Comments for February 20

32 v. 10-14 - There is an amazing discourse here between God and Moses. God is openly allowing himself to be persuaded by Moses - he places a direct temptation in his path - what would we have done? Moses chose not to be the next heir to the promise - not to take over from Abraham and let God start again - not to release himself form the burden of dealing with this wayward people, even though he had God's clear judgement about what had happened in his short absence. Instead the beseeches God to save them, and God complies. Here is a prime example of the power of prayer. We must believe that God will act on our requests if they are made, as this was, unselfishly and humbly. Ps.106:45, Jer.18:8, 26:13,19, Joel 2:13, Jonah 3:10, 4:2.

31 v.3 - Notice how this being 'filled with the spirit of God' manifests itself in craftsmanship and practical issues. It is so easy to take ownership ourselves for the skills we have 'developed' by our own practice and dedication, we think. This is an attitude of pride which we must surely dispel. Passages like these where the source of the skill is made quite clear make it easier for us to get this in perspective. We are told [1Cor.10:31] to do all to the glory of God. Most of us have specialised and practised a skill to a greater degree of perfection. Let us remember where the source of this skill really is.

Chapter 31- Either Hur was a very old man when he held up Moses' arms [Exodus 17:12] or Bezaleel was a very young man because he was the grand son of Hur, and yet we are still only two years into the wilderness journey.

Chapter 32 - Whilst chapter 31 speaks of the appointment of Bezaleel as the man who would be skilful in metal work the selection was not made until Moses came down the mountain. The scene is being set for a contrast.

SHORT MEMORIES

Only 40 days earlier all Israel had gathered at the base of Mt Sinai, prepared and ready to hear the words God would speak to them. God spoke to them from on the mountain and he gave them the Ten Commandments. The first two of the Ten Commandments were, "You shall have no other gods before me," and "You shall not make any idols." The experience of the voice of God was so awesome to Israel that they begged Moses to speak to the LORD alone because they couldn't bear to hear him again. We would have thought that what they had heard would have been indelibly engraved on their memories after all they had experienced.

But now, after only 40 days, it seems they had forgotten all that had happened to them. The people got Aaron to make them a god, a calf, which they worshipped as bringing them out of Egypt, breaking the first two to the ten commandments they had so recently heard.

How long are our memories? Does the Word of God have a lasting effect on us? Will the lessons of a Bible School or a good Bible study stay with us for more than a month? Let us continually refresh our memories by constantly turning to God's word so that we will not forget what we have heard.

31:13 The Sabbath was not simply a day of rest or an irksome inconvenience for Israel as they often found it. Rather it was to teach that their sanctification was of God

32:6 In sitting down to eat and drink and then rising up to play the people are very much like Esau (Genesis 25:34) who sold his birthright.

32:32 In asking God to blot him out of the book of life did Moses see his life as some sort of atonement for the people or did he feel that there was no point going on because he had failed in his job?

Exo 32:19  Moses, in hot anger, smashed God’s wonderful carving and writing down onto the ground. We do not read of God being angry with him, but we are told that he had to carve out the new blocks of stone himself, and to carry them up to God Deut 10:1,and God would write the same words again. Is there a type here? The first covenant (or, the Law of Moses) was to be replaced by the Law of Christ, "Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away." Heb 8:13

Exo 31:13-17  Sabbath only for Israel. "Speak unto the children of Israel" V.13  "It is a sign between me and the children of Israel." V.17 We can also go to Rom 14:5, Col 2:16

We see Moses, as a type of Christ, standing in the gap, interceding for his people (32:11).  Yahweh can be persuaded for His Name's sake (32:12).
 
Not long before the incident of the molten calf, the people had agreed to obey Yahweh (19:8).  And yet, through their lack of faith, they turned to the very idolatry from which they had been extricated (cattle were considered objects of worship in Egypt).

We must keep our faith strong by daily refreshing ourselves and our brethren with the Word.  We are like boats tied up at the dock.  As long as our ropes are secure we will not drift away.  We might be tossed up and down with the waves and pulled by the tide, but we will remain in place.
Slacken the rope and we will surely drift away, even little by little, until we are lost at sea.  Let the rope of the Word secure us to the dock of Christ.

31:2 Though the instructions about the tabernacle were communicated to Moses, a head director was selected by God. The appointment removed all ground of jealously or discontent on the part of any who might have thought their skills were overlooked. Matt 18:1

31:2 - Bezaleel, whose name means 'In the shadow of God' was called by name.  What a lovely picture of comfort that God does both call by name and keep us in His shadow.

31:2,6 - The craftsmen employed in the making of the tabernacle were "Bezaleel" Heb. (1212) means "in the shadow (or protection) of God" etc. (as Peter Cresswell already noted) and "Aholiab" Heb. (171) means "tent of his father" while the father of Aholiabah whose name was "Ahisamach" Heb. (294) means "brother of support". Perhaps these names are symbolic of the tabernacle and its meaning. God's people are in His shadow or protection which in some respects may refer to Christ who is a manifestation of God. The tent of his father could refer to the tabernacle which is the manifested house of God (like Solomon's temple) and might foreshadow a time when Christ rules in the Kingdom of God on earth. Certainly Christ is our "brother of support". Christ supports his brethren, those who do his will, and helps them now not to mention will give them ultimate rest in the millennial era John 12:46-50; Matt 11:30

31:6      We might have thought that it was practical skills that would be required for the making of the tabernacle. However the men that were involved were ‘wise hearted’ – an indication that building the house of God – the ecclesia – is not a matter of worldly skills but is a matter of applying Godly wisdom which often is at variance from the wisdom of the world.

32:34    The promise that ‘mine angel shall go before thee’ is because God was no longer going to be present there with the people. Whilst we might think it was good that God sent an angel we must understand that the angel was sent because Israel had rebelled in making the golden calf.

31:13 The Sabbath provided Israel with relief from the toil of the field which was given to Adam - Gen 3:17-19 - as a foretaste of the kingdom

The attitude displayed by the Israelites over Moses' absence (32:1) parallels that of some over Christ's absence (2Pet 3:4). It takes faith and patience to wait. Better to echo the psalmist's attitude (Psa 130:5).

