Biblical Jesus (Book of Matthew) Bible Study

[MatthewG]

Hello to you, I will try to post on this very lightly - periodically through out the week. Jesus is the one who is the solution to all problems (that trouble us in our souls), and he is the one who is needed to help allow light to shine in.

The first thing that needs to be addressed first is the introduction.

Introduction: Circumstances of Writing

Author: The author did not identify himself in the text. However, the title that ascribes this Gospel to Matthew appears in the earliest manuscripts and is possibly original. Titles became necessary too distinguish one Gospel from another when the four Gspels began to circulate as a single collection. Many early church fathers (Papias, Irenaeus, Pantaenus, and Origen) acknowledged Matthew as the author. Papias also contented that Matthew first wrote in Hebrew, implying that this Gospel was later translated into Greek.

Many modern scholars dispute these traditional claims, for instance, against Papias they argue this Gospel was not originally written in Hebrew since the Greek of Matthew does not appear to be translation Greek. They further argue that if the early church, following Papia's opinion, was wrong about the original language, they are likely incorrect about the author as well. However, the excellent Greek of Matthew could have been produced by a skilled translator of an original Hebrew text. Furthermore, there are many hints of Hebraic influence in this Gospel. Finally since Hebrew quickly ceased to be the dominant language of the early Christians as the church expanded into Gentile territories, requiring the GOspel to circulate in a Greek translation, the absence of ancient Hebrew texts of Matthew is not surprising. Even if Papias ws wrong about the original langue of the GOspel of Matthew, this does not imply that he and other early church leaders were wrong to identify Matthew as the author of this Gospel. In fact the early church unanimously affirmed that the Gospel of Matthew authored by the apostle Matthew. It would require impressive evidence to overturn this early consensus.

Clues from the GOspel itself support its ascription to Matthew. First, both Mark 2:14, and Luke 5:27 identify the tax collector whom Jesus called to be his disciples as "Levi." This Gospel however, identifies Levi as "Matthew" (Hebrew for "Gift of God") to Levi when He summoned him to be a disciple, but it was not uncommon for Jews at that time to have two names (like Sail and Paul). The use of "Matthew" in this Gospel may be Matthew's personal touch, a self-reference that gives us a clue about authorship.

Background:
Determining the date of composition of Matthew's Gospel depends large on the relationship of the Gospels to one another. Most scholars believe that Matthew utilized Mar's Gospel in wring his own gospel. If this is correct, Matthew's Gospel must postdate Mark's. However, the date of Mar's Gospel is also shrouded in mystery. Irenaeus (ca AD 180) seems to claim that Mark wrote his Gospel after Peter's death in the mid-60s. However, Clement of Alexandria, who wrote only 20 years after Irenaeus, claimed that Mark wrote his Gospel while Peter was still alive. Given the ambiguity of the historical evidence, a decision must be based on other factors.

The date of compassion for Mark is best inferred from the date of Luke and Acts. The abrupt ending of Acts implies that Acts was written before Paul's release. Since one of the major themes of Acts is the legality of Christianity in the Roman Empire, one would have expected Luke to mention Paul's release by the emperor if it had already occurred. This evidence dates Acts to the early 60s. Luke and Acts were two voluments of a single work, as the prologues to these books demonstrate. Luke was written before Acts. Given the amount of research that Luke invested in the book and the travel that eyewitness interviews probably required, a date in the late 50's is reasonable. If Luke used Mark in writing his own Gospel, as seems likely, by implication Mark was written sometime before the late 50s, perhaps the early to mid-50s. Thus, despite Matthew's dependence on Mark, Matthew may have been written anytime beginning in the mid-50s once Mark was completed. The earliest historical evidence is consistent with this opinion since Irenaeus (ca AD 180) claimed that Matthew wrote his gospel while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome (early 60s)

Message and Purpose
Mathew probably wrote his Gospel in order to preserve written eyewitness testimony about the ministry of Jesus. Matthew's Gospel emphasizes certain theological truths. First, Jesus is the Messiah, the long-awaited King of god's people. Secondly, Jesus is the new Abraham, founder of a new spiritual Israel comprising all people who choose to follow Him. This new Israel will consist of both Jews and Gentiles. Third, Jesus is the new Moses, the delivered and instructor of GOd's people. Fourth, Jesus is the Immanuel, the virgin-born Son of God who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament.

Contributions to the Bible
As the first book in the NT, the GOspel of Matthew serves as a gateway between the two testaments. Of the NT books, and certainly of the four Gospels, Matthew has the strongest connections to the OT. Matthew gave us God's entire plan from Genesis to Revelation. Matthew looked back and referred to Hebrew prophecies about 60 times ("was fulfilled" and "that it might be fulfilled"_. He also looked forward by dealing not only with Messiahs coming, and His ministry, but also HIs future plan fo this church and kingdom.

Structure
Matthew devised his Gospels into three major sections He introduced new major sections with the words "From that time"(Matt 4:17; Matt 16:21). These transitional statements divide the Gospel into the introduction (1:1-4:16), body (4:17-16:20) and conclusion (16:21-28:20). Matthew also divided his Gospel into five major bloods of teaching, each of which concludes a summary statement (8:!; 11:1;13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Some scholars believe these five major discourses were mean tot correspond to the five Books of Moses and to confirm Jesus identity as the New Moses.

Credit to the source: NKJV Large-Print Holman Study Bible, Custom Edition--soft leather-look, brown For @Christophany; Just borrowing for the introduction.

Next Post #5

 

[ChristisGod]

who is the SOURCE for this OP @MatthewG ?

Please provide a link for the materials in this OP to avoid plagiarism. Using the materials from another person and not crediting them for that material is dishonest. Thank you !

 

[Tommy Cool]

Introduction: Circumstances of Writing

Hi Matt

I don’t know if you want to be using this page as your springboard on the Gospel of Matthew...

One underline, but glaring assertion that seem to be woven throughout this is writing .....is the human authorship of the gospels.



· The use of "Matthew" in this Gospel may be Matthew's personal touch, a self-reference that gives us a clue about authorship.

