Table of contents

11. The Parables of Jesus Christ

12. Exegesis on Ephesians chapter one

13. Exegesis on Romans 5:12-21

14. Apparent discrepancies, disagreements, or rather variations in the scripture

15. Exegesis on Isaiah 57:9

16. Exegesis on Gen 6:5, 6

17. Kingdom of GOD  Luke 22:16-18

18. A man’s free will versus omniscient GOD.  Gen 22:1

19. Two invasions into Jerusalem by enemies of GOD or church.   Luk 21:20

20. Very subtle exegesis  Ezekiel 24:7, 8

21. Exegesis on Joh 4:24

22. The significance and meaning of water and Holy Ghost baptism explained.  Act 1:5

23. Exegesis on Romans 1:18-20

24. One unusual discrepancy in the OT.  1Ki 15:14, 2Ch 14:5, and 15:17

25. Exegesis on James 2:26

26. Different nature of Luke’s gospel compared to the other three gospel books in the NT.

27. GOD the Father Jehovah and Hebrew people

28. Faith in GOD    Heb 11:1

29. Exegesis on 1Joh 5:7, 8

30. Exegesis on 1Joh 4:20

31. 144,000 Jewish male virgins preserved during the second half (3 and half years) of 70th week of Daniel   Rev 7:1-4, 14:1-5

32. The identity of two witnesses in Rev 11:1-4

33. Exegesis on 2Cor 5:10

34. My soul     Psa 62:5

35. The transition of throne or power from king David to Solomon.  1Ki 1:1, 2, 5, 30; 1Ch 22:5, 6, 23:1

36. The 1,000-year Christ kingdom on earth shall be very much like heavenly kingdom in heaven.  Rev 11:15, 20:4

37. Born again (saved) Jews do not need to observe Passover and the feast of unleavened bread yearly under NT but it is just sufficient to celebrate Easter.  Exo 12:14, 17, 24

38.  All for HIS glory   EC 8:14

39. A new rest on Sunday under NT as opposed to the sabbath day rest under OT.  Heb 4:7-11.  See 4th and 5th paragraphs on article #2 above.

1. Why KJV Bible Only

First of all, Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary defines the word exegesis, "critical explanation or interpretation of a text or potion of a text, esp. of the Bible."   Then the commonly used word 'commentary' is a wrong word.  There is a word 'eisegesis' which means, "an interpretation, esp. of Scripture, that expresses the interpreter's own ideas, bias, or the like, rather than the meaning of the text."

If Holy Bible is GOD'S Word, that is, the words in it are inspired of HIM (2Tim 3:16; 2Pe 1:19-21), would HE not provide us ONE true word of HIM among many different versions and languages?  That Bible is King James Version in English and I realized it beyond shadow of doubt throughout my Christian life, especially while I was studying it and writing my exegesis full time for last about 13 years.  Generally Bible students know that a difficult verse must be interpreted in context and the same Hebrew or Greek word was translated into different English words in context throughout within Old or New Testament respectively.

I have encountered some hard verses and found out that modern, corrupt Bible versions translated them wrong, not to mention about eliminating an entire verse or two.  They might represent less than 3 to 5% (this is just wild guess) out of entire Bible, so it is not easy to locate them.  

The best way to discern true Word of GOD is by comparing them regardless of what original manuscript was used.  Holy Ghost will lead any born again believer to the right translation definitely.  In other words when one compares KJV verses with any other corrupt English Bible version, he can see superior qualities and authenticity in KJV even without going into the original language like Greek or Hebrew.  Besides there are corrupt original Greek and/or Hebrew manuscripts something like 5,000 of them in different fragments; I remember reading about it long time ago.  The problem with corrupt versions starts with using corrupt manuscripts for translation.

I was motivated by Holy Ghost to add this section because I was returned to one very difficult verse when I was reading the book of Hosea yesterday.  It was Hosea 6:11 as follows, 

Also, O Judah, he hath set an harvest for thee, when I returned the captivity of my people.    

Many modern, corrupt Bible versions translated this verse incorrectly, that is, they translated it positively when the sense is negative that prophet Hosea was warning Judah that it will encounter GOD’S wrath also if they do not turn around and repent of their idolatry (spiritual whoredom).  

The tone or sense in Hos 6:1-11 was negative or threatening to Ephraim (Israel, northern kingdom).  Read verse 10.  Then notice the word ‘Also’ in verse 11 as shown above.  That word really shows that the idea of verse 11 above is negative for Judah (southern kingdom) just like the idea of verse 10 was negative or threatening for Ephraim (Israel, northern kingdom), doesn’t it?  Hosea was warning Judah (southern kingdom) that it will face GOD’s punishment also just like GOD punished Israel (northern kingdom) when he exhorted Israel to repent and to turn to HIM many times.  See (Jer 51:33; Joe 3:13; Mat 13:39; Rev 14:15) where the word ‘harvest’ was used negatively for GOD’S wrath.

Also the Hebrew word for 'returned' in Hos 6:11 above connotes repetition, that is, Israelites (Ephraim, northern kingdom) were warned repeatedly. 

…when I (Hosea) returned the captivity of my people: that is, when Hosea repeatedly rebuked the captivity (the sinful condition) of his people (Ephraim, i.e., Israel).   Hosea was a prophet of northern kingdom (Ephraim, Israel) as opposed to Judah (southern kingdom).

The word ‘captivity’ above DOES NOT mean Israelites (northern kingdom, Ephraim) being taken away captive to foreign lands as corrupt versions translated or interpreted.  Basically, Hosea is warning Judah that it will face GOD’s punishment just like GOD punished Israel when he exhorted Israelites (northern kingdom, Ephraim) to repent of their sinful condition and to turn to HIM many times.  One can find other examples of incorrect translations in modern, corrupt Bible versions like this one Hos 6:11.

Another example of a difficult verse, 

Jer 3:9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

The Hebrew word (H6963) for ‘lightness’ above was translated as ‘voice’ mostly and some other miscellaneous words (one of them being ‘fame’ in Gen 45:16) elsewhere in the OT.  The idea of this word is ‘fame’ or ‘famous’ but modern Bible versions interpreted it literally as “lightness,” “thoughtlessness,” “lightly,” “casual harlotry,” and etc.  

Read the verse above carefully again and a few verses before and after it, or entire chapter if necessary to understand or determine what it means exactly in context.  The most important thing to do for accurate analysis is to look into the meaning of the Hebrew word (H6963) deeply.  It has inherent meaning as to call aloud; a voice of sound, that is, bleating, crackling, lowing, noise, claim, proclaiming, spark, thunder, voice, yell, and etc.  

There is a nice cross reference to the verse above and that is Eze 23:11.  In it the word “famous” comes from a different Hebrew word (H8034) and KJV-1611 margin note indicates “name” to be the literal translation of that Hebrew word (H8034).  In other words KJV-1611 translators translated it as ‘famous’ even though its literal meaning is ‘name.’  Margin notes like it in KJV-1611 is very unique and common throughout the Bible---one of the reasons why I respect or prefer KJV-1611.

Another example of misinterpretation in modern, corrupt versions,

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is reueiled from heauen against all vngodlinesse, and vnrighteousnesse of men, who hold the trueth in vnrighteousnesse.  KJV-1611

Most corrupt Bible versions translated the Greek word (G2722) for ‘hold’ above in KJV or KJV-1611 as ‘suppress’ incorrectly.  The real idea was to uphold, advocate, or become a fan of unrighteoousness.  The same Greek word translated 'hold' here was translated as 'stayed' (Luk 4:42), 'letteth' (i.e., prevent; 2Th 2:7), or 'withholdeth' (2Th 2:6).  The idea was that wicked people believed or held their belief in their wickedness, that is, they support wickedness rather than righteousness.

Now turning to another point, how could one justify in regard to dropping an entire verse or two compared to KJV?  So modern version translators went to verse 14 after verse 12, for example, to synchronize their bibles with KJV or with whatever translation they were comparing to.  Their justification for dropping it was simply that they did not find it in whatever corrupt original manuscript they were using at the time of translation.  Does it make a sense?

One example is Luke 22:44.  Revised Standard Version (RSV) from Seventh Day Adventist Church dropped both verses (Luke 22:43, 44), so the verse after 42 is 45.  Other modern, corrupt versions retained them with a footnote that they were not found in the original Greek manuscript.  Then they undermined their integrity of accurate translation or did a disservice to themselves by adding two verses in their versions, didn’t they?

They can claim KJV is wrong understandably.  Then Bible students can judge which one is correct by simply reading and comparing verses between KJV and other corrupt versions, can’t they?  I have zero knowledge in Greek and Hebrew languages, yet Holy Ghost tells me which one is correct since HE wants all born again believers to use the right GOD’S Word (Bible) period.  GOD is perfect, then would HE not provide us the perfect Bible to know about HIM correctly?

Another example, very, very crucial!  Compare 1Joh 5:7, 8 as shown below from KJV with other corrupt modern translations, and you judge which one is correct.

1Joh 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.  

1Joh 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.  

Lastly but not the least, let us look at 1Cor 13:13.  KJV uses the word ‘charity’ (agapay) instead of ‘love’ which was used by most corrupt versions.  The former translation is better and more accurate whereas the latter is vague because it can be any one of three Greek words (agapay, eros, or phileo).  

Another example, Heb 6:4-6 See item number 5 under Theology menu.

Heb 6:4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

Heb 6:5 And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

Heb 6:6 If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

These verses clearly say that it is impossible for someone who is truly saved to fall away, that is, to lose his salvation.  People using corrupt, modern English Bibles interpret these three verse that they are talking about unsaved, lost sinners instead of genuinely saved people simply because their Bible does not have the word ‘if’ or some other word(s) to that effect in the beginning of verse six above.  Yet they believe that nobody can lose his salvation.  They only got half interpretation correct.  However some of them believe that it is possible to lose it.  Then they got 100% interpretation wrong.   How sad! 

There are other references in the scripture to prove or support ‘once saved, forever saved’ theology. See item number 5 under Theology menu.   Now one can wonder what corrupt, modern Bible translators were thinking when they were translating Heb 6:4-6 from Greek into English.  If their translation gave wrong impression or interpretation from whatever corrupt Greek manuscript they were working on, could they not say, Hey this translation does not make a sense; we know that nobody can lose his salvation?  They should have questioned the validity of their Greek manuscript.  As a matter of fact there are so many corrupt, fragmented copies of Greek language manuscripts of Bible out there.

One common criticism of KJV out of some or many spurious arguments against it is the word Easter in KJV, which is translated as Passover in others.  Would not KJV translators have known that the original Greek had meant or been Passover?   Then why did KJV translators use Easter?  It appears in NT only and once in Act 12:4; it was translated into passover 28 times elsewhere in KJV NT properly.   The answer is simple. The word Easter is the proper term denoting resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and has New Testament connotation or significance while the word Passover has Old Testament idea for Israelites that angels passed over when they saw so called pass over lamb blood applied in the lintel and two posts (Exo 12:22, 23).  In other words Easter is the festival or feast  for both believing Gentiles and Jews under NT whereas Passover had to do with Israelites exclusively under OT.  Read article #37 below in regard to observing Passover and the feast of unleavened bread for Jews and the word ‘Easter’ in Act 12:4.

Oh Father we are very delighted to know that thou hast given us true word in KJV, the only true  word among many corrupt versions in different languages.  Thou hast chosen English for one true word (Holy Bible) in thy Providence long time ago, and no wonder that it became indeed universal language nowadays on earth.  Satan is doing his best to hinder people from using it.  Having the right Word is the very first step to know or to learn about thee correctly.  Hence bless thy new church, UISC Church or Ministry.  I pray in the name our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen 

Another example, read one verse below and annotation on it.

Ps 27:13 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.

13. That is, I did not faint because I had believed in the goodness of the LORD, which would keep me from falling in the land of the living.

The first clause (I had fainted) is not in the original Hebrew manuscript but it was supplied by KJV translators for clarity.  

Many modern, corrupt versions or translations did not translate this verse correctly or translated it very weakly because of the supplied clause in the KJV Bible---I do not want to quote them in my article in this ‘holy website’---go ahead and check them out on your own if you want.

They should have supplied some phrase, clause, or words to clarify or to enhance the meaning on their own instead of relying on KJV translation, which was literal translation basically.

Another difficult verse, Hos 14:2.  Read it and exegesis on it below.

Hos 14:2  Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.

2. calves: This plural word had connotation of idol image which Israelites made and bowed down before it (1Ki 12:28, 32, 2Ki 10:29).

so will render calves of our lips: that is, we will offer sacrifices and praises to our GOD Jehovah instead of calf images (idols) to whom we were used to in our home land Israel before we were pushed out of it as exile due to GOD’S wrath against us. 

Most modern corrupt Bibles interpreted this clause incorrectly by skipping this plural word (calves) or very rarely replacing it with ‘bulls’ which had no connotation with idol images throughout OT. 

Thus the exile, wherein the temple service ceased, prepared the way for the gospel time when the types of the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament being realized in Christ's perfect sacrifice once for all, the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, “the fruit of our lips" (Heb 13:15) takes their place in the New Testament.  

Another difficult verse, Amo 3:4.  Read it and exegesis on it below.

Amo 3:4 Will a lion roar in the forest, when he hath no prey? will a young lion cry out of his den, if he have taken nothing?

4. Here both a grown up lion and a young baby lion in a den are mentioned to represent GOD'S natural reaction to the iniquities of Israel against HIM.  

The supposed answer in both hypothetical questions is no.  A grown up lion will not roar when he does not see any prey in his sight, that is, he will roar only when he sees it in a distance to threaten it and then to hunt it.

If he (a grown up lion either his mother or father of young lions) have taken nothing: that is, he did not hunt or capture any prey and brought it to his den to feed his young lions.  Then a young lion will not cry for food because his parents have not captured or brought any food into the den to feed them.

Amos is talking about cause and effect relationship, that is, there is a reason for GOD to punish Israelites because they disobeyed HIS commandments.  

Basically HE would not punish them without the cause  since HE is a very merciful and loving GOD who does not enjoy inflicting pain on HIS inheritance.

Likewise, GOD'S condemnation through HIS crying prophets against Israel's inequities only comes because Israelites did not repent and turn around from doing evil.

Another difficult verse, Mic 1:7.  Read it and exegesis on it below.

Most corrupt modern versions translated the phrase ‘hire of an harlot’ below as ‘wages of prostitutes’ incorrectly.  

Mic 1:7 And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate: for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.

7. all the hires thereof: the material wealth which Israel boasted of receiving from her idols adopted from heathen countries as the "rewards" or "hire" for worshipping them (Ho 2:5, 12).

for she (Israel) gathered it (their wealth) of the hire (reward) of an harlot (idolatry practice): that is, idolatrous Israelites thought that they were prosperous from their idolatry (Rev 18:3).

And they (all the hires, rewards) shall return…harlot: they will go to the benefit of the heathen nation from which Judah adopted different kind of idol worship and sacrifice.

2. UISC (Understanding Interpreting Scripture Correctly)

I addressed the importance of UISC in the article Why UISC Church? under the Home menu.  Here I'd like to expand it with some examples.  Again using the right, correct Bible (GOD'S Word) is the very first step to UISC.  

Millions and millions of believers misunderstand and misinterpret scripture or are led to believe it incorrectly one way or another from small amount of negligible differences among evangelicals who agree on core beliefs to totally non-sense among various cults who are nothing but lost sinners bound to hell after death unfortunately.  If any church denomination agrees on core beliefs based on the definition of the word evangelical, then its people are brothers and sisters in Christ and are bound to heaven certainly.   See  What is evangelism about? under the Evangelism menu.

I was led to add this article when I was studying Hebrew chapter four where apostle Paul was telling Hebrew people who adhere to Mosaic law faithfully under OT to come out of it and then to believe in Christ under NT.  He was mentioning about the sabbath rest.

One evangelical denomination called Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) hold their worship service on Saturday which is literal sabbath day instead of Sunday.   In Heb 4:7 apostle Paul quotes Psa 95:7 and in 4:8 he talks about another rest day (Sunday), “For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.”  As Christians worship GOD on the first day of the week (Sunday) instead of the sabbath day (Saturday), they are showing that they entered into the new rest on Sunday under New Testament (Act 20:7; 1Cor 16:1-4) instead of the sabbath day rest (old rest) under Old Testament.

So SDA people think they are right and very proud of worshipping GOD on Saturday and maybe look down on other majority evangelicals having Sunday worship services.  Also sabbath keeping which was part of Mosaic law in Ten Commandmenets was simply a sign between GOD and Israelites only under OT, and they should acknowledge and remember that HE is their GOD (Exo 31:13; Eze 20:12, 20) and also for six days HE made heaven and earth, and rested on the seventh day (Exo 31:17).  Then Gentiles have nothing to do with sabbath day keeping and Jews are liberated from it under NT.

Another evangelical denomination, Presbyterian church, which is very old and widely known, and embraces Calvinistic theology, practices what they consider baptism by sprinkling or rather wetting hair slightly with just little bit of water instead of whole body submerged under the water and come up in a bathtub.   The church's  website says that baptism by  submersion is optional and it has infant baptism also.   It is very obvious in the scripture that submersion is the right way of doing baptism and infant baptism is utter non-sense.  Then how and where did they get these sprinkling and infant baptism ideas from the scripture?  They are smart and claim to follow it faithfully like other evangelical churches.   Anybody who understands and interprets Bible  correctly can wonder how in the world nobody in the Presbyterian church questioned about them for centuries.  Everybody has access to the scripture but many do not 'UISC' unfortunately.  Nevertheless UISC church shall be different from all evangelical churches and shall have conservative worship services in order to please our GOD the Father in heaven.  Amen 

It is necessary to interpret scripture in context and to look at other related verses throughout the Bible in order to solidify belief or interpretation correctly.  Or sometime one single verse is so obvious that it alone proves a point beyond shadow of doubt.  

If any group of people claim to be Christians do not fall under the evangelical definition one way or anther, then they are grouped under cults.  Their understanding and interpretation of scripture can vary from somewhat different or incorrect to totally non-sense, that is, wild wild west so to speak.  Two groups of people are come to my mind for the latter case, Jehovah's Witness (JW) and Mormons.  I am just talking about those cults who believe in the same GOD, Jehovah.  There must be many other cults believing and worshipping different deities out there on earth.

Jehovah’s Witness people deny deity of Jesus Christ but one can wonder how they can not see or understand HIM correctly when New Testament is filled with about HIM in almost every book or chapter.  Is not HE the main focus of NT?  Church of Christ does not celebrate Christmas and teach that one must be baptized for salvation.  One Church of Christ pastor told me that he did not believe that men become sinners by birth, so I posted an article about it in item #13 below.

All these misinterpreatation or misunderstaning scripture are due to spiritual immaturity or Satanic deception.  They are victims of Satan’s ploy or temptation.  The very first step to ‘UISC’ is to use ‘the right tool,’ KJV Bible.  

It is very, very crucial for any Bible student to understand and interpret scripture with broad-minded-set in context throughout OT and NT wisely instead of a narrow view relying on what one verse says.  Usually they do not cite more than one verse to prove their understanding. 

Yes, some time one verse can be very clear and powerful enough to understand it correctly beyond shadow of doubt, for example John 3:16 as cited at the top of every single page in this website.  Yes, a particular verse or two can sound according to what and how one understands it.  For example Act 2:38 sounds like one must be baptized to be saved but it is not.  JW people can not identify Jesus Christ correctly even though there are million verses throughout NT about who HE is.

Oh heavenly Father, I Ezekiel Servant Thompson shall teach and preach THY Word KJV-1611 Bible to people correctly; help me oh Father, Amen

3. Pro 16:9      A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

This is one of my favorite verses in the OT.  The first part talks about a man's free will for whatever and however he desires and the second part about GOD'S directing and illuminating his pathway (Psa 119:105).  This verse like most other parts of scripture applies to born again believers only, that is, it has nothing to do with unbelievers.  In other words, this kind of unprecedented, unheard of privilege to be guided by our heavenly Father belongs to believers exclusively simply because there is a son and father relationship established between believers and heavenly Father whereas there is no such kind of relationship for unbelievers.

Earthly fathers guide and supervise their earthly children while they are growing under the same roof even though  their children enjoy some degree of independence more or less in the mean time until they are grown up fully.   

This verse is related to Rom 8:28 very closely, which says that all things work together and will result in success for believers who obey HIS commandments so to speak.  Yes, if we follow and love HIM very much, then HE will bless us in all our businesses.  Then this reminds of a critical principle from the Bible that GOD'S blessing is conditional upon our obedience; it is a covenant relationship between two parties where they must meet their duty in order for it to work out properly.  Go to item number 24 under the Theology menu.

Now who does not want HIS direction and guidance in anybody's life?  We all desire it badly.  Then we obey HIS commandments faithfully, praise and thank HIM always, feed the poor, support local church, and etc.   Amen

4. The Greatest Farewell Speech and Prayer  John Chapters 14-16 and 17.

Matthew chapter 5 or rather chapters 5-7 are known as 'sermon on the mount' among evangelicals, protestant church community.  Are there other chapters throughout the scripture for which we can assign nicknames likewise?  The answer is there are many more.  First of all John chapters 14-16 and 17 can be called The Greatest Farewell Speech and The Greatest Farewell Prayer respectively.  

Here are some more: The death chapter,  Psa 90; The vengeance chapter. Psa 94; The curse chapter Psa 109; The Passover  Psalm, Psa 114; The wisdom chapters, Pro 8 and 9; The charity chapter, 1Cor 13; The rapture chapter, 1Th 4; Lost and Found chapter, Luk 15; The Christian suffering, 1Pe 4; and etc.   Here is one interesting chapter, The engagement (match maker) chapter, Gen 24.


5. Word study, 2Pe 2:1-4

I found these four verses very fascinating.  So read them first and then follow along my exegesis for in depth analysis.

2Pe 2:1 ¶ But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2Pe 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

2Pe 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

2Pe 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; 

1. the Lord (Christ) that bought them: referring to Christ redeemed mankind from eternal damnation (hell) by dying on the cross (1Cor 6:20, 7:23; Act 20:28; Gal 3:13; Heb 9:12; Rev 5:9).  Apostle Peter was talking false teachers (Hebrews, Judaisers, orthodox Jews) particularly instead of Gentiles in context with heresy.  They brought heresies to believing Jews in order to disturb or to harass their new faith in Christ basically and Gentiles were hardly ever part of this heretic campaign.

3. And through covetousness...merchandise of you: As a matter of fact, false religion is always associated with money.  Financial gain is the motive of anyone who entices people to lead them to cult. In contrast true Christianity or church has no interest in monetary gain but is primarily focused on spiritual matter or heavenly eternity of lost people when it spreads gospel to the world.  One way to separate a true church from a cult is to check how any religious group or organization considers Jesus, that is, whether it recognizes HIM as GOD or not.  

The second way of separating false religion from true religion is to see how much interest it has in money, that is, how often it talks about it or shows its desire for more wealth in a secret way.  In fact the oldest and the richest cult in the world is Roman Catholic Church.  It is very rich, yet it never stops accumulating more and more wealth to control the world in their hand in religion as well as in politics.  Satan is behind RCC and is resisting true Christianity.

4. For if God spared not the angels that sinned: By whom are meant the devil and his angels; who are spirits created by God and as such were good; their first estate which they left was pure and holy, as well as high and honourable; 

They were at first in the truth, though they abode not in it; they were once among the morning stars and sons of God, and were angels of light; their numbers are many, and therefore are here expressed in the plural number, "angels", though it cannot be said how large.

But cast them down to hell…darkness: (Mat 8:29; Mr 5:7; Luk 8:31; Jude 1:6).  This refers to angels who were cast out from heaven (Rev 12:9).  Satan (also known as devil or dragon), angels, the beast (also known as false christ), and false prophet will be sent to the lake of fire after all (Rev 19:20, 20:10).

Currently Satan and his followers (angels who are spirits) are loose tempting and deceiving men to lead them to hell.  GOD does not send them to the lake of fire now because HE wants to test or prove faithful Christians on earth to see how faithful they are to resist temptation.

This verse clearly supports that there is a place called 'hell' for eternal punishment for sinners.  Then there is a place called 'heaven' reserved for saved people by the blood of Jesus Christ.

To be reserved unto judgment: referring to the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev 20:10) to which Satan and his cohorts (the beast, false christ and false prophets), and angels, will be sent eternally, forever and forever.  Devil (Satan, Zec 3:2) is nobody but an arch angel who rebelled against GOD.  He and his cohorts (bad angels) were said to be defeated by Michael and good angels, and then they were cast out into the earth; Satan was said to deceive the whole world (Rev 12:7-10).  

Eventually he shall be cast into the lake of fire along with the false christ (the beast) and false prophet (Rev 20:8-10).  This lake of fire is the final place reserved for all sinners after the white throne judgment and it represents the second death for them (Rev 20:14, 15).

The main reason why the arch angel (Satan, Zec 3:2) rebelled against GOD and shall be eventually cast out into the lake of fire once for all was his pride so that he was known as Lucifer which was a nickname for Nebuchadnezzar because this man's fall was also come about by his pride as well (Isa 14:12).


6. Comparing four gospels

The first four books in the New Testament are called gospels.  They talk about the life from the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ basically and  one can find the same or very similar as well as unique content(s) among them.  The bottom line is to help readers know about HIM more clearly from these four separate authors who presented HIM from four different perspectives instead of just one author who wrote just one book about HIM.  Gospel John stands out because he focused on HIS identity who HE is, HIS love, and HIS ministry in Jerusalem whereas the other three gospels mainly described HIS ministry in Galilee and others outside Jerusalem.

Matthew and Mark sound similar but Luke is different in that his narration sound discontinuous, out of context, awkward, and etc.  His writing was based on second hand information.  He seemed to gather information from diverse sources and to describe it by his best ability (Luk 1:1-4).

Lu 12:8 Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God:

Lu 12:9 But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

Lu 12:10 And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Lu 12:11 And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say:

Lu 12:12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.

Luke was quoting verse 10 above out of context and it sounds awkwardly because verse 10 sounds like irrelevant to vv 8, 9, 11, and 12.  Matthew quoted the same words (Mat 12:32) after Pharisees accused HIM to cast out devils from a demon possessed man by the power or authority of Beelzebub, prince of the devils (Mat 12:24).  But Luke gave the same context as Mat 12:24 or Mar 3:22 rather in the previous chapter (Luk 11:15) where he quotes "some of them" instead of scribes (Mar 3:22) or Pharisees (Mat 12:24).  See Mat 12:32, 24 and Mar 3:22, 29, 30.  

Basically Luke's gospel is not as readable as Matthew and Mark, or John's gospel as well.  Average Bible reader would not notice it easily and it does not make Luke's gospel wrong.  One should remember that there are some variations among four gospels in terms of story telling rather than theological point of view.  This must be strength instead of weakness.  Bible is GOD'S word and about 40 authors who wrote 66 books in it are inspired by Holy Spirit (2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21).  There are a lot more amazing facts throughout OT and NT than minor discrepancies here and there like numbers, names, and etc.

7. Very subtle exegetical point and translation

Jer 30:5 For thus saith the LORD; We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.   I encountered this very interesting verse while I was reading book of Jeremiah.  The pronoun 'We' refers to Trinity (GOD the Father, Christ the Son, and Holy Ghost) but the corresponding word in Hebrew for the English pronoun ‘We’ is not present even though the Hebrew words for ‘heard’ and ‘voice’ are there.

Then the KJV translators could have used singular pronoun ‘I’ instead.  It is not clear how they concluded that the meaning or the sense in Hebrew was plural ‘We’ rather than ‘I.’  Certainly the pronoun ‘We’ makes a good sense signifying Trinity but ‘I’ seems to be a valid translation also.  Interestingly enough it is not in italic indicating that it was added by them for clarification as in other portions in the Bible; there are many of them in KJV Bible.  For example the phrase 'it was' in Gen 1:4 are in italic because it was not in Hebrew but was added by them.  

The word 'God' in Gen 1:1 is plural in Hebrew, Elohim (H430) and the singular form is eloahh (H433).  Both of them were translated as God because there is no plural word for deity in English.  The capital letter W in 'We' instead of 'we' was intentional on their part to signify Trinity.  Very interesting, isn't it?

8. Moses changes what GOD Almighty intended to do three times

It is unthinkable and hard to believe that a mere GOD'S creation-here we are talking about prophet Moses-persuades or dissuades GOD Almighty not once but three times.  Moses was said to be the only person on earth, who talked to GOD "mouth to mouth", a direct communication, literally (Num 12:6-8).  He communed with HIM in the high mountain Sinai for 40 days twice.  He just talked to HIM in darkness perhaps in the high mountain secluded but he did not see HIM physically since nobody can see or hear HIM and still live (Exo 20:19, 33:20; Jdg 13:21-23).

While Moses was communing with GOD Almighty in the high mount Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, Israelites were staying in the plain below but they began wondering  why he did not come down sooner and then became impatient toward end of 40-day period.  They ended up with making an image of molten calf and then they offered offerings and worshipped the idol image (Exo 32:1-6).

First, consequently they provoked GOD very highly and HE told Moses that HE would wipe them out but he successfully dissuaded HIM from it (Exo 32: 9-14).  However HE punished them by sending a plague still (Exo 32:35), which was not a complete consumption.

Secondly, afterwards GOD told Moses that HE would not lead Israelites in the wilderness as before but let an angel lead them instead(Exo 33:2) but Moses persuaded HIM to go with them eventually (Exo 33:15-17, 34:9-11).

Thirdly, When Israelites came near to the promised land (Canaan), which GOD promised to Israelites through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, Moses sent 12 spies from the 12 tribes of Israel to the unknown territory for 40 days to see how they are.  Ten of them came back with "evil report," that is, they thought they could not conquer it.  Then Israelites started murmuring; they blamed Moses and Aaron for bringing them out of Egypt and they would perish in the wilderness at the end (Num 14:1, 2).  

Understandably GOD was very wroth at them and told Moses that HE would destroy them in the wilderness, that is, forget about the promised land so to speak, but again Moses successfully dissuaded HIM from doing so (Num 14:11-20).  

Again, this is very unthinkable to note that Moses, a mere creation of almighty GOD, changed the minds of creator of heavens and earth, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent, no beginning and end, and etc.  This shows how men are precious and authoritative to GOD’S eyes.  Paul said that men shall judge angels (1Cor 6:3), which implies the idea that they are inferior to men.  Maybe they do not dare to persuade GOD and change HIS way like Moses did.  We born again believers are sons and daughters of GOD but they are not.  We are gods (yes, really) and are part of what I call Four Part Theology, that is, we plus Trinity (Joh 17:11, 20-23).  Really amazing, isn't it?  See item #2 under Theology menu.  

9. Where was Jesus ascended to heaven from 40 days after resurrection?

The first three gospels and book of Acts do not agree as to where Jesus was ascended to heaven from.  Apostle John in the gospel John did not mention about it at all.  Jesus was said to be staying around in Jerusalem and other places for 40 days after resurrection (Act 1:3; 1Cor 15:3-8).  Basically it is mystery since Bible does not give clear idea.  The following is the excerpt from my exegesis on Acts 1:4.

4. should not depart from Jerusalem: Jerusalem is indeed the major or most important place on earth for Christianity.  It is the place where the hearts of Trinity, GOD the Father, Son Christ, and Holy Ghost are.  Nevertheless Matthew said that eleven disciples went to a mountain in Galilee, far north of Jerusalem, as appointed by an angel and Jesus, from which HE was ascended to heaven apparently (Mat 28:7, 10, 16-20). 

Luke who wrote this book of Acts indicated that Jesus was separated from HIS disciples and then ascended to heaven from Bethany which was “nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off” (Luk 24:49-53; Joh 11:18) even though HE was said to be ascended to heaven from mount Olivet in this book (vv 9-12).  It is not clear how Luke recorded differently about which specific place was Jesus ascended to heaven from, Bethany or mount Olivet?

Mark indicated that Jesus appeared before HIS disciples and was ascended to heaven in Jerusalem apparently (Mar 16:14-20).

So we have four different places from which HE was ascended to heaven, a mountain in Galilee (Matthew), unspecified place in Jerusalem (Mark), Bethany (Luke), and mount Olivet (The Acts).

Apostle John in his gospel did not mention about Jesus’ ascension at all but he concluded it by describing Jesus and some of HIS disciples, if not all of them, getting together in the sea of Galilee in chapter 21.

but wait for the promise…me: See Luk 24:49.  Jesus is referring to Holy Ghost that will come upon them as Comforter (Joh 14:16) and HE (Holy Ghost) indeed came upon HIS disciples (2:1-4).


10. Two volumes of exegesis

I wrote exegesis for the entire KJV Bible in twenty volumes.  I now present two short samples for Genesis and gospel John.  Please read introductory in the first volume for Genesis for important information first.

Exegesis (annotations) of Bible Books and Verses containing both Old and New Testament

Author: Ezekiel Servant Thompson  

January 24, 2021  Lancaster, CA USA

Introduction:  First of all, this annotation is not for sale in order that publishing it in a book or in any other format for sale by any publisher or anybody is strictly prohibited.  Also nobody should alter or edit it without my permission.

So making copies on paper, in electronic copy through internet or computer, or any other way to distribute it to worldwide is allowed, that is, it is for personal use and growth in faith without charge.  

Yes, translating it to different languages is highly desirable to benefit as many as possible in the world as long as it is not for sale and no editing is involved in order to make it different idea or concept from what I originally intended to say.

This annotation is based solely on the King James Version of Holy Bible, that is, no other corrupted and Satanic English translations were used or compared to at all.  In other words, this is 100%, purely KJV based annotation.  The more I study the Bible with it, the more I am convinced with authenticity of it as true GOD’S inspired scripture.

I started my Bible study journey about February 2009 after I quit my job to dedicate my life to the LORD for the rest of my life.  I intended to start my own ministry after studying Bible whenever HE called my ministry to begin.

I have just read entire Bible two times initially, and then started writing annotations from my third reading.  I red entire Bible more while I was reviewing and editing them over and over again.  

My last reading and review of my annotation took me about three months and I felt this was a good stopping point to call it ‘temporarily finished’ since I can not perfect it no matter how many times I repeat them.  Nevertheless I still read Bible and review my annotations.

Each book of 66 books in the Bible starts with book introduction and analysis of contents.  Then ‘Chapter I’ begins.  After double spaces, the verse number is followed by a word, words, phrase, clause, or what have you ending with colon (:).  Then each of them was defined, explained, commented, and etc.

When Bible uses pronouns, they were defined or amplified using a parenthesis right after them.  Many times they were confusing, so whole or part of verse was written and parenthesis was inserted to help the reader understand what or who they were referring to.

For cross references, book name abbreviation is omitted if they were within the same book.  As one starts using it he will follow and understand the whole design of it, that is, it is self-explanatory.

I referred to old commentaries in writing this annotation, that is, I took advantage of endless time and energy of old patriarch Christians who wrote them long time ago out of their faith and love in the scripture.

Similarly I pray and wish that other Christians use my annotations to grow their faith in GOD and to spread the gospel (Mat 28:19, 20).

Finally and the least, there might be incorrect spelling, ideas, or scripture cross references even though I was very careful to avoid them and corrected a few myself.   I care less about minor grammatical or punctuation errors if there are any as long as the reader understands what I am talking about.

Sincerely in HIS glory


The first book of Moses called Genesis

Chapter I: This first chapter is serving as an introduction for the creation and more detail is following in the next couple of chapters.

First day: Light.

Second day: Air, Water.

Third day: Dry Land and Plants.

Fourth day: Lights.

Fifth day: Fowl, Fish.

Sixth day: Animals and Man

1. This is the beginning of heaven and earth as far as men's history on earth is concerned.  GOD is infinite without beginning and ending, has no history, and finite men can not understand or imagine the state of infinite GOD, infinite past and infinite future!   

Men might be able to imagine all aspects of GOD no matter how incredible they are except HIS infinite past and future reality.

Only GOD the Father and Holy Ghost who is HIS Spirit were present since eternal past, and all other heavenly hosts including angels were created by HIM some time in the past before Genesis 1:1.

The word God is elohim in Hebrew and is plural implying Father, Holy Ghost, and Son Christ who is to be virgin birth in flesh, that is, to incarnate about 4,000 years later (Isa 7:14; Luk 2:11) but HE was present in concept until then without any physical, visible form.

Bible does not give the reason as to why GOD created heaven and earth.  The answer is for HIS glory.  HE wanted to be glorified by HIS own creation.  Angels must have glorified HIM before creation.

HE must have had a plan for creation sometime infinite past?   Or did HE just think about it some day and do it?

Men can not know everything about HIM.   There are many things Bible did not address, so men can not know everything about HIM so that men are supposed to accept some secret nature of HIM.  

Finite men can imagine finite things only since creation.  As far as the future event is concerned men can know or imagine what Bible tells in the book of Revelation only, which talks about new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1) and some condition or state of eternal heaven where saved people will stay eternally  as alluded in Revelation chapter 22.   That is all we know about very distant future.

It is not clear whether so called paradise will be in that new earth and/or new heaven, or what the purpose of new earth is.  

2. without form: quite enigmatic expression 

And the earth was without form, and void: It was not in the form it now is; otherwise it must have a form, as all matters have; it was a fluid matter, the watery parts were not separated from the earthy ones.

and darkness was...deep: the whole fluid mass of earth and water mixed together. This abyss is explained by waters in the next clause, which seem to be uppermost; and this was all a dark turbid chaos, as before expressed, without any light or motion, till an agitation was made by the Spirit, as is next observed: 

and the Spirit of God moved: literally, continued brooding over it, as a fowl does, when hatching eggs. 

upon the face of the waters: which covered the earth (Psa 104:6), the earthy particles being heaviest sunk lower, and the waters being lighter rose up above the others.  

So entire earth was filled with water when GOD created it initially and HE later gathered it together to reveal land (vv 9, 10).

3-5 GOD created sun (v 14) and stars (v 16) to give light upon the earth.  The information in these three verses are repeated in more detail in verses 14-19 as part of fourth day creation.

3. let there be light: and there was light: Paul speaks of "the light of the knowledge of the glory of GOD in the face of Jesus Christ" (2Cor 4:6).   This was the first thing made out of the dark chaos and the source of light is obviously the sun. 

5. the evening and the morning: Hebrews count a new day from sunset in the evening instead of after the midnight as Gentiles do usually .  So it does not say, ‘day and evening were the first day.’

Here GOD instituted one day period the very first time and this evening-morning (one day) cycle continued and never stopped since creation.  

This daily cycle (night and day) will be discontinued some time in a very distant future after new heaven and earth will begin (Rev 21:1, 22:5), that is, there will be no sun light and it will be timeless just like GOD HIMSELF is timeless, infinite past and future.

This verse is in transition from timeless infinite past to time counting as far as GOD is concerned.  One can imagine how confusing it would be if there were no night and day cycle to count times.


The Gospel according to S. John

Apostle John, a fisherman, was the son of Zebedee who was a fisherman of Galilee (Mar 1:20).   The two brothers, James and John, with Peter, were admitted to peculiar favors by our Lord several times: 

(1) They were the only disciples who were permitted to be present at the raising of the daughter of Jairus (Mar 5:37; Luk 8:51).  (2) They were only invited to the mount where they witnessed transfiguration (Mat 17:1; Mar 9:2).  (3) Jesus took them with him when HE went to Gethsemane for praying (Mat 26:36-37; Mar 14:32-33).  (4) They along with Andrew were present at the Mount of Olivet Discourse (Mar 13:3-4).   

John was living in Judea until about 70 AD when Jerusalem was destroyed by Romans.  He moved to Ephesus and when he was old, he was banished to Patmos, a small desolate island in the Aegean Sea, about 20 miles in circumference.  He wrote the famous Revelation from that island (Rev 1:9).  

On the cross, Jesus commended his own mother (Mary) to John, and he took her into his own home (19:26-27), with whom, history informs us, she lived until her death, about 15 years after the crucifixion of Christ.   

