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Oaths hidden in a creed
1. Oaths hidden in a creed
A prayer is a request. Some prayers include assertions. Some contain political and social change statements (and not requests).
A creed is a statement of faith as to what is believed.
An oath is a promise to do or not do something.
Jesus says not to make oaths. Aristotle explains why.
It is possible for unscrupulous leaders to have their followers (i.e., congregation) recite oaths disguised as a creed. It is even worse then those oaths appear to be the opposite of what is stated by Jesus in the Bible. Such deception is similar in spirit to mixing leaven into the bread as in the fourth kingdom parable.
2. Aristotle: Propositions and prayers
The ancient Greek word
"προσεύχομαι" ≈ "pray, vow, request" as in putting forth a
"request" or
"wish". Aristotle uses the shorter form
"εὐχή" ≈ "prayer,wish".
The modern Greek word
"ευχή" (ev-KHEE) ≈ "religious blessing, wish" and has been influenced by the
GNT (Greek New Testament).
English: We call propositions those only that have truth or falsity in them. A prayer is, for instance, a sentence but neither has truth nor has falsity. Let us pass over on such as their study more properly belongs to the province of rhetoric or poetry. (Loeb#325, p. 121)
Greek: ἀποφαντικὸς δὲ οὐ πᾶς, ἀλλ' ἐν ᾧ τὸ ἀληθεύειν ἢ ψεύδεσθαι ὑπάρχει· οὐκ ἐν ἅπασι δὲ ὑπάρχει, οἷον ἡ εὐχὴ λόγος μέν, ἀλλ' οὔτ' ἀληθὴς οὔτε ψευδής. οἱ μὲν οὖν ἄλλοι ἀφείσθωσαν, - ῥητορικῆς γὰρ ἢ ποιητικῆς οἰκειοτέρα ἡ σκέψις,… Aristotle: On Interpretation [17a]
Have you ever heard someone
"pray" in a church setting and, in their
"prayer", state
"propositions" that are
"true" or
"false"? This happens when someone states a
"proposition" in a prayer and implicitly assumes and/or implies that what is said is
"true" or
"false" (depending on context).
Discuss: Should a religious
"prayer" state only
"requests" or
"wishes" (and the reality background of them) and avoid
"propositions" that are
"true" or
"false"? Explain your reasoning.
Discuss: Should a pastor inject personal opinions on politics or social issues as claims or statements in a prayer? This is often done to convince those in the pews that God has approved of these views.
3. Matthew 6:9-13 Lord's Prayer
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. [kjv]
6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. [kjv]
6:11 Give us this day our daily bread. [kjv]
6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. [kjv]
6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. [kjv]
The only part of the Lord's Prayer that is
not a "
wish" or "
request" (except the address part at the beginning) is the part that is
not in some Greek manuscripts. The
TR (Textus Receptus) appears to have added this part.
4. Leaven: the yeast of these
Matthew 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. [kjv]
τοτε συνηκαν οτι ουκ ειπεν προσεχειν απο της ζυμης των αρτων αλλα απο της διδαχης των φαρισαιων και σαδδουκαιων [gnt]
Leaven is used in bread to make it rise. In the Gospels, Jesus uses the term as a code word to refer to the religious leaders of the time being "
puffed up" or to refer to a distortion of religious principles as in
false doctrine or teaching.
The ancient Greek word "ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough".
The modern Greek word "ζύμη" (ZEE-mee) ≈ "yeast, dough".
Unleavened bread was used in the Exodus from Egypt as there was not time to let the bread rise.
5. Matthew 13: Fourth kingdom parable: measures three
Matthew 13:33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened. [kjv]
αλλην παραβολην ελαλησεν αυτοις ομοια εστιν η βασιλεια των ουρανων ζυμη ην λαβουσα γυνη ενεκρυψεν εις αλευρου σατα τρια εως ου εζυμωθη ολον [gnt]
The third kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is very short - just
one verse. There appears to be a play-on-words used by Jesus from the Greek language point of view.
The ancient Greek word
"ἄλευρον " ≈ "ground grain" which was often wheat. Jesus uses this idea to represent true doctrine or teaching.
The ancient Greek word
"ζύμη" ≈ "yeast, dough" and is used by Jesus to represent false doctrine or teaching.
6. John 9:38 Creed
John 9:38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. [kjv]
ο δε εφη πιστευω κυριε και προσεκυνησεν αυτω [gnt]
… credo … adoravit … [v]
The English word
"crede" comes from the Latin word
"credo" ≈ "I believe, trust" and is a statement of belief. Many religious take a "
creed" very seriously and many "
creeds" have gone through hundreds or thousands of years of careful scrutiny and reasoning to make sure it is clear to all in all respects.
