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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #33

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 Gospel of Matthew – HOME

Matthew 12:22-37

lion and lambRELIGIOUS LEADERS ACCUSE JESUS OF WORKING UNDER THE POWER OF THE DEVIL

“Then was brought unto him one possessed with a devil, blind, and dumb: and he healed him, insomuch that the blind and dumb both spake and saw. 23  And all the people were amazed, and said, Is not this the son of David? 24  But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, This fellow doth not cast out devils, but by Beelzebub the prince of the devils. 25  And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand: 26  And if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how shall then his kingdom stand? 27  And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out? therefore they shall be your judges. 28  But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. 29  Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he first bind the strong man? and then he will spoil his house.

30  He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad. 31  Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. 32  And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come.

33  Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit. 34  O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. 35  A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36  But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. 37  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” Matthew 12:22-37.

Note: This section serves to show the greater depravity of the religious leaders, and their corrupt nature which was covered with their religious trappings.

Verse 22-29.

The common people amazed at the miracle, and recognized and confessed that Jesus was the son of David. Thus, He was the Messiah!

However, the Pharisees were quick to accuse Him, and attribute His healing powers to the Devil. The reader will notice that there are devils, and one who is their prince. He is called Beelzebub. This title was blasphemous as one could get. Strong’s note says that it is a reference to dung. “(Ba`al Zebuwb)]; dung-god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan: – Beelzebub.” Also, “(Ba`al) and (zebuwb); Baal of (the) Fly; Baal-Zebub, a special deity of the Ekronites :- Baal-zebub.” In other words, they accused Jesus of deriving His power from a gentile god associated with the dung flies.

Although it is true that Satan has power granted to him to do miracles, he will not do one that would destroy his own kingdom. If he did, the results would be obvious. A divided kingdom cannot stand. This should have been a rebuke to the leaders, for their nation was, at that very time, divided by the Devil, and it in a state of destruction. In response, Jesus ask by what spirit their disciples cast out devils. They were not about to admit that their followers cast out devils by the prince of devils. Therefore, Jesus said that the kingdom of God had come to them, if His power was from God.

Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil. “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8. Before He could destroy the devil and his kingdom, he would have to be defeated and then cast out. This was Christ’s mission. Once accomplished, Satan’s kingdom will exist no more.

Verses 30-32.

There was no middle ground. Those who were for Christ and His Kingdom would follow Him. Those of Satan’s kingdom would follow him. One may blasphemy Jesus and receive forgiveness, but those Jews who blasphemed the Holy Ghost, will not find forgiveness. This statement is in relation to the offer of the Kingdom of Heaven to Israel. The best example of this is in Hebrews 6:4-8. “ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 5  And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, 6  If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. 7  For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God: 8  But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.” The “world” in both references was to the “age” the Jews were in, and in the “age” to come.

Verses 33-37.

The vine is a symbol of Israel’s spiritual privileges. The fig tree is a symbol of Israel’s national privileges. The olive tree is a symbol of Israel’s religious privileges. Israel had become a corrupt tree, and her end was to be burned. The tongue is connected to the heart. They had rejected the ministry of John the Baptist, they were rejecting the ministry of Christ, and they would reject the ministry of the Holy Spirit working through the Apostles during the Acts period. Thus, no forgiveness remained for that generation.

 Gospel of Matthew – HOME

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #30

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lion and lambCHRIST, THE PHARISEES AND THE SABBATH #30

“At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. 3 But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; 4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? 6 But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple. 7 But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the sabbath day.

 9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their synagogue: 10 and, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him. 11  And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days. 13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.” Matthew 12:1-13.

Jesus had chosen His Disciples, taught them the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven, empowered, and sent them forth only to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” This begins with the Sermon of the Mount. At this point, in our Lord’s ministry, He begins His encounter with the apostate, wicked rulers of Israel. This chapter illustrates part of that conflict.

Verses 1-8.

At that season, Jesus and his disciples walked through the corn field, and the disciples plucked ears of ripe corn and ate them. When the Pharisees saw it, they found fault, and accused Jesus and the disciples of breaking the Law of Moses.