From all this it would seem not improbable that John had some property, and was better known than any of the other apostles.  John was also admitted to special friendship with the Lord Jesus. Hence, he is mentioned as “whom HE loved” (19:26), and he is represented (13:23) as leaning upon his bosom at the institution of the Lord’s Supper; an evidence of unusual friendship, and also the fact that Jesus revealed Revelation to him through an angel (Rev 1:1).

After the ascension of Christ he remained some time at Jerusalem (Act 1:13, 3:1, 4:13).   John is also mentioned as having been sent down to Samaria to preach the gospel there with Peter (Act 8:14).  It contains more about Christ, HIS person, design, and work, than any of the other Gospels. The other evangelists were employed more in recording the miracles, and giving external evidence of the divine mission of Jesus. 

John is employed chiefly in telling us who Christ was really, and what HIS unique doctrine was.   HIS aim was to show that Jesus was the Messiah.   We understand the duration of Jesus' ministry to be three years from this gospel by counting three consecutive Passover's; The other three gospels do not provide this vital information.

Only six of our Lord's miracles recorded in this Gospel, but these are all of the most remarkable kind, and surpass the rest in depth, specialty of application, and fullness of meaning.   Of these six we find only one in the other three Gospels--the multiplication of the loaves. 

John’s gospel stands out among the four gospels in the NT because his gospel:

1. is about who Jesus really is (HIS identity),   See 1:1

2. explains deeply why HE was sent to earth by Father,  (HIS mission)  Very famous verse Joh 3:16

3. shows that GOD is love; apostle John showed this theme extensively in 1Joh chapter 3.

4. shows that Jesus traveled back and forth between Galilee and Jerusalem whereas in the other 3 gospels show that HE mainly ministered in and around Galilee during most of HIS 3-year ministry and HE entered Jerusalem just about a week before HIS crucifixion.

5. has two unique addresses during the last Passover meal (13:1) with HIS disciples; one is called

The Greatest Farewell Speech (chapters 14-16) and the other one is called The Greatest Farewell Prayer (chapter 17).

Chapter I:

1. Word: Christ

Basically apostle John is saying that Christ was present in concept or abstract as Word instead of physically in the beginning with GOD the Father when HE created the heaven and the earth (Gen 1:1).

Then Christ was with GOD the Father in concept eternal past even before creation and this was so simply because Christ received all attributes of the Father when HE was born virgin birth physically.

In other words when HE was born virgin birth and was incarnated, HE was as if HE was present eternal past, is present now,  and will be everlasting without end just like GOD the Father.  

More importantly everything Father did eternal past, is doing now, and will be doing in the eternal future, that Christ did, is doing now, and will be doing exactly.  

It is like exact carbon copy for the past, present, and future between Christ and GOD the Father.  Then there is no difference between Christ and GOD the Father as to what THEY did eternal past, are doing now, and will be doing in the eternal future.  It is like a perfect mirror image.

Now Holy Ghost is same as Christ and GOD the Fahter so that all three of them are present and act in perfect harmony since eternal past, present time, and will do so into eternal future—and this is what Trinity is all about (1Joh 5:17, 8).

In the beginning: Gen 1:1, 26 (Let us make...our image; signifying trinity--GOD the Father, Son Christ, and Holy Ghost).   See annotation on the next verse.

Holy Ghost is invisible and is the only force or player for GOD the Father and Son Christ so to speak.  In other words, Holy Spirit empowers THEM for everything.  

For example, GOD created heaven and earth through Holy Spirit.  Before Christ was born virgin birth, HE was present in concept only without physical form.

After HIS virgin birth by way of Holy Ghost miraculously, HE received all attributes or qualities of HIS Father.  So it was as if HE was present eternal past physically as well.

In other words, HE was present in concept (Word) only when GOD the Father created heaven and earth (Gen 1:1) but HE became as if HE was present eternal past physically after HIS physical virgin birth since HE received all attributes of GOD retroactively.

So Jesus was born (virgin birth) with dual nature both a man and GOD.

Word: The reason why Christ was called 'Word' is because as words reveal one's mind, heart, thought to others, 

and the Word (Christ) was with GOD (GOD the Father, Jehovah) [from eternal past], and the Word (Christ) was GOD [from eternal past]: the Word shall be with GOD (GOD the Father) into eternal future.

GOD is timeless, no beginning or ending, eternal past and eternal future, and ever present everywhere (omnipresent).  HE or rather Trinity (GOD the Father, GOD the Son, and GOD the Holy Ghost) was present since eternal past, is present now, and shall be present eternal future.

so was the Son of GOD sent by HIS Father Jehovah in order to reveal HIS mind to men through HIS only begotten Son.

Jesus was said to represent HIS heavenly Father, Jehovah.  When we see Jesus the Son, we see Father (14:7, 9).  

So Jesus and Father are identical in all aspects of deity but they are different in appearance and function or role play like Father and Son relationship.

In Trinity all three of them work in perfect harmony or unison in order that there is no division among them.  They work like one GOD (1Joh 5:7).

GOD the Father is the chief GOD, that is, head, in order that HE gives orders to HIS Son Christ, and Holy Ghost, never  the other way.

Word represents Jesus Christ (1Joh 5:7).  Jesus was present eternal past as Word conceptually without a physical form and this Word was God.  

HIS physical form became manifest when HE was born of virgin birth by Mary.  HE was the Incarnation of the GOD or Word into a human form.

Old Testament was prophesying about Christ, HIS virgin birth (Gen 3:15; Isa 7:14, 9:6) and HIS crucifixion or death (Isa 53:8; Dan 9:26).  New Testament introduced HIS church (Mat 16:18).

2. The same (Christ the Son) was in the beginning (Gen 1:1, 26) with GOD (Jehovah, Father): that is, Christ was present in concept when the Father was creating the heaven and the earth for six days and rested on the sabbath day.  See annotation on the next verse.

3. All things were made by him (Christ): Although GOD the Father and Holy Ghost created the heaven and the earth (Gen 1:1) and Christ the Son was not present physically when THEY created them, Christ received all attributes of HIS Father when HE was born of virgin birth as if HE was present since eternal past.  

Then what the Father did and HIS character since eternal past (!) and who HE is; Christ received all these things at HIS birth.   Quite amazing and incomprehensible infinitely for finite human mind.  So Christ became GOD and a man at the conception of Mary's womb because apostle John (the author of this current fourth gospel) describes Christ as GOD or Son of GOD, that is, equal with Jehovah the Father (5:17, 18).  

Hence the theology called Trinity comes--one GOD in three different entities, GOD the Father, word (GOD the Son), and GOD the Holy Ghost; and these three are one (1Joh 5:7).

4. In him (Christ) was life: Jesus said that HE is the vine and we are the branches, and we can not live apart from HIM as branches die if broken off (15:4).  See 11:25.

So HE is the source of a man's life (11:25); when a man believes in HIM as his personal saviour, he can go to heaven (3:16) and also HE is the only middle MAN between men and GOD the Father (14:6; 1Ti 2:5). 

the light (illuminator, hope) of men: sustainer of men's life. 

This verse is saying basically that Jesus is indispensable to a man's vitality.  Jesus is like air which men breath in order to maintain life.

11. The Parables of Jesus Christ

Among four gospel books in the beginning of New Testament, only gospel John does not record any parable of Jesus Christ while gospel Luke records many of them.  Matthew records somewhat less than he does and Mark records just handful so that one can call saint Luke Mr. Parable.  One time Jesus’ disciples asked HIM why HE was speaking in parables and HIS answer was simply to help earthly people understand heavenly things which are nothing but “the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven” more easily (Mat 13:10, 11).  The thinking, concept, standard, custom, and etc of heavenly kingdom are very different from earthly kingdom, and the former is better and eternal than the latter, which is temporal obviously.

1. The sower  Mat 13:3-23; Mar 4:2-20; Luk 8:4-15

This parable describes how lost sinners hear the gospel and react to it differently.  HE gave four scenarios ranging from an ignorant and unprepared man who does not understand the gospel message (Mat 13:19), hence he is lost and shall be condemned into eternal hell to a man with understanding and wisdom (Mat 13:23), hence he is saved and bound to eternal heaven, becomes an useful servant of Christ, and produces lots of fruits.  The number one reason why people do not become changed and get saved by accepting gospel message after hearing it is their pride.  See item number 7 under the Theology menu.

2. The Tares (weeds)   Mat 13:24-30, 36-43

The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed a good seed, which represents gospel message but then a wicked man sowed tares in the same field, which represents negative Satanic influence to disturb and to steal people’s mind away from it.  

The key verse in this parable is verse 30, Mt 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.  GOD does not want root out wicked people who are under the influence of Satan right away but wants to let both good seeds and tares grow side by side in order to give more time or opportunities to some tares (wicked people) that they might come to repentance and to get saved.  Boy, how thoughtful and patient is our GOD!

The main job of Satan and his other evil angelic spirits is to steer lost people on earth away from it and to get lost into eternal hell consequently. Satan is invisible enemy of GOD and HIS children who are born again believers, that is, he is a spirit doing all kinds of bad things like tempting and tormenting innocent people on earth.  He is very much into spiritual warfare against us (Eph 6:10-18).  See item number 20 under the Theology menu.

3. The Mustard Seed  Mat 13:31, 32; Mar 4:30-32; Luk 13:18, 19

4. The Levean    Mat 13:33; Luk 13: 20, 21

These two parables have the same message.  They are quite simple, straight forward, that is, the kingdom of heaven is not noticeable easily while it is growing gradually in the middle of earthly kingdom so that people are not aware of it hardly ever.  When Jesus will return to earth in a cloud, everybody will notice it (Act 1:9-11).  Heavenly kingdom was growing very slowly since HE was ascended to heaven two thousand years ago.  Gospel is preached during all these years and most people ignored it. Then everybody will notice heavenly kingdom when HE will return to earth in a cloud above the sky.

5. The Hidden Treasure   Mat 13:44

6. The Pearl of Great Price  Mat 13:45, 46

Again these two parables have the same message or meaning.  Heavenly kingdom which is eternal can not be compared to anything or anybody in the earthly kingdom which is temporal.  How can a temporal thing no matter how good or precious it is can be more valuable than an eternal thing?  The only aspect of heavenly kingdom (or GOD) men can not imagine is eternity, that is, GOD has no beginning or ending.  Eternal past, present, and eternal future???  Men are bound by time like birth and death but GOD is not.  See item 6 under the Theology menu.

7. The Net   Mat 13:47-50

This parable is somewhat similar to the wheat and tares in item number 2 above.  Both of them allude to the harvest time at the last day after waiting for a long time (“end of the world,” v 39; ”when it is full,” v 48).  Nobody would wait indefinitely in any appointment, would he?  Neither would our GOD the Father in heaven.  The time of two thousand years since Jesus commanded to preach the gospel sounds awfully long time, doesn’t it?  Angels will separate the good from the wicked that will be sent to hell; they “shall be wailing and ghashing of teeth.”  (vv 42, 50).

8. The Lost Sheep    Mat 18:12-14; Luk 15:3-7

Jesus pointing to little children (Mat 18:10) indicated that everybody is precious to HIM and GOD the Father regardless.  HE was emphasizing all-inclusive, that is, nobody is lost or ignored no matter how many people or sheep one owned.  GOD is perfect and Jesus said the HE did or would not lose anyone out of HIS hand (Joh 18:8, 9).  That is the message or meaning of these two same parables.

9. The Unforgiving Servant   Mat 18:23-35

All parables have application to the kingdom of heaven but they were described in the earthly kingdom affairs.  In this parable a servant’s large sum of debt was forgiven simply because he was begging for patience and more importantly his lord was with a good heart.  Now this same servant went out and refused to forgive his fellow servant that owed him very small amount of money, so he cast him into prison until the debt was paid.  Later the Lord who forgave him the large amount of debt called him back and tormented him until he would pay it back.  Clearly this just Lord represents our Father in heaven.  

This reminds of our Lord’s prayer (Mat 6:12) and Jesus’ words (Mat 6:14, 15) that we must forgive others.  GOD told Israelites to be good to under privileged people like widows, fatherless, strangers, the poor, and etc simply because HE rescued them when they were strangers and under slavery in Egypt (Exo 22:21, 23:9; Deu 16:11, 12).  Boy, our GOD the Father is so fair, understanding, and logical!

10. The Laborers in the Vineyard   Mat 20:1-16

The basic idea of this particular parable comes from Mt 19:30 But many that are first shall be last; and the last shall be first.

The identical and ultimate prize is eternal heaven (paradise) regardless when one was saved or born again during his lifetime on earth.  One can be saved before his last breath if he calls upon Jesus’ name (Rom 10:9).  

So all labourers received the same amount of wage that the owner of vineyard (employer) agreed to pay regardless when they started working from very early hour at 6 AM to an hour before the sunset so to speak.  Certainly this does not make a sense to earthly minded people.  Again this is a parable with application to heavenly kingdom spoken with earthly story.  The vineyard owner commanded that the wage should be paid starting from a man who was hired at last and this coincides with the words of Jesus above.

So the same prize of eternal heaven for all saved, born again people should suffice no matter when he was saved, child, young, old, and etc.  Now there is a catch.  Jesus said that HE would reward saints according to their works or contribution (Mat 16:27).  Compare Mat 10:41, 42; Luk 7:47.  Yes, there will be different amount of reward or punishment in proportion for the good and for the wicked respectively.  Then eternal heaven must be minimum wage for all saved people regardless so to speak.  Evangelical church is the only religion with theology that anybody can be saved at the last minute or moment as implied in Rom 10:9 above.  See item 28 under the Theology menu.

11. The Two Sons   Mat 21:28-32

Jesus spoke this parable to Jewish religious leaders (chief priests and elders) after they asked HIM by what or whose authority HE was doing HIS ministry like teaching, preaching, miracle healing, and etc (Mat 21:23).  Obviously the answer was by GOD the Father’s permission and assistance through Holy Ghost since HE said that HE could do nothing by HIMSELF (Joh 5:19, 30).  Likewise we can not survive or produce much fruit unless we abide with HIM or HE draws us to HIM, that is, we are totally dependent on HIM as HE was on HIS Father in heaven.  Then HE asked them about John the Baptist water baptism whether it was from heaven or men (Mat 21:25).   They refused to answer it or rather they could not answer it either way because of the dilemma.

In the parable a man asked his two sons to work in the family’s vineyard.  The first son refused first but repented soon and went to work supposedly without telling his father.  So he asked the second son to work in it.  He said yes sir, but he did not work in it.

The point Jesus was making had to do with so called lip-service or hypocrisy.  He likened the second son to the corrupt and hypocritical religious leaders and the first son to the publicans, harlots, wicked, wretched people and etc who do not seem to be saved and hopeless (Mat 21:31).  The former (religious leaders) refused John the Baptist to begin with and saw the latter being baptized by him but still they did not repent of their initial refusal (Mat 21:32).  However the latter after refusing him or rather just ignorant of him first but repented of their sins or ignorance and then baptized later to get saved.

12. The Wicked Husbandmen   Mat 21:33-46; Mar 12:1-12; Luk 20:9-19

The vineyard represents Israel or Israelites allegorically throughout OT and NT.  Jesus used it in HIS two parables just above.  GOD lamented reprobate Israelites by comparing them to a vineyard that HE set up and took care of it very well because HE loved it very much expecting nice and edible grapes but it brought forth “wild grapes.” (Isa 5:1-7).

 Here a vineyard owner (householder) represents GOD the Father, his servants prophets, his only son Jesus Christ, the husbandmen who beat and killed them wicked religious leaders and finally the vineyard Israelites or Israel.  Jesus suggested that the kingdom of GOD should be given to Gentiles simply because Jews rejected Christ and HIS gospel messages (Mat 21:43).  In fact GOD would give up on Jews once for all no matter what because of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:2).  Apostle Paul said that their rejection was the stepping stone for Gentiles to come to the family of GOD and Jews (Rom 11:10, 11).

Under New Testament Jews and Gentiles are on the equal footing or status before GOD’S eyes simply because of the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross.  HE died for everybody on earth without bias.  Alleluia, Praise the LORD!

13. The Wedding Feast   Mat 22:2-14 

Jesus talks about another parable regarding kingdom of GOD.  A king invites people for the wedding feast for his son.  This king represents GOD the Father and his son Jesus Christ obviously.  The initial reaction of invited guests who represent Israelite princes, religious leaders, and wicked public was very negative; they even killed his servants who represent GOD’S prophets.  Then the king invites under privileged people good and bad like the poor, strangers, lame men, fatherless, widows, and etc.  Now the wedding feast tables were filled up.  

Now here comes the pivotal point of this parable, wedding garment.  The king noticed one with without wearing it among the guests, so he sends him out to hell so to speak (Mat 22:13).  Jesus concludes it with this remark, Mt 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.  

Basically this parable talks about selectivity of saved people into the kingdom of GOD.  Salvation is open to everybody regardless but just handful people respond.  Then there is another selection afterwards among those responded to the initial invitation since there must be fall-outs among them.  See the parable of a sower above (# 1).  Maybe more selections are needed.  The lesson from it is that we watch and become careful once we accept Christ as our savoiur and become saved.  However rest assured, once we are truly saved, our salvation is sealed forever (Joh 6:27, 10:28, 29; 1Cor 1:21, 22; Eph 1:13, 4:30; 2Tim 2:19) and hence we can not lose our salvation (Heb 6:1-6).  Alleluia, Praise the LORD!   See item number 5 under the Theology menu.

14. The Wise and Foolish Virgins   Mat 25:1-13

This parable is talking about our preparedness for the last day when Christ will return to earth along with angels, which signifies end of church age.  In other words, the door for salvation is shut once for all (Mat 25:10).  Jesus just warned in the last chapter (24:42, 44) that we watch always since nobody knows when HIS second coming will happen.  He concludes this parable by remind it again, Mt 25:13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.   

Once we are saved truly, we do not loose our salvation so that we are ready always to meet HIM in the air during so called rapture during HIS second coming (1Th 4:13-18).  Then this parable is for those who are not saved, that is, still undecided or not committed to receive Christ as their saviour.  In other words there are many lost people who are not born again.  They are just ignorant never thinking about where they would stay eternally after death either in heaven or in hell.

15. The Talents   Mat 25:14-30

Here the word ‘talents’ signifies different spiritual gifts endowed upon different born again people by Holy Ghost (1Cor 12:1-11).  HE did not give them to one or few saved people only but distributed them to as many as possible in order that every believer shall use them for furtherance of Christ as well as heavenly kingdom.  Christ shall reward them according to their achievement, Mt 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

Now there was a man who buried his one spiritual gift (talent) and never used it and his lord condemned him (Mat 25:30).  Most believers are just quiet never using their talents to spread gospel, to help the poor, to get involved with any ministry for good, and etc.  Certainly they will lose reward from Christ.

16. The Good Samaritan   Luk 10:30-37

A lawyer asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life, that is, how to avoid hell but to go to heaven after death (Luk 10:25).  Some people during Bible time believed that there was another life after death and hence they were concerned about how to go to heaven.  In a big contrast modern people hardly or never think about it unfortunately.  Very sad!

The lawyer knew that he needed to love GOD the Father “with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind” and his neighbor as himself (Luk 10:27).  Then he asked Jesus who his neighbor was—somewhat mundane question.  So Jesus told him an example in this parable.  The bottom line was that a good and real neighbor was one who gives a helping hand when other ordinary people would not.  Any neighbor can be friendly and act like a good neighbor but how often can we find a real neighbor to help his neighbor during a critical time on emergency like the good Samaritan in this very parable?

17. A Friend in Need   Luk 11:5-13

18. The Importunate Widow   Luk 18:1-8

These two parables are related very well.  Jesus was basically telling us to keep praying to GOD and do not give up (Luk 11:8, 18:7).  He just taught HIS disciples how to pray Lord’s Prayer in Luk 11:2-4 and gave this parable about a friend in need.  HE assured us that our prayer requests shall be answered by GOD the Father in heaven definitely (Luk 11:9, 10) and the assumption was that they will be legitimate and glorifying GOD the Father, Son Christ, and Holy Ghost; otherwise, HE would not obviously.  Also when GOD hears and answers them, HE will answer with right kind correctly (Luk 11:11-13).

