Q: Similitude sets heaven correspond to the earth. What role man play 'After our likeness' while the earth is 'after our image'?"
A: Principle of Similitude governs the actions so like begets like. 'The earth abides forever' because Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. The two worlds framed by the word of God relates the Father Son relationship. The Law of the Spirit sets 'the Word was with God' after our likeness which relates the humanity of Christ. For and example Joseph is set after our likeness' so the Ark of his testament is a heavenly pattern for Joseph after his death. Death and burial of Christ among the heathen and in the tomb intended for another carries a pattern on the earth. The Spirit as with the role of Moses set the life of Joseph 'after our likeness'. "And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor."(Josh.24:32)
The Similitude sets the worlds framed by word upon faith which is the only way one could be made after 'our likeness' To be conformed after the image Jesus Christ is set as the captain our salvation. It is what makes our volume word-based . The book of life itself corresponds to our heart. So the revelation that God through an angel to John is the testament of Jesus Christ. This explains the last verse in the Gospel of John. "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25)
John 21:16 - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Jesus says to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He doesn't say "more than these," He just uses AGAPE again. Do you have agape for me? He is narrowing it down. He said unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
And again, Peter uses the word PHILEO. First AGAPE in comparison, then AGAPE, one-on-one, and still Peter will not boast or claim or commit to have that kind of love.
John 21:17 - He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Jesus says to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Except Jesus now uses the word PHILEO that Peter has been using all this time. Now Jesus is challenging him, "Do you PHILEO me? Do you have affection for me?" He is even challenging him on that. And Peter said unto him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I PHILEO you.
"Lord, you know all things." The proper response by Peter!
This is all I have to share from John's gospel. I will be going through Acts next. Hopefully I haven't put anyone to sleep yet. For those of you who are still following along, I want to say thank you so much!
John 21:1 - After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
The sea of Tiberius is the Sea of Galilee. By the time John wrote, which is some of 30 years plus after the other gospels were written, it wasn't known as the Sea of Galilee. It was known as the Sea of Tiberius because the city of Tiberius was there and the Romans renamed it. So, the Sea of Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee are the same places.
John 21:15 - So, when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Here's something we don't catch in our English text. The word love is used twice in this verse, but there are two different words in the Greek that have different meanings. One is AGAPE (Godly love), and the other is PHILEO (Human love). After they had finished, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, and He doesn't call him Peter. That is the name He gave to Peter. He calls him by his human fleshly name. Simon, son of Jonas. It is like "Uh oh, here it comes," lovest thou me more than these?
This word love is AGAPAO. It is the word AGAPE in verb form, the highest form of sacrificial love, like "I'll lay down my life for you type of love." And He also tacks on a little supportive phrase by saying "more than these?" Remember in Mark 14:29 Peter says, "though all of these will be offended in you, yet I will not."
So, Jesus is saying, do you AGAPE me more than these? Peter says Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. The word love that Peter uses here is PHILEO. He doesn't say, yes Lord, I AGAPE you. He says I PHILEO you, I have affection for you.
Peter is not as bold in his boast this time. "Sure Lord, I AGAPE you. I will go out there and die for you," like he did before. He's been humbled. "Lord, you know I have PHILEO for you."
A bit of information about the grk in John 21. About "phileo" and "agapao" both meaning "to love" in anc grk.
Firstly Jesus was not talking to Peter in greek but in Hebrew. Is there such a distinction in the Hebrew language too? Personally I don't know.
John in his gospel, John 21:2, is using "egapa" (past tense, 3rd third person), describing Jesus who loved John.
In v 15 & 16 Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him ("agapas me?", do you love me?, question, third person). Peter answers that he loves Him ("philo se", I love you, first person)
In v 16 Jesus asks Peter again if he loves him (question and answer both use the verb "philao")
So it seems that at that time both verbs had the same meaning, for "to love".
Going back in time the verb "phileo" is older than "agapao". The latter started to be in common use sometime during the 3rd century BC, although it can be found in Homer's Iliad (8th century BC). By the time of Jesus both verbs were in use for the same thing, it is obvious in John 21. Later on, "phileo" had been abandoned for "to love"
Also, philia=friendship, philos=friend, philo/philao=also means "to kiss" (in both anc and mod grk), phili=kiss
agape=love, agapao/agapo=to love (for all kinds of love), eros/erotas=in love
Luke 5:1 - And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
Now this has nothing to do with Biblical Greek studies, but I just wanted to share some information about the lake of Gennesaret that's mentioned in this verse. Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is also called the Sea of Tiberius in John 6:1 and John 21:1. So the Sea of Galilee, the lake Gennesaret, and the Sea or Lake of Tiberius are all the same place.
The word "Gennesaret" itself comes from the Hebrew word KANNAR that means heart. And that is because the Lake is heart-shaped. And so, with certain people, at different phases of history, they didn't call it the Sea of Galilee. They called it the lake of Gennesaret because it is in the shape of a heart. So KANNAR is the Hebrew word, and it is where we get the name Gennesaret from.
Luke 5:5 - And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
The word toiled is KOPOS, and that means to work to the point of exhaustion.
Luke 5:6 - And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
The word "brake" is actually an Imperfect Tense in the Greek, which tells us that the net didn't really break because then you would lose your fish. But it was to the point that it was starting to tear. This could have been translated, "and their net began to tear."
" Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more."(104:35)
Fire serves as a sign of disfavour. So God created angels spirits,"his ministers a flaming fire."(v.4) From the life of Prophet Elijah we have an example, "And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head." (1 Ki.19:6). Why the Spirit has set this example? Prophet is set as a double for Jesus Christ. Now we shall see how the risen Christ was helped by his angel."As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread./ Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. "( John 21:9).
