Library at Paris.
"D(1)" is the Codex Bezae. It is known also as the Codex Cantabrigensis because it was
presented, in 1581, by Theodore Beza to the library of the University of Cambridge, where it is
still preserved. It is believed to belong to the fifth century. It contains only the Gospels and Acts.
"D(2)" is another MS found by Beza at Clermont and called the Codex Claromontanus. It
contains the Pauline Epistles and Hebrews; and is in the National Library at Paris.
")" denotes the Codex Sinaiticus, which is regarded by some as the most ancient and important
of any of the MSS at present known. It is so called from the fact that it was discovered by
Tischendorf so recently as 1844 and 1859 at the Convent of St. Catherine on Mount Sinai. Its
date may be fixed about the middle of the fourth century, and its authority is very great.
It will be noted that, from the dates assigned to the discovery of these several MSS, they were
for the most part unknown to the translators of the Authorized Version; so that due allowance
must be made for the weight (or the reverse) of their authority when we have to consider any
particular passage.
The above are the principal Uncial MSS. There are many more; and it is quite possible that
some of the later Cursive MSS may be transcripts of MSS still older than any of the existing
Uncial MSS. So that no one critic can speak with absolute authority.
The Ancient Versions.
have also to be taken into account. Passing over the Jewish (Hebrew) Targums or
Commentaries,
1. The oldest is the Greek Version of the Old Testament, made about BC 277,* for the Jews
dwelling in Egypt. It is known as THE SEPTUAGINT, from the traditional belief that it was
made by seventy or seventy-two translators. Hence it is referred to by the abbreviation LXX or
by the Greek letter (sigma) for this number, σ.
* It could not be earlier than this date because in Proverbs 8:18 γαισος, a word of
Gallic origin, is used for a short javelin, first known in Greece by an invasion of Gauls
in BC 278.
2. The Peschito, or Old Syriac Version, was one of several versions made by Christians in the
earliest period of the Christian Era. It is called "Peschito," which means literal, and it was so
named because it was a literal translation from the Hebrew. It was made at the close of the first
century or the early part of the second century.
There is a later Syriac Version, made in AD 488-518. It is known as the "Philoxenian," or "Syro-
Philoxenian" Version, from the name of Philoxenus, Bishop of Hierapolis, in Syria, who
employed Polycarp to make it.
3. The Coptic (or Memphitic) Version was made from the Septuagint in the third century, but
not printed till 1716, at Oxford.
4. The Ethiopic (or Abyssinian) Version was made certainly in the second century.
5. The Armenian Version, made also from the Septuagint towards the close of Cent. IV, or early
in Cent. V.
6. The Vulgate Version dates from the fourth century. As Latin gradually displaced the Greek as
the common language of the people, so there soon sprang up a number of versions in that
language. These were translated, part by one translator and part by another, until one complete
copy was made by combining the several parts. This was known by the name of Itala, or the
Italic Version, called by Jerome sometimes the Vulgate (or Common) Version, and sometimes
the Old. Both Old and New Testaments were translated from the Greek.
This was revised by Jerome, who re-translated the Old Testament from the Hebrew. The work
occupied him from AD 385-405, and by the year 604 had superseded all others, being known as
the Vulgate Version. Since the seventh century it has been adopted by the Church of Rome, and
in the sixteenth century it was declared by the Council of Trent to be the "Authentic" Version.
With the multiplication of copies came, inevitably, the multiplication of errors. An attempt at
correcting these was ordered by Charlemagne in the eighth century. A further revision was
attempted by Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, in the eleventh century, and by other scholars
during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
It was first printed by Robert Stephens in 1528, and a revision of this was printed by Pope Sixtus
V at a printing office set up in the Vatican in 1590. So many corrections were introduced by
Sixtus V that another edition was prepared and printed by Pope Clement VIII in 1592, which
contained even more and greater divergencies, which gave Protestants like Thomas James the
opportunity of exposing the numerous additions, omissions, and alterations between these two
Editions.
In spite of all this, the Vulgate has its place in the consideration of the subject of Various
Readings.
The Printed Text of the Greek Testament.
The manuscripts mentioned above have been collated at various times by many who have, from
this, been termed "Textual Critics."
These are quite different from the more modern generation of the so-called "Higher" Critics.
The former base their conclusions on documentary evidence which they see before them; while
the latter base theirs on hypotheses which are the productions of their own imagination.
Some of the Textual Critics have published from time to time Greek Testaments which they
have compiled from the manuscripts to which they have had access, and to which they have
attached the greatest weight.