Israelites were not forbidden to wear jewellery up to this point in time (32:2). However, after the molten calf incident, they were no longer permitted to wear jewellery (Exo 33:5,6).

32:27-28 - The Levites chose God over their families, so behaving according to the words of Jesus in Luke 14:26

32:1     In saying that the people thought that Moses ‘delayed’ we learn that they were impatient. Are we unwilling to wait for God or are we too willing to get involved in mischief whilst we wait God’s good time?

31:3 The filling of Bezaleel with the qualities required to build the tabernacle is rather like the giving of the spirit gifts in the first century which were for the building up of the church – Eph 4:12

31:2 Bezaleel (under the shadow (i.e. protection) of God) was the grandson of Hur, the husband of Miriam (according to Josephus); and the great-grandson of Caleb.

32:4 It is ironic that a statue of a calf was made. A chief deity in Egypt was Apis, a live ox three years old.

32:6 After eating and drinking (to excess), the people rose up to play. The verb to play in Hebrew is tsachek which has the connotation of sexual play. In other words, the people engaged in illicit sexual intercourse.

Exo 32:1;Acts 7:39-40.  Exo 32:6;1Cor 10:7.

Exo 32:9 - "stiffnecked" suggests necks that would not bend to God's will.

31:6 The addition of Aholiab and others is like the giving of the holy spirit gifts in the first century. They were not confined to one or two in the church but rather to many who all used them for the same purpose, the edifying of the church.

Here is the first indication of how close to Moses Joshua was. In 32:17 we learn, as an incidental detail, that he had been in the presence of God with Moses. Yet there is no mention of him in the rest of the narrative - because he was just Moses' helper (24:13). We can learn a lot from Joshua who stayed in the background until he was appointed to office. Elisha, Samuel, the apostles, even Jesus, rose to prominence only after first learning in the background.

31:17 In saying God was ‘refreshed’ on the Sabbath we learn something of the purpose of the Sabbath. It was for the benefit of His creation, man in particular. Man was to be refreshed on the Sabbath. The way in which the Sabbath was to be observed was the means whereby man would be refreshed. Psalm 9 title tells us that it is a Psalm for the Sabbath day. Reading the Psalm will show how we can be refreshed, not necessarily on one day in the week but all the time.

Exo 32:26

“… then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD’s (Yahweh’s) side? let him come unto me.”

What a sobering question this is for it forces us to examine ourselves, shake us out of spiritual lethargy, and renew ourselves.

During the American Civil War, classed as the fiercest battle ever fought on American soil, both the North and South claimed that their cause was righteous and the LORD was on their side! When President Abraham Lincoln was asked if he thought the LORD was on his side, he replied, “I am not at all concerned about that for I know the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constant anxiety and prayer that I would be on the Lord’s side.” Lincoln wisely realized that it is up to us to align our thoughts and our actions to the LORD’s will.

What was once depicted as the fiercest war in American history, will pale in comparison to what lies ahead for America and the world. Messiah will be very dreadful to his enemies, but very delightful to his friends. As to which of these two classes we shall be found in that day will completely depend upon our present striving to conform to the LORD’s will. That day of reckoning will reveal to the “many” (Matt 22:12-14) that they were never ever truly on the LORD’s side even though they thought they were (Matt 7:22-27)! “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord” (2Cor 5:11), let us draw nigh to God persevering and waiting a little longer for that day of gladness and salvation is at hand.

WAIT AND WATCH

Jesus said, "Behold, I am coming soon!" (Rev 22:12) As we see it, that seems a very long time ago, almost 2000 years. But the promise of his return still stands and the events in the world are lining up to show us that he will come back, and come sooner than we might expect.

In a similar way to the way Jesus has gone into heaven and will return at the appointed time, so Moses went up the mountain of God where he received the law for Israel. Like Jesus, he had also been gone a long time while the children of Israel waited at the bottom of the mountain. "When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, 'Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.'" (Exo 32:1) When Moses came down the mountain he saw "that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies." (v.25)

Let us not give up our self control and patience as Israel did while they waited for Moses. Instead, as we wait for Jesus, let us keep watch. Let us both watch for his return, and watch the way we behave ourselves.

32:7,11          Notice the way that God speaks to Moses and how Moses responds. Whilst God speaks of Israel being brought out of Egypt by Moses responds that God had brought them out.

Exo 31:2-6  Bezaleel was “filled with the spirit of God” for the purpose of establishing a place of worship for Israel in the wilderness.   Aholiab and others with him were given sufficient wisdom necessary to make all that God commanded them.  When the place of worship was established these spirit gifts ceased to exist.

This was the pattern God established and then repeated in the first century AD when the spirit was given at Pentecost (Acts 2) for the purpose of establishing the Ecclesia.  The Apostles were filled with the spirit (Acts 2:4) and others had a range of gifts necessary to establish the Ecclesia (Rom 12:6-8; 1Cor 12:28).

32:17  Despite being told by God exactly what had happened at the foot of the mount Joshua was still unwilling to believe it, thinking that the sound was the sound of war. Thus we see that God’s servants were not as ‘tuned in’ to the behaviour of the children of Israel as God was.

Exo 32:1-6.

32:22 From the comment here we may think that the anger was confined to Moses and his attitude to Aaron. However we learn – Deut 9:20 – that God had told Moses that He would kill Aaron. It was only Moses’ pleading for Aaron’s life that saved him from death. 

Exo 32:1 We think it surprising that Israel gave up waiting for Moses to return and turned to idol worship. But we are no different in waiting for the return of Christ.

A brother once told me that if we truly believed Christ would return this very day, he would either find us at a full ecclesis or with a bible open upon our laps!

What will he find us doing when he returns?

32:18 We come across the idea of striving for the mastery again – 2Tim 2:5 – but on that occasion it is a good thing to do.

