Photo by Yogesh Rahamatkar

At the age of 6 he could divide two eight-digit numbers in his head, and he conversed in Ancient Greek.  For fun at parties, he could memorize the Budapest phone directory and answer questions about the names, numbers, and addresses or just recite whole pages from top to bottom…as an adolescent.  John von Neumann was a child prodigy, and later regarded as the preeminent mathematician of his era with major contributions to physics, economics, and computer science.  We marvel at them, we often wonder, “how could they achieve such levels at such a tender young age?”

In a manner of speaking, the Bible tells us of a body of believers in ancient Macedonia who similarly reached such a high level.

“Those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament, And those who turn many to righteousness like the stars forever and ever.” (Daniel 12:3)

During his second missionary journey, Paul received the vision of the “Macedonian man” at Troas and was compelled to cross into Europe to share the Gospel.  It would change the course of Western civilization.  The first European convert was a woman named Lydia in Philippi.  Then beaten and jailed there, after their miraculous jailbreak they traveled west along the Via Egnatia road to Thessalonica, all recorded in Acts 16-17.  Paul preached there for only three weeks before the Jews rioted over his teachings and they evaded “off road” to Berea by night before these same Thessalonian Jews learned of his whereabouts and traveled to riot there as well. Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea, but they shipped Paul down the coast to Athens, Luke had earlier remained in Philippi.  While he is in Athens, Paul asks Timothy to go back and check on the young church at Thessalonica. (1^st Thessalonians 3:1-2)

From Athens, Paul travels to Corinth and is where Timothy catches up with them to deliver the report.  It is his report that elicits the warm letter from Paul to this young church, known to us as First Thessalonians.  It is short, only five chapters long, but of all the books of the Bible it is the most focused on the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, mentioned in every chapter.

The vast majority were Greeks (Acts 17:3-4). And the Thessalonian church was only about one year old, Paul had only been there for three weeks!  And yet within these five chapters Paul covers doctrines that he assumes the Thessalonians are “up to speed” including:

• Salvation
• Sanctification
• Assurance
• Trinity
• Nature of Man
• Resurrection
• Day of the Lord

He doesn’t reintroduce these concepts to them, he reminds them of what he had taught them.

Imagine that just one year into your faith someone would ask you to write a brief essay on any of these basic doctrines. And all without the benefit of the New Testament.  They were on the ball!

“Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.  We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.” (1^st Thessalonians 1:1-2)

First, take note that this letter is written to the “church” and not the “brethren” or “the believers” but the entire church at Thessalonica.  Where is their church?  It is “in the Father” and “in the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Paul, Silas and Timothy are together in Corinth saying collectively “we give thanks…”  Why?  The following verses attest the basis of their praise is 1) their Christian virtues (vs. 3), 2) Divine election (vs. 4-7), and the nature and results of their witness (v.8-10).  The “we” is collective, and not just a polite phrase.  The troika is seen here together as “associates”, and soon not seen together again for they will minister in differing locations.

“Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father.” (verse 3)

Based on Timothy’s report, Paul knows of their fruit, it is clearly and abundantly evident.  This triad is not just concepts or abstracts that we use politely, Paul cites these attributes in terms of what these Thessalonians produced. 

Take note from verse 6 that they are producing a “work of faith” in the face of “affliction” far greater than what we can appreciate today, and it was by God’s grace.  The phrase “labor of love” is used today so glibly but here “labor” is the Greek word “kopos” (Strongs G#2873) which means “to the point of exhaustion, pain or weariness.” In other words, it wasn’t trivial, their labor of love was a heavy lift.  The third attribute is “patience of hope” which depicts an enduring steadfastness of hope.  It was their active constancy in the face of difficulty.

 These attributes should be our attributes today: faith, love and hope.  Some cite these connotations:

• Faith—rests on the past…and looks to a crucified Savior
• Love—works in the present…and looks up to a crowned Savior
• Hope—looks to the future…and looks on to a coming Savior

“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  But someone will say, ‘You have faith; I have deeds.’ Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” (James 2:17-18)

Now consider the next verse:

“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” (verse 4)

How can Paul make this statement??  Do you understand he is speaking of the ENTIRE church???  How do I know of your election, or how would you know of mine?  It is a difficult question.  But individually, you can know of your election personally based on the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

So, how does Paul know?  Because of their works and the lives they live!  That Paul, literally a Pharisee among Pharisees, would now welcome so affectionately the once despised Gentiles is such a huge statement.  For he is now the “Apostle to the Gentiles.”

The question becomes, would he be able to say that about us?  About your church? 

Jesus said, “You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles?  Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.  A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.  Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” (Matthew 7:16-20)

So, what is the basis of Paul’s assessment?

“For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake.” (verse 5)

Paul not only witnessed their response to the Gospel but now hears of their great testimony through Timothy.

“And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe.  For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place.” (verses 6-8a)

The word for “examples/ensamples” is “tupos” (Strongs G#5179) and it means “to leave a mark by being struck.”  Just…..think on that for a moment.

Macedonia and Achaia were two different regional divisions within present day Greece, divided by the Romans at that time.  “In every place” their faith was on full display.  Not only were the Thessalonians an example to unbelievers, but they were examples of a group to other Christians.  In other words, every church looked to the Thessalonian church as the example.

In fact, it was said of them, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too.” (Acts 17:6b)

WOW!   WHAT A SCORECARD!

The question becomes, how do we compare today?  In our personal faith walk?  Our churches?

In praise, Paul concludes simply, “Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything.” (verse 8b)

It is very interesting that the Thessalonian church compares or relates favorably to the church at Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7-13).  In that regard, one cannot help but be reminded that the 7 parables found in Matthew 13 represent conditions of the Church Age and which remarkably and perfectly correlate to the 7 Letters to the Seven Churches in Revelation 2-3.  Without going further, there is an enormous and incredible heptadic structure (relating to seven or sevenfold) that is found in Scripture.

Continuing, when you consider that Paul wrote 13 letters, we know that three were dual (Corinthians, Thessalonians, Timothy), so a total written to 10 groups.  And three of those were to pastors (Timothy, Titus, Philemon)….leaving as a result 7 letters to 7 different churches.  Coincidence? Or Divine structure?

Consider the themes of Paul’s epistles related to Jesus’ Letters to Seven Churches:

As we look back on the year 2020 one cannot help but note the “great shaking” that has occurred throughout the world.  For those who study their Bibles, it has been a year of great prophetic development on multiple fronts unlike any year except 1948 or 1967, both which centered on Israel. Some would suggest a “great shaking” is taking place within churches also, as if Jesus is sifting the Church with clear separation appearing between those with Philadelphian and Laodicean traits.

Being led by the Holy Spirit, if there were two churches that we might desire to emulate their attributes, no doubt, it would be the Thessalonian and Philadelphia churches.  Let them be your examples.

“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.” (Revelation 3:10-11)

A hallmark of American radio broadcasting for more than 50 years was the firm staccato voice of newsman and commentator Paul Harvey.  His voice was most recognizable and his signature line was “stand by…..for the rest of the story.”  It seems today we often quickly skim over Bible stories in our reading without really knowing “the rest of the story.”  More often, the details behind the story lend greater meaning and understanding of our Lord.

One such story is the account of Jesus healing two demon-possessed men in the Gadarenes on the east side of the Galilee.  It is found in Matthew 8:28-34 and corroborated in Mark 5:1-20 and Luke 8:26-29.  In Matthew’s account it is early in Jesus’ ministry just after the Sermon on the Mount.  Interestingly, it occurs right after His healing of a servant of a Roman centurion who demonstrates great faith (verses 5-13) and is the first recorded healing involving a Gentile.  Why is that interesting?

First, it was remarkable that the centurion found Jesus in Capernaum and it is recorded He “marveled” at the faith of this Gentile (verse 10).  In contrast He said, “…“Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel!”

It is also notable because shortly after beginning in verse 23 Jesus and the disciples enter a boat departing Capernaum for the region of the Gadarenes (or Gergesenes) on the east side of the Sea of Galilee.  That is interesting because unlike the Jewish-settled west side, the east side of the Galilee was Gentile and Jesus never had a dedicated ministry directed specifically to the Gentiles.

Jesus literally took the disciples on a mission. “On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him.  And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace, be still!” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. But He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?”  And they feared exceedingly, and said to one another, “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him!” (Mark 4:35-41)

Third, the disciples were all fishermen accustomed to storms and they were sailing on the Sea of Galilee, considered to be their daily home “turf.” Why did they express such alarm? Was this a greater storm than they routinely encountered?  Or was there something different about the storm?  Fourth, notice that Jesus “rebuked” this storm.  It begs the question, was this storm formed against Him by a malevolent intelligence?

And finally, we see that the disciples early on are overwhelmed in this moment and trying to understand who this man Jesus was.  And they lived with Him!  “Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” They are about to receive a quick education on the other shore.

But first, what is a dolmen?  They are megalithic tombs made primarily from slabs of basalt and limestone that can vary greatly in size and weight.  Dolmens are found all over the world, but there are more of these tombs in Jordan (20,000) and the Golan Heights (5,000) than anywhere else. Many are dated to 3000-2000 BC and some older. Generally simple structures, mostly in a trilithon formation-two standing stones and a capstone, like a “table” across the top, with no cement holding the slabs together.

Their primary function was for the burial of the dead, they were generally positioned north to south, and it was the sight of a monthly practice of making an offering to the dead that dates back to ancient Sumer and later practiced by the Amorites and Moabites.  Each family would bring a food offering on the night of the new moon when it was believed the veil was thinnest between the natural and the supernatural world not only to appease their dead ancestors with food but to summon their spirits for blessings and protection. Dolmens were frequently found in gardens. The offering was always conducted by the oldest son, called the “pourer of the cup.”

The offering was typically bread, water, honey, and a meat offering.  The meat mostly used was a pig because it was the least expensive to raise.  Thus, these regions around Israel traditionally raised swine herds to provide a monthly meat offering to their dead ancestors and from which they would partake themselves.