The most important are as follows:—
The Complutensian
Polyglot
1514
Erasmus (1st Edition) 1516
Stephens 1546-9
Beza* 1624
Elzivir 1624
Griesbach 1774-5
Scholz 1830-6
Lachmann 1831-50
Tischendorf 1841-72
Tregelles 1856-72
Alford 1862-71
Wordsworth 1870
Revisers' Text 1881
Westcott and Hort 1881-1903
Scrivener 1886
Weymouth 1886
Nestle 1904
* This, with the Elzivir, forms the Text used by the AV translators, and is known as
the Textus Receptus, or Received Text.
All these have based their respective Texts on a careful consideration of the value they put upon
the various MSS, Versions, etc.
We have put Dr. Scrivener's Text among these; but it differs from them all in one important
particular which makes it the very best Text for general use.
It gives the Textus Receptus, but prints every word which is the subject of a Various Reading in
thicker type, quoting at the foot of the page the initial letter of the names of the above Editors,
according as they are in favour of or reject the Reading in question.
All that now remains to be done is for us to give an idea of the principles on which they base
their respective Texts, so that our readers may, as the net result of our own labours, be able to
estimate, each one for himself, the value of the authority for or against any particular Reading.
GRIESBACH (G.) based his Text on the theory of Three Recensions of the Greek manuscripts
(referred to above
p. 409), regarding the collective witness of each Recension as one; so that a
Reading having the authority of all three was regarded by him as genuine. It is only a theory, but
it has a foundation of truth, and will always retain a value peculiarly its own.
LACHMANN (L.), disregarding these Recensions, professed to give the Text based only on the
evidence of witnesses up to the end of the fourth century. All were taken into account up to that
date; and all were discarded after it, whether Uncial MSS, or Cursives, or other documentary
evidence. He even adopted Readings which were palpably errors, on the simple ground that it
was the best attested Reading up to the fourth century.
TISCHENDORF (T.) followed more or less the principles laid down by Lachmann, but not to
the neglect of other evidence as furnished by Ancient Versions and Fathers. In his eighth
edition, however, he approaches nearer to Lachmann's principles.
TREGELLES (Tr.) produced his Text on principles which were substantially the same as
Lachmann, but he admits the evidence of uncial manuscripts down to the seventh century, and
includes a careful testing of a wide circle of other authorities.
The chief value of his Text lies not only in this, but in its scrupulous fidelity and accuracy; and
is probably the best and most exact presentation of the Original Text of the Old Testament ever
published.
ALFORD (A.) constructed his Text, he says, "by following, in all ordinary cases, the united or
preponderating evidence of the most ancient authorities."
When these disagree he takes later evidence into account, and to a very large extent.
Where this evidence is divided he endeavours to discover the cause of the variation, and gives
great weight to internal probability; and, in some cases, relies on his own independent
judgment.
He says, "that Reading has been adopted which, on the whole, seemed most likely to have stood
in the Text. Such judgments are, of course, open to be questioned."
Consequently, he sometimes is found adopting a Reading contrary to all the ancient
manuscripts. A word is retained because it is "more usual"; or, it is omitted because it appears to
be a "grammatical correction" of some transcriber; or, it is rejected because it seems to have
been inserted "carelessly from memory"; or, is a "mechanical repetition."
All this necessarily deprives his Text of much of its weight, especially where he differs from the
other Editors; and places it far below them in critical value; though, where it is in agreement
with them, it adds to the weight of the evidence as a whole.
It follows, from the above, that, for the general reader, who has not had the opportunity of
becoming expert in the value of the evidence of Ancient Manuscripts and Versions, it is better to
be guided by a consensus of the above Textual Editors.
When Tregelles is supported by any (one or more) of the others, his Readings may be relied
upon as being the best attested and most worthy of being regarded as the original and inspired
Text of the Greek New Testament.
We have already said that the best Greek Testament to use is that of Dr. Scrivener, not merely
because it is not a new Text of his own, but because it gives the Received Text which the
Authorized Version practically follows, while every word which is the subject of a Various
Reading is, as we have said, printed in different type. The student, therefore, is able to see at a
glance every such word; and at the foot of the page may learn which of the above Critical
Editors favours or rejects the variation.
On the other hand, if he uses any of the other Texts, he has, after all, to refer to the Textus
Receptus to see in what the variation consists.
In this, and in all our other works, we have adopted the plan of using the initials of the Various
Critics, putting the word "All" where they are all in agreement as to the omission or the
retention of any Various Reading.
If the Bible student desires to go further, then, without the necessity of consulting either the
MSS or all the Printed Texts referred to above, he will find all that he needs in a little book
entitled Textual Criticism of the New Testament for English Bible Students, by C. E. Stuart
(published by Samuel Ragster & Sons, London.)
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How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Conclusion
There remain, now, only three things to be said by way of conclusion.
1. The first, indeed, is hardly necessary, for it is antecedent to all else in connection with this
great subject.
It is assumed, from the first word to the last, that the readers have passed from death unto life,
and have the Divine gift of a spiritual "understanding," apart from which all that has been said
will be useless.
