Got it! This site "creationpie.com" uses cookies. You consent to this by clicking on "Got it!" or by continuing to use this website. Note: This appears on each machine/browser from which this site is accessed.
Matthew 10:26-27 The fear deception: focus on friends rather than Jesus
Fear is a perception! There is one reality but we only have perceptions of reality. There are many ways to create realityperceptiondeceptions.
A not uncommon "fear" deception that one may hear (sermon, book, etc.) is to focus away from what Jesus says and focus on the Epicurus philosophy of friends, anger management, etc. Verses can be taken out of context and, using an English translation, focus away from error and deception as what one should be fear.
Interestingly, Jesus says to "fear" those who would deceive to "separate" oneself from the love of Jesus. Thus, a sermon on "fear" that is not what Jesus says to "fear" has the implication that one should "fear" the one giving the deceptive sermon.
5. Security theater
In recent times, security professionals sometimes call certain security precautions (e.g., certain airport security) "security theater" as it gives people the appearance and feel of security. When analyzed, what is supposed to provide or improve security actually does little to provide or improve security.
Does it ever happen that churches do more to make people feel better than to actually help them with eternal issues? That might be called "church theater". All one needs then are some actors to play the parts.
6. Deceptions
As in any deceptive presentation, for example, of "fear", the deception works best if one avoids covering what Jesus actually says. This is the selective evidence fallacy. Any verse taken out of context (i.e., cherry-picked) works best for deception if the English does not match well the underlying texts (i.e., Greek, Hebrew, etc.) and then one goes off on personal stories about "fear" in a human and worldly sense. This type of deception, diverting from the real issues, is known as a red herring deception.
Jesus, Paul, etc., used the Greek LXX so the LXX should not be discounted.
Whenever the LXX is different than the HOT (Hebrew Old Testament) one should look carefully as the HOT was modified to make it more consistent, etc., in the centuries after the time of Jesus. It appears that some words in the HOT were modified. This appears to include what might have been critical of the religious elite.
Isaiah 41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the righthand of myrighteousness. [kjv]
The English translation of this verse can be used to support many ideas. It is best to check the context to see if this cherry-picked verse supports what will be said about the verse.
The Greek LXX word for "dismayed" is that of "wander" as in a "wandering" "star" or "planet".
The Greek LXX word for "uphold" is that of "keeping from falling".
The Greek LXX word for "help" means, literally, to "cry out".
The word for "hand" is inferred and may or may not be applicable in this context.
The word "righteousness" is doing what is "right". This verse is explicit in that it is the "righteousness" of God and not man's "righteousness".
Isaiah 41:8But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend. [kjv]
41:9Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. [kjv]
41:10Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the righthand of myrighteousness. [kjv]
41:11Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish. [kjv]
41:12Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought. [kjv]
41:13For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fearnot; I will help thee. [kjv]
It is not clear that the context can be generalized from Isaiah and Israel to today's moder day church without some disclaimers. For those interested in truth about "fear", it might be better to go with what Jesus says, for example, in Matthew (covered below).
KJV: Thou whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away.
Hebrew: אשר החזקתיך מקצות הארץ ומאציליה קראתיך ