Romans – Chapter One X

by Ed Urzi

In the aftermath of any incident involving a large aircraft, a critical first step for investigators is to recover the flight data recorder, or “black box.” That device typically captures recordings of cockpit conversations, flight information, and environmental conditions that provide valuable insight into that aircraft’s journey. In a similar manner, the final chapter of the Biblical book of 2 Timothy serves as a kind of “black box” that offers insight into Paul the Apostle’s mindset as he neared the end of his earthly life.

Originally written around A.D. 64-66, there are a few verses from the book of 2 Timothy that clearly allude to Paul’s impending death…

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-7).

Sensing that his time may be short, he then added the following…

“Be diligent to come to me quickly… Do your utmost to come before winter” (2 Timothy 4:9, 20).

While we can’t say with certainty that Timothy made contact with Paul prior to his death, Foxe’s Book of Martyrs records the traditional belief concerning the end of Paul’s life…

“Paul, the Apostle, who was before called Saul, after his great travail and unspeakable labours in promoting the Gospel of Christ, suffered also in this persecution under Nero… the soldiers came and led him out of the city to the place of execution, where he, after his prayers were made, gave his neck to the sword.” (1)

Another reference to Paul’s death appears in an early, extra-Biblical document known as 1 Clement. That first-century epistle says in part…

“Owing to envy, Paul also obtained the reward of patient endurance, after being seven times thrown into captivity, compelled to flee, and stoned. After preaching both in the east and west, he gained the illustrious reputation due to his faith, having taught righteousness to the whole world, and come to the extreme limit of the west, and suffered martyrdom under the prefects. Thus was he removed from the world, and went into the holy place, having proved himself a striking example of patience.” (1)

This biographical information concerning the life and death of Paul the Apostle sets the stage for our entry into the Biblical book of Romans. We’ll continue with an overview of the church at Rome and the structure of this epistle starting next.

Image Attribution: André Gustavo Stumpf from Brasília, Brasil, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) John Foxe, Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs [pg. 13] © 1981 by Whitaker House https://archive.org/details/foxesbookofmarty00foxe_1/page/12/mode/2up

(2) First Clement: Clement of Rome. (n.d.) [5.5-5.6] . https://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/1clement-roberts.html

Interlude For New Years Day

by Ed Urzi

“…I am still not all I should be, but I am bringing all my energies to bear on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us” (Philippians 3:13-14 TLB).

Romans – Chapter One IX

by Ed Urzi

When faced with the need to deflect responsibility for the devastation caused by the Great Fire of Rome, the Roman Emperor Nero delivered a calculated and politically expedient response. He chose to target a segment of the Roman population that was virtually defenseless and ill-equipped to fight against a false accusation of arson. That group was the first-century Christian community.

The raging fire caused extensive damage, immense pain, and utter destruction, thus demanding a proportional response against those who were deemed responsible. That led to what has come to be known as the “Neronian Persecutions,” the first large-scale governmental action ever taken against the church. The ancient Roman historian Tacitus described the horrific consequences of that decision from the position of a secular observer…

“To suppress this rumour, Nero fabricated scapegoats – and punished with every refinement the notoriously depraved Christians (as they were popularly called). Their originator, Christ, had been executed in Tiberius’ reign by the governor of Judaea, Pontius Pilatus. But in spite of this temporary setback the deadly superstition had broken out afresh, not only in Judaea (where the mischief had started) but even in Rome…

First, Nero had self-acknowledged Christians arrested. Then, on their information, large numbers of others were condemned – not so much for incendiarism as for their anti-social tendencies. Their deaths were made farcical. Dressed in wild animals’ skins, they were torn to pieces by dogs, or crucified, or made into torches to be ignited after dark as substitutes for daylight. Nero provided his Gardens for the spectacle, and exhibited displays in the Circus, at which he mingled with the crowd – or stood in a chariot, dressed as a charioteer.

Despite their guilt as Christians, and the ruthless punishment it deserved, the victims were pitied. For it was felt that they were being sacrificed to one man’s brutality rather than to the national interest.” (1)

As we might expect, the impact of this action upon the Christian community was catastrophic. It is impossible to number those who were murdered in the Neronian persecutions, except to say that untold multitudes perished during that period.

Tradition holds that Peter the Apostle was also executed during that era. The customary belief regarding Peter’s death states that he was crucified upside down at his own request. His rationale for that request stemmed from an attitude of deep humility, for he is said to have proclaimed, “I am not worthy to be crucified after the same form and manner as the Lord.“

But what became of Paul the Apostle? We’ll seek to answer that question next.

Image Attribution: Jean-Léon Gérôme, The Christian Martyrs’ Last Prayer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Grant, Michael (translator), Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, (1989)

Romans – Chapter One VIII

by Ed Urzi

On (or about) the night of July 19th, A.D. 64, a devastating fire broke out in the ancient city of Rome. A Roman historian and political figure of that era named Cornelius Tacitus chronicled the devastating impact of that fire…

“…Now started the most terrible and destructive fire which Rome had ever experienced. It began in the Circus, where it adjoins the Palatine and Caelian hills. Breaking out in shops selling inflammable goods, and fanned by the wind, the conflagration instantly grew and swept the whole length of the Circus. There were no walled mansions or temples, or any other obstructions, which could arrest it. First, the fire swept violently over the level spaces. Then it climbed the hills – but returned to ravage the lower ground again. It outstripped every counter-measure. The ancient city’s narrow winding streets and irregular blocks encouraged its progress.

Terrified, shrieking women, helpless old and young, people intent on their own safety, people unselfishly supporting invalids or waiting for them, fugitives and lingerers alike – all heightened the confusion. When people looked back, menacing flames sprang up before them or outflanked them. When they escaped to a neighboring quarter, the fire followed – even districts believed remote proved to be involved. Finally, with no idea where or what to flee, they crowded on to the country roads, or lay in the fields…

(The Roman Emperor) Nero was at Antium. He returned to the city only when the fire was approaching the mansion he had built to link the Gardens of Maecenas to the Palatine. The flames could not be prevented from overwhelming the whole of the Palatine, including his palace…

By the sixth day enormous demolitions had confronted the raging flames with bare ground and open sky, and the fire was finally stamped out at the foot of the Esquiline Hill. But before panic had subsided, or hope revived, flames broke out again in the more open regions of the city. Here there were fewer casualties; but the destruction of temples and pleasure arcades was even worse…

Of Rome’s fourteen districts only four remained intact. Three were leveled to the ground. The other seven were reduced to a few scorched and mangled ruins. To count the mansions, blocks, and temples destroyed would be difficult.” (1)

Although the cause of the fire was undetermined, speculation arose that Nero had been involved as part of a misguided attempt to facilitate a large-scale building project. That led to a disastrous turn of events…

“…the rumours that Nero was responsible raged among the distressed population. He had never been so unpopular… It had therefore become imperative to divert the charge to some other person or group. The victims the government chose for this role were the Christians…” (2)

We’ll continue with a look at the historical impact of that decision next.

Image Attribution: Hubert Robert, Incendie à Rome, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Grant, Michael (translator), Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome, (1989)

(2) Grant, M. (1970). Nero, Emperor in revolt. p. 154

Romans – Chapter One VII

by Ed Urzi

Following Paul’s return from his third missionary journey, he was taken into custody by the Jewish authorities. That led to a trial before the Sanhedrin, the supreme judicial authority within the Jewish legal system of that era. Paul then faced additional legal proceedings under two successive Roman governors. His case dragged on for over two years until he finally invoked his right as a Roman citizen and appealed his case to Caesar, the Roman Emperor. The governor who presided over his hearing subsequently replied, “‘Very well! You have appealed to Caesar, and to Caesar you shall go!'” (Acts 25:12 TLB).

So Paul was dispatched to Rome to appeal his case before the Emperor, a journey that marked Paul’s fourth and final missionary endeavor. That began a lengthy odyssey that spanned thousands of travel miles and featured a harrowing shipwreck off the coast of the island of Malta. However, our last glimpse of Paul in the book of Acts finds him residing as a tenant in a rental home and preaching openly in Rome…

“Then Paul dwelt two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who came to him, preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, no one forbidding him” (Acts 28:30-31).

Noticeably absent from that account is any mention of a trial before Caesar. But even though that narrative represents the end of the book of Acts, it does not represent the end of Paul’s story. You see, Paul was about to enter a period of intense persecution that was far harsher than any he had previously known.