It is very comforting for us to hear these assuring words from Christ about how, what, and when to pray.  James in the book of James gave nice advices on praying (Jas 5:13-18).  See Jude 1:20.  Before we pray we must examine ourselves if we are right with our GOD the Father in heaven, that is, “we keep HIS commandments and do those things that are pleasing in HIS sight” (1Joh 3:22) and we ask according to HIS will (Jas 1:6, 7, 4:3; 1Joh 5:14).

19. The Rich Fool   Luk 12:16-21

This parable basically warns us against covetousness and greed.  Jesus refused just before this parable to be the judge to divide the inheritance between two brothers.  Apostle Paul told his audience in his epistles that they are just content with basic food and raiment and trust in the LORD; HE will be with them always.  Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. 1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.  Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

It is not a sin in and of itself if one became rich legally but the problem comes when he becomes greedy for more wealth, does not share his wealth with the poor, and his focus is on money all the time.  In this parable Jesus warns us that we will leave our wealth to others once we die and gives us an honest advice to be “rich” toward GOD, that is, to think upon heavenly treasure that is eternal rather than earthly wealth that is temporal. Luk 12:20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?  Luk 12:21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.

20. The Barren Fig Tree   Luk 13:6-9

A man plants a fig tree in his vineyard but it did not produce any fig for 3 years, so he told his servant to root it out and cast it out of the vineyard but he wanted to give it another chance for one more season to bear figs.  If still no figs, then he would as his master wanted.

This parable mentions a vineyard that is mentioned often in other parables (#10-12 above).  It represents Israel or Israelites.  It is not clear if the number 3 in 3 years has any spiritual significance.  It might mean maximum time period to allow it to bear figs.  Number three is a frequent number in the Bible

Jesus condemned a fig tree to death because HE did not see any fig when HE came to it to eat (Mat 21:19).  However Mark in the parallel passage indicated that it was not a time or season for a fig tree to bear figs yet (Mar 11:13).  Jesus must have known about it certainly.  Then why did HE condemn it to death? 

The key point in this parable is one more year or season or rather one last chance for the fig tree to bear figs before it will be rooted out.  Upon Christ’s second coming, the door for salvation shall be shut once for all; there is no more chance to be saved as alluded in the parable number 14 above in ‘the wise and foolish virgins.’

21. HE commands humility   Luk 14-7-11

This is a very simple and straight forward parable to remind humility, Lu 14:11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.  The number one reason why people refuse, reluctant, or totally ignorant about the gospel messages for them to be saved is their pride.  See item number 7 under the Theology menu.

22. The Great Supper   Luk 14:15-24

This is the same parable more or less but somewhat abbreviated compared to Matthew’s version in Mat 22:1-14 (#13 above).

23. The Lost Sheep or Coin    Luk 15:4-10

These two parables show that everybody is precious to GOD’S eyes regardless.  Jesus spoke a parable that is the same as these two parables after HE held “little ones” (children) and said that they were as important and precious as adults (Mat 18:10-14).  So the basic idea is that all humans are HIS creation; therefore, HE loves them equally.

24. The Prodigal Son      Luk 15:11-32

This is a well known parable in the Christian community.  The key idea is that the prodigal son repented of his sins and his father took him back to the family with gladness, Luk 15:24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.  So this parable is very much related to the lost sheep or coin parables above.  In verse 31, the father said to the complaining older son that he was with him forever. Luk 15:31 And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.  Luk 15:32 It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.  

So it is not what the prodigal son (younger son) did or did not before but he repented of his sins finally and cam back to the GOD’S family so to speak.  Any sinner can be as bad as he can be before but he will be saved if he will turn around afterwards.  Not only would GOD forget (disremember) our sins after forgiving them but also we shall not be punished for them since Christ had already suffered on the cross for our sins.  In other words, HIS sacrificial death on the cross covered not only for the sins themselves but also for the penalty we deserve.  Alleluia, Praise the LORD!  See items number 14 and 15 under the Theology menu.

25. The Unjust Steward   Luk 16:1-13

It is not clear what this verse means, Luk 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.  This sounds like if a sinner does a favor to other sinners on earth as the unjust steward in this parable did to his lord’s debtors by discounting their debts, they would receive him into heaven if they become saved later before they die.  Then the assumption is that the giver of favor is not saved and hence is bound to hell.

Lu 16:10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.  

Lu 16:11 If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

In these two verses, unrighteous mammon (or least) and true riches (or much) mean earthly or heavenly things respectively.  Heavenly things (eternal) are better than earthly things (temporal) in all aspects.  So if one is not faithful in small matters while living on earth, then he can not be faithful in big matters in heaven after death, that is, he is qualified to go to heaven after death.  Then the unjust steward was bound to hell since he was not faithful in mammon (least).  But then he was smart to do a favor to other people in order that they might receive him into heaven after death.

Lu 16:12 And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own?

This is somewhat difficult verse to understand.  The unjust steward cheated his lord, then he lost or forfeited what he owned.  This sounds like 20% penalty on top of the original amount of loss in the Mosaic law (Lev 5:16, 6:5).

Lu 16:13 No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.  This verse is easy to understand.  It reminds of Jesus’ remark, Lu 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.  We have to choose either earthly or heavenly thing.  They are incompatible just like oil and water; you can not mix them.  Then nobody can own both of them together.

26. The Rich man and Lazarus   Luk 16:19-31

This is the only parable (or rather a true story) with real names in it; therefore, it can not be a parable but rather it is a true story.  Then one can draw a very important theology.  If an unsaved man dies, his soul will not sleep in the grave waiting for the rapture (1Th 4:13-18) like the souls of saved people but he will be sent to hell immediately to suffer and to be tormented there for 1,000 years or more before all unsaved souls shall stand before the white throne of judgment seat.  There are two places for unsaved souls after death, hell (Luk 16:23) and lake of fire (Rev 20:14, 15).  See items 11 and 23 under the Theology menu.

27. The Pharisee and the Publican   Luk 18:9-14

This parable is just another one for humility just like the number 21 above.  In this parable the publican was humble and the Pharisee was proud so that only the former was justified to go to heaven after death. 

Right after this parable, Jesus mentioned about little children Lu 18:15  And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.  Lu 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  Lu 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.  Jesus was emphasizing the importance of humility as well as pure, innocent mentality without guile or pretense like children in general contrary to the Pharisee in the parable.

28. The Pounds   Luke 19:11-27

This is the same parable with somewhat variation with ‘The Talents’ in Mat 25:14-30.  See the parable number 15 above.

12. Exegesis on Ephesians chapter one

Ephesians chapter one is very rich and profound in theology, and has many pronouns, which might make the reader lose the train of thought.   No other chapter in the Bible has as many as it does.  Each pronoun is followed by parenthesis and amplified for better understanding.  Ok here we go,  

Chapter I: The mystery of GOD'S love toward men and HIS adoption of them as HIS sons and daughters through HIS only begotten Son Christ in whom HE put all things in heaven and on earth.  The key verse is verse 10.

1. an apostle: ambassador, messenger of Christ.  Paul called himself a servant of Jesus Christ also (Rom 1:1).  

The words ‘saints’ and ‘the faithful in Christ Jesus’ could designate the same people more or less.  Paul called all believers in Christ as saints (Php 4:21; Rom 16:15).  Then this epistle is addressed to believers in Christ in general compared to the book of Romans which was to unbelievers.

3. …who (GOD the Father) hath blessed us with all….

in Christ: GOD always deals with mankind through Christ.  Men can not deal with GOD without Christ involved (Joh 6:44) or GOD would not hear us unless we go through Christ (Joh 14:6) whose name must be mentioned whenever men pray to GOD.  And this is the reason why Christians end their prayers to GOD in the name of Christ.

4. According as he (GOD) hath chosen us in [through] him (Christ) before the foundation…before him (GOD) in love:

Christ was present only in concept and his physical presence was not evident until virgin birth by Mary.  

GOD envisioned before the world began that Christ will be born to be an intermediary between GOD and men; Christ is GOD, equal to GOD, and a perfect representative of GOD for men (Joh 1:1-3; 1Joh 5:7, 8).  In other words, GOD must have known or predicted with certainty before creation that future men will fail and unable to be right with HIM without saviour’s help. 

5. Having predestined us unto the adoption of children: GOD so loved the world...HE gave HIS only begotten son....(Joh 3:16).  

GOD chose anybody who loves HIM to be HIS son through HIS only begotten Son Christ (Rom 8:29, 30).   In other words GOD adopted us into HIS sons and daughters by Jesus Christ.

...by Jesus Christ to HIMSELF (GOD the Father), according to...HIS (GOD'S) will,

Men can not approach to GOD without Christ or vice versa (Joh 6:44, 14:6).

6. To the praise of the glory of HIS (GOD’S) grace, wherein he (GOD the Father) hath made….: GOD loved and accepted us through HIS Son Christ even before the world began for the sake of HIS glory.  It is very important for every Christian to realize that everything HE did since HIS creation (Gen 1:1) was for HIS glory and whatever HE does today and will do in the future in regard to HIS creation (all things on earth and in the universe) shall be for HIS glory also.  In other words, everything HE does to HIS creation (heaven and earth) is for HIS glory.

7. In whom (Father) we have redemption (bought or purchased back) through his (Christ) blood…riches of his (Father’s) grace;      

his blood: blood is essential for the redemptive covenant (Heb 9:7, 18, 22; Lev 17:11).  We are saved by HIS grace alone (2:8).  

8. Wherein he (Father) hath abounded toward us: referring to the riches of HIS grace (last verse).  See 2:8.

in all wisdom and prudence: GOD bestows them to all born again believers in order that they increase their wisdom and prudence while they live on earth, in this sinful, Satanic world.  After all who does not want wisdom? 

9. the mystery of his (Father’s) will [through Christ]: referring to HIS plan even before the creation that Gentiles shall be fellow heirs with Jews of HIS promise of adoption through Christ (3:6; Rom 11:25; 1Cor 2:7; Col 1:27). 

…according to his (Father’s) good pleasure which he (Father) hath purposed in himself (Father HIMSELF).

10. That in the dispensation….: This verse must be the key verse for so called Dispensation Theology where GOD, who has no beginning and ending (infinite past and infinite future), conducts HIS providence in men’s salvation plan started from even before the world began (verse 4) to infinite future, that is, from everlasting to everlasting.  

...fullness of times he (Father) might gather in one all things (i.e., both Jews and Gentiles) in Christ…even in him (Christ).  This idea is repeated in verses 21-23.

which are in heaven: probably referring to angels and other hosts of GOD.

and which are on earth: that is, all things on earth.

Basically Paul is talking about pre-eminence of Christ above GOD’S creation both in heaven and on earth (Col 1:18).  GOD is the number one on top in eminence followed by Christ number two, and then all others both animate and inanimate things in heaven and on earth.  The word 'dispensation' in Christian theology means the ordering of events under divine authority according to each specific time period.  So GOD ordered or divided HIS dealing with men into Old and New Testament but they are combined and point to Christ ultimately.  In other words, GOD did not order just one Testament (covenant) and expected men to follow it since creation till now and forever in the future simply because environment under which men live changes as time passes by and they are too weak to meet GOD'S expectation.  So New Testament whose focus is Christ was needed.

This verse is very remarkable in that GOD focused everything on earth and in heaven through Christ ultimately.  Then nobody or nothing on earth and in heaven can be justified or approved before GOD'S eyes apart from Christ.  Christ is the key to the Father's plan for men's salvation.  Jesus said that HE is the vine and we are the branches; we can do nothing apart from HIM (Joh 15:4, 5).

11. In whom (Christ) also we have...purpose of him (Father)...counsel of his (Father’s) own will.  

Inheritance: Born again Christians both Jews and Gentiles are GOD’S inheritance through Christ under NT as Jews were through Abrahamic covenant (Gen 17:7-9) under OT (Deu 4:20).  So GOD had a purpose to beget Christ for men's ultimate salvation even before the creation and a counsel to carry out that purpose into reality.

12. That we (saints or believers in Christ) should be to the praise of his (GOD’S) glory, who (saints) first trusted in Christ.

GOD’S glory is the end of everything in heaven and on earth, that is, HIS glory is the ultimate objective under the heaven and in earth.  This means all things in heaven and earth one can imagine.

13. In whom (Christ) ye (Ephisian church people) also trusted, after that…in whom (Christ) also after that ye believed....

ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise: that is, our salvation is final, once for all, never losing (Heb 6:4-6).  See item number 5 under the Theology menu.

14. Which (Holy Spirit of promise, last verse) is earnest of our inheritance: GOD the Father was said to seal and to give Gentiles in particular (or everybody including Jews) earnest of the Spirit in their hearts (2Cor 1:21, 22).   In other words, GOD gave Holy Ghost to anyone who opened his heart to receive Holy Ghost.  Receiving HIM is the very first step to be born again (Joh 3:3), that is, to be called sons and daughters of GOD.  See item number 10 under the Theology menu.

until the redemption of the purchased possession (sinners): Here it means, the complete deliverance from sin, and the eternal salvation acquired for us by Christ.  The influence of the Holy Spirit, renewing and sanctifying us, comforting us in trials, and sustaining us in afflictions, is the pledge that the redemption is yet to be wholly ours, that is, till the time when body and soul are redeemed from all their miseries, and glorified in the heavenly kingdom (Rom 8:23).

Unto the praise of his (GOD the Father) glory: see verse 6.

15. ...faith in the Lord Jesus, and love (charity) unto all the Saints: This describes what all Christians really need to be.  They will grow or deepen their faith in Christ and charity toward GOD the Father and their neighbors once they receive Holy Ghost.

17. Jehovah is both GOD and Father to Jesus Christ.  Jesus is GOD and is equal to Jehovah but at the same time Jehovah is GOD, the LORD, and Father to Jesus Christ, not the other way.  In other words, there is no difference between Father and Jesus in terms of function (deity) but there is difference in terms of position or relationship, Father and Son relationship, much like earthly father and son relationship where a father gives orders to his son who obeys and fulfills them, not the other way.

Spirit of wisdom: referring to Holy Ghost of wisdom.  See item number 10 under the Holy Spirit menu.

...revelation in the knowledge of him (GOD the Father): This was one part of the apostle's prayers for the saints at Ephesus, that they might increase in divine knowledge as the GOD of Christ and them, and the Father of glory.

18. The eyes of your understanding being enlightened: through Holy Ghost

that ye (believers in Christ, saints) may know...his (GOD'S, divine) calling: that is, the hope in which GOD (Jehovah, the Father) has called you to enjoy.

...glory of his (GOD'S, Jehovah's, Father's) inheritance in the saints (believers in Christ),

In other words, Holy Ghost is the ONE who makes saints know that they are rich and glorious inheritance of GOD the Father.  Israelites were said to be HIS inheritance under OT (Deu 4:20).  Then so are Gentiles nowadays under NT.  Alleluia, Praise the LORD!  We Gentiles are so excited and proud that we are HIS inheritance under NT also all because of the blood of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on the cross.  

There is no distinction between Jews and Gentiles under NT any more, that is, Jews lost their peculiar status as HIS people under OT.  They can not boast of themselves as special people to GOD’S eyes any more but they stand with Gentiles on the equal footing before HIM.  See item number 30 under the Theology menu.

19. ...greatness of his (GOD'S) power to us-ward (both Jews and Gentiles)...his (GOD'S) mighty power.

20. Which (the working of Father’s mighty power as in the last verse) he (Father) wrought (gave, formed, or empowered) in Christ, 

when he (Father, Jehovah) raised him (Son, Jesus Christ) from the dead: Jesus did not rise up from the grave by HIMSELF but the Father (Jehovah) did raise HIM up (Act 2:24, 32, 3:15; Rom 4:24, 25, 10:9, 14:9; Gal 1:1; Heb 13:20; 1Pe 1:21; Rev 1:5, 18, 2:8).  Christ could not raise HIMSELF from the grave since HE was dead literally.   Christ knew that HE would be raised on the third day (Luk 9:22; Mat 12:40, 16:21; Mar 9:31).  HE must have known that GOD the Father would raise HIM up from the grave.

...and set him (Christ) at his (GOD'S) own right hand in the heavenly places: Right hand is superior to the left hand always in the scripture (Mat 22:44, 25:31-34). 

21. This and next verse are referring to Christ.

22. And hath put all things under his (Christ’s) feet (Psa 110:1), and gave him (Christ) to be the head over…church: Christ is head of HIS own church (4:15; 5:23; Col. 1:18; 1Co 11:3).

23. Which (church) is his body: Christ is equal to church or church is the body of Christ.  What is all about church is all about Christ.  Paul addresses on this same concept (church = body of Christ) elsewhere (5:29, 30; Rom 12:4-8; 1Cor 12:4, 12, 27; Col 1:18, 24). 

13. Exegesis on Romans 5:12-21

Romans chapter five is very, very important scripture to remind people that they are sinners by birth and it can be called Adam and Christ; sin and grace.  Knowing and understanding this portion of scripture is the foundation and the very reason for why we believe what we believe. 

12. ...as by one man (Adam) sin entered into the world....     Basically this verse is saying that everybody is a sinner by birth since everybody inherited Adam’s sin which had to do with eating that forbidden fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Gen 2:17; 3:12).  This reminds of Rom 3:9-12 that there is none righteous because everybody is a sinner regardless before GOD. 

13-17 KJV version put parenthesis into these verses but KJV-1611 did not.  Then it is not clear why they enclosed them with it and how it plays in the meaning.

13. but sin is not…no law: Law determines what is lawful (no sin) and what is not lawful (sin).  

Law is a measuring tool (standard) for sin.  When this measuring tool is missing, then nobody can tell what is sin and what is not.  Compare verse 20, Rom 4:15.  When Adam ate the forbidden fruit of knowledge of good and evil and transgressed GOD’S commandment, he committed a sin.  Then his sin was transmitted to everybody on earth after him.

14. from Adam to Moses: This is the period during which there was no law given to men.  Nevertheless people both Jews and Gentiles during this particular period were judged by or looked as sinners to GOD even though they might not have been bad enough to be condemned or have not transgressed against GOD similar to what Adam had done since they inherited Adam’s sin by birth.  

There are three periods like Adam-Moses, Moses-Christ, and Christ-present time and beyond.  Apostle Paul is saying basically that men inherited Adam’s sin from birth and became sinners by birth even during Adam-Moses period when there was no law.  This inheriting Adam’s sin never stopped even after Mosaic law and Christ’s death on the cross, that is, men inherited Adam’s sin and became sinners by birth and were separated from GOD automatically ever since Adam ate it.

During the Mosaic law period (Moses-Christ), Jews were justified before HIM by keeping it and Gentiles were excluded from justification for the time being unless they were converted to Jewish faith, that is, they kept Mosaic law.   It must have been very rare for Gentiles to keep it since they were not introduced to it.  After Christ’s death on the cross (Christ-present time and beyond), both Jews and Gentiles were justfied before HIM by faith in Christ.  After Moses received the law in mount Sinai from HIM and gave it to Israelites, then Jews in particular were convicted of their sin nature while Gentiles were still in darkness without conviction.  

...who (Adam) is the figure of him (Christ) that was to come.

15. But not as the offence…free gift: that is, free gift by one man (Jesus Christ) is not like the offence of one man (Adam).  By the offence of Adam, all humanity inherited his sin, became sinners, and shall die once while living on earth by old age, accident, disease, or whatever.  Likewise by one man (Jesus) who is the free gift of HIS Father (Jehovah), all humanity who believe in Jesus are saved and will live eternally.  However they will still encounter the first and common death just like unsaved people.  It was brought to everybody on earth by Adam’s sin and nobody can avoid it.  We all shall die someday by old age, accident, disease, or whatever.

much more the grace of God…hath abounded unto many: This effect of free gift of Christ is more abundant than that one man's offence of Adam.

much more the grace of GOD: We inherit Adam’s sin just one time when we are born but our sins can be forgiven by the blood of Christ more than once repeatedly without limit until a sinner turns around and becomes a new creature, a born again believer.   

16. That is, people became sinners by birth by inheriting Adam’s one single sin, which was eating the forbidden fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, but they are justified by Christ for multiple offences.   Paul is showing superiority of Christ death over Adam’s transgression; the former is more powerful and versatile than the latter.  

