All posts by Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

Grace and peace! What a privilege to be an ambassador for the risen Christ here on WordPress! I am a Pauline dispensationalist Christian saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus plus nothing! My goal is to "have all men saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth" (1 Timothy 2:3,4). I seek to preach Jesus Christ crucified for our sins, buried, and raised again for our justification as the only way to salvation. Also, I seek to edify and perfect the saints using dispensational Bible study and the Authorized Version King James Bible!
DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, ESCHATOLOGY (END TIMES) / PROPHECY, THE CHURCH THE BODY OF CHRIST, What about the Rapture?, What about the Rapture?, What about the Rapture?

What about the Rapture?

WHAT ABOUT THE RAPTURE?

by Shawn Brasseaux

In celebration of our 10th anniversary here at “For What Saith the Scriptures?,” we offer this, our special-edition 1000th Bible Q&A article, to answer the questions associated with the Rapture. Is there really a Rapture of the Church the Body of Christ? Or, is it just a misunderstanding of the Lord Jesus Christ’s one Second Coming? If there is a Rapture, who will be part of it? When will it occur with respect to Daniel’s 70th Week (commonly called “the Tribulation”)? Should we be looking for the Antichrist—or the Lord Jesus Christ? Most importantly, we inquire, “For what saith the Scriptures?”

CLICK HERE FOR THE
62-PAGE PDF FILE

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Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Can you explain “impotent?”, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “impotent?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “IMPOTENT?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

We find “impotent” just four times in the King James text. The first clue as to its meaning is that it always sits in the context of infirm or sickly physical bodies. Observe:

  • John 5:3,7: “[3] In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water…. [7] The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.”
  • Acts 4:9: “If we this day be examined of the good deed done to the impotent man, by what means he is made whole;….” (This points back to the healing in chapter 3.)
  • Acts 14:8: “And there sat a certain man at Lystra, impotent in his feet, being a cripple from his mother’s womb, who never had walked:….”

The second clue is that “impotent” contains a familiar word—“potent” (as in “powerful, strong, effective”). We can at least obtain a general idea. However, with the addition of the prefix “im–” (a variant of “in–”), a negative is introduced, thus cancelling the description. “Impotent” therefore literally means “not powerful”—that is, weak, helpless, powerless. In Greek, it is “adunatos” (literally, “unable, without strength”—our English word “dynamic” [“lively, active”] is derived from the Greek language).

Regarding each of these instances, not only is a miracle of physical healing involved (read the contexts), it is a communication of how the God of the Bible can cure spiritual illness (sin) that these physical ailments represent, whether amongst the Jews (John chapter 5 and Acts chapter 4) or Gentiles (Acts chapter 14). We sinners are helpless, which is why we need Almighty God to do what we cannot: save us from our sin problem by sending Jesus Christ to die for those sins, be buried, and be raised again so we can walk in newness of life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4)!

Also see:
» What does “lusty” mean?
» What does “ruddy” mean?
» What does “pernicious” mean?
» What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan?

THE NATION ISRAEL, What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan?

What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan?

WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PARABLE OF THE GOOD SAMARITAN?

by Shawn Brasseaux

Anyone familiar with the Holy Scriptures has heard of Christ’s Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). Yet, almost no one grasps its significance. How can this classic passage, the Parable of the Good Samaritan, enlighten us concerning God’s purpose and plan for the nation Israel?

We read from Luke chapter 10 for the context: “[25] And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? [26] He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou? [27] And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. [28] And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.”

The “lawyer” here is a scholar of the Law of Moses, a theologian of Judaism, Jewish religion. He has come to test or challenge the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, as with all religious people, he is obsessed with works—doing—to have eternal life. Upon asking the Lord as to what he should do, the Lord forces him to answer his own question: “What is written in the law? how readest thou?” Being an “expert” of the Law, the lawyer is one of the few in his ranks who knows his Hebrew Scriptures. Jesus commends him for correctly summarizing Moses with two passages. “Firstly, Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). “Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:18).

Indeed, if one can keep the Law perfectly, it results in eternal life. Unfortunately, sinners cannot perform flawlessly, so the Law is simply the knowledge of sin instead of the knowledge of salvation (Romans 3:19-20).

The scholar of the Law of Moses, evidently under conviction, retorts in verse 29: “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” Has that lawyer really kept the second part of the Law—not merely loving God with all his being but also loving his neighbor as he loves himself? The Lord now issues that famous story to drive the point home!

“[30] And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. [31] And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. [32] And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. [33] But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, [34] And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. [35] And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. [36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.”

With spiritually-mature hearts and minds, let us explain the Parable of the Good Samaritan. In ancient times, the road between Jericho and Jerusalem was lengthy, steep, winding, and lonely. Caves and crevices made excellent places in which thieves could hide as they waited to assault and rob any passersby (particularly merchants). Such was the case of the unfortunate soul traveling this route in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (verse 30). As the Lord delivers this message, His audience knows all too well its plausibility. Having departed Jerusalem and heading toward Jericho—the order highly important, as we will see later—the traveler is beaten up and his clothes are taken. Suffering extensive injuries, he lies helplessly, dying on the side of the road.

By “chance” or coincidence, and not by Divine design, a priest is using that route when he encounters the dying man. Nevertheless, the priest does not come to his aid; he moves to the farther side of the road and continues his journey (verse 31)! A Levite, also traveling, then makes his way to see the dying man. While the Levite looks upon the vulnerable soul with a bit more sympathy, he too “switches lanes” and carries on with his trip (verse 32)! Finally, a Samaritan arrives on the scene, and is moved with such compassion as he beholds a most terrible sight (verse 33). Here is a naked man, bloodied and bruised, and left to die! The Samaritan rescues him, tending to his injuries and paying for his recovery in an inn (verse 34). In closing, the Samaritan speaks to the innkeeper, promising to return one day and recompense in full any debts accumulated (verse 35). Paraphrased, Jesus thus reasons: “Lawyer, you go love your neighbor like that Samaritan esteemed that hopeless soul” (verses 36-37).

Circa 722 B.C., the Assyrian Captivity of Israel’s 10 northern tribes began. Scripture says in 2 Kings chapter 17: “[23] Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day. [24] And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. [25] And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them. [28] Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelt in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear the LORD. [29] Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt.” (See also verses 30-32.)

After removing Israel from the Promised Land, the King of Assyria settled Gentiles therein. These idolatrous heathens subsequently intermarried with the Jews, creating a hybrid religious system of paganism and Mosaic Law. Children resulting from these unions were the Samaritans of Christ’s earthly ministry. Such national/religious differences caused great animosity between these “half-Jews/half-Gentiles” and the pure-blooded Jews. As chapter 4 of John bears out, “For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (verse 9). Therefore, to a Jew, Jesus making the Samaritan a “hero” in that famous parable was the equivalent to Him commending a Gentile!

