Peter is present at every major event during the end of Jesus' life & the founding of the early church. According to the church fathers, the earliest gospel, Mark, was written by a disciple of Peter, and according to Paul (1Cor15), Peter was first to see the risen Jesus.
2) Peter is not a credible witness
In Matthew, Peter swears "with an oath" that he doesn't know Jesus (Mt26:72). Setting aside the fact that Jesus forbade oaths among his followers, it should be noted that this is the ONLY time Peter swears an oath to anything. Why, then, should anyone take his word regarding the outlandish claims he makes when he *isn't* under oath?
Peter is Credulous and Superstitious
*Thinks catching fish is a miracle (Lk5:8-9)
*Thinks he's seeing a ghost (Mt14:26)
*Tries to walk on water (Mt14:29-30)
*Has visions of Elijah & Moses (Mt17:4)
*Has visions of animals (Acts10:11)
*Wasn't sure his angelic prison break was real, but "thought he was seeing a vision" (Acts 12:9).
But Peter & his disciples were capable of being quite skeptical at times:
Apostolic Skepticism
*"Even his brothers did not believe in [Jesus]." (Jn7:5)
*Peter & the disciples disbelieve the resurrection account of Mary & the women (Mk16:11, Lk24:11).
*Peter & the disciples disbelieve the resurrection account of Cleopas & his companion (Mk16:13, Lk24:12-13).
*Thomas disbelieves Peter & the other disciples' resurrection stories (Jn20:25).
*Paul disbelieves the preaching of the Apostles (Acts8).
*Peter & the disciples disbelieve Paul's claim to be appointed by the risen Jesus (Acts9:26).
Conclusion
"[The Apostle] Thomas did not believe the resurrection; and, as they say, would not believe without having ocular and manual demonstration himself. So neither will I; and the reason is equally as good for me, and for every other person, as for Thomas." - Thomas Paine, The Age of Reason Book 1, Chapter 3
There are several inconsistencies related to Judas.
- Jesus says a good tree bears good fruit and a bad tree bears bad fruit. Was Judas good fruit? If not, what does that tell us about the tree?
- The epistle of Barnabas (dated to between 70 and 135 C.E.), while naming the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus' death, makes no mention of Judas, who was said to have fulfilled several important prophecies.
- Neither Mark nor John know what became of Judas.
- Neither Mark nor Matthew know that Judas was possessed by the Devil.
- John knows nothing of Judas being paid to betray Jesus.
- Neither Mark nor Luke nor John know about the alleged 30 pieces of silver.
- John knows nothing of Judas kissing Jesus at his arrest.
Christ Driving the Money Changers From the Temple by Quentin Matsys, early 16th century. In the synoptics, this scene occurs in the last week of Jesus' life and leads to his arrest. In the Gospel of John, it happens three years earlier.
By their inconsistencies. Duly Noted.