· Most scholars believe that Matthew utilized Mar's Gospel in wring his own gospel. If this is correct, Matthew's Gospel must postdate Mark's

· one would have expected Luke to mention Paul's release by the emperor if it had already occurred.


· Given the amount of research that Luke invested in the book and the travel that eyewitness interviews probably required, a date in the late 50's is reasonable. If Luke used Mark in writing his own Gospel, as seems likely, by implication Mark was written sometime before the late 50s, perhaps the early to mid-50s Thus, despite Matthew's dependence on Mark, Matthew may have been written anytime beginning in the mid-50s once Mark was completed

· Mathew probably wrote his Gospel in order to preserve written eyewitness testimony about the ministry of Jesus.

· Matthew looked back and referred to Hebrew prophecies about 60 times ("was fulfilled" and "that it might be fulfilled"_. He also looked forward by dealing not only with Messiahs coming, and His ministry, but also HIs future plan for this church and kingdom.


Those are just the most blatant use of ascriptions to a human author.

We know from the Word of God ...that God is the Author and man was the writer.

If we approach the Word of God with the inferior view of authorship it sets a distorted mental tone and undermines what God states regarding His Word.

2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, (God Breathed) and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:


2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private (idios) interpretation.

2Pe 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.


Gal 1:11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.

Gal 1:12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

 

[Robert Gwin]

Hello to you, I will try to post on this very lightly - periodically through out the week. Jesus is the one who is the solution to all problems (that trouble us in our souls), and he is the one who is needed to help allow light to shine in.

The first thing that needs to be addressed first is the introduction.

Introduction: Circumstances of Writing

Author: The author did not identify himself in the text. However, the title that ascribes this Gospel to Matthew appears in the earliest manuscripts and is possibly original. Titles became necessary too distinguish one Gospel from another when the four Gspels began to circulate as a single collection. Many early church fathers (Papias, Irenaeus, Pantaenus, and Origen) acknowledged Matthew as the author. Papias also contented that Matthew first wrote in Hebrew, implying that this Gospel was later translated into Greek.

Many modern scholars dispute these traditional claims, for instance, against Papias they argue this Gospel was not originally written in Hebrew since the Greek of Matthew does not appear to be translation Greek. They further argue that if the early church, following Papia's opinion, was wrong about the original language, they are likely incorrect about the author as well. However, the excellent Greek of Matthew could have been produced by a skilled translator of an original Hebrew text. Furthermore, there are many hints of Hebraic influence in this Gospel. Finally since Hebrew quickly ceased to be the dominant language of the early Christians as the church expanded into Gentile territories, requiring the GOspel to circulate in a Greek translation, the absence of ancient Hebrew texts of Matthew is not surprising. Even if Papias ws wrong about the original langue of the GOspel of Matthew, this does not imply that he and other early church leaders were wrong to identify Matthew as the author of this Gospel. In fact the early church unanimously affirmed that the Gospel of Matthew authored by the apostle Matthew. It would require impressive evidence to overturn this early consensus.

Clues from the GOspel itself support its ascription to Matthew. First, both Mark 2:14, and Luke 5:27 identify the tax collector whom Jesus called to be his disciples as "Levi." This Gospel however, identifies Levi as "Matthew" (Hebrew for "Gift of God") to Levi when He summoned him to be a disciple, but it was not uncommon for Jews at that time to have two names (like Sail and Paul). The use of "Matthew" in this Gospel may be Matthew's personal touch, a self-reference that gives us a clue about authorship.

Background:
Determining the date of composition of Matthew's Gospel depends large on the relationship of the Gospels to one another. Most scholars believe that Matthew utilized Mar's Gospel in wring his own gospel. If this is correct, Matthew's Gospel must postdate Mark's. However, the date of Mar's Gospel is also shrouded in mystery. Irenaeus (ca AD 180) seems to claim that Mark wrote his Gospel after Peter's death in the mid-60s. However, Clement of Alexandria, who wrote only 20 years after Irenaeus, claimed that Mark wrote his Gospel while Peter was still alive. Given the ambiguity of the historical evidence, a decision must be based on other factors.

The date of compassion for Mark is best inferred from the date of Luke and Acts. The abrupt ending of Acts implies that Acts was written before Paul's release. Since one of the major themes of Acts is the legality of Christianity in the Roman Empire, one would have expected Luke to mention Paul's release by the emperor if it had already occurred. This evidence dates Acts to the early 60s. Luke and Acts were two voluments of a single work, as the prologues to these books demonstrate. Luke was written before Acts. Given the amount of research that Luke invested in the book and the travel that eyewitness interviews probably required, a date in the late 50's is reasonable. If Luke used Mark in writing his own Gospel, as seems likely, by implication Mark was written sometime before the late 50s, perhaps the early to mid-50s. Thus, despite Matthew's dependence on Mark, Matthew may have been written anytime beginning in the mid-50s once Mark was completed. The earliest historical evidence is consistent with this opinion since Irenaeus (ca AD 180) claimed that Matthew wrote his gospel while Peter and Paul were preaching in Rome (early 60s)

Message and Purpose
Mathew probably wrote his Gospel in order to preserve written eyewitness testimony about the ministry of Jesus. Matthew's Gospel emphasizes certain theological truths. First, Jesus is the Messiah, the long-awaited King of god's people. Secondly, Jesus is the new Abraham, founder of a new spiritual Israel comprising all people who choose to follow Him. This new Israel will consist of both Jews and Gentiles. Third, Jesus is the new Moses, the delivered and instructor of GOd's people. Fourth, Jesus is the Immanuel, the virgin-born Son of God who fulfills the promises of the Old Testament.

Contributions to the Bible
As the first book in the NT, the GOspel of Matthew serves as a gateway between the two testaments. Of the NT books, and certainly of the four Gospels, Matthew has the strongest connections to the OT. Matthew gave us God's entire plan from Genesis to Revelation. Matthew looked back and referred to Hebrew prophecies about 60 times ("was fulfilled" and "that it might be fulfilled"_. He also looked forward by dealing not only with Messiahs coming, and His ministry, but also HIs future plan fo this church and kingdom.