Paul is saying one very interesting thing in this verse.  For condemnation of mankind due to Adam's sin was Adam's single act whereas for the free gift of GOD (salvation) through the cross of  Jesus Christ, that was another single act where HE was simply hung on the tree, was for many innumerable acts of sin from past, present, and future mankind.  In other words, Adam's single act of sin simply made all mankind become sinners by birth automatically (and consequently death) whereas one act of  Jesus' crucifixion forgives or cleans not just one type of sin but all kind of sins ("many offences”) without limit from all kind of sinners.  Alleluia!

17. This verse is further explanation of the last verse. The effect of Christ's death on the cross to save mankind is a lot more than the effect of Adam's sin which made all mankind sinners encounter death on earth just one time.

By one man’s offence: referring to Adam’s sin

death reigned by one: that is, everybody became a sinner by birth and will face the first death by old age, accident, disease, or whatever.  In other words, nobody can avoid it while living on earther after being born as a sinner by default that is, naturally or automatically.  Basically this first death came about because of Adam’s sin in the garden of Eden to all humanity.  

Then the difference between saved and unsaved people will come after the first, common death which both of them can not avoid.  The former can avoid second death by resurrection (so called rapture) after their souls sleeping in the grave (1Th 4:13-18) but the latter can not and will be sent to the lake of fire for eternal torment (Rev 20:14, 15).  See item number 9 and 11 under the Theology menu.

Then it becomes utmost crucial for any unsaved man to get saved before he will face the first death soon or later while living on earth; otherwise, he will face the second death in the lake of fire forever!  

abundance of grace…righteousness: that is, GOD’S grace to forgive men’s many offences is really abundant. 

20. Moreover the law entered [when Moses received Ten Commandments from GOD at Mount Sinai],

That the offence might abound: the offence prior to Moses was not clear how offensive it was and it did not appear as offensive as it should be but after Moses received the law from GOD at Mount Sinai, that same offence turned out to be more offensive than previously thought prior to Moses because Moses’ law taught people that that offense was really bad (not acceptable to GOD).  Compare verse 13, Rom 4:15.

It must have been necessary for GOD to choose one particular people (Israelites) and then to give them HIS law in order that HE sets the standard to convict mankind on earth of their sin.   In other words, GOD used Israelites out of many different races on earth to establish HIS standard or law to measure people whether they break it or not.  Israelites failed to keep it under Old Testament, then GOD sent HIS only begotten Son Christ under New Testament to save mankind on earth.

But where sin abounded…more abound: the more sinful it is, the stronger grace it is.  Compare Gal 2:17; Rom 6:1, 2

Basically there is no maximum offence both in frequency and in degree or seriousness above which a man’s sins can not be forgiven by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Then the more often and the more horrible, ugly sins one commits, the stronger GOD’S grace or forgiving power  it shall become.  

When Christ’s death on the cross by grace forgives people’s sins, HIS grace shall became stronger and more powerful after people will learn about the Mosaic Law or realize how sinful they have been than before they will simply because the offence (sin nature) became more evident afterwards.

Rom 5:21 That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

14. Apparent discrepancies, disagreements, or rather variations in the scripture

Holy Bible is GOD’S Word indirectly, that is, about 40 authors in 66 books of Old Testament and New Testament were inspired by Holy Ghost when they wrote them (2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:19-21) and supposedly there are no errors in them in doctrines or theologies.  In other word it is a perfect and permanent book, nothing to be added, taken out, or edited---the only book on earth like it.  So nobody found any error in the Holy Bible since OT books were written in Hebrew originally, maybe few OT chapters in Aramaic originally (less than 1% maybe) maybe 4 or 5 thousand years ago (this is just a wild estimate) and NT books were written in Greek originally maybe about 2 thousand years ago (again this is wild estimate).  

It is about 6,000 years since creation of Gen 1:1; 4,000 years BC and 2,000 years AD, and there is future 1,000-year Christ kingdom to come (Rev 20:4).  Then the current earth and heaven history shall be total 7,000 years and Bible talks about new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1, 2), and GOD only knows what they are for and who is going to live in it.  See item 12 under the Theology menu regarding the secrecy of GOD.  Bible was translated to many different languages and read, studied, and analyzed by millions and millions of people for many, many centuries.  Obviously English Bible was, is, and will be the primary and most popular language.

Now I found apparent discrepancies or disagreements in both OT and NT when I was studying KJV Bible.  This does not mean it has wrong translations of original language Bible and is therefore inferior to other English translation versions or other language Bibles.  No, no.  But simply they are contained in the original Hebrew and Greek languages.


Old Testament:

1. Jos 1:10, 11 and Jos 3:1, 2, and ff: 

In the former, verse 11, Joshua said that Israelites will cross the Jordan river [on dry ground] “for within 3 days” whereas in the latter, verse 2, it was already 3 days past since they arrived at Jordan and settled down by the river before crossing it (Jos 3:1, 2).  It appears that they seemed to cross it on the 4th day after they sanctified themselves on the third day (Joh 3:5).  Reading verses before and after Jos 1:10, 11 did not help to see when and where Joshua mentioned “within 3 days” in verse 11.  Did he mean about 3 days rather than 3 days or less literally?  Definitely they sound discrepantly, don’t they?

2. 2Sam 8:4 and 1Ch 18:4: 

The former says 700 horsemen and the latter 7,000 horsemen.  Here they should be 7,000 compared to 1,000 chariots, that is, it is very unlikely that there are more chariots than horsemen.  Chariots were luxury or very formidable military arsenal during Bible time.  When you have 1,000 chariots which are not few, you should have 7,000 horsemen to fight.

3. 1Sam 21:1, 22:20; Psa 52:1 (read the heading carefully) and 2Sam 8:17; 1Ch 24:16: Two names, Ahimelech and Abiathar, are not consistent as to who is the son or father.  Jesus in Mar 2:26 implied that David came to high priest Abiathar and ate shewbred, which was not lawful but he came to high priest Ahimelech (1Sam 21:1).

4. Jos 24:32 in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought: 

Stephen said that Jacob was laid in the sephulchre in Shechem, which Abraham bought (Act 7:15, 16) but he was said to be buried or rather laid in the cave of the field of Machpelah which Abraham bought (Gen 50:12, 13).  See Gen 33:18-20; Joh 4:5.

So Stephen’s account seemed to contradict to Genesis and this verse as to where Jacob was buried and who bought a parcel of land in Shechem respectively but this verse appears to agree with Joh 4:5 as to who bought it in Shechem at least.  There was no mention of burying Joseph’s bones in Sychar (Shechem) in John’s gospel.  

So Joseph’s bones were buried in a parcel of land in Shechem which Jacob bought and Jacob was bureid in the cave of the field Machpelah which Abraham bought.

The best explanation to these appearent discrapencies is that the names of father and son are used interchangeably during Bible time and maybe Shechem and Machpelah are the same places; the name got changed over a long period of time.

5. Jdg 4:11 (Kenites) and Exo 2:16 (Midianites): 

We read two different names of tribes and of proper names for the father in-law of Moses.  Kenites is the name of a tribe inhabiting the desert lying between southern Palestine and the mountains of Sinai. Midianites were an Arabian tribe descended from Midian. They inhabited principally the desert north of the peninsula of Arabia. The peninsula of Sinai was the pasture-ground for their flocks. 

Jethro (Moses’ father in law) was said to be the tribe Midian (Exo 2:16, 3:1, 4:18, 18:1; Num 10:29) but Moses’ father in law was said to belong to Kenites (Jdg 1:16).  It appears that these two tribes are the same more or less residing in the proximity each other in the Arabian desert near mount Sinai.

Hobab the father in law of Moses: He is said to be the son of Raguel the Midianite (Num 10:29) and Raguel is the same as Reuel in Exo 2:18; therefore, Reuel in Exo 2:16-18 is grandfather to those seven daughters instead of father since Bible calls grandfather as father rarely.  Hobab is also called Jethro (Exo 18:1, 2).

In Exo 18:1, 27, Moses is said to let his father in law (Jethro) depart whereas in Num 10:29-32, Moses asks him (Hobab, the son of Raguel) to go with him but he refuses and is said to want to go to his own land rather.  

Both of these two incidence are before Israelites left wilderness of Sinai (Num 10:11, 12, 33).  Then it is highly probable that they are the same encounters between Moses and his father in law and Moses did not record of his request to his father in law to stay with him in Exo 18:27. 

6. Moses told Israelites to utterly destroy everybody and everything after they cross the Jordan River and enter into Canaan which was the promised land that floweth with milk and honey (Deu 6:3).  However they could not conquer all heathen nations in Canaan but ended up leaving some of them unconquered.  Then GOD was said to prove Israelites’ faith and royalty to obey HIS commandments by some of those unconquered heathen people in Canaan, who were living next to them (Jdg 3:4-9). 

If Israelites had destroyed all heathen countries in the promised land (Canaan), then GOD could not have been able to test or prove them.  Here GOD wanted to test them to see if they would serve idols (heathen gods) while they were living next to the heathen people side by side in Canaan.  So the apparent discrepancy is why Moses told them to wipe out heathens in Canaan completely when GOD needed some of them to prove Israelites.

This reminds of the reason why the evil, cults, and various calamities present or happen on earth.  GOD is using them to prove HIS people (born again believers) as well as for HIS glory.  That is why.  If there were no war, famine, pestilence, cults, any evil thing, and etc on earth, GOD could not test or prove HIS children.  Besides it is unrealistic for the earth to have good things only like a paradise.

7. 1Cor 10:8 and Num 25:9  Apostle Paul in the former says three and twenty thousand whereas Moses in the latter says twenty and four thousand. 

8. 2Sam 10:18 and 1Ch 19:18  It becomes interesting when compared between 2Sam 10:18 and 1Ch 19:18.  They seem to describe the same event but the numbers do not agree.  In 1Sam 10:18, it says 700 chariots of and 40,000 horsemen of Syrians but in 1Ch 19:18, it says 7,000 men which fought in chariots and 40,000 footmen of Syrians.   Then the verse 10:18 is incorrect and 19:18 sounds correctly; it should be 7,000 chariots and 40,000 footmen instead of horsemen.  

Two different authors describing the same events do not agree in numbers.  Did GOD consider it not critical; therefore, HE allowed it even though HE could have made them agree each other exactly?  We all know that nothing is impossible for HIM.

9. Jer 22:11; 2Ki 23:30-34; 1Ch 3:15

We see three different names in these three verses for the apparent the same person.  In 1Ch 3:15, Josiah’s firstborn is said to be Johanan and Shallum was the fourth son.  In Jer 22:11, Shallum was said to reign after Josiah while in 2Ki 23:30-34, it was Jehoahaz who reigned in Judah after Josiah.  Then these three books disagree as to who sat on the throne after king Josiah.

10. Now this is very obvious discrepancy which is not, and it is very difficult to reconcile or resolve.  The verses involved are Jer 36:30 and 22:30; Mat 1:11, 12.  In the first two verses, the phrase ‘the throne of David’ is mentioned and it sounded everlasting David’s dynasty to Christ but it actually meant king Jehoiakim’s dynasty for kings reigning in Judah (22:30).

In Mat 1:11, 12, Matthew lists genealogy of king Josiah (Josias) who was said to beget Jechonias (Jehoiachin).  Actually Josiah’s grandson was Jechonias whos father was Jehoiakim, and Johoiakim was Josiah’s second son (1Ch 3:15).  

In this Matthew’s genealogy for Christ in Matthew chapter one, Jechonias (son of Jehoiakim) was found (Mat 1:11, 12).  Then one might question as to why Jeremiah in 36:30 and 22:30 said that king Jehoiakim or Jechonias (Jehoiachin) his son respectively should not have anybody to sit upon the throne of David when Jehoiakim’s grandson Jechonias was part of genealogy for everlasting king David to Christ as indicated in Mat 1:11, 12.

The key to resolve this apparent discrepancy is to understand the meaning of the phrase ‘the throne of David’ in Jer 36:30 and 22:30.  Here it meant reigning in Judah as shown in 22:30, “and ruling any more in Judah” instead of ruling the world forever by Christ who was son of David (Mat 1:1) and the last king of David’s dynasty.  Elsewhere in the scripture, the phrase ‘the throne of David’ meant everlasting David’s dynasty to Christ (1Ki 2:45, 8:25; Jer 33:17; Luk 1:32, 33).

New Testament:

1. Where was Jesus ascended to heaven from 40 days after resurrection?  This was discussed extensively in the item number 9 above.

2. Mat 8:28 and Mar 5:2; Luk 8:27: 

Matthew said “two possessed with devils” whereas both Mark and Luke said a man with devil spirits.

3. Mat 26:34; Luk 22:34; Joh 13:38 and Mar 14:30: 

Matthew, Luke, and John said before the cock crow once, Peter would deny Christ trice but Mark only said that before cock crow twice, he would deny HIM trice.  It is not clear how and where Mark heard about cock crowing twice.

4. Mat 20:20-28 and Mar 10:35-45: 

These two groups of passages resemble very similar except that the former said that the mother of Zebedee’s children (James and apostle John) requested Jesus (Mat 20:20) whereas the latter said that James and apostle John themselves requested HIM (Mar 10:35).  

These two incidences must have been exactly the same one, that is, they did not happen separately in two different occasions since both gospels indicated that Jesus and HIS disciples were on their way to Jerusalem right or somewhat before the incidence.  Also both gospels quoted the same words of Jesus regarding HIS upcoming crucifixion and resurrection in Jerusalem right or somewhat before it.  See Mat 20:18, 19; Mar 10:33, 34.  Both gospels described Jesus opening a blind man’s eyes later (Mat 20:29-34; Mar 10:46-52).  Comparing what Jesus did or said before the incidence, we find they are different in the earlier part of the same chapter of each gospel.  

This can be categorized under variation instead of discrepancy.  Matthew’s version must be correct since he was one of the 12 disciples of Jesus so that he was traveling with HIM and observed what HE said and did closely but saint Mark was not.  Mark must have heard about it from somebody, maybe apostle Peter, and there is a great chance of slight variation when any information is told or described by another person.

5. In what place was Jesus arrested exactly by a great multitude sent by high priest before eventual crucifixion?  Matthew and Mark said a place called Gethsemane (Mat 26:36, 47; Mar 14:32, 43), Luke said mount of Olives (Luk 22:39, 47) and John said a garden by the book of Cedron (Joh 18:1-3).  The word ‘Gethsemane’ means a garden near Jerusalem according to the Bible dictionary so that it might be the same as a garden by the brook of Cedron.  Jesus was said to go up to mount of Olive, probably to pray overnight, and to return to Jerusalem early in the morning (Joh 8:1).  The brook Cedron or rather Kidron (2Sam 15:23) runs in a valley between Jerusalem and mount of Olives.  It is highly probable that it was a garden by the brook Cedron very close to the mount of Olives, maybe at the foot of it or somewhat situated above toward the mount.  Jesus was said to be used to go there often (Joh 18:2).   

Then all four gospels were talking about the same place, a garden very close to both Jerusalem and mount of olives.  Luke and John just called it differently and this is understandable.  So this might be one good example of an apparent discrepancy to modern people who read very ancient, sacred book called Bible when in fact it was not since both of them meant the same place but they just described or called differently.  

Boy, I wish I could explain other disagreements described above like I did on this current one.  Oh heavenly Father, give me wisdom and knowledge to resolve other apparent discrepancies in the Bible.  I know for sure with faith that Bible is the only perfectly accurate book on earth without error whatsoever. 

6. The scene at the sepulchre of Jesus Christ does not agree among four gospels (Mat 28:1-10; Mar 16:1-8; Luk 24:1-12; Joh 20: 1-18).  

Both Luke and John mentioned two angels inside the sepulchre but Mark said “a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment” (Mar 16:5).  Matthew’s version is really different; he said that there was a great earthquake at the sepulchre and an angel descended from heaven and rolled away the huge stone from the mouth of it and sat on it.  All four gospels mentioned that a few women came to the sepulchre very early Sunday morning to anoint HIM (Mat 28:1; Mar 16:1; Luk 24:1; Joh 20:1).  Luke mentioned that Peter came to it (Luk 24:12), and apostle John mentioned that he and Peter came to it (Joh 20:1-4).  What we can conclude from them is that HE arose before sunrise and met a few women at the sepulchre (Mat 28:9, 10; Joh 20:12-17).

This can be another variation instead of another discrepancy in the scripture.  All four authors of four gospels had a different source(s) of information when each one wrote his gospel to the best of his ability at that time.

7. Mat 25:14-24 and Luk 19:12-27:   

These two parables sound somewhat similar and they appear to be the same incidence but the two authors do not agree each other.  Matthew indicates that the parable was in regard to the kingdom of heaven but Luke is not clear about it.  Compare Mat 25:14 and Luk 19:12.  Matthew says that a man travelling into a far country gave his servants five, two, or one talent whereas Luke says a man gave ten pounds to ten servants, that is, each servant received the same one pound.  The servants were supposed to increase talents or pounds they received while their masters were gone a trip far away and would return after a long time.

Both talents and pounds seem to be the monetary unit.  Two servants increased their money but the third servant hid and did nothing with his money.  Then the master after having returned from a long journey ordered to take away one talent or pound from him and to give it to the profitable servants later.  This is in agreement between the two parables.  However Matthew says that the unprofitable servant was cast into outer darkness whereas Luke does not mention any penalty against him.  

So this can be a variation between Matthew and Luke stories.  It is a strength rather than a weakness and GOD allowed it.  If they had agreed each other 100%, then it could have been redundant and boring to the readers.

15. Exegesis on Isaiah 57:9

Isa 57:5 Enflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clifts of the rocks?

Isa 57:6 Among the smooth stones of the stream is thy portion; they, they are thy lot: even to them hast thou poured a drink offering, thou hast offered a meat offering. Should I receive comfort in these?

Isa 57:7 Upon a lofty and high mountain hast thou set thy bed: even thither wentest thou up to offer sacrifice.

Isa 57:8 Behind the doors also and the posts hast thou set up thy remembrance: for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it. 

Isa 57:9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell.


This verse (Isa 57:9) is a difficult verse which is misinterpreted or misunderstood very easily.  The word ‘king’ means a national god (idol) of the Ammonites known as Moloch.  Read on the excerpt of my exegesis on this particular verse.


9. Moloch: the name of the national god of the Ammonites, to whom children were sacrificed by fire (v 5)  (Amo 5:26; 1Ki 11:7; 2Ki 23:10).  He is also called Molech (Lev 18:21, 20:2-5), Milcom (1Ki 11:5, 33) and Malcham (Zep 1:5).  This god became Chemosh among the Moabites.


And thou wentest to the king: referring to Moloch; see annotation on verse 5.  This English word 'king' is literal translation of the corresponding Hebrew word which sounds like (melek, meh'-lek); 


It was translated as 'king' likewise many times literally elsewhere in the Bible.    Over at Jer 49:1, 3 this same Hebrew word was translated as 'king' in English as usual but it also points to the Ammonite idol (Moloch) figuratively as indicated in the margin note from the KJV translators as Melcom.


However this verse does not have the same margin note in order that one might interpret it literally as a king, for example an Assyrian king just other commentators thought.  


Nevertheless it is safe to understand the word 'king' to mean the Ammonite idol 'Moloch' in this verse also because of the context, that is, both in this verse ("and didst send thy messengers far off") and verses from 3 to 12 are talking about the practice of idolatry by people of Judah. 


with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes: either bearing them as offerings or herself perfumed with them as was the practice of lewd women (Pro 7:17).


and didst send thy messengers far off: to a distant Moloch-shrine


and didst debase thyself even unto hell: didst take on thee the yoke of a mean superstition, which debased thee to the lowest point conceivable.


16. Exegesis on Gen 6:5, 6

Gen 6:5 And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 

Gen 6:6  And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.

6. And it (what was mentioned in the last verse) repented the LORD (made HIM to repent) that he had made man on….

The word ‘repented’ does not mean like a sinner repenting his course of action.  That ‘repent’ is different in Hebrew original word.   

In this verse it means to be sorry or pitiful.  GOD regret that he made man and this regret is not due to GOD’S mistake or failure but rather men’s sinful action caused GOD’S creation to be going wrong.