Jesus rebukes them, first, by pointing to Israel’s greatest King, King David. He asks if they had ever read what David did, and was blameless. When David fled from Saul, he came to the tabernacle and requested bread for himself, and his men. The Priest said the only bread was the shewbread, which is dedicated to the LORD. But, he gave it to David and his men. “So the priest gave him hallowed bread: for there was no bread there but the shewbread, that was taken from before the LORD, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.” 1 Samuel 21:6. A greater than David stood before them, and they knew it not.

Next, He calls their attention to that which was written in the Law for the Priest to perform on the Sabbath days. “And on the sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two tenth deals of flour for a meat offering, mingled with oil, and the drink offering thereof: 10  This is the burnt offering of every sabbath, beside the continual burnt offering, and his drink offering.” Numbers 28:9-10. The Priest was blameless in his service on the Sabbath service at the Tabernacle. Again, He reminds them that one who was greater than the Tabernacle was in their presence. The Jews had added so much tradition to the Law, it became impossible for them to understand their own Scriptures.

Next, He points to their ignorance of God, and the Law. “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.” Hosea 6:6. Israel’s ignorance of their own Law, is best illustrated by the Apostle Paul, when he said, “But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15 But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.” 2 Corinthians 3:14-15. They were blind then, and they are still blind unto this very day. Man was never made for the Sabbath. The Sabbath was made for man.

Verse 9. Jesus goes from the wheat field to the synagogue. Once again, He exposes their wickedness and hypocrisy. In the congregation was a man with a deformed hand. The Pharisees, attempting to trap Him, ask if it was lawful to heal on the Sabbath day.  

He used a hypothetical question to reveal their deceit and wickedness by asking them if they would help a sheep that had fallen into a ditch. He answers for them. They would.

Did they actually have more mercy on a sheep than a sick man? He tells them, it is lawful to do a good work on the Sabbath. Then he healed the man.

Sadly, we live in a world of hypocrites. This society has more compassion on a dog, a cat, a whale, or any animal, than they do their fellow mankind. For proof, see how many babies are murdered daily under the cloak of abortion. And, like the Pharisees, they are self-righteous about all of it. As Israel was judged, so will be this nation.

 

 

LET’S STUDY MATTHEW # 29

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Gospel of Matthew – HOME

Matthew 11:25-30

lion and lamb“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. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:25-30.

Verses 25-26. Pride is the one sin that blocks man from salvation, and illumination. I remember asking a very wise man, “How do you get wisdom?” He said, “I guess you just plead ignorance.” Until you realize that you know nothing, you aren’t ready to learn. The babes are the disciples. Since God is the revealer of truth, He reveals it to whom He will. Sadly, we have a generation of young men who have Bible knowledge, but are greatly lacking in knowledge of themselves. God will teach the humble heart.

Verse 27. God the Father had delivered everything in heaven, in the earth, and under the earth into the authority and the will of the Son. It is impossible to know God except through Jesus Christ. He said that those who had seen him, had seen the father. No one can come unto the Father except through the Son. The Catholic Mary does not fit into the equation. “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5. When we read the Holy Scriptures, we should pray that God will open our mind and teach us. If we know the Son, we know the Father. Those who say they believe in God, but reject the Son, know neither.

Verse 28-30. These verses bring to a close the aspect of our Lord’s ministry that we have been dealing with. To close it, He gives one last general invitation to all who labor under the burden of sin. He invites all, and promises that He will give them rest. They would rest from the burdens laid on them by the religious leaders. They would find rest in the assurance of His promises. And, they would find rest in His love and forgiveness. Dr. David Reese says, “The Lord begins a new phase where He withdraws from the nation and begins to teach His disciples things not revealed yet. He prepares them for His crucifixion and departure. The offer of the Kingdom of Heaven is drawing to a close because it has been rejected. Following His teachings concerning the mysteries of the Kingdom, the rejection of His person intensifies.”