Now, let us delve into the symbolism. The man leaving Jerusalem for Jericho represents wayward Israel, forsaking the center of God’s presence and words (cf. 1 Kings 11:36; Isaiah 2:3) and preferring a cursed, idolatrous city as its destination (cf. Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:29-32). As the thieves robbed the traveler, so Satan’s evil world system spoiled and fatally wounded Israel. Distracted, unrighteous (lacking spiritual clothes), and now dying, she can do nothing to save herself. Her sin has found her out!

Along walks a Levitical priest, but this Jew cannot help the man, for the man is mortally wounded and unable to offer a sacrifice. Here comes a Levite, a teacher of the Law of Moses (Deuteronomy 31:9-13,24-26; Deuteronomy 17:18; 2 Chronicles 15:3; Ezra 7:6,10-11). However, while this Jew can teach the man what he needs to do according to Moses’ instructions, the dying man cannot perform according to the LORD’S strict rules and regulations. The priest and the Levite, both having looked at the unfortunate soul and gone on their way, can do nothing for him. All hope is lost!

Suddenly, there appears a Samaritan—a societal outcast in Israel. He notices the dying man and pities him, applying antiseptic wine and soothing olive oil to treat his wounds. Whereas the Jews (priest and Levite) did none of this, the Samaritan takes it a step further. He pays to lodge the man in a hotel, that he recover from his injuries. The next day, the Samaritan entrusts the man to the innkeeper, and finally leaves after promising his return. Here, Christ turns Israel over to the 12 Apostles (cf. John 19:25-27; Luke 19:12-27), dies, resurrects, and ultimately ascends to His Father’s right hand wholly rejected. He is coming again to repay them for their service (Matthew 16:27; Revelation 22:12)! Indeed, the Samaritan of that noteworthy parable symbolizes Jesus Christ Himself and His work on Israel’s behalf!

Let us return to verse 29, the question that led to that renowned parable: “But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?” This lawyer, wishing to be made right in God’s sight on the basis of keeping the Mosaic Law, was endeavoring to find an escape. He assumed “love thy neighbor as thyself” simply meant “seek the highest good of those who live literally right next-door to thyself.” The parable he subsequently heard, however, corrected his erroneous belief. To say the least, he was shocked to learn this magnificent story would be Jesus’ response to his self-centered inquiry!

To briefly recapitulate the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A man was traveling when thieves assaulted, robbed, and left him for dead. Whereas neither a (Jewish) priest nor a (Jewish) Levite came to his aid when they encountered him on that lonely road, a Samaritan (half-Jewish/half-Gentile) came from afar to tend to his wounds and pay for his recovery. After relaying this story, the Lord Jesus asked the lawyer, “[36] Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves? [37] And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.” The lawyer, being Jewish, knew the “good guy” was indeed a Gentile, but he could not even bring himself to say, “The Samaritan was neighbour unto him that fell among thieves.” His lame, simple reply was, “He that shewed mercy on him,” upon which hearing Jesus retorted, “If you want to keep the Law perfectly, you go and follow that Samaritan’s example!”

CONCLUSION

The lawyer in Luke 10:29 was incorrect. Using Jesus’ definition, a “neighbour” is anyone we encounter in life whom we can and should help—not necessarily someone whose house is next to ours, but even complete strangers. Here was the original teaching of Leviticus 19:18, as JEHOVAH God Himself described for us here during His earthly ministry (verses 30-35). To show the impossibility of a sinner keeping the Law, the Lord ordered the lawyer to love everyone (!) he met to the degree (!) the Samaritan loved the wounded traveler (verses 36-37). Yet, have carefully examined that well-known story, we can look at it with mature spiritual eyes to see more than the common, simple Sunday school children’s lesson of “Jesus wants us to do good to others.” The Parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates what the Lord Jesus Himself did and will do for Israel.

Whereas the Law of Moses (the priest and the Levite) could do nothing but condemn Israel as a nation of sinners worthy of death (spiritual and functional), Christ (the Samaritan) offered them grace, forgiveness, and restoration through the New Covenant. He delivered her from deception in Satan’s evil world system by imparting spiritual light to her (preaching during His earthly ministry). When they rejected Him to the point of crucifixion and exile to Heaven, He temporarily left her in the care of His 12 Apostles, kingdom doctrine being their “goods” to trade until His Second Coming (Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 12:35-48; Luke 19:11-27). When He returns from His Heavenly Father’s right hand, He will bless Israel with the New Covenant, forgiving their sins and making them His kingdom of priests (Jeremiah 31:31-34; Ezekiel 36:25-28; Acts 3:19-21; Romans 11:25-32; 1 Peter 2:9,10). No more will they be helpless and hopeless, for the Samaritan was “neighbour unto them!”

Also see:
» Who were the Samaritans?
» Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?
» Does God give us “points” for trying to be good?

CHARISMATIC MOVEMENT, DENOMINATIONS, CULTS, & FALSE TEACHING, DISPENSATIONAL BIBLE STUDY, THE NATION ISRAEL, Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?, Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?, Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?, Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?

Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?

WHY DID PETER AND JOHN NEED TO LAY HANDS ON THE SAMARITANS FOR THEM TO RECEIVE THE HOLY GHOST?

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost” (Acts 8:14-17). What is going on here? Is it something we should practice?

Hebrews 4:12 should always be kept in mind when considering any passage of the Bible, especially the controversial ones: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” God’s Word is a “discerner” as in a “judge,” evaluating our views and motives.

Firstly, if we want the truth, if we come with a longing to believe verses, God honors that wish and enlightens us as we read and believe the Scriptures. We will therefore teach verses as He desired us. Secondly, if we want to use the Bible to teach what we want—that is, seeking to defend and uphold our theological system—God will give us over to this error. Yea, it is entirely possible to thus use the Bible and still wind up in spiritual darkness. These two alternatives demarcate the difference between the propagation of God’s pure words to His glory versus the foundation of cults, sects, and denominations to our glory.

Beyond any shadow of a doubt whatsoever, the Book of Acts is the most abused and most misunderstood part of the Bible. Over the course of the last 2,000 years, innumerable readers have taken these precious words of God the Holy Spirit and taught all kinds of heresies and absurdities. It is a real shame that Acts has frequently been used to teach what denominationally-minded people wanted instead of what the Holy Spirit intended. Acts 8:14-17, which we now analyze, is an excellent case in point. May we wish to have the truth regarding it.

In chapter 6 of Acts, seven men “of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” (verse 3), were chosen to manage the food distribution amongst the Messianic Jews in Jerusalem. One of these seven believers was Philip. When Saul of Tarsus ruthlessly persecuted the Jerusalem church, Philip fled the city and traveled to Samaria in the north to preach to them (Acts 8:5-13). The 12 Apostles, who had remained in Jerusalem (verses 1-4), hear of Philip’s converts in Samaria and send Apostles Peter and John to investigate (see Acts 8:14-17). Strangely enough, although these Samaritans are now believers, they do not receive the Holy Ghost until Peter and John lay hands on them. Nearly 2,000 years later, and Bible readers still needlessly struggle with this unusual situation.