The Preaching & Witness of John
Ministry in Galilee
Rejection In Nazareth
Healing the Paralytic
The Centurion
Feeding the 5000
Raising the Dead (in general)* (not explicitly in Mark)
The Fate of the Disciples
Woman With the Ointment
Jesus' True Kindred
Peter's Confession
The Day of the Son of Man
Anointing at Bethany
Healing the Blind (in general)
The Cleansing of the Temple
Jesus Foretells Betrayal/Denial
Judas' Betrayal
Arrest at Gethsemane
The severed ear
Peter's Denial
Jesus before the Sanhedrin
Pilate's Reluctance
Barabbas
Soldiers cast lots for garments
The Two Robbers
King of the Jews Inscription
Crucifixion, Death of Jesus
Burial by Joseph of Arimathea
Empty Tomb with stranger(s)
Stone rolled away
Mary Magdalene at Empty Tomb
IN ALL THREE SYNOPTICS
Jesus Baptized by John
"This is/you are my beloved son"
Jesus tempted by Satan
Arrest and death of John
Jesus' Rejection in Nazareth
The Exorcisms
“Son of David”
The Olivet Discourse
"Love Thy Enemies"
The Parables
The Bleeding Woman
Resurrection of Jairus' daughter
Herod thinks Jesus is risen Baptist
The Transfiguration
The Triumphal Entry
Judas Betrays Jesus for Money
Judas' kiss
“Right hand” of God
Simon of Cyrene
Soldiers Mock Jesus on the cross
Jesus killed on Passover Eve
Temple Veil Rent
Centurion's confession
Mary's companions at the tomb
MARK / MATTHEW
Jesus ministered to by Angels
Salome's Dance
Warning against false prophets
Feeding the 4000
Withered Fig Tree
Passover Amnesty Pilate Custom
Both thieves mock Jesus
“Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani”
MARK / MATTHEW / JOHN
Stilling Storm / Walking on Water
Passover Amnesty
Roman Soldiers Mock Jesus
The Crown of Thorns
Vinegar on a sponge
MARK / LUKE
“No one is good but God”
Gerasene demon called “Legion”
Mary cured of seven devils
Sky Darkened on Good Friday
MATTHEW / LUKE
Dialogue with Satan
Sermon on the Mount / Plain
The Lord's Prayer
Commission to Heal and Preach
Lament over Jerusalem
MATTHEW / LUKE / JOHN
Healing Centurion's Servant
MATTHEW / JOHN
Angels at the Tomb
LUKE / JOHN
Fishing Miracle
Judas possessed by the devil
MARK ONLY
Jesus' family think he's crazy
“Hear, O Israel the Lord our God, the Lord is One”
“[God] is one, and there is no other but he”
MATTHEW ONLY
Genealogy via Joseph
Star of Bethlehem / The Magi
Slaughter of the Innocents
Out of Egypt
John's Objection
John called Elijah by Jesus
Peter Walking on Water
Coin in Fish's Mouth
Healing in the Temple
30 Pieces of Silver
Pilate's Wife's Dream
Pilate Washes His Hands
"His blood be on us and on our children!"
Earthquake on Good Friday
Dead rising on Good Friday
Judas' Suicide
Guard at the Tomb
Earthquake on Sunday
Jews pay guards to lie
One angel at the tomb
LUKE ONLY
Census of Quirinius
Shepherds see angels
Birth in a Manger
Jesus Circumcised
Young Jesus at the Temple
Genealogy via Mary
Jesus reads Isaiah 61
Nazarites attempt to kill Jesus
The Good Samaritan
Widow's Son Resurrected
Jesus sweating blood
Angel at Gethsemane
Servant's Ear Healed
Jesus Sent to Herod
Herod's soldiers mock Jesus
“Father Forgive Them”
The Repentant Thief
“Why do you seek the living”
Cleopas on the Road to Emmaus
JOHN ONLY
The Logos
The Lamb of God
Water to Wine Miracle
Three-Year Ministry
Jews are the Devil's children
Pericope Adulterae
“Before Abraham was, I am”
The Paraclete
The word “Messiah”
Resurrection of Lazarus
Judas is a Thief
Judas betrays due to possession
Guards Fall to the Ground
"Nothing have I done in secret"
Passover amnesty Jewish custom
“Ecce Homo”
"We have no king but Caesar"
Jesus carries his cross
Nails in Jesus' hands
Breaking the legs of the crucified
Jesus' Legs Unbroken
The Spear in the Side
Two Angels at the Tomb
Mary of Clopas
Doubting Thomas
Galilee resurrection appearance
“Blessed are those who have not seen yet have believed”
JOHANNINE OMISSIONS
Baptism of Jesus
Temptation of Jesus
Angels ministering to Jesus
Exorcism
Herod
John's arrest & execution
Simon of Cyrene
# # #
MARKAN PROBLEM: Jesus says he is “not good” in response to being called “good teacher” (“why call me good? There is none good but God alone”)
MATTHEW'S SOLUTION: “Good teacher” omitted; question and answer changed (Q: “what good deed must I do?” A:“why ask me about what is good? There is one who is good”)
HEALINGS AT CAPERNAUM
MARK 1 | MATTHEW 8 | LUKE 4 |
32 That evening, at sundown, they brought to him all who were sick or possessed with demons. | 16 That evening they brought to him many who were possessed with demons; and he cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. | 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any that were sick with various diseases brought them to him; and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them. |
33 And the whole city was gathered together about the door. | ||
34 And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; | 41 And demons also came out of many, | |
crying, "You are the Son of God!" But he rebuked them, | ||
and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him. | and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. | |
17 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah, “He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.” |
"The Christian believers...have corrupted the Gospel from its original integrity, to a threefold, and fourfold, and many-fold degree, and have remodeled it, so that they might be able to answer objections.” - Celsus
John's Gospel wasn't written to supplement the Synoptic gospels. It was written to replace them. In replacing them, John hoped to put certain arguments to rest by answering the critics of the Synoptics.
1.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Adoption during Baptism (Mk) or Birth (Mt, Lk)
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Pre-Existent Logos; no Nativity, no Baptism
2.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Son of God: title worn by many
JOHN'S SOLUTION: “Only Begotten” Son of God
3.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Jesus (frail human) is tempted by the Devil
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No temptation
4.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Jesus (frail human) is ministered to by Angels
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No angels
5.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Disciples are just some guys
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Disciples are one with Son & Father
6.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Jesus was a magician, aided by demons
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No exorcisms in John
7.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Jairus' daughter wasn't dead
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Lazarus is 4 days dead and entombed
8.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Jesus seen as resurrected Baptist
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No mention of John's death
9.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Jesus was a criminal arrested for Temple incident
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Incident moved to 3 years earlier; everyone forgot
10.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: The Eucharist was Mithraic
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Eucharist omitted
11.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: The Eucharist was for initiates, not public gospels
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Eucharist omitted
12.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Maybe Simon of Cyrene was crucified
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Simon omitted
13.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Maybe Judas was crucified
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No mention of Judas' death
14.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: No historians report Matthew's earthquake
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No mention of an earthquake
15.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: No Paulinism in Synoptics
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Jesus becomes sacrificial Lamb of God, in line with Pauline doctrine
16.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Swoon Theory (Jesus wasn't dead)
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Soldiers verify death with spear in the heart
17.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Romans wouldn't guard a dead criminal, as in Matthew
JOHN'S SOLUTION: No mention of Roman guards
18.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Jewish women wouldn't embalm the nude corpse of a male non-relative 3 days after his death
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Joseph and Nicodemus embalm Jesus the same day he died; Mary arrives at the tomb alone on Sunday with no oil or spices.
19.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Only the women saw the empty tomb
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Peter verifies
20.
SYNOPTIC CRITIQUE: Disciples saw a ghost
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Thomas verifies the physical resurrection
21.
SYNOPTIC PROBLEM: Peter's story ends in denial & he is called “Satan”
JOHN'S SOLUTION: Gospel ends with the Restoration of Peter
VERSE: Acts chapters 9, 22 & 26. After witnessing and participating in the death of Stephen, Paul was sent to Damascus with arrest warrants for the Christian leaders there. As he approached the city "a light shone at midday," he fell to the ground then he heard a voice. His companions did not experience any of this. As Paul was blinded, his companions led him by hand to the city where, after fasting for three days, he was baptized by a Christian named Ananias, who fed him and cured his blindness.
CHRISTIAN INTERPRETATION: An apparition of Jesus.
WHAT REALLY HAPPENED: Paul suffered a temporal lobe epileptic seizure. People suffering from TLE report that the seizures begin with an "aura" or a bright light, followed by falling to the ground and experiencing visual, tactile and auditory hallucinations, often with a mix of extreme religious ecstasy and mortal dread. Stress is known to bring on epileptic seizures and with the blood guilt of Stephen's violent death fresh on Paul's mind - combined with the fear that the Christians of Damascus might retaliate when they learn of Paul's role in the death of the first Christian martyr - it may be argued that Paul was under more stress at that moment than at any previous period of his life. The seizure was undoubtedly seen by Paul as a message from God, and his guilt over Stephen's death led him to the inescapable conclusion that God was punishing him for persecuting this new sect and, having spared his life, God must want him to join the Christians and spread their gospel to the world. Many TLE patients report having profound revelations about the nature of the universe; revelations they feel compelled to share with the rest of humanity.