Structure
Matthew devised his Gospels into three major sections He introduced new major sections with the words "From that time"(Matt 4:17; Matt 16:21). These transitional statements divide the Gospel into the introduction (1:1-4:16), body (4:17-16:20) and conclusion (16:21-28:20). Matthew also divided his Gospel into five major bloods of teaching, each of which concludes a summary statement (8:!; 11:1;13:53; 19:1; 26:1). Some scholars believe these five major discourses were mean tot correspond to the five Books of Moses and to confirm Jesus identity as the New Moses.

Credit to the source: NKJV Large-Print Holman Study Bible, Custom Edition--soft leather-look, brown For @Christophany; Just borrowing for the introduction.

Matthew was the first to state that Jesus was to be named Jesus. Strange how translators chose that over Joshua which is more accurate in English Bibles. But do you know why it is appropriate to name him that Matt?

 

[MatthewG]

Mat 1:1 [The] scroll of the birth of Jesus Christ, Son of David, Son of Abraham.

Mat 1:2 Abraham begot Isaac, and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers,

Mat 1:3 and Judah begot Perez and Zerah of Tamar, and Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram,

Mat 1:4 and Ram begot Amminadab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon,

Mat 1:5 and Salmon begot Boaz of Rahab, and Boaz begot Obed of Ruth, and Obed begot Jesse,

Mat 1:6 and Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her [who had been] Uriah’s,

Mat 1:7 and Solomon begot Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa,

Mat 1:8 and Asa begot Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah,

Mat 1:9 and Uzziah begot Jotham, and Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah,

Mat 1:10 and Hezekiah begot Manasseh, and Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah,

Mat 1:11 and Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers, at the Babylonian removal.

Mat 1:12 And after the Babylonian removal, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel,

Mat 1:13 and Zerubbabel begot Abiud, and Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor,

Mat 1:14 and Azor begot Sadok, and Sadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud,

Mat 1:15 and Eliud begot Eleazar, and Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob,

Mat 1:16 and Jacob begot Joseph, the husband of Mary, of whom was begotten Jesus, who is named Christ.

Myself included: the Genealogy is taxing to go through to some extent or another, however what is interesting to note here in Matthews Gospel, in this Genealogy which the Hebrew people took very carefully consideration of documenting down, is that the first name is Jesus Christ, and the last name documented is Jesus. This symbolizes his importance from beginning to end.

Every single one of these names listed all have a meaning behind them, which does take time to go through and consider.

He was a shoot of the offspring of Jesse, and was going to replace King David - as King over all things.

• In Isaiah 11:1 A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
• 
  
• In 2 Samuel 7, you can read about God's Promise to David.
• 
  
• In Acts 13:22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’
• In Revelation 19:16 (Jesus is being talked about here) On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: king of kings and lord of lords.

Even admittedly before or after the death of Jesus, Pilate had made a sign to hang over the head of Yeshua or Jesus. Which had read . . .

• Mat 27:37 and they put up over His head, His accusation written: “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
• 
  
• Joh 19:19 And Pilate also wrote a title, and put [it] on the cross, and it was written: “JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS”;

There was those opposed to this, as you can see here:

• Joh 19:21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, “Do not write, The King of the Jews, but that this One said, I am King of the Jews”;

Now concerning Jesus's Mother Mary, she was the one whom bore the Son of Man/Son of God once the Holy Spirit had come to overshadow her.

• Luk 1:35 And the messenger answering said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, therefore also the holy-begotten thing will be called Son of God;
• Luk 1:36 and behold, Elizabeth, your relative, she also has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month to her who was called barren;
• Luk 1:37 because nothing will be impossible with God.”
• 
  
• Luk 1:38 And Mary said, “Behold, the maidservant of the LORD; let it be to me according to your saying,” and the messenger went away from her.

An Angel of the Lord had appeared to Mary, and told him exactly how everything would be. That the Holy Spirit would come upon her and the power of the Highest will overshadow you, and therefore also the holy-begotten thing (which was the Word of God), will be called the Son of God. He also told her about her relative, Elizabeth, and explained because nothing will be impossible with God. Mary, said to the Angel of the Lord "let it be to me according to your saying."

• There are many ideas, and traditional beliefs about how this all went down, but it is good to just see the words of the Bible, in which are there for us to learn from and not get into anything that may manipulate you or try to make things even more complicated.

​

 

[MatthewG]

Continuing from post number #5

• Mat 1:17 All the generations, therefore, from Abraham to David [are] fourteen generations, and from David to the Babylonian removal fourteen generations, and from the Babylonian removal to the Christ, fourteen generations.

The Jewish people had a way to summarize all of these up, as there could be more names than what Matthew you had mentioned in which one can compare also to the summary of Lukes Account founded in Luke 3:23-38 however they are hard to reconciled both notions together however they are documented for the sake of clarity.

• Therefore with the mentioned genealogy above in Matthew 1:1-16; Matthew - whom was an apostle of Christ, stated All the generations, therefore, from Abraham to David [are] fourteen generations,

• And from David to the Babylonian removal fourteen generations,

• and from the Babylonian removal to the Christ, fourteen generations.

*How you calculate a Biblical generation is up to you, if we did 40 years x 14 generations x 3 mentioned generations the total amount of years that had passed since Abraham to Christ would be 1,680 years.

Moving forward - As I do not desire to really stick around to go through all of those notions with anyone and they should be encouraged to study that out for themselves if they so are inclined.

​

• Mat 1:18 And of Jesus Christ, the birth was thus: for His mother Mary having been betrothed to Joseph, before their coming together she was found to have conceived from the Holy Spirit,

• Mat 1:19 and her husband Joseph being righteous, and not willing to make her an example, resolved to send her away privately.

With the Genealogy has been finished and Matthew goes on to explain Jesus, and His Mother, who was betrothed to Joseph, before there coming together. The birth for Jesus's Mother Mary, before Joseph and Mary had married or were espoused. She was found to have conceived from the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35-38).

There are many different traditions and taking on these things, however it is good to simply use the Bible and what it says to counter-act anything that may be counterintuitive to the narrative of the scriptures, so think for yourself.​

In verse 19: And her husband Joesph being righteous, (by implication innocent ) in Character, as Mary her self was seen right before God, and they had kept all the ordinances of God and were blameless.