One of the curses of the violated Law of Moses was Israel’s political destruction: “I will break the pride of your power,” the LORD promised them in Leviticus 26:19. This prophecy was fulfilled once idolatrous King Solomon died, David’s kingdom split into two kingdoms, 10 northern tribes and two southern tribes (see 1 Kings 11:1-13,28-39). “Samaria” eventually became a title for the Northern Kingdom. Due to their isolation from Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (Southern Kingdom), the northern tribes quickly fell into pagan idolatry or devil worship (see 1 Kings 12:25-33; 1 Kings 13:32; 1 Kings 16:23-33; et al.). Furthermore, when their evils led to their eviction from the Promised Land centuries later, idolatrous Gentiles resettled the area and further corrupted it with false religion, Jews even intermarrying into these families (2 Kings 17:24-41). Samaria languished in spiritual darkness all the way to Christ’s earthly ministry.

The Samaritans were ethnically, religiously, and politically distinct from the pure-blooded Jews: hence, “the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). Samaritans, although sharing Israel’s patriarch Jacob as their own forefather (verse 12), resulted from Gentile-Jewish marriages during the centuries before Christ. The Samaritans had a hybrid religious system (syncretism), some Law of Moses mixed with heathen beliefs. Instead of worshipping at Jerusalem (Mount Zion), the Samaritans worshipped at Mount Gerazim to the north (verses 20-22). Samaritans vehemently opposed the Jews visiting Jerusalem for religious reasons (read Luke 9:51-56). Lastly, Samaritans (Northern Kingdom) had broken from David’s house or dynasty (Southern Kingdom).

Consequently, during the first installment of the so-called “Great Commission:” “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: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel” (Matthew 10:5-6). Like the Gentiles (non-Jews), the Samaritans (half-Jew/half-Gentile) were spiritually unclean. The full-blooded Jews were to be reached first with the Gospel of the Kingdom. Later, the Lord expanded the commission in Acts 1:8: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.”

Their order was to convert Jerusalem first, then Judaea (region surrounding Jerusalem, or Southern Kingdom), next Samaria (Northern Kingdom), and finally the world or the Gentiles (also, see Luke 24:47 and Matthew 28:19-20). However, with Philip and Acts 8:14-17, there was a radical departure from that sequence.

The Little Flock, Israel’s believing remnant (see Luke 12:32), was not to preach to Samaritans until after converting Jerusalem and Judah (recall Luke 24:47 and Acts 1:8). Yet, with Jerusalem and Judah still in unbelief, the Book of Acts records Philip moving to Samaria and evangelizing the Samaritans (the context of Acts 8:14-17). Philip’s actions signal God is no longer operating the prophetic program, for Philip, filled with the Holy Ghost (Acts 6:3,5), has departed from the commission given to the Little Flock.

Israel had fallen back in chapter 7, when Stephen, another one of the seven Spirit-filled men selected in chapter 6, was stoned to death (see Acts 7:51-60). Stephen’s murder was Israel’s unforgiveable blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:31-32). From chapter 7 of Acts to the end of the Book (chapter 28) is the 30-year-long transition period from Israel’s prophetic program to our mystery program.

When the Holy Ghost had been poured out on the Day of Pentecost (Acts chapter 2), that was a foretaste or preview of the New Covenant blessings: “A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them” (Ezekiel 36:26-27). Though the prophetic program had been paused in Acts chapter 7, and our mystery program was beginning with Paul (see Acts chapter 9), the Lord through Luke writing Acts chapter 8 shows us how the New Covenant (yet future) will reunite the Samaritans and Jews under one government.

Remember, Jerusalem is “the city of the great King” (Psalm 48:2; Matthew 5:35). It will be Israel’s capital when the Lord Jesus Christ sits on David’s throne in the ages to come. The 12 Apostles are the new Jewish governmental leaders: “And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).

Also, recall the Samaritans (Northern Kingdom) had broken away from the Davidic dynasty (Southern Kingdom) many centuries before Christ. As the Son of David and thus Heir to David’s throne, Jesus Christ selected His princes to rule with Him. The 12 Apostles therefore represent Jerusalem’s government, and Samaria must be brought back under and submit to David’s house. After all, according to Jeremiah 31:31, the New Covenant will reunite “the house of Israel” (Northern Kingdom) and “the house of Judah” (Southern Kingdom). You can also read Ezekiel 37:15-23, the reunion of “Joseph/Ephraim” (Northern Kingdom) with “Judah” (Southern Kingdom) to enjoy Kingdom glory. “And David my servant shall be king over them: and they all shall have one shepherd…” (Ezekiel 37:24).

So as to preview these New Covenant blessings, the Holy Spirit in Acts 8:14-17 works through Apostles Peter and John—representing Jerusalem and David’s throne—to approve the Samaritans’ conversion. Samaria receives authority and power from Jerusalem’s Apostles, surrendering to David’s government, thereby reversing the political division brought about under the Law of Moses all those hundreds of years prior.

The Holy Ghost was given in Jerusalem (Acts chapter 2), previewing Israel’s New Covenant and Millennial Kingdom blessings. To demonstrate how He would one day rejoin the Northern Kingdom (10 tribes, including the Samaritans) to the Southern Kingdom (two tribes; capital city Jerusalem), the Holy Spirit moved Philip to preach to the Samaritans and then motivated Apostles Peter and John of the Jerusalem Church to confirm or authorize these Samaritans’ entrance into the Little Flock (Israel’s believing remnant).

Denominationally-minded people, no matter how sincere, are sincerely wrong if they believe Acts 8:14-17 defines what the God of the Bible is currently doing with us. We should be ever so careful before we “name and claim” passages—ignoring contexts and lacking a firm understanding of what the Scriptures have already stated about those topics. Contrary to popular belief, just because it is in the Bible does not mean it is our pattern. We can be “Scriptural” and still be outside God’s will!

According to the Bible, Paul is “the apostle of the Gentiles” (Romans 11:13), God’s spokesman to us. We do not appeal to Peter or John—including Acts 8:14-17. If we study Paul’s epistles, Romans through Philemon, we will discover there is absolutely nothing about laying hands on anyone to impart the Holy Spirit to them. That is Israel’s doctrine, not ours. If anyone wants the Holy Spirit today, they need to believe Christ died for their sins, was buried, and rose again the third day (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). “That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed [preserved] with that holy Spirit of promise,…” (Ephesians 1:12-13).

Also see:
» Who were the Samaritans?
» Was Jesus Christ a dispensationalist during His earthly ministry?
» Did John 10:16 predict the Church the Body of Christ?
» Have I blasphemed against the Holy Ghost?
» Can you explain Acts 19:1-7?

THE NATION ISRAEL, Who are the “Samaritans?”

Who are the “Samaritans?”

WHO ARE THE “SAMARITANS?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The “Samaritans” (people) appear by name some 10 times in the Authorized Version (King James Bible), with “Samaria” (northern/central Israel, both a city and a region) found some 115 times. Who are these “Samaritans?” What is their significance in God’s Word? “For what saith the Scriptures?”

