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Matthew 13: Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox
1. Matthew 13: Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox
2. Bertrand Russell
Bertrand Russell (1872-1970) was a famous mathematician and humanist/socialist. The Russell Paradox (1901), a fundamental paradox in logic. is named after him. The Russell Paradox appears in reality in many forms.
This statement is false.
You must hate all forms of hate.
You must not tolerate intolerance.
It is interesting when people are pressed to reconcile, say, the toleration paradox, with ideas such as, say, inclusiveness, they fall back on the type system of Russell that did not resolve the logical issue. The only solution appears to be to give up on actual logic but pretend to be using logic.
3. Short forms
Some short forms of the Russell Paradox are the following.
This statement is false.
I am lying.
Is no your answer to this question?
Pinocchio: My nose will grow now.
There is no resolution of the Russell paradox in logic.
4. Matthew 13: Second kingdom parable: fault-tolerant approach to the toleration paradox
The parable of the wheat and the tares provides a
fault tolerant and realistic approach to the
tolerance paradox which, as a simple form of the Russell Paradox, has no logical solution but occurs often in society.
Parable: (encoded)
Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? [kjv]
… εφη αυτοις εχθρος … [gnt]
13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. [kjv]
… ζιζανια … σιτον [gnt]
… zizania … triticum [v]
Explained: (decoded)
13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [kjv]
… εχθρος … διαβολος … θερισμος … αιωνος … θερισται αγγελοι … [gnt]
5. Fault-tolerant computing concepts
Fault tolerance is important in distributed systems and in organizations.
Redundancy can be used to
detect and
correct errors (discrepancies).
Bar codes, ISBN, Credit card numbers, UPC, CRC checks, parity checks, etc.
Space shuttle: Four redundant computers with one backup (cross-checking 500 times a second).
Accounting (manual) method of casting out nines.
Masoretic Hebrew text copying rules.
Two (reliable) witnesses (at least) needed.
An understanding of
FTC (Fault Tolerant Computing) techniques is important in understanding the differences in various Bible texts.
The key to fault tolerance is
redundancy. The simplest model is to use redundancy and take a majority vote of the various ways. There are many more advanced methods not discussed here.
6. Fruit of the grass
John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. [kjv]
… κοκκος … σιτου … αποθανη … αποθανη … [gnt]
… granum frumenti … mortuum … [v]
In English, the word "
fruit" can be used in terms of a plant producing something that can be eaten. In ancient times, even grass such as wheat produced "
fruit" in the more general sense. The English word "
flour" originated as a way to distinguish the "
fruit" of the "
grass" from a pretty "
flower".
In English, the word "
corn" originally had a meaning more like "
kernel" as in a seed. The Latin word
"granum" ≈ "grain, kernel, seed" and is the source of the English word "
grain".
7. John 12:24
KJV: Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
Greek: αμην αμην λεγω υμιν εαν μη ο κοκκος του σιτου πεσων εις την γην αποθανη αυτος μονος μενει εαν δε αποθανη πολυν καρπον φερει
Latin: amen amen dico vobis nisi granum frumenti cadens in terram mortuum fuerit
Wessex: Soðlice ic segge eow þaet hwaetene corn wunað ane bute hit falle on eorðan & syo dead. Gyf hit dead byð hyt bringð mycele waestme.
8. John 15:4 Blade of fruit
John 15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. [kjv]
… καρπον … [gnt]
… fructum … [v]
… blede … [wes]
… fruyt … [wy]
… frute … [ty]
… плода … [rus]
A word related to English "
blade" or Middle English "
blede" for "
fruit" is the Russian word
"плод" (plod) ≈ "fruit". Both are from the
PIE (Proto Indo-European) root
"*PLEH" ≈ "full, plenty".
Another word for fruit was the Middle English word
"blede" ≈ "fruit, flower" and is the source of the modern English word "
blade" as in "
blade of grass".
9. John 15:4
KJV: Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
Greek: μεινατε εν εμοι καγω εν υμιν καθως το κλημα ου δυναται καρπον φερειν αφ εαυτου εαν μη μεινη μενη εν τη αμπελω ουτως ουδε υμεις εαν μη εν εμοι μεινητε μενητε
Latin: manete in me et ego in vobis sicut palmes non potest ferre fructum a semet ipso nisi manserit in vite sic nec vos nisi in me manseritis
Wessex: wuniað on me & ic on eow. Swa swa twig ne maeg blede beran hyt self buton hyt wunige on wingearde. swa ge ne magen eac buton ge wunigan on me.