Did the other New Testament authors warn their readers about Paul?
Think not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Whoever then relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but he who does them and teaches them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. - Matthew 5:17-20
Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you. - Matthew 7:6
Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard, that leads to life, and those who find it are few. - Matthew 7:13-14
Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorns, or figs from thistles? So, every sound tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears evil fruit. A sound tree cannot bear evil fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will know them by their fruits. - Matthew 7:15-20
Not every one who says to me, "Lord, Lord," shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, "Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?" And then will I declare to them, "I never knew you; depart from me, you evildoers." - Matthew 7:21-23
Every one then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house upon the rock; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And every one who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house upon the sand; and the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell; and great was the fall of it. - Matthew 7:24-27
[A] parable he put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and went away. So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. And the slaves of the householder came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then has it weeds?’ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The slaves said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ But he said, ‘No; lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.’” - Matthew 13:24-30
Another parable he put before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed which a man took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” - Matthew 13:31-32
Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” He answered, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world, and the good seed means the sons of the kingdom; the weeds are the sons of the evil one, and the enemy who sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the close of the age, and the reapers are angels. Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age. The Son of man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all evildoers, and throw them into the furnace of fire; there men will weep and gnash their teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear." - Matthew 13:36-43
If any one says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" or "Look, there he is!" do not believe it. False Christs and false prophets will arise and show signs and wonders, to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; I have told you all things beforehand.” - Mark 13:21-23
And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. - Matthew 16:18
One came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do, to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? One there is who is good [and that is God]. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” - Matthew 19:16-17
Take heed that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ,” and they will lead many astray. - Matthew 24:4-5
If any one says to you, "Lo, here is the Christ!" or "There he is!" do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Lo, I have told you beforehand. So, if they say to you, "Lo, he is in the wilderness," do not go out; if they say, "Lo, he is in the inner rooms," do not believe it. For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of man. - Matthew 24:23-27
What does it profit, my brethren, if a man says he has faith but has not works? Can his faith save him? If a brother or sister is ill-clad and in lack of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what does it profit? So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But some one will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder. Do you want to be shown, you shallow man, that faith apart from works is barren? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered his son Isaac upon the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by works, and the scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness”; and he was called the friend of God. You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead. - James 2:14-26
By this we may be sure that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He who says “I know him” but disobeys his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps his word, in him truly love for God is perfected. By this we may be sure that we are in him: he who says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. - 1 John 2:3-6
All who keep his commandments abide in him, and he in them. - 1 John 3:24
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and obey his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome. - 1 John 5:2-3
To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ... “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear evil men but have tested those who call themselves apostles but are not, and found them to be false." - Revelation 2:1-2
And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ... “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan." - Revelation 2:8-9
And to the angel of the church in Pergamum write: ... “you have some there who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the sons of Israel, that they might eat food sacrificed to idols and practice immorality." - Revelation 2:12-14
And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write: “‘I have this against you, that you tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and is teaching and beguiling my servants to practice immorality and to eat food sacrificed to idols. I gave her time to repent, but she refuses to repent of her immorality. Behold, I will throw her on a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her I will throw into great tribulation, unless they repent of her doings; and I will strike her children dead." - Revelation 2:18-23
Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God. - Revelation 14:12
THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING
JESUS | PAUL |
False Christs... | “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1Cor.11:1); “the truth of Christ is in me (2Cor11:10); “Christ is speaking in me” (2Cor13:3); “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal.2:20). |
and false prophets... | Paul and (some of) his disciples claim the gift of prophecy & divine revelation (Acts15:32, Rom.12:6, 1Cor.12,13,14, 2Cor.12:7, Gal.1:12, 1Thess.5:20, Eph.3.3, 4:11, 1Tim.1:18, 4:14). |
will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect... | "The signs of a true apostle were performed among you...with signs & wonders & mighty works” (2Cor.12:12); “what Christ has wrought through me to win obedience from the Gentiles...by the power of signs & wonders” (Rom.15:18-19); “All the assembly kept silence; & they listened to Barnabas & Paul as they related what signs & wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles” (Acts15:12). |
If they say to you, ‘Lo, [Christ] is in the wilderness,’ do not go out... | Paul says he saw Christ on the road to Damascus, in the Syrian desert (Acts9,22,26) |
if they say, ‘Lo, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it... | Paul was imprisoned for two years in Caesarea and placed under house arrest for two years in Rome, where he wrote letters claiming that Christ dwelled within him. |
For as the lightning comes from the east and shines as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. | Paul's conversion was private. He saw a blinding light, to which he was the only witness. (Acts9,22,26) |
If these passages aren't about Paul, why isn't he contrasted as a notable exception? The only place this seems to occur is in the spurious addendum to Mark 16 (4th or 5th century), in which the risen Jesus says true believers will speak in tongues, drive out demons, pick up serpents and cure illnesses - all attributes of Paul, with the handling of serpents being an oddly specific reference to Paul's shipwreck on Malta.