Exo 32:11-28

This incident exemplifies how God works with us through prayer. Prayer is the power line that keeps us connected to God, and where there is no prayer, there is no power, and where there is no power, God’s power cannot fuse through our lives. Verse 14 is not indicative of God changing His mind. Here is what happened:

In verse 7 we read that during the time Moses was up in the mount receiving the Ten Commandments, the people steeped themselves in idolatry and corrupted themselves. The LORD then told Moses that He would utterly destroy them (v. 10).  Moses interceded for the people. Did God know Moses was going to do this? Of course He did! God knew Moses’ heart, his compassion and love for the nation of Israel, and honoured his prayer, but God also accomplished His will in destroying 3,000 men who were responsible for corrupting His people (v. 28).

Intercessory prayer is not the same as prayers for ourselves, nor is intercessory prayer just about praying for someone else. Intercession prayer goes a lot deeper than that. It honours God in trusting Him to act, it casts our weakness before God’s strength, it reveals our dependence on God, it brings us to a close intimacy with God, and intercessory prayer awakens our love for others, even those we find hard to love. Intercessory prayer helps us grow spiritually, and in this, God reveals His grace toward us and the importance for us to be intercessory prayers.

We need to keep in mind that God’s mercy never overrides His purpose, nor His justice, nor His will. We cannot know for certain what that will be. God’s love is broader and deeper, and what we pray for may simply not find a place within His purpose.  For this reason, our intercessory prayers may not always be answered and we must accept it. Moses spared his people from immediate destruction, but his generation did not enter the Promised land, Abraham prayed to God to spare the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, but God only saved Lot, his wife, and two daughters, David prayed his baby son he had with Bathsheba would live, but the baby died, Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers, the apostles prayed for the unity of the ecclesia. They gained a lot of unity, but serious divisions still remained.

God’s people are to be a people of prayer (1Thess 5:17,18), and prayer is one of the largest needs of our time. God honours the prayers of His people, because His peoples’ prayers to Him honour Him, and as with all prayer, we conclude that, “not my will, but thine be done” (Luke 22:42).

32:35       The way in which the making of the calf is described should cause us to think. It was made by the people and Aaron.  We cannot dissociate ourselves from wrongs which we have agreed to.

CAUGHT OUT

If you had been in the middle of the best party you had ever experienced - the singing, dancing, drinking, food, laughter, and lust were all just to your taste, and someone turned up to put a stop to it all, how would you feel toward them?

This is just what happened to the Israelites when Moses came down the mountain to discover them all having a wild party around a golden calf idol. No doubt there would have been many who despised him for stopping their fun. But there were also some who realised the sin of the situation they had put themselves in, and who, despite what they had done, turned back to God.

"Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and said, 'Whoever is for the LORD, come to me!' And the Levites rallied to him." (Exo 32:25-26).

We all have a choice. Each one of us gets caught out doing something we shouldn't do at some stage in our lives. How are we to respond? Will we despise the goody-two-shoes who caught us out? Or will we take the opportunity to be corrected, to respond and to change?

The Levites rallied to Moses. Are we humble enough to do the same?
 

32:17  Seemingly Joshua was unaware of the conversation between God and Moses about what was happening in the camp.

31:1   Bezaleel is the only person in Scripture of whom it is said he was called by name by God. The same phrase occurs in Exo 35:30.

32:25  The word translated “naked” in the King James version of the Bible <6544>is translated “perish” in Prov 29:18. The point being that, Moses being up the mountain, the people thought they had no revelation from God and so degenerated to a state of having casting restraint away – see the RV in Prov 29:18

33:14 Jesus invited people to associate with him and he would give them rest – Matt 11:28 In so speaking he echoed the way in which God spoke to Moses in the wilderness at Sinai.

Exo 31:1-8  The LORD has called many people by their name to serve Him. For example, Abraham, Gen 22:11 ; Moses Exo 19:3 ; Samuel, 1Sam 3:3-6. 

Bezaleel (<1212>, in the shadow (protection) of God) was called out by name by to carry out an important role for the LORD. He was of the tribe of Judah, a grandson of Hur who with Aaron held up Moses arms during the battle with Amalek (Exo 17:12). Aholiab meaning (<171>), tent of (his) father) was of the tribe of Dan was also selected for this work.  These faithful spirit gifted men were called by name to serve the LORD.  

Seventy disciples of Jesus were similarly blessed for their contribution to the work of establishing a body of believers. “Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:19-20)

If we have answered the call to be followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, then we are called to witness to the truth of the Gospel message in our lives. Our names therefore, are known to our heavenly Father.

“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels....” (Mal 3:16). 

“I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.” (Phil 4:3). 

32:1the behaviour of the people when it was though that Moses “delayed” is seen in Jesus’ parable – Matt 24:49 - where the servants cast off restraint as they did here at Sinai.

31:13     the fact that the sabbath was a sign is like the rainbow which was a sign after the flood – Gen 9:12

32:7 Maybe Moses had not told Joshua what the Lord had told him about the activities amongst the people at the foot of the mountain.

31:3-5  Craftsmen usually specialise in one craft in particular. A skilful stone mason is not normally skilled in working in silver and gold. Thus we see the skills gave to Bezaleel were not restricted to one sphere. Thus he was able to instruct others in the various skills required for the manufacture of the tabernacle and its furniture.

32:2-3 The people who broke off the “golden earrings” were slaves. They would not have had such items had not the Egyptians given them the jewels as they left Egypt.

So we wonder. How much of the items of Egypt do we carry around with us – in readiness to be misused in God’s service?

31:1-2  The bestowing of special skills on Bezaleel was for a specific purpose. A skill that he only needed for the task he was given, was like the giving of the Holy Spirit in the first century. Given for a specific purpose but ceasing with the death of the ones who possessed the gift.

Exo 32

A BOOK WRITTEN BY GOD

“THE figure of a book of remembrance runs through the Scripture. It is a figure, for the Eternal God neither changes nor forgets. But the thought is full of comfort for those who fear God. The earliest reference is in the words of Moses when with self-effacing love for the people for whom he was mediator, he pleaded that God should blot out their sin—and if not, that he should be blotted out of the book which God had written (Exo 32:32).