The Last Adam is he who came from heaven. The Lord of heaven refers to the fire as a sign. " I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?"( Luke 12:49) It is to this Apostle Peter refers, "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
The Prophet foreshadows in the manner he chose to defeat the prophets of Baal. "Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."(1 Ki.18:38)
This is according to the everlasting covenant which is the house that Wisdom built. (Pr.9:1) These have foundation which we find in Hannah's prayer. "For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." (1 Sa.2:8). The same truth we have in the Psalm we are discussing at present. God " Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."(104:5) Notice the ubiquitous phrase 'forever' used here? We are discussing fire as reserved for the children of wrath. Showers of blessing for the blessed in the Son. Everlasting covenant as a sure foundation. God knows. 2 Ti.2:19-20
My last two posts were a general look at accuracy of historical and more recent information as seen through the media and historical accounts. A realistic view of the Bible sees it set apart as having all things necessary for instruction; rebuke; etc as 2 Timothy 3:16 states. We often use other sources such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs to fill in the details; and most of us have the idea that all but one of the original Apostles was martyred. The scripture only mentions James the brother of John killed in Acts 12:2. We can assess from the writings of Paul that he knew his time of departure was at hand; but Acts 28 stops short of his martyrdom. From Christ's words to Peter in John 21:18 as to his fate of martyrdom as well. Whether John in Revelation was boiled in oil unsuccessfully before his Patmos exile is not as far as I know proven.
Often we CAN read into what is not said in scripture. Jesus was basically left out of anything but a bare bones description of his time before His minstry began after John the Baptist baptised Him. I would imagine he was perfect in being a carpenter and all that it entailed but we just need to understand that He fulfilled the law perfectly in His life and ultimately His death.
When we look at Christ's personal prayer life in particular; we see that He knew the importance of withdrawing before certain events and praying all night at times; as He did before picking the Disciples; as well as fasting and prayer which He likely did both practices before upbraiding those who didn't remain proactive in general to be spiritually strong at the casting out of the demon in Matthew 17:21. We don't see ANY indication that any of the Apostles or Disciples prayed before the Resurrection. It doesn't prove it didn't happen but certainly indicates it was probably very deficient.
The Bible clearly does NOT put people but God on display. Even mourning for Moses had to end ( Joshua 1:2).
"This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."( John 21:14)
Now we shall go back to the key text:
"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body." Jesus speaks of bread as my body.' He is referring to the act of breaking,- and his spiritual body is never to be broken, and the sacrament was to be done in memory of him. "this do in remembrance of me."(1 Co.11:24)
Similarly the wine refers to his blood. "For this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(v.28) From v.29 the Spirit clues us in what sense we are to interpret the bread and wine. The bread and wine they drink foreshadowing the everlasting covenant shall continue in the day of regeneration as well. The newness of heaven and the earth refers to their regeneration. Same testament but their spiritual bodies shall make it all new. "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(v.29) until I drink it 'new' ought to make it clear the testament is not the subject but the creation. That day is the day of regeneration. Alpha and Omega aspect both hinge on the day decreed as the covenant. Unto this day and that day refers to the Son.
"Take, eat; this is my body."(v.26) "For this is my blood of the new testament,"
All gospels save that of John narrate the last supper before his passion. It occurred in the evening.
John instead gives us the first supper in the day of regeneration. This we shall examine before we consider 'my body' for bread and "new testament"
The disciples according to the Gospel of John did not recognize their master. He was there in his risen body, naturally."but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." ( John 21:4). Significance is in the morning, "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore." The Spirit uses the morning to indicate that their repast shall be breaking the fast. He was evidently in his spiritual body and for forty days he was seen of them since he was risen. At the mount before his passion he carried both physical and spiritual bodies and transfiguration was merely a foretaste of what was to come. Death had no more hold on the risen Christ so while he stood on the other shore he was in his spiritual body.
He asks the disciples present there, "Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No." (v.5). But soon they shall find a miraculous draught of fish and also bread. "As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread."(v.9). The catch was apart from the fish. Their labour and the catch brought ashore was their testament. While what was the testament of the spiritual body? Is it not the fish laid thereon a fire of live coals and the bread? Thus there are to aspects to what we mean by the body.
"A body hast thou prepared me" (He.10:5-7; Ps.40:7) is Word based so it points to the covenant between the Father and the Son. "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,/I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
The fish and bread witness the spiritual body of the risen Christ.
We need to keep in mind what John said at the end of the Gospels about if everything Christ did was written down all the books in the world couldn't contain it ( John 21:25). There is no reason to believe that more texts or true anecdotes about the Lord are out there and may be found at some point. We see the same principle in the fact that certain things are written in only one Gospel; others in all and most in one or two others. We need to realize that nothing is contradictory unless God changed things Himself (such as going from the old to new covenant eliminating; for instance ceremonial dietary laws). We see full explanations; for instance on divorce in Matthew 5 and 19 which are known as the "exception clause" as opposed to Luke and Mark where this "except for fornication" is not listed as reason for divorce and remarriage being constituted as adultery. Again; when we see apparent contradictions (such as the apparent error in numbers killed in some of the accounts of wars in books such as Chronicles and Kings (and apparently in the census from 2 Samuel as compared to 1 Chronicles) further examination usually clears up details. Again much of this may come from issues of later translations (copies of copies) which continued for several centuries before today's versions.
Also we need to see that even Paul in Mars hill used secular writings to describe the "unknown god" and also Cretian writings later on in Acts that described (in no flattering terms) the manner of behavior known about Cretians to hammer home that their own writings summed up correctly their beastly behavior that needed to be mended among brethren confessing Christ who wished to be in leadership. This confirms the factual content being the inspired Word of God just as the account of Satan and all the sins of the Patriarchs and saints. We wouldn't want to emulate them but it is there as 2 Timothy 3:16 states to instruct us in righteousness and scripture is sufficient.
Being contrite is merely one aspect of holiness in action. Isaiah was crushed when he saw the vision of the Lord. 'Woe is me' expressed his emotions, and the Lord cleansed him and when he responds 'Here I am send me' his iniquity was purged to be of use to the Lord God. (Is.6:1-8). In the case of Judas remorse would not help. Neither did it with Esau.
Contrition in order to be complete must restore peace with God. Simon Peter denied his master without losing the peace. Jesus entrusted the care of his flock to his chief apostle as nothing happened, 'Feed my sheep' ( John 21:17 )
No man is justified by expression of contrition alone. Judas felt remorse but his faith could not be restored. So faith with works is man's abiding life with Jesus Christ is the key. "Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,/Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that." (Matt.27:3-4) He merely returned other man's riches without restoring peace with God. "I am the Way" Jesus said. By denouncing him he had thrown the key to salvation away. His works condemned him.
So called from the province of Galilee, which bordered on the western side.(Matt.4:18). It was also called the "Sea of Tiberias," from the celebrated city of that name. ( John 6:1) At its north-western angle was a beautiful and fertile plain called "Gennesaret," and from that it derived the name of "Lake of Gennesaret." There are three names as given above to the same body of water associated with the life of Jesus. The same lake, the same Word.