Wycliffe: Dwelle ye in me, and Y in you; as a braunche may not make fruyt of it silf, but it dwelle in the vyne, so nether ye, but ye dwelle in me.
Tyndale: Byde in me and let me byde in you. As ye braunche canot beare frute of it sylfe excepte it byde in the vyne: no more can ye excepte ye abyde in me.
Gothic: wisaith in mis jah ik in izwis. swe sa weinatains ni mag akran bairan af sis silbin, niba ist ana weinatriwa, swah nih jus, niba in mis sijuth.
Russian: Пребудьте во Мне, и Я в вас. Как ветвь не может приносить плода сама собою, если не будет на лозе: так и вы, если не будете во Мне.
10. Thistles
11. Tares and thistles
Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [kjv]
… ודרדר … [he]
ακανθας … τριβολους … [lxx]
spinas … tribulos … [v]
Tares or
weeds or
thistles can look pretty at a distance, but close up are not so nice and have no useful fruit.
Rye-grass may look nice on a lawn, but, again, has no useful fruit. For illustration purposes, a thistle graphic will be used.
12. Genesis 3:18
KJV: Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
Hebrew: וקוץ ודרדר תצמיח לך ואכלת את עשב השדה׃
Greek: ακανθας και τριβολους ανατελει σοι και φαγη τον χορτον του αγρου
Latin: spinas et tribulos germinabit tibi et comedes herbas terrae
Wycliffe: it schal brynge forth thornes and breris to thee, and thou schalt ete eerbis of the erthe;
Luther: Dornen und Disteln soll er dir tragen, und sollst das Kraut auf dem Felde essen.
Spanish: espinos y cardos te producirá, y comerás plantas del campo.
Portuguese: Produzir-te-á espinhos e abrolhos, e comerás a erva dos campos.
13. Rye-grass
Genesis 3:18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; [kjv]
… ודרדר … [he]
Matthew 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. [kjv]
… ζιζανια … σιτον [gnt]
… zizania … triticum [v]
The Latin word
"zizanium" ≈ "darnel, tare, cockle" comes from the ancient Greek word
"ζιζάνιον" ≈ "darnel, rye-grass" which comes from the Semitic Aramaic, Hebrew, etc. It is interesting that the word for "
thistle" in the
OT (Old Testament) and in the
GNT (Greek New Testament) have unknown origins but appear to have sounded similar when spoken. Is there a connection?
*G2215 *8 ζιζάνιον (dziz-an'-ee-on) : of uncertain origin; darnel or false grain:--tares.
*H1863 דַּרדַּר (dar-dar') : of uncertain derivation; a thorn:--thistle.
14. Strongs - tares
Strongs definitions:
- *G2215 *8 ζιζάνιον (dziz-an'-ee-on) : of uncertain origin; darnel or false grain:--tares.
- ζιζανια *7
- Matthew 13:25 ... came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
- Matthew 13:26 ... fruit, then appeared the tares also.
- Matthew 13:27 ... from whence then hath it tares?
- Matthew 13:29 ... Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
- Matthew 13:30 ... to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them ...
- Matthew 13:38 ... the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
- Matthew 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned ...
- ζιζανιων
- Matthew 13:36 ... Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
15. Strongs - thistles
Strongs definitions:
- *H1863 דַּרדַּר (dar-dar') : of uncertain derivation; a thorn:--thistle.
16. Parable of the wheat and the tares
Here are the verses from the parable of the wheat and the tares from the Kingdom Parables in Matthew 13. There are two parts.
The parable using the code words.
The parable with code words (nouns) decoded (explained) by Jesus.
The code is meant to keep some from understanding so that Jesus, by definition, is speaking in a secret code.
17. Matthew 13:24-25
Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: [kjv]
… βασιλεια των ουρανων … αγρω … [gnt]
13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. [kjv]
… καθευδειν … εχθρος … ζιζανια … [gnt]
The "
sowing" of the "
seed" appears to have happened in parable #1, the parable of the sower. Those who fell by the wayside, choked by thorns, etc., do
not appear to be the "
tares".
It would appear that the "
birds" deposited as weed seeds the weeds that appear with the wheat.