Nicene Creed (325 AD, updated 381 AD)
Apostle's Creed (c. 1300)
In the traditional
UM (United Methodist) Church, new members, especially young new members, go though an extensive class going through each part of the Apostle's Creed.
Something that is "
credible" is something that is "
believable".
7. United Methodist Apostle's Creed
Versions:
Traditional Ecumenical
I believe in God, the Father Almighty,
maker creator of heaven and earth;
And I believe in Jesus Christ his only Son, our Lord;
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,
born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead, and was buried;
he descended to the dead
On the third day he rose from the dead;
he ascended into heaven,
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and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty;
from thence he shall come and will come again
to judge the quick living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
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The
"catholic church" means the
"universal church" and
not the Catholic Church.
8. Matthew 5:33-34 Swearing and oaths
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
παλιν ηκουσατε οτι ερρεθη τοις αρχαιοις ουκ επιορκησεις αποδωσεις δε τω κυριω τους ορκους σου [gnt]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
εγω δε λεγω υμιν μη ομοσαι ολως μητε εν τω ουρανω οτι θρονος εστιν του θεου [gnt]
An
"oath" is a
"promise" to do something as in an
"oath of office". The Hebrew word for
"oath" is related to the word "
seven". The Greek word for
"oath" is related to the Greek words for "
fence" and
"shoulder".
The Greek word for
"swear" is related to the Greek word for "
shoulder" and can be a play on words with "
Moses".
The ancient Greek word
"ἀποδίδωμι" ≈ "give back, render what is due, return" and many other associated meanings. It is here translated as
"perform".
9. 1 Timothy 1:9
1 Timothy 1:9 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, [kjv]
ειδως τουτο οτι δικαιω νομος ου κειται ανομοις δε και ανυποτακτοις ασεβεσιν και αμαρτωλοις ανοσιοις και βεβηλοις πατρολωαις και μητρολωαις ανδροφονοις [gnt]
Paul continues the list in the next verse.
10. 1 Timothy 1:9
KJV: Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,
Greek: ειδως τουτο οτι δικαιω νομος ου κειται ανομοις δε και ανυποτακτοις ασεβεσιν και αμαρτωλοις ανοσιοις και βεβηλοις πατραλωαις πατρολωαις και μητραλωαις μητρολωαις ανδροφονοις
11. 1 Timothy 1:10
1 Timothy 1:10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; [kjv]
πορνοις αρσενοκοιταις ανδραποδισταις ψευσταις επιορκοις και ει τι ετερον τη υγιαινουση διδασκαλια αντικειται [gnt]
The Greek for "
perjured persons" is that of an "
oath maker" who at some time "
breaks the oath".
The English word
"answer" comes from the Middle English word
"andswere" ≈ "answer" which comes from the Old English word
"andswaru" ≈ "answer" which, literally, comes from the Old English prefix
"and" ≈ "against" and
"swerian" ≈ "swear". It appears that the original meaning was that of "
swearing against a charge".
12. 1 Timothy 1:10
KJV: For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
Greek: πορνοις αρσενοκοιταις ανδραποδισταις ψευσταις επιορκοις και ει τι ετερον τη υγιαινουση διδασκαλια αντικειται
13. Zechariah 5:3 Curses
Zechariah 5:3 Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it. [kjv]
και ειπεν προς με αυτη η αρα η εκπορευομενη επι προσωπον πασης της γης διοτι πας ο κλεπτης εκ τουτου εως θανατου εκδικηθησεται και πας ο επιορκος εκ τουτου εως θανατου εκδικηθησεται [lxx]
Stealing tends to be physical. This can be observed.
Oaths tend to be verbal (with physical implications) and in thought. This may require explanation as do idle words.
14. Zechariah 5:3
KJV: Then said he unto me, This is the curse that goeth forth over the face of the whole earth: for every one that stealeth shall be cut off as on this side according to it; and every one that sweareth shall be cut off as on that side according to it.
Hebrew: ויאמר אלי זאת האלה היוצאת על פני כל הארץ כי כל הגנב מזה כמוה נקה וכל הנשבע מזה כמוה נקה׃
Greek: και ειπεν προς με αυτη η αρα η εκπορευομενη επι προσωπον πασης της γης διοτι πας ο κλεπτης εκ τουτου εως θανατου εκδικηθησεται και πας ο επιορκος εκ τουτου εως θανατου εκδικηθησεται
15. Matthew 5:33-37: Hairs of the head
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
5:37 But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. [kjv]
Here we look at the
"head" and the
"hairs". The
"oaths" and
"swearing" are covered separately.