We must be able to say: "We know that the Son of God hath come, and hath given us an
understanding, that we may get to know HIM that is true, and we are in Him that is true, even in
His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 5:20).
We have not written to convince unbelievers, though God may over-rule our work to that end.
We have not written in defence of the Bible, for not only does it not need any defence of ours,
but it is our own "shield" (Psa 91:4) and "sword" (Eph 6:17), without which we are defenceless
indeed.
We have written only for those who have "peace with God" (Rom 5:1), and enjoy "the peace of
God" (Phil 4:7), and know "the God of Peace" (Rom 15:33).
Only such have leisure to be occupied with God.
Only such can "sit at the Lord's feet and hear His Word" (Luke 10:39, RV).
All others must be "cumbered about much serving." They must needs be occupied with
themselves: either as sinners taken up with their sins, or as penitents with their repentance, or as
believers with their faith, or as saints with their holiness.
Unless and until we know our completeness in Christ (Col 2:10), and "believe God" when He
declares that "He hath made us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light" (Col
1:12), we shall be in such a condition of conscience, and heart, and life as will not leave us any
time for occupation with God.
Instead of going on our way "giving thanks to God" for what He has done, we shall be giving
way to mourning for what we have not done. We shall be like David when he "sat in his house"
and was occupied with what he would do for the Lord. For, not until we learn what the Lord has
done and purposed to do for us, shall we be ready, with David, to go in and sit before the Lord
(2 Sam 7:1,18).
In the former case David's thought was, "Who I am"; in the latter he was exclaiming, "Who am I,
O Lord God?"
2. The second thing, which follows on this, is, that this Word of God is the food of the new
nature. Nothing else can sustain it.
Just as it is with our physical life; it cannot sustain itself, and its support must come from
without; so it is with our spiritual life. Its food must come from without also.
As we cannot live on ourselves in the natural sphere, even so we cannot feed on ourselves in the
spiritual sphere. We cannot live on our own feelings, nor on our experiences, nor upon the
sweetest words which come from man. These may excite, or warn, or interest us, but they
cannot feed us, nor support us, nor sustain our true spiritual life.
It was a solemn truth that the Lord Jesus asserted, when He compared Himself to food, saying:
"As the living Father hath sent Me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth Me, even he shall
live by Me" (John 6:57). For, as food must be eaten for one's self, and digested, and assimilated,
so that it becomes part of us, and enters into our life, and gives us our strength, so is it with "the
bread of life."
This brings us to our third and last point.
3. All Bible study must in the end be individual.
As with ordinary bodily food: others may prepare the food and serve it up in various forms: they
may cook it in more senses than one: they may present it in "made dishes": they may carve it,
and cut it up, and even put it in the mouth, as with babes; but, after all, there is no more that they
can do. They cannot eat it or digest it for us; they cannot assimilate it for us; even so it is with
the spiritual food of the Word of God.
Notwithstanding all that has been said in the foregoing pages, the great necessity remains: the
work of Bible study must be, to the end, intensely personal and individual.
Each one must look out the reference for himself. He must trace the words through all their
occurrences where these are given; he must consider their usages; he must read the contexts; he
must make his lists and tables, and do his countings for himself: for so only can he feed upon the
Word and the words, and be nourished, and be strengthened himself, and grow thereby: so only
will he be able to say with Jeremiah:
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them;
And thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart."