The act of necromancy, speaking to the dead, was a common practice of pagans during the Old and New Testament eras.  The word is based on the Greek nekromanteía, a compound of nekros (“corpse”) and manteía (“divination”).  In essence, it describes an attempt to speak to the dead and receive messages in return.

The practice of necromancy is most detestable and abhorrent to God.

“Then they yoked themselves to the Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices offered to the dead; they provoked the Lord to anger with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them.” (Psalm 106:28-29)

It is known as the veneration of the dead and the Israelites, during their time in Moab, adopted these practices from the Amorite/Rephaim culture.

“While Israel lived in Shittim, the people began to whore with the daughters of Moab.  These invited the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods.  So Israel yoked himself to Baal of Peor.  And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel.”(Numbers 25:1-3)

Who was Baal of Peor?  Remember, baal in Hebrew means “lord.”  So the Lord of Peor was a deity linked to that area.  Peor is related to the Hebrew root p’r, which means “cleft” or “gap” or “opening” and in this context is consistent with Isaiah’s description of the entrance to the netherworld of the dead.

“Therefore, Sheol has enlarged its appetite and opened (pa’ar) its mouth beyond measure. (Isaiah 5:14)

“I spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, following their own devices; a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens and making offerings on bricks; who sit in tombs, and spend the night in secret places; who eat pig’s flesh, and broth of tainted meat is in their vessels; who say, “Keep to yourself, do not come near me, for I am too holy for you.” (Isaiah 65:2-5)

Thus, this serves a background to a key component of our Matthew 8 account in terms of the practices of the day.  For these pagan practices of venerating the dead even made its way into both the Roman and Greek cultures well into the 300s A.D.  The Gergesene region was in the center of the ancient Amorite culture.

“And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way.” (Matthew 8:28)

Remarkably, both the Luke and Mark accounts record that one man was demon-possessed whereas Matthew clearly states there were two.  Most theologians believe it is because the Luke and Mark accounts extend the story to include the one man requesting to board the boat with Jesus at the end but He told him to go back and testify to his healing and so their accounts center on the one.

(“exceedingly fierce” is underlined because it is the Greek word chalepos used to describe the actions of men possessed by demons.  This word is only used one other time in the New Testament in 2^nd Timothy 2:24-3:9 describing the last days as “perilous” as in, out of their minds, uncontrollable and violent.  Certainly, we are seeing that today and is referenced in a prior article dated 6/2/20)

“And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?” (verse 29)

And the disciples heard this.  Today we have the benefit of the entire New Testament, but until this point Jesus had not yet declared who He was.  Moreover, even the demons seemed to be taken aback with the appearance of Christ, yet they immediately knew who He was and recognized His authority. (Reference: James 2:19)  To further validate their surprise the demons asked if Jesus had come to torment them “before the time” or the time of their judgment. They know their time is limited.

In the Mark account Jesus calls out the unclean spirit and asks its name for which he replies, “My name is Legion: for we are many.” (Mark 5:9)  Note that a Roman legion could vary in size between 4,000-6,000.  In verse 10, the demon pleads with Jesus not to cast them out of the area or region.  It is here that the demons see a herd of swine in the distance.

“Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding.  So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”

And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.” (Matthew 8:30-32)

The question becomes, why did the demons ask to be cast out of the two possessed men and into a swine herd?  Most deliverance ministers and many theologians acknowledge that demons are territorial spirits in nature.  The Bible tells us that angels can take the form of a man (Hebrews 13:2) but demons require embodiment in an animal or human to manifest themselves.  A very real possibility is that the demons requested to be cast into the swine herd simply to extend their territorial presence there.  Really interesting: Mark 5:13 tells us the swine herd numbered 2,000! It is also uncanny that the demons were cast into a swine herd that most likely as a primary purpose was raised for use as a monthly offering to dead spirits.  The next obvious question is, why did Jesus agree to their request? 

Jesus said, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order.  Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there.” (Matthew 12:43-45a)

That the swine herd ran violently down into the waters and perished cost the demons the embodiment necessary to stay in that area.  Today, most Christians are not familiar with the non-canonical books of the Apocrypha, they are referenced in the Bible but the authors of both the Old and New Testaments knew them well.  Both books of Enoch and Jasher state that demons are the disembodied spirits of the Nephilim of Genesis 6 that perished in the Flood.  The ancient writers stated that demons were fearful of water as it reminded them of their bodily death.  This would seemingly be supported by Jesus’ teaching that “when an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry (arid) places, seeking rest…” 

The demons did not know their fate, but Jesus did??  We simply don’t have all the answers.

Questions to be answered when we are with our Lord Jesus Christ in heaven and when we learn….”the rest of the story.”

Sources: Dr. Ken Johnson, Sharon & Derek Gilbert, Dr. Thomas Horn, Dr. Chuck Missler, Dr. Michael Heiser

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I am grateful for your emails and inquiries over my three months absence from the blog.  My wife and I have recently sold our home of 26 years and have relocated to a temporary residence waiting for God’s direction.  Shortly thereafter I succumbed to a two-month illness and was unable to write or teach.  Having now recovered, we would appreciate your prayerful support.

Years ago, while doing some necessary renovations to their home, a couple discovered a secret room behind a room that contained a historic find for the previous owners-two old steamer trunks.  Her parents were immigrants. Upon delivery the previous owner found old photographs, a tuxedo, and an old military uniform belonging to her grandfather, confirming the stories she had once heard that he had fought the Germans in World War II. Sometimes, a surviving relic from the past illumines or confirms a truth once held.

Over the last several years there has been a particular verse in the Bible that has been carefully re-examined and scrutinized.  It is 2^nd Thessalonians 2:3.

From the 1599 Geneva Bible:

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a departing first, and that that man of sin be disclosed, even the son of perdition.”

From the current ESV:

“Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction

The 1611 King James Version translates this word as “a falling away” and the NASB version of 1963 says “the apostasy” comes first before the revealing of Antichrist.  The question becomes, do all these translations communicate the same meaning?

There are many Bible scholars and Greek linguists (some cited below as sources) that believe within this verse Paul was referring to the Rapture coming first, not having anything to do with an apostasy in this epistle.  And this is not to argue against an apostasy occurring in the last days, for in other letters Paul, Peter, and Jude clearly state an apostasy will come to pass in the last days.

How could anyone draw that conclusion?  It is clear these translations are speaking of a doctrinal or spiritual apostasy.  In fact, we are even bearing witness to apostasy today!

Well, the key question becomes, does the word “apostasia” in verse 3 mean a spiritual departure or a physical departure?  For if it is a physical departure, it would change the meaning of the verse dramatically.  Understanding possible skepticism, prayerfully consider their evidence, presented in an ascending and orderly manner:

THE BACKGROUND OF THESSALONIKA

In 50 A.D. Paul only spent three weeks in Thessalonika (Acts 17:2-4) but in sharing the Gospel he also taught them deep understanding of prophecy and the end of days.  Afterwards he wrote First Thessalonians to the church with heavy emphasis on the Rapture and the coming Day of the Lord.

“Remember, the Thessalonians had been led astray by the false teaching (2:2- 3) that the Day of the Lord had already come. This was confusing because Paul offered great hope, in the first letter, of a departure to be with Christ and a rescue from God’ s wrath. Now a letter purporting to be from Paul seems to say that they would first have to go through the Day of the Lord. Paul then clarified his prior teaching by emphasizing that they had no need to worry. They could again be comforted because the departure he had discussed in his first letter, and in his teaching while with them, was still the truth. The departure of Christians to be with Christ, and the subsequent revelation of the lawless one, Paul argues, is proof that the Day of the Lord had not begun as they had thought.”-Dr. H. Wayne House

THERE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN SPIRITUAL OR DOCTRINAL DEPARTURES

Keep in mind that spiritual departures are not abnormal having appeared in the Bible going all the way back to Genesis 3.  In the Old Testament we find warnings against apostasy of the Israelites in Deuteronomy 13, prophesied in Jeremiah 2:1-3; 3:6-9; 5:6; and Ezekiel 16.  The Apostle Paul was the victim of wide-spread spiritual defection in his day.  Even though “all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord” (Acts 19:10) a short while later in one of his last letters he wrote “all who are in Asia turned away from me” (2^nd Timothy 1:15). In Acts 20:28-31 he warned the Ephesian elders that after the apostolic generation passed there would be wide-scale spiritual departure in their church, “savage wolves will come in among you” (verse 29).  Jude even wrote that apostasy had begun in his day (verses 3-4).

SECOND THESSALONIANS WAS ONE OF PAUL’S EARLY LETTERS.  WHY IS THAT IMPORTANT?

Paul’s first letter was to the church at Galatia in A.D. 49.  A little while later he wrote the two letters to the Thessalonians in 50-51 A.D.  Later came the two Corinthian letters and Romans (A.D. 56-57).  These were followed by the “prison letters” (Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon, and Philippians) written from A.D. 60-62.  Finally, late in his ministry, Paul wrote letters to pastors, such as First Timothy and Titus (A.D. 62) and Second Timothy (A.D. 67).  The two letters to the Thessalonians were written during his second missionary journey in just a very short period of time after Paul’s planting of the church there.

Why is this important? Although Paul deals with immediate apostasy (Acts 20:28-31; Galatians 1:6-9) he does not start predicting and warning about spiritual end time apostasy until very late in his ministry career.  End-time apostasy is not on his mind early on.  He mentions it briefly in 1^st Timothy 4:1 before it becomes a massive subject in 2^nd Timothy 3:14-4:8).  The Apostle Peter picks up on this theme in 2^nd Peter, but this book was also not written until 64 A.D.  Jude focuses intently on apostasy in his one-chapter book written between 68-70 A.D.  End-time spiritual departure is simply not on Paul’s mind early in his ministry.