In the Messianic Psa 69, the persecutors are to be blotted out of the book of life and not written with the righteous (Psa 69:27,28). Isaiah speaks of some ‘written among the living in Jerusalem’ (Isa 4:3).

Daniel anticipates the use of the phrase in the Apocalypse when he speaks about the deliverance of ‘those found written in the book; (Dan 12:1; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 21:27; 22:19). The Lord himself refers to men’s names written in heaven as the ground for their greatest joy (Luke 10:20); while Paul thinks of his fellow-labourers ‘whose names are in the book of life’ (Phil 4:3).”

John Carter, Prophets after the Exile, pp. 206,207

v. 3 - This covenant is made not just with David, but through his greater Son, Jesus, a greater covenant is made with us. v.28,34,39, 2Sam.7:10-16, 23:5, Isa.55:3, Jer.33:20,21, Acts 2:30, Heb.7:21.

v.15 - To walk in the light of God's countenance surely reminds us of the occasions when the light of God has shone from the countenance of one or two in history. Notably Jesus, physically at the Transfiguration, but spiritually throughout his life as he manifested to us the Father - and so we have this treasure in earthen vessels - 2Cor. 4:6,7 - the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Psalm 89 - This Psalm is an inspired commentary on the promises to David - 2 Samuel 7 / 1 Chronicles 17. In speaking of 'his seed' v36 he links all servants of God into those promises which seem to be speaking of Solomon and Jesus.

:30 In saying 'if his children …' this Psalm explains the way in which we should understand 2 Samuel 7:14. It is the children, not Christ, who will sin. So the children will be visited etc: (89:32) quoting 2 Samuel 7:14

89:35 That God had ‘sworn’ is actually quite a rare event. When we realise the promises to David which is the focus of this Psalm were given after David acted the part of a Melchisedec priest we will see the link with Psa 110:4 The Lord hath sworn …’

Psalm 89  A song which yearns for the fulfilment of God's covenant with David to be fulfilled in Christ.

Here's another occasion of a Psalmist quoting the promise to David from 2Sam 7:12-16 These words of  God, written into Psa 89:3-4, are a huge pillar in our structure of truth.  The whole of the New Testament hinges on this promise.

v.20-37 are spoken of David.  We take them, quite rightly, and apply them to David's greater Son, but these are words spoken of David.  We have much to learn and a great deal of comfort to be gained from a consideration of how God saw this man.

89:35   David had made an oath to God that he would not rest until the ark was I the place of God’s choosing – Psa 132:2-5 and so God made a promise, confirmed with an oath, to David.

89:48‘shall not see death’ is echoed by Jesus – John 8:51 – and so the Psalm, speaking to those who would be the seed of David, will benefit from the work of Jesus – ‘hand of the grave’ - Heb 2:14

28-37 This relationship is on going. History has shown us, even though in personal relationships to their God might be faithless, and they have suffered as a result, the commitment that God made to both Abraham and David, will be fulfilled. We see here once again the confirmation of His promise. Even the most enduring objects of heaven and earth illustrate the power of it (36-37).

89:14 The ‘justice and judgement’ of this verse will be seen in the ruling Jesus – Isa 9:7 who will show the ‘mercy and truth’ of God as seen in Exo 34:6

V.47-48 - added v.47 for context to show how fleeting life is while in v. 48 we have ["soul" KJV or "himself" NIV] the Hebrew word "nephesh" (5315) which in its primary meaning stands for creature, a breathing creature man or animal. It is rendered variously person, creature, self, life, soul, etc. The word "nephesh" is connected with mortality.

Psa 89:1-8, 24 Notice how often the word ‘faithfulness’ occurs in these verses. It all revolves around the covenant that God made with David – 2Sam 7:12-16– David was convinced that the words would be fulfilled and so celebrates that truth in this Psalm. Do we share his confidence about that promise?

V.11 The scripture claims that Yahweh is the creator and owner of all things. However, most prefer to believe in godless evolution.  Yet, others try to combine the two positions by saying that God created through the evolutionary process.  These fence-sitters are like agnostics who believe that God might exist but that nothing can be known about him.  It is easier to persuade a person who takes a definite position than one who wavers between two opposite standpoints.  The scripture has no use for those of two minds (1Kin 18:21; James 1:8).

V.27 - there would seem to be a prophetic messianic application to Christ who will be made God's first born, higher than the kings of the earth Rom 8:29;Col 1:15,18;Heb 1:6;Rev 1:5. Christ was not the first born prior to the Genesis creation, he was the first born from the dead.

V.27 - "make" <5414>.  V.29 - "make" <7760>.

Psa 89:3-4, Psa 89:34-36.First Principles>Sure Mercies of David
The covenant which God made with David will not be broken.
Go to Isa 55:3 for more about the Sure Mercies of David, including references showing the five conditions which will be satisfied by God's coming Kingdom.

Psa 89:36 First Principles>Sure mercies of David>King
The Lord Jesus Christ is the one who will be the King to sit on David's throne for ever. For more about the King, go to 2Sam 7:12-16.

Psa 89:3-4 First Principles>Sure mercies of David>King
This is an everlasting covenant sworn to David, and it did not take place in David's lifetime 2Sam 23:3-5 but there will be a future fulfilment Psa 89:3-4. Psa 132:11 is quoted in the New Testament and applied to Jesus Acts 2:30, Acts 13:22-23. This shows that Jesus will be the future King.
For more about the King, go to 2Sam 7:12-16.

89:9 The stilling of the waves was seen in the miracles of Jesus, for example Mark 4:39 – but in a greater way speaks of the way in which Jesus will rule the nations when he returns to bring about the fulfilment of the promise to David.

89:10 ‘Rahab’ is another way of saying Egypt  like in Isa 51:9

Who calmed the waves?

The calming of the waves shows the power and majesty of God (v9). It proves that the heavens and the earth, the whole world, is His (v11). It means He is to be greatly reverenced by all those round Him (v7). But the Psalmist begins this with a question: Who can be compared to the LORD? Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the LORD? When Jesus stilled the waves with just a word of command, he answered that question. Jesus is to be reverenced. Jesus is to be compared to God. Jesus has been given the world by his Father.