Here we shall consider two events associated with this sea. We are all familiar with the Last Supper and it signaled the beginning of the end for the Son of man. After he is risen in St John 21:1-14 we are looking at the First Supper,- and it signifies life after life.
It is thus we need look at the apparent 'inconsistencies' that many scholars have pointed out. The truth of Synoptic gospels is established by God; and how John has been illumined to provide the miracle of the draughts of fishes after resurrection makes it true; equally true is the account of Luke. ( Luke 5:1-11). Luke is referring to fishers of men while John is introducing it as abundant life ahead of every believer because Jesus Christ is raised.
Jesus set me free from the bar business and I got baptized in Jesus name Acts 2:38,39
Luke 24:47,48Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
The apostle John wrote the Gospel of John. He is a different John than John the Baptist who is going to be introduced to us in John 1:6. This is the apostle, John. John the Baptist, and the apostle John are two different people.
So, John, in his gospel, writes about John but he is not writing about himself. In fact, he doesn't mention himself at all. So whatever John you read of, you know he is talking about John the Baptist. He is identified as the disciple whom Jesus loved in John Chapter 21 Verse 20. He never names himself, but he calls himself the disciples whom Jesus loved in John 21:20.
He is the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death. Tradition says that they tried to kill John by putting him in boiling oil and they couldn't kill him, much like Daniel in the lion's den. And so, they exiled him off onto the island of Patmos because they couldn't kill him. They said let's just get rid of him. He is an old man. He has got a lot of wisdom and knowledge. He has got a lot of influence. So, we will just get rid of his influence, and we won't have to mess with him.
It was off on the island of Patmos that he received what we know as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. After he was brought back to the mainland he settled in Ephesus and became part of the church in Ephesus. As a matter fact, the elders of Ephesus are the ones who urged and compelled him to write the gospel of John before he died because there was not a document that contained just one solid teaching to present the deity of Jesus Christ. So, he wrote it.
Eusebius, one of the church historians writing about the things of the church, he writes, "John received Asia as his sphere of work and lived and died in Ephesus." John also wrote 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and the book of Revelation.
If I had to face a situation like that I have what you might call a premeditated scenario that involves a lie.
"If I saw this killer coming and don't have time to hide but was able to hide my wife and lie about her whereabouts at the present time I certainly would.
I even have the hiding place already picked out and the lie prepared.
So that lie and intent for this particular situation is already in me.
So the question I would ask is, is this premeditated lie sin before or after the fact? "There's no doubt I'm going to do it "
I'm not granted that amount of faith at the present.
HOWEVER!
God may grace me with the faith I need for the moment and I would certainly be praying it.
This is the dilemma in living in such a wicked world with only a measure of the spirit and this coward sinful flesh.
This reminds me of Peter when he denied the Lord to stay alive.
"At the time he wasn't spirit filled."
Christ told him how he would glorify him by his death in John 21:18-19.
When he was indwelled and strengthened by the Spirit he preached Christ boldly and was made an Apostle to the very people he feared.
Walking in the Spirit (part 6) continuation discerning spirit of truth vs error
All the previous section was focused on suffering for Christ's sake. Many today seem to forget the scriptures that state ALL who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim. 3:12) and other verses stating that He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6). Those who aren't are said to be illegitimate children. In discerning truth from error; we see how few of the so called "prophets" today make such declarations as Agabus who predicted both imprisonment of Paul and a famine; or that of Christ to Peter on his eventual capture and implied martyrdom. ( John 21:18). We have had certain prominent individuals stating that another prominent one would suffer some malady because of the so called "not touching the anointed prophets" ( Psalm 105:15).
Again I will leave names out here; some things are just too ridiculous to get into anyway. What is certain is that bad news; whether that of the state of churches in Revelation 2; or that of the Prophets of old such as Isaiah; Ezekiel and Jeremiah who weren't exactly winning any popularity contests when time and time again they warned of judgment to come for specific sins is something heard very little today; and no wonder. Everyone wants their ears tickled with what they want to hear; what is the most popular or "politically correct" advice among the crowd of "professing" believers.
When the cure is worse than the disease; those who are of the truth will not be satisfied with a band-aid approach. This earth is not our home; and we should live this life accordingly.
Therefore; when we are in fellowship we should seek to be around those who are truly Spirit filled as well as run away from where the spirit of error is. We are to be "set apart" for His use ( 1 Thess. 4:7). What is refreshing in being hot or cold is that it alleviates any confusion or compromise of assimilation with those in the world ( 1 Peter 2:9-10).
No Timothy, the Gospel of John chapter 21 ends with verse 25. Was it something you read that indicated there were more verses to this chapter? Some have questioned the author of verses 24 and 25, but no other area of concern is known to me.
Hello Carol. In that verse, we read that Peter put on his "fisher's coat" (i.e. the outer tunic) when he understood from John that it was Jesus on the shore. He probably did this hurriedly as we might do if a visitor came knocking on our door & we were still in our night-wear not having a dressing gown on, at least. But the word 'naked' in the original Greek, can also mean 'having under-clothing on', as some would do, wearing minimal clothing when doing arduous work (e.g. workers on a building site). It seems the other disciples on the boat were fully dressed but Peter had shed his outer garment for work purposes.
But why Peter then "cast himself into the sea" with this heavier coat on and with a heavy catch of fish to be dragged in, I cannot be sure. I have often assumed that he wanted to get to shore first to be with the Lord Jesus by swimming there, but even doing that with a coat on seems unreasonable. Maybe others might have another thought about this event.
Simon Peter was not naked as in nude, but naked as in he had his fishing garments on which were just his under clothes.
He didn't have his cloak, his outer garment on, so he puts his outer garment on. I guess he felt like he was not presentable because there is the Lord, and he did cast himself into the sea. Impulsive Peter!
John 1:5 conclusion. When we read John 13:30; we see Judas Iscariot going out "immediately" after given the "sop" which was given traditionally to an honored guest. The narrative continues into John 14 and 15 all the way to John 15:16 which mentions the Disciples being called; chosen AND ordained (sans the traitor). The "fruit production" comes to those God has enabled to do this.