In fact, apart from the verse 3 that is questioned, there is not one single verse in either First or Second Thessalonians devoted to the subject of spiritual apostasy. Not one.  Thus, it would be somewhat odd for Paul to focus on an end-time spiritual departure in the early Thessalonian epistles when this is not a subject he emphasizes until much later in his ministry.

NOW THE SPECIFICS: THE DEFINITE ARTICLE BEFORE THE NOUN APOSTASIA

In both the original Greek and Jerome’s Latin Vulgate, there is a definite article in front of the noun “apostasy” or “apostasia.”  Why is this important? This definite article denotes a specific, time-bound event, not a process.  For example, “Let no one deceive you by any means; for that Day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the man of sin is revealed, the son of perdition.” (NKJV) In the Greek it is “hee apostasia” and this strongly suggests this cannot be a process or form of general apostasy in Christendom, by context, it is a singular event.

In other words, an instantaneous manifestation or singular event does not fit well with the notion of a spiritual deterioration, which typically requires more time to transpire.  It points instead to a physical departure.

“Furthermore, that which holds back his revelation (vs. 3) is vitally connected with “hoo katechoon” (vs. 7), He who holds back the same event. The latter is, in my opinion, the Holy Spirit and His activities in the Church. All of which means that I am driven to the inescapable conclusion that the “hee apostasia” (vs. 3) refers to the Rapture of the Church which precedes the Day of the Lord, and holds back the revelation of the Man of Sin who ushers in the world-aspect of that period.” –Kenneth Wuest, Greek scholar, Moody Bible Institute

THE NOUN APOSTASIA CAN REFER TO A PHYSICAL DEPARTURE

The noun, apostasia, can very definitely refer to a physical departure.  Those who argue for doctrinal departure interpretation of 2^nd Thessalonians 2:3 argue that the only other use of apostasia in the New Testament is Acts 21:21 where Paul is accused “and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake the law Moses.” But here, the word apostasia is used totally differently, as a spiritual apostasy from the Law of Moses.  Why differently?  The noun is used differently because it is used in the context of doctrinal departure from the Mosaic Law.  The context and use of the word requires understanding of what you are departing from.

The Greek noun apostasia is a compound word, meaning it is derived by combining two previously existing words.  The first word is the Greek preposition apo which means “away from” and histēmi which means “to stand.”  Thus, apostasia means “to stand away from” or “to depart.”

In 2^nd Thessalonians 2:3 we read “the apostasia” as a singular event.  There is nothing named that you are departing from.  Thus, context relegates its usage to a spatial event and not a doctrinal departure.  It denotes a physical departure or a disappearance.

IN ITS VERB FORM “APHISTĒMI” CAN ALSO REFER TO A PHYSICAL DEPARTURE.

The noun apostasia is only used twice in the Greek New Testament in Acts 21:21 and 2^nd Thessalonians 2:3. However, the verb form aphistēmi is found 15 times in the New Testament.  Of these, only three refer to a spiritual defection (Luke 8:13; 1^st Timothy 4:1; Hebrews 3:12).  The other 12 times it refers to a physical departure.   (Luke 2:37; 4:13; 13:27; Acts 5:37; 5:38; 12:10; 15:38; 19:9; 22:29; 2^nd Corinthians 12:8; 1^st Timothy 2:19; 6:5).

THE EXTENDED CONTEXT FAVORS A PHYSICAL DEPARTURE

Context is king in determining the meaning of words, and this is especially true when words have multiple meanings.  As an example, the word “apple” can denote 1) a piece of fruit, 2) a computer, 3) the pupil of one’s eye, and 4) even New York City.  So how do you determine the word’s meaning in a paragraph?  The context answers that question.

The extended context favors the meaning physical departure. “Extended context” means referring to both books, First and Second Thessalonians since they were written in such close proximity to one another (6-9 months).  It is interesting that in First Thessalonians every single chapter ends with a reference to the return of Jesus (1^st Thessalonians 1:10; 2:19-20; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:23-38).  In fact, the most detailed treatment of the rapture we have in the Bible is in chapter 4:13-18.

Since “context is king” in determining the meaning of apostasia, the larger context of the Thessalonian letters pertain to the approaching Day of the Lord and the return of Jesus Christ for His Church, that is the physical departure of the Church.

SECOND THESSALONIANS IS PART OF A REVIEW COURSE

If the physical departure view is the correct meaning of the word apostasia then why didn’t Paul use the word harpazō for “rapture” or “caught up?”  The answer bears reminder that Paul uses numerous terms to describe the rapture in his writings. The word harpazō is not used consistently.  What are other examples?  They would include ryhomai (1^st Thessalonians 1:10), episynagōgē (2^nd Thessalonians 2:1), apokalypsis (1^st Corinthians 1:7) and epiphaneia (Titus 2:13).  There are even other passages referring to the rapture that do not use harpazō including John 14:1-3 and 2^nd Corinthians 15:50-58. Thus, apostasia is just another example.

Even when the Two Witnesses are taken or caught up to heaven in Revelation 11:12 the word harpazō is not used.

This second letter to the Thessalonians is a type of review for what he had taught and written in his first letter.  He is reviewing ground that he has already covered.  When you review prior ground, one does not typically lay the fundamentals down precisely all over again.  Instead, different words are used to reinforce and amplify the prior teaching.  This is why Paul does not use identical language as he used in his first letter to the Thessalonians.

EARLY BIBLE TRANSLATIONS FAVOR THE PHYSICAL DEPARTURE VIEW

The earliest Bible translators all recognized the noun “apostasia” as communicating a physical departure as referencing the Rapture.  In fact, going back to the 4^th century Jerome translated the New Testament from Greek into Latin in what is known as the Latin Vulgate (“vulgate” in Latin means “common).  When Jerome translated 2^nd Thessalonians 2:3 he used the Latin word discessio which means “departure.”

All of the earliest English Bibles translated apostasia prōton in verse 3 as “departure or departing first.”

WHEN DID THE BIBLE TRANSLATION CHANGE?

The first change in translating apostasia came with the first Catholic Bible translation in 1576-1582 known as the Rheims Bible. The translation is altered and appears to reflect on the Protestant Revolt during the Reformation.

“It appears that the Catholic translation into English from Jerome’s Latin Vulgate known as the Rheims Bible (1576) was the first to break the translation trend.  “Apostasia” was revised from “the departure” to “the Protestant Revolt,” explains Butalla.  Revolution is the terminology still in use today when Catholicism teaches the history of the Protestant Reformation.  Under this guise, apostasia would refer to a departure of Protestants from the Catholic Church.” –Martin Butalla, Dallas Theological Seminary, 1998

Thus, in the Rheims Bible it appears Catholic translators were engaged in polemics against the Protestants by performing a theological translation rather than a lexical translation to render verse 3.

Why then did the King James Version translate apostasia as “a falling away?”  The answer most likely lies in the fact that the KJV translation was created in the tumultuous wake of the Protestant Reformation and as a “volley” against the Rheims Bible, used “a falling away” to reflect on what was perceived to be doctrinal error observed in the Catholic Church.

It is interesting to note that the Puritans in the 1600s used the 1599 Geneva Bible and detested the King James Version simply because one third of the KJV translators were Anglican.

As a result, most modern translations today follow the pattern established by the King James Version (NKJV, NIV, RSV, ASV, Jerusalem Bible, NASB, etc.) rendering “apostasia” as a spiritual departure rather than a physical departure.

THE WORD “APOSTASY” DID NOT EXIST IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNTIL THE EARLY 1600S

The English word “apostasy” was created in the early 1600s only after the publishing of the King James Version in 1611.

“I have come to the conclusion that the weight of evidence favors ‘departing’ as the proper translation of apostasia in the original text, not ‘apostasy’ or ‘falling away’ or ‘rebellion.”-Dr. Tim LaHaye

“Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy [the departure (Rapture)] comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, —2 Thessalonians 2:3

In sharing this summation with you there is no effort to subvert or undermine the validity and veracity of Holy Scripture.  Instead, it is shared for your consideration as a higher and better interpretation of this particular verse based on historical and linguistic evidence.  Most scholars today cannot offer explanation for the translation shift 400 years ago.

If confirmed, it would be a “game-changer” for the Church.  For when we are fearful, by instinct we prep and fortify, our focus turns inward.  For example, this is common for those who anticipate the arrival of a bad storm.  On the other hand, when we are not fearful and at peace our normal external focus returns, we reach out and interact with others freely.  Likewise, and despite the troubles of our day, that the Church would focus again on its mission: reaching the unsaved.

^“But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.  Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.” (1^st Thessalonians 5:8-11)

A debt of gratitude is offered to multiple sources: Dr. Andy Woods, Dr. Thomas Ice, Dr. Arnold Fruchtenbaum, Paul Lee Tan, Daniel Davey, Dr. Tim LaHaye, Martin Butalla, Dr. H. Wayne House, Gordon Lewis, Allan MacRae, Kenneth Wuest, E. Schuyler English, Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost, Denis Bowden, J.S. Mabie

For those who backpack or hike in the wilderness a required skill is map orientation, the ability to orient a map with compass and know where you are on the map.  Greeted with an unexpected landmark, the question so often heard is, “where are we on the map?”  Likewise, today there are many Christians who are viewing current events and trying to answer for themselves, “where are we in the Bible?”

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.” (Psalm 32:8)

The headlines of today are unmistakable: massive locust invasions are now in central India and even threatening the western nations of Africa, a resulting famine is now predicted later this year for affected countries, North Korea is again threatening South Korea with total annihilation, there have been skirmishes and firefights between Indian and Chinese forces on their border, and a Coronavirus that literally shut down the global economy for almost 4 months still refuses to go away leaving financial and economic havoc in its wake.  Earthquakes are so many today that they are taken as an everyday occurrence.   All of these are denoted as symptoms Jesus describes as “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:4-8) that will increase with intensity before He returns.