• Luke 1:6 Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees blamelessly.

Mat 1:19 and her husband Joseph being righteous, and not willing to make her an example, resolved to send her away privately.

• Joseph being righteous, and not willing to make her an example, resolved to send her away privately. So before they were ever married, Joseph contemplated what to do since now his soon to be wife was pregnant by the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, and he decided with-in himself to put her away giving her a bill of divorce, in a very private manner; which was sometimes done by putting it into the woman's hand or bosom, see (deu 24:1; also deu 22:23)

 

[MatthewG]

Continued from post #6

• Mat 1:20 And on his thinking of these things, behold, a messenger of the LORD appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, you may not fear to receive your wife Mary, for that which was begotten in her [is] of the Holy Spirit,

While Joseph was pondering and thinking on these things, behold, a messenger or Angel of the LORD (Yahweh) appeared to him in a dream, saying Joseph, son of David, you may not fear to receive your wife Mary, for that which was begotten in her [is] of the Holy Spirit!

• Perhaps Joseph was laying in bed thinking about all the things that happened prior, having decided to put his soon to be wife away and then went to sleep. When all of a sudden an Angel of the Lord appeared to Him in a dream.
• - -
• The Angel said to Joseph, the Son of David, while he was dreaming - "Joseph, son of David, you may not fear (not be afraid) to receive your wife Mary, for that which was begotten in her [is] of the Holy Spirit!
• - -
• So the Angel was brining Joseph good news, that he could take Mary to be his wife, and not be afraid of what has happened to her as she is not carrying with-in her the very Son that was begotten in her which was of the Holy Spirit.

Mat 1:21 and she will bring forth a Son, and you will call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

• The Angel of the LORD continues talking to Joseph in his dream "And Mary will bring forth a Son and you will call His Name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

1. The Name Jesus is the transliteration of the Hebrew. "Joshua" meaning "Jehovah is salvation", I.e "Is the Saviour" which was a "common name among the Jew" (exodus 17:9;luke 3:29: Colossians 4:11 )
2. Also, it too can also be translated as "Yeshua", either way, no matter which name you would like to use, It was given to the Son of God in Incarnation as His personal name, in obedience to the command of the angel to Joseph the Husband of His Mother, Mary, shortly before He was born.
3. The name Jesus was given because He will save His people from their sins.
4. Inclusion of His people (those who were of Israel (12 tribes) who were true believers)- would be the including all who believe on Him.
5. Those who believe on Him are able to have Age-during life by and through the spirit and access to the Father, and those who believe in him are adopted to becoming children of God (Yahweh/Jehovah).

Mat 1:22 And all this has come to pass, that it may be fulfilled that was spoken by the LORD through the prophet, saying,

• Now all of these things had come to pass, that it may be fulfilled what was spoken by the LORD through the prophet saying - - -

Mat 1:23 “Behold, the virgin will conceive, and she will bring forth a Son, and they will call His Name Emmanuel,” which is, being interpreted, “God with us.”

• The prophet of old who spoke this was Isaiah
• • Found in Isaiah 7:14
    • Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.

1. Thayers Dictionary
2. 1) the title applied to the Messiah, born of the virgin, Mat 1:23, Isa 7:14, because Jesus was God united with man, and showed that God was dwelling with man
   • What is important to know here, is that today the same thing happens for believers in the Lord Yeshua - They have the Holy Spirit of God in-dwelling with-in them, and that God is with you now today because of your faith in the death burial and resurrection. This is truly amazing, and Jesus was the first one to completely have the fulness of God dwell with-in Him, by and through being the very Word of God who came down from heaven (John 1:1) born into flesh (John 1:14).

 

[MatthewG]

Continued from post #7

• Mat 1:24 And Joseph, having risen from sleep, did as the messenger of the LORD directed him, and received his wife,

Joseph, having risen from sleep (awaking from the dream he had had), did as the messenger/Angel of the LORD (Yahweh) directed him, and he received his wife, (instead of putting her away) he received her.

Just as God was with them because of Jesus - having been the Word of God, enjoined into the flesh (Son of Man), also having the Holy Spirit with Him (Son of God)

1. Prior to this the Holy Spirit would come and go, through the prophets, but with the Lord Yeshua, the Holy Spirit being enjoined with him was extremely vital to doing His Fathers will, because it was the thing that helped him hold back the flesh during the times of trials that Jesus would in the end come to face. Such as violence toward his character, and the temptations that come along from the Devil, even that of the world, and the enticements of men. (Great to remember!)

• Mat 1:25 and did not know her until she brought forth her Son—the firstborn, and he called His Name Jesus.

Upon Jospeh receiving his wife, he did not know her until she brought forth her Son - the firstborn (of heavenly substance into fleshly material), and He called His name Jesus. (See notes #7 verse 21;23)

This concludes this lesson for Chapter 1.

 

[ChristisGod]

I’m sorry Matthew , you’re a nice guy and everything I just don’t wanna read all of it (did take a glance).

hope this helps !!!

 

[MatthewG]

Continued from post number #8

• Mat 2:1 And Jesus having been born in Beth-Lehem of Judea, in the days of Herod the king, behold, magi from the east came to Jerusalem,

1. Bethlehem, the City of David, of Judea, lies five miles south of Jerusalem. Here Rachel was buried, ruth gleaned in Boaz' field, David was anointed to be king, Christ was born in a manger, and the wise men came from the east seeking the Savior. -Archaeological Supplement - Thompson Chain Reference Bible

• Jesus was born in the days of Herod the king.
• Herod Antipas, was the ruler currently during this time before his death, who was a son of Herod I the Great, who became tetrarch (ruler of a minor principality in the Roman Empire) of Galilee.
• Herod Antipas also had a brother named Philip, and also Herod Archeluas (I believe).
• • Magi, from the east came to Jerusalem. "A Magian" one of a sacred caste, originally Median, who apparently conformed to the Person religion while retaining their old beliefs.

Mat 2:2 saying, “Where is He who was born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and we came to worship Him.”