They have promises therefore of inheriting eternal life and the glories of heaven ( John 14:2).
The cost of being a disciple of course was soon to be revealed; namely in Peter's fall. In Luke 22:32 the word "converted" is used in order to describe what would soon happen. Christ knew all; of course that Peter was one of His own (as He would give nicknames to emphasize characteristics of the Apostles). In John 1:42 Jesus said that he would be called Cephus or the rock; later on in Matthew 16:16 we see that Christ was revealed to Peter as to who He was. Therefore the word converted here would mean to be restored spiritually after the fall; but it showed the effects of true repentance. Peter until this point was impetuous and immature in many ways as a child in his walk; so the meaning here is when Peter's outward behavior would represent a radical transfomation and involved dying to self. This made him ready after the Resurrection to take on what he knew would end up in martyrdom ( John 21:18). It also gave him boldness in the Book of Acts despite a realistic fear of his own persecution.
Let us therefore take heed; that we are slow to speak as well as swift to hear and slow to wrath (mixed up interpretation of James 1:19). We need to look out for false teachers as well; who self identify as believers; but show no evidence of true faith and producing good fruit.
Yesterday; my Pastor discussed the situation where an individual was denied access to an American Airlines flight to or from Chicago when the doors were shut. The complaint however was never filed after the gentleman realized that the plane had crashed and he was the only survivor. Someone may be familiar with this story and the individual involved; apparently he keeps the ticket to remind him how precious his "borrowed time" is.
Trusting in God when circumstances are chaotic and it appears to be out of control is easier said than done; of course. It isn't pleasant to think of Paul being given a prophecy of his soon death in Rome (see Acts 20 starting in verse 23). Same could be said for Peter who perhaps had a worse situation in John 21:28 which was said to happen in his old age; so he had to wait many years to see this fulfilled.
One thing is certain; the Lord can bring people through trials; or enable them to escape. John was apparently the only apostle to escape martyrdom; some say they attempted to boil him in oil and failed; certainly his life wasn't a pleasure cruise being exiled to Patmos. We can also say that according to the life of Christ nothing can happen to us outside of God's ultimate plans and purposes and outside of the timing of the event. This relates not only to our demise on this earth; but to all things in every moment of every day. Sometimes when we are overwhelmed God can change things; or send others to assist. When temptation comes God can remove the source (see 1 Cor. 10:13). This is why fellowship is so crucial; we are not designed to be "an island". Personal quiet time and devotionals; of course are important not just for ourselves but to help disciple and counsel others.
Dying itself of course is a daily thing ( 1 Cor. 15:31). It is a sign that we are godly in Christ Jesus; dying first to our own pride and our plans; and yes our dreams outside His will. Let us be conformed daily to His image.
Bless the Lord; o my soul and forget none of His benefits ( Psalm 103:2). In preaching to the lost world; we certainly need to declare the victory over sin; and God's love ( John 3:16). We are translated from death to life in His Dear Son ( Colossians 1:13).
In fact God IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
In the backdrop of the news of the "exceeding great glory" awaiting us; ( 2 Peter 1:4) we also have 2 Corinthians 4:17 which mentions our "light afflictions" before glorification. Paul himself was told how much "he would suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake" ( Acts 9:16). Peter was instructed of similar things when the Lord asked him if he loved Him 3 times in John 21:15-16.
Such messages are rarely given today.
There are several problems preventing these truths to be given in exhortation. First of all; if we don't see some sort of persecution being suffered as is promised toward ALL who are Godly in Christ Jesus as their fate ( 2 Timothy 3:2) then we are not given any example to emulate and therefore live with unrealistic expectations as to how comfortable our lives will be once we live out our faith. Of course; with anything else the fact of the matter exists that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding." ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10 and many other passages). It follows that reverence; awe; and respect result from such an understanding as well as the discipline to be as a hardened soldier not concerned with "civilian affairs" ( 2 Timothy 2:4).
I have stated in other places how exhortation and rebuke is; in such a permissive society not considered proper etiquette. That feeds into my next point; that we aren't seeing what is Biblical discipleship in WEEDING out those tares that are there to spread false doctrines and cause dissention as well as giving challenges as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). This is a problem with church elders and other leaders and of course laypersons follow their lead.
Hello Elizabeth. There have been several opinions/theories proffered about the significance of this number 153. I'm unconvinced that any of them have any value at all, rather I read that verse as given.
In John 21:8, we see those disciples "dragging the net with fish(es)". These verses don't give us all the words & acts performed at that time. There could have been a discussion amongst them, why their nets didn't break with such a haul of fish, when normally they could only lift up a smaller amount of fish. Maybe, there was a discussion among them while on their boat that they should count their haul when they got to land, to see what they could actually lift in a net when Jesus gave them His Word. And they could even publicize it amongst other fisherfolk that they may marvel at this & begin to believe in the power of Christ. All this is only my guess, as none of it is given in the Bible (maybe others have other thoughts), but I feel that there is nothing more in that number '153', other than revealing a great quantity of fish caught in a net; in a net which was only capable of holding much less.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
What does the 153 signify? Why doesn't it say a lot or a little? Why is it this specific number? I've never found an answer for this.
Q: Similitude sets heaven correspond to the earth. What role man play 'After our likeness' while the earth is 'after our image'?"
A: Principle of Similitude governs the actions so like begets like. 'The earth abides forever' because Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. The two worlds framed by the word of God relates the Father Son relationship. The Law of the Spirit sets 'the Word was with God' after our likeness which relates the humanity of Christ. For and example Joseph is set after our likeness' so the Ark of his testament is a heavenly pattern for Joseph after his death. Death and burial of Christ among the heathen and in the tomb intended for another carries a pattern on the earth. The Spirit as with the role of Moses set the life of Joseph 'after our likeness'. "And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor."(Josh.24:32)
The Similitude sets the worlds framed by word upon faith which is the only way one could be made after 'our likeness' To be conformed after the image Jesus Christ is set as the captain our salvation. It is what makes our volume word-based . The book of life itself corresponds to our heart. So the revelation that God through an angel to John is the testament of Jesus Christ. This explains the last verse in the Gospel of John. "And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen." John 21:25)
John 21:16 - He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Jesus says to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He doesn't say "more than these," He just uses AGAPE again. Do you have agape for me? He is narrowing it down. He said unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee.
