You people

[Matthias]

The focus shouldn’t be shifted away from Jesus preaching the gospel of God, which is the gospel of the kingdom. It is acceptance or rejection of the teaching and preaching of Jesus and the apostles that is the issue in the New Testament.

”You people” have refused to believe “my“ preaching and teaching. Unless “you” do, “you” will perish.

 

[Hiddenthings]

The focus shouldn’t be shifted away from Jesus preaching the gospel of God, which is the gospel of the kingdom. It is acceptance or rejection of the teaching and preaching of Jesus and the apostles that is the issue in the New Testament.

”You people” have refused to believe “my“ preaching and teaching. Unless “you” do, “you” will perish.

The word “people” is not in the Greek text, but is supplied to clarify that the following verbs (“heard,” “seen,” “have residing,” “do not believe”) are second person plural.

 

[Hiddenthings]

NET sn

You have never heard his voice or seen his form at any time" (cf. Deut. 4:12). Also consider Deuteronomy 5:24 and the verses that follow, where the Israelites pleaded not to hear God's voice again out of fear. Ironically, by this point in history, their request has effectively been fulfilled, they no longer hear his voice.

This irony becomes even more striking if the context is the Feast of Pentecost, which by the 1st century A.D. had come to commemorate the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. That very moment when God's voice was once heard and feared is now remembered yet his voice is no longer recognised or received.

 

[Matthias]

 

[Hiddenthings]

At Sinai, the people seemed to say, "We can hear Him and live—but let’s not hear Him, just in case we die!"

It makes me wonder about our attitude today. When we truly hear Him, the spiritual person comes alive, but the natural self must die, and perhaps, deep down, we don't always want that to happen.

 

[Hiddenthings]

He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. John 3:31-32

"Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved." John 5:34

The discerning mind will quickly recognize that Christ also received the very same testimony!

Saved!