“ And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived.” (Luke 21:8)

Unfortunately, there is a growing chorus of some who are stating emphatically that these events signal that the initial seals of Revelation 6 have been opened and that the world has now entered the Seven Year Tribulation. Among these voices are some churches and pastors who are sounding alarm and their message is being repeated and mimicked in tabloids and social media around the world.  More painful is that many Christians who do not read or study the Bible are, by default, left confused, fearful if not panicked, and unsure of what to believe.  Have the seven seals of Revelation been opened? Are we in the Tribulation?  No, absolutely not.

How can you say that? How can anyone know?

There are multiple reasons why the 7-year Tribulation has not begun based on Scripture but one very clear and particular reason is found in the Book of Revelation when the Apostle John is called up to heaven (4:1) by a voice sounding like a trumpet where he is shown a vision of 24 elders with crowns seated around God’s throne.  Many believe this “calling up” of John depicts the Rapture of the Church as John earlier identifies the Lord Jesus Christ as the voice sounding like a trumpet (Revelation 1:10-17).

It is important to note that in this chapter the 24 elders fall before the Lord and cast their crowns before the throne in worship (4:10-11).  Thus, the one-time Bema Judgment of the Church has to have occurred for these crowns to be awarded which necessitates that the Rapture occurs first, prior to this event.  Thus, the 24 elders represent the complete Church in heaven, and the Bible emphasizes that their number of 24 remains constant throughout the remaining chapters of Revelation (5:8, 14; 11:16; 19:4).

And from chapter 7 we also learn the 24 elders CANNOT BE angels:

“And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God,” (Revelation 7:11)

(An earlier blog post reveals more in Who are the “twenty-four?” dated December 4, 2019 that can be found within this site’s archive)

And what we also understand is they CANNOT BE Tribulation believers.  How do we know that?  Because based on Revelation 7:13-14 these same elders are positioned to explain who the Tribulation believers are to the Apostle John.  In effect, one of the 24 elders answers his own question in providing the explanation:

“Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

Okay. But, what does that have to do with the timing of the opening of the 7 seals?

The Bible clearly tells us that only one Person, our Lord Jesus Christ who is the Lamb of God, is qualified to receive the scroll and begin opening its seven seals.  He alone begins the prosecution of judgment.

^“But one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5)

So, to better answer the question, a better question may be “where is the Church at the time of the opening of the 7 seals?”

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne.”

“Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying:

“You are worthy to take the scroll,
And to open its seals;
For You were slain,
And have redeemed us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,
And have made us kings and priests to our God;
And we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:6-10)

Who sings the “song of the redeemed?”  It is the Church who sings this blessed song of redemption and victory, we who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ and who enjoy our eternal salvation through Him.

Based on Revelation 4-5 alone we learn several things:

• The 7-year Tribulation does not begin until after the Church is in heaven.
• The 24 Elders and the seven lampstands (4:5) are in heaven when the seals are opened.
• The Bema Judgment Seat of Christ is where all believers will appear before the Lord and give an accounting of their lives. (Romans 14:10-12; 2^nd Corinthians 5:10).  It is clear these crowns are awarded to believers before the Lord Jesus Christ receives the scroll with seven seals.
• Then, the Rapture of the Church must occur before the Bema Judgment takes place as the entire Church must be present, is a one-time event and not a recurring event.
• We also know that the Antichrist is unveiled with the very first seal (Revelation 6:2) as a rider on a white horse who appears as a man of peace (Daniel 8:25) among the nations. He appears with a bow without arrows, wearing a “crown”: stephanos, a victor’s crown, and not a diadem. Christ will wear a diadema (Revelation 19:12), the crown of a sovereign, reigning monarch.  Thus, He opens the seals but is not to be mistaken as in the seals.
• None of these events have occurred yet. We cannot be in the Tribulation and there are many other reasons that also draw that conclusion.

We must be in the “last days” because there are so many troubling things taking place in the world today. Some of these things look right out of Revelation.  If we are not yet in the 7–year Tribulation, where are we in the Bible?  Can anyone know?  What is next?

It is interesting that a similar situation occurred during the 1^st century A.D. in Thessalonika.  It was a large port city of Macedonia (Greece) that housed a large Jewish community and a Roman garrison.  Paul spent only three weeks there (Acts 17:2-4) during his second missionary journey but shared teachings on end times prophecy.  He wrote 1^st Thessalonians to them in 50 A.D. with heavy emphasis on the Rapture and the coming Day of the Lord.

However, Paul wrote 2^nd Thessalonians just 6-9 months later when he learned of reports that a false letter was circulated in his name stating that the Day of the Lord had already begun, and the Thessalonians has missed the Rapture.  This caused great confusion, fear and unsettled them.  Paul wrote his second epistle to them to erase their fears, settle them and clarify his earlier teaching.

“Now, brethren, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him…” (2^nd Thessalonians 2:1)

It is important to understand that “coming” (parousia) and “our gathering together” (episunagoge) are two totally separate events.  Parousia means “advent, coming, presence” which equates to His Second Coming to earth at then end of the Tribulation.  Episunagoge has the root word for “synagogue” and means “assembly, gathering of the faithful” and with “epi” in front intensifies its meaning to be the grand or final assembly/gathering of the faithful, it denotes the Rapture of the Church.

Neither of these events happened then, nor have they happened as of today.  And so, where are we today?  We are currently and precisely at verse 2:

“….we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come.” (2nd Thessalonians 2:2)

The Thessalonians were deceived by a false letter stating they had missed the Rapture and that as a result, they were entering the Tribulation and about to face the Antichrist.  For the duration of this chapter he assures them they are not in the Tribulation and they have not missed the Rapture and in perfect Greek parallelism he then reviews the major reasons why it has not yet occurred.

For many Christians today who are not settled on these prophetic matters, it can be a time of great stress, fear, and uncertainty.  Like the Thessalonians, until you have this matter settled in your heart you will experience unnecessary confusion and fear.  How can we possibly be an advertisement for Jesus Christ if we are suffering from the same fear and trepidation as the rest of the world?

Jesus said that our adversary comes to “steal and kill and destroy.” (John 10:10).  What does he want to steal from you?  Our “blessed hope” -which is the next event that ends the Church Age, the Rapture.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,  who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  Speak these things, exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.” (Titus 2:11-15)

Here in the United States, we are deeply saddened and angered by a series of events triggered by the heart-rending, unjust, unconscionable killing of a black man by law enforcement on a street in Minneapolis.  In reaction, what began understandably as deep heartfelt protests and peaceful demonstrations by both black and white, was quickly hijacked by agents of chaos and anarchy, hell-bent on bringing fires, death, and destruction. Yesterday, in reflection of the carnage of our cities, I heard a news commentator exclaim that he was “stressed out” over having weathered “one crisis after another” thus far this year, in effect asking ‘when will it all end?’  The world is beginning to note these trends.

The question becomes: does the Bible speak to these conditions and put them in context?  Are there instructions to the Church in the midst of these events?  How is the Church to react?

Two times in the Greek New Testament there is a unique word that is used to describe a condition, in Greek it is χαλεπος, in English it is chalepos (Strongs G#5467) that is pronounced with an initial “k”, as in “kalepos.”  Its definitions range from “difficulty and trouble” to “fierceness and savagery.”  In both instances of its usage, the combination of meanings seems unrelated, yet reveal a prophetic truth for us that is both exciting and foreboding, for it provides insight.

The first time we see this term is in a familiar episode of the Gospel of Matthew.  As it unfolds, Jesus had healed many people and a crowd ensued around Him.  He then tells His disciples to prepare a boat so they could sail to the east side of the Sea of Galilee to the Gentile side.  As they departed, Jesus announced that going forward, His home would not be defined to a specific place, but by His ministry.

Pay particular attention to the word “fierce” represented by chalepos and I will use NKJV to present.

“And when Jesus saw great multitudes about Him, He gave a command to depart to the other side. Then a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”

And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.”

Then another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their own dead.”

Now when He got into a boat, His disciples followed Him.  And suddenly a great tempest arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. Then His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

 But He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. So the men marveled, saying, “Who can this be, that even the winds and the sea obey Him?”

 When He had come to the other side, to the country of the Gergesenes, there met Him two demon-possessed men, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no one could pass that way. And suddenly they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?”

Now a good way off from them there was a herd of many swine feeding.  So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.”

And He said to them, “Go.” So when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And suddenly the whole herd of swine ran violently down the steep place into the sea, and perished in the water.

 Then those who kept them fled; and they went away into the city and told everything, including what had happened to the demon-possessed men.” (Matthew 8:18-33)

In Matthew’s account, the demon-possessed men are called “fierce”, a translation of chalepos meaning “violent” with the added modifier “exceeding” suggesting more than violence, reaching to a level of uncontrolled, raging, and brutal insanity.  In other accounts of this incident, we are told the possessed men displayed supernatural strength, controlled by many demons and able to break chains and fetters.  No one could control them.

On the east side of the sea, Jesus made landfall in an unclean land, symbolized by demonic possession, swineherds, and living in an unclean world. Swineherding was common to the eastern side of Galilee, you would not find swine-herders on the western Jewish side.  It is interesting that ancient Amorite rituals still prevailed there, such as venerating the dead on each full moon.  On that night Amorites would sacrifice food for the dead of the underworld at their tombs and the most common and cheapest sacrifice was a pig.  These pagan rituals date all the way back to ancient Sumer.

The second use of chalepos is direct and simple, and it sets the tone of a prophecy given to Timothy by Paul, in his last epistle written from a cold Roman prison cell. Knowing that his execution drew near, Paul’s epistle to Timothy as a young pastor was one of exhortation and warning, reflecting on the difficulties he knows will define the future.

Despite the chapter break, it is a continuous thought.  Pay particular attention to the word “perilous” and noting the subject revolves around “the snare of the devil” and the subsequent effect he has on the world.