And again, Peter uses the word PHILEO. First AGAPE in comparison, then AGAPE, one-on-one, and still Peter will not boast or claim or commit to have that kind of love.
John 21:17 - He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.
Jesus says to him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Except Jesus now uses the word PHILEO that Peter has been using all this time. Now Jesus is challenging him, "Do you PHILEO me? Do you have affection for me?" He is even challenging him on that. And Peter said unto him, Lord, you know all things; you know that I PHILEO you.
"Lord, you know all things." The proper response by Peter!
This is all I have to share from John's gospel. I will be going through Acts next. Hopefully I haven't put anyone to sleep yet. For those of you who are still following along, I want to say thank you so much!
God Bless!!!
John 21:1 - After these things Jesus shewed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias; and on this wise shewed he himself.
The sea of Tiberius is the Sea of Galilee. By the time John wrote, which is some of 30 years plus after the other gospels were written, it wasn't known as the Sea of Galilee. It was known as the Sea of Tiberius because the city of Tiberius was there and the Romans renamed it. So, the Sea of Tiberius and the Sea of Galilee are the same places.
John 21:15 - So, when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.
Here's something we don't catch in our English text. The word love is used twice in this verse, but there are two different words in the Greek that have different meanings. One is AGAPE (Godly love), and the other is PHILEO (Human love). After they had finished, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, and He doesn't call him Peter. That is the name He gave to Peter. He calls him by his human fleshly name. Simon, son of Jonas. It is like "Uh oh, here it comes," lovest thou me more than these?
This word love is AGAPAO. It is the word AGAPE in verb form, the highest form of sacrificial love, like "I'll lay down my life for you type of love." And He also tacks on a little supportive phrase by saying "more than these?" Remember in Mark 14:29 Peter says, "though all of these will be offended in you, yet I will not."
So, Jesus is saying, do you AGAPE me more than these? Peter says Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. The word love that Peter uses here is PHILEO. He doesn't say, yes Lord, I AGAPE you. He says I PHILEO you, I have affection for you.
Peter is not as bold in his boast this time. "Sure Lord, I AGAPE you. I will go out there and die for you," like he did before. He's been humbled. "Lord, you know I have PHILEO for you."
A bit of information about the grk in John 21. About "phileo" and "agapao" both meaning "to love" in anc grk.
Firstly Jesus was not talking to Peter in greek but in Hebrew. Is there such a distinction in the Hebrew language too? Personally I don't know.
John in his gospel, John 21:2, is using "egapa" (past tense, 3rd third person), describing Jesus who loved John.
In v 15 & 16 Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him ("agapas me?", do you love me?, question, third person). Peter answers that he loves Him ("philo se", I love you, first person)
In v 16 Jesus asks Peter again if he loves him (question and answer both use the verb "philao")
So it seems that at that time both verbs had the same meaning, for "to love".
Going back in time the verb "phileo" is older than "agapao". The latter started to be in common use sometime during the 3rd century BC, although it can be found in Homer's Iliad (8th century BC). By the time of Jesus both verbs were in use for the same thing, it is obvious in John 21. Later on, "phileo" had been abandoned for "to love"
Also, philia=friendship, philos=friend, philo/philao=also means "to kiss" (in both anc and mod grk), phili=kiss
agape=love, agapao/agapo=to love (for all kinds of love), eros/erotas=in love
Luke 5:1 - And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
Now this has nothing to do with Biblical Greek studies, but I just wanted to share some information about the lake of Gennesaret that's mentioned in this verse. Gennesaret is another name for the Sea of Galilee. The Sea of Galilee is also called the Sea of Tiberius in John 6:1 and John 21:1. So the Sea of Galilee, the lake Gennesaret, and the Sea or Lake of Tiberius are all the same place.
The word "Gennesaret" itself comes from the Hebrew word KANNAR that means heart. And that is because the Lake is heart-shaped. And so, with certain people, at different phases of history, they didn't call it the Sea of Galilee. They called it the lake of Gennesaret because it is in the shape of a heart. So KANNAR is the Hebrew word, and it is where we get the name Gennesaret from.
Luke 5:5 - And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
The word toiled is KOPOS, and that means to work to the point of exhaustion.
Luke 5:6 - And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.
The word "brake" is actually an Imperfect Tense in the Greek, which tells us that the net didn't really break because then you would lose your fish. But it was to the point that it was starting to tear. This could have been translated, "and their net began to tear."
" Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more."(104:35)
Fire serves as a sign of disfavour. So God created angels spirits,"his ministers a flaming fire."(v.4) From the life of Prophet Elijah we have an example, "And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head." (1 Ki.19:6). Why the Spirit has set this example? Prophet is set as a double for Jesus Christ. Now we shall see how the risen Christ was helped by his angel."As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread./ Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught. "( John 21:9).
The Last Adam is he who came from heaven. The Lord of heaven refers to the fire as a sign. " I am come to send fire on the earth; and what will I, if it be already kindled?"( Luke 12:49) It is to this Apostle Peter refers, "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men."(2 Pe.3:7)
The Prophet foreshadows in the manner he chose to defeat the prophets of Baal. "Then the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench."(1 Ki.18:38)
This is according to the everlasting covenant which is the house that Wisdom built. (Pr.9:1) These have foundation which we find in Hannah's prayer. "For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he hath set the world upon them." (1 Sa.2:8). The same truth we have in the Psalm we are discussing at present. God " Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever."(104:5) Notice the ubiquitous phrase 'forever' used here? We are discussing fire as reserved for the children of wrath. Showers of blessing for the blessed in the Son. Everlasting covenant as a sure foundation. God knows. 2 Ti.2:19-20
My last two posts were a general look at accuracy of historical and more recent information as seen through the media and historical accounts. A realistic view of the Bible sees it set apart as having all things necessary for instruction; rebuke; etc as 2 Timothy 3:16 states. We often use other sources such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs to fill in the details; and most of us have the idea that all but one of the original Apostles was martyred. The scripture only mentions James the brother of John killed in Acts 12:2. We can assess from the writings of Paul that he knew his time of departure was at hand; but Acts 28 stops short of his martyrdom. From Christ's words to Peter in John 21:18 as to his fate of martyrdom as well. Whether John in Revelation was boiled in oil unsuccessfully before his Patmos exile is not as far as I know proven.