So as to understand the Samaritans, we must ascertain some basic political facts of ancient Israel. Firstly, one of the curses or punishments of the Law of Moses was Israel’s political destruction: “And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power…” (Leviticus 26:18-19). This “power” is governmental strength (cf. Romans 13:1-3). During the administration of King Solomon (David’s son), an idolater with nearly 1,000 heathen female lovers, the LORD God promised to bring about the division of Israel’s government. No longer would the 12 tribes of Israel share one king and one dynasty. Upon Solomon’s death, the 10 northern tribes would go to Jeroboam (Solomon’s servant) and only the two southern tribes would remain with David’s house (Solomon’s son Rehoboam). Be sure to read 1 Kings 11:1-13: the northern tribes take the name “Israel” while the southern tribes are designated “Judah.”

Jump ahead 200 years. The Northern Kingdom, isolated from the Jerusalem Temple for so long, has deteriorated spiritually to the point of pagan idolatry being the official state/national religion. Another curse of the Mosaic Law is about to fall: “[27] And if ye will not for all this hearken unto me, but walk contrary unto me; [28] Then I will walk contrary unto you also in fury; and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins…. [33] And I will scatter you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you: and your land shall be desolate, and your cities waste. [34] Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth desolate, and ye be in your enemies’ land; even then shall the land rest, and enjoy her sabbaths” (Leviticus 26:27-28,33-34). Here is the Fifth Course of Chastisement, and the Northern Kingdom will be deported from the Promised Land approximately a century before the Southern Kingdom (less idolatrous) will be removed to Babylon.

In 2 Kings chapter 17, verses 6-19, the armies of the Assyrians (Gentiles) took the northern tribes of Israel captive back to Assyria (in modern Syria and eastern Turkey). This occurred circa 722/721 B.C. Notice: “[20] And the LORD rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. [21] For he rent Israel from the house of David; and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king: and Jeroboam drave Israel from following the LORD, and made them sin a great sin. [22] For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did; they departed not from them; [23] Until the LORD removed Israel out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. So was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria unto this day.”

Keep reading from chapter 17 of 2 Kings: “[24] And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Ava, and from Hamath, and from Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel: and they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. [25] And so it was at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they feared not the LORD: therefore the LORD sent lions among them, which slew some of them. [26] Wherefore they spake to the king of Assyria, saying, The nations which thou hast removed, and placed in the cities of Samaria, know not the manner of the God of the land: therefore he hath sent lions among them, and, behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the God of the land…. [29] Howbeit every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. [30] And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, [31] And the Avites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sepharvites burnt their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim. [32] So they feared the LORD, and made unto themselves of the lowest of them priests of the high places, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. [33] They feared the LORD, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations whom they carried away from thence.”

When the northern tribes of Israel were forced out of the Promised Land because of the Assyrian Captivity, the King of Assyria replaced them with Gentile (non-Jewish) idolaters who also defiled Samaria with false religion (Satan worship). If necessary, read verses 24-25 above again. Also, re-read verse 33, observing how the Promised Land was corrupted with syncretism (combining Judaism with heathen systems). These Gentiles subsequently intermarried with the Jews who remained in the land, producing a mixed ethnic group (genetically and religiously different from pure-blooded Jews). Here is the origin of the Samaritans, who existed even in New Testament times and New Testament Scriptures.

During Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry, He commissioned His 12 Apostles with the following words: “[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” (Matthew 10:5-6). Although they were half-blooded Jews, the Samaritans were still considered Gentile (non-Jewish) because of their non-Jewish blood and non-Jewish religious beliefs. In keeping with the Abrahamic Covenant, Israel was to be converted to JEHOVAH God first, then redeemed Israel was to share God’s words with the Gentiles in the Millennial Kingdom (see Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 60:1-3; Zechariah 8:20-23). Since Christ has come to Israel only—and not the Gentiles (Matthew 15:24; Romans 9:4-5; Romans 15:8; Ephesians 2:11-12), including the Samaritans (John 4:22)—He orders His Apostles not to preach to Samaritans either. (More will be said about this commission later.)

Even though His earthly ministry is restricted to Israel, the Lord Jesus Christ demonstrates the wider purpose of Father God in John chapter 4. Whereas Israel is mainly in unbelief (refusing to convert by believing the Gospel of the Kingdom), Christ deliberately passes through Samaria to reach out to the Samaritans whom converted Israel would have been destined to teach! Sitting on Jacob’s well because He is tired, the Lord Jesus meets a Samaritan woman who has come to draw water. “Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans” (John 4:9). She cannot fathom why Jesus, a Jew, would interact with her, a Samaritan! It is also noteworthy how she claims “Jacob” (father of the 12 tribes of Israel) is also her forefather (verse 12): again, the Samaritans have some Jewish DNA in them. Whereas the Jews worship in Jerusalem, the Samaritans worship in Mount Gerazim (verse 20): again, the Samaritans and Jews have vastly different religious views.

If you keep reading John chapter 4, you will discover how even this Samaritan woman (despite her and her people’s gross spiritual ignorance and darkness) is waiting for Messiah/Christ (verse 25)—in contrast to Israel who has mostly rejected Messiah Jesus who has been ministering to them! Moreover, not only does that Samaritan woman come to trust Jesus as Christ, verse 39 relays the following: “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.” Finally, verse 40: “So when the Samaritans were come unto him [Jesus], they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.” Although Israel could not care less about Jesus, the Samaritans welcome Him and He remains with them for two days!

As mentioned earlier, because the Samaritans were half-Gentile by blood and religion, they detested how the full-blooded Jews traveled down to Jerusalem to worship at the Temple. The Samaritans preferred to worship at Mount Gerazim (John 4:20). Furthermore, when the Jews from Galilee (north) passed through Samaria (north/central) for the three annual pilgrimages to Jerusalem (south)—Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles—the Samaritans refused to lodge the Jews for the night or two required to cross through Samaria. When Jesus went through Samaria (toward the end of His ministry, long after John chapter 4), the Samaritans did not welcome Him.

Luke 9:51-56 reports: “[51] And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, [52] And sent messengers before his face: and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. [53] And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem. [54] And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, even as Elias did? [55] But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of. [56] For the Son of man is not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.” Apostles James and John, Jews, were quite eager to see the Samaritans destroyed. You can just sense their aggression in their plea, can you not? To their disappointment, the Lord said He would not punish these irreverent Samaritans. (For the fascinating reason, see our related study linked at the end of this article, “Was Jesus Christ a dispensationalist during His earthly ministry?”)

For more insight into the “strained” relations between the Jews and the Samaritans, notice this interesting fact. Israel’s apostate religious leaders were certainly not complimenting Christ in John 8:48 when they declared: “Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?” To call a Jew a “Samaritan” would be to utter a racial slur, a religious slur (“you devil worshipper/apostate!”). Obviously, saying a Jew was possessed by a “devil” was an extra insult (“you are under Satan’s control!”). So as to humble these prideful Jews (who saw themselves are immune from the Devil’s influence), the Lord was careful to point out two inconvenient truths. Firstly, in His famous Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), the Lord Jesus Christ deliberately made the story’s hero a Samaritan—much to the dismay of His Jewish audience!! Secondly, in Luke chapter 17, verses 11-19, when He healed 10 lepers (those afflicted by various infectious skin diseases), only one turned around to glorify God and thank Jesus—and, the Bible adds, “he was a Samaritan!” This too disturbed His Jewish audience, for the ungrateful nine were Jews! Here were two believing Samaritans obedient to God, but where were Jews?!