When Paul exercised his right of appeal before Caesar, his case was remanded to the Emperor Nero who ruled from A.D. 54 – A.D. 68. The ancient church historian Eusebius offered the following assessment of Nero…

“To describe the greatness of his depravity does not lie within the plan of the present work.. after he had accomplished the destruction of so many myriads without any reason, he ran into such blood-guiltiness that he did not spare even his nearest relatives and dearest friends, but destroyed his mother and his brothers and his wife, with very many others of his own family as he would private and public enemies, with various kinds of deaths.” (1)

Foxe’s Book of Martyrs adds…

“So prodigious a monster of nature of was he (more like a beast, yea, rather a devil than a man) that he seemed to be born to the destruction of man.” (2)

Nero, of course, is widely known for initiating the wave of Roman persecution against the early church that began in A.D. 64. The event that triggered that response is known to history as the Great Fire of Rome. We’ll take a closer look at that tragic event (and the horrors that followed) beginning next.

(1) Philip Schaff: NPNF2-01. Eusebius Pamphilius: Church History, Life of Constantine, Oration in Praise of Constantine – Christian Classics Ethereal Library. (n.d.). https://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iii.vii.xxvi.html

(2) John Foxe, Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs [pg. 5] © 1981 by Whitaker House https://archive.org/details/foxesbookofmarty00foxe_1/mode/2up

Romans – Chapter One VI

by Ed Urzi

Paul’s post-conversion ministry and missionary travels.

As mentioned earlier, the New Testament book of Galatians tell us that Paul first preached his new-found faith in Arabia, the large peninsula between the Red Sea and Persian Gulf. Having preached there, he subsequently made his way back to Damascus. After three years in Damascus, he traveled to the city of Jerusalem, and then returned to his hometown of Tarsus.

There, he was met by a man named Barnabas who enlisted Paul’s help in ministering to the growing church at Antioch. After a trip back to Judea to aid in famine relief, the Spirit of God directed Paul to an itinerant preaching and teaching ministry. From A.D. 46 to A.D. 62, Paul was almost continually on the road, traveling by boat and by foot, preaching the gospel and establishing churches. Paul made four major missionary journeys during this period that are chronicled in the Biblical book of Acts.

While all that travel and activity might sound exciting, the reality was far less glamorous than it might seem. In addressing his concerns regarding the false apostles who had worked their way into the Corinthian church, Paul offered the following insight into his life as an ambassador of Christ…

“Are they ministers of Christ?–I speak as a fool–I am more: in labors more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequently, in deaths often.

From the Jews five times I received forty stripes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods; once I was stoned; three times I was shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been in the deep; in journeys often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils of my own countrymen, in perils of the Gentiles, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; in weariness and toil, in sleeplessness often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness–besides the other things, what comes upon me daily: my deep concern for all the churches.

Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to stumble, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast in the things which concern my infirmity” (2 Corinthians 11:23-30 NLT).

With these things in mind, Paul’s request of the Galatian churches takes on added significance…

“From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus” (Galatians 6:17).

Image Attribution: Raphael, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Interlude For Christmas Day

by Ed Urzi

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way.

When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.

But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: ‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).

When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus” (Matthew 1:18-25 ESV).

Merry Christmas!

The Christmas Story – Part 7

by Ed Urzi

So the Magi traveled to Jerusalem to ask, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:2 NIV). Now the Magi may have assumed that the political and religious leadership of Jerusalem would have been pleased with the birth of their Messiah- but we’ll find out shortly that this was not the case.

But first, Matthew 2:3 tells us that a political leader named Herod was disturbed when he received the news about Jesus’ birth from the Magi. This unusual reaction is easier to understand if we take some time to get to know Herod and who he was.

The “Herod” mentioned in this passage is historically known to us as Herod the Great. The first thing Herod did upon his ascension to this position was to exterminate his leading opponent and forty-five of his opponents’ supporters. To ensure his continued rule, Herod also arranged to have every legal heir to his throne put to death as well.

Herod had at least nine or ten wives and eventually became suspicious that his favorite wife was plotting against him. So he put her to death too. Then he killed her mother. Later, he had both of his sons by her executed as well. Herod killed so many people who were close to him that it was half-jokingly remarked that it was safer to be Herod’s pig than  Herod’s son.

So it was Herod’s practice to eliminate anyone who might be a potential threat. This may account for the fact that all Jerusalem was troubled by the arrival of the Magi as well (Matthew 2:3). Perhaps the people of Jerusalem were fearful of what might transpire once Herod learned that the real “King Of The Jews” had been born.

“When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. ‘In Bethlehem in Judea,’ they replied, ‘for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel'” (Matthew 2:4-6 NIV).

It’s interesting to note that these priests and the teachers had the right information about the Messiah- they even quoted directly from the Old Testament prophecy concerning Him as found in Micah 5:2. But even though these men had the right information, they didn’t seem very interested in finding out about the Savior for themselves.

“Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, ‘Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him'” (Matthew 2:7-8 NIV).

Herod predictably tried to use the Magi to find this newborn king- not to worship Him but to attempt an assassination. We’ll find out later that Herod eventually issued a command to kill every boy aged two or younger in an attempt to ensure that Jesus was eliminated (see Matthew 2:16).

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh” (Matthew 2:9-11 NIV).

So the Magi finally had an opportunity to meet the King they had been seeking. If we look closely at the gifts of the Magi mentioned above, we’ll find that each carried its own special meaning. For instance, gold was the first gift presented to Jesus by these men. Since gold is associated with royalty, it makes a suitable gift for the King of the Jews.

The next gift was frankincense, an aromatic resin. Frankincense is mentioned nine times in the first five books of the Bible and it was primarily associated with the Old Testament sacrificial offerings (see Leviticus 2:1-2, Leviticus 6:15, and Leviticus 24:5-9 for some examples). In light of this, we can say that this gift represented Jesus’ role as priest, the one who represents us before God (see Hebrews chapters 2-9).

Finally, we have the gift of myrrh. Myrrh was widely used as a perfume, but John 19:39 tells us that it was one of the ingredients that was used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial following His crucifixion. Thus we can say that myrrh was a gift that was associated with Jesus’ eventual death on our behalf.

The myrrh and frankincense were easy to carry and all three gifts were worth a considerable amount. Their monetary value may have been used to provide for Mary, Joseph, and Jesus later when they were forced to escape into Egypt for a time (see Matthew 2:13-15). But even though these gifts were important, the fact that the Magi worshiped Jesus was even more important.

So these verses identify three different responses to Jesus and serve to represent the different ways people often respond to Him today. First we have Herod, a man who displayed open hostility towards Christ. Next we have the representatives of the religious leadership, the ones who told Herod where the Messiah was to be born. These men showed great indifference towards Jesus; they heard about Him but didn’t care enough to see Him for themselves. Finally we have the Magi. They were the ones who looked for Jesus, spent time with Him, and worshiped Him.

So now that we’ve reached the end of this look at the Christmas story, let’s finish with one final observation. It’s been said that giving gifts at Christmas is not something that humanity invented- it was God who initiated the gift giving when He gave us the gift of His Son. Christmas is not about the gifts that we receive from others- it’s really about the gift that God has given to us.

The Christmas Story – Part 6

by Ed Urzi

The next portion of the Christmas story takes us to chapter two of Matthew’s gospel…

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him'” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV).

So who exactly were these “Magi”? While it is traditional to refer to them as “kings” or “wise men,” (1)  it may be surprising to learn that it is probably more accurate to refer to them as astrologers

You see, the term “magi” was used to identify the priests and wise men among the ancient civilizations of the Medes, Persians, and Babylonians. These men were said to be highly skilled in divination, astrology, and the interpretation of signs. This was not unlike modern-day astrologers who believe that the movement and arrangement of stars and planets can have an impact on human events. The idea is that a person who possesses the ability to interpret these alignments will also have the ability to foretell the future.

Perhaps the clearest Biblical warning against this type of activity is found in Deuteronomy 18:10-12…

“Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD…” (NIV).

In light of this, we might question why God would choose to announce Jesus’ birth to these men when the Bible says such things are wrong. Well, here’s how one commentator addresses this question…

“The star used in the Biblical account was to announce the birth of Christ, not to foretell this event. God gave the star to the Magi to proclaim to them that the child had already been born. We know that the Child had already been born because in Matthew 2:16, Herod gives a command to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and vicinity that are two years old or younger in accordance with the ‘time which he had ascertained from the Magi’ (NASB)… The star guiding the Magi was not used to predict, but to proclaim the birth of Christ.” (2)

So these astrologers suddenly came upon a real sign in their observations of the stars- the sign of the one true God. This is not an unbiblical idea for as God once said through the prophet Isaiah, “I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I'” (Isaiah 65:1). God met the Magi on their own field so to speak, and guided the astrologers by a star.

But how exactly did these men come to associate this star with Jesus’ birth? Unfortunately, we don’t have enough detail to say with certainty how or why the Magi connected the appearance of this star with the King of the Jews. However, there is one interesting possibility to consider. Remember that the term “Magi” was used to identify the priests and wise men of the Medes, Persians, and Babylonians. There is one Biblical personality who is more closely associated with these groups than any other. That person was the prophet Daniel who lived in the 6th century B.C.