16. Aristotle: Oaths and paradoxes
In his Sophistic Refutations,
Aristotle uses, as an example,
"oaths", to talk about what some 2,000 years later would become known as the
Russell Paradox summarized as the following self-referential sentence.
This sentence is false.
English: Nor if a man keeps his oath in this particular instance or in this particular respect, is he bound also to be a keeper of oaths (for he who swears that he will break his oath, and then breaks it, keeps this particular oath only; he is not a keeper of his oath)... (Barnes 1984, p. 307)
Greek: οὔτ´ εἰ εὐορκεῖ τόδε ἢ τῇδε, ἀνάγκη καὶ εὐορκεῖν ὁ γὰρ ὀμόσας ἐπιορκήσειν εὐορκεῖ ἐπιορκῶν τοῦτο μόνον, εὐορκεῖ δὲ οὔ. Aristotle: Sophistic Refutations [181a]
Aristotle points out some strange problems associated with the
"swearing" and then breaking of
"oaths" while being bound to an
"oath".
17. Matthew 5:33-36 Oath problems
Matthew 5:33 Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths: [kjv]
5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: [kjv]
5:35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King. [kjv]
5:36 Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black. [kjv]
Some problems with
oaths:
☐ One can be
deceived into
"swearing" an
"oath".
☐ One cannot get out of a
deceptive "oath" except by
breaking the oath.
In making decisions, one should take into consideration what one does
not know. That is, a
deception.
Discuss: Has any church throughout history ever required followers to go against what Jesus said? If so, provide some examples.
18. Gifting a grifters
A
grifter is a term, from
graft about 1906, which now means someone who deceives to get money or other gain. Aristotle would have called
grifters by the name
sophists.
The "destitute poor" want money and not the "Good News" and tend to be deceptive to get that money.
The "poor in spirit" actually want to know the "Good News" and tend not to be deceptive.
19. Debts and oaths
20. Exodus 22:14
KJV: And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.
Hebrew: וכי ישאל איש מעם רעהו ונשבר או מת בעליו אין עמו שלם ישלם׃
Greek: εαν δε αιτηση τις παρα του πλησιον και συντριβη η αποθανη η αιχμαλωτον γενηται ο δε κυριος μη η μετ αυτου αποτεισει
21. Psalms 37:21
KJV: The wicked borroweth, and payeth not again: but the righteous sheweth mercy, and giveth.
Hebrew: לוה רשע ולא ישלם וצדיק חונן ונותן׃
Greek: δανειζεται ο αμαρτωλος και ουκ αποτεισει ο δε δικαιος οικτιρει και διδοι
22. Proverbs 22:7
KJV: The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.
Hebrew: עשיר ברשים ימשול ועבד לוה לאיש מלוה׃
Greek: πλουσιοι πτωχων αρξουσιν και οικεται ιδιοις δεσποταις δανιουσιν
23. Unknowns
It is essential not to profess to know, or to seem to know, or to accept that someone else knows, that which is unknown. James McCarthy (Microsoft software developer and manager)
McCarthy, J. (1995).
Dynamics of Software Development. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press., p. 99.
...when something is unknown, the best policy is to state that simple fact, even if the unknown is not knowing when the software will ship. Don't worry about it. No one can be hired to take your place who will be able to know the unknown. James McCarthy (Microsoft software developer and manager)
McCarthy, J. (1995).
Dynamics of Software Development. Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press., p. 100.
24. Moses and Jesus and the great I AM
God tells Moses who he is in Exodus 3:14 at the burning bush.
Exodus 3:14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. [kjv]
και ειπεν ο θεος προς μωυσην εγω ειμι ο ων και ειπεν ουτως ερεις τοις υιοις ισραηλ ο ων απεσταλκεν με προς υμας [lxx]
Jesus uses this idea of God as the great "
I am" in John 8:58. Jesus is the "
I am".
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. [kjv]
ειπεν αυτοις ιησους αμην αμην λεγω υμιν πριν αβρααμ γενεσθαι εγω ειμι [gnt]
Discuss: Does an "
oath" disguised as a "
creed" where "
I am" is a predominant part attempt to make those saying impersonate or imitate Jesus? Might it be just an indication of "
pride"?