One can see from this verse and elsewhere in the Bible that men have free will, that is, GOD does not dictate men’s will all the time.  Whether one gets saved or not depends on his free will.  See item number 3 under Theology menu.  

Israelites disobeyed HIM by engaging idolatry by their choice.  Basically men choose their free will and take consequence of it either blessing or cursing from GOD.

The main reason for creation was for GOD to receive glory from it but men's sins and corruption made HIM to feel sorry instead.  

The reason why men suffer and encounter diverse calamities such as war, famine, plague, and etc is all for HIS glory also.  See item number 8 under Theology menu.  HE commanded HIS creation to multiply and to replenish the earth in order that HE can be glorified by both animate and inanimate creatures or things on earth and in universe.      See item number 16 under Theology menu.

Then GOD is fully justified to destroy all animate and inanimate things on earth.  After the Noah's flood HE will choose one race (Jews) in order to set the standard so to speak for mankind to know and to serve HIM more perfectly.  In other words other races should know what to expect from HIM after they learned how HE interacted with Hebrew people as described in the OT.

However Jews utterly failed to follow HIS commandment and to set the good example for other people on earth and consequently received HIS punishment very badly.  

Finally HE sends Christ to earth through virgin birth to save the Jews first and then Gentiles (Rom 1:16).  GOD realized that men were too weak to meet HIS standard for justification before HIM.

In other words, men could not justify before GOD through works or endeavour no matter how hard they work, so that the only way to reconcile between men and GOD was through recognizing and accepting Christ who died on the cross for men's salvation.  This means that men can be justified or saved by HIS grace through the faith in Jesus Christ alone (Eph 2:8).

17. Kingdom of GOD  Luke 22:16-18

There are only two kingdoms, heavenly and earthly.  This phrase (kingdom of GOD) appears 70 times in the 69 verses in the New Testament only, mostly in the four gospels and it means heavenly kingdom.  It is used to mean either like future 1000-year kingdom of GOD on earth physically (Rev 20:4) or in concept (Mat 6:33, 12:28; Mar 1:14, 15; Luk 4:43; and etc).  Our heavenly Father, HIS Son Christ, HIS angels, and other heavenly hosts if any are present in heaven currently.

Luk 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

Luk 22:17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

Luk 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

Lu 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The focus of this article is whether Christ will be present in Jerusalem physically and literally and reign that 1,000-year kingdom with the representatives of 12 tribes of Israel as shown above.  There is no doubt that HE will come back to earth physically (Act 1:10, 11; Rev 19:11-16).  Christian martyrs during 3 and half years of tribulation period right before HIS second coming were said to live and reign the 1,000-year kingdom with HIM (Rev 20:4).  Then will Christ and they live and reign it from Jerusalem with heavenly or spiritual body?  Men are born and live with natural body on earth until they die naturally, by accident or disease.  They will receive spiritual body after resurrection (1Th 4:13-18; 1Cor 15:44).

The words of Christ above clearly attest that HE will eat the bread and drink the cup to memorialize HIS death on the cross during that 1,000-year kingdom of GOD on earth just like modern believers do during Communion services at the churches.  There are many questions about the kingdom of GOD like, what is the life expectancy?; what will happen after 1,000-year?; are there going to be other people with natural (earthly) body living outside Jerusalem?

Bible talks about new heaven, earth, and Jerusalem (Rev 21:1, 2).  Who is going to live in the new earth?  Are believers gong to live in this new earth or in heaven?  What are they for?  Apostle John describes a new vision (Rev chapter 22), maybe new earth, after describing new Jerusalem in the latter part of Rev chapter 21.  Early part of Rev chapter 22 sounds like so called paradise in which believers shall live peacefully without end.  One can come up with more puzzling questions than these.  As mentioned in item number 12 under Theology menu, men must respect secrecy of GOD and can not know everything about HIM or HIS Providence.  It is just impossible for finite men to know about infinite GOD the Father in heaven other than what was written in the Holy Bible.

18. A man’s free will versus omniscient GOD.  Gen 22:1

Ge 22:1  And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, here I am.

Ge 22:2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.

Gen 22:1 GOD did tempt (test) Abraham: GOD did tempt or test another person (Job) indirectly through Satan (Job 1:8, 11, 12).  Apostle Paul said that GOD would not tempt (test) Christians more than they can bear or handle (1Cor 10:13).

Satan tempted Eve through the serpent to eat the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, which GOD forbade (2:17, 3:1-6).  James said that GOD cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth HE any man [with evil] (Jas 1:13).   

GOD is omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent.  He knows what and how men think, that is, HE can read a man’s heart or thoughts precisely.  HE can even sway it one way or another, that is, HE can make or lead a man to act any way HE wants him to act or to decide.   A good example is Pharaoh (king of Egypt) during Exodus, whom HE made keep refusing Israelites to leave Egypt (Exo 4:21, 7:3, 13).  HE wanted to show HIS glory by sending more plagues to Egyptians one after another; otherwise, he could have allowed them to leave Egypt after a few plagues instead of giving up finally after the last 10th plague which had to do with killing all first born men or beast in Egypt.  In other words HE knows and can control a man’s thought completely.

However it is very important to understand that HE will give free will or choice to a man to decide his destiny as to where he will stay either in heaven or hell eternally after death, that is, HE would not intervene or control it one way or another but let him choose on his own 100% since this salvation matter is very critical or important; it is eternal either in heaven or hell.  

So one’s salvation is by a man’s free will rather than GOD pre-selecting as to who will be saved.  HE knows who will accept or reject gospel message since HE is omniscient and can read a man’s heart, yet HE will let him choose his destiny by himself instead of abandoning him to go to hell once for all.  See item number 3 under Theology menu.

Did HE know whether Abraham will obey HIS commandment to kill Isaac as sacrifice?  Yes, HE knew that he would kill him as sacrifice since HE is omniscient but HE did not control his mind one way or another but let him choose.  Again here we have a man’s free will in spite of the fact that GOD knows, can control a man’s heart, mind, motive, and etc in advance.

Indeed GOD did and will do pre-selection for other occasion. HE selected Moses, David, and other famous Bible characters for managing the affairs of HIS chosen people (Israeliets) because HE knew that they were very faithful men.

So when it comes down to one’s salvation is concerned, it is his free-will as opposed to GOD’S pre-selection even though HE knew who will accept or reject gospel message already, that is, HE is giving a reprobate man a chance to accept gospel message to get saved.

19. Two invasions into Jerusalem by enemies of GOD or church.  Luk 21:20

Jerusalem is the most coveted, sacred, and controversial place on earth among major religions like Catholic Church, Muslim, Protestant Church, and others, which consider it their own holy site.  Jerusalem was the focus of the Bible in both OT and NT ever since king David expelled its original resident, Jebusite, and moved into it (2Sam 5:6-10) about 1025 B.C. according to the Chronological Bible record.  

Jesus ascended to heaven from Jerusalem and will return to there on HIS second coming (Act 1:9-11).  Apostle John saw new heaven and earth, and new Jerusalem descending from heaven in a vision (Rev 21:1, 2).  This Jerusalem city will be the only city on earth descending from heaven to its old site in the new earth; no other city on earth will have this sort of privilege to be reestablished in the new earth after the current, old earth will be gone.  Then Jerusalem must be really holy site loved by Trinity (GOD the Father, Son Christ, and Holy Ghost).

Satan and his force are enemies of GOD so that they want to destroy HIS favorite city (Jerusalem ) and people (Jewish people) very badly, and this is easy to understand.  Then Satan will muster his troops to invade Jerusalem during last days but Christ will defeat them.  Allelujah and praise the LORD! 

Lu 21:20  And when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh.

Lu 21:24  And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

These two verses seem to describe siege of Jerusalem by Romans who then invaded Jerusalem and scattered Jews abroad. They demolished the second temple totally in 70 AD as Jesus predicted (verse 6; Mat 24:2; Mar 13:2).  

However here Luke is talking about one during 3 and half year tribulation period before Christ second coming.

There is another siege of Jerusalem in Rev 20:9 after the 1,000 year Christ kingdom is completed.  Here Luke is talking about one during 3 and half year tribulation period before Christ second coming.

Ezekiel in Ezekiel chapter 38 and 39 describe Gog, the land of Magog invading Jerusalem and being defeated ultimately.

And there is another invasion into Jerusalem by enemies of GOD or church so called Armageddon during sixth vial judgment (Rev 16:12-16).

Then we have four great invasions into Jerusalem mentioned or alluded in the OT and NT.  Priase the LORd!  Jerusalem shall overcome all of them because Trinity (GOD the Father, Son Christ, and Holy Ghost) would not suffer it to be defeated but THEY will destroy all enemies of church eventually.

Matthew and Mark did not mention about what Luke described in these two verses; only Luke mentioned them in connection with events which will take a place in Judea and Jerusalem shortly before Christ second coming (verse 27; Mat 24:30; Mar 13:26).  

Now these four invasions into Jerusalem by enemies of church or GOD do not seem to be four independent ones but just two.

Ezekiel chapter 38 and Rev 20:9 after the 1,000-year Christ kingdom are the same invasion whereas this verse before Christ second coming after 3 and half year tribulation period and that so called Armageddon in Rev 16:12-16 during sixth vial judgment are the second one.

20. Very subtle exegesis Eze 24:7, 8

The following is the excerpt of my exegesis on these two verses.  They are so subtle and tricky that most corrupt Bible versions, lo and behold including KJV, added the word 'not' in verse 7 but KJV-1611 does not have that negative word.  Upon careful analysis (without being able to check original Hebrew text; I can't speak or read Hebrew!) I concluded that original translation of KJV-1611 was correct.  

This is just one example to show that KJV-1611 is the most accurate [English] translation, even better than KJV.  KJV version was commended in item number 1 above and item number 6 under the Daily Devotion menu. 

Two Bible versions KJV and KJV-1611 match word for word 99.9% in order that KJV is acceptable almost except it has changes on capital letter like Spirit versus spirit, punctuation, and other very minor things.  As shown in item number 11 under the Home menu, KJV-1611 has a chapter summary before the beginning of each chapter in both OT and NT--no other [English] Bibles can match with it.


Eze 24:7 For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust;

Eze 24:8 That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered. 


Eze 24:7. For her blood is in the midst of her: The blood of innocent persons shed in the midst of her, openly and publicly, cried for vengeance:

she set it upon the top of a rock: where it could not soak in, as when spilled upon soft earth;

This denotes her openness and impudence in shedding blood, as not being ashamed of it, or afraid of punishment for it, but as rather glorying in it; 

Perhaps there may be some allusion to the tops of hills and mountains, where idolatry was committed, attended with shedding human blood:  

she poured it not upon...dust: she did not take any method to hide her sin; having no sense of the heinousness of it, nor any consciousness of guilt, or any remorse or repentance.  

KJV-1611 omits the word 'not' but it sounds natural  with it rather.  However it sounds OK even without it after reading the following verse.  So it is not clear if this was a real typo (type error) or on purpose from KJV-1611 translators’ thinking or understanding.  

It is not clear how KJV people added it, either based on the original Hebrew text or just based on KJV-1611 English translation to make it a sense?  

In other words when KJV people were editing KJV-1611 text, did they think that the negative word ‘not’ needs to be added for clarity or did they really consult with the original Hebrew text in order to check if KJV-1611 translation was correct to begin with?  It is very unlikely that they looked at the Hebrew text but they just tried to make a sense from the KJV-1611 English translation.

The key to decide which is correct either with or without the word ‘not’ is the following verse, verse 8.   

Verse 8 says that GOD has set the blood upon the rock that it should not be covered.  

Then the word ‘not’ should not be added in verse 7.  KJV-1611 translation without is correct.  Ezekiel in  verse 7 is saying that people of Judah put the blood upon the rock as well as they poured it on the ground to cover it with dust; they did both ways.

If they just put the blood upon the rock only, verse 8 would or should not say, “I (GOD the Father) have set her blood upon…covered.”  This sentence is the reason why the KJV-1611 translation without it in the verse 7 is correct.

21. Exegesis on Joh 4:24

Holy Ghost is an invisble person who empowers GOD the Father, Son Christ, or any born again believer.  HE is the member of Trinity (1Joh 5:7, 8).  Rev C.H. Spurgeon gave a sermon about the personality of the Holy Ghost.  Go to item number 12 under Holy Spirit.

We born again believers, when we worship GOD the Father in spirit and in truth, are supposed to mention, remember, or call for Holy Ghost who is the third member of Trinity.  

We mention or remember GOD the Father and Son Christ every time we worship GOD the Father but we fail to do so for Holy Ghost likewise.  Pay attention to the paragraphs underlined below in regard to this topic which I added when I wrote exegesis on Joh 4:24.

Joh 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

God is a Spirit (Holy Ghost): That is, GOD the Father is the same as or equal to Holy Ghost or GOD is the owner of Holy Ghost.  This supports Trinity, that is, Father (GOD), Son (Christ), and Holy Ghost are equal one another as one (1Joh 5:7).  Jesus is equal to the Father as one (10:30).  

So GOD the Father is Holy Ghost, and Father and Son Christ are one so that Holy Ghost is Christ.  Hence all three of them are as one so called Trinity.  More importantly GOD the Father is the original owner of Holy Ghost or Holy Ghost is originated from GOD the Father since eternal past!  

HE was said to give or assign Holy Ghost to HIS son Christ abundantly without measure (3:34) or to anybody who wants to receive Holy Ghost from HIM (Luk 11:13).  

In fact one needs to receive Holy Ghost (born again, 3:3) or Christ as his personal saviour before he is saved.  So receiving either of THEM will make him receive the other one and GOD the Father automatically due to the Trinity concept, that is, it was, is, and will be present (and works) as ONE (1Joh 5:7).  

Therefore nobody can separate THEM, that is, nobody can receive just ONE or TWO and then receive the other(s) later.  Nobody can come or approach to GOD the Father directly but only indirectly through either of THEM (3:3, 14:6).  See 6:44

GOD will accept anybody either Jew or Gentile, as long as he worships HIM in spirit and in truth.  This is a very important verse for modern Christian churches to remember and to follow it.  They should ask themselves, are we worshipping our GOD Jehovah in heaven in spirit and in truth every time we gather to worship HIM?  

Many churches fail to mention about Holy Ghost(Spirit), that is, they are ignorant of HIM during the worship service.  Basically Christians worship GOD the Father primarily and praise Christ the Son but they hardly think or mention about Holy Ghost who is in every believer’s heart or mind. 

Based on Trinity idea, people worship all three of THEM together when they worship GOD the Father by mentioning or calling HIS name.  We worship GOD the Father only; we do not worship either Son Christ or Holy Ghost even though we might mention  or praise THEM during worship service.  Nevertheless it is ideal to call for or to mention about Holy Ghost during worship service occasionally or as often as we can rather than appearing like totally forgotten of or ignoring HIM.  

We born again believers praise Christ during the worship service often or pray to GOD the Father in the name of Christ but we hardly mention or think about Holy Ghost.  This must be changed, that is, we should praise Holy Ghost just like we praise Christ during worship service in public or when we pray to GOD the Father.

Would it be wrong to pray to GOD the Father in the name of Holy Ghost?   Not at all but it is highly desirable to remember HIM always.

One can draw a very important theology from this verse that nobody can worship GOD unless he is saved at least and begin to grow spiritually or has already filled with Holy Ghost as mature Christian spiritually.   Unsaved person should not be allowed to sit in the worship service since he can not worship HIM in spirit and in truth.  He is a lost sinner without Spirit.  Then how can he worship Jehovah in spirit and in truth?

So one must have Holy Spirit, that is, he must be saved or born again (3:3), to worship GOD the Father in Spirit and in truth.  In spirit: This has to do with the way how we worship GOD.  HE expects us to worship HIM with respect and holiness.  Worship service must be holy.  GOD will reject unholy, mundane worship service.

Without being born again after receiving Holy Ghost, nobody can worship GOD in spirit and in truth.  In other words, if a man is not saved (i.e., without Holy Ghost), he is not qualified to join the worship service.  

He needs to receive HIM first before he can come to the worship service.  Hence unsaved people shall not attend worship services in the evangelical and holy churches where Holy Ghost is present evidently.

Worship service in modern time has been changed dramatically into secular, unholy worship style; there is no holiness at all and it sounds or appears very much like a Satanic worship service.

in truth: Jesus called HIMSELF as truth (14:6)

22. The significance and meaning of water and Holy Ghost baptism explained.  Act 1:5

Read my exegesis on Act 1:5 as follows,

Ac 1:5 For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.

5. Jesus is referring to the incident in chapter 2.  So when Holy Ghost descended (Acts 2:2-4) upon the apostles and other people in the upper room, they were basically being baptized or poured upon them with Holy Ghost.  See Mat 3:11; Acts 11:15, 16.

So there are two kinds of baptism, by John the Baptist water baptism and by Jesus' Holy Ghost baptism.  

Then water baptism in modern time is not required or necessary once a man is saved by the knowledge of Christ on the cross and HIS resurrection on the third day.  

Once saved, he receives Holy Ghost or HE enters into his heart and becomes a born again Christian (Joh 3:3).  In other words he was baptized by Holy Ghost

Since Christ died on the cross and arose from the grave on the third day, Baptism by Holy Ghost basically replaces water baptism which was remitting sins of the people during John the Baptist time prior to the crucifixion.

However people during early book of Acts still practiced John’s baptism to remit sins, that is, early church period as in the book of Acts (Act 2:38, 8:38, 10:47, 48, 13:24, 22:16).  Compare 11:15-17, 19:1-7.   

It happened as such because it was in the transition period from John’s water baptism to Jesus’ Holy Spirit baptism but it became evident to the people as time went by that the latter was more important.

When Apostle Peter went to the house of a Roman Centurion Cornelius (10:1), he preached gospel to his household who were Gentiles and then Holy Ghost fell upon them (10:44).  Afterwards Peter did water baptism for them (10:44-49).  See 11:15-17.  

Water baptism nowadays, church age, became just symbolic or public demonstration of one’s salvation or new life as born again Christian.   

It is not required for salvation but recommended or encouraged very strongly.  So water baptism and Lord’s supper also known as Communion are two ordinances commanded by Christ for Christians to observe continuously (Mat 26:26-28, 28:19, 20, 1Cor 11:23-26) throughout church age.

It has no spiritual meaning whatsoever for remitting sins as it had during the time of John the Baptist.  Our sins have been forgiven already once we are saved (born again) after receiving Holy Ghost (Joh 3:3) and accept Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

23. Exegesis on Romans 1:18-20

Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Rom 1:19  Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

Rom 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

18. wrath of GOD is revealed: If one reads Old Testament, he can see many examples where GOD punished ungodly people on earth.  

One well known example is the worldwide flood in Noah's Ark in Genesis where all living things on earth perished from the flood except those in the Ark.

who (all ungodliness) hold the truth: who believes truth in unrighteousness instead of righteousness. 

The same Greek (G2722) word translated 'hold' here was translated as 'stayed' (Luk 4:42), 'letteth' (i.e., prevent; 2Th 2:7), or 'withholdeth' (2Th 2:6)

The idea was that wicked people believed or held their belief in their wickedness, that is, they support wickedness rather than righteousness.

Most corrupt Bible versions translated the Greek word for ‘hold’ as ‘suppress’ but the real idea was to uphold, advocate, or become a fan of unrighteousness.

Nobody can avoid GOD'S wrath.  If men sin, they will encounter it since HE would not let men commit sins continuously. 

HIS wrath against all ungodliness is unavoidable both on earth and in hell eternally, that is, it shall come to all ungodly men right now on earth and eternally in hell after death.

19. for God hath shewed it (HIS wrath) unto them: GOD showed or revealed HIS righteousness through punishing unrighteous people for their sins (unrighteous deeds).  

Without the punishment, unrighteous people will keep sinning and think that there is no GOD.

20. Creation is in and of itself the clear proof of the fact that there is GOD in heaven.  Also Bible is another indisputable and important proof of HIS existence not only in heaven but also in earth.   

Men turn to and seek HIM instinctively whenever there is a great calamity either man made or natural disaster on earth.  This proves that men by nature imagine or believe that there is GOD even though they do not mention HIM all the time.