In thinking over this question, it’s interesting to note that the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar placed Daniel in charge over all the wise men of Babylon (see Daniel 2:46-48). Later in Daniel 6:28, we also read that Daniel prospered during the reigns of two leaders named Darius (who was a Mede) and Cyrus the Persian.

So while we don’t have any direct Biblical evidence to explain how the Magi connected the Star of Bethlehem to Jesus’ birth, it’s possible that God may have given Daniel some advance information regarding this event. If that was the case, then it’s also possible that Daniel passed this information to the Magi of his day. From there, the Magi conveyed that information from generation to generation until the time of its fulfillment. Again, while there is no Scriptural evidence to support this theory, it would serve to explain how the Magi knew about Jesus’ birth.

Another question regarding the Magi is this: How many Magi came to visit Jesus? Well, tradition tells us that there were three Magi named Melchior, Caspar and Balthasar. But even though it’s customary to think of “The Three Wise Men” who visited Jesus, there’s a good chance there were more than three. Here’s why…

“…Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:1b-3 NIV).

Jerusalem was large, important town. If the entire city was troubled over the appearance of these men, it’s likely that they showed up with a large contingent. There’s another possible explanation that involves Herod himself, but we’ll get to that part next.

Finally, we should note that the Bible does not say that the Magi came on the night of Jesus’ birth; in fact, it’s possible that their visit occurred much later, perhaps as many as two years later.

(1) The Revised Standard Version, American Standard Version, King James Version, and New King James Version are all examples of Biblical translations that identify the Magi as “wise men”

(2) Geisler,N. L., & Howe, T. A. (1992). When Critics Ask : A Popular Handbook On Bible Difficulties Victor Books

The Christmas Story – Part 5

by Ed Urzi

Come to Bethlehem and see Christ Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King (1)

One of the best-known portions of the Christmas story involves an angelic announcement of Jesus’ birth to a group of shepherds who were looking after their flocks by night. For these shepherds, their night’s work may have started out like any other night’s work- but this night was no ordinary night on the job…

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified” (Luke 2:8-9 NIV).

As a group, shepherds were often considered to be the social outcasts of their day. Their work wasn’t very glamorous, and they spent most of their time with a group of animals. A first-century shepherd’s life could also become very isolated, especially since they were not allowed to participate in the various Jewish ceremonies. Unfortunately for these shepherds, Hebrew social life largely revolved around the Temple during this period.

A shepherd who was not permitted to participate in these activities was someone who was cut out of the social network of the community. And if that wasn’t enough, shepherds were considered to be an unreliable class of people; in fact, they were so mistrusted that they were not even permitted to offer testimony in court.

So, the shepherds were a group of outsiders- a collection of people who didn’t fit into the accepted social categories of their day. They were untrusted and looked down upon by others. Yet these were the people whom God chose to receive the announcement of Jesus’ birth.

This part of the Christmas story reminds us that God doesn’t exclude us from a relationship with Him based on our social standing (or lack thereof). It also brings to mind something recorded in the New Testament book of Acts: “…I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right” (Acts 10:34-35 NLT).

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger'” (Luke 2:10-12 NIV).

It’s important to note that this event was good news for everyone, everywhere. And following this single angel’s announcement, an army of angels suddenly joined together to honor God…

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:13-16 NIV).

So, the shepherds decided to hurry to Bethlehem to see the child that had just been announced to them. Bethlehem was not a very large town, so the shepherds probably had little problem in checking from place to place until they finally found the location with infant Jesus, the same one that matched the description that was given to them while they were out in the fields.

While the Scriptures do not tell us how Mary and Joseph responded to this visit from the shepherds, it’s likely that their arrival came as quite a surprise. You can just imagine the astonishment of Mary and Joseph as a group of breathless shepherds suddenly burst in upon them to see the newborn child and to tell them all they had seen and heard concerning Him.

But this part of the Christmas story shouldn’t end before we take a moment to put ourselves in the position of these shepherds. For instance, what could be more impossible to believe than an announcement that Christ the Lord had been born and that He could be found lying in a feedbox inside a shelter for animals? While many people might find that announcement difficult to accept, these men certainly didn’t seem doubtful, skeptical, or unimpressed regarding it- or by what they found in that manger when they followed up on this angelic proclamation.

On the contrary, the next few verses tell us this…

“When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:17-20 NIV).

To Mary’s credit, she didn’t let the memory of these incredible events pass by. Instead, she collected them, thought about them, and kept them close to her heart. Perhaps it was the joy that Mary associated with these memories that helped sustain her throughout the difficult times that were to follow.

(1) Angels We Have Heard On High (Traditional)

The Christmas Story – Part 4

by Ed Urzi

At this point, it might be good to stop and consider a question that people often ask at this time of year: Was Jesus actually born on Christmas as we know it today?

Well, it may come as a surprise to find that December 25th was originally chosen as the date of Jesus’ birth in order to establish a “Christian holiday” as an alternative to the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia. The Saturnalia festival (or “festival of the sun”) was held each year around the time of the winter solstice. One feast that was held during this time was the Sol Invictus or the feast of the “invincible sun” and it celebrated the fact that the shortest day of the year had passed and the days were about to grow longer again.

The ancient Saturnalia festival was said to be a non-stop blowout of drunkenness and feasting that often featured practical jokes, drinking, gambling and lots of immorality. Of course, many people choose to celebrate Christmas in much the same manner today so perhaps things haven’t changed as much as we might like to think.

Anyway, the celebration of Jesus’ birth on December 25th was first popularized during the fourth century A.D. and while it is unlikely that December 25th  represents the actual date of Jesus’ birth, it’s not entirely impossible. You see, it’s difficult to establish the exact time of year that Jesus was born from the information that’s given to us in the Bible. In fact, even the year of Jesus’ birth is uncertain, although many commentators believe it took place around 4 B.C. This, of course, puts us in the awkward position of saying that Christ was born “before Christ” but that’s the way it is.

So with these things in mind, is it wrong to celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25th? Well, the New Testament book of Romans tells us this: “One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind” (Romans 14:5). We could apply this verse to our question by saying that if someone wishes to celebrate Jesus’ birth on December 25th, then he or she should do so because people are free to dedicate certain days to God as long as they remain convinced that they are doing the right thing.

Of course, someone who wants to celebrate Jesus’ birth on some other day of the year is also free to do so as well. Remember, “…some think one day is more holy than another day, while others think every day is alike. You should each be fully convinced that whichever day you choose is acceptable” (NLT).

Since we’re on the subject of holiday traditions, let’s take a moment to look at another well-known holiday tradition: Christmas trees. Have you ever wondered how a decorated tree inside a house became a Christmas tradition? Well, believe it or not, the Christmas tree traces its origins to the ancient non-Christian peoples of Europe.

You see, the winter seasons are often very severe in northern Europe. Because of this, the ancient peoples of that area often blamed evil spirits for the arrival of winter when much of the existing plant life appeared to die. However, there were a few trees and other plants that seemed resistant to the brutal winter weather and stayed “alive” while everything else “died” during that time of year. Those trees were the evergreen trees, along with certain other plants like holly and mistletoe.

These trees and plants were thought to offer protection against the life-threatening evil of the cold winter darkness and over time, people eventually came to believe that wherever these evergreens were placed, evil spirits could not go. So people began to bring such trees and plants into their homes and decorate them as a sign of worship.

For example, garlands made of evergreens were hung inside the home. This is where the tradition to “Deck the halls with boughs of holly” got started. Evergreens were also “sacrificed” to encourage the return of the sun in some Scandinavian countries,. This represented the origin of the modern-day “Yule Log” tradition. The ancient people of what is now Germany were probably the first to place lights on their trees in the form of candles.

So it seems that there is no real historical evidence to connect these holiday traditions with Jesus’ birth. But does that mean it’s wrong for Christians to put up a Christmas tree or hang evergreen wreaths and garland during the holidays?

Well, we might think of these traditions in the following manner: when an artist like a musician or a painter becomes a Christian, he or she will often rededicate their creative talents, skills, and abilities for use in a way that honors God. In a similar manner, we can look at many of the symbolic elements of Christmas (like a Christmas tree, for example) in much the same way. In other words, Christians have an opportunity to rededicate those symbols for use in a manner that honors God..

For example, here are a few traditional Christmas elements along with the new symbolic meanings…

  • Evergreen tree: An evergreen tree symbolizes everlasting life through Jesus (John 10:27-28).
  • Lights:  Lights indicate that Jesus is the light of the world (John 8:12).
  • Gifts: Giving gifts at Christmas time reminds us that “…the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
  • Star at the top of a Christmas tree: This represents the star of Bethlehem (Matthew 2:2).
  • Angels: These are representative of the angelic beings who announced Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:8-14).
  • Ornaments/Decorations: These help symbolize the joyous celebration of the Savior’s birth (Luke 2:10-11).