When the Book of Acts opens, another commission to Israel’s believing remnant is given as the Lord Jesus speaks the following words: “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Whereas the 12 Apostles had been ordered not to enter and preach in any Samaritan cities (Matthew 10:5-7), now they were authorized to evangelize the Samaritans. The order here, of course, was “Jerusalem” first (see Luke 24:47-49), followed by Judaea (southern Israel, region around Jerusalem), then Samaria (north/central Israel), and, finally, “the uttermost part of the earth” (full-blooded Gentiles).

It is important to see how, with Israel’s fall in Acts chapter 7, and Saul of Tarsus’ persecution of the Jerusalem Church in Acts chapters 7–8, the Little Flock begins a ministry to the Samaritans. A year has passed since chapter 1, and Jerusalem and its surrounding region (Judaea, southern Israel) have mostly refused to believe on Jesus Christ as urged in those early Acts sermons (see chapters 2–5). Ultimately, they stoned Stephen, filled with the Holy Ghost, in chapter 7. Therefore, the next area to reach in Acts 1:8 is Samaria (northern/central Israel). Remember, the Samaritans have been engaged in devil worship for centuries, so watch how there is a spiritual battle waged between Satan (using Simon the sorcerer) and God (using Philip the evangelist) here.

Chapter 8 of Acts: “[1] And Saul was consenting unto his [Stephen’s] death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles…. [5] Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. [6] And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. [7] For unclean spirits, crying with loud voice, came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. [8] And there was great joy in that city.

“[9] But there was a certain man, called Simon, which beforetime in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, giving out that himself was some great one: [10] To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God. [11] And to him they had regard, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. [12] But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [13] Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. [14] Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: [15] Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: [16] (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) [17] Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost…. [25] And they [Peter and John], when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.” As for the Apostles Peter and John laying hands on the believers in Samaria so they receive the Holy Ghost, refer to our companion study linked below.

While much more could be said about the Samaritans here, our other related articles are useful supplements to continuing in-depth discussions of this topic.

Also see:
» Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost?
» Was Jesus Christ a dispensationalist during His earthly ministry?
» Did John 10:16 predict the Church the Body of Christ?
» How could “wise” King Solomon let foreign women deceive him?
» Was Israel’s fall a secret?
» Is Israel “cast away,” or not? Has Israel “fallen,” or not?
» When did Paul know about Israel’s fall?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “latchet?”

What is a “latchet?”

WHAT IS A “LATCHET?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The term “latchet” is found only four times in the text of the Authorized Version:

  • Isaiah 5:27: “None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:….” (The Prophet Isaiah is describing the formidable and mighty foes whom the LORD will bring upon sinful Israel.)
  • Mark 1:7: “And preached, saying, There cometh one mightier than I after me, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose.”
  • Luke 3:16: “John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:….”
  • John 1:27: “He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”

We want to draw our attention to the final three references, John the Baptist’s message about Jesus Christ. John says he is not worthy to unloose the “latchet” of the Lord’s shoes. Despite being an archaic word, we can guess its likely meaning because “latchet” is paired with “loosing” and it has the familiar term “latch” within it (although, surprisingly, the words “latch” and “latchet” are etymologically unrelated). These “shoes” were open sandals. Like with any shoes, there was a way to fasten them to feet. “Latchet” comes to us from the French “lachet,” itself based on “laz” (“lace”). In the case of Bible times, a thong (strip of leather) was used to secure shoes to one’s feet.

Yet, exactly what was John the Baptist communicating when he declared he was not worthy to unloose the “latchet” of the Lord Jesus’ shoes? It takes a little cultural insight. The servant untying his master’s shoes was the lowest and humblest task in that day, and John did not even consider himself worthy of doing that with Jesus! During Bible times, one of servant’s jobs was to untie and remove his master’s sandals. Sinful John confessed to Israel that he is so lowly compared to the magnificent and holy Messiah Jesus whom he is preaching, that he, as Jesus’ servant, is not worthy of even stooping down and untying his Lord’s sandals (John did not think he was good enough to perform one of the lowest types of service!). In fact, John added in Matthew 3:11, “whose shoes I am not worthy to bear”—John said he was unworthy of also picking up Jesus’ shoes! John cautioned Israel not to take Jesus’ arrival lightly (which they still did, despite that warning).

Also see:
» Why did John the Baptist behave so strangely?
» Was John the Baptist really Elijah?
» How could John the Baptist question if Jesus really is Christ?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What is a “concord?”

What is a “concord?”

WHAT IS A “CONCORD?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

Second Corinthians 6:15: “And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?”

We figure out the definition of “concord” by recognizing the parallelism and contrasts in this portion of Scripture:

“[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers…”

  • “…what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness?” (verse 14)
  • “…what communion hath light with darkness?” (verse 14)
  • “…what concord hath Christ with Belial?” (verse 15)
  • “…what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?” (verse 15)
  • “…what agreement hath the temple of God with idols?” (verse 16)

“[16] … for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

The five contrasting statements in verses 14-16 give ample reasons why we believers should not be “unequally yoked together with unbelievers.” Righteousness and unrighteousness are incompatible, nullifying or canceling each other. Light and darkness are diametrically opposed, also canceling one another. Christ [not just Jesus Christ, but us, the Church the Body of Christ; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13,27] and Belial [Satan, the personification of all that is worthless or profitless] do not fellowship; they are contrary to each other too. Believers and infidels (unbelievers) cannot mix. The temple of God (believers’ bodies; 2 Corinthians 6:16; also, 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19) is unharmonious with idols.

In verses 14-16, we can see these five near-synonyms: “fellowship,” “communion,” “concord,” “part,” “agreement.” When you notice “concord,” think of such terms as “concordance” (harmony) and “concordant” (agreeable). It is impossible for agreement, harmony, union, between… righteousness and unrighteousness, light and darkness, Christ and Belial (Satan, worthlessness), believers and infidels (unbelievers), and the temple of God (Christian’s body) and idols. For more information about sound Bible doctrine, you are strongly encouraged to consider our studies linked below.

Also see:
» Who or what is “Belial?”
» Did Paul quote verses out of context in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1?
» What is “secondary separation?”
» Can you explain “reproof” and “reprove?”
» Does doctrine really matter?
» How can false teachers sleep at night?
» Should we pray with people of various denominations?
» Should we hate the denominational people who misled us?
» Must one be a “King James Bible Pauline dispensationalist” to have eternal life?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, Who or what is “Belial?”

Who or what is “Belial?”