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Index of Subjects
Abel's Sacrifice
Abiathar
Abimelech
Abraham, God's Covenant with
Abraham's prayer for Sodom
Abravanel
"Absent from the body" "Absent from the body" "Absent from the body"
Abyssinian Version
Adam a son of God
Adam under probation
"Afterward" "Afterward"
Agag
Ahithophel
Alexandrian MS
Alford on Matt 27:9
Alford's Greek Text
"All," Meaning of
"All power is given unto Me"
All Scripture for our learning
"All things work together for good"
Ammonite, The
Amos quoted in Acts 15
Anah the Hivite
Anathema
Ancient Versions
Angels called "saints"
Angels called sons of God
Angels called spirits Angels called spirits
"Another king"
Apocrypha quoted
"Apology"
Apostasy, The Coming of the
"Apple," Adam's
Application and Interpretation
Application of:
Creation (Gen 1)
Isaiah 53
Jeremiah 18
Revelation 1:7
the Potter's house
Armenian Version
Article XX
Ask or "borrow"
"At hand"
"At that time"
Augustine on Matthew 28
Azariah de Rossi
Babylon and Zedekiah
Balaam's journey
Baptism
into the one name
into one name and three
into the Triune name
with pneuma hagion
with pneuma hagion four times foretold
"Baptized for the dead"
"Before all these things"
"Before the foundation of the world"
Beginning and Ending of Bible
"Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"
Beth-shemesh, The number slain at
Beza's MS
Bible, Whately's definition of
Birthright, Esau's
Birthright, Privileges of
Bishop Jebb
Bishop Lowth
"Blood," The mention of, in 1 John 1:7
"Blood and Fire"
Books of Bible:
Christ in the
Classification of
Order of
"Borrow" or Ask
Boys, Thomas
"But now"; "But now"
Burying of Jacob, The
Caesar
Canon, The Hebrew
Canonical and Chronological order
"Censure"
Census of Numbers 1 and 26
Centurion, The sending of the
Changes in Punctuation of AV
Chapter-breaks
Chapter-headings
Chapters, Division into
of Hebrew Bible
Christ's Coming always a Hope
Christ's Coming, Object of
Christ in the separate Books of the Bible
Christ's words given to Him
Chronology
Church, The
Usages of word
Classification of Books of OT
Clement VIII
"Closed the Book," Christ; "Closed the Book," Christ
Cognate Parallelism
Comforter
"Coming forth" and "Coming unto"
Concurrent usages of Greek words
Constructive Parallelism
Context always essential
Context, The nearer
Coptic Version, The
Correspondence:
Construction of
Discovery of Laws by Thomas Boys
Extended Alternation; Extended Alternation
Introversion; Introversion
Repeated Alternation
Simple Alternation; Simple Alternation
Covenant with Abraham, God's
Creation, The
Critic, The Word of God our
Cross, Inscriptions on the
"Cunning"
David "a man after God's own heart"
David's last words
David's mighty men
Day of Christ," "The
Day of the Lord," "The; Day of the Lord," "The
"Depart and be with Christ"; "Depart and be with Christ"
Depletion of Hezekiah's treasury
Diaspora, The; Diaspora, The
"Discerner," The Word a
Disciplining the Nations
Dispensation:
of Glory
of Grace
of Judgment
Parenthesis of the Present
The Edenic
The Millennial
The Patriarchal
under Law
Dispensations:
Man's condition in each
meaning of the word
seven in Number
Special Characteristics of
The Crisis of each
to be rightly divided
Truth and Teaching of, to be rightly divided
Dispersion, Epistles to the
Distinction, All without
Divine Names and Titles
Divisions:
into Chapters
of Greek Text
of Hebrew Text
of the Versions
Door," Christ "the
Drinking of the Lord on the Cross
Ecclesia, The
Economy
Edenic Dispensation, The
Eight, Signification of the number
"Elements"
Elyon
English words:
changed
lowered meaning
obsolete
Engrafted Word," "The
Ephraemi MS, The
Ephraim slain, The number of
Errors arising from disregard of Context
Esau's birthright
place of repentance
wives
Eternal state, The
Ethiopic Version, The
"Every," Meaning of
Eusebius on Matthew 27
Exception, All without
Faithful Word," "The
Family," "Every
Fig: Israel's national privileges
Fig, Olive, and Vine
Figures of Speech
Fire from heaven consumed sacrifices
Firstfruits, The
First Occurrences:
Day of the Lord
Divine Names and Titles
God
Hallelujah
Jehovah
Jerusalem
Man of God
Numbers
Prophet
Questions in OT and NT
Selah
Son of Man, The
Utterance of Lord Jesus
Utterance of the Old Serpent
Five, Signification of the number
Flinders Petrie, Prof.