“And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God,  having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!  For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.  Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith;  but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.” (2^nd Timothy 2:24-3:9)

Again, we find the Greek word chalepos, this time translated as “perilous”, used to describe the actions of men possessed by demons.  They are out of their minds, uncontrollable and violent as Paul envisions the world of the latter days.

We might ask, “what are these perilous times?”  Any arduous period of time can be described as troubled.  These perils might include war, famine, epidemics, natural disaster, economic collapse or moral decline.  But in the Timothy passage, Paul modifies the statement using this word with a list of failed human characteristics in primary focus.  Rather, he seems to be describing behavior associated with men in the throes of rebellion or anarchy, the type that originate with evil behavior.

“And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” (Matthew 24:12)

Throughout the world today there is a rampant and growing madness, a public insanity that is enveloping the nations.  The norms, the social disciplines, buffers like “common sense” that could always be relied upon, have now virtually disappeared.  Think for a moment about all the continents, in recent years we have seen swelling waves of street demonstrators spread a mixture of fire and hatred, demanding the support of their governments.

The Madness of Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 4:31-37 tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar was punished by God for 7 years of madness and insanity, forced to live and eat like an animal before he was restored.  Likewise, we are reminded today that this world is descending quickly into what will become its own 7 year period of insanity known as the Tribulation period.

In the Bible, the “seas” is often a symbol of the world, and in the Matthew account as Jesus and His company entered the boat, they entered the sea (like the world).  Like the sea of humanity, it is stirred up by winds and weather, metaphors of conflict on the spiritual level and it also depicts the troubled condition of the world.  During the storm, His disciples feared for their lives, but Jesus calms them and reminds them they must hold on to their faith in all circumstances.  He then demonstrates that He is in control of the tempest.

Without a doubt, today we live in the “perilous times” that Paul described. 

And the Church identifies and shares with the perils, the pain and suffering of this world, yet we are instructed to also share the message of encouragement and hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ.  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a splendid and recent example of that role.

“Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:40)

A first responder enters into a building on fire and their first priority is not the building, but to locate and rescue any people inside.  Likewise, the Church today must recognize the world is on fire, that the severity and rapidity of the “labor pains” that Jesus describes in Matthew 24 and occurring in the world today, are heralding the end of days.  The Church must respond and seek out those who are entrapped and without hope, offering them their rescue through salvation found only in Christ.

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” (John 9:4)

At the very moment when the empty tomb of our Lord was discovered, the Jewish high priest came out of the Temple waving a sheaf of barley.  Fifty days later when the fire of the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples early Pentecost morning and gave birth to the Church, likewise the same high priest was coming out of the Temple in that very hour holding up two loaves of bread.  What was this all about?  What did the two loaves represent?

HISTORY

After the exodus from Egypt, what God began with Abraham, He confirmed His covenant with Israel through the giving of the Law to Moses.  This began what is known as the Dispensation of Law and this era transformed human moral law by instilling a spiritual stewardship based on the revelation of the will of God.  In giving the laws for His people, God set several appointed “feasts of the Lord” for Israel to observe at specific times of the year.  Altogether, Leviticus 23 provides seven feasts which are to be celebrated annually: Passover, Unleavened Bread, First Fruits, Pentecost, Trumpets, Atonement, and Tabernacles.  God calls them “holy convocations” which in Hebrew (‘mikra’ Strongs H#4744) means “rehearsals” or “preparatory assembly.”

Paul tells us these feast dates are a “foreshadowing of events to come.” “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.” (Colossians 2:16-17)  In other words, Paul is saying these feast dates all point to Jesus Christ.

HARVEST FEAST

Oddly enough, it was on the Day of Pentecost, or the 6^th of Sivan on the Hebrew calendar, that God gave Moses the tablets of His Law.  But for the longest time Pentecost was looked upon as an agricultural feast or celebration that began seven weeks earlier in the spring, generally in March or April depending on the Jewish lunar calendar.  It was originally known as “Harvest Feast” and then “First Fruits Harvest Feast.”  In Hebrew, it is known today as “Shavuot” which means “weeks” or “Pentecost.”

It begins three days after Passover.  For it was early morning on the Feast of First Fruits that the Jewish high priest would wave a sheaf of barley (or wheat) outside of the Jerusalem Temple proclaiming the earliest ripening of the coming summer harvest as a form of praise and gratitude before the Lord.  Likewise, it was on this day that the resurrection of Jesus Christ occurred, for He is the First Fruit of the Resurrection.  Just as the high priest waved a sheaf signifying God’s blessings on a future and full harvest, so the resurrection of Christ is a promise of a future resurrection of all His believers.   Thus, His empty tomb is a promise of our resurrection, discovered in the moment the high priest was waving a sheaf before the Temple.

CONTEXT OF FIRST FRUITS

So, what else happened on the Feast of First Fruits in the Bible?  Remarkably, it was on this same day that Noah’s ark rested on Mount Ararat (Genesis 8:4), that Israel crossed the Red Sea (Exodus 13:3-14:14), and Israel ate the firstfruits of the Promised Land (Joshua 5:10-12). Remember, that God rotated the Hebrew calendar forward six months (Exodus 12:1-2).  First Fruits is always celebrated on the 17^th day of Nisan.

In addition, it was on this Feast of First Fruits that began with the high priest “counting the omer” every day for 49 days until Pentecost.  He would wave a sheaf of barley or wheat, known as the “omer.”  This would culminate on the 50^th day (“pente”) or Pentecost when the high priest would come out early in the morning and hold two loaves of leavened bread. In the festive agricultural celebration this proclaimed the full and final harvest of the summer grains.

But “50” in the Hebrew colloquial is not symbolic so much of the number 50 as it is a symbol of “fullness or completion.” (‘chamishshiym’ Strongs H#2572 root of ‘chamesh’) 

Thus, we read, “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.” (Acts 2:1) Precisely fifty days after the Feast of First Fruits, the day the Lord Jesus Christ rose from the dead, 120 disciples “gathered together in one place” to await the promise of Christ, when they were baptized with the Holy Spirit.

PENTECOST- TWO LOAVES OF LEAVENED BREAD?

Within the Old Testament, the sacrificial system was a means of grace whereby the relationship between God and His people begins to be restored.  Ultimately, the sacrificial system was inadequate, which is why Jesus came to earth to fulfill the Law.

There were five types of offerings in the Old Testament:

• Burnt Offering
• Grain Offering
• Peace Offering
• Sin Offering
• Trespass (or Guilt) Offering

Apart from animal or bird sacrifices, unleavened bread was always used as a grain offering as it represents sacrifice and hardship, it tasted bitter and symbolized the burden and affliction of Egypt. Leaven has always been a symbol of sin and/or corruption in the Bible.  But on two occasions, during 1) Pentecost and during a 2) Peace offering or a Thanksgiving offering, leavened bread is actually specified. (Thanksgiving offerings were another type of a Peace offering.) We know that leavened bread is fuller, lighter and tastes good and has a sweet aroma.  Thus, it is appropriate in these two moments that leaven represents reconciliation and thanksgiving.

IT ALL POINTS TO JESUS CHRIST

Jesus said He is the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35) and He was born in Bethlehem which means “house of bread.”  As Christ was crucified on the Passover and buried hurriedly at sundown which began the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the bread without leaven symbolized “bread without sin.”  Likewise, Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit….” (John 12:23-24).

Christ, the kernel of wheat- the basis for bread—did indeed have to die to be buried on the Feast of Unleavened Bread and He rose three days later on the Feast of Firstfruits to become “the firstfruits” of our resurrection.

Just as Jesus symbolizes the sheaf of barley that the high priest held up on Resurrection Sunday morning when His empty tomb was discovered, the two loaves of leavened bread that the priest held up on Pentecost morning symbolizes the coming resurrection of all believers.  Many believe the two loaves represent the Church and spiritual Israel.  For it is Jesus Christ who is the guarantor of the full and final harvest to come.

THE CONTEXT AND CELEBRATION OF PENTECOST

The common practice in Israel today is to read the Book of Ruth during Pentecost or “Shavuot.”  The story of Boaz and Ruth surrounds the event of Pentecost, the final summer harvest of the grain fields owned by Boaz.  Is it no wonder that the story of Ruth and Boaz takes place in Bethlehem?  For it would be on his very fields many years later that the shepherds of Bethlehem would be visited by the angelic host that glorious night announcing the birth of a Savior in their town.

And the key moment in the Book of Ruth?  In the middle of the night on the threshing floor of Boaz where wheat is winnowed,  Ruth approached Boaz while he was sleeping. ““It happened in the middle of the night that the man was startled and bent forward; and behold, a woman was lying at his feet.  He said, “Who are you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth your maid. So spread your covering over your maid, for you are a close relative.” (Ruth 3:8-9)

The shul (skirt), or hem, was the emblem of rank or authority in Israel.  In the middle of the night with no one else around, Ruth was asking Boaz to put the authority of his house over her. She invoked her right under the laws of Israel for him to take her to wife. Boaz was delighted to accommodate her and communicated his intentions to take her as his wife.  The next day in the city gate he formalized his redemption of Naomi and the taking of Ruth as his bride.

As “kinsmen redeemer” Boaz, the great-grandfather of David, the one to whom the promise of Messiah was given, (2^nd Samuel 7) redeemed Ruth, a Moabitess, as his Gentile bride….just as Jesus Christ is our Kinsmen Redeemer who shall return to take His Gentile bride, the Church.

As “50” in the Hebrew language symbolizes fullness and completion, likewise Pentecost represents the fullness and completion of the final harvest, or the end of the Church Age.