[The natives of Malta] presented many gifts to us; and when we sailed, they put on board whatever we needed. - Acts 28:10
Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are not you my workmanship in the Lord? If to others I am not an apostle, at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. This is my defense to those who would examine me. Do we not have the right to our food and drink? Do we not have the right to be accompanied by a sister as a wife, as the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working for a living? Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? If others share this rightful claim upon you, do not we still more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ. Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. - 1Cor9:1-14
I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. - 1Cor9:23
Concerning the contribution for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that contributions need not be made when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me. - 1Cor16:1-4
You Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving except you only; for even in Thessalonica you sent me money for my needs once and again. Not that I seek the gift; but I seek the fruit which increases to your credit. I have received full payment, and more; I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:15-19
The churches of Macedonia...gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints...See that you excel in this gracious work also...For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich...I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of equality your abundance at the present time should supply their want, so that their abundance may supply your want, that there may be equality. - 2Cor8:3-4,7,9,13-14
I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift. The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God. Under the test of this service, you will glorify God by your obedience in acknowledging the gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others; while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! - 2Cor9:5-15
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching; for the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” - 1Tim5:17-18
5. PAUL'S SELECTIVE TORAH OBSERVANCE
Paul Says The Torah Is Obsolete:
Whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law (Romans 3:19).
But we are discharged from the law, dead to that which held us captive, so that we serve not under the old written code but in the new life of the Spirit (Romans 7:6).
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse (Galatians 3:10).
Before faith came, we were confined under the law (Galatians 3:23).
But if you are led by the Spirit you are not under the law (Galatians 5:18).
The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane (1 Timothy 1:9).
Yet Paul Appeals to the Torah for Donations:
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some of the milk? Do I say this on human authority? Does not the law say the same? For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it is treading out the grain.” Is it for oxen that God is concerned? Does he not speak entirely for our sake? It was written for our sake, because the plowman should plow in hope and the thresher thresh in hope of a share in the crop. If we have sown spiritual good among you, is it too much if we reap your material benefits? (1 Corinthians 9:7-11)
"BELIEVE ME - I'M NOT LYING"
Saint Paul by Barolomeo Montagna (c. 1482)
ARE THESE THE WORDS OF A GENUINE PROPHET?
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you in all patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works (2Cor12:12)
Am I not an apostle? (1Cor9:1)
I am speaking the truth (Rom9:1a)
I am not lying (Rom9:1b)
I do not lie (2Cor11:31)
I am telling the truth (1Tim2:7a)
I am not lying (1Tim2:7b)
I do not lie (Gal1:20)
Everything we said to you was true (2Cor7:14)
Does a true prophet need to convince anyone that they're speaking the truth?
"How hollow and insincere it sounds when someone says, ‘I am determined to be perfectly straightforward with you.’ Why, man, what is all this? The thing needs no prologue; it will declare itself. It should be written on your forehead, it should echo in the tones of your voice... A candor affected is a dagger concealed. The feigned friendship of the wolf is the most contemptible of all, and to be shunned beyond everything. A man who is truly good and sincere and well-meaning will show it by his looks, and no one can fail to see it."