Foreign Missions
Four hundred and thirty years, The
Four hundred years, The
Four, Signification of the number
"From above"
"From the foundation of the world"
"From the very first"
"Fulfilled," Meanings of, in Luke 21:24,32
Future not to be read into the Present
Future, One part of, not to be read into another part
Gath, Goliath of
Genitive case
of Apposition
of Character
of Contents
of Material
of Origin
of Partition
of Possession
of Relation
Genitives, Two dependent
Gentile blessing never a secret
Gentiles stand by faith
Gentiles, The
Geology
God breathed, All Scripture
"God is one"
God of the living, The; God of the living, The
"God's building"
Goliath
of Gath
Gospel of God
of Kingdom
of the Glory
of the Grace of God
Gospels, the four
Various
"Go ye therefore"
Grace, Dispensation of
of God, Gospel of the
Gradational Parallelism
Greek MSS of NT
NT, Editions of
Text, Printed
Greek words:
changed
Concurrent usages
Number in Greek Literature
Number in NT Vocabulary
Synonymous
Uniform usage
Griesbach's Greek Text
Hades
Hallelujah
Hebdomads
Hebrew Bible:
Canon
Chapters of
MSS of OT
Text, Divisions of
Words, Synonymous
Hebrews, Authorship of Epistle to
Herod, The seven so called
Hephizibah
Hezekiah's treasury depleted
"Higher" Critics
make God a liar
"Him shall God destroy"
Homer
Ignorance, Times of
"Immediately"
Importance of Accuracy
Imprecatory Psalms, The
"Inn"
Inspiration
Limits of
Inscriptions on the Cross
Interpretation and Application; Interpretation and Application
Interpretation of Prophecy
Introverted Parallelism
Isaac's Meditation
Isaiah 6 quoted twice by Christ
Isaiah 6 quoted once by Paul
Isaiah's visions wrongly divided
Ishmaelites
Itala Version, The
"It is written"
"I will build"
Jacob, The burying of
Jacob's "kindred"
James and Matthew compared
James, Canonicity of
Epistle of
Luther on
The three so-called
To whom he wrote
Jehoshaphat
Jehovah
Jeremiah not all chronological
"Jeremiah the Prophet"
Jerome's Version
Jerusalem
Jews and Hebrew Bible
and Religious privileges
Jews, Gentiles, and Church of God
Joab
Joash hidden
John, the four so-called
Jordan overflowing
Joseph a type of Christ
Joseph's coat
Judgment, Dispensation of
God's principles of
Judgments, The three
Kingdom:
Gospel of
in abeyance; in abeyance
means sovereignty
not the Church
of Heaven, and of God
Similes of
The
Kirk
"Knave"
Kohath, Sons of
Korah, Sons of
Lachisch, The taking of
Lachmann's Greek Text
Last words of David, The
Law and Grace
Leaven
Legs, Breaking of the
"Let him dip his foot in oil"
Libnah, The revolt of
Lightfoot on Matthew 27
Light of the eyes," "The
Light," "Walking in the
Limits of Inspiration
Literary form of the Word
"Lived not again"
Living Word and Written Word, The
Lord's Day," "The; Lord's Day," "The; Lord's Day," "The
Lord's Prayer," "The
"Lovest thou me more than these?"
Machpelah
Malefactors, The two
"Man" and "men"
Man, God's estimate of
Hebrew words for
of God
Man's Day
Maranatha
Marks of Reasoning of time
Meaning of words to be gathered from Scope
Meditation of Isaac, The
Memphytic Version, The
Menephta
Mention of "the blood" in 1 John 1:7
Midianites
Millennial Dispensation, The
Milton's amanuensis
Mivart, Professor
Moabite, The
Moses a type of Christ
Moses' Parents
seat
"Most High"
Mustard-tree, The
Musterion, Usage of
Mystery, The; Mystery, The; Mystery, The
Mysteries of the Kingdom
Naked, The young man who fled
Names: Changes in
Different persons with same
of persons
of places
same persons with different names
Nebuchadnezzar
Nephilim
New Theology, The; New Theology, The
Nine, Signification of the number
No one passage repugnant to another
"No smith found in Israel"
"Not the God of the dead"; "Not the God of the dead"
"Not yet"; "Not yet"; "Not yet"
Number in Scripture; Number in Scripture
Numeration
Object of Christ's Coming
of the Word, The
"Observe and do"
Obsolete English words
Offering of drink on the Cross
Offerings, The four great
"Of," Meanings of
Oil plentiful in Asher
Old Serpent's first utterance
Olive Tree, Israel's Religious privileges
Omer
One hundred and forty-four thousand, The
"On either side"
One, Signification of the number
Origen on Matthew 27
"Other sheep I have"
"Others" crucified with Christ, The
"Out of the Scriptures
Page Headings
Papyri, The
Parable of Ten Virgins, Application of
Parables of Matthew 13, The Seven
Parables of the Kingdom
Paradise; Paradise
Parallelism:
Cognate or Gradational
Introverted
Synthetic or Constructive
"Parasite"
Parenthesis:
Definition of
Importance of
of present Dispensation; of present Dispensation
Parents of Moses, The
Parousia
Past, One part of, not to be read into another part
Patriarchal:
Dispensation
Forms and Ceremonies
Pauline Epistles:
Canonical order
Chronological order
Persons with same name
Peschito Version
Peter's love tested
Petros and Petra
Philippian jailor
Place of a Passage
Places:
with different names
with same name
Pneuma
Pneuma hagion, Occurrences of
"Poor"
Porter, The
Potter's house," "The
"Power on her head"
Prayer