 

The Christmas Story – Part 3

by Ed Urzi

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child” (Luke 2:1-5 NIV).

Caesar Augustus is also known to history as Octavian and he ruled the Roman Empire from approximately 30 BC to 14 AD. A “census” was a type of survey that counted people for tax purposes within ancient Rome. In fact, the New Testament Gospel of Luke refers to this as “the first census” to separate it from another well-known census (which Luke also mentions in Acts 5:37) that occurred in 6 A.D.

On the surface, it would seem that Caesar was responsible for ordering this census, but the Scriptures tell us God was the One who orchestrated these events behind the scenes to fulfill His promises. We know this from a passage found in the Old Testament book of Micah…

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2 NKJ).

Joseph and Mary’s trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was about 80 miles (129 km) one way. At an average walking speed of 2 mph (3 kph), this was not an easy distance to cover in those days. Although Roman law didn’t require someone like Mary to register for the census, Luke 4:5 tells us that she and Joseph went together anyway. Knowing this, we might be tempted to ask why a young woman in the latter stages of her pregnancy would choose to make this difficult, unnecessary journey?

Some possible answers to that question should quickly come to mind for those who know something of the culture and background to this story. You see, it’s possible that Mary’s controversial pregnancy created such a difficult climate back home for Mary and Joseph that the long trip to Bethlehem together seemed better than leaving her behind. Or perhaps Joseph simply didn’t want to leave Mary by herself to face the possibility of coming to term alone.

In any event, the curtain was now about to rise on the greatest event in human history…

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7 NIV).

One of the most incredible things about the Christmas story is the difference between the enormity of the event and the simplicity of the account. In this day and age where a small nativity scene on the front lawn at Christmas time often gets buried behind Santa Claus and various Christmas decorations, it may be difficult to appreciate the astounding nature of this event.

There weren’t many good places to stay when traveling in those days because the “inns” mentioned in the Bible were not like the hotels or motels we might encounter today. In fact, the word translated “inn” probably refers to a “private home” or “guest room.”

The cloths or “swaddling clothes” were long cloth strips that were used to wrap an infant of that time. In Mary’s day, midwives usually assisted during childbirth but notice that Mary apparently had no one to help her (except perhaps Joseph) for we’re told that she wrapped the baby on her own.

This passage then goes on to say that Mary placed the infant Jesus in a manger. For many, the idea of a manger brings to mind the image of a barn-like structure or some other type of building suitable for the care and shelter of animals. But animals were not usually kept in barns as is common today. In those days, animals were often kept in a hollowed out rock area or caves. A “manger” was actually a feeding trough for such animals. All of this meant that Jesus was probably not born in a barn or a stable as we know it, but in a cave behind someone’s home.

So Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay and they didn’t have a cradle for the infant Jesus. This means that the greatest human being of all time probably spent His first hours on earth inside a cave while sleeping in a feed box for animals. This is hardly the kind of entrance that one might expect for God in the flesh.

The Christmas Story – Part 2

by Ed Urzi

When Gabriel, God’s angelic messenger, said to Mary, “You will be with child and give birth to a son,” it’s possible she made a connection between this angelic announcement and a prophecy contained within the Old Testament book of Isaiah: “…the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son” (Isaiah 7:14 NIV). But this led to an understandable question…

“‘How will this be,’ Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God” (Luke 1:34-35 NIV)

So, Gabriel told Mary that this miraculous event would be accomplished through the power of the Highest in the Person of the Holy Spirit. In the original language of this passage, the word “overshadow” carries the idea of “covering with a cloud,” not unlike the cloud of God’s glory that appeared from time to time in the Scriptures (see Exodus 13:21 and Matthew 17:5).

This was the visible revelation of the power and presence of God and it meant that the same power of God that was revealed in the Old Testament would be present in Mary’s life as well. Because of this, Mary’s child would differ from all others: He would be the Holy One and the Son of God.

“Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be barren is in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God” (Luke 1:36-37 NIV).

These verses make reference to Mary’s relative Elizabeth who was pregnant with the child who would later come to be known as John the Baptist (see Luke 1:5-25). So, Gabriel brought Mary a promise and some evidence as well. If God could enable Elizabeth to become pregnant when she was well past her childbearing years, He could certainly accomplish a miraculous event in Mary’s life as well.

Here was Mary’s simple but powerful response…

“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May it be to me as you have said.’ Then the angel left her” (Luke 1:38 NIV).

Think about the kind of faith that Mary demonstrated in this response. Notice she didn’t argue, debate, or reject God’s plan- she simply said, “let it be to me according to your word.” In this, Mary’s example provides us with a good example to follow. In fact, her response took a lot more trust in God than it may seem. First, we should remember that Mary agreed to become an unwed mother in a society that mandated capital punishment for those who were physically intimate prior to marriage.

We might also consider Mary’s faith from a practical perspective. For instance, it’s likely that Mary had to endure the whispers, gossip, and suspicious looks that were sure to follow her wherever she went. Not only that, but many also believe that Mary was just 14-16 years old when these events occurred; perhaps even younger.

So, Mary was aligned with God’s plan but there was one more family member to consider…

“Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.

She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’-which means, ‘God with us.’

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus” (Matthew 1:19-25 NIV).

It may be easy to overlook Joseph’s role in the Christmas story but let’s consider his reaction as well. For example, how would you respond if you were in Joseph’s position and your fiancée said this…

  • “I’m going to have a baby.”
  • “The baby’s Father is God.”

Would you accept that? Probably not. So, we shouldn’t be surprised to read that Joseph wanted to break off his engagement with Mary when she was found to be pregnant before their wedding ceremony. However, Joseph (who, like Mary, was almost certainly about 14-16 years old) was a person of character and integrity. He was determined to conduct himself in an honorable manner even if seemed as if Mary had not acted honorably towards him before their wedding.

Yet Joseph immediately moved forward in faith once God’s plan was revealed to him, just as Mary had done. These features of the real Christmas story are all important but sometimes easy to forget while we’re trying to avoid the holiday shopping crush.

The Christmas Story – Part 1

by Ed Urzi

Note: we will preempt our study in the book of Romans for a brief look at the Christmas Story. Our current study is scheduled to resume on Friday, December 26th

Well, it’s Christmas time once again. You know, Christmas- the holiday we often associate with things like online sales, crazy shoppers, and ridiculous commercialism. We can illustrate that part of the Christmas “experience” with a holiday song from another generation…

“I just go nuts at Christmas
On that jolly holiday
I’ll go in the red like a knucklehead
‘Cause I squander all my pay…

Oh I just go nuts at Christmas
When each kid hangs up his sock
It’s a time for kids to flip their lids
While their papa goes in hock.” (1)

There may be more truth behind those lyrics than we’re willing to admit- and that should make us stop and think. For example, do you ever get the feeling that people have missed the real meaning of Christmas? And what is the real meaning of Christmas anyway? Perhaps now is a good time to re-familiarize ourselves with the genuine Christmas story so we can avoid going nuts at Christmas.

We can start with a passage from the Biblical book of Luke…

“In the sixth month, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary” (Luke 1:26-27 NIV).

Parents typically arranged marriages for their children in the New Testament era. These marriages usually took place during the early to mid teenage years, with thirteen being the minimum age for boys and twelve for girls. Once the right person was agreed upon by each set of parents, a payment was negotiated with the future bride’s father. This payment could be in the form of money or services provided to the bride’s family to help offset the loss of their daughter as a valued worker. Once this arrangement was complete, the couple entered a period of “betrothal.”

The betrothal was something like the modern-day “engagement” that we see between couples today but was much more formal. First, the couple agreed to a binding marriage contract in the presence of witnesses. These legal agreements were taken very seriously. There were very few “broken engagements” back then for this agreement between the couple could only be dissolved through a process of divorce. This betrothal period could last for up to a year and while the couple were known as husband and wife during that time, there were no marital relations between them.

The groom typically spent this period working to prepare the couple’s future home. When everything was ready, the groom and his friends would travel to meet the bride and her bridal attendants. The bride and groom would join together for a reading of the marriage contract and then the groom would bring his new bride back to the home he had prepared. A great celebration then followed that could go on for a week or more.

So it was during this betrothal period that the angel Gabriel was sent to a young woman named Mary in the village of Nazareth, a town located about seventy miles (113 km) northeast of Jerusalem. Nazareth carried a rather undistinguished reputation back in those days and seemed to be an unlikely candidate for an angelic visit. That might help to explain Mary’s response…

“The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be” (Luke 1:28-29 NIV).

So Mary was confused and disturbed (NLT) by this greeting but there was more to follow…

“But the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:30-33 NIV).