18. Matthew 13:24
KJV: Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
Greek: αλλην παραβολην παρεθηκεν αυτοις λεγων ωμοιωθη η βασιλεια των ουρανων ανθρωπω σπειροντι σπειραντι καλον σπερμα εν τω αγρω αυτου
19. Matthew 13:25
KJV: But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Greek: εν δε τω καθευδειν τους ανθρωπους ηλθεν αυτου ο εχθρος και εσπειρεν επεσπειρεν ζιζανια ανα μεσον του σιτου και απηλθεν
20. Matthew 13:26
Matthew 13:26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. [kjv]
… χορτος … καρπον εποιησεν … ζιζανια [gnt]
The "
brought forth" in the Greek is that of "
making" or "
doing". One can "
make" or "
do" good or not good.
21. Matthew 13:26
KJV: But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
Greek: οτε δε εβλαστησεν ο χορτος και καρπον εποιησεν τοτε εφανη και τα ζιζανια
22. Matthew 13:27
Matthew 13:27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? [kjv]
… οικοδεσποτου … ζιζανια [gnt]
The "
householder" appears in other "
parables".
 |
Details are left as a future topic.
|
23. Matthew 13:27
KJV: So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
Greek: προσελθοντες δε οι δουλοι του οικοδεσποτου ειπον αυτω κυριε ουχι καλον σπερμα εσπειρας εν τω σω αγρω ποθεν ουν εχει τα ζιζανια
24. Matthew 13:28-29
25. Matthew 13:28 Nightmare
Matthew 13:28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? [kjv]
… εφη αυτοις εχθρος … [gnt]
There appears to be a play on words here.
"ἔφη" ≈ "he said" (affirming or denying something)
"αὐτοῖς" ≈ "to them".
Combining these words one has the following which would sound somewhat similar.
"ἐφιάλτης" ≈ "nightmare" which relates to a "throttling demon". This word does not appear in the GNT.
26. Similar phrasing
This same phrase appears in Matthew 21:27, Mark 9:12 and Mark 12:24 so it may be not be intentional. This phrase in the verses in Mark were changed in some Greek versions.
Matthew 21:27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things. [kjv]
… εφη αυτοις … [gnt]
Mark 9:12 And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought. [kjv]
…εφη αυτοις … [gnt]
12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God? [kjv]
…εφη αυτοις … [gnt]
27. Matthew 21:27
KJV: And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.
Greek: και αποκριθεντες τω ιησου ειπον ειπαν ουκ οιδαμεν εφη αυτοις και αυτος ουδε εγω λεγω υμιν εν ποια εξουσια ταυτα ποιω
28. Mark 9:12
KJV: And he answered and told them, Elias verily cometh first, and restoreth all things; and how it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.
Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν εφη αυτοις ηλιας μεν ελθων πρωτον αποκαθιστα αποκατιστανει παντα και πως γεγραπται επι τον υιον του ανθρωπου ινα πολλα παθη και εξουδενωθη εξουδενηθη
29. Mark 12:24
KJV: And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?
Greek: και αποκριθεις εφη αυτοις ο ιησους ειπεν αυτοις ου δια τουτο πλανασθε μη ειδοτες τας γραφας μηδε την δυναμιν του θεου
30. Matthew 13:28
KJV: He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
Greek: ο δε εφη αυτοις εχθρος ανθρωπος τουτο εποιησεν οι δε δουλοι ειπον αυτω λεγουσιν θελεις ουν απελθοντες συλλεξωμεν αυτα
31. Matthew 13:29
KJV: But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
Greek: ο δε εφη φησιν ου μηποτε συλλεγοντες τα ζιζανια εκριζωσητε αμα αυτοις τον σιτον
Latin: et ait non ne forte colligentes zizania eradicetis simul cum eis et triticum
Wycliffe: And he seide, Nay, lest perauenture ye in gaderynge taris drawen vp with hem the whete bi the roote.
Tyndale: But he sayde nay lest whill ye go aboute to wede out ye tares ye plucke vppe also wt them ye wheate by ye rottes:
32. Matthew 13:30
Matthew 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn. [kjv]
… θερισμου … δησατε … κατακαυσαι … σιτον … αποθηκην … [gnt]
33. Matthew 13:30
KJV: Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
Greek: αφετε συναυξανεσθαι αμφοτερα μεχρι εως του θερισμου και εν τω καιρω του θερισμου ερω τοις θερισταις συλλεξατε πρωτον τα ζιζανια και δησατε αυτα εις εις δεσμας προς το κατακαυσαι αυτα τον δε σιτον συναγαγετε συναγετε εις την αποθηκην μου
34. Decoded parable
After the crowd leaves, and asked by the disciples, Jesus decodes the parable of the wheat and the tears by consistently replace nouns with other nouns.