WHO OR WHAT IS “BELIAL?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

“Belial” is found a total of 16 times in our King James Bible—mostly the Old Testament Scriptures. If we wish to learn the definition of a Bible term, the best approach is to examine other verses that contain the same word or deal with the same subject. The Holy Bible has its own set of vocabulary and meanings. Hence, we should let Scripture interpret itself, without inserting man’s opinions or idle speculation.

We look at the first instance of “Belial” in the Bible so we can establish the Scriptural tone or definition. Go to Deuteronomy chapter 13: “[1] If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, [2] And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; [3] Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. [4] Ye shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear him, and keep his commandments, and obey his voice, and ye shall serve him, and cleave unto him. [5] And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he hath spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD thy God commanded thee to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from the midst of thee.”

Here, someone in Israel is working to deceive them, to draw them away from JEHOVAH God and His Word to them, and have them follow false gods (idols of the neighboring heathen). Furthermore, these false teachers or false prophets might even perform a miraculous demonstration to charm or seduce Israel into listening to and accept their message as true. It could concern a “healing,” a “vision from heaven,” an “angelic message,” a “dream,” or whatever. (Just like the experiences we read about in bestselling “Christian” literature and see in highly acclaimed “Christian” films!) The LORD God commanded Israel to ignore those miraculous demonstrations and follow His Word. If that false teacher or false prophet was speaking contrary to the written Word of God, he or she was to be—no questions asked—put to death (verse 5). If this penalty were in force today, no doubt there would be very few ministers alive!!! God told Israel she was to have no other gods before Him (Exodus 20:1-6; Deuteronomy 5:6-10). Israel was expected to obey that Mosaic Law, especially the first two of the Ten Commandments.

Continue reading from Deuteronomy chapter 13: “[6] If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thy son, or thy daughter, or the wife of thy bosom, or thy friend, which is as thine own soul, entice thee secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which thou hast not known, thou, nor thy fathers; [7] Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; [8] Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall thine eye pity him, neither shalt thou spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: [9] But thou shalt surely kill him; thine hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. [10] And thou shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he hath sought to thrust thee away from the LORD thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. [11] And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you.”

Again, if someone in Israel had a relative or a friend who encouraged fellow Jews to worship and serve gods other than JEHOVAH God, those idolaters were to be put to death by stoning too (verses 9-10). God did not tolerate such paganism in Israel. It was quite a serious matter, so much so that, to be guilty of it meant automatic capital punishment!

We keep moving through Deuteronomy chapter 13: “[12] If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, [13] Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; [14] Then shalt thou enquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; [15] Thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword. [16] And thou shalt gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street thereof, and shalt burn with fire the city, and all the spoil thereof every whit, for the LORD thy God: and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again. [17] And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the LORD may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers; [18] When thou shalt hearken to the voice of the LORD thy God, to keep all his commandments which I command thee this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of the LORD thy God.”

If there was indisputable proof that a certain Israeli city had followed idolatrous Jews, God ordered the whole city was to be destroyed by sword (war) and fire. We need not discuss this chapter in any further detail. What we want to do is re-read verse 13: “Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known;….” As noted earlier, here we see “Belial” for the first time in the Bible. As we can see, the context is idol worship. Thus, in this context, “children of Belial” are people who “serve other gods.”

We proceed to the next occurrence of “Belial” in Scripture, Judges 19:22: “Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, beset the house round about, and beat at the door, and spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thine house, that we may know him.” The context here is that Baal worship (idolatry) has gripped the nation Israel. Whenever Baal worship (idolatry) entered Israel, homosexuality became widespread (see the “sodomites” of Deuteronomy 23:17, 1 Kings 14:24, 1 Kings 15:12, 1 Kings 22:46, and 2 Kings 23:7). Hence, while a Levite and his prostitute servant-wife were traveling on the side of Mount Ephraim, an abnormal and extremely graphic incident occurred in Judges chapter 19. (You will be spared the most explicit details in this study, but, friend, you read that chapter on your own to learn just how degenerate Israel became once she forsook the one true God.) The men of Gibeah (near Jerusalem)—“certain sons of Belial”—wished to have sexual relations with the Levite who was staying in their town for the night. (Again, you are spared the most graphic details. Read the chapter on your own.) The point is these homosexuals in Israel were idolaters: their habitual idol worship (throughout the time of Judges) caused them to become sexually perverted. God considered them “sons of Belial.” Again, observe how “Belial” is connected to idols and false religion. In Judges 20:13, we see these individuals again: “Now therefore deliver us the men, the children of Belial, which are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But the children of Benjamin would not hearken to the voice of their brethren the children of Israel.”

Now, we move over to Hannah in 1 Samuel chapter 1: “[10] And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. [11] And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. [12] And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. [13] Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. [14] And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. [15] And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. [16] Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. [17] Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. [18] And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.”

When barren Hannah went to the LORD’S house to bitterly weep and pray, she talked silently. Her husband’s other wife had tormented her because of her infertility, and she so desperately wanted a child! Eli the Priest watched Hannah’s lips move, but he did not hear anything coherent, so he assumed she must have been drunken (verses 12-13). All we want to see again is how Hannah denied being a “a daughter of Belial” (verse 16). She was not a drunkard or wicked woman, someone living contrary to the Law of Moses and the LORD God’s instructions. (By the way, Hannah went on to bear a son—the Prophet Samuel, ruler of Israel before King Saul reigned.)

Not long after Hannah’s conversation with Eli, this priest’s two sons (Hophni and Phinehas, also priests) are described in 1 Samuel 2:12: “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.” Although “religious” leaders, they were evil men, not conducting themselves in an exemplary fashion as JEHOVAH God’s priests. They were presumptuous, selfish, and blasphemous (see verses 13-17). Eventually, the LORD God took their worthless lives using Philistine armies (chapter 4)!

Now, we read the account of how some Israelites responded to King Saul’s crowning. First Samuel 10:25-27: “[25] Then Samuel told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the LORD. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. [26] And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. [27] But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought no presents. But he held his peace.” There are two groups of people here—those “whose hearts God had touched,” and “the children of Belial.” “Belial” is being used in contrast to “God” here. Keep that in mind, for we will come back to it later.

King Saul has been harassing and trying to kill believing David for some time. There is a man in Carmel named Nabal, “churlish [rude, cruel] and evil in his doings” (1 Samuel 25:3). David sends servants and asks for Nabal’s help, but Nabal refuses. Consequently, David seeks revenge, and Nabal’s servant goes to warn Nabal’s wife, Abigail. The young man relays this news to Abigail: “Now therefore know and consider what thou wilt do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all his household: for he is such a son of Belial, that a man cannot speak to him” (verse 17). Abigail goes to assist David’s men, and she addresses David in verse 25: “Let not my lord, I pray thee, regard this man of Belial, even Nabal: for as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him: but I thine handmaid saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou didst send.” Observe how Nabal is designated as “churlish and evil” (verse 3), a “son of Belial” (verse 17), and a “man of Belial” (verse 25). He is not loyal to JEHOVAH God in his ways.

First Samuel 30:22: “Then answered all the wicked men and men of Belial, of those that went with David, and said, Because they went not with us, we will not give them ought of the spoil that we have recovered, save to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away, and depart.” In the final days of King Saul’s reign, the Amalekites invaded parts of southern Israel, taking prisoners of war and various goods (including livestock). In response, David had to lead Jewish men to recover their family members and goods. Some men who had traveled with David refused to give the spoils to the men who had stayed behind to guard the Jews’ possessions. The Bible calls these greedy people “wicked men and men of Belial.” They were avaricious, evil, thinking improperly and not following the God of the Bible. Material goods were their idol.

Second Samuel 16:7-8 is another reference worthy of attention: “[7] And thus said Shimei when he cursed, Come out, come out, thou bloody man, and thou man of Belial: [8] The LORD hath returned upon thee all the blood of the house of Saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned; and the LORD hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom thy son: and, behold, thou art taken in thy mischief, because thou art a bloody man.” Shimei, a man of the house of the late King Saul (verse 5), is upset that David has now assumed the throne of Israel. David’s son Absalom has stolen David’s throne, causing Shimei to gloat over this “justice.” Shimei has a very low opinion of David, addressing the king as, “thou man of Belial.”

We read in 2 Samuel 20:1: “And there happened to be there a man of Belial, whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite: and he blew a trumpet, and said, We have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: every man to his tents, O Israel.” Sheba, no doubt, is a “man of Belial” because he is encouraging Israel to commit treason, turn away from David the king whom God had personally appointed over Israel (see 2 Samuel 7:8).

Second Samuel 23:6: “But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands….” This is an excerpt of King David’s farewell address in which he defines the reign of a godly king. The “sons of Belial” (evil men, people following Satan) will be forcefully removed and destroyed (see also verse 7).

When King Abijah (David’s great-grandson) ascended Judah’s throne, Abijah referred back to the days when his father (Rehoboam) lost the northern tribes to King Jeroboam: “And there are gathered unto him [Jeroboam] vain men, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted, and could not withstand them” (2 Chronicles 13:7). From Abijah’s perspective, these supporters of Jeroboam’s kingdom were worthless or evil, for Abijah’s father Rehoboam and Jeroboam were bitter enemies. Yet, the division between the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and Southern Kingdom (Judah) was the LORD’S doing (see 2 Chronicles 10:15): King Solomon’s pagan idolatry had resulted in Israel’s political collapse, the 10 northern tribes leaving the house of David for another dynasty (1 Kings 11:1-13; 1 Kings 12:15; cf. Leviticus 26:19)!

Queen Jezebel is perhaps the most notorious woman in Jewish history. This heathen idolater and her husband (King Ahab) made Baal (false god) worship the official religion of Israel (Northern Kingdom). Among their dastardly deeds, Jezebel conspired to murder an innocent Jewish man because Ahab wanted his property. First Kings chapter 21: “[7] And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite. [8] So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name, and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city, dwelling with Naboth. [9] And she wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people: [10] And set two men, sons of Belial, before him, to bear witness against him, saying, Thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him, that he may die.

“[11] And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letters which she had sent unto them. [12] They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people. [13] And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before him: and the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did blaspheme God and the king. Then they carried him forth out of the city, and stoned him with stones, that he died. [14] Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.” While we will forgo any further commentary, suffice it to say that these two “children of Belial” and “sons of Belial” (verse 13) were false witnesses, liars, guilty of accusing an innocent man and playing a role in his wrongful execution. (An interesting parallel to this is Matthew 26:57-62 and Mark 14:53-60.)

The name “Belial” is found one solitary time in the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 6:15. We examine it in its context: “[14] Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

We see how “Belial” is in contradistinction (opposition) to “Christ.” This is the strongest contrast possible: “Belial” represents evil but “Christ” symbolizes good. Remember all the verses that have gone before! As it is impossible for good to agree with evil, so Christians should remain separate from unbelievers (evil world system—especially false religion, denominationalism, et cetera). For a fuller treatment of this in-depth topic, see our related studies linked at the end of this article.

CONCLUSION

If you look at how the Bible text uses this term, “Belial” is a negative word, connected to people cooperating with Satan’s policy of evil (worthlessness, destruction, lawlessness, wickedness, naughtiness, ungodliness, et cetera). (Second Samuel 16:7 and 2 Chronicles 13:7 are insults based on human viewpoint. God had not taken David’s kingdom and given it to Absalom; Shimei was mistaken. The LORD [not Satan] had caused men to rise up against King Rehoboam; Abijah was wrong.) “Belial” is the transliteration of the Hebrew “beliya`al” (“beliy” meaning “without;” “ya`al” defined as “profit”). In other words, “sons of Belial” or “children of Belial” are “without profit,” following a course that is “spiritually worthless,” originating from and perpetuating Satan’s worthless policy of evil.

Also see:
» What is “concord?”
» Did Paul quote verses out of context in 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1?
» What is “secondary separation?”
» Can you explain “reproof” and “reprove?”
» Does doctrine really matter?
» How can false teachers sleep at night?
» Should we pray with people of various denominations?
» Should we hate the denominational people who misled us?
» Must one be a “King James Bible Pauline dispensationalist” to have eternal life?

JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS, What are “sheaves?”

What are “sheaves?”

WHAT ARE “SHEAVES?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The singular form is “sheaf” whereas the plural is “sheaves.” If we look at the verses below, we will observe one noteworthy clue: these nouns are situated in the context of reaping harvests from crop fields. Interestingly, “sheaf” comes to us from Old English and is related to “shove.” Think of cereal grain stalks arranged lengthwise and tied together to form a “bundle,” “cluster,” or “heap.”

  • Genesis 37:7: “For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf.”
  • Leviticus 23:10-12,15: “[10] Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: [11] And he shall wave the sheaf before the LORD, to be accepted for you: on the morrow after the sabbath the priest shall wave it. [12] And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf an he lamb without blemish of the first year for a burnt offering unto the LORD…. [15] And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:….”
  • Deuteronomy 24:19: “When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.”
  • Ruth 2:7,15: “[7] And she said, I pray you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves: so she came, and hath continued even from the morning until now, that she tarried a little in the house…. [15] And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:….”
  • Nehemiah 13:15: “In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.”
  • Job 24:10: “They cause him to go naked without clothing, and they take away the sheaf from the hungry;….”
  • Psalm 126:6: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”
  • Psalm 129:7: “Wherewith the mower filleth not his hand; nor he that bindeth sheaves his bosom.”
  • Amos 2:13: “Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves.”
  • Micah 4:12: “But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.”
  • Zechariah 12:6: “In that day will I make the governors of Judah like an hearth of fire among the wood, and like a torch of fire in a sheaf; and they shall devour all the people round about, on the right hand and on the left: and Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem.”

Also see:
» What are “swaddling” clothes?
» What is a “sop?”
» What are “dregs?”
» What are “cracknels?”
» What are “fitches?”