• These wise men (known as astrologers in the KJV), of Babylon. From the east came to Jerusalem. Saying "Where is He who was born King of Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and we came to worship Him."
  • 
    
  • Some how these Wise men, knew about the Scriptures (Old Testament and what the Prophets had mentioned about the coming Messiah)

Numbers 24:17
I see it, but not now; I behold it, but not near; A star hath proceeded from Jacob, And a sceptre hath risen from Israel, And hath smitten corners of Moab, And hath destroyed all sons of Sheth.


Also
Isaiah 60:3
And come have nations to thy light, And kings to the brightness of thy rising.

These wise men saw His star in the east, and now they are asking "Where is He who was born King of Jews?"

• Mat 2:3 And Herod the king having heard, was stirred, and all Jerusalem with him,

1. Herod Antipas - the king at the time, having heard these men asking these questions, about someone who had just been born who is the King of the Jews, was worrisome news to him because, he is the king of his domain, to have another King arrive on the scene, especially a King being that of the Jews who were at one time a mighty nation, would be something that indeed stirred him, and all Jerusalem with him.

Mat 2:4 and having gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he was inquiring from them where the Christ is born.

Herod, gathered all the chief priest and scribes of the people, he was inquiring (asking them questions) from them where the Christ is born.

 

[MatthewG]

continued from post #10

• Mat 2:5 And they said to him, “In Beth-Lehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet:
• • Now with King Herod, and all the chief priest and scribes gathered with him. The wise men said to the King, "whom asked to where is this King to be born?" said In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it has been written through the prophet.

• Mat 2:6 And you, Beth-Lehem, the land of Judah, you are by no means the least among the leaders of Judah, for out of you will come One leading, who will feed My people Israel.”
• • Micah had wrote and spoken about this.
  • Micah 5:2 “And you, Beth-Lehem Ephratah, || Little to be among the chiefs of Judah! From you He comes forth to Me—to be ruler in Israel, || And His comings forth [are] of old, || From the days of antiquity.”
    • It is very interesting to note how these wise men knew scriptures (Old Testament which all that existed in this time up to now) having come from the east, and they traveled to see the King of the Jews.

Mat 2:7 Then Herod, having called the magi privately, inquired exactly from them the time of the appearing star,

• Then Herod, having called the magi (wise men) privately inquired (asked them questions) from them the time of the appearing star.
  • King Herod is saying, hey guys around what time was the appearing of the star? So that he may know perhaps how long the King of the Jews had been alive, and how much time he had perhaps to get a hold of him and kill him.

Mat 2:8 and having sent them to Beth-Lehem, he said, “Having gone—inquire exactly for the Child, and whenever you may have found, bring me back word, that I also having come may worship Him.”

• King Herod decided to sent them to Bethlehem, and he said to them "Having gone - inquire exactly for the Child, and whenever you may have found, bring me back word, that I also having come may worship (show reverence to) Him.
  • So King Herod is asking them to come back when they found the child, so that he can go and show respect to Him as well, which really is not the purpose of his mission other than to kill the Child.

Mat 2:9 And they, having heard the king, departed, and behold, the star, that they saw in the east, went before them, until, having come, it stood over where the Child was.

• And they (the Magi), having heard the king, departed (left them), and behold, the star (perhaps in the sky), that they they had saw in the east (which they traveled from), (the star) went before them (perhaps they followed this star in the sky), until, having come (to the place where the child was), it stood over where the Child was.

to the next post #13​

 

[ChristisGod]

I’m sorry Matthew , you’re a nice guy and everything I just don’t wanna read all of it (did take a glance).

Just way to much to read like you had said about my post the one and only time I asked you to read a post of mine. So why you would expect anyone to read your lengthy posts is beyond me since you are unwilling to read the posts of others. The same holds true with lengthy video's.

Who has the time for that when we can just read our bibles instead of wasting our time on another persons thoughts in a video. ?

hope this helps !!!

 

[MatthewG]

Continued from post #11

• • Mat 2:10 And having seen the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy,
    • Upon seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
      • They rejoiced delighting in God's Grace, with *expressive great joy of the awareness of Gods grace.
  • This is pretty awesome that these Magi who came from the east who knew the scriptures were so aware of God's grace, and thankful to have been shown the way to the Child. This is a powerful lesson in how you as an individual believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who looks to the - Star -, should find great joy of being aware of the Grace of God which Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
    • John 1:17 for the law through Moses was given, the grace and the truth through Jesus Christ did come;
  
  Mat 2:11 and having come into the house, they found the Child with His mother Mary, and having fallen down they worshiped Him, and having opened their treasures, they presented to Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh,
  
  
  • The Magi, wise men coming into the house (the abode where the Child was), they found the Child with His mother, and having fallen down they worshipped (paying homage to Christ - as the coming King of the Jews ; to see them greater than them themselves). That is the common way people in that day in age - worshipped, which mainly meant to pay homage, in respect of someone who is higher than one self. These wise men had seen that this Child was far greater than themselves so they made the choice to, fall down and worship (pay homage) to Him.
  • • Along their travels the wise men had brought gifts with them, and they opened their treasures, and they presented Him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
      • 
        
      • This gift was an open sacrifice - as in brought and brung in no expectation of gaining anything back, brought freely, spontaneously.
      1. Gold - which was used to purchase things with, expressing power perhaps that this Child had.
      2. Frankinecene - which was simply incense. (Psalm 141:2) Jesus would become the mediator between man and God. The one whom delivers our prayers to God; just as back in the day they would light incense in the temple, a symbol of prayers going on to God?
      3. Myrrh - is a sap-like substance that is taken off the bark of a tree. - Perhaps symbolizing the what was said by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 11:1.
  
  Mat 2:12 and having been divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod, through another way they withdrew to their own region.
  
  
  
  • After having spent some time with Mary, and Joseph and the Child, the Wise (Magi) were divinely warned in a dream, not to return to Herod.
  • That they were to go through another way and they withdrew to their own region.
  • After Herod having asked the Magi to come back, God sent another message through a dream, not to return to Herod and they should take another way, because of this Herod would not be very angry because of this, but it was part of Gods plan to allow this to be.
  
  
  Mat 2:13 And on their having withdrawn, behold, a messenger of the LORD appears in a dream to Joseph, saying, “Having risen, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and be there until I may speak to you, for Herod is about to seek the Child to destroy Him.”
  
  
  • With the Magi (Wise Men) having withdrawn, behold a messenger of the LORD appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying "Having risen, take the Child and His Mother, and flee to Egypt, and be there until I may speak to you for Herod is about the seek the Child and to destroy Him."
  • • Yahweh foreknew that Herod was going to seek out the Child, and because of this, Yahweh sent a messenger whom appeared in a dream to Joseph. The messenger told Jospeh to take the Mother, and the Child, and go to Egypt and to stay there until Yahweh sent the messenger again. Because Herod is about to seek the Child and to destroy Him.

 

[ChristisGod]

Continued from post #11

• • Mat 2:10 And having seen the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy,
    • Upon seeing the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.
      • They rejoiced delighting in God's Grace, with *expressive great joy of the awareness of Gods grace.
  • This is pretty awesome that these Magi who came from the east who knew the scriptures were so aware of God's grace, and thankful to have been shown the way to the Child. This is a powerful lesson in how you as an individual believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, who looks to the - Star -, should find great joy of being aware of the Grace of God which Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
    • John 1:17 for the law through Moses was given, the grace and the truth through Jesus Christ did come;
  
  Mat 2:11 and having come into the house, they found the Child with His mother Mary, and having fallen down they worshiped Him, and having opened their treasures, they presented to Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh,
  • The Magi, wise men coming into the house (the abode where the Child was), they found the Child with His mother, and having fallen down they worshipped (paying homage to Christ - as the coming King of the Jews ; to see them greater than them themselves). That is the common way people in that day in age - worshipped, which mainly meant to pay homage, in respect of someone who is higher than one self. These wise men had seen that this Child was far greater than themselves so they made the choice to, fall down and worship (pay homage) to Him.
  • • Along their travels the wise men had brought gifts with them, and they opened their treasures, and they presented Him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
      • 
        
      • This gift was an open sacrifice - as in brought and brung in no expectation of gaining anything back, brought freely, spontaneously.
      1. Gold - which was used to purchase things with, expressing power perhaps that this Child had.
      2. Frankinecene - which was simply incense. (Psalm 141:2) Jesus would become the mediator between man and God. The one whom delivers our prayers to God; just as back in the day they would light incense in the temple, a symbol of prayers going on to God?
      3. Myrrh - is a sap-like substance that is taken off the bark of a tree. - Perhaps symbolizing the what was said by the prophet Isaiah in Isaiah 11:1.
  
  Mat 2:12 and having been divinely warned in a dream not to return to Herod, through another way they withdrew to their own region.
  
  • After having spent some time with Mary, and Joseph and the Child, the Wise (Magi) were divinely warned in a dream, not to return to Herod.
  • That they were to go through another way and they withdrew to their own region.
  • After Herod having asked the Magi to come back, God sent another message through a dream, not to return to Herod and they should take another way, because of this Herod would not be very angry because of this, but it was part of Gods plan to allow this to be.
  
  
  Mat 2:13 And on their having withdrawn, behold, a messenger of the LORD appears in a dream to Joseph, saying, “Having risen, take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and be there until I may speak to you, for Herod is about to seek the Child to destroy Him.”
  • With the Magi (Wise Men) having withdrawn, behold a messenger of the LORD appeared in a dream to Joseph, saying "Having risen, take the Child and His Mother, and flee to Egypt, and be there until I may speak to you for Herod is about the seek the Child and to destroy Him."
  • • Yahweh foreknew that Herod was going to seek out the Child, and because of this, Yahweh sent a messenger whom appeared in a dream to Joseph. The messenger told Jospeh to take the Mother, and the Child, and go to Egypt and to stay there until Yahweh sent the messenger again. Because Herod is about to seek the Child and to destroy Him.

I’m sorry Matthew , you’re a nice guy and everything I just don’t wanna read all of it (did take a glance).

if you could summarize it in one simple sentence I might read it .

hope this helps !!!

 

[MatthewG]

Hello @Christophany,

Hope you received my Pm. You seem to have a problem with me because yesterday I told you I did not want to read what you had shared. It was probably very rude of me to say such a thing to you, my apologies for doing that. Sometimes I am harshly critical, and when it comes down to what people believe at the end of the day it will he between them and God.

It is important for us as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who get riled up in our flesh to go by the spirit and to forgive one another and let things go.

My hope is the best for you in this life even if we don’t see eye to eye one certain subjects as a I believe some things just simply aren’t as important as having love for God and ultimately also having love for our fellow neighbors.

Hope you will forgive me, and May the peace and grace of God be with you.

Sincerely,
Matthew Gallagher

 

[ChristisGod]

Hello @Christophany,

Hope you received my Pm. You seem to have a problem with me because yesterday I told you I did not want to read what you had shared. It was probably very rude of me to say such a thing to you, my apologies for doing that. Sometimes I am harshly critical, and when it comes down to what people believe at the end of the day it will he between them and God.

It is important for us as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ who get riled up in our flesh to go by the spirit and to forgive one another and let things go.

My hope is the best for you in this life even if we don’t see eye to eye one certain subjects as a I believe some things just simply aren’t as important as having love for God and ultimately also having love for our fellow neighbors.

Hope you will forgive me, and May the peace and grace of God be with you.

Sincerely,
Matthew Gallagher

It initially struck me as being rude Matthew . The reason being I read your threads and comment on them . I put quite a bit of time and studying into what I posted here and have several pastors both Calvinists and non Calvinists read it as well as a couple theologians and scholars I know that have reviewed and critiqued my paper . All of them have been encouraging and that study is what eventually led me out from under Calvinism . Having an open mind in that study led me into some doctrines I believed that were wrong and needed to be corrected .