HIS only begotten Son Christ who is GOD also equally with the Father is called Immanuel, which is interpreted as GOD is with us (Isa 7:14, 8:8, 10; Mat 1:23).

Creation is the visible proof of invisible GOD in heaven, that is, men can believe beyond shadow of doubt that there is invisible GOD in heaven by looking at HIS visible creation.

His eternal power and Godhead: all universe unsearchable, out of reach, and supernatural force from invisible realm out there in the universe; all these make one to conclude that there is a supreme being somewhere up there in heaven.

so that they (unbelieving men, Jews or Gentiles) are without excuse: Unbelieving (lost) men are without excuse for their ignorance of GOD, creator of universe.  

In other words, they can not excuse themselves that they were never told or aware of GOD to worship.  

GOD’S creation of heaven and earth in of itself is the proof that there is GOD. See annotation on 2:12 for accountability on a man who either heard or never heard the gospel message.

without excuse: They are really guilty for rejecting or ignoring GOD since they had good reasons and sufficient evidence to believe HIM but their reprobate mind and pride prevented them to believe and to worship HIM.

GOD has full control of HIS creation, heaven and earth (Gen 1:1).  Men can not change climate on earth which is the only planet where men or any living thing can live.  Men can not change or control heaven and earth but only GOD can do them.

24. One unusual discrepancy in the OT.  1Ki 15:14, 2Ch 14:5, and 15:17

Notice the discrepancy among three verses below and read annotations on 2Ch 14:5 and 15:17.

1Ki 15:14 But the high places were not removed: nevertheless Asa's heart was perfect with the LORD all his days.

2Ch 14:5 Also he took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him.

2Ch 15:17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all his days.

5. Also he took away...high places and the images:  He did not remove them according to 1Ki 15:14.  

This is an unusual discrepancy.  Bible has few discrepancies on numbers and names in the OT, and on certain events among four gospels such as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the NT usually.  

However this particular discrepancy among these three OT verses is very dramatic and clear in that 1Ki 15:14 and 2Ch 15:17 said that Asa did not remove high places whereas this current verse says he removed them.

High places in the high hills which were secluded for privacy were very common places for idol worship, and this is evident throughout OT scripture.  

The other two popular places for worshipping idols during OT period were under the green tree which must have been large ones for seclusion and on the high hills (28:4; 1Ki 14:23, 2Ki 16:4, 17:10).

17.  were not taken away out of Israel: He was said to remove high places and images in the cities of Judah (14:5).  Obviously the word ‘Israel’ in this very verse meant Judah, southern kingdom.  He was said to reign Judah in the twentieth year of Jeroboam king of Israel, northern kingdom (1Ki 15:9).  See annotation on 14:5

Then why do we see discrepancy between 14:5 and this very verse?   Asa did not remove them in 1Ki 15:14.  Read all three verses again if necessary.  Then did he remove them earlier in his reign and then he did not later as in this verse?

Notice that this very verse sounds like 1Ki 15:14 very much, that is, they agree each other very well almost word for word.

Then why did the author of this book mention 14:5?  It appears that Asa indeed did not remove them based on this very verse and 1Ki 15:14.

25. Exegesis on James 2:26  See item #3 under Holy Spirit menu or item #7 under Daily devotion menu in regard to body, soul, and spirit.

Jas 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

26. body without the spirit is dead: that is, one without Holy Spirit.  A man is born with devil spirit and is a sinner by birth automatically (Rom 5:12, 17) and he can replace it with Holy Spirit during his life time on earth later if he will confess his sins and accept Christ as his personal saviour.

Here James seems to be talking about one without Holy Ghost.  One is spiritually dead if a man has devil spirit instead of Holy Spirit even though he is physically alive.  There is no third kind of spirit.

In Rom 8:10, apostle Paul said that the physical bodies of born again people are dead ‘spiritually’ because of the tendency to commit sins or sin nature for all people on earth so to speak but their Holy Spirit is live and well inside their heart or mind.  HE will convict and guide them, and prick their conscience to stay away from committing sins further(item #38 under Theology menu). .

Alternatively he was talking about physical death literally that Holy Spirit (for born again people) shall not remain in the literally dead body, that is, any physically dead body is without Holy Spirit since HE will not remain in the physically dead body.  This makes a perfect sense.  

However his unique soul will remain in his physically dead body still; his soul is his unique identification so that it will stay with him forever into heaven eternally.  If he died after being saved, his soul will be sleeping in the grave until rapture (1Th 4:13-18).  Other living creatures have neither soul nor spirit; it is final once they lose breath or vitality.

Immediately after the rapture (item #4 under Theology menu), all born again people who died after being saved will receive heavenly (spiritual) body (1Cor 15:44) and Holy Spirit will reenter them, and they will meet Christ in the air upon HIS second coming and enter into heaven eternally. 

If he was not saved when he died his soul will not be sleeping in the grave but his soul and evil spirit shall go to hell immediately and suffer there 1,000 years or more without sleeping in the grave (Luke 16:23).  

After the 1,000-year Christ kingdom, he shall stand before the white throne of judgment seat of Jesus Christ (Rev 20:11-15).  

There is a good news for lost sinners.  If they lived good (noble) life on earth, their names might be found in the book of life so that they will avoid lake of fire (second death) but they will be sent to heaven instead at the white throne of judgment (Rev 20:14, 15).  In regard to 'second death' go to item #6 under Home menu, items #11 and 23 under Theology menu, items #8-10 under Evangelism menu, and item #13 above.

Everybody is born with Adam's sin (Rom 5:12) and is a sinner by birth naturally and spiritually dead because he acquired devil spirit at birth.  

After one is saved through faith by GOD’S grace without works (Eph 2:8, 9), his faith can be either living (active) or dead (inactive) depending whether he expresses his living faith with good works or not.

In other words, he needs to grow spiritually to become a more mature Christian spiritually; otherwise, he will remain as a baby spiritually for the rest of his life.

Nobody loses his salvation so that once saved, then forever saved (Heb 6:1-6).  So he will still go to heaven after death even though he was not grown up much spiritually and therefore was not involved with spreading gospel (good news) much, that is, he did not produce much spiritual fruits since he was born again and got saved so to speak.

Oh heavenly Father I thank THEE and praise THY name without end for THY unimaginable and unfathomable mercy to save us from the second death (eternal lake fire) through THY only begotten Son our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ.  Amen

26. Different nature of Luke’s gospel compared to the other three gospel books in the NT.

When comparing four gospel books (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), one can notice that John’s gospel stands our very differently from the other three since he was talking about Jesus’ identity and other things which they did not mention.  

Now comparing these three gospels, one can see that Luke’s gospel is somewhat awkward, out of context, incomplete, and etc.  Both Luke and Mark wrote them using second hand information whereas Matthew was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples so that he observed him personally.  So Matthew’s account or narration is more natural and makes a good sense whereas Luke’s gospel has no connection in his writing.  In other words Luke seemed to just compile what he heard here and there into a book as best he could.  One can see abrupt changes of topic or subject in his book, that is, he inserted Jesus’ remarks in his book randomly.

Let us look at a few examples.  First, Luke wrote Luk 6:20-22 while Jesus was addressing to his disciples and other crowd in the plain (Luk 6:17) from all over the places in Palestine but Matthew quoted HIM more inclusive and in detail in Mat 5:3-11 when HE was addressing to them in the mount.

Second, Luke quotes Lord’s prayer somewhat abbreviated in Luk 11:2-4 when Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach how to pray while Matthew did it in Mat 6:9-13 completely during so called Sermon On The Mount in Matthew chapters 5 to 7.

Thirdly, Luke quotes Jesus in Luk 16:16-18 out of context, that is, without connection either before or after these three verses.  They are found in Mattew 11:13, 5:18, 32, and 19:9.  Matthew’s version sounds very natural and smooth so that one can see easily that Matthew quoted them more properly.

Fourthly, Luke in 17:1-4 quotes Jesus on offences and forgiving, which Matthew mentioned them in Matthew 18:21-35 with a parable or an illustration more clearly and naturally.  Here Luke just quotes HIM in the beginning of chapter 17 without mentioning the circumstance or background behind HIS comments.

27. GOD the Father Jehovah and Hebrew people

The Hebrew people are very unique, privileged, and GOD’S chosen people on earth since HE came to Abram (or later called Abraham) and made so called Abrahamic covenant with him as in Gen 12:1-3, 15:18 after he and his family came to Canaan out of Ur of the Chaldees in Mesopotamia region in between Euphrates and Tigris river.  The word ‘Mesopotamia’ means Syria, hence it is known as in Hebrew Aram-naharaim; i.e., “Syria of the two rivers.”  See Gen 24:10.


Entire earth population is divided into two groups basically, Jews (Hebrew) and Gentiles.  All other nations and people, ethnic groups, or what have you fall under the latter.  There is no third category as far as classifying people on earth is concerned even though people can distinguish many different kind of people within Gentile category like Asian, western, middle East, Amazon jungle, African people, or what have you.  See item #30 under Theology menu.   See item #13, fifth paragraph under the ‘covenant’ heading under the Theology menu.


Here are some peculiarities of Jews based on the OT scripture compared to Gentiles in general:

1. Nobody can love GOD without loving Jews or vice versa.  GOD loves Jews so much that HE considers them as apple of HIS eyes (Deu 32:9, 10).    See ‘Nobody can love GOD with loving Jews’ section on item #17  under Theology menu.  See item #40 third paragraph under Theology menu.  See item #42 under Theology menu.  The tone of language throughout OT is very crystal clear that HE loves Jews very much period.

If one hates any Jew, it is the same as he hates GOD.  Then he touched the apple of HIS eye and the negative outcome is very obvious.

Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.  

2. Jews are the only people who kept their history since creation and they had this record keeping in writing going back to a few thousand years before Christ (B.C.).  In other words no race on earth kept their history in writing like Jews had done when the writing tool and paper were very primitive and laborious.  Without their painstaking effort, we could not have Bible nowadays.  Certainly GOD’S finger and Providence were involved here; it did not happen by random chance during two or three thousand year period definitely.

3. GOD chose Jews for a role model.  Old Testament is interaction between HIM and them as to how HE chose Abraham and his descendants, and established so called Abrahamic covenant with them (Gen 12:1-3,15:8), took them out of Egyptian slavery, led them in the wilderness for forty years, and put them in Canaan also known as promised land.

When people read OT, they can understand HIS character, expectation, standard, and etc.  The book of Job is basically about HIS character and capacity, especially chapter 36 to 38. 

We modern people can learn a good lesson from the utter failure of Jews with GOD during OT period in order that we can avoid the same mistake.  One must know about Bible both OT and NT very deeply to understand HIM very deeply or more completely.

28. Faith in GOD    Heb 11:1

The degree of faithfulness of each born again believer varies very widely as mentioned in the item number 7 under Home menu.  The closer relationship one has with GOD the Father (and Son Christ) through meditating scripture, praying as often as he can, living holy life, and etc,  the more faithful he can be.

The so called faith chapter, Heb chapter 11, is all about our faith in GOD basically.  Read the chapter introduction for it followed by exegesis on verse one.

Chapter XI: Faith Chapter

GOD the Father is the very source or reason of our faith, about the faith, for the faith, from the faith, of the faith, in the faith, by the faith, and etc basically, that is, HE is faith.

This faith chapter talks about our faith in GOD the Father (and Jesus Christ under NT) and the examples of OT saints who had unwavering faith in HIM basically.  Nowadays we must simply have the same strong and steady faith in HIM and Jesus Christ, and wait for HIM patiently to have a good outcome (Jas 1:5, 6).

After arguing in the last chapter for the superiority of once-for-all-sacrifice by Christ over continuous annual sacrifice during the day of atonement (Lev 16) under Mosaic law, Paul in this chapter explains the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as well as in GOD the Father that every Christian must have.  

To make what Christ did on the cross work for our benefit (salvation), we Christians need to have unwavering faith in HIM and HIS sacrifice on the cross since we can not be saved apart from it.

Heb 11:1  Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

1. Now faith [in GOD] is the substance of things…. 

things hoped for: referring to prayer request to GOD

things not seen: invisible and no sign whatsoever that our prayer request to God will happen

Anybody has faith in GOD for something if he has blind hope, that is, he has no idea how and when it will happen, yet he just believes it will happen because of his faith in GOD.

Paul is talking about good outcome totally unexpected soon or later given that his faith in GOD is legitimate according to GOD'S standard and expectation.

When no hope seems to be on the horizon (no clue or sign whatsoever) or any hope which appears or sounds impossible or nonsense, anyone with unwavering faith in GOD will believe that it will happen according to his faith in HIM basically (Jas 1:5, 6).  

Check out Rom 8:24, “For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?” 

Basically Paul is talking about blind faith in GOD that whatever HE says will happen, he believes that it will happen.

29. Exegesis on 1Joh 5:7, 8

This section is related to the Trinity theology, so read item #1 under theology menu.

1Joh 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

1Joh 5:8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

Verse 7 above is talking about Trinity, that is, all three of THEM are one and verse 8 is talking about Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ (water and blood), that is, THEY agree in one.  Notice that apostle John said bearing record in heaven and bearing witness in earth in verse 7 and 8 above respectively.  Holy Ghost and Christ are NOT one but just agree each other in perfect harmony.  Nevertheless THEY become one when GOD the Father is involved so that Holy Ghost and Christ can not become one unless GOD the Father is added in Trinity.

GOD the Father and Christ are one (John 10:30) and GOD the Father is a spirit (Joh 4:24), that is, GOD the Father and Holy Ghost are one also.  Then one can see clearly that GOD the Father is one with either Son Christ or Holy Ghost.  HE is the original owner of Holy Ghost as well as evil spirit.  GOD the Father with Holy Ghost were the beginning or origin of everything in heaven and in earth since eternal past.  

THEY created heaven and earth in the beginning (Gen 1:1), angels and other heavenly host if any in heaven, all things on earth and in the universe.  In other words THEY were the origin of origin so to speak since eternal past.  

Christ was said to be word present since eternal past (Joh 1:1-4); HE was present just in concept (word) only eternal past until HE was born virgin birth by Mary and received a physical form in the image of GOD the Father.  

Or to say more accurately about Christ, HE was in concept (word) only since eternal past but HE received ALL attributes of the Father after virgin birth in order that HE was as if HE is who the Father were  and did ALL things what the Father had done eternal past.  In other words there is no difference between THEM in terms of experience in the past, present, and future.  Again THEY are one (Joh 10:30).  Praise the LORD, Alleluia.  Amen

30. Exegesis on 1Joh 4:20

1Jo 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us.

1Jo 4:20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

1Jo 4:21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

1Joh 4:20 above is a really fascinating and tricky verse which can be misinterpreted or misunderstood very easily at the first reading off hand.  See item #31 under Theology menu for further explanation. 

I understood it at my first reading off hand saying that one must love his neighbor whom he can see or has seen before first even before he can love GOD the Father in heaven whom he can not see or never seen.  I wrote my exegesis on this verse in my NT exegesis and a few articles on this website based on this misinterpretation.  

Lo and behold, Holy Ghost let me know about it.  Then I started correcting or revising it if you will.  After editing my exegesis, I started on my website articles, during which I found some duplicate articles in regard to loving GOD and neighbor under Theology menu, so I deleted one duplicate article.  

Later Holy Ghost helped me further to correct incorrect cross reference article or item number under Theology menu, that is, I had to change cross reference article number from other web pages, for example from 46 to 45, since I deleted one. 

The key to understand this verse correctly is that apostle John was talking about a lost sinner with devil spirit who was inborn for every baby on earth, that is, everybody is a sinner by birth.  See article #13 above.  

He can not love (agapay, sacrificial love) both GOD and neighbor to begin with even though he could love (eros, phileo, physical and selfish love respectively) neighbor.  Obviously the English word ‘love’ throughout NT scripture points to Apapay which is one of the three Greek words for love in English.  Only KJV used the word charity in 1Cor 13:13 while all other corrupt Bible versions used simply love.  See article #1 under Home menu.

So Holy Ghost is required to love Trinity (GOD the Father, Son Christ, and Holy Ghost).  A born again believer with Holy Ghost (See article #10 under Theology menu) will love (agapay) his neighbor naturally, that is, automatically period.

Oh heavenly Father we shall love THEE from bottom of our heart first and then our neighbor as THY Son Jesus Christ commanded us in Mat 22:36-40.  We thank and praise THEE for sending us THY only begotten Son Christ to save us forever!  Amen

31. 144,000 Jewish male virgins preserved during the second half (3 and half years) of 70th week of Daniel   Rev 7:1-4, 14:1-5

The purpose of sealing 144,000 Jewish male virgins is to preserve or to protect them from being killed during the second half of 70th week of Daniel (Dan 9:27), that is, 3 and half years or 42 months of tribulation period.

Read the two verses below and then exegesis on verse two.

Rev 7:2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

Rev 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.

2. seal: referring to some sort of stamp to leave a mark on those 144,000 Jews' foreheads (Rev 7:3, 14:1).  

Satan imitates this sealing practice later through the false prophet (Rev 13:11, 19:20) by forcing or requiring all people on earth to receive a mark, name, or the number (666) in their right hand or in their foreheads to be able to buy or sell goods and/or food (Rev 13:11-18). 

What Satan does is pretty much imitating what and how GOD does like false christ (the beast, Rev 13:1, 19:19, 20:10; Mat 24:23, 24; Mar 13:22) as opposed to the real Jesus Christ, Satanic trinity (Satan, beast (false christ), and false prophet, Rev 13:11, 12, 16:13, 14) as opposed to real Trinity (1Joh 5:7, 8), devil spirit as opposed to Holy Ghost, and etc

having the seal (or stamp) of the living GOD: that is, sealing 144,000 Israelites (next verse) in their foreheads to save from destruction of GOD’S wrath during the coming six trumpet judgments.  See Rev 9:13-15.

The seventh trumpet sound just leads or opens the seven vial judgments one by one progressively just like opening the seventh seal did to the opening the seven trumpet judgments.  

The purpose of sealing or stamping on their foreheads is to make sure that no single tribe of Israel is lost through any of those six trumpet judgments, that is, all 144,000 Israelites representing 12 tribes of Israel shall survive through them at minimum.  

Notice, “which were redeemed (rescued, saved) from the [destruction of] earth” (Rev 14:3) and “redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto GOD and to the Lamb (Christ)” (Rev 14:4).  See Rev 9:4

The third part of men on earth were said to be killed after the sixth trumpet is sounded (Rev 9:13-15).  Then saving 12,000 men, who are said to be virgins (Rev 14:4), for each tribe shall be sufficient to preserve all 12 tribes of Israel after the trumpet judgements will be done.  Maybe there will be more Jewish survivors besides them. 

And the reason for preserving them is because of covenant GOD had with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that their descendants shall continue (Gen 17:2, 6, 7, 26:2-4, 24, 28:13-15; Exo 2:24; Lev 26:42; 2Ki 13:23; Act 7:8).

given to hurt the earth and sea: referring to six trumpet judgments (the seventh trumpet will just open the seven vial judgments) right after the great tribulation (2nd half of 7-year period) (Rev 7: 14; Mat 24:21, 29) but just before Christ’s second coming (Mat 24:29, 30).  

In other words, these six trumpet judgments shall take a place during the second half (3 and half years) of 7-year period by false christ, that is, 42 months (Rev 13:5) right before Christ’s second coming.  

This false christ is nobody but one alluded to in Dan 9:27 as well as the beast in Rev 13:2, 19:19, 20, 20:10, little horn (Dan 7:8, 20), the son of perdition, man of sin (2Th 2:3, 4) and also our Lord and Saviour referred to in Mat 24:15, 23, 24.  Right after that, Christ shall return riding in the cloud (Rev 1:7; Mat 24:30; Act 1:9-11).

When the first four angels shall sound their trumpets, the third part of the creation on earth such as trees, mountains, rivers, creatures, sun, moon, the sea, and etc on earth shall be basically destroyed or wiped out (Rev 8:7-12).  

It appears that none of the three judgments, seal, trumpet, or vial, however they sound and seem very horrible, will annihilate everybody, every creature, or everything what have you completely “for the elect’s sake” (Mat 24:22).  