The focus of this angelic message was not so much upon Mary but upon the Son that was to be born to her. First, her Son was to be named “Jesus,” a common name in that day. Next, the announcement that He would be given the throne of his father David fulfilled a promise that God made to King David in 2 Samuel 7:12-13. In that passage of Scripture, God spoke to David through a prophet named Nathan and said this:

“When your days are over and you rest with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, who will come from your own body, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (NIV).

So it was clear from the angel’s message that God was preparing to do something significant. But as we’re about to see, Mary had some difficulty comprehending the breadth of God’s plan.

(1) I Just Go Nuts At Christmas Yogi Yorgesson, Written by: Harry Stewart, Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Romans – Chapter One V

by Ed Urzi

We can gain a better understanding of Paul the Apostle’s life and ministry by studying the emotional depth of his letters. The profound nature of Paul’s conversion experience might have left him with an attitude of spiritual superiority. However, Paul’s encounter with Jesus on the Damascus road yielded an entirely different result.

Although he possessed a brilliant intellect and held a position of authority, Paul had no difficulty expressing his emotions. For instance, he could be openly appreciative, as shown in the following portion of his Biblical letter to the Philippian church…

“I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me. Nevertheless, it was kind of you to share my troubles” (Philippians 4:13-14 GW).

Paul also expressed his thankfulness to the church at Thessalonica…

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father” (1 Thessalonians 1:12-3).

In addition, Paul spoke of his deep and abiding regard for two men named Titus and Timothy. For example, Paul referred to Timothy as “my own dearly loved son” (1 Timothy 1:2 Phillips) as well as “a beloved son” (2 Timothy 1:2), while characterizing Titus as, “a true son in the common faith” (Titus 1:4). This was typical of Paul’s ministry, for he clearly developed many close friendships over the course of his life. Consider the following comment to the members of the Corinthian church…

“I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this” (1 Corinthians 16:16-18 NET).

In fact, Paul will spend much of the final chapter of Romans conveying greetings to an extensive network of friends and associates. However, this is not to say that Paul was always well-received. He certainly faced his share of adversaries, as reflected in this excerpt from the book of 2 Timothy…

“Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words” (2 Timothy 4:14-15).

Yet even in the face of great opposition, Paul still offered the following expression of encouragement…

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” (2 Timothy 4:17-18).

Image Attribution: Guercino, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Romans – Chapter One IV

by Ed Urzi

Despite his expressed humility, Paul the Apostle did not refrain from correcting spiritual error whenever he encountered it. Whether the subject involved false teaching, the improper use of spiritual gifts, immorality, or other doctrinal matters, Paul moved swiftly to confront doctrinal error. Two excerpts from Paul’s Biblical letters to the church at Corinth serve as a case in point…

“For some say, ‘His letters are weighty and forceful, but in person he is unimpressive and his speaking amounts to nothing.’ Such people should realize that what we are in our letters when we are absent, we will be in our actions when we are present” (2 Corinthians 10:10-11 NIV).

“Some of you have become arrogant, thinking I will not visit you again. But I will come–and soon–if the Lord lets me, and then I’ll find out whether these arrogant people just give pretentious speeches or whether they really have God’s power. For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. Which do you choose? Should I come with a rod to punish you, or should I come with love and a gentle spirit?” (1 Corinthians 4:18-21 NLT).

Even in matters involving other Apostles, Paul adopted a similar approach…

“But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him in public, because he was clearly wrong” (Galatians 2:11 GNT).

But Paul’s best known admonition may be the one directed to the Corinthian church regarding their attitude towards the sacrament of communion…

“In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval.

So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter!” (1 Corinthians 11:17-22 NIV).

The desire to remain popular or avoid straining relationships may sometimes lead us to suppress criticisms that are warranted and necessary. However, Paul opted to rectify such errors with a blend of loving firmness, even at the risk of offending some.

Romans – Chapter One III

by Ed Urzi

In his first-century letter to the churches of Galatia (a letter better known today as the Biblical epistle to the Galatians), Paul the Apostle summarized his conversion experience and the basis for his apostolic authority…

“I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.

Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles–only James, the Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: ‘The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.’ And they praised God because of me” (Galatians 1:11-24 NIV).

A study of Paul’s life also reveals him to be a complex, yet approachable personality. For instance, Paul demonstrated many of the characteristics of a highly educated individual. He was fluent in at least three major languages of his era (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek), and displayed a familiarity with the literary figures of his day.

But unlike those who radiate an air of self-importance with respect to their intellectual capabilities, Paul was a man of great humility. Consider the following admissions from a few of Paul’s New Testament letters…

“…for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing” (2 Corinthians 12:11 KJV).

“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Galatians 6:14).

“I am the least of all God’s people…” (Ephesians 3:8 GW).

“As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else” (1 Thessalonians 2:6 NLT).

Yet despite these expressions of humility and his desire to find common ground wherever possible, we’ll soon discover that Paul was not reluctant to correct error wherever he encountered it.

Romans – Chapter One II

by Ed Urzi

The New Testament book of Acts chronicles the account of a man named Saul as he systematically “…began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off both men and women and put them in prison” (Acts 8:3 NIV). However, the following chapter details an encounter that changed Saul’s life and subsequently altered the course of untold numbers of human lives to follow…

“As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ And he said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ Then the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting… Then the Lord said to him, ‘Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do'” (Acts 9:3-5, 6).

We’re later told that Paul continued on to Damascus, regained the eyesight he lost during that encounter, and immediately began to preach Jesus as the Messiah. From the moment he first encountered Jesus until the end of his life, Paul consistently displayed the revolutionary impact of that meeting.

For instance, Saul was described as someone who “…kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord” (Acts 9:1 GNT) prior to his conversion. But following his Damascus Road experience, Paul freely expressed his love for those he formerly persecuted. While he was occasionally provoked to anger by the actions of others, he was quick to make amends. And even though Paul was unwavering in his faith in Christ, he sought to find common ground with others wherever possible.

Despite the transformative shift in Paul’s life, there was one consistent element that distinguished his pre and post conversion experience: a sense of fervent zeal. While he once preached adherence to the Mosaic law (and zealously persecuted those who abandoned that law to follow Christ), Paul later re-channeled those energies in bringing the message of salvation through faith in Christ to others.

Paul explained that commitment in a letter to the church that met in the ancient city of Corinth…

“For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’ For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ” (2 Corinthian 5:19-21 NLT).

Image Attribution: Caravaggio, The Conversion of Saint Paul on the Way to Damascus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Romans – Chapter One I

by Ed Urzi

Introduction to Paul the Apostle

The seventh chapter of the Biblical book of Acts details the account of Stephen, the first person to die for his faith in Christ. As Stephen’s executioners led him from the city to face his death, they left their cloaks with a young man named Saul. That seemingly minor detail represents our unlikely introduction to the man who is better known today as Paul the Apostle.

How could someone like Saul, a man who once sanctioned the murder of Christians, grow to become the author of the Epistle to the Romans and a minimum of twelve other New Testament books? How could someone who once “laid waste the church” became such an influential figure that one commentator has remarked, “Apart from Jesus Christ, St. Paul is the greatest figure in the history of Christianity.” (1) The answer is that Saul is someone who may best exemplify the transformative power of a genuine encounter with Christ.

Saul was born in the ancient city of Tarsus, likely during the early years of the first century. Tarsus was a prominent city in the region of Cilicia, a place that was distinguished by its commitment to higher learning. He was a man of Jewish heritage from the tribe of Benjamin who also held a Roman citizenship. Thus, he bore the Roman name Paul in addition to his birth name.

As a youth, Saul studied under a rabbi named Gamaliel, a member of the Jewish high council who was a respected leader and Old Testament scholar. In fact, Saul was so proficient in his study of the Old Testament law that he once made the following declaration: “I advanced in Judaism beyond many contemporaries among my people, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors” (Galatians 1:14 CSB).

A brief passage in an apocryphal 2nd century document is the only traditional description we have of Saul’s physical appearance. That text is known as The Acts of Paul and Thecla and it describes Saul as, “…a man of little stature, thin-haired upon the head, crooked in the legs, of good state of body, with eyebrows meeting, and with nose somewhat hooked…” (2)

Saul’s zeal for the traditions of his ancestors was such that he embarked on a self-appointed quest to apprehend and incarcerate those who professed their faith in Christ. To further that objective, he sought letters of recommendation for presentation to the synagogues in the city of Damascus to facilitate the arrest of any Christians found living there.

But as he was on the way, Saul had an encounter that has influenced untold numbers of lives and continues to do so today.

Image Attribution: User:Alecmconroy, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
(1) McNeile, A. H. (1920). St. Paul: his life, letters, and Christian doctrine. Introduction, pg. IX https://archive.org/details/stpaulhislifelet0000mcne/page/n5/mode/2up

(2) Ante-Nicene Fathers/Volume VIII/Apocrypha of the New Testament/Acts of Paul and Thecla (1.7) – Wikisource, the free online library. (n.d.) . https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Ante-Nicene_Fathers/Volume_VIII/Apocrypha_of_the_New_Testament/Acts_of_Paul_and_Thecla , quoted in Barclay, William. “Commentary on 2 Corinthians 10”. “William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/dsb/2-corinthians-10.html. 1956-1959.