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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW # 28

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lion and lamb

THE DOUBTS OF JOHN THE BAPTIST, AND JESUS DEFENSE OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

“And it came to pass, when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence to teach and to preach in their cities.

2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and shew John again those things which ye do hear and see: 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.

7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. 14 And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. 15 He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

16 But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children sitting in the markets, and calling unto their fellows, 17 and saying, We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced; we have mourned unto you, and ye have not lamented. 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, He hath a devil. 19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, Behold a man gluttonous, and a winebibber, a friend of publicans and sinners. But wisdom is justified of her children.

20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not: 21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.” Matthew 11:1-24

Note:

Matthew’s gospel is written to present Jesus as Israel’s Messiah and King. “ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee..”. Zechariah 9:9. (See Matt. 21:4). He begins with the genealogy, and worship of the King. Next, His forerunner, His baptism, and His temptation. The principles of the Kingdom, and the King proclaimed to Matthew 16:20.

Verse 1.

After sending forth His disciples, Jesus also went into the cities preaching and teaching. There is a difference between preaching and teaching. All preaching must contain teaching. However, teaching differs from preaching. Every Pastor must be apt to teach. Preaching usually calls for some response or decision, whereas, teaching is the imparting of information, example, and instruction. Jesus taught the Twelve, but He preached to the multitudes.

Verses 2-6.

John was cast into prison because he preached against sin. “ For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her.” Mark 6:17.

In chapter 4:12, we have the first mention of John’s imprisonment. John was having doubts if Jesus was the Messiah. That is strange when one considers all the proof he had before being put in prison. John knew nothing about the coming death of Jesus, nor did he ever preach it. It is noteworthy that Jesus did not give a yes or no answer. Rather, He quoted Old Testament Scripture to confirm that He was the Messiah. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. 6 Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 35:5-6. If one reads the context of Isaiah, he will see that the Kingdom of Heaven, and the King is the subject. The gospel preached is the gospel of the Kingdom. Those who will be blessed, will not stumble at the person of the Christ.

 Verses 7-15.

In these verses Jesus defends the ministry of John, and shows from Old Testament Scripture that John was the forerunner of the King. The Lord rebukes those who questioned, or rejected John’s ministry.

There was a vast difference between John’s ministry and manner of life, and that of Jesus. John spent much time in the wilderness, was dressed in camel skins, and ate locus and wild honey. (Matthew 3:4; Mark1:6). John not only came in the spirit of Elijah, his life style may have also resembled him.

John was the forerunner of the King. His ministry was not to offer the Kingdom, but to prepare a people for the King. His was the baptism of repentance, the requirement for entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven offered by Jesus. John did no miracles, was not in the Kingdom of Heaven, nor the church which is the body of Christ, and he knew nothing of the upcoming death of Christ. The part of the Law and the prophecies about the forerunner and the King were fulfilled with the advent of John. However, the Old Testament Law did not end at the coming of John.

The greatness of John is seen in the nature of his ministry. He was the one who prepared a people for the Kingdom. However, the least who would be in the Kingdom of Heaven was greater, in possession, than John.

The reference to “the violent” taking the Kingdom by force, means that men were responding to John’s preaching in such a manner, as a crowd “pressing” entrance. Or it could refer to the Pharisees. (Luke 16:14-16).

Verses 16-19.

The Lord indicts the nation of Israel by comparing it to rebellious little children who would not accept their part in the games they played. John was not a socialite, so the religious leaders accused him of having a devil. Jesus, ate and drank with sinners, and they accused Him of being a glutton and a drunk. Both accusations were untrue. Although the ministries, and actions of Jesus and John were poles apart, both were sent by God, and did the work of God. There is a lesson here for us.

 Verses 20-24

These verses show that the miracles of Jesus and the disciples did not bring Israel to repentance. The major reason for Israel’s persecution in the past, present and future is because they reject God’s Word, and crucified their King.  “Then answered all the people, and said, His blood be on us, and on our children.” Matthew 27:25. This was their answer about His crucifixion. As wicked as Sodom was, it will receive less judgment in hell than those who rejected their King and Savior.