Present not to be read into the Past
"Prevent"
Priesthood
Priestly garments, Early
"Priests and Kings"
Priests before the Law
Printed Text of NT
"Private Interpretation"; "Private Interpretation"
Prophet God's spokesman
Prophets, New Testament
Punctuation:
Importance of
none in Originals
of Authorized Version
of AV, Changes in
of AV, Changes approved
of AV, Changes disapproved
of AV, Improvements suggested
"Put away the strange gods"
"Quench not the Spirit"
"Quickened," Christ's flesh
Rameses
Remembering and Forgetting
Remoter Context
Removal of difficulties
Repentance," "No place of
Repugnant Passages
Requirement of Word, The one
Rest, The Saints'
Resurrection the subject of Matthew 22:32
Resurrections, The
Revelation of truths
Revised Version
Revisers' note on Romans 9:5 disapproved
Revolt of Libnah, The
Rich Man and Lazarus, The
Rightly Dividing Dispensational Truth and Teaching
Rightly Dividing Dispensations
Rightly Dividing the Word
Rock that followed," "The
Roe, Richard Baillie
Royal titles
"Rudiments"
"Ruth the Moabitess"
Sabbath, The
Sacrifices:
accepted by fire
not commanded
Sadducees deny resurrection
"Saints" used of Israel
used of Angels
Satan's first utterance
sphere of influence
"Say unto the Queen"
Schoettgen
Scope of a passage to be gathered from its Structure
Scope of passage the key to meaning of its words
Scope of 1 Peter
"Scrip"
Scrivener's Greek NT
Seals, The seven
Second day," "The
Second Epistle to Timothy
Secrets of the Kingdom
"Selah"
Septuagint Version, The
Sermon on the Mount, The
Servitude in Egypt, The
Seven Parables of Matthew 13, The
Seven, Signification of the number
Shechem, The burials in
Sheep-fold, The
Sheol, Renderings of Hebrew word
Simon, The ten so-called
"Sin," Hebrew words for
Sinaitic MS, The
Six the number of Man
Sixtus V, Pope
Sodom, Abraham's prayer for
Sojourning of Israel, The
"Son of David," Title of
Son of Man," "The; Son of Man," "The
Man, The title
Sons of God, The title
of Korah
Sphere of Satan's influence
Spies hidden, Joshua's
Spirit striving, The
Spirits in Prison; Spirits in Prison
Stalks of flax
Standing or Falling to the Earth
Stephen sees Jesus standing
Stephens, Robert
Structure:
Advantages of
History of
of Bible as a whole
of passage, the key to its Scope
Principles governing
Genesis 15:13
1 Samuel 16-18
2 Samuel 23:4
2 Samuel 23:5
Psalm 19
Psalm 105
Psalm 145
Isaiah 52:13-53:12
Jeremiah (whole book)
Jeremiah 21-35
Joel (whole book)
Joel 2:18-3:21
Joel 3:1-16
Matthew 24:4-28
Matthew 24:29-25:46
Luke 1:68-79
Romans 8:19-21
Romans 12:1-15:7
1 Corinthians 8:1-8
1 Corinthians 8:9-13
2 Corinthians (whole Epistle)
2 Corinthians 3:1-6:10
2 Corinthians 4:1-5:11
Hebrews (whole Epistle)
Hebrews 1 and 2; Hebrews 1 and 2
Hebrews 5:1-10:18
Hebrews 8:3-10:18
Hebrews 8:7-13
Hebrews 9:15-23
Hebrews 9:25-10:18
1 Peter (whole Epistle)
1 Peter 2:11-4:6
1 Peter 3:17-4:6
1 Peter 3:18-22
2 Peter (whole Epistle)
2 Peter 1:16-21
2 Peter 1:19,20
2 Peter 1:21
Subject-matter of the Word to be divided
Subject of the Word, The
"Subtle"
"Sufferings and Glory"
Synagogue
in James 2:2
Synonymous:
Greek words
Hebrew words
Synthetic Parallelism
Syriac Version, The
Syrophoenician Woman, The
Tabernacle:
Hebrew words for
The Order of making
"Teaching all nations"
Temptation
Ten, Signification of the number
Ten Virgins, Application of Parable
Testament and Covenant in Hebrews 9:15-23; Testament and Covenant in Hebrews 9:15-23
Testaments
Text-Garbling
Mangling
Textus Receptus, The
"That observe and do"
"The End"; "The End"
"The End not yet"
"Thee and thy seed"
"Then came Amalek"
"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened"
"Then shall the offering"
"Then they that feared the Lord"
"Then will I sprinkle"
Theology, The New
"Therefore...beseech you"
"Therefore...I charge thee"
"These are the beginning of sorrows"
The words of Christ given Him to speak
Thief, The dying
Thieves, The two
Thirteen, Signification of the number
Thirty pieces of silver
"This generation"
"This is that"
"Thou art Peter"
"Thou...shalt not drink wine"
Three, Signification of the number
Times of the Gentiles," "The
Timothy, Second Epistle to
Tischendorf's Greek Text
"To-day"
"To die is gain"
Tregelles' Greek Text
Tribulation: The Church not to pass through; Tribulation: The Church not to pass through
Triumph in resurrection, Christ's
Triune name, Baptism into
Truth resulting from due regard to Context
Twelve, Signification of the number
Two, Signification of the number
Two Testaments, The
Under Law, The Dispensation
Unjust Steward, Parable of
Usage:
of words essential
Uniform usage of Greek words
Various readings; Various Readings
Vatican MS, The
Versions:
Abyssinian
Armenian
The Ancient
Coptic
Ethiopic
Itala
Jerome's
Memphitic
Peschito
Septuagint
Syriac
Vulgate
"Villain"
Vine, Israel's Spiritual privileges
Vulgate Version
Corruption of
"Waiting for God's Son from heaven"
Walk in the light," "If we
"Was" and "was"
Weak brother," "Thy
Whale," "Jonah's
"When" in 2 Thessalonians 1:7,10
"Where art thou?"
"Where is He?"
"Withhold" in 2 Thessalonians 2:6,7
Woman's head to be veiled in worship
"Word" and the "Words"
Word of life, The
Word of truth, The
Words, Meaning of, to be gathered from Scope
Wordsworth on Matthew 27:9
"Work out your own salvation"
World that then was, The
"Wouldest thou be spoken for to the king?"
Wrongly dividing the Word; Wrongly dividing the Word
Years:
The 120, of Genesis 6:3
The 400
The 430
The 450, of Acts 13:20
The 480th of 1 Kings 6:1
The 490 of Daniel 9
"Ye do alway resist"
"Ye will not come"
Young man who fled from Gethsemane
Back | Contents | Forward
How to Enjoy the Bible
E. W. Bullinger
1916
Index of Texts Explained
Gen 1:2 Gen 3:1 Gen 3:9 Gen 3:15
Gen 4 Gen 5:1,3 Gen 6 Gen 6:2,4
Gen 6:3 Gen 12:3 Gen 16:11,12 Gen 18:11,12
Gen 19 Gen 21:25 Gen 24:24 Gen 24:63
Gen 25:2 Gen 26:19,20 Gen 27:34-38 Gen 35:2
Gen 37:25 Gen 46:26 Gen 49:6
Exo 1:8 Exo 2:17 Exo 3:22 Exo 11:2
Exo 12:35,36 Exo 12:40 Exo 15:26 Exo 16:36
Exo 17:8 Exo 19:5,6 Exo 24:5-8 Exo 25:17
Lev 1:3, etc. Lev 23:17
Num 16:1 Num 16:27 Num 20:19 Num 22:22
Num 26:59
Deut 6:25 Deut 32:17 Deut 33:2,3
Josh 2:6 Josh 3:15 Josh 10:31,32 Josh 19:24-28
Judges 1:7,8 Judges 5:8 Judges 5:11 Judges 8:24
Judges 12:6
Ruth 1:22 Ruth 2:2,6 Ruth 4:5,10
1 Sam 6:19 1 Sam 13:19 1 Sam 16-18 1 Sam 17:4
1 Sam 28:20
2 Sam 23 2 Sam 23:5
1 Kings 6:1 1 Kings 17:9
2 Kings 4:13
2 Kings
18:13,14
2 Kings 19:8 2 Kings 25:6,7
2 Chron 17:1 2 Chron 21:10
2 Chron
22:11,12
2 Chron 32:9
Esther 1:1-3
Job 1:6,2:1 Job 38:7
Psa 2:8 Psa 2:8 Psa 3 Psa 10:9
Psa 12:6 Psa 16:10 Psa 20:3 Psa 29:1
Psa 35:10 Psa 89:6 Psa 103:7 Psa 103:14
Psa 104:35 Psa 109 Psa 111:2 Psa 119:126
Prov 11:1
Isa 2:2 Isa 2:11,12,17 Isa 2:11,12,17 Isa 2:11,17
Isa 6 Isa 26:9 Isa 28:16 Isa 45:18
Isa 52:4 Isa 52:8 Isa 53 Isa 60:1,3,11,12
Isa 62:4,5
Jer 7:22,23 Jer 9:23,24 Jer 13:18 Jer 18
Jer 30:3,4,7 Jer 31:34 Jer 32:4 Jer 34:3
Jer 34:7 Jer 34:18,19
Eze 12:13 Eze 18:27 Eze 36:25 Eze 45:11
Dan 2:31,39,44 Dan 3:24 Dan 3:25 Dan 6:1
Dan 9:24 Dan 12:1
Joel 2:28 Joel 2:28-32 Joel 2:30
Amos 9:11,12
Micah 5:2 Micah 6:15
Habb 2:2
Zech 9:9
Mal 3:4 Mal 3:16
Matt 2:2 Matt 2:23 Matt 6:2,5,16 Matt 8:5
Matt 10:1-15,23 Matt 10:5,6 Matt 10:8-10 Matt 10:9,10
Matt 11:12 Matt 11:28 Matt 13:15 Matt 15:21-24
Matt 16:15-19 Matt 16:15-19 Matt 16:19 Matt 22:32
Matt 23:3 Matt 24 Matt 24:13,14 Matt 24:13,14