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two IX

by Ed Urzi

In Revelation 22:20, we encounter the Bible’s final recorded statement from Jesus…

“He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:20-21).

So what did Jesus choose to share as His final message? Well, those last words are, “Surely I am coming quickly.” In fact, this is the third time He has spoken this same message in the concluding chapter of this book (the other two instances appear in verses seven and twelve). This is something that should command our attention, for a repetitive statement usually indicates that someone is seeking to emphasize a point.

For instance, we might respond to a suggested course of action with a simple “no.” Or, we might express our strong aversion to that idea by replying, “no, no, no.” That latter response employs a repetitive statement to make a point, and it’s possible that Jesus has taken a similar approach here in the last chapter of Revelation. But if that is the case, then why would He do so?

One answer relates to how easily we can become absorbed by the seemingly endless array of obligations, responsibilities, and “to-do” lists that accompany the grind of daily life. The stresses of everyday living may obscure the fact that this life only represents a small portion of our existence. For instance, how would our lives differ if we acted on these messages from Revelation 22:7, 22:12, and 22:20? How might things change if we pursued a mindset that aligned with Revelation 22:12: “‘Listen!’ says Jesus. ‘I am coming soon! I will bring my rewards with me, to give to each one according to what he has done'” (GNT).

These verses also remind us that Jesus is certain to show up unexpectedly in the lives of those who fail to look for Him. Therefore, we should seek to cultivate an attitude and lifestyle that honors God and awaits Christ’s return whenever it may occur. In the meantime, Jesus presents us with an opportunity to make a difference in a world that desperately needs it. Thus, we should endeavor to take advantage of those opportunities in light of this cautionary message from Revelation 22:20.

Since we don’t know what the future holds, we should live with the expectation of Christ’s return, and plan as if God will grant us the blessing of a long, good life. And with that, we will close our time in the book of Revelation with the benediction of the final verse…

“May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all” (Mounce).

Image Attribution: Make a difference by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two VIII

by Ed Urzi

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19 ESV).

There’s an interesting nuance in these verses that may be easy to miss. Notice that Revelation 22:18 references “…the prophecy of this book” while the following verse speaks of “…the book of this prophecy.” Although theses references are similar, they are not identical. That should prompt us to dig a little deeper into these verses to see if there is any significance to those differences.

For instance, it seems that verse eighteen references the book of Revelation, while the following verse speaks of the Bible in its entirety. In other words, “the prophecy of this book” directs our attention to the book of Revelation itself. The following reference to “the book of this prophecy” encompasses the sixty-six books of the Biblical Scriptures.

While readers are free to draw their own conclusions, the fundamental message seems clear: do not add or subtract from God’s Word. Unfortunately, there is seemingly no end to those who have sought to augment or “correct” God’s Word throughout the ages. This offers an opportunity to reiterate three Biblical tenets mentioned earlier in our look at Revelation chapter eleven…

“Test everything. Hold on to the good…” (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22 NIV).

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1).

”Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge In him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke-you and prove you a liar” (Proverbs 30:5-6 NIV).

With this in mind, it’s important to remember that the Biblical book of Revelation has challenged students and commentators for centuries. Despite the wide variety of theories and opinions surrounding this book, every person who engages with this portion of Scripture shares a common obligation: we must avoid any attempt to negate it, supplement it, or modify it to suit our preferences. The same holds true for the rest of the Biblical Scriptures. Those who attempt to do so are subject to the terrible penalties described here in the closing verses of chapter twenty-two.

Image Attribution: Pepin von Roojen, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two VII

by Ed Urzi

“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star” (Revelation 22:16).

While the book of Revelation contains many challenging passages, it is not a book that is reserved for a select group of readers who possess some form of special knowledge. Instead, it is given to “the churches.” And just as we read earlier in Revelation chapter one, “Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near” (Revelation 1:3).

That brings to the last five verses of the book of Revelation…

“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.

For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (Revelation 22:17-21).

Just as the Spirit of God appeared in the opening verses of the first Biblical book, He now appears once again in the closing verses of the last Biblical book. In addition to what we read here in Revelation 22: 17, Jesus spoke of the Spirit’s continuing ministry in the Gospel of John when He said, “…when he has come he will convince the world of its sin, and of the availability of God’s goodness, and of deliverance from judgment” (John 16:8 TLB).

Earlier in Revelation nineteen, we also encountered the imagery of a bride who “…was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. For the fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints” (Revelation 19:8 HCSB). So, these passages portray God’s people as a bride, while the marriage relationship symbolizes the privileged, intimate relationship that Christ seeks to enjoy with His people.

Here, the Holy Spirit joins together with the bride of Christ to present God’s gracious invitation to eternal life: “…Let those who are thirsty come! Let those who want the water of life take it as a gift” (GW).

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two VI

by Ed Urzi

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:13).

Jesus makes use of a familiar, self-descriptive term here in Revelation 22:13: “Alpha and the Omega…” An identical self-description appears in Revelation chapter one in advance of Jesus’ letters to the seven churches of chapters two and three. So, this passage reminds us that Jesus is the A to Z, the beginning and end, and the First and Last of everything that encompasses our lives. As such, it is fitting that this self-identification appears in the first and last chapters of this book.

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (Revelation 22:14-15).

Although people in the New Testament era sometimes kept dogs as household pets, society commonly viewed them as scavengers and pests. As such, people did not regard dogs as “man’s best friend” during that period. This led to the use of the word “dog” as a derogatory term to describe an offensive individual. It also recalls the cautionary message regarding the city of God that appeared earlier in Revelation chapter twenty-one: “…nothing that is impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of the living will enter the city” (Revelation 21:27 GNT).

Several other practices that appeared in the previous chapter of Revelation are reiterated here as well…

  • Sorcerers. This involves those who engage in occultic practices or the ritualistic use of drugs to induce an altered state of consciousness.
  • The sexually immoral. The Biblical model for marital unions involves a monogamous relationship between a genetic male and a genetic female. Relationships that fall outside that standard are broadly associated with the term “sexual immorality.”
  • Murderers. Murder refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s life, an act that violates the sixth Commandment.
  • Idolaters. We can define an idol as anything that supplants God’s place in our lives.
  • Whoever loves and practices a lie. “Lying” involves an attempt to deceive by falsehood. Since “truth” can be defined as “that which corresponds to reality,” lying is incompatible with the God of truth. Those who engage in such practices exclude themselves from an eternal home with Christ, who is “…the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

It is no accident that this list of sinful behaviors appears in each of the last two chapters of the final book of the Bible. With this in mind, we should prayerfully ensure that none of these practices enter our lives.

Image Attributions: Trlkly, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons  /  Sailko, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two V

by Ed Urzi

“And he said to me, ‘Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand'” (Revelation 22:10).

The Book of Revelation is a literary work that speaks to every human generation. Whether the events of this book are relatively close to fulfillment or reserved for the distant future, we can say that “…the time is at hand ” for everyone in some respect.

You see, human mortality is a subject we’d often prefer to avoid. But even though we hope to enjoy long and fulfilling lives, there is no guarantee that we will be blessed with the opportunity to welcome another sunrise tomorrow. Once we have passed into eternity, there is no further hope of returning to our mortal lives to rectify past mistakes or finish those tasks we neglected during our earthly sojourn. Therefore, our window of opportunity is limited to the present, and we would do well to remember the words of Revelation 22:10: “…the time is near” (GW).

“He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still” (Revelation 22:11).

So what are we to make of this rather enigmatic passage? Well, the way we respond to the book of Revelation tells us much about about ourselves. For instance, a person who seeks to follow the God of the Scriptures will surely respond differently to this book than someone who rejects Him. Thus, as one commentator observes, “By this he does not mean that men should remain unmoved by the prophecies of this book, but rather that if the prophecies are rejected, there is no other message that will work. If the warnings of this book are not sufficient, there is no more that God has to say.” (1)

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12).

This verse contains some of the last recorded words of Christ, and the message Jesus interjects here in Revelation 22:12 is something that applies to everyone. For example, Jesus makes an important promise to those who follow Him today: “I am returning soon and I am bringing your reward.” However, He makes that same promise to those who are hostile, ambivalent, or disinterested in Him as well.

Those rewards will be very different, for He will “…repay all people according to their deeds” (NLT). Since Romans 6:23 tells us, “…the wages of sin is death,” we would be wise to consider our response to that promise and take Jesus at His word.

(1) Walvoord, J. F. (1966). The Revelation of Jesus Christ: A Commentary, Moody Press. p.334.