Christadelphians are unique, as far as we know, in understanding that Jesus was like his Father, not one and the same. We want others to understand it too. The Psalm goes on to talk about those who know and accept this truth:

v15 "Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
       They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance."

89:20   I have found David is the basis of the quotation in Acts 13:22 where Paul is preaching to the Jews about Jesus being their Messiah.

Psa 89:19 - "thy holy one...I have exalted one chosen out of thy people" (Isa 52:13) - this would not seem to support the trinity.

Psa 89:20 - "David" <1732> means "beloved" and can apply to Christ.

Psa 89:24 - "in my name" (Phil 2:9-11).

Psa 89:26 - "Thou art my father, my God and the rock of my salvation" - "my" can apply to Christ, this verse does not seem to support the trinity.

Psa 89:29-30 - "His seed...his children" (Isa 53:10-11).

Psa 89:45,47 - "The days of his youth hast thou shortened...how short my time is" - Christ was crucified in his 30's.

Psa 89:50 - "I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people" (Exo 4:5-7;Isa 53:4).

Psa 89:51 - "they have reproached the footsteps (<6119> means "heel" - Gen 3:15) of thine anointed".

89:23     In speaking of this one spoken of in the Psalm beating down Israel’s foes we see a quotation from Deut 28:7 Thus we see the kingdom of God, ruled by Jesus, will be the time of the blessings that Moses spoke of in the list of blessings.

REJOICE ALL DAY

How much rejoicing in the name of the LORD have we done today? What about exalting in God's righteousness? Listen to these words: "They rejoice in your name all day long; they exult in your righteousness." (Psa 89:16) This is a measure of those who are known by God as his people.

If we are truly God's people we will be rejoicing in God's name, not just once in a while, but all day long. We will be excited and joyful about God's righteousness.

If we are not living joyfully as the psalmist describes, then we can learn to grow in God. The verse before the one we just read, says, "Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD." (v 15) When we can learn to publicly acknowledge God's excellence and enthusiastically tell others about him, and when we walk in the light of God's presence, we will rejoice in God's name and have joy in his righteousness.

Until we are living lives that rejoice in the LORD all day long, we need to work on the way we walk in the light of the LORD and how we enthusiastically present him to others.

What a blessing we have when we have learned that way of life! Let us be true children of God, rejoicing in him all day long.

89:24    The way in which the Psalm speaks of the exalting of the horn of the anointed echoes 1Sam 2:10 showing that Hannah’s prayer looks to the coming of Messiah, not simply the son promised to her by Eli. 

89:30   The phrase ‘if his children’ is the basis for David’s comment to Solomon in 11Kin 2:4

89:19   When the Psalmist speaks of God speaking in a vision to David he is talking of the time of the promises to David 2Sam 7:17, 1Chron 17:15

Psa 89:27-29  The Psalmist sings of the certainty of God’s mercy to His people. Israel His firstborn (Exo 5:22) and Jesus His only begotten son (John 3:16) who was to be the firstborn among many brethren (Rom 8:29).

The Lord’s throne, the throne of David on which Jesus will sit (Luke 1:32-33) will endure for ever.  The Psalmist compares the continuing nature of the Lord’s throne to the everlasting nature of the days of heaven.

When we utter the words of the Lord’s prayer which Jesus taught his disciples, we join with the Psalmist in remembering the eternal nature of the Kingdom of God on earth.  The Kingdom is compared to eternity and precision of the heavenly bodies, “…thy will be done on earth as it is done  in heaven.” (Matt 6:9-10).

89:37   We learn that the “faithful witness” is Jesus because he actually applies this verse to himself in Rev 3:14. Thus we can have a clear and certain understanding of what the Psalm is talking about by comparing the words of the Psalm with the way in which Jesus uses the Psalm.

89:41   verses 1-37 the Psalm has spoken positively about David and the promise of2Sam 7:12-17 but the remainder of the Psalm presents a picture of a man rejected and alienated from those dear to him. A tine after the promises were made to David when this happened was when he was fleeing form Absalom and it looked as if Absalom would take the throne. Solomon would not be king. It would appear that this is what Psalm 89:38-52 is talking about.

Psa 89 Provides a background to help us understand what is meant by the phrase “the Kingdom of Heaven”.  A phrase which occurs 32 times (KJV), and only to be found in Matthew’s Gospel. e.g. Matt 3:4, ; Matt 4:17 ; Matt 5:3; Matt.6:10 ; Matt.13:31 ; Matt.13:33 ; Matt.18:1-4.

The sun, Moon, stars were all placed with precision in the heavens by the creator to achieve His purpose both in the heavens and on the earth.

The heavenly bodies will continue on their set courses for eternity as a witness to “my covenant which shall stand fast” (Psa 89:28), “which I will not be break” (Psa 89:34).

Jesus therefore taught his disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

89:19  Whereas the phrase “Holy one” occurs a number of times in the Old Testament one use clearly speaks of Jesus – Psa 16:10. All occurrences in the New Testament refer to Jesus Mark 1:4, Luke 4:34, Acts 2:27, 2:14, 13:35, 1John 2:20

89:38  The way that God swore “by His holiness” is the basis for the Apostle’s comment – Rom 1:4 – “spirit of holiness” thus developing the David connection in Romans which begins in Rom 1:3

89:6The Psalmist here reflects on the majesty of his God. How often do we reflect on the majesty and greatness of our heavenly Father? There is nothing in this world to compare with Him and what He is able to do for us.

89:15 The “sound” relates to “wind” or “breath”. It is the voice of God that the servants of God “know”. Learnt from hearing His words in scripture. Rather like the sheep recognising the voice of the good shepherd (John 10:17). Truly a blessing.

That blessing should motivate us to “rejoice all the day” (89:16). This not simply being happy. Being happy all the day, every day, is well-nigh impossible in this life. Rather it is a consequence of the realisation that we have salvation in Christ irrespective of the difficulties we face day to day is the reason to rejoice, despite the problems we experience.