Can you explain “reproof” and “reprove?”, GRACE (CHRISTIAN) LIVING, JUST ASKING / CURIOUS QUESTIONS

Can you explain “reproof” and “reprove?”

CAN YOU EXPLAIN “REPROOF” AND “REPROVE?”

by Shawn Brasseaux

The King James Bible makes reference to “reproof,” “reproofs,” “reprove,” “reproved,” “reprover,” or “reproveth” almost 50 times. What do the base words—“reproof” and “reprove”—mean?

THE BIBLE’S BUILT-IN DICTIONARY

If we look at all references (52 to be exact—they will be presented in this study), we will notice three verses in particular stand out so as to provide us with the Bible’s definition:

  • Psalm 50:21: “These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.”
  • John 3:20: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”
  • Ephesians 5:13: “But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”

“Reprove” is connected to “set them in order before thine eyes” (Psalms), causing light to shine on and expose evil deeds (John), or things being made manifest by light (Ephesians). Close synonyms are “convict” (“accuse of wrongdoing”), “rebuke” (“criticize for misconduct”), and “reprimand” (“express disapproval of an action”).

One of the most well-known passages about “reproof” is 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:….” That is, the Scriptures (God’s inspired and preserved words) are advantageous because they impart to us “doctrine” (teaching worthy of our belief/trust), “reproof” (criticism to show us what we are doing wrong), “correction” (knowledge we should believe so we can think properly)—all of this being “instruction in righteousness” (how to walk according to our righteous/justified identity in Christ). For two examples of Bible reproof, read Paul’s two epistles to Corinth: these saints were guilty of a host of sins, much of which the Church the Body of Christ has yet to overcome even now (denominations/sects, abuse of spiritual gifts, infatuation with heathen philosophy/human wisdom, petty arguments, reducing the Lord’s Supper to devil worship or empty ceremonialism, fornication, doubting the doctrine of bodily resurrection, among other things)!

Saints, we are to take the Scriptures rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15) and follow 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” To wit, with the indwelling Holy Spirit teaching us His words in the Holy Bible, causing us to see what is wrong, so we are to inform others and show them what is wrong (false doctrine, misbehavior, and so on). That is the work of the ministry, which we do, of course, according to the following counsel: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will” (2 Timothy 2:24-26).

For the remainder of this study, bear in mind the words that have gone before, and read the following verses to become better acquainted with how reproof and reproving work in these respective contexts. Notice how there is much opposition, as sin works in the human heart to fight against the LORD God!

“REPROVER” – noun (the person who causes someone to see/know/judge/discern right from wrong)

  • Ezekiel 3:26: “And I will make thy tongue cleave to the roof of thy mouth, that thou shalt be dumb, and shalt not be to them a reprover: for they are a rebellious house.”

“REPROOF” / “REPROOFS” – noun (the information that causes to sees, the body of truth that imparts the ability to know/judge/discern right from wrong)

  • Job 26:11: “The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof.” (Here, in this unique case, the Creator God is commanding creation to conform to His will, submit to His authority.)
  • Psalm 38:14: “Thus I was as a man that heareth not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs.”
  • Proverbs 1:23,25,30: “[23] Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you…. [25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof:… [30] They would none of my counsel: they despised all my reproof.”
  • Proverbs 5:12: “And say, How have I hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;….”
  • Proverbs 6:23: “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:….”
  • Proverbs 10:17: “He is in the way of life that keepeth instruction: but he that refuseth reproof erreth.”
  • Proverbs 12:1: “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish.”
  • Proverbs 13:18: “Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honoured.”
  • Proverbs 15:5,10,31-32: “[5] A fool despiseth his father’s instruction: but he that regardeth reproof is prudent…. [10] Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die….. [31] The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. [32] He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding.”
  • Proverbs 17:10: “A reproof entereth more into a wise man than an hundred stripes into a fool.”
  • Proverbs 29:15: “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.”
  • 2 Timothy 3:16: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:….”

“REPROVE” / “REPROVETH” / “REPROVED” – verb (the action of causing someone to see/know/judge/discern right from wrong, or the action of seeing/knowing/judging/discerning right from wrong)

  • Genesis 20:16: “And unto Sarah he said, Behold, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver: behold, he is to thee a covering of the eyes, unto all that are with thee, and with all other: thus she was reproved.”
  • Genesis 21:25: “And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.”
  • 2 Kings 19:4: “It may be the LORD thy God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God; and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that are left.”
  • 1 Chronicles 16:21: “He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes,….”
  • Job 6:25-26: “[25] How forcible are right words! but what doth your arguing reprove? [26] Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?”
  • Job 13:10: “He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.”
  • Job 22:4: “Will he reprove thee for fear of thee? will he enter with thee into judgment?”
  • Job 40:2: “Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it.”
  • Psalm 50:8,21: “[8] I will not reprove thee for thy sacrifices or thy burnt offerings, to have been continually before me…. [21] These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes.”
  • Psalm 105:14: “He suffered no man to do them wrong: yea, he reproved kings for their sakes;….”
  • Psalm 141:5: “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head: for yet my prayer also shall be in their calamities.”
  • Proverbs 9:7-8: “[7] He that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame: and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot. [8] Reprove not a scorner, lest he hate thee: rebuke a wise man, and he will love thee.”
  • Proverbs 15:12: “A scorner loveth not one that reproveth him: neither will he go unto the wise.”
  • Proverbs 19:25: “Smite a scorner, and the simple will beware: and reprove one that hath understanding, and he will understand knowledge.”
  • Proverbs 25:12: “As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.”
  • Proverbs 29:1: “He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
  • Proverbs 30:6: “Add thou not unto his [God’s] words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
  • Isaiah 11:3-4: “[3] And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: [4] But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”
  • Isaiah 29:21: “That make a man an offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought.”
  • Isaiah 37:4: “It may be the LORD thy God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent to reproach the living God, and will reprove the words which the LORD thy God hath heard: wherefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant that is left.”
  • Jeremiah 2:19: “Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken the LORD thy God, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord GOD of hosts.”
  • Jeremiah 29:27: “Now therefore why hast thou not reproved Jeremiah of Anathoth, which maketh himself a prophet to you?”
  • Hosea 4:4: “Yet let no man strive, nor reprove another: for thy people are as they that strive with the priest.”
  • Habakkuk 2:1: “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.”
  • Luke 3:19: “But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him [John the Baptist] for Herodias his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,….”
  • John 3:20: “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.”
  • John 16:8: “And when he is come, he [the Holy Spirit] will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:….”
  • Ephesians 5:11,13: “[11] And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them…. [13] But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.”
  • 2 Timothy 4:2: “Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.”

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://forwhatsaiththescriptures.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Also see:
» Does doctrine really matter?
» What does “circumspect” mean?
» Does “touch not mine anointed” forbid us from correcting erring church leaders?
» I have trusted Christ, so why do I see things in Scripture I have never noticed before?
» How do we identify false teachers?
» Should we hate the denominational people who misled us?
» What is “secondary separation?” Should we Bible believers practice it?