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two IV

by Ed Urzi

“Now I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. Then he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Worship God'” (Revelation 22:8-9).

Our text from Revelation 22:8-9 contains several insights that merit careful consideration. We can begin with the actions taken by John, the author of Revelation. If John’s response to this angelic being seems familiar, it might stem from a similar error he made earlier…

“And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy'” (Revelation 19:9-10).

John’s experience highlights the value of learning from our mistakes. But simply recognizing a mistake does not guarantee that we will avoid repeating it. Instead, we should seek God’s help in recognizing those patterns that may cause us to repeat unhealthy behaviors. If we fail to do so, we may end up replicating those same mistakes, just as John did here. We can break that cycle if we humbly and prayerfully seek God’s empowerment to guide our decision-making responsibilities each day.

This passage also reminds us that God’s people are not immune to serious judgmental errors. In this instance, John received a divine revelation and failed to respond appropriately. This portion of Scripture thus provides us with a contemporary principle that we can apply today: if God grants us insight into the people and circumstances around us, we have a corresponding obligation to glorify God and act responsibly upon that information.

Finally, we should remember that spiritual leaders (even prominent ones such as John), are fallible human beings who are vulnerable to error. In such instances, the following passage from Galatians 6:1 should guide our response…

“Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too” (NET).

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two III

by Ed Urzi

“There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 22:5 NIV).

So, what will there be to govern in eternity? To address that question, let’s return to the Garden of Eden and the era that preceded humanity’s fall. Genesis 2:15 details Adam’s responsibility during that period: “The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”

This passage tells us that God entrusted Adam with the responsibility to manage and care for the Garden of Eden before he fell from his state of perfection. Adam thus reigned over the Garden through God’s decree. In like manner, Revelation 22:5 may reference a similar oversight responsibility in respect to the “…new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13). In that sense, we can say that we shall reign forever.

“Then he said to me, ‘These words are faithful and true.’ And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place. ‘Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book'” (Revelation 22:6-7).

These promises come from the most trustworthy source possible: “…the Lord God of the holy prophets.” Revelation 22:7 then continues with the words of Christ: “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (CSB). Yet, given the period of time that has elapsed since Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, some may object to the statement, “I am coming soon!”

This recalls a similar question addressed earlier in Revelation chapter three, where Jesus gave the following message to the Biblical church of Philadelphia: “I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown” (Revelation 3:11). As mentioned previously, the word translated “soon” can mean “without delay.” However, the definition of this work also includes “by surprise” or “suddenly” as well. (1)

So when Jesus says, “I am coming soon,” we might understand this to mean that He will return unexpectedly. So whether Jesus returns to inaugurate a new historical era for humanity or simply returns for us at the end of our mortal lives, blessed is the one “…who pays heed to the words of the prophecy in this book” (Phillips).

Image Attribution: The SVG Effect, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) G5035 – tachy – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g5035/kjv/tr/0-1/

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two II

by Ed Urzi

“through the middle of the street of the city; also, on either side of the river, the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations” (Revelation 22:2 ESV).

While there was a punitive aspect to God’s decision to banish Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, we should not overlook another facet of that judgment. By prohibiting access to the Tree of Life within the Garden, God eliminated the possibility that humanity might partake of that tree and remain perpetually estranged from Him. So, that decision contained an element of mercy as well.

However, the chain of events that started with that first act of disobedience will finally reach its end, for Revelation 22:3 declares, “…there shall be no more curse.” Genesis 3:16-19 defined several characteristics of that curse, including sorrow, pain, strenuous labor with minimal return, and death. But once God lifts that curse, His people will enjoy life as it was meant to be.

Revelation 22:3 also says, “the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him.” Unlike the caricature of heaven where the people of God float among the clouds while strumming harps, the word “servant” implies “service.” The implication is that there will be things to do in eternity. While we can only speculate on what form that service will take, we will undoubtedly find many ways to serve God, along with the satisfaction and enjoyment of doing so.

Verse four then continues by saying, “They will see his face…” While there is much we can learn about people we’ve never met, there is no substitute for an in-person encounter with those we seek to know better. The Living Bible paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13:12 offers the following insight with respect to this idea…

“…we can see and understand only a little about God now, as if we were peering at his reflection in a poor mirror; but someday we are going to see him in his completeness, face to face. Now all that I know is hazy and blurred, but then I will see everything clearly…”

Next comes a rather cryptic reference: “…his name will be on their foreheads.” Just as a furrowed brow often serves to express our inner thought process, this reference to one’s forehead may be symbolic of our internal mindset. Thus, we can say that our thoughts, our character, and our individual personalities will find their identity in the God who created us.

Revelation 22:5 then concludes by saying, “And they will reign for ever and ever.” So what opportunities to reign await in the boundless expanse of eternity? We’ll consider the answer to that question next.

Image Attribution: Adam and Eve Leave the Garden, CC BY-NC 2.0, pcstratman, via flickr.com disclaimer notice

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-Two I

by Ed Urzi

“And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. They shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. There shall be no night there: They need no lamp nor light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 22:1-5).

The final chapter of the Book of Revelation presents us with the crystal-clear water of life that flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb. This recalls Jesus’ message from John 6:35 when He said, “…he who believes in me will never be thirst.” Taken together, these passages convey the joyous future that awaits God’s people.

The next verse follows with a familiar image: the tree of life. This tree initially appeared in the first book of the Bible and now makes a fitting reappearance in the last book of the Bible. Consider the first appearance of this tree from Genesis chapter two…

“The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. And out of the ground the LORD God made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil…

Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die'” (Genesis 2:8-9, 15-17).

After the first human couple disobeyed that directive, here was the result…

“Then the LORD God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever’ –therefore the LORD God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life” (Genesis 3:22-24).

We’ll make an important application from these passages next.

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One IX

by Ed Urzi

The final verses of Revelation chapter twenty-one close with some interesting commentary regarding the new Jerusalem…

“The nations will walk by its light and the kings of the earth will bring their grandeur into it” (Revelation 21:24 NET).

Who are these nations and who are the “kings of the earth” mentioned here? In addressing those questions, it seems that various national and cultural boundaries will continue to exist in the future. It also appears that national leaders will possess the freedom to enter this city with cultural treasures that honor God.

The last verse of Revelation twenty-one then brings forth an important promise…

“But nothing that defiles or profanes or is unwashed shall ever enter it, nor anyone who commits abominations (unclean, detestable, morally repugnant things) or practices falsehood, but only those whose names are recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:27 AMPC).

It’ s often easy to become discouraged when we are confronted with modern-day examples of “man’s inhumanity to man.” When such feelings begin to overwhelm us, it helps to remember that God will establish a place where such things will no longer exist. That place is here in Revelation chapter twenty-one. We should also remember the following quote from Jesus as we go about the business of our daily lives…

“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me'” (Matthew 25:31-40).

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One VIII

by Ed Urzi

“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:21 ESV).

The symbolic imagery of a pearly gate is often associated with the point of entry into heaven. That depiction finds its origin in our text from Revelation 21:21. However, that image better reflects the gateway to the city described here, rather than heaven itself. And while a lustrous string of beautiful pearls is elegant and glamorous, a gate crafted from a single pearl would be truly magnificent. Yet, that is only one characteristic of the overwhelming splendor of the new Jerusalem…

“But I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it. The Lamb is its light. And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it.

Its gates shall not be shut at all by day (there shall be no night there). And they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it. But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life” (Revelation 21:22-27).

Today, we commonly use the term “house of God” to signify a place of religious worship. While that may be true in our present day, things will be far different in eternity. In this glorious city to come, we will no longer associate a building with God’s presence, for He will be present among His people. This is why Revelation 21:22 tells us, “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple” (NIV).

Verse twenty-three then continues by saying, “…the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light” (NLT). Thus, we are told that God will personally illuminate this vast city resplendent with gold, jewels, and precious stones. That scene will be so glorious that no graphic image could ever do justice to such unimaginable splendor.

Nevertheless, we should take care to ensure that we do not mischaracterize the actual reading of this passage. For instance, our text from Revelation 21:22-27 does not tell us that the sun and the moon will cease to exist. Instead, we’re simply informed that their light will no longer be required, for God will illuminate this future city.

Image Attribution: Avgustaleo, via GoodFon

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One VII

by Ed Urzi

“The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel)” (Revelation 21:15-17 NLT).

The 1400 mile distance provided by the New Living Translation of this passage equates to approximate length of 427 meters. The reference to “216 feet” yields an approximate width of 66 meters. The cubic height of such a city would easily extend into orbit around the earth and possess a total capacity of 2,744,000,000 cubic miles (11,452,744,000,000 cubic kilometers). A city of that volume might easily accommodate tens of billions of human beings.

The following verses continue with a further description of this city…

“The construction of its wall was of jasper; and the city was pure gold, like clear glass. The foundations of the wall of the city were adorned with all kinds of precious stones: the first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst.