Matt 24:15 Matt 24:29 Matt 25:1 Matt 25:1-13
Matt 25:31-46 Matt 27:9 Matt 27:37 Matt 27:44
Matt 27:48 Matt 28:19,20 Matt 28:19,20
Mark 6:8 Mark 13:14 Mark 15:22,23 Mark 15:26
Mark 15:32
Luke 1:3 Luke 2:48 Luke 2:49 Luke 4:16
Luke 4:18-20 Luke 4:21 Luke 6:24 Luke 7:3,6
Luke 9:3 Luke 9:3 Luke 10:17-19 Luke 11:53
Luke 16:9 Luke 16:16 Luke 16:19-33 Luke 16:22,23
Luke 21:24 Luke 21:24,32 Luke 22:25 Luke 22:36
Luke 22:36 Luke 23:7,11,15 Luke 23:38 Luke 23:40,41
Luke 23:43 Luke 24:49
John 1:18 John 6:37 John 7:37-39 John 10:9
John 12:27 John 12:32 John 12:40 John 14:2
John 14:16,26 John 15:26 John 16:7 John 16:12
John 16:12-15 John 16:12-15 John 17:8 John 17:8,14,17
John 17:24 John 19:19 John 19:29 John 19:32
John 20:21 John 21:15
Acts 1:4,5 Acts 1:5 Acts 1:16 Acts 2:4
Acts 2:16 Acts 2:27 Acts 2:38 Acts 3:18
Acts 7:15,16 Acts 7:17,18 Acts 7:38 Acts 7:51
Acts 8:27-31 Acts 9:7 Acts 9:7 Acts 10:48
Acts 13:20 Acts 15:14-18 Acts 15:17,18 Acts 15:17,18
Acts 16:31 Acts 17:2 Acts 19:5,6 Acts 19:6
Acts 22:9 Acts 25:21 Acts 26:14 Acts 28
Rom 2:12 Rom 3:20 Rom 3:25 Rom 5:16,18
Rom 6:3 Rom 8:1 Rom 8:20 Rom 8:28
Rom 9:2,3 Rom 9:5 Rom 9:25-27 Rom 11
Rom 11:13 Rom 14:5,6 Rom 14:15 Rom 15:28
1 Cor 3:17 1 Cor 4:3 1 Cor 4:3 1 Cor 4:3
1 Cor 8:11 1 Cor 10:3-5 1 Cor 10:32 1 Cor 11:10
1 Cor 15:20-28 1 Cor 15:29 1 Cor 15:33 1 Cor 15:45
1 Cor 16:22
2 Cor 3 2 Cor 3:7-16 2 Cor 5:8 2 Cor 5:10
2 Cor 5:10
Gal 3:15-17 Gal 3:20 Gal 4:3,9
Eph 1:21 Eph 2:1 Eph 3 Eph 3:15
Eph 4:1 Eph 4:12 Eph 4:16 Eph 4:30
Phil 1:7 Phil 1:21 Phil 1:23 Phil 2:12
Phil 3:11 Phil 3:11-14 Phil 4:6,7
Col 1:16,17 Col 2:8,20 Col 2:11 Col 2:14
Col 2:14,15 Col 2:16 Col 4:16
1 Thess 1:10 1 Thess 4:17 1 Thess 4:17 1 Thess 5:1-4
1 Thess 5:1-5 1 Thess 5:20 1 Thess 5:27
2 Thess 1:7,10 2 Thess 1:10 2 Thess 2:2 2 Thess 2:3
2 Thess 2:6,7
1 Tim 6:11
2 Tim 2:15 2 Tim 3:16,17 2 Tim 3:17 2 Tim 4:1
2 Tim 4:3,4 2 Tim 4:6 2 Tim 4:13
Phile 15
Heb 2:8 Heb 2:8 Heb 2:9 Heb 2:9
Heb 2:9 Heb 4:12 Heb 6:16 Heb 8:12
Heb 9:5 Heb 10:12 Heb 10:17 Heb 11:4
Heb 12:17
1 Peter 1:10,11 1 Peter 1:10,11 1 Peter 2:2 1 Peter 3:19
1 Peter 4:11
2 Peter 1:16-21 2 Peter 1:19 2 Peter 1:20 2 Peter 2:4
2 Peter 2:22 2 Peter 3:7 2 Peter 3:15
1 John 1:7 1 John 2:1
Jude 6 Jude 6 Jude 14
Rev 1:3 Rev 1:7 Rev 1:10 Rev 5:9,10
Rev 6 Rev 7 Rev 14:14-16 Rev 19:1-3
Rev 20:11-15
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