Paul uses the word “dispensation” four times in his epistles, and we are reminded that just as the Dispensation of the Law began on the 6^th of Sivan when Moses received the Law and came down from Mount Sinai, the Dispensation of Grace, the birth of the Church Age, began on the same 6^th of Sivan or Pentecost Sunday.  When will the Church Age end?  Paul says it is a mystery, “that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles be come in.” (Romans 11:25)

Not only does the feast of Pentecost unveil the commencement of two dispensations, it points completely to the Rapture of the Church.  Just as Boaz redeemed his Gentile bride in the middle of the night, so Jesus shall come “as a thief in the night” and “at a time you think not” to claim His Bride.

Until then, let us labor together for lost souls in the fields of harvest He has assigned you and me.

It is one of the tiniest and most overlooked books in the New Testament. After the four gospels the Book of Acts introduces the Church Age, or the “acts of the Apostles.” In contrast, the Epistle of Jude writes about the “acts of the apostates” in the latter days of the Age of Grace, a sort of vestibule that leads directly to the Book of Revelation. It is the only book written entirely to the “great apostasy.”

Apostasy is translated from the Greek word apostasia which means to “defect, depart or abandon what one has professed.”

In the third verse Jude writes that he set out to write of our common salvation, but “it was needful for me to write unto you…” Your modern translations might say “necessary” or “necessity” but it is such a classic failure of the English language to capture the intensity of the Greek word “anagke” (Strongs G#318) which underscores the Divine compulsion that came over him, that he was pressured to write this letter.  How strong is this Greek word? Compare to Acts 17:3 or 1^st Corinthians 9:16. (Refer 2^nd Peter 1:21)

Why should we want to study the Book of Jude? Because it is written for us today. In effect, it provides the last instructions for the Church Age.

“…That ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 1:3)

The word for “contend” means “to agonize upon” or “contend strenuously in defense of.”  It was generally used in Greek military jargon to denote aggressive action.

Contained within these 25 verses are added insights to events that occurred in the Old Testament that the writer assumes we know: the way of Cain, the error of Balaam, the rebellion of Korah. There are allusions to the unbelieving generation of Israelites that died in the Wilderness, the fallen angels of Genesis 6 that left their first estate, and likened theirs to the sins of Sodom & Gomorrah, and the dispute between Michael and Satan over the body of Moses mentioned nowhere else in the Bible.  All of these are leveraged in a “lookback” to the Old Testament as a form of instruction to the latter days Church.

“Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (1^st Corinthians 10:11)

Jude’s epistle even provides us with the first Second Coming of Jesus Christ prophecy of Enoch given prior to the Flood and from outside the canon of Scripture.

There is a remarkable parallel between the Books of James and Jude. First, we know they are brothers, and half-brothers of Jesus Christ, but neither of them were Apostles. In fact, John 7:5 tells us none of Jesus’ brothers believed in Him until after the Resurrection. Yet James would eventually become the leader of the Jerusalem church. And whereas James’ epistle deals with good works as evidence of saving faith, Jude’s letter deals with evil works as evidence of apostasy. Do you see this in the Church today?

Why are we to “contend for the faith?” Because there are tares among the wheat (Matthew 13:24-30), false brethren have stolen into the church (Galatians 2:4-5), and the saints are in peril (2^nd Corinthians 11:26), all due to the “doctrines of demons. (1^st Timothy 4:1)” This all began in Jude’s day but Paul and Peter (2^nd Peter 2:1; 3:3-4) add to his warning that these attributes will be all the more amplified in the last days.

As a mention, there is a beautiful and unique structural outline to the Book of Jude that is symmetrical in nature. It begins and ends with the assurance for a Christian believer as an example. The center of this structural outline are the three apostates from the past. So, how do we identify the false teachers, the agents of apostasy?

At times there is noted a seeming pun on words in the Bible employed by the Holy Spirit’s authorship. As an example, Joshua is God’s appointed to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land and his name is the root name for Yeshua or Jesus. Coincidence? Think not. Interestingly, the title and first word of this epistle is “Jude” which in the Greek translates as “Judas,” which is synonymous with the very acts of betrayal and apostasy….precisely what he is writing about.

Jude lists 18 separate characteristics for those who will lead the Church astray that I would encourage you to discover on your own. Whether it is the Prosperity Gospel or Word Faith movement, self-anointed prophets and apostles, the perversion or degradation of the Word, or the humanism which has been allowed to creep into the Church, all can be identified within these 18 attributes.

However, and to pivot, the intriguing order and direct actions of 10 persons, entities or groups are named by Jude, besides the false, corrupt teachers that play a role in the battle for the truth of the gospel beginning with the Exodus generation. Specifically, verses 9-10 share an insight that is not found in the Old Testament in that Jude recounts that the archangel Michael (#4) and Satan argued over the disposition of the body of Moses. Our recollection from Deuteronomy 34:5-6 is that Moses died near Mt. Nebo, specifically Beth-peor, and that God buried him there. Why would God bury him, why would Satan want his body, and why is Michael dispatched to oppose him?

It is interesting to note that in John 1:20-21, at the time of Christ the Jews were looking for either Messiah, Elijah or “The Prophet” (Moses)(-Deut. 18:15,18). We also know that it was Moses and Elijah who later attended to Jesus at the Mount of Transfiguration. A distinction about these two men comes to mind: they both had successors to their ministry, Moses to Joshua, and Elijah to Elisha. But Moses died. And both Enoch and Elijah were raptured or taken up to heaven without dying.

Where this leads is to identify who the Two Witnesses are in the Book of Revelation.   We know one will assuredly be Elijah but who will the other be, Moses or Enoch?  Revelation 11 cites attributes (bringing fire from heaven, shutting heaven from rain, turning water to blood, calling down of plagues)…all attributes demonstrated through Elijah and Moses.  So, what about (#8) Enoch???

Enoch was a Gentile.

And Jude quotes him, it is the oldest prophecy uttered by a prophet, “And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,

To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” (verses 14-15)

There are four facts emphasized in these verses:

1) We know the Lord’s coming is sure;

2) We know who will accompany the Lord;  (the “Beloved” (verse 3))

3) We know the purpose of His coming;

4) We know the result of the Lord’s coming.

Not only did Enoch prophesy about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ but he was also given foreknowledge of the Flood. How do we know that?

Because Enoch named his son “Methuselah.”  In the Hebrew “Muth” means “death” and “Shalach” means “to bring.”  Combined it translates “his death shall bring.”

Apparently, Enoch received the prophecy of the Great Flood, and was told that as long as his son was alive, the judgment of the flood would be withheld. The year that Methuselah died, the flood came.

According to Church tradition and Jewish rabbinical writings, Methuselah died seven days prior to the Flood. He outlived his son Lamech by five years and the Bible records Methuselah was the oldest living person who lived, and his life exemplifies that “God is long suffering, that none should perish.” (2^nd Peter 3:9)

Enoch, of course, never died: he was “translated”….or raptured.  What is interesting is that in Jude’s account he is the eighth person/group listed among ten and we are reminded that there were eight who entered Noah’s ark before the Judgment of the Flood. In that regard, does Enoch as a Gentile symbolize or act as a type of the Church?

In these days of pandemic, so much of the world shut down or in quarantine, there is do doubt these are part of the “labor pains” that our Lord told His disciples would foreshadow His return. Even the locust swarms in Africa and the Middle East are now 20X larger than what they were just two months ago and a great famine threatens later this year.

There is a growing call for a revival and many of us are praying fervently that God would bring fire from heaven, a movement of the Holy Spirit to bring about the harvest of millions of souls from all the nations. We cannot return simply to “business as usual.”

The Church should be like Enoch fully knowing what is coming on the horizon, yet we should bear His witness and “walk with God” uprightly just as he did before the day of “translation” comes.

Within this window of time let us be reminded of Jude’s concluding exhortations to us today,

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

And on some have compassion, making a distinction;  but others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment defiled by the flesh. (Jude 20-23)

Some months ago, a Bible scholar stated that as the return of the Lord draws near, several observable trends are reversing back to where they were 2,000 years ago at Christ’s first coming.  First, Israel is back in the Land as they were then.  Second, the world is reverting to paganism as Paul encountered.  What then, would be the reverting trend for the Church?

I cannot recall his name, but he reminded that the first century church met in homes, there were no church buildings or cathedrals, and that in the future that might become more common.  It is remarkable that within this stunning coronavirus pandemic and subsequent shutdown affecting almost 3.5 billion today that churches are meeting in homes once again, more often than not aided by online broadcasts, or video conferencing.  This week as we celebrate the Resurrection one cannot help but note the number of communion services being conducted online as members partake of the elements within their homes.

Some have cited that there is even a more remarkable parallel in Israel, Jews are more or less stuck in their homes as we are, waiting out the isolation of a deadly biblical plague, and observing the Passover in a similar manner as the first Passover 3500 years ago as recorded in Exodus 12-13.  At that time, they applied the blood of an unblemished lamb over their doorposts to avoid the destroying angel.

The message of the Passover and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ could not be clearer than today in the midst of this pandemic.

Have we claimed the Blood of the Lamb -Jesus Christ- over our homes and family?  Have we applied it symbolically?  Psalm 23 tells us He is the Good Shepherd who loves us.  We have a God who has promised never to leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  Jesus said He would be with us always (Matthew 28:20), thus we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.” (Hebrews 13:6)  And we know that no tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword will separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:35, 38-39)

Yet, we are reminded that there are lessons we can learn from the Old Testament.

“For when Your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isaiah 9b)

Amos, whose name means “burden-bearer,” is the third of twelve minor prophets in the Old Testament and he prophesied in the 8^th century B.C. against the northern 10 tribes of Israel.  Much like the Western world of today, Israel had turned away from God over the course of time and in receipt of his prophesying, they considered Amos to be a “burden.”  Despite God’s chastening, Israel refused to turn from her sinful ways and depravity.  In the fourth chapter God lists 5 disciplinary actions He had taken and each time He concludes, “yet you have not returned to Me.”