The twelve gates were twelve pearls: each individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (Revelation 21:18-21).

So, these verses present a magnificent city of unsurpassed value, beauty, and inestimable worth. While modern roadways are typically constructed from common materials like stone or asphalt, “The broad street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass” (HCSB). Although we consider gold to be a costly and valuable commodity today, it will equate to little more than a common building material in this city of the future.

While some of the precious stones mentioned in this ancient text are familiar (like sapphires and emeralds), others are more difficult to identify. Nevertheless, we can make a rough approximation with the information we have…

  • Jasper: a translucent stone, perhaps like a diamond.
  • Sapphire: clear and dark blue.
  • Chalcedony: white and opaque.
  • Emerald: clear and brilliant green.
  • Sardonyx: a red and white stone; the NIV equates this stone with an onyx.
  • Carnelian: a deep red stone, perhaps like a ruby.
  • Chrysolite: a clear yellow stone.
  • Beryl: pale green, or possibly yellow.
  • Topaz: a clear pink stone.
  • Chrysoprase: turquoise-colored and opaque.
  • Jacinth: a navy blue stone, possibly black.
  • Amethyst: a clear purple stone.

So, while it may be challenging to identify some of these precious stones, they clearly illustrate the breathtaking magnificence of this city.

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One VI

by Ed Urzi

“Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, ‘Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, having the glory of God. Her light was like a most precious stone, like a jasper stone, clear as crystal.

Also she had a great and high wall with twelve gates, and twelve angels at the gates, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west. Now the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb” (Revelation 21:9-14).

We can contrast the city that descends from God in Revelation 21:9-14 with the city of “Babylon the great, mother of prostitutes and of earth’s abominations” (ESV) mentioned earlier in Revelation 17:5…

  • One is a prostitute, and the other is likened to a beautiful bride.
  • One is blasphemous, and the other is holy.
  • One descends from heaven, and the finds its origin among those who ascend from the Abyss.
  • One is lustrous and brilliant while the other is drunk and corrupt.

These contrasting elements may offer insight into the feminine depiction of Babylon from earlier the Book of Revelation. While Revelation chapter twenty-one presents God’s people as a virtuous bride, the unholy city of Babylon was nothing more than a “great harlot” (Revelation 17:1).

A great, high wall defined this city’s perimeter, and its gates bore the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Those inscriptions testify of God’s work within the nation of Israel and underscore the importance of the Old Covenant. In a similar manner, the city wall featured twelve foundations that bore the names of the “…twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Therefore, those who enter will stand on the foundation established by God through His New Covenant representatives.

“And he who talked with me had a gold reed to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. The city is laid out as a square; its length is as great as its breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. Its length, breadth, and height are equal. Then he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of an angel” (Revelation 21:15-17).

Our text from this passage employs some antiquated units of measurement to calculate the scale of this city. We’ll translate those calculations into their contemporary equivalents next.

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One V

by Ed Urzi

“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 ESV).

Our brief review of Revelation 21:8 continues with a reference to “those who practice magic arts“ (NIV). This would encompass those who engage in fortune telling, astrology, divination, tarot card readings, Ouija board use, necromancy, “psychic communications,” or similar occultic practices. It also offers an important lesson for today, for those who are searching for knowledge and enlightenment through such means would do well to abandon those pursuits and turn instead to God for guidance and direction.

We should also note that this reference to “sorcery” is derived from the word pharmakeus in the original language of this passage. Pharmakeus refers to the administration or use of drugs, and serves as the precursor of contemporary terms such as “pharmacy” or “pharmaceutical.” In the context of Revelation 21:8, this involves the ritualistic drug use, or an effort to chemically alter one’s state of consciousness. Thus, any religion, philosophy, or spiritual teaching that endorses those practices cannot be of God.

Next comes a reference to “idolaters, ” a term that has reappeared several times in our study of the book of Revelation. An idol may be defined as anything that supplants God’s place within our lives. Those who travel the path of idolatry now should know that it ultimately leads to the eternal destination outlined here in Revelation 21:8.

Finally, “all liars” will be denied access to this eternal realm. “Lying” involves a deliberate attempt to deceive by falsehood. While there may be many who are highly skilled at masking their falsifications, no lie (however sophisticated), can deceive God. Therefore, those who engage in such behaviors are sure to follow the originator of that practice to his eternal destiny.

The New Testament Scriptures address lying and its related behaviors in several passages that will conclude our survey of this verse…

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:9).

“Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).

“But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one” (Matthew 5:37).

“…They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10 CSB).

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One IV

by Ed Urzi

Although life’s obstacles may present a formidable challenge, the promise of our eternal inheritance from Revelation 21:3-7 offers a positive incentive to overcome them. But along with that positive incentive, Revelation 21:8 presents us with another kind of motivation that is decidedly negative…

“But as for the cowards, the faithless and the corrupt, the murderers, the traffickers in sex and sorcery, the worshippers of idols and all liars—their inheritance is in the lake which burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8 Phillips).

To refer to someone as a coward is a great affront to that person’s dignity. Yet, Revelation chapter twenty-one does not hesitate to adopt that language. This word signifies “timidity” and always carries a negative connotation. (1) Therefore, those who are too cowardly to commit to Christ now will face serious repercussions later.

This passage follows with another negative attribute in referencing the unbelieving (KJV). This encompasses those who refuse to place their faith in Christ. One source associates this idea with false or treacherous individuals. (2) Next comes those who are vile (HCSB), abominable (ASV), or detestable (ESV). In the original language of this passage, these traits likely derive from a root word meaning “to stink.” (3) The New Testament book of Titus employs this word in a similar manner…

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good” (Titus 1:15-16 NIV).

This reference to those detestable individuals who “…claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him” is closely related to the word that is translated “vile” or “abominable” here in Revelation chapter twenty-one. (4) It also illustrates God’s disdain for hypocrisy, a characteristic that will find no place of acceptance within His eternal kingdom.

Revelation 21:8 then follows with a reference to “murderers.” Murder refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s life. Since that action violates the sixth Commandment, an unrepentant murderer should not expect to spend eternity with the Author of life.

Finally, our text from Revelation 21: 8 speaks of the “sexually immoral.” The creation account from the book of Genesis establishes a “one man-one woman” model as God’s standard for marital relationships. That model defines marriage as a monogamous relationship between a genetic male and a genetic female as God’s intended norm. Other physical relationships that fall outside that standard are broadly associated with the term “sexual immorality.” (5)

Image Attribution: A black and white poster with the words negative positive Public Domain, via pixabay

(1) G1169 – deilos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g1169/kjv/lxx/0-1/. See related reference to G1167 Fear, fearful, fearfulness – Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/Dictionary/viewTopic.cfm?topic=VT0001014

(2) G571 apistos (n.d.). billmounce.com. https://www.billmounce.com/greek-dictionary/apistos

(3) G948 – bdelysso – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g948/kjv/mgnt/0-1/

(4) G947 – bdelyktos – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g947/kjv/tr/0-1/

(5) See beginning here for a detailed discussion concerning this topic.

Revelation – Chapter Twenty-One III

by Ed Urzi

When it comes to purchasing gifts for others, there are some who must confront an age-old question: “What do you give to a person who has everything?” Since God is the ultimate personification of “someone who has everything,” what could we possibly give Him? The answer is we can offer Him the gift of ourselves. The New Testament book of Romans echoes this idea in a familiar portion of Scripture…

“So then, my friends, because of God’s great mercy to us I appeal to you: Offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to his service and pleasing to him. This is the true worship that you should offer” (Romans 12:2 GNT).

Revelation 21:3 also touches upon this idea when it says, “…God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God” (NIV). Thus, God will restore His relationship with humanity to a state of unbroken fellowship, just as it was in the beginning.

In addition to God’s direct presence, the opening verses of Revelation chapter twenty-one tell us that there will be no further instances of death, mourning, crying, or pain. Those who may find such promises to be too good to be true can find assurance in God’s personal guarantee: “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5 NLT).

Revelation 21:7 continues by saying, “Those who emerge victorious will inherit these things. I will be their God, and they will be my sons and daughters” (CEB). This reference to “Those who are victorious…” (NIV), captures the idea of someone who subdues, conquers, or prevails over something. It also relates to an observation from earlier in our study of Revelation chapter two, one that involves three obstacles that every God-honoring person must overcome.

The first obstacle involves daily life in a world that functions as if God did not exist. The second obstacle stems from our natural inclination to prioritize our personal desires over God’s plan and purpose for our lives. The final obstacle is embodied by Satan, a formidable, unseen spiritual adversary. These obstacles are collectively known as the world, the flesh, and the devil.

Those who prayerfully overcome these obstacles can look forward to the eternal inheritance promised here in Revelation chapter twenty-one. As the Biblical book of Hebrews concludes…

“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28).

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