The encoded parable makes some sense but not complete sense.
The decoded parable, as explained by Jesus, makes much more sense.
35. Matthew 13:36
Matthew 13:36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. [kjv]
… παραβολην … ζιζανιων … [gnt]
It is interesting that the disciples are very interested (and possibly concerned) about the "
tares" in the "
parable". Perhaps they have some idea of what it means to be "
burned" in the "
fire" and want to make sure that they are not a "
tare".
A "
proverb" is the same as a "
parable". The Greek had two words for what in the Hebrew/Aramaic was one word. There is no discernible pattern in the
GNT as the a clear difference.
36. Matthew 13:36
KJV: Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field.
Greek: τοτε αφεις τους οχλους ηλθεν εις την οικιαν ο ιησους και προσηλθον προσηλθαν αυτω οι μαθηται αυτου λεγοντες φρασον διασαφησον ημιν την παραβολην των ζιζανιων του αγρου
37. Matthew 13:37
Matthew 13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; [kjv]
… σπειρων … σπερμα … [gnt]
The "
man" sowing the seed is the "
Son of man" or "
Jesus as God". In the Hebrew, the "
Son of man" is the same as "
Son of dirt" is the same as "
Son of Adam" since "
Adam", "
man" and "
dirt" are the same word in Hebrew/Aramaic.
38. Matthew 13:37
KJV: He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
Greek: ο δε αποκριθεις ειπεν αυτοις ο σπειρων το καλον σπερμα εστιν ο υιος του ανθρωπου
39. Matthew 13:38 Field is the world
Matthew 13:38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; [kjv]
… αγρος … κοσμος … ζιζανια … πονηρου [gnt]
In explaining the code words for kingdom parable 2 (wheat and tares), Jesus says that the
"field" is the
"world".
The "field" is the "world" (people in the world). There is a different Greek word for end of the "ages" or end of the "world".
The "good seed" is the "wheat" are the "children of the kingdom".
The "tares" are planted by the "evil one" (among the "good seed") and are the "children of the wicked one" (evil as "oppression").
40. Matthew 13:38
KJV: The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
Greek: ο δε αγρος εστιν ο κοσμος το δε καλον σπερμα ουτοι εισιν οι υιοι της βασιλειας τα δε ζιζανια εισιν οι υιοι του πονηρου
41. Matthew 13:38 Field is the acre
42. Matthew
Matthew 13:39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. [kjv]
… εχθρος … διαβολος … θερισμος … αιωνος … θερισται αγγελοι … [gnt]
Speaking of the "
harvest" Jesus says the following.
9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; [kjv]
… θερισμος … εργαται … [gnt]
Notice that Jesus never says anything about needing "
leaders". He needs "
followers" who will do "
work" without other human "
supervision".
43. Matthew 9:37
KJV: Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
Greek: τοτε λεγει τοις μαθηταις αυτου ο μεν θερισμος πολυς οι δε εργαται ολιγοι
44. Matthew 13:39
KJV: The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels.
Greek: ο δε εχθρος ο σπειρας αυτα εστιν ο διαβολος ο δε θερισμος συντελεια του αιωνος εστιν οι δε θερισται αγγελοι εισιν
45. Matthew 13:40
Matthew 13:40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. [kjv]
… ζιζανια … κατακαιεται … συντελεια … αιωνος … [gnt]
Who exactly are the "
tares"?
Are they "evil" people? (define "evil")
Are they those not in the Kingdom? The "tares" were planted inside the Kingdom (part of the field where the planting of good seed was done).
What exactly makes a "tare" a "tare"?
The Greek word often translated as "
evil" (from the Latin) means that of oppression or oppressing. One can be "
oppressed" by others or by oneself.
46. Matthew 13:40
KJV: As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.