89:26 The one who would call God “my father” is Jesus when he cried “Abba Father” - Mark 14:36 – for that is what Jesus was saying. It is also the way we can speak of our God –Gal 4:6

89:22 The way the Psalmist speaks here is very similar to the words spoken to David – 1Chron 17:22 – where the promise that is being expounded here in the Psalm.

89:3  We might not appreciate the force of what God did for David. In giving an oath by swearing God had said something that under no circumstance could He change.

The promise of the return of Christ and the reestablishment of the kingdom of God is as certain as that oath sworn to David because those yet future things are part of the oath that God sware to David.

1 v.17-24 - The gospel is not for the wise in this world, but for those who are prepared to seek out and be exercised by the simple truths contained in scripture. An open and honest and selfless mind finds them. ch.2:2, Gal.6:12-14, Acts 13:41, 2Cor.2:15,16, 4:3, Rom.1:16, Heb.4:12.

ch 1 - Acts 18 records the formation of the ecclesia at Corinth. Sosthenes is also mentioned in Acts 18:17 - it must have been quite a blow to the Jews that a ruler of the synagogue was converted to Christ.

2:4 and 1:17 Twice Paul emphasises that his message was not according to man's wisdom - we will see as we continue reading 1 Corinthians that the Corinthians were very much taken with their own importance.

ch 1 - KEEP YOU STRONG

"He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful."

This is an awesome promise that I believe that God has given to us as well as to the Corinthians. It begins on the day we give our lives to our God and commit to serving him for the rest of our lives and lasts to the end. From that time on, God is keeping us strong so that we will be blameless. He wants us all to be saved and is not willing that any should perish - that is why he gives us strength. God gives us trials and he allows us to be tempted to see how we will react, but with every trial he provides a way to escape and he gives us the strength - his strength - to overcome if we choose to use it. We need to allow him to work in our lives, to give us the strength (because we certainly can't do it by ourselves), and to keep us blameless for the day of Christ. And once God gives us the strength he will not stop until the end, until the day of Christ.

Isn't he wonderful? May he bless you with strength now and forever.

1:9 There is a danger for us. It is this. We may feel that we are members of a church which views itself as an exclusive club. Paul explains that it is far more than this. We are in fellowship with His son. We are not just believers - we are actually sons and daughters of the Creator.1John 3:1

2:11 Though Paul says that the only way to know God is through the Spirit of God he is not saying that we need to have the Holy Spirit to understand God.  The Spirit of God is in us to the extent to which we understand His word.

1Cor 1:8-9  The N.I.V. reads He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.  God, who has called you unto fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful. What an awesome promise we all have!

It does us well to remember our status (1:27-28) and not to compare ourselves by the world's standards.  It does us well also to remember our calling (1:2).  If we do these things, then we shall be in harmony, one with another (1:10).

1:13 - Division is something which is prevalent in Christianity more than anywhere else.  Here we see that the division Paul observes is of man's making v.11.  Whilst we are exhorted to contend for the faith in Jude v.3, clearly this is not an invitation to the type of contention that existed here. Let us contend only with compassion Jude v.22

1:13 ‘Is Christ divided?’ – such a direct question but if we were to ask this every time we were at variance with a brother maybe we would have less division in our midst.

2:3 In speaking of being in Corinth in ‘much fear’ Paul is referring to Acts 18:12 – giving us an insight into how Paul felt at that time.

1:3-4 The introduction to this letter is centered on GRACE, 5485 CHARIS (deliverance from danger) an unearned freely bestowed favour of God to all. The forgiveness of sins and the reconciliation to God through Christ. It is through the grace of our Heavenly Father that we some 2000 years after Paul wrote this epistle, have the opportunity to once again read of that grace that was extended to the believers at Corinth.

Paul wrote to this early ecclesia, helping them to extricate themselves from the evils of Corinth, and to become separate for Christ. To both Jews and gentiles, Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God (1Cor 1:24). In 1Cor 2 Paul then compares the wisdom of the world with the wisdom of God.

2:10-16 this is tied to Rom 12:2 & Rom 8:5-17 where we are exhorted by Paul to transform our minds from the mind of the flesh to the mind of the spirit/the mind of Christ, and by so doing we become aligned in our thinking with God, instead of being opposed to Him, and therefore we understand His will and the message that he has written to us. We have to change our focus.

1:1-10 What an amazing way Paul has of setting up his discussion of divisions starting in verse 10. Every verse before this mentions our Lord. v1 apostle of Jesus Christ, v2 sanctified in Christ Jesus, call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, v3 peace . . . from the Lord Jesus Christ, v4 grace . . . given you by Jesus Christ, v5 enriched by him, v6, testimony of Christ, v7, coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, v8, the day of our Lord Jesus Christ, v9, fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Has he hammered it home enough? What a setup before launching in to a discussion on their divisions.

1:22-27 God is aware of cultural bias, but His hope and His way if or all cultures, not just one. This comes out strongly in this passage: v22 the Jews require a sign (demonstration of power), the Greeks seek after wisdom. Paul goes on to demonstrate that God in his mercy has taken care, each, of their cultural needs -- and much more! -- 

v29 No flesh - mighty or wise - can glory in God's presence, for all is of him. My natural inclination is to seek my own glory because of my own strength or wisdom. I need to remember that, if I have any measure whatsoever, it is from God, and that it isn't strength or wisdom that will bring salvation, no, but rather when I am weak, then am I strong, and that the Captain of our salvation was made perfect through sufferings.

Paul did baptise one family (1:16), although his main purpose was to preach (1:17). Some take 1:17 to mean that baptism is not necessary for salvation. However, other scriptures make it clear that it is (e.g. Mark 16:16).

1:2 This letter is going to address many serious moral and doctrinal problems in Corinth. By speaking to the brethren and sisters as ‘sanctified’ Paul is highlighting their position that they might appreciate the seriousness of their situation when he speaks of their problems.

2:8       Here and in James 2:1 we find the term ‘lord of glory. On both occasions it is a reference to the risen Christ. On both occasions the term is used to emphasise the status of the risen Jesus.  The implication on both occasions is that an appreciation of the status of Jesus should modify one’s behaviour.