In other words, some people, however small number they might be, shall survive after going through the judgments.  There must be one very horrible judgment instead of a series of three independent judgments like seal, trumpet, and vial judgments.

In other words these three judgments describe the same judgment from three different perspective for emphasis in order to show how devastating it shall be.  The intensity and magnitude of calamities certainly increase from seal to trumpet, and then to vial.

32. The identity of two witnesses in Rev 11:1-4

They are Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest (Hag 1:1).  Read Zechariah 4:6-9 where Zerubbabel was mentioned in connection with the vision which an Angel showed to Zechariah.  The two olive trees were said to be “the two anointed ones” (Zec 4:14).

Read exegesis on Rev 11:4 below.

4. the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks: Zechariah saw a candlestick all of gold in a similar vision (Zec 4:2) and two olive trees (Zec 4:3). 

The candlestick is said to be the spirit of the LORD (Zec 4:6) and the two olive trees are said to be two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord (Christ or Christ’s church) of the whole earth (Zec 4:14).  

So the two olive trees represent allegorically two anointed ones or witnesses, Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest (Ezr 5:2; Hag 1:1; Zec 3:1, 4:6-9, 14).  

The two candlesticks represent the same Spirit (Holy Ghost) of these two witnesses.  There is only one Holy Spirit even though there are many evil spirits representing many fallen angels (Rev 12:9; Mar 5:9).

Here it appears that the angel did not show the two olive trees and two candlesticks through a vision to John unlike over at Zachariah chapter 4 but he was just referring to them.

Then the question is whether John understood what these two olive trees were representing symbolically.  The angel here sounded like that he and John were familiar with them from some kind of OT scripture, so he was alluding to Zerubbabel and Joshua clearly.  

In Zec 4:2, Zechariah saw one candlestick, a bowl on top of it and seven lamps thereon.  John saw seven golden sticks as in Rev 1:12, 20 and they represented seven churches of Asia minor symbolically.

In Zec 4:3, 11, 12, the two olive trees standing on either side of candlestick with seven lamps are said to supply oil through the two golden pipes supposedly for continuous burning. 

Again two witnesses or anointed ones represented by two olive threes in this verse and Zec 4:11, 14 are Zerubbabel governor of Judah and Joshua the high priest (Zec 3:1, 4:6-9; Hag 1:1).  

Prophet Haggai exhorted them to resume building the second temple without delay (Hag 1:14).  So the angel mentioned about the house of the LORD in verse one and two in this very chapter before mentioning about the two witnesses in verse 3.

33. Exegesis on 2Cor 5:10

2Co 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

10. For we must all appear: Paul was talking about unbelievers only. See Rom 14:10.  

judgment seat of Christ: referring to the white throne judgment (Rev 20:11, 12) to which lost people who died without salvation (i.e. unsaved people) shall stand for final judgment after 1,000-year Christ kingdom to determine where they will live eternally heaven or lake of fire (second death) (Rev 20:4, 11-15).   See article #11 under Theology menu.   

Their souls shall be sent to hell immediately after death on earth (Luk 16:23) to suffer there for more than 1,000 years.  Afterwards they will stand before the white throne of judgment (Rev 20:11).  See related article numbers #23, #25, #26, under Theology menu.  

The souls of born again, saved believers shall be sleeping in the grave after the death on earth.  Then they will go through rapture upon Christ’s second coming and come down to earth with HIM and live in the 1,000-year Christ kingdom (1Th 4:13-18).  See article #4 under Theology menu.

done in this body: according to what he did on earth either good or bad.  See article #28 under Theology menu.  

Even among born again believers, even though they will avoid lake of fire but go to heaven eternally so to speak, they will be rewarded according to their life history on earth.  

In other words, if they did many good deeds like spreading gospel diligently, helping the poor, and etc, they will receive greater reward from Christ or GOD the Father.  See Mat 5:11, 12, 16:27; Luk 16:35

34. My soul     Psa 62:5

Read one verse and exegesis on it below.

Ps 62:5 My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.

5. My soul: This phrase appears in 169 OT verses only and none in NT.  They show mostly in the book of Psalm and some in the book of Job, and the rest scattered in the early part of OT.  See Gen 12:13; Lev 26:11; 1Ki 1:29; Job 6:7; Psa 3:2, 116:4

Only men have both soul (neh’-fesh, H5315) and either evil spirit or Holy Spirit (roo’-akh, H7307), both from GOD the Father in heaven.  All other living creatures have just vitality or awareness (chay, H2416) being alive.

A man’s soul is his unique and everlasting identity even after death into eternal heaven or hell, that is, it never goes away from him.

Here David is talking to his own unique soul, identity, or being as if his own soul is a second person or a separate thing which controls or interacts with his mind or Holy Spirit.  Obviously modern people hardly ever recognize their own soul, much less talking to it like David did in this verse.

35. The transition of throne or power from king David to Solomon.  1Ki 1:1, 2, 5, 30; 1Ch 22:5, 6, 23:1

Read some verses below and then exegesis on 1Ki 1:30.

1Ki 1:1  Now king David was old and stricken in years; and they covered him with clothes, but he gat no heat.

1Ki 1:2 Wherefore his servants said unto him, Let there be sought for my lord the king a young virgin: and let her stand before the king, and let her cherish him, and let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat.

1Ki 1:5  Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, I will be king: and he prepared him chariots and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him.

1Ki 1:30 Even as I sware unto thee by the LORD God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my throne in my stead; even so will I certainly do this day.

1Ch 22:5 And David said, Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be builded for the LORD must be exceeding magnifical, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore now make preparation for it. So David prepared abundantly before his death.

1Ch 22:6  Then he called for Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the LORD God of Israel.

1Ch 23:1  So when David was old and full of days, he made Solomon his son king over Israel.

30. The account of 1Chronicle chapters 22 (22:5, 6) and 23 (23:1) as to how Solomon came to the throne after his father king David is quite different from the anecdote in 1King chapter one.

In 1Ki chapter one, Adonijah who was the step brother of Solomon tried to sit on the throne when king David was very old and lying down on the bed all the time (1Ki 1:1, 2, 5), so Nathan the prophet intervened and asked Bathsheba who was the wife of king David to entreat him to appoint Solomon as the new king of Israel instead, and he did so.  

However this story was not mentioned in 1Chronicle.  Instead the transition of power from David to Solomon seemed to be very smooth without any issue.   

Supposedly even before he was very old and senile, and bed ridden as indicated above (1Ki 1:1, 2), he had already appointed Solomon to be the next king of Israel and to build the temple (the house of the LORD) while he was fully alert (1Ch 22:5, 6, 23:1).  

So it appears that the two accounts between 1Ki and 1Ch seemed to be quite different on the surface or they were both correct but were described very differently by two different authors.  Only GOD knows.

36. The 1,000-year Christ kingdom on earth shall be very much like heavenly kingdom in heaven.  Rev 11:15, 20:4

This one verse below tells us very remarkable, amazing prophecy.  Read it and exegesis on it.

Re 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

15. And the seventh angel sounded: the seventh trumpet which opens or is prelude for the third woe, seven vial judgments (15:1) described in chapters 15 and 16, as the seventh seal opened the seven trumpet judgments (8:1).  

The fifth and sixth trumpet sound brought the first and second woe respectively (v 14, 9:1, 12, 13).  Then after this third woe (7 vial judgments), Christ’s second coming in the cloud will take a place (1:7; Mat 24:30; Act 1:9-11).

Now the big question that anybody hardly ever considered is when these woes will start to happen.  Certainly they will happen during 2nd half of the last 7-year period (42 months) or right after it.

The timing of Christ’s second coming might be at the conclusion of it exactly without even one second delay.  Then they will start happening toward or close to the end of it in order that HE will descend in the cloud (1:7; Mat 24:3; Act 1:9-11) with HIS mighty angels (Rev 19:11-14) right after the woe(s) (GOD’S wrath) on earth shall be fulfilled.  It is very unlikely that it will happen past the last 7-year period

This is what and how it sounds at the last day in this book of Revelation by apostle John.  Nevertheless it is highly unlikely for all these three woes will  happen literally.  How about seal judgments?  Again there will not be much left out to be destroyed after seal and/or trumpet judgments on earth for the seven vial judgments to destroy further.

The kingdom of this world are become…Christ: that is, the 1,000 year Christ kingdom shall begin after the seven vial judgments are completed and then Christ’s second coming. 

In other words, after inequities of men are punished through the Seven Vial Judgments and concurrently the mystery of GOD (gospel preaching, church age) should be finished (10:7, chapter 16), Christ will return to earth, defeat Satan and all evil forces on earth (19:11-21), and then start 1,000-year Christ kingdom (20:4).  Afterwards there shall be new earth and new heaven (21:1).

and he shall reign for ever and ever: referring Christ's  kingdom as in 20:4-6.  What those great voices in heaven are referring to is the fact as the seventh angel sounded, the seven vial judgments would start and after that Christ would come back, defeat Satan and all evil forces on earth, and then establish HIS 1,000-year kingdom on earth, which is like “the kingdom of our Lord," that is, HIS kingdom on earth will be duplicate of heavenly kingdom in heaven; they are the same in quality and appearance.

In other words, there will be no distinction between heaven (heavenly kingdom) and earth (earthly kingdom) as it had been since creation (Gen 1:1).  These are very remarkable voices from heaven.

After Satan and other bad angels who followed him were cast down to earth from heaven, there was a voice in heaven lamenting that the accuser of saints (Satan) in heaven will start tempting and tormenting innocent people on earth (12:10-12).

Before Christ 1,000-year kingdom will begin, Satan will be bound into the bottomless pit for 1,000 years.  Alleluia!  

Men sinned against GOD since Adam and Eve, and consequently the first six thousand years of men’s life on earth had been really horrible and crazy.  

So GOD by HIS dispensation (administration of men and earth) reserved the last one thousand year for the so called millennium kingdom which is identical with heavenly kingdom, that is, heavenly kingdom comes down to earth for 1,000 years.  

This last one thousand year kingdom shall be run by martyred saints and Jesus Christ (20:4).

It all began when Eve ate the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden of Eden, and it ends with happy ending, the victorious millennium kingdom of Jesus Christ.  

Basically it is 7,000-year earth history, 4,000 years of OT plus 2,000 years of NT, and then 1,000 year Christ kingdom.  This is GOD’S plan for magic number 7, that is, the sacred number 7 which is the symbolic number for completion of a GOD'S plan, that is, multiple of seven (7,000).  See article #41 under Theology menu.

The probable event after the 1,000 Christ kingdom on earth might be new heaven, new earth, and new Jerusalem (21:1, 2).  

And then what?  Bible is not clear about what will happen afterwards.  However Christ kingdom will go on forever since HIS kingdom is everlasting kingdom (Psa 145:13, Dan 4:3, 34, 7:14, 27; 2Pe 1:11).

So Christ kingdom is going to be on earth forever instead of in heaven.  In other words Christ kingdom will be going indefinitely after the first 1,000 years on earth.  Then will that Christ kingdom on the old earth be transferred to the new earth after 1,000 years? 

All born again saints, who were raised from grave during the rapture, will meet the Lord (Christ) in the air and shall be with HIM forever afterwards (1Th 4:13-18).  They will receive spiritual body (1Cor 15:44) and will return to earth with Christ to live 1,000-year Christ kingdom on earth.  

It is not clear how long they will live with spiritual, immortal body on earth.  Bible does not address as to who will be living in it beside those martyred saints who will reign it with Christ (Rev 20:4)

Again the purpose of new earth and heaven is not clear.  Where would be real paradise, in the third heaven (2Cor 12:1-4) or in the new earth?

There are a few cross references in regard to sounding trumpets in the NT such as 1Cor 15:51, 52; 1Th 4:16; Mat 24:31.  The first two references in 1Cor and 1Th have to do with rapture while the third one Matthew with Christ’s second coming.  In other words, Christ second coming will happen concurrently with rapture after 3 and half years of tribulation.

37. Born again (saved) Jews do not need to observe Passover and the feast of unleavened bread yearly under NT but it is just sufficient to celebrate Easter.  Exo 12:14, 17, 24

All these three verses mention that GOD commanded Israelites before they were leaving Egypt on Exodus to observe Passover and the feast of unleavened bread to commemorate them indefinitely (for ever) throughout their generations.  However it was indefinite under OT only.  It was changed under NT when Christ died on the cross to wash away our sins.  Read one verse below and exegesis on it.

Ex 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.

14. And this day: referring to 15th day, 14th day evening after sunset.

for ever: that is, literally forever under OT only.  Then they do not need to observe Passover and the feast of unleavened bread nowadays under NT.  Notice this same phrase (for ever) in vv 17 and 24.  See annotation on verse 17.

Observing them should be optional for born again (saved) Jews while unsaved orthodox Jews who still abide with Mosaic law and who deny Messiah’s first coming 2,000 years ago but still waiting for HIS first coming might feel obligated to observe them year after year nowadays.

In other words, the death of Christ on the cross 2,000 years ago supersedes all Mosaic laws related to Levitical ordinances (Lev 23:4-8).  However if they want to observe Passover and unleavened bread feast in addition to celebrating Easter, they are allowed to do so and GOD would not object it at all.

Obviously Gentiles are not required to observe them since they have nothing do with them just like circumcision or Sabbath.  

Then it is easy to understand why KJV translators translated Greek word for Passover pascha (G3957) to Easter for both born again Jews and Gentiles figuratively (Act 12:4) instead of Passover as other corrupt English Bibles translated it literally.  See about the middle of article #1 above regarding the word ‘Easter’ in Act 12:4.

The word Easter connotes Jesus’ resurrection early Sunday morning and both born again Jews and Gentiles celebrate HIS resurrection under NT.  

Then all born again Jews saved by the blood of Christ nowadays do not need to observe Passover and unleavened bread feast but they just need to celebrate Easter only.

38. Either good or bad things happen to men randomly for HIS glory.   Ec 8:14

Read one verse and its annotation below.

Ec 8:14  There is a vanity which is done upon the earth; that there be just men, unto whom it happeneth according to the work of the wicked; again, there be wicked men, to whom it happeneth according to the work of the righteous: I said that this also is vanity.

14. Either good or bad things can happen to either righteous or wicked people on earth randomly.  The reason is that it is for GOD'S glory.  Jesus' disciples asked Jesus as to whose sin caused a man to be born blind, his own sin or his parents' sin.  

Jesus replied neither but the works of GOD should be made manifest in him (Joh 9:1-3), that is, it is for HIS glory ultimately.  See 7:15

This is a good verse to answer the question: Why bad things to happen to either good or bad people?  Why earthquake, famine, pestilence, or war on earth and people (good and bad) suffer?  Solomon calls this tragedy vanity.  

The ultimate purpose for GOD to allow calamities to the bad as well as to the good is for HIS glory.  It is quite natural for men to look up to heaven and to fear the LORD whenever they are in a big calamity or natural disaster or in a desperate situation; otherwise, they will never think about or fear HIM.  See 9:1-3.

39. A new rest on Sunday under NT as opposed to the sabbath day rest under OT.  Heb 4:7-11.  See 4th and 5th paragraphs on article #2 above.

Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) people have been holding their worship services on Saturday instead of Sunday since 1830’s supposedly simply because they believe in observing sabbath day rest under OT tradition.  Now this article proves that sabbath day keeping is not required under NT.  

This article along with another article #2 above is very remarkable in that it disproves a belief or understanding among so many millions of SDA people worldwide in regard to sabbath day (Saturday) worshipping tradition for a long time.  Also it shows how one heresy or misunderstanding in Bible interpretation will influence or affected the lives of so many people for a long time, which is the essence of power of religion.  Just unbelievable!

The key verse is Heb 4:8 below and the majority Bible versions replaced literal translation of ‘Jesus’ (Jesus Christ) in KJV with ‘Joshua’ (in the book of Joshua OT) and then translated the second part of this verse in the opposite way.  For example, compare the verse in NIV, “For if Joshua had given the rest, God would not have spoken later about another day.”  Almost all other Bible versions sound like it in uniform.  Apostle Paul was questioning in the second part (then would he not…day) instead of just stating it negatively as shown in other translations.  He was asserting that Christ indeed spoke of another day (Sunday).  The next, following verse 9 supports it very clearly.

Heb 4:7 Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Heb 4:8 For if Jesus had given them rest, then would he not afterward have spoken of another day.

Heb 4:9 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God.

Heb 4:10 For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his.

Heb 4:11  Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

7. Again, he (GOD, Father) limiteth a certain day 

saying in [the Psalm of] David, To day (Psalm 95:7).

To day, after so long a time: What David was referring by ‘today’ was a different day than the day or period when Israelites heard GOD’S commandment or promise of rest (old covenant) while they were wondering in the wilderness for forty years.  

Then David was referring to the new covenant or new promise of rest from Christ, that is, Sunday.  Paul is treating David’s words in Psa 95:7 as if Christ was speaking the same words.  He also attributed some other words of David in the book of Psalm to Christ.  See next verse.  

This validates the Sunday worship for all believers in Christ in modern time instead of the sabbath day worship on Saturday, which some orthodox Jews who reject deity of Christ still observe and also some Protestant church group.

After so long a time: after roughly 3300 years counting from the creation to the time when David wrote the Psalm.

Paul is saying that if GOD allowed Israelites who believed with good faith to enter into HIS rest almost 3300 years after he rested on the seventh day of his creation by saying “To day,” then anybody could enter into this same rest anytime nowadays if he believes in Christ on a different day, Sunday.  

So Paul is asking the audience of this Hebrews letter to open up their heart and believe in Christ with good faith to enter into the same rest, eternal salvation rest in heaven, on a new day (Sunday).

Technically this new day can be any day of the week other than Saturday under the new dispensation, that is, under New Testament.  Nevertheless people worship on Sunday to celebrate Christ resurrection early Sunday morning by tradition.

Also believers can worship as many days as they want to every week.

8. Jesus: This is literal Jesus Christ (G2424) but many corrupt Bible versions changed it to Joshua and translated this verse incorrectly.

given them rest: a different rest from the sabbath day rest under OT.

another day: Paul is talking about Sunday rest, a new rest under NT. 

He is comparing the sabbath day rest from the Ten Commandments (Exo 20:8-11) under OT with a new rest on a different day (Sunday) under NT based on the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross to save all humanity, both Jews and Gentiles, on earth.

…then would he (David literally or Christ figuratively and indirectly) not afterward have spoken of another day: Here apostle Paul is questioning even though there is no question mark, that is, Christ indeed spoke of anther day: Apostle Paul was questioning here even though there is no question mark at the end, that is, Christ indeed spoke of another day (Sunday).

afterward: in the days of David “after so long a time” as in the last verse.  See annotation on the last verse.

another day: referring to another day of rest, that is, Sunday which is different from the old and original day of rest on the sabbath day (Saturday) when GOD rested from HIS work of creation in Genesis chapter one and two.

The Sunday rest has symbolic meaning that Christ arose from the grave on Sunday morning so that Christians celebrate and remember HIS resurrection by gathering and worshipping GOD the Father on Sunday.

9. This rest is a new rest from Christ under New Testament, that is, Sunday rest as opposed to the sabbath rest on Saturay under Old Testament.

10. For he (any Christian) that is entered into his rest: Paul is talking about the new rest on Sunday after six hard working days that is different from the old sabbath rest on Saturday.

as GOD (GOD the Father, Jehovah) did from HIS: referring to Jehovah entering into HIS rest on the sabbath (Saturday) after creating heaven and earth for six days (verse 4; Gen 2:1-3).

11. into that rest: refering to the salvation by Christ or Sunday (the first day of the week) rest.  

In other words, Paul is exhorting Jews to believe in Christ by accepting the gospel (the word of GOD, verse 12) for their eternal salvation. 

As Christians worship GOD on the first day of the week (Sunday) instead of the sabbath day (Saturday), they are showing that they entered into the new rest on Sunday under New Testament (Act 20:7; 1Cor 16:1-4) instead of the sabbath day rest (old rest) under Old Testament.

fall after the same example of unbelief: of those Israelites who failed to enter into their rest, the land of promise, because of their unbelief and perished in the wilderness during their 40-year wandering.