Greek: ωσπερ ουν συλλεγεται τα ζιζανια και πυρι κατακαιεται ουτως εσται εν τη συντελεια του αιωνος τουτου
47. Matthew 13:41
Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [kjv]
… αγγελους … βασιλειας … σκανδαλα … ποιουντας … ανομιαν [gnt]
Who exactly is being "
gathered"? Who are the "
tares"? They are part of the "
kingdom" of Jesus and are the ones described as follows.
Mental: Those who "offend" as in "trap" or "snare" but better as the idiom "misinterpret".
Physical: Those who "do" or "make" that which is "against the law" (of God) where there are two main laws.
The Latin "
iniquity" from "
inequality" and later as "
lawless" started the meaning word slide.
48. Matthew 13:41
Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [kjv]
An interesting twist of the Latin shift of meaning and English word change over time is the following.
Today, those who get "offended" blame others of "offending" (attacking) them (often mentally).
Today, those who talk of "equity" actually mean "inequity".
The worst form of inequality is to try to make unequal things equal. Aristotle (Greek scientist and philosopher)
49. Matthew 13:41
Matthew 13:41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; [kjv]
… αγγελους … βασιλειας … σκανδαλα … ποιουντας … ανομιαν [gnt]
The Greek for "offend" is that of "misinterpret" (idiom).
The Greek for "iniquity" is that of "against the law" (of God)
Paraphrase:
... shall gather out of His kingdom all that have misinterpreted what He said and all that have done things against His laws.
If one does not understand what Jesus said and meant, then one can easily do things against His laws - because the misinterpretation may make one think that what is good is not good or what is not good is good.
50. Matthew 13:41
KJV: The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
Greek: αποστελει ο υιος του ανθρωπου τους αγγελους αυτου και συλλεξουσιν εκ της βασιλειας αυτου παντα τα σκανδαλα και τους ποιουντας την ανομιαν
51. Sheep and goats
In the parable of the sheep and goats, some that do
not think they were doing what they should have been doing (according to some interpretation) are surprised that they are ok. Some others think they were doing what they should have been doing but are surprised that they are
not ok. Might this be due to misinterpretations of what Jesus said and meant.
52. Discuss
Paraphrase:
... shall gather out of His kingdom all that have misinterpreted what He said and all that have done things against His laws.
Discuss:
Is this paraphrase a cause for concern?
How important is it that one determine and "understand" and not misinterpret what Jesus actually said and meant?
How important is it that one then "does" what Jesus wants and does not do what Jesus does not want done?
53. Search the scriptures
In Acts 17:11, Paul tells the Bereans to search the scriptures to see whether such things (i.e., what he told them) are so.
Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so. [kjv]
… ανακρινοντες … [gnt]
… scrutantes … [v]
The ancient Greek word
"ανακρινω" ≈ "discern" and whose base word in Greek means "
judge" as in "
separate".
How much effort do you put into "
searching" and "
studying" the scriptures to "
discern" that what as claimed as true is actually true?
54. Discuss
Paraphrase:
... shall gather out of His kingdom all that have misinterpreted what He said and all that have done things against His laws.
If you believe or trust someone (e.g., pastor, theologian, etc.) who has misinterpreted what Jesus said and meant, are you accountable for that misinterpretation?
55. False teaching as poison
Talking about false teachers, early church father
Ignatius writes the following to the
Trallians (part 6.2, underlining added).
The Greek for "
unsuspecting" is "
ignorant". One needs to study the truth to not be "
ignorant".
English: ... these people, while pretending to be trustworthy, mix Jesus Christ with themselves - like those who administer a deadly drug with honeyed wine, which the unsuspecting victim accepts without fear and so with final pleasure drinks down death. Holmes, M. (2007). The Apostolic Fathers. 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, p. 208.
What is the
functional difference between the following?
Someone who says "I am Christ. Do this." (false Christ).
Someone who says "I represent Christ. Christ says to do this.".
56. Puffed up with pride
After warning about the poison of false teachers, Ignatius tells the Trallians in the very next line that being puffed up with pride makes one susceptible to such false teachers (part 7.1).
English: Therefore be on your guard against such people. And you will be provided that you are not puffed up with pride ...
Holmes, M. (2007).
The Apostolic Fathers. 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, p. 208.
Such prideful people think (know) that they know the answers without even checking to verify them. They will proclaim "
I am" followed by assertions or oaths of their self-exalted position.
Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter. [kjv]
57. Ignatius to the Ephesians: Bad teaching
Ignatius, in his letter to the
Ephesians (part 16), warns not to be misled by bad (or evil) teachers (underlining added).