25. Exodus 3:14
KJV: And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Hebrew: ויאמר אלהים אל משה אהיה אשר אהיה ויאמר כה תאמר לבני ישראל אהיה שלחני אליכם׃
Greek: και ειπεν ο θεος προς μωυσην εγω ειμι ο ων και ειπεν ουτως ερεις τοις υιοις ισραηλ ο ων απεσταλκεν με προς υμας
26. John 8:58
KJV: Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Greek: ειπεν αυτοις ο ιησους αμην αμην λεγω υμιν πριν αβρααμ γενεσθαι εγω ειμι
27. Oath or creed
Note the "
I am" centered nature of an "
oath". God is the great "
I am". Does an "
oath" with a lot of "
I am" give the impression of elevating oneself to the level of God?
Do you see any unnecessary "
pride" in these claims?
28. Plausible deniability
Plausible deniability allows the excuse that "
it was not meant to be that way". If not, why not make that clear from the start rather than only if questioned when something might be ambiguous. Ambiguous phrases:
Become more like God every day.
Become more like Jesus every day.
Discuss: How can each of the above phrases be taken in more than one way? Do we need to reach the level of God? We should "
imitate" and not "
impersonate".
In computer science, if a computation on each iteration makes positive progress (integer progress, not a real number fraction) towards a goal, that computation will eventually (given enough time) reach that goal. A secondary goal is to make that progress time efficient.
29. Romans 3:23 All have sinned
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
If sinners were not allowed in church, there would be no one allowed in church.
The Greek here for
"all" is
plural which means there may be
exceptions. Who might be an exception?
The ancient Greek word
"ἁμαρτία" ≈ "error, mistake, fault, sin" as in, literally,
"not a witness". The Greek for
"glory" is that of
"opinion". Anything that is
"not a witness" for God
"falls short" or
"lags behind" of God's
"opinion" or
"expectation".
In logical reasoning, one should not universally quantify something without specifying the domain to which it applies and how it applies. The "
for all" would appear to refer to "
men" who are not "
God" (as in "
Jesus").
Paraphrase: For all have not been a (good) witness (of God) and not approached the opinion of God
30. Romans 3:23 Glory of God
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; [kjv]
παντες γαρ ημαρτον και υστερουνται της δοξης του θεου [gnt]
Do we need to come up to the
"glory" of God? Perhaps a pastor could help us with that seemingly unattainable quest.
"υστερούντα" ≈ "lag behind, be late".
"δόξα" ≈ "opinion, expectation".
Paraphrase: All (with possible exceptions) have not been a (good) witness (for God) and have lagged behind the opinion/expectation of God.
It appears we do not have to reach the level of God. God has an
expectation/opinion of where we should be and we are
lagging behind that
expectation/opinion. This appears to be in line with Eastern Orthodox thought.
31. Oath or creed
32. Proverbs 16:18
Proverbs 16:18 Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. [kjv]
προ συντριβης ηγειται υβρις προ δε πτωματος κακοφροσυνη [lxx]
Discuss: Does an "
oath" disguised as a "
creed" where "
I am" is a predominant part promote "
pride" and/or a "
haughty spirit"?
Does "
pride" come from studying the Bible in order to discern what is the will of God?
One pastor stated in a sermon:
See, here is the dangerous thing about the Bible. You have to beware when you read it because it does, with the accumulation of knowledge about it, tends toward pride and so you have to pray through your heart to handle and receive these things as God speaking to us.
33. Proverbs 16:18
KJV: Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.
Hebrew: לפני שבר גאון ולפני כשלון גבה רוח׃
Greek: προ συντριβης ηγειται υβρις προ δε πτωματος κακοφροσυνη
34. Bird houses
Jesus uses the example of the birds many times to represent the religious establishment.
Does your church have "
birds of pray" or "
birds of prey" (or both)?
Why did the IRS audit the church?
They had false profits. It was a church for profits.
35. Pledge of Allegiance
Consider the Pledge of Allegiance which is in the form of an "
oath".
I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic for which it stands,
one Nation under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.
Note that Google provides many different questions and answers for almost any query. However, for a query such as "
pledge of allegiance" very little is provided. Might there be a reason? (as of 2024-02-06)
36. Bird house pledge
Here is a
parody of the "
Pledge of Allegiance" using the bird house.
I pledge allegiance to the bird house
of the (fill in your organization's name)
and to the bird rules for which it stands,
one bird house, better together, united in numbers,
with social and political justice for those approved.
This "
oath" can be followed by the hymn "
For the glory of the birds" sung to the tune of "
For the beauty of the earth".