1:1-10 Notice how often the title ‘Jesus Christ’ occurs in these verses. It sets the scene for the argument about unity amongst the believers. He is the head, the one they are all trying to follow, the one through whom they are actually together. His title, therefore, is clearly stated a number of times to force them to see the head and basis for all that they do together.

1:23 Stumbling block is translated from the Greek skandalon which means trap or snare. It is also from where we derive our word scandal.

2:27 What used to be hidden is now made plain. Therefore, nothing is left as a mystery. It is interesting that people who cannot clearly explain a (false) position, like the Trinity, say: It’s a mystery. And yet, the Truth is clearly explained in scripture.

Hiding in full view

Once, when playing hide and seek with my son, I stood next to him as he counted. When he'd finished, he rushed off to find me, missing me completely. Often the best way to hide something is to make it easier to find than people expect. By making it easy to find we de-value it in people's estimation. The majority of travellers on the road of life go running right past the turnoff for salvation. It's too early on, and too small a road. They feel there must be more further on, so they pass by. Yet the blind and lame find it because they grasp at whatever is in their reach. For them there is no opportunity to run further on with the crowd.

This is the picture we find in 1:18 and 1:26-29. The Greeks want something more wise. And the Jews want to do more. Only the weak (or weak in spirit) seem to be prepared to accept the gospel for what it is. Who would have thought that eternal life was a simple as believing in Christ, asking, and receiving? In Romans 2 Paul goes on to explain that it is only by this lowly mindset (spirit = mindset) that we can perceive the wisdom of God at all (v12)

"that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God."

1:20 In quoting Isa 29:14 ‘I will ... prudent’ we see Paul using the Old Testament to show that this proud way of thinking had been foreseen by God long before the days of Jesus and that He had already worked out a way to deal with it.

1:24   Having spoken of himself and the believers in Corinth as ‘called’ in verses :1 and :2 he now uses the word ‘called’ again to assert that those who were truly ‘called’ the simplicity of the crucified Jesus’ power will be easily seen.

1:14   The mention of Crispus and Gaius as men that Paul baptised probably indicates that they were amongst the first to be baptised in the city.

1Cor 1:10

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

I can’t think of a more unpopular subject than issues that cause divisions. But the truth is they need to be dealt with because it is our obligation to obey the Lord. Interestingly, these two words, “perfectly joined” is one Greek word, katartizo, # <2675>, “mend, join together,” and put together for emphasis!

The Corinthian ecclesia faced many divisive issues: 1) There were those who identified themselves as followers of different disciples (1Cor 1:12). 2) Incest (1Cor 5). 3) Suing a brother in court (1Cor 6). 4) Whether fornication was tolerated (1Cor 6). 5) Should a believer stay married to an unbeliever (1Cor 1:7). 6) If eating meats offered to idols was acceptable (1Cor 8-10). 7) What the right way was to remember the Lord (1Cor 11). 8) Spiritual gifts that were more important (1Cor 12-14).

It is my observation that point 1 is one of the biggest pitfalls we can fall into today, and that is, we tend to stay loyal to those who taught us the Truth, giving them our affection and devotion. Our affinity to them, whether family or friends, often blinds us to the whole Truth, so if they leave a fellowship we tend to follow them regardless. This is a very big and dangerous mistake! Paul realized this danger and appealed to the brethren to follow him, the Christ-appointed apostle and follower of Christ (1Cor 11:1), and no one else.

During the apostles’ time there was only one fellowship and every effort was made to teach the disciples the right way that they stay a part of the Body of Christ. We, as they, are to struggle together with our differences, and it must be done in a way, which meets the needs for spiritual growth. It is not enough to expect to stay together out of mere duty. We have the responsibility to make our needs known, and to recognize the needs of others. Today, there are so many different fellowships, that we do not take reconciliation as seriously, so if we have a personal disagreement, we just shop around and go somewhere else. This is unbiblical (Rom 12:16; Phil 2:2; 1Pet 3:8; Eph 4:4-6); it is out-and-out dangerous (Matt 18:7)! Though our circumstances have changed, the Lord’s will has not changed, and what Paul taught about disputes then still applies today. Christ’s body is ONE. If we love one another as the Bible exhorts us to (John 13:34-35; John 17:22; 1Cor 13), this would not happen.

It is the heart of the Gospel that we seek and keep unity that we all be the children of God and, therefore, brothers and sisters. If we fail in love and concern for one another, how effective is our witness to the reconciliation of those without to God through Christ? We would not be true to Christ if we were not committed to that love and hope of unity, which was the purpose of his coming into the world (John 17).

There were a lot of serious personal differences in the Corinthian ecclesia, but Paul never once countenanced separate fellowships, or allowed them to be comfortable with their differences. Running away, or holding back never solves problems. They were able to confront problems because they had enough commitment to do so.

However, dogmatic heresies and refusals to repent and change are not to be fellowshipped (Matt 18:15-17; 1Cor 5:1-5; 2John 1:10). Why? Because under those conditions we are no longer of one mind, or "perfectly joined," and unity cannot be maintained. These Scriptural steps were thus necessary to keep the body as ONE. Furthermore, unity at the expense of compromise will also never work (Titus 3:10-11), nor ever be acceptable to God.

1Cor 1:1-10

“...Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Before the apostle Paul gets to this verse he firstly reminds the Corinthians that they are the ecclesia of God. Secondly, he shows that God has but one purpose, and that is to be set aside for His purpose. Thirdly, the ecclesia lacks nothing in Christ. Fourthly, the ecclesia is reminded of God’s faithfulness, and fifthly, that the ecclesia of God has the privilege in partaking in fellowship with His Son.

Before addressing the disunity, Paul beseeches for unity in the ecclesia, that they be complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. “Beseech” is, parakaleo, # <3870>, and conveys the idea of being near to someone to comfort them. He is going to exhort them because he cares for them, but reminds them that he is doing so not by his authority, but by the authority of Christ.