The Greek for "
unquenchable" is that of "
quick lime" and was later mistranslated by Pliny into Latin as "
asbestos".
English: ... Such a person, having polluted himself, will go to the unquenchable fire, as will also the one who listens to him.
Greek: ... ὁ τοιοῦτος ῥυπαρὸς γενόμενος, εἰς τὸ πῦρ τὸ ἄσβεστον χωρήσει, ὁμοίως καὶ ὁ ἀκούων αὐτου.
Holmes, M. (2007).
The Apostolic Fathers. 3rd Ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, p. 197.
58. Matthew 13:42 Wailing and gnashing of teeth
Matthew 13:42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
… καμινον … πυρος … κλαυθμος … βρυγμος … οδοντων [gnt]
To which of the following might "
gnashing of teeth" apply?
Those who are in pain.
Those who are angry.
Those who realize that they misinterpreted what was said.
59. Matthew 13:42
KJV: And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Greek: και βαλουσιν αυτους εις την καμινον του πυρος εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων
60. Matthew 13:43
Matthew 13:43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
… δικαιοι … βασιλεια … εχων … ακουετω [gnt]
Have people had "
ears" listened and understood? Note that there are those who "
hear" very well but may not "
listen" well.
The ancient Greek word
"ἀκούω" ≈ "hear" and assumes understanding of what is heard. It is the source of the English word words such as
"acoustic" and is cognate with the English word
"hear" and
"harken".
61. Matthew 13:43
KJV: Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Greek: τοτε οι δικαιοι εκλαμψουσιν ως ο ηλιος εν τη βασιλεια του πατρος αυτων ο εχων ωτα ακουειν ακουετω
62. Interpretation
63. Fault tolerance
Here the angels notice that there are tares and ask if they should be uprooted. Jesus says not now.
Notice that the guidance provided handles the case of over zealousness on the part of religious fanatics. They may, in fact, be mistaken in their beliefs of what is "wheat" and what is a "tare".
64. Tares
Some people see everyone else as a tare. The world is a field of tares. That is, everyone but me is bad.
Ultra-conservative churches tend toward this view.
Hate the sin.
Hate the sinner.
65. Wheat
Some people see everyone else as wheat. The world is a field of wheat. Everyone is good.
Ultra-liberal churches tend toward this view.
Love the sinner.
Love the sin.
66. Reality
In reality, it appears that some people are wheat and some are tares. Which is which?
Ask yourself the following questions.
Am I a wheat or a tare?
How do I know?
67. Peter
2 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]
Peter refers to this advice by Jesus in writing about false teachers in the end times.
Why do the angels, who are greater in power than humans, not bring accusations against these false teachers who are "
tares"? Because, in the second kingdom parable, Jesus tells them not to do so. They might uproot "
wheat" in the process.
Peter says that if angels are not to do so neither should humans do so. This idea fits into that of fault tolerant computing principles in that one must assume that, at some point, the process itself may not be correct.
68. 2 Peter 2:11
KJV: Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord.
Greek: οπου αγγελοι ισχυι και δυναμει μειζονες οντες ου φερουσιν κατ αυτων παρα κυριω βλασφημον κρισιν
69. Brute beasts
2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; [kjv]
… αλογα ζωα … [gnt]
Let us make a brief side trip. What are the "
brute beasts"?
70. 2 Peter 2:12
KJV: But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption;
Greek: ουτοι δε ως αλογα ζωα γεγεννημενα φυσικα γεγενημενα εις αλωσιν και φθοραν εν οις αγνοουσιν βλασφημουντες εν τη φθορα αυτων καταφθαρησονται και φθαρησονται
71. Brute beasts and magnificent war horses
2 Peter 2:12 But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption; [kjv]
2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. [kjv]
The modern Greek word
"άλογο" (A-lo-go) ≈ "horse", in ancient times, came from the phrase
"άλογο ζώα" (A-lo-go ZO-a) ≈ "unspeaking/unthinking animal" and usually referred to a war horse (e.g., pulling a chariot, used in a mounted calvary attack, etc.). These were magnificent animals, trained to do whatever they were led to do by their rider/master - even to their own destruction.
The Greek for "
ass" is that of a pack animal doing work. The translators used the
OT word rather than the word Peter wrote and appeared to mean to keep the military animal analogy consistent and meaningful.