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LET’S STUDY MATTHEW #27

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THE CALL AND COMMISSION OF THE TWELVE TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF THE KINGDOM TO ISRAEL

Gospel of the Kingdom

And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

 5 These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.

9 Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, 10 nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. 11 And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. 12 And when ye come into an house, salute it. 13 And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. 15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; 18 And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. 21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. 22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 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. 24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? 26 Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.

28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. 37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. 39 He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. 40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. 41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. Matthew 10:1-42

Verses 1-4.

Jesus calls the twelve, who have the title, Apostles. They are sent forth to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. The noteworthy thing, is that Judas is one of the Twelve. There is nothing out of the ordinary that would make the eleven believe he had a devil. He preached and healed, just like the others. If they didn’t have discernment to identify him, how mistaken we can be when we judge others. Especially, is this true, when they appear to have a “successful” ministry.

Verses 5-8.

The command is to go only to Israelites, who are called “lost sheep.” They are to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. They are also empowered to do Kingdom miracles. No one today preaches the same gospel they preached, nor do the miracles they did. One must understand that the Apostles knew nothing about the coming death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.

I have discovered that many Baptist preachers have no understanding of this matter. “31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: 33  And they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. 34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.” Luke 18:31-34. “For as yet they knew not the scripture that he must rise again from the dead.” John 20:9.

[pullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]Many Baptist preachers hold Baptist tradition stronger than right division of the Scriptures.[/pullquote]

One Baptist preacher said, “The disciples preached the same gospel we preach today, and they baptized with a view of His coming death and resurrection. Scripture is abundant.” I wrote to him and ask for one Scripture that taught what he said. That has been over 10 years ago…still no response. I have discovered that most Baptist can’t afford to see this truth. I have been alienated by many Baptist brethren because of my teaching on this matter. Baptist tradition is stronger than right division of the Scriptures. No church on earth today, obeys these verses, nor can they.

Verses 9-15

All their needs would be met. They were forbidden to take money, food, two coats, shoes, or a staff. Does this sound like any Evangelist or Pastor you know today? Those who welcomed them, they were to greet. Those who rejected them, were to be ignored. The reason it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah, is because Sodom did not have a Bible, a preacher, the gospel, nor the miracles in their city that Israel had. To whom much is given, much is required.

Verses 16-27

The Lord was preparing His disciples for His absence, although they did not understand it at that time. They would discover, during the Acts period, and in the Tribulation that man is not, nor has he ever been a friend of Jesus Christ, and His gospel. The world hates the Jesus of the Bible. They would be hated and brought before authorities for judgment. The ministry of Paul is a good example of this.

This instruction is not directed to any member of the Body of Christ. Today, one must pray and think about what to say before appearing before a judge. This instruction is for the Apostles. The remnant will be hated by all nations as they preach in the Tribulation. Note verse 22-23. “22 And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 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.” These must “endure” to the end of the Tribulation, or refuse the mark of the Beast. Likewise, the Lord assures them that they will not have gone over all the cities of Israel, before He returns. This did not happen in the Acts period. Thus, the context is Israel, and the Tribulation.

The gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven requires that one believe in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God, and water baptism. This was, and will be their confession before men. “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.” Mark 16:16. “But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him.” Luke 7:30. Believer today do not have to be baptized to be saved. Baptism is a step of obedience for those who are saved. Although Paul baptized, his gospel of grace did not require it for salvation.

 Verses 34- 42

The disciples had no concept that there would be a period where He would be absent before established the Kingdom of Heaven. This is evident until His ascension up to heaven. And, after He left, they believed He would soon return, if Israel would repent. Notice the first question they have after His resurrection. “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” Acts 1:6. “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; 20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:” Acts 3:19-20.

Jesus did not come to bring peace, but judgment that ends in repentance. Until then, there will be war. In fact, before the Kingdom of Heaven is established on earth, the greatest war the world has ever witnessed will take place.

Finally, at that time, men must receive the Apostles to be saved. To reject them, is to reject God. To receive and assist them will bring salvation, and its rewards.