What happens if you do not take the "
oath" or "
pledge"?
37. Matthew 5:19 Birdhouse rules
Matthew 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
As in the "
peacemaker" verse, 10 verses earlier, Jesus does
not say who it is who is doing the
"calling". The paraphrase fits any
human organization. This meaning does not necessarily make the traditional interpretation invalid.
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Paraphrase: Whoever breaks the least of the rules established by the bird for the birdhouse, and teaches others in that birdhouse to do so, will be called least in that birdhouse. But whoever does and teaches those bird rules shall be called great in the birdhouse.
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To "
preach" or "
teach" in the
birdhouse, one must espouse the views, not of God or Jesus, but of the lead
bird.
[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]
38. Matthew 18:6 Sea of the sea
There is a different outcome for those who mislead others as to God's rules.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]
ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]
The Greek translated
"offend" is that of
"entrapping" or
"misleading". Jesus uses "
little ones" as "
believers" of
any age. The ancient Greek word
"πέλαγος" ≈ "sea". The root word appears twice in the
GNT.
Jesus uses
counter-factual logic, a distinctly human trait. Some pastors would tell you not to regret or second guess yourself. Jesus often uses this logic as a warning, a warning that is often ignored or not mentioned by some pastors.
39. Deceiving friends
There is a different outcome for those who mislead others as to God's rules.
Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. [kjv]
ος δ αν σκανδαλιση ενα των μικρων τουτων των πιστευοντων εις εμε συμφερει αυτω ινα κρεμασθη μυλος ονικος περι τον τραχηλον αυτου και καταποντισθη εν τω πελαγει της θαλασσης [gnt]
John 15:14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. [kjv]
υμεις φιλοι μου εστε εαν ποιητε ο εγω εντελλομαι υμιν [gnt]
Discuss:
Is God your friend forever? Should you teach this to children?
The ancient Greek word
"μικρός" ≈ "small" and the source of the English word
"micro" is used for "
believers" of
any age. In Luke 19, Zacchaeus is described as
"small" and
not "
short"
40. 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. 219.
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.".
41. 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]
42. The emperor's new cloths
Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. [kjv]
εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν εξομολογουμαι σοι πατερ κυριε του ουρανου και της γης οτι εκρυψας ταυτα απο σοφων και συνετων και απεκαλυψας αυτα νηπιοις [gnt]
The Greek for "
wise" is that of "
knowing a lot of facts". The Greek translated as "
prudent" is more like "
clever" as in "
understanding rules".
A deceptive "
oath" posing as a "
creed" brings to mind the story of "
The emperor's new clothes" whereby the emperor is convinced of invisible clothes. A young child knew better and said so directly.
The story is from 1837 by Danish author Hans Christian Anderson (Ugly Duckling, etc.).
43. Matthew 11:25
KJV: At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Greek: εν εκεινω τω καιρω αποκριθεις ο ιησους ειπεν εξομολογουμαι σοι πατερ κυριε του ουρανου και της γης οτι απεκρυψας εκρυψας ταυτα απο σοφων και συνετων και απεκαλυψας αυτα νηπιοις
44. Plato
An analogy would be "
The leader bird has no feathers". This brings to mind Plato's definition of a human as a "
featherless biped".
Diogenes of Sinope, also known as
"Διογένης ὁ Κυνικός" ≈ "Diogenes the Cynic", then plucked a chicken and casts it down saying "
there is your human". So Plato had to change his definition.
«Οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ Πλάτωνος ἄνθρωπος»
Many people like
Plato since one can used dialog to say almost anything one wants to say. Those same people would pick a few choice lines from
Aristotle and dismiss him. Aristotle writes a lot on logic and deception, including deceptive logic, which limits what people can talk about as true.
45. 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 (Old Testament) word rather than the word Peter wrote and appeared to mean to keep the military animal analogy consistent and meaningful.
46. Jesus and expectations
John 3:10 Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? [kjv]
απεκριθη ιησους και ειπεν αυτω συ ει ο διδασκαλος του ισραηλ και ταυτα ου γινωσκεις [gnt]
Paraphrased, Jesus is saying to a religious leader of his time, "
In your position as a teacher of the scriptures, you should know these things".
18:23 Jesus answered him, If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me? [kjv]
απεκριθη αυτω ιησους ει κακως ελαλησα μαρτυρησον περι του κακου ει δε καλως τι με δερεις [gnt]
The word translated as "
evil" is the Greek word for "
bad" in contrast to "
good" or "
well".
47. End of page