72. Russell paradox
The guidance provided by Jesus is a fault-tolerant way of a realistic approximation to the Russell Paradox.
That is, it is a fault-tolerant approach to the tolerance paradox.
73. Taking it further
With some insight, the above idea can be taken further.
One is not to go uprooting tares as what one thinks are tares may be wheat and uproot wheat instead.
Everyone doing uprooting assumes that they are wheat and not tares.
Ask yourself the following.
What happens if tares go around doing uprooting? They are much more likely to uproot wheat and leave tares in place.
74. Self-reference
If angels are not to do uprooting, neither are tares or wheat to do uprooting.
Provide some examples throughout history where groups based on "
Christ" decided that they were wheat and needed to go uprooting (removing, exterminating, etc.) some tares.
75. Alternative
The alternative (not uprooting) appears to be along the following guidelines.
Every wheat or tare should promote the (logic and reality) truth to everyone and let those others decide which way to go.
This is not based on thinking but on what is said.
76. Paul
Once one sees this general rule, one can then see how Paul follows this rule with many examples of following this general rule.
1 Corinthians 13, the "
Love chapter", in context, appears to be the pointing out the importance of love and the unimportance of speaking in tongues.
That is, rather than denouncing speaking in tongues, as was practiced at that time, Paul promotes the idea of "
love".
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Details are left as a future topic.
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77. Politics
This has been the traditional way politics was done in the United States.
This was no accident. It was based on Biblical principles.
This general rule has, in recent times (e.g., more and more since prayer was taken out of public school) become more and more ignored. The trend has progressed by levels as in each side doing the following.
78. Truth and attacks
Promote ideas
Attack ideas
Attack opponent
1: Traditional Christian view (from Jesus)
3: Traditional atheistic humanistic view (throughout history)
Think of how politics in the United States has changed over time.
Discuss: Did taking prayer out of public school have any noticeable effect before and after 1962?
Discuss: Does complete separation of church and state (which contradicts the Constitution) cause any noticeable problems?
79. Promote truth
Promote ideas considered truth only.
This can lead to carefully pointing out weaknesses in the opponent's arguments.
80. Attack ideas
Verbally attack the opponents ideas without, in some cases, promoting truth.
81. Attack the opponent
Verbally attack the opponent without, in some cases, promoting truth.
In same cases, physically attacking the opponent.
82. End result
The end result of the progression, that of attacking an opponent, besides being chaotic and sometimes dangerous, appears much like individual approaches to hate, toleration, bias, etc., all of which are forms of the Russell Paradox.
And in attacking the opponent, one may not even feel the need to promote any semblance of truth.
83. Jesus
Jesus provides an example of how to do this.
When talking about false teachers (religious establishment) in the presence of others, he says "
you have heard that", says what they have heard, and then says "
but I tell you" and then provides what is correct.
Those who make the connection to the religious establishment know what is going on.
Those who do not make the connection to the religious establishment pretty much hear just the correct advice.
When you are speaking, instead of saying "
but I tell you" you might consider saying, "
but the Bible appears to say" or "
but Jesus appears to say" and then explain your reasoning.
84. Spies and vipers
Keep in mind that the religious establishment, like any totalitarian regime and most governments, have spies everywhere reporting back on what is said, etc. We see this in Matthew 3 where John the Baptist is baptizing in the Jordan.
Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [kjv]
… εχιδνων … μελλουσης οργης [gnt]
The Greek word for "
viper" is the type that is harmful and not just a "
snake".
When Jesus is talking directly to the religious establishment away from others, he tells them exactly what they are doing that is not correct.
85. Matthew 3:7
KJV: But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Greek: ιδων δε πολλους των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων ερχομενους επι το βαπτισμα αυτου ειπεν αυτοις γεννηματα εχιδνων τις υπεδειξεν υμιν φυγειν απο της μελλουσης οργης
86. Grass of the field
Matthew 6:30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? [kjv]
… χορτον … αγρου … κλιβανον … [gnt]
The "
field" in the first kingdom parable of Matthew 13 is defined by Jesus as the "
world" or, more precisely, the "
people in the world".
The "
grass of the field" can be either "
weeds" or "
tares" or it can be "
fruit of the grass" is in "
wheat". In the second kingdom parable of Matthew 13, Jesus has the "
weeds" are bound at the end of the age and burned.
87. End of page