The word, “divisions” is, schisma, # <4978>, from # <4977>, from which we get our English word, “schism.” It means, “a split or gap (‘schism’)…rent.” (see Matt 27:51; Luke 5:36; John 21:11; Acts 14:4). As a body of believers, Paul wanted them back into unity, or oneness. He uses the word, katartizo, # <2675>, for “perfectly” being joined together. Perfectly joined together means being 100 % together, not 75%, or even 99%, as man’s wisdom would have it by a so-called majority vote. Paul recognized the individuals’ diversities, we are not clones, but at the same time we are still commanded to be “all” one in Christ (1Cor 12:22-31). A jigsaw puzzle has many pieces, and all the pieces are different, but must be put together to complete the picture, and not any fraction thereof! Paul is telling us this same thing in Heb 11:1-3. The word, “framed” is katartizo, # <2675>, “to be perfectly joined together,” that in every Age it is God’s Word by which we are perfectly fitted together. What a beautiful picture of how God wants unity among His people.

In Eph 4:1-3, Paul says that we are to be diligent in preserving (i.e. “keep,” # <5083>, tereo, “ to guard, pre-serve, watch.”) unity in the bond of peace. Many try producing unity, and it simply does not work. Only God’s Word can do that, and our duty is to preserve it. We did not work toward it, we come from it, and Paul is telling the Corinthians to come back to it.

1:18  In speaking of the way that a believer views the gospel as “the power of God” Paul is suing the same idea that he uses in Rom 1:16

1:5-6    Paul here is emphasising to the Corinthian believers that they were like all other groups of believers. They were not inferior in the way that the Holy Spirit gifts were distributed amongst them. This is an important point which needed to be made because later we will learn -   - that the believers squabbled about the gifts and which were important. 1Cor 12:1-29

2:9-12  The way in which Paul writes here draws on the idea of Prov 20:27. It is the word of God that informs the conscience. The man who is not educated by the word of God  is not searched by that word.

1Cor 1:18

“For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are being saved it is the power of God.”

The following quote comes from Pope Francis said at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan, New York on September 24, 2015:  "We need to remember that we are followers of Jesus Christ and his life, humanly speaking, ended in failure, the failure of the cross”  The entire transcript may be read at: http://abcnews.go.com/US/read-pope-francis-yorks-st-patricks-cathedral/story?id=34023376/

You will read that the Pope was also addressing his Muslim brothers and sisters who do not believe Jesus is the son of God, but acknowledge him only as a prophet, and do not believe that he died on the cross. This is the crux of the issue that precipitated his words. It is the ultimate compromise in an effort to unite Christians and Muslims and Jews, most who also do not believe that the Christians' Christ is the crucified Messiah and son of God. It is setting the stage for the one-world religion in which we are being saved not individually, but collectively - so they think!
http://www.timesofisrael.com/peres-abbas-to-attend-vatican-prayer-event-sunday/

The Pope is undermining the cross, and it is blasphemy to say what the Pope said and unprecedented in the history of Catholicism!  You will further read on his concept of sowing seed, which is one thing, and Messiah's death on the cross is quite another. There would be no measure of success or failure, spiritually speaking, if it were not for the success of the cross. Messiah's life, humanly speaking, did not end in failure; it ended in success as he manifested his great love for us. If Christ had not succeeded in submitting to the death on the cross (stake), then our hope is in vain (1Cor 15:14,17-19). Scripture defines for us the measure of the success of the cross. It is the only way to the Father; it is the only way to salvation. If we fail, it is no fault of the Messiah. He showed us the way and it is up to us to be obedient and follow it. The cross of Christ is the power of God (1Cor 1:18) and the wisdom of God (1Cor 1:24)! It is the very foundation on which Christianity is based!

1:12     There were not factions in Corinth following the named individuals. Rather than mention the names of those who led factions and thus giving them publicity Paul substitutes other names. He returns to this later – 1Cor 4:6 – showing that this is so.

1:28          The message that is preached is not appealing to man’s reasoning. However it works because of another ingredient – it is the calling of God. Some will respond to the message because God calls men and women to respond to the cross of Christ.

1:9     That “God is faithful” will contrast with some in the meeting in Corinth who were far from faithful in their behaviour towards each other and towards Paul.

1Cor 1:10

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Many think this is impossible to speak and act in such harmony. But, we would not have this command, if it were not possible. In Rom 12:16 (cf. 15:5,6), we read, “Be of the same mind one toward another.” To be of the same mind, our thoughts, words, and deeds must be guided by the word of God (Eph 4:1-16; 2Tim 3:14-17; 1Pet 4:11). Divisions are caused when this is not followed. We may not go beyond what is written (1Cor 4:6). If we do, we transgress from the doctrine of Christ - we don’t have God, but if we abide in the doctrine of Christ, we have both the Father and the Son (2John 1:9). God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1Cor 14:33), and has given us all we need to be one in Christ, which means no schisms in the body (1Cor 12:24,25); cf. Acts 20:27-30).

If we do not listen to the Head, divisions are inevitable. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed (Amos 3:3)? The apostle Paul admonished the Corinthians to be of one mind, so those who are obedient will be manifested among them (1Cor 11:18,19). His prayer was that we stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel (Phil 1:27; cf. Col 1:9,10).

Do we have a right to have our personal opinions? Yes, we do, but we have no right or liberty to bind them on others. When we do, opinions, preferences, and individually-determined policy is made into divine law – we are preaching ourselves! Instead of teaching what the Bible says, they preach how they think, how they feel, how they reason, and how they arrive at their conclusions, perhaps unwittingly, but dangerous, none-the-less! Their doctrines become their own opinions and not Biblical truth! Self becomes primary; the Bible secondary!

May we be obedient and receive with meekness the engrafted word (Titus 1:9) without turning to fables, without going beyond what is written, without being devoted to our own preconceived ideas, and without embracing the traditions of men not received from Christ. In other words, “… we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus our Lord…” (2Cor 4:5).

2:9-10  Paul, in Eph 3:3-5–makes the same point as is made here. That is the mystery that was not seen is now revealed in Jesus Christ.

1Cor 1:20,21

“Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God…”