Often we CAN read into what is not said in scripture. Jesus was basically left out of anything but a bare bones description of his time before His minstry began after John the Baptist baptised Him. I would imagine he was perfect in being a carpenter and all that it entailed but we just need to understand that He fulfilled the law perfectly in His life and ultimately His death.
When we look at Christ's personal prayer life in particular; we see that He knew the importance of withdrawing before certain events and praying all night at times; as He did before picking the Disciples; as well as fasting and prayer which He likely did both practices before upbraiding those who didn't remain proactive in general to be spiritually strong at the casting out of the demon in Matthew 17:21. We don't see ANY indication that any of the Apostles or Disciples prayed before the Resurrection. It doesn't prove it didn't happen but certainly indicates it was probably very deficient.
The Bible clearly does NOT put people but God on display. Even mourning for Moses had to end ( Joshua 1:2).
"This is now the third time that Jesus shewed himself to his disciples, after that he was risen from the dead."( John 21:14)
Now we shall go back to the key text:
"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body." Jesus speaks of bread as my body.' He is referring to the act of breaking,- and his spiritual body is never to be broken, and the sacrament was to be done in memory of him. "this do in remembrance of me."(1 Co.11:24)
Similarly the wine refers to his blood. "For this is my blood of the new testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins."(v.28) From v.29 the Spirit clues us in what sense we are to interpret the bread and wine. The bread and wine they drink foreshadowing the everlasting covenant shall continue in the day of regeneration as well. The newness of heaven and the earth refers to their regeneration. Same testament but their spiritual bodies shall make it all new. "But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."(v.29) until I drink it 'new' ought to make it clear the testament is not the subject but the creation. That day is the day of regeneration. Alpha and Omega aspect both hinge on the day decreed as the covenant. Unto this day and that day refers to the Son.
"Take, eat; this is my body."(v.26) "For this is my blood of the new testament,"
All gospels save that of John narrate the last supper before his passion. It occurred in the evening.
John instead gives us the first supper in the day of regeneration. This we shall examine before we consider 'my body' for bread and "new testament"
The disciples according to the Gospel of John did not recognize their master. He was there in his risen body, naturally."but the disciples knew not that it was Jesus." ( John 21:4). Significance is in the morning, "But when the morning was now come, Jesus stood on the shore." The Spirit uses the morning to indicate that their repast shall be breaking the fast. He was evidently in his spiritual body and for forty days he was seen of them since he was risen. At the mount before his passion he carried both physical and spiritual bodies and transfiguration was merely a foretaste of what was to come. Death had no more hold on the risen Christ so while he stood on the other shore he was in his spiritual body.
He asks the disciples present there, "Children, have ye any meat? They answered him, No." (v.5). But soon they shall find a miraculous draught of fish and also bread. "As soon then as they were come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid thereon, and bread."(v.9). The catch was apart from the fish. Their labour and the catch brought ashore was their testament. While what was the testament of the spiritual body? Is it not the fish laid thereon a fire of live coals and the bread? Thus there are to aspects to what we mean by the body.
"A body hast thou prepared me" (He.10:5-7; Ps.40:7) is Word based so it points to the covenant between the Father and the Son. "Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me,/I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
The fish and bread witness the spiritual body of the risen Christ.
We need to keep in mind what John said at the end of the Gospels about if everything Christ did was written down all the books in the world couldn't contain it ( John 21:25). There is no reason to believe that more texts or true anecdotes about the Lord are out there and may be found at some point. We see the same principle in the fact that certain things are written in only one Gospel; others in all and most in one or two others. We need to realize that nothing is contradictory unless God changed things Himself (such as going from the old to new covenant eliminating; for instance ceremonial dietary laws). We see full explanations; for instance on divorce in Matthew 5 and 19 which are known as the "exception clause" as opposed to Luke and Mark where this "except for fornication" is not listed as reason for divorce and remarriage being constituted as adultery. Again; when we see apparent contradictions (such as the apparent error in numbers killed in some of the accounts of wars in books such as Chronicles and Kings (and apparently in the census from 2 Samuel as compared to 1 Chronicles) further examination usually clears up details. Again much of this may come from issues of later translations (copies of copies) which continued for several centuries before today's versions.
Also we need to see that even Paul in Mars hill used secular writings to describe the "unknown god" and also Cretian writings later on in Acts that described (in no flattering terms) the manner of behavior known about Cretians to hammer home that their own writings summed up correctly their beastly behavior that needed to be mended among brethren confessing Christ who wished to be in leadership. This confirms the factual content being the inspired Word of God just as the account of Satan and all the sins of the Patriarchs and saints. We wouldn't want to emulate them but it is there as 2 Timothy 3:16 states to instruct us in righteousness and scripture is sufficient.
Being contrite is merely one aspect of holiness in action. Isaiah was crushed when he saw the vision of the Lord. 'Woe is me' expressed his emotions, and the Lord cleansed him and when he responds 'Here I am send me' his iniquity was purged to be of use to the Lord God. (Is.6:1-8). In the case of Judas remorse would not help. Neither did it with Esau.
Contrition in order to be complete must restore peace with God. Simon Peter denied his master without losing the peace. Jesus entrusted the care of his flock to his chief apostle as nothing happened, 'Feed my sheep' ( John 21:17 )
No man is justified by expression of contrition alone. Judas felt remorse but his faith could not be restored. So faith with works is man's abiding life with Jesus Christ is the key. "Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,/Saying, I have sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us? see thou to that." (Matt.27:3-4) He merely returned other man's riches without restoring peace with God. "I am the Way" Jesus said. By denouncing him he had thrown the key to salvation away. His works condemned him.
So called from the province of Galilee, which bordered on the western side.(Matt.4:18). It was also called the "Sea of Tiberias," from the celebrated city of that name. ( John 6:1) At its north-western angle was a beautiful and fertile plain called "Gennesaret," and from that it derived the name of "Lake of Gennesaret." There are three names as given above to the same body of water associated with the life of Jesus. The same lake, the same Word.
Here we shall consider two events associated with this sea. We are all familiar with the Last Supper and it signaled the beginning of the end for the Son of man. After he is risen in St John 21:1-14 we are looking at the First Supper,- and it signifies life after life.