- Marcus Aurelius, Meditations 11:15
"As the brethren desired me to write epistles, I wrote. And these epistles the apostles of the devil have filled with tares, cutting out some things and adding others. For them a woe is reserved. It is, therefore, not to be wondered at if some have attempted to adulterate the Lord’s writings also, since they have formed designs even against writings which are of less account." - Dionysius of Corinth, c.171 CE, as quoted by Eusebius
_LATE ADDITIONS_
The following New Testament interpolations are not found in the earliest manuscripts.
- “The Son of God” added (Mark 1:1)
- “Take up thy cross” added (Mark 10:21)
- “If you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive...” removed. (Mark 11:26)
- “This was a son of God” becomes “This was God's son.” (Mark 15:39)
- Mark's Epilogue (Resurrection Appearance) added (Mark 16:9-20)
- Lord's Prayer Doxology - “the power & the glory forever, amen” - added (Matt 6:13)
- “By the ruler of the demons he casts out the demons” added/omitted (Matt 9:34)
- “For many are called but few are chosen” omitted (Matt 20:16)
- “Nor the Son” added/omitted (Matt 24:36)
- “the Son of Man cometh” added (Matt 25:13)
- “Another...pierced his side, and out came water and blood” added to some MSS (Matt 27:49)
- “This was a son of God” becomes “This was God's son.” (Matt 27:54)
- “Today I have begotten you” changed to “With you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22)
- Your visitation “from God” added (Luke 19:44)
- Some MSS insert the Pericope Adulterae after Luke 21:38 (Luke 21:39-)
- Luke's Eucharist added (Luke 22:19b-20)
- Angel at Gethsemane added (Luke 22:43)
- Jesus Sweating Blood added (Luke 22:44)
- “Father forgive them” added (Luke 23:34)
- “Was carried up into heaven” added (Luke 23:51)
- “They worshiped him” added (Luke 24:52)
- Angelic Healing Pool added (John 5)
- Pericope Adulterae added (John 7:53-8:11)
- Pericope Adulterae: Jesus Writing Sins added/omitted (John 8:8)
- “Son of Man” is “Son of God” in some texts (John 9:35)
- I am the resurrection “and the life” added (John 11:25)
- “Which was...in the flesh” changed to: “God was...in the flesh” (1 Timothy 3:16)
- Comma Johanneum - “They that testify are three...and these three are one” - added (1 John 5:7-8)
- Testimonium Flavianum - “About this time there lived Jesus...” - added to Josephus (Antiquities 18:3)
- “Longer recension” of Ignatius' epistles (Ante-Nicene Fathers Vol. I)
- Eugnostos the Blessed / Sophia of Jesus Christ interpolation (Nag Hammadi Codex III)
SYNOPTIC VS JOHN RE: BLESSINGS
MATTHEW
Blessed are...
1.The poor in spirit
2.They that mourn
3.The meek
4.Those who hunger for righteousness
5.The merciful
6.The pure in heart
7.The peacemakers
8.They which are persecuted for righteousness' sake
9.Those who are reviled, persecuted & slandered for Jesus' sake
10.”Your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear”
11.Peter, “for flesh & blood hath not revealed [belief in Christ] unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven”
LUKE
Blessed are...
1.The poor
2.They that hunger now
3.They that weep now
4.Ye, “when men shall hate you, separate you from their company, reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man's sake."
5.Those who curse you
6.Whoever shall not be offended in (Christ)
7.The eyes that see (Jesus)
8.They that hear the word of God & keep it
9.Servants who wait on their master
10.Those who call the poor, lame, maimed & blind to their feasts
11.He that shall eat bread in the Kingdom of God
12.Barren women (in the last days)
13.The disciples
14.Mary & Elizabeth (mothers of Jesus & John)
JOHN
Blessed are...
1.Those who have believed, but have not seen