“I sent among you a plague after the manner of Egypt; your young men I killed with a sword,
Along with your captive horses; I made the stench of your camps come up into your nostrils;
Yet you have not returned to Me,” Says the Lord. (Amos 4:10)

On a second occasion, God appeared to Solomon after he had dedicated the Temple.  Acknowledging his prayers, God advised Solomon that in the days ahead if Israel fell back into its worldly ways and rejected Him as they had done so many times in the past, He would afflict them with natural calamities and pestilences. “When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people,” (2^nd Chronicles 7:13) But He goes on to offer an opportunity for repentance and reconciliation: “ if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (verse 14)

In so many ways here in the United States and throughout much of the West we have rejected God, His Son, His ways, His laws, His word instead clinging to our idols of wealth, power, sex, entertainment, sports, technology, and pleasure.  If ever there was a time to place our faith, trust and hope in God, confessing our sins and repenting of them, casting down our idols it would surely be today.

But today we live in the Age of Grace, and yet God has allowed this pandemic to occur.  Why?  Because He is calling upon the peoples of the earth to turn to Him for salvation.

Interestingly, it was Amos who also prophesied about the last days saying “In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old.”  (Amos 9:11)

What is your point in raising this old prophecy?  How does this relate?

One of the most exciting developments in Israel today is the continued progress and discovery of the  twelve caves at Qumran, the site of the Dead Sea Scrolls excavations.  Amongst the archaeologists, historians and staff of the Israeli Antiquities Authority there is strong belief that with recent deciphering of the Copper Scroll that not only do they think they know where ancient Temple treasures are buried but they also believe they now know where the Tabernacle of David is buried.  This has greatly whetted the appetite of Jews in Israel who seek the rebuilding of a Third Temple in Jerusalem.

I still don’t follow, please make your point.

For it was James filled with the Holy Spirit who stood at the Council of Jerusalem and addressed the apostles and elders:

“And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me:

Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.” (Acts 15:13-17)

Speaking in the Spirit, James is not only quoting the Amos 9:11 prophecy in interpretive manner, but he has added a key phrase in place of “In that day.”  He invoked “After this.”  So, what is “THIS?”  It is the calling out of the Gentile Church, the Bride of Christ.  What James is saying is that before the ruins of the Tabernacle of David are raised, that the calling out of the Gentiles will have been completed.

Moreover, this is amplified by Paul, the “Apostle to the Gentiles,” who after likening the Gentile Church as a “wild olive shoot” grafted into “the olive tree” introduces one of the eleven key mysteries of the New Testament:

“For I do not desire, brethren, that you should be ignorant of this mystery, lest you should be wise in your own opinion, that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.” (Romans 11:25)

In other words, “until” means there is a totality of the “fullness of the Gentiles” before the partial hardening of Israel is lifted, and it is this specific time period (Age of Grace) that James and Amos reference before the Tabernacle of David is raised.  To put it bluntly, there is an end date, a final number that is only known by God.  When the “fullness of the Gentiles” is reached the Church Age will end with the Rapture of the Bride of Christ.  Revelation 3 ends the Church Age and chapter 4 begins.

So, we were on the topic of the coronavirus, shutdown, etc.  How does this tie in?

Shortly before Jesus was crucified, He told his disciples the signs of His return. “And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows (labor pains). (Matthew 24:7-8 emphasis added) Given the unprecedented nature of this global pandemic within just a 90 day window literally shutting down half of the nations of the world, one cannot help but mark this event as very real evidence of increasing labor pains that ultimately lead to the  Great Tribulation.

Archaeologists suggest that the raising of the ruins of the Tabernacle of David may be close at hand that go hand in hand with the Bible’s timeline of events.

But the Bible does seem to also suggest that the world will recover from this pandemic for a time based on what Jesus spoke, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.” (Matthew 24:37-38)  These verses seem to infer that at His return, life on earth will be normal if not prosperous, that eating, drinking and weddings will continue as they always have.  Thus, a recovery from this unprecedented pandemic event would seemingly follow.

In American football it is known as the “two-minute warning,” a brief pause signaling there is not much time left in the game and subsequently, teams enact an aggressive, time efficient offensive game plan to score quickly in the time remaining.

Assuming this global coronavirus pandemic begins to ease, the hope is life will return to normal. The signs of Christ’s impending return are abundant, and this virus is a major wakeup call to the nations of the world.  But, unlike society the Church needs to do anything BUT return to “business as usual.”  We need to pray for a major revival among the nations that only God can author.

Jesus chastised those hypocrites who studied the signs of the seasons but did not recognize the time of their visitation (Luke 12:56).  Likewise, the Church needs to acknowledge the signs of our times especially in light of this pandemic…….and respond.

No one knows the day, time or hour but know this: that the time will come soon when no one can work (John 9:4).

Awaken Church.

In just a few short months it has enveloped the earth and has brought the nations of the world to a screeching halt.  Within this window of time there is no precedent for this rapidly spreading event.  What does the Bible tell us to do in the face of this pestilence?  Is this Coronavirus or Covid-19 virus connected to Bible prophecy?

“…Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by….” (Isaiah 26:20)

In most modern translations it is either “perilous” or “deadly” but in the King James Version, it is known as a “noisome pestilence” found in Psalm 91.  In the Hebrew “noisome” is havvah (Strongs H#1942) which translates as “eagerly coveting or rushing upon, ruin, calamity, perverse, very wickedness.” More aptly put in modern English, it is a “rapidly engulfing and deadly pestilence” which describes the Coronavirus virus quite accurately.  “Pestilence” is deber (Strongs H#1698) meaning “destroying pestilence or plague.”

The common reference point used is the Spanish flu outbreak of 1918. In actuality, it was a two-year pandemic aided greatly by World War I field hospitals and poor treatment practices conducted around the world as it spread.  As of this writing I believe only four nations have not reported Coronavirus cases within the span of three months, a pandemic lethality that cannot yet be numbered.  But truly it is rapid and engulfing.

There is much fear and panic in the world today surrounding the Coronavirus.  Many are consumed by this event, fear is at the door and their faith is being tested.  Where do you stand in facing this advancing pestilence?  To be sure, we know that almighty God is sovereign and in control of all things, He knows “the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10) and that He holds each of His children in His hands and nothing happens to them without His allowing it.  Thus, the real question becomes “where are we in our faith?”

In that regard, the entirety of Psalm 91 is filled with the goodness and power of God.  It reminds us that He faithfully works on behalf of those who love Him.  Three times it names pestilences or plagues.  You might be encouraged to pray this psalm over you and your family and others, but not as ‘magical words’ or an ‘enchantment.’  But if you choose to pray it, pray it out loud that it is heard in the spiritual realm as well.  In fact, I encourage you to speak the word of God publicly every day at home and elsewhere.

“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”

First, it says he who dwells in the shelter of the Most High.  When it’s storming outside many seek shelter in a safe building or structure.  As Christians now facing a virus storm, do we seek the shelter, comfort and protection of our Lord, or do we look elsewhere?  Is He truly our mighty fortress?

³ Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler
And from the perilous (“noisome”) pestilence.

⁴ He shall cover you with His feathers,
And under His wings you shall take refuge;
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
⁵ You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,
Nor of the arrow that flies by day,
⁶ Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,
Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,
Even the Most High, your dwelling place,
¹⁰ No evil shall befall you,
Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;” (Psalm 91: 1-6; 9-10 emphasis added)

But, do we really mean it if we proclaim it?  Are we just speaking words, or do we believe it in our hearts?  Do we truly rest in Him to be a mighty and strong fortress that we can run into and find peace and protection?  In turning our lives over to Him we must surrender it all in humility and trust, and do not fear!  He is in absolute control no matter what happens.

Almighty God is with those who make Him their refuge and strength.  We must live a life of holiness in the Lord Jesus Christ and trust in Him with all our heart, mind and soul.  He will be with us every step of the way no matter what mountain we face, or whatever outcome we have in His perfect will for us.  He has promised never to leave us or forsake us!

God promises to be with us in everything, in every storm, every turmoil, every circumstance, if we will but trust Him in all things.  He is in absolute control no matter what happens, and nothing will happen to you unless He allows it.  As Peter Marshall put it, “God will not permit any troubles to come upon us, unless He has a specific plan by which great blessing can come out of the difficulty.”

Think on this just for a moment:

⁶ “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins? And not one of them is forgotten before God. ⁷ But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:6-7)

It says that He numbers even the hairs on our head.  That’s how much He loves and cares for those that are His.

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)

Be still and know that He is God and there is no other.  He loves us and says the angel of the Lord will encamp around those who fear Him and He will deliver them.  Is that you?

Is there a reason for this viral pandemic? 

God has allowed this virus to speed through the earth like no other and the world has now changed.  With its sudden impact on the global economy, the virus has most likely already maneuvered the world into a recession to be verified in future economic reports.   This virus did not take the Lord by surprise and our confidence is knowing that He holds the future in His hands, thus the future of our individual lives as well.

Some ask if this is connected to Bible prophecy?

The world is on lock-down. The full impact hasn’t hit the US just yet, but the daily headlines clearly tells us the reality of the pandemic as it sinks in.  It’s not a very deadly virus (i.e. ebola)–although all of us know people in the most vulnerable demographic, and we are concerned for their well being. But the uncertainty surrounding the virus, and the breakneck speed with which it spreads, has sent people’s emotions, sense of security, and the stock market into a tailspin.  The global shock wave is like no other.  So sudden, we have not been able to put it in proper context.

Many of us are familiar with 2^nd Chronicles 7:14. I had an interesting conversation a couple of days ago with my good friend and former pastor who reminded me of what preceded.  He asked, “do you recall verse 13?

“¹³ When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or send pestilence among My people…”

Given the context of our discussion, his salient point made is startling to consider, it is the template he referenced.  A drought has impacted many nations this past year, one cannot help but recall images of the Australian continent on fire for almost six months.  Then, a couple of months ago, several articles around the globe spoke of “10 plagues” that were all impacting different nations of the world.  Emphasized were the locust invasions, greater than any have seen in over a century, that swept through Africa, the Middle East and as far east as China, Pakistan and India, consuming at times whole fields inside of 30 seconds.  Last week the Times of Israel reported that breeding of the locusts was creating a massive second wave moving towards the same nations.  And then, with little warning, the Coronavirus exploded on the world in the first 90 days of 2020.