It is thus we need look at the apparent 'inconsistencies' that many scholars have pointed out. The truth of Synoptic gospels is established by God; and how John has been illumined to provide the miracle of the draughts of fishes after resurrection makes it true; equally true is the account of Luke. ( Luke 5:1-11). Luke is referring to fishers of men while John is introducing it as abundant life ahead of every believer because Jesus Christ is raised.
Luke 24:47,48 Mark 16:16,17 I received the Holy Ghost Acts 5:32 Acts 2:4. 1 Corinthians 14: 2,22,39
John 3:1-6 Acts 19:1-6. 1 Peter 3:21 Proverbs 11:30. John 21:15 it is essential for Salvation to be baptized in Jesus name Acts 4:12 and be filled with His Holy Ghost power speaking in a brand new tongue Acts 2:4 , and live a holy life loving Jesus and loving others !
Luke 24:47,48 Jesus said!
Mark 16:16,17 Jesus said!
Acts 2:38,39 Peter preached what Jesus said!
Acts 4:12 No other name!
John 3:1-6 Must be born again of the water & Spirit!
1 Peter 3:21 Baptism saves us!
Acts 10:44-48 Can't be good enough without Jesus!
Acts 8:1-6 Ethiopian Eunic gets baptized in Jesus name and starts a 2000 plus year revival still going on today !
Acts 19:1-6 have you received the Holy Ghost since you been a believer?
Acts 5:32 gotta obey Him!
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39 tongues are for a sign!
Acts 2:4 The Spirit gives the utterance!
Acts 1:8 Receive power !
John 21:15 Jesus loves you dearly!!!!!!!
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
The apostle John wrote the Gospel of John. He is a different John than John the Baptist who is going to be introduced to us in John 1:6. This is the apostle, John. John the Baptist, and the apostle John are two different people.
So, John, in his gospel, writes about John but he is not writing about himself. In fact, he doesn't mention himself at all. So whatever John you read of, you know he is talking about John the Baptist. He is identified as the disciple whom Jesus loved in John Chapter 21 Verse 20. He never names himself, but he calls himself the disciples whom Jesus loved in John 21:20.
He is the only original apostle not to die a martyr's death. Tradition says that they tried to kill John by putting him in boiling oil and they couldn't kill him, much like Daniel in the lion's den. And so, they exiled him off onto the island of Patmos because they couldn't kill him. They said let's just get rid of him. He is an old man. He has got a lot of wisdom and knowledge. He has got a lot of influence. So, we will just get rid of his influence, and we won't have to mess with him.
It was off on the island of Patmos that he received what we know as the Revelation of Jesus Christ. After he was brought back to the mainland he settled in Ephesus and became part of the church in Ephesus. As a matter fact, the elders of Ephesus are the ones who urged and compelled him to write the gospel of John before he died because there was not a document that contained just one solid teaching to present the deity of Jesus Christ. So, he wrote it.
Eusebius, one of the church historians writing about the things of the church, he writes, "John received Asia as his sphere of work and lived and died in Ephesus." John also wrote 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and the book of Revelation.
the bible said he was a righteous man and fearing GOD.
Jehovah ( psalm 83:18) himself called job righteous.
It was Satan doubting Job as a righteous man Job 1:6-11.
Satan planted seeds of Doubt by raising up 3 friends of Job
who spoke without really understanding Job 2:11. Their false
assumptions cause job many pains.
Jesus is aware of the traps of Satan and how he uses deception and lies.
Luke 4 and Matthew 4.
Speaking about things we don't understand in a since can be
like the ways of Satan John 8:44. false accusations and hinderance to do what is
right or what God wants us to do is from Satan- Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:1-5
Jesus wasn't saying Peter was Satan. but he was being a hinderance to
his obedience to Jehovah God. John 3:16,17; Isaiah 12:2
Jesus after his impalement, Jesus came to Peter again. John 21:15-17
We can avoid hindering others by praying.. Matthew 6:9,10,13
If I had to face a situation like that I have what you might call a premeditated scenario that involves a lie.
"If I saw this killer coming and don't have time to hide but was able to hide my wife and lie about her whereabouts at the present time I certainly would.
I even have the hiding place already picked out and the lie prepared.
So that lie and intent for this particular situation is already in me.
So the question I would ask is, is this premeditated lie sin before or after the fact? "There's no doubt I'm going to do it "
I'm not granted that amount of faith at the present.
HOWEVER!
God may grace me with the faith I need for the moment and I would certainly be praying it.
This is the dilemma in living in such a wicked world with only a measure of the spirit and this coward sinful flesh.
This reminds me of Peter when he denied the Lord to stay alive.
"At the time he wasn't spirit filled."
Christ told him how he would glorify him by his death in John 21:18-19.
When he was indwelled and strengthened by the Spirit he preached Christ boldly and was made an Apostle to the very people he feared.
God bless.
All the previous section was focused on suffering for Christ's sake. Many today seem to forget the scriptures that state ALL who live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution ( 2 Tim. 3:12) and other verses stating that He "chastises all those He loves" ( Heb. 12:6). Those who aren't are said to be illegitimate children. In discerning truth from error; we see how few of the so called "prophets" today make such declarations as Agabus who predicted both imprisonment of Paul and a famine; or that of Christ to Peter on his eventual capture and implied martyrdom. ( John 21:18). We have had certain prominent individuals stating that another prominent one would suffer some malady because of the so called "not touching the anointed prophets" ( Psalm 105:15).
Again I will leave names out here; some things are just too ridiculous to get into anyway. What is certain is that bad news; whether that of the state of churches in Revelation 2; or that of the Prophets of old such as Isaiah; Ezekiel and Jeremiah who weren't exactly winning any popularity contests when time and time again they warned of judgment to come for specific sins is something heard very little today; and no wonder. Everyone wants their ears tickled with what they want to hear; what is the most popular or "politically correct" advice among the crowd of "professing" believers.
When the cure is worse than the disease; those who are of the truth will not be satisfied with a band-aid approach. This earth is not our home; and we should live this life accordingly.
Therefore; when we are in fellowship we should seek to be around those who are truly Spirit filled as well as run away from where the spirit of error is. We are to be "set apart" for His use ( 1 Thess. 4:7). What is refreshing in being hot or cold is that it alleviates any confusion or compromise of assimilation with those in the world ( 1 Peter 2:9-10).