PS- apologies accepted

 

[MatthewG]

continued from post #13

Mat 2:14 And he, having risen, took the Child and His mother by night, and withdrew to Egypt,

• After having been warned again in a dream from an Angel/messenger sent by Yahweh to Joseph as he had slept to not go back to where Herod was reigning because he was going to seek to destroy the Child. Yahweh also warned the wisemen too go back to their own in the same manner.
  • 
    
  • Jospeh having risen from his sleep, he took the Child and His mother (Mary) by night, and withdrew to Egypt.
    • 
      
    • Is there something today we can get from these warnings that God had sent through the messengers he had sent to warn Jospeh and the Wise men not to go into a certain direction?
    • Perhaps God can use dreams to talk to people, also God now today through the Holy Spirit given to the believer who believes in Christ (Just as the wise men had believed he was coming), can talk to us by the Holy Spirit of when something may be wrong to do or a wrong direction to go. I could be wrong about this but think about it.

Mat 2:15 and he was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken by the LORD through the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

​

• Jospeh, with Mary and the Child Jesus/Yeshua, was there until the death of Herod Antipas, that it might fulfilled that was spoken by the LORD through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called my Son."

• • Exodus 4:22 22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Israel is My son, My firstborn.
• • Numbers 24:8 8 “God brings him out of Egypt,
  • He is for him like the horns of the wild ox.
  • He will devour the nations who are his adversaries,
  • And will crush their bones in pieces,
  • And shatter them with his arrows.
• • Hosea 11:1 When Israel was a youth I loved him,
  • And out of Egypt I called My son.

As you can see above from these scriptures that talk about the coming Messiah as promised, God brings him out of Egypt. He is for him like the horns of the wild ox. He will devour the nations who are his adversaries, and will crush their bones into pieces, and shatter them with his arrows.

This is a proclamation of the things that would come to fruition by and through the Son whom was called of Egypt.


Mat 2:16 Then Herod, having seen that he was deceived by the magi, was very angry, and having sent forth, he slew all the male children in Beth-Lehem, and in all its borders, from two years and under, according to the time that he inquired exactly from the magi.

• Upon the realization that the Magi was not coming back to visit with Herod to tell him where the King of Jews was, because he sees himself as having been deceived by the magi (who were warned to go another way by God through a dream), became very angry, and having sent forth (his armies), He had all the male children in Bethlehem, and in all its borders, from two years and under, according tot he time that he inquired exactly from the magi.
  • A year or two had passed since talking to the Magi, and now because of this Herod is sending out the people of his armies to kill all male children in Bethlehem.
    • Could you imagine living in an age like this? Some of the people under the authority of Herod, had to kill their own sons that had just been born now? It was an order and if they didn't they themselves may too lose their own life.

Mat 2:17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying,

Mat 2:18 “A voice in Ramah was heard—weeping and much mourning—Rachel weeping [for] her children, and she would not be comforted because they are not.”

Jeremiah 31:15 (LSV)
15 Thus said YHWH: “A voice is heard in Ramah, || Wailing [and] the weeping of bitterness, || Rachel is weeping for her sons, || She has refused to be comforted for her sons, because they are not.”

Jeremiah 9:17-21 (LSV)
17 Thus said YHWH of Hosts: “Consider, and call for mourning women, || And they come, || And send to the wise women, || And they come,

18 And they hurry, and lift up a wailing for us. And tears run down our eyes, || And waters flow from our eyelids.

19 For a voice of wailing is heard from Zion: How we have been spoiled! We have been greatly ashamed, || Because we have forsaken the land, || Because they have cast down our dwelling places.”

20 But hear, you women, a word of YHWH, || And your ear receives a word of His mouth, || And teach your daughters wailing, || And each her neighbor lamentation.

21 For death has come up into our windows, || It has come into our palaces, || To cut off the suckling from outside, ||Young men from the broad places.

• Mat 2:19 And Herod having died, behold, a messenger of the LORD appears in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,
  • After a certain period of time had passed and Herod Antipas had died, another Messenger of the LORD appears in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, as promised prior by God.

​

Mat 2:20 saying, “Having risen, take the Child and His mother, and be going to the land of Israel, for they have died—those seeking the life of the Child.”

• The Messenger said to Joseph in his dream, "When you awake, take the Child and His mother, and be going to the land of Israel, for they have died - those seeking the life of the Child."

Mat 2:21 And he, having risen, took the Child and His mother, and came to the land of Israel,

• And he, having risen, took the Child and his mother, and came to the land of Israel.

Mat 2:22 and having heard that Archelaus reigns over Judea instead of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and having been divinely warned in a dream, he withdrew to the parts of Galilee,

• And having heard that Archelaus Herod reigns over Judea instead of his Father Herod (Antipas), Joseph was afraid to go there, and having been divinely warned in a dream (again), he withdrew to the parts of Galilee.

Mat 2:23 and coming, he dwelt in a city named Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through the prophets, that “He will be called a Nazarene.”

• and coming to the land, he dwelt in a city named Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled that was spoken through the prophets, that "He will be called a Nazarene."

Nazareth is the city where Joseph and Mary lived, and the home of Jesus until the famous announcement of his Messiahship at the age of thirty. The place enjoys a certain measure of seclusion as it nestles in the mountains, halfway between the ocean and the Sea of Galilee, yet it was near the we'll-traveld highway between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Here Jesus saw the passing caravans of many nationalities.

 

[Jay Ross]

@MatthewG, your understanding of the storyline of Jesus' birth and his presentation to God in the Temple is sadly lacking. Joseph took Mary and Jesus down to Egypt, to be safe while Herod still lived and then Joseph return to the land of Canaan, but because Herod's son was now on the ruler, Joseph travelled to Nazareth to live. Then when the time came for Jesus to be presented to God, Joseph took Mary and Jesus down to Jerusalem to present Jesus and for Mary to be cleansed because of Jesus' birth before returning to Nazareth to live.