“And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  All these are the beginning of sorrows (labor pains). (Matthew 24:7-8 emphasis added) In His Olivet Discourse, Jesus told the disciples that troubles throughout the world would increase in intensity before His return much like labor pains on a woman giving birth.

I believe what we are witnessing with Coronavirus is very definitely evidence of the increasing birth pains that Jesus described, all the more with the earthquakes, locust plagues, droughts, Australian wildfires and the lawless spirit that is being witnessed throughout the world.  In fact, this virus is a strong labor pain.

But, the Bible does seem to assure that the world will recover from this pandemic based on what Jesus spoke, “But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark.” (Matthew 24:37-38)  Right now this is not happening. But these verses seem to infer that at His return, life on earth will be normal if not prosperous, that eating, drinking and weddings will continue as they always have.  Thus, a recovery from this unprecedented event almost surely will follow.  But, to further the point, Jesus later said that the “Son of Man will return at a time you think not.” (Luke 12:40)

It is the strongest labor pain thus far and it has been felt by the entire world.  As the nations have been forced to suddenly shut down in a hushed panic ….do you not hear Him saying to the populations of the earth, “Do you know what time it is?”

We will never know the day or the hour nor should we attempt to predict it.  But, it is the season of His promised return.

“May we not ignore the signs that are right before our eyes.  May we not be slow of heart to believe!”- Amir Tsarfati

Awaken Church.

Often the solution to a mystery is not resolved until a key or subtle discovery is made.  Frequently, it can be the most obvious thing and is maybe why it had been overlooked.  A key to understanding the Bible is the fact that Jesus and the majority of His disciples were Galilean, except for Judas.  But what mystery does that resolve?

“Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:45-46)

What did Nathanael mean by that?

Galileans stood out from the rest of Israel, they didn’t blend in well. The region was viewed as remote, away from the center of Judaism in Jerusalem, not known for any form of cultural sophistication.  As one author wrote,“The province [of Galilee] is spoken of as having been, at that period, one of the most obscure and despised of the Roman empire; and Nazareth has the misfortune of being represented as then an insignificant village, whose inhabitants were ignorant and even immoral.” (Galilee in the time of Christ, Selah Merrill, 1885)

In the eyes of the more educated and urban Jews, the Galileans would have been judged as ignorant at best and perhaps as simple-minded sinners at worst. But Jesus of Nazareth spoke to the disciples in the Galilean vernacular, using their cultural idioms.

One of the most prominent of Galilean customs and used most consistently throughout His ministry was the Galilean wedding which differed notably from the standard Jewish wedding at that time.  The Galilean nuances spoke volumes to the early Church, they understood what Jesus spoke, but over the span of 2,000 years these key understandings have been lost to so many of the pulpits today.

The three “C’s” of Bible weddings were: Contract, Consummation and Celebration.  We see these reflected in Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah in Genesis 24 and in Jacob’s marriage to Leah and then to Rachel in Genesis 29.

The ancient Jewish Wedding practice began with the Marriage Covenant or Contract.  It was known as the “Ketubbah.”  When a young man desired to marry a young woman in ancient Israel, the first step would be the establishment of a marriage contract that would be paid by the father of the groom. The groom would present the contract to the young woman and her father at the young woman’s home and described the terms under which he would propose marriage.  The most important part of the contract was the bride price, that is the price that the young man was willing to pay to marry the young woman.  The payment was to be made to the young woman’s father in exchange for his permission to marry.

But in ancient Galilee there was a unique practice that concluded the contract: The Cup.  If the bride price was agreeable to the young woman’s father, the young man would pour a glass of wine for the young woman.  If the young woman drank the wine, it would indicate her acceptance of the proposal.  At this point the young man and young woman would be betrothed. (note Paul’s verb in 2^nd Corinthians 11:2) The marriage was official, the only difference was that the marriage was not yet consummated.  A typical betrothal period was 1-2 years and during this time the bride and bridegroom would each be preparing for the wedding and would not see each other.

Jesus fulfilled this Galilean bridegroom practice at the Last Supper.  As Jesus poured wine for His disciples His words described the significance of the cup in representing the bride price for the marriage contract: “The He took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you.  This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.  I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father’s kingdom.” (Matthew 26:28-29) The disciples drank of the cup, thus accepting the contract.

At Communion, as we drink the cup and eat of the bread, we reflect on Christ’s sacrifice and look forward to His return.  We remember the price He paid for the forgiveness of our sins and guarantee of our eternal life through Him.  The price He paid, giving His life for us, can also be seen as the bride price.  The cup signifies the acceptance of His terms as bridegroom.

Prior to the wedding and still a practice for many Jewish women today, the bride would partake in a Mikveh, or cleansing bath.  Mikveh is the same Hebrew word used for baptism.  After His ascension, the Mikveh, or baptism that Jesus provides for His bride is baptism of the Holy Spirit. On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father has promised, which you have heard me speak about.  For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 1:4)

Another Galilean practice was for the bridegroom to send special gifts to the bride during the long betrothal period reminding her of his love and appreciation for her.  The gifts that Jesus gave us are the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus described this gift in John 14:26: “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you and will remind you of everything I had said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Stage Two of the Jewish wedding was the Consummation of the marriage, known as “The Chuppah.”   Once the ketubbah was signed, the couple did not have sex until the groom fulfilled his financial obligations to the father of the bride.  When the father consented to the groom and the bridal price was paid, he was allowed to come to the home of the bride and consummate the marriage in her own house.  The groom would set a date for the chuppah, notifying the bride in order that she could prepare their wedding room.  Afterwards, he would lead her in a ceremonial procession to a wedding feast at his house. But the Galilean custom was quite different!

In Galilean ruins (i.e. Korazim) what we find are insulas – clusters of buildings where extended families lived together. In Jesus’ time, families usually lived in clusters of buildings called insulas. These clusters were built around a central courtyard. Grandparents, cousins, uncles, and aunts all lived and interacted together in the insula.

As sons married, they added to the insula. After asking a girl to marry him, the son would return to his village and build new rooms onto his father’s home. The son, anxious to be married, waited for the day when his father declared that the building was complete. Then he could finally marry his bride and bring her to their new home.

Just as a bridegroom would have told his bride that he would go to prepare a place for her, so Jesus told His disciples: “…In my Father’s house are many rooms or mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you.  I am going there to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 13:1-3)  In ancient Galilee, the bridegroom could get his bride only after his father approved the date.  Similarly, Jesus said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  Be on guard!  Be alert!  You do not know when that time will come.” (Mark 13:32-33)

In Galilean custom, while the bridegroom was preparing the wedding chamber, the bride was considered to be consecrated, set apart or “bought with a price.”  If she went out, she would wear a veil so other would know she was betrothed.  During this time, she prepared herself for the marriage.  She didn’t know when the groom would come for her and it was normal that she would station members of her family or her bridesmaids to be looking out for the groom’s approach.  Since bridegrooms typically came for their brides in the middle of the night, to “steal them away” (the groom would often come like a ‘thief in the night’, often around the midnight hour), the bride would have to have her lamp and her belongings ready at all times.  Her sisters and bridesmaids would also be waiting, keeping their lamps trimmed in anticipation of the late night festivities and the approach of the bridegroom.

When the Galilean bridegroom’s father deemed the wedding chamber ready, he would tell his son that all was ready and to go and fetch his bride.  The bridegroom would abduct his bride secretly, like a thief in the night and take her to the wedding chamber.  As the bridegroom and his best friends approached the bride’s home, he would shout and blow the shofar (ram’s horn trumpet) so that she had some warning to gather her belongings to take into the wedding chamber.  Inside the bride’s house it was electric and exhilarating, a moment of jubilant joy as the house awakened for the day of fulfillment had arrived.  The bridegroom and his friends would come into the bride’s house and get the bride and her bridesmaids and take them to the groom’s father’s house.

Just as the bridegroom would come for the bride in the middle of the night, with a shout and the sound of the shofar, so the Lord will come for us.  “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.  After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And so we will be with the Lord forever.  Therefore, encourage each other with these words.  Now, brothers, about time and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” (1^st Thessalonians 4:16-17)

Upon returning to his father’s house or property, the bridegroom would take his bride to the wedding chamber where they would spend seven days.  Interestingly, on that first night the bridegroom’s friend would wait outside the door of the wedding chamber.  When the marriage was consummated, the bridegroom would tell his friend through the door, and the friend would announce it to the assembled guests announcing the Celebration.  The guests and family would celebrate for seven days until the bride and bridegroom emerged from the wedding chamber.  At that time the groom would bring his wife out and introduce her to the community.

The Galilean wedding model is the template that Jesus uses to describe the Rapture of the Church.  The seven days symbolize the 7 Year Tribulation in which the Church as the Bride of Christ is in heaven.  It is a pre-millennial, pre-tribulation Rapture, and the early Church, understanding the Galilean vernacular, knew this.  But by the 3^rd century A.D. different prophetic interpretations began to develop that have filtered forward to this day.

The Galilean key has been lost to many pulpits today and sadly, it is reflected in recent polling data obtained from 1,000 Protestant pastors in the United States.  Lifeway Research has found that approximately 30% of the Church does not even believe in a literal Rapture, which is stunning.  The phrase “blessed hope” that Paul wrote about extensively does not even register for many Christians today.  If you would like to review their polling data, click HERE.

As most of us would observe, we live in fast and heady times.  If ever there was a time to rediscover our “Galilean roots” it would be today.

Sources: Ray Vander Laan, Dr. Chuck Missler, Steve Rudd, Brent Miller, Jr.