But why Peter then "cast himself into the sea" with this heavier coat on and with a heavy catch of fish to be dragged in, I cannot be sure. I have often assumed that he wanted to get to shore first to be with the Lord Jesus by swimming there, but even doing that with a coat on seems unreasonable. Maybe others might have another thought about this event.
Simon Peter was not naked as in nude, but naked as in he had his fishing garments on which were just his under clothes.
He didn't have his cloak, his outer garment on, so he puts his outer garment on. I guess he felt like he was not presentable because there is the Lord, and he did cast himself into the sea. Impulsive Peter!
Mark 16:16,17
Luke 24:47,48
John 3:1-6
Acts 2:38
1 Peter 3:21
Acts 19:1-6
Acts 10:44-48
Acts 5:32
1 Corinthians 14:2,22,39
Acts 2:4
Acts 1:8
John 21:15,16
They have promises therefore of inheriting eternal life and the glories of heaven ( John 14:2).
The cost of being a disciple of course was soon to be revealed; namely in Peter's fall. In Luke 22:32 the word "converted" is used in order to describe what would soon happen. Christ knew all; of course that Peter was one of His own (as He would give nicknames to emphasize characteristics of the Apostles). In John 1:42 Jesus said that he would be called Cephus or the rock; later on in Matthew 16:16 we see that Christ was revealed to Peter as to who He was. Therefore the word converted here would mean to be restored spiritually after the fall; but it showed the effects of true repentance. Peter until this point was impetuous and immature in many ways as a child in his walk; so the meaning here is when Peter's outward behavior would represent a radical transfomation and involved dying to self. This made him ready after the Resurrection to take on what he knew would end up in martyrdom ( John 21:18). It also gave him boldness in the Book of Acts despite a realistic fear of his own persecution.
Let us therefore take heed; that we are slow to speak as well as swift to hear and slow to wrath (mixed up interpretation of James 1:19). We need to look out for false teachers as well; who self identify as believers; but show no evidence of true faith and producing good fruit.
Yesterday; my Pastor discussed the situation where an individual was denied access to an American Airlines flight to or from Chicago when the doors were shut. The complaint however was never filed after the gentleman realized that the plane had crashed and he was the only survivor. Someone may be familiar with this story and the individual involved; apparently he keeps the ticket to remind him how precious his "borrowed time" is.
Trusting in God when circumstances are chaotic and it appears to be out of control is easier said than done; of course. It isn't pleasant to think of Paul being given a prophecy of his soon death in Rome (see Acts 20 starting in verse 23). Same could be said for Peter who perhaps had a worse situation in John 21:28 which was said to happen in his old age; so he had to wait many years to see this fulfilled.
One thing is certain; the Lord can bring people through trials; or enable them to escape. John was apparently the only apostle to escape martyrdom; some say they attempted to boil him in oil and failed; certainly his life wasn't a pleasure cruise being exiled to Patmos. We can also say that according to the life of Christ nothing can happen to us outside of God's ultimate plans and purposes and outside of the timing of the event. This relates not only to our demise on this earth; but to all things in every moment of every day. Sometimes when we are overwhelmed God can change things; or send others to assist. When temptation comes God can remove the source (see 1 Cor. 10:13). This is why fellowship is so crucial; we are not designed to be "an island". Personal quiet time and devotionals; of course are important not just for ourselves but to help disciple and counsel others.
Dying itself of course is a daily thing ( 1 Cor. 15:31). It is a sign that we are godly in Christ Jesus; dying first to our own pride and our plans; and yes our dreams outside His will. Let us be conformed daily to His image.
Bless the Lord; o my soul and forget none of His benefits ( Psalm 103:2). In preaching to the lost world; we certainly need to declare the victory over sin; and God's love ( John 3:16). We are translated from death to life in His Dear Son ( Colossians 1:13).
In fact God IS love ( 1 John 4:8).
In the backdrop of the news of the "exceeding great glory" awaiting us; ( 2 Peter 1:4) we also have 2 Corinthians 4:17 which mentions our "light afflictions" before glorification. Paul himself was told how much "he would suffer for the Kingdom of God's sake" ( Acts 9:16). Peter was instructed of similar things when the Lord asked him if he loved Him 3 times in John 21:15-16.
Such messages are rarely given today.
There are several problems preventing these truths to be given in exhortation. First of all; if we don't see some sort of persecution being suffered as is promised toward ALL who are Godly in Christ Jesus as their fate ( 2 Timothy 3:2) then we are not given any example to emulate and therefore live with unrealistic expectations as to how comfortable our lives will be once we live out our faith. Of course; with anything else the fact of the matter exists that the "fear of the Lord is the beginning of understanding." ( Prov. 1:7; 9:10; Psalm 111:10 and many other passages). It follows that reverence; awe; and respect result from such an understanding as well as the discipline to be as a hardened soldier not concerned with "civilian affairs" ( 2 Timothy 2:4).
I have stated in other places how exhortation and rebuke is; in such a permissive society not considered proper etiquette. That feeds into my next point; that we aren't seeing what is Biblical discipleship in WEEDING out those tares that are there to spread false doctrines and cause dissention as well as giving challenges as "iron sharpens iron" ( Prov. 27:17). This is a problem with church elders and other leaders and of course laypersons follow their lead.
The number 153 signify the large fish which ware also in the net and still there were many fish as well in the net as it needed to be dragged.
The miracle that was performed by our lord Jesus Christ yet with the large fish of 153 and the rest of the fish the net did not tear
(The many fish and the net withholding the weight)
11 So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.
Please pray for understanding in Jesus' name amen.
In John 21:8, we see those disciples "dragging the net with fish(es)". These verses don't give us all the words & acts performed at that time. There could have been a discussion amongst them, why their nets didn't break with such a haul of fish, when normally they could only lift up a smaller amount of fish. Maybe, there was a discussion among them while on their boat that they should count their haul when they got to land, to see what they could actually lift in a net when Jesus gave them His Word. And they could even publicize it amongst other fisherfolk that they may marvel at this & begin to believe in the power of Christ. All this is only my guess, as none of it is given in the Bible (maybe others have other thoughts), but I feel that there is nothing more in that number '153', other than revealing a great quantity of fish caught in a net; in a net which was only capable of holding much less.
Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken.
What does the 153 signify? Why doesn't it say a lot or a little? Why is it this specific number? I've never found an answer for this.