I have found the following breakdown of the early life of Christ, helps in putting the story in an understandable order for me to read. Perhaps this is of some use for others to follow: -

Introduction to the story of Christ: -Matthew 1:1-17, Mark 1:1, Luke 1:1-4, John 1:1-5
Gabriel’s prophetic declaration of John the Baptist’s birth to Zechariah in the temple: - Luke 1:5-25
Mary hears the news from the angel Gabriel that she is to conceive a child: - Luke 1:26-38
Mary visits Elisabeth: - Luke 1:39-56

Joseph is told of the reason for Mary’s pregnancy: - Matt 1:18-25a
Joseph takes Mary with him to Bethlehem.: - Luke 2:1-5
Jesus is born: - Luke 2:6-7

Jesus is named: - Matt 1:25b
Angles tell shepherds out in the field of the birth of Christ: - Luke 2:8-14
The shepherds go to Bethlehem to see Jesus: - Luke 2:15-20
Jesus is circumcised: - Luke 2:21
The wise men visit Jesus: - Matt 2:1-12

Joseph is warned in a dream to go to Egypt: -Matt 2:13-15
Herod has infants under two years of age killed in Bethlehem: -Matt 2:16-18
After Herod dies, Joseph returned to Galilee and dwells in Nazareth: -Matt 2:19-23

Jesus taken to Jerusalem and presented to the Lord: - Luke 2:22-24
Simeon takes Jesus in his arms and prophecies: - Luke 2:25-34
Anna comes to the temple and speak about the redemption of Jerusalem: - Luke 2:36-38
They then return to Nazareth: - Luke 2:39

The story of Christ’s early life occurred over a period of around 45 days from the time that Christ was born of Mary until they returned to Nazareth after presenting Christ to God in the Temple in accordance with the Law.

The favour of God was upon Jesus: - Luke 2:40

I trust that the above order of scriptures is of use for you to Matthew.

Shalom

 

[MatthewG]

Thank you Jay, perhaps others will be encouraged by what you have shared friend.

 

[MatthewG]

Continued from post #17

Mat 3:1 And in those days John the Immerser comes, proclaiming in the wilderness of Judea,

Luke 3:1-2 (LSV)

1 And in the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caesar—Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip, tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

2 [and] Annas and Caiaphas being chief priests—there came a word of God to John the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness,

In those days around the fifteenth year of the government of Tiberius Caser— Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod tetrarch or Galilee (Herod Archealus, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Itruaea and the region of Trachonitis and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, [and] Annas and Caiaphas being chief priests—there came a word of God to John the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness,


John the Baptist had came, proclaiming in the wilderness of Judea.

You can see where he was promised to be born in Luke 1:13-17, in which in Luke 1:76 Zacharias states about John “And you, child, || Prophet of the Highest will you be called; For you will go before the face of the LORD, || To prepare His ways.”

John was created for a purpose and he would be the Prophet of the Highest when he was called; and He would go before the face of Yahweh; to prepare His ways.


Mat 3:2 and saying, “Convert, for the kingdom of the heavens has come near,”

• John came proclaiming in the wilderness of Judea - “Convert, for the Kingdom of the heavens has come near,” or in other translations “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

• John would have grown up learning and knowing the old testament scriptures, and he would proclaim what he had knew to the people in which he had grown up with his, his very own people and culture. John had a group following, and had now grown up and his mission had started in which he had went around proclaiming that the Kingdom of Heaven had come near, meaning nearer then it was before.

Mat 3:3 for this is he having been spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, “A voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of the LORD, || Make His paths straight.”

Isaiah 40:3 (LSV)

3 A voice is crying in a wilderness: “Prepare the way of YHWH, || Make straight in a desert a highway for our God.


Isaiah 57:14-15 (LSV)

14 And He has said, “Raise up, raise up, prepare a way, || Lift a stumbling-block out of the way of My people.”

15 For thus said the high and exalted One, || Inhabiting eternity, and His Name [is] holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, || And with the bruised and humble of spirit, || To revive the spirit of the humble, || And to revive the heart of bruised ones,


Malachi 3:1 (LSV)

1 “Behold, I am sending My messenger, || And he has prepared a way before Me, || And suddenly the Lord whom you are seeking comes into His temple, || Even the Messenger of the Covenant, || Whom you are desiring, || Behold, He is coming,” said YHWH of Hosts.

• John was prophised to come, from the prophets of old, found in these scriptures, in which he would help in the preparation of preparing the way for the coming Messiah, The one who would come and heal those who had repented and turned towards Him.

Mat 3:4 And this John had his clothing of camel’s hair, and a girdle of skin around his loins, and his nourishment was locusts and honey of the field.

From Robertsons word pictures Matthew 3:4

Now John himself (autos de ho Iōanēs). Matthew thus introduces the man himself and draws a vivid sketch of his dress (note eichen, imperfect tense), his habit, and his food. Would such an uncouth figure be welcome today in any pulpit in our cities? In the wilderness it did not matter. It was probably a matter of necessity with him, not an affectation, though it was the garb of the original Elijah (2Ki 1:8), rough sackcloth woven from the hair of camels. Plummer holds that “John consciously took Elijah as a model.”

Mat 3:5 Then were going forth to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan,

• People from all over from Jerusalem, Judea, and all the region around the Jordan would come to be baptized in the river, in which was an outward expression of an inward faith of having turned towards God in repentance of their former ways.
• 
  
• • There are many people that believe you need to be baptized in water in order to be saved in the like manner here of what John the Baptist had done, it is okay to be baptized in water just as they were as it is simply an outward expression of an inward faith of having turned towards God in repentance of their former way of life, having heard the message of the Kingdom of heaven had come near, which the Last and Great day of Lord would pursue once He had come according to Malachi.

Mat 3:6 and they were immersed in the Jordan by him, confessing their sins.

• And they were immersed in the Jordan by John, confessing their sins.

1 Peter 3:21 also an antitype to immersion which now saves you, not a putting away of the filth of flesh, but the question of a good conscience in regard to God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Baptism was a form of having turned from ones prior sins. The baptism which now helps a person the baptism of the Holy Spirit that John proclaims Jesus himself would do for others, but that would not come until 3 years later, at his death, burial, and resurrection.

John says 5 verses later in Matthew 3:11 I indeed immerse you in water for conversion, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, of whom I am not worthy to carry the sandals, He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and fire,

This is the real baptism that is done today, when God through the Lord Jesus Christ baptizes you with the Holy Spirit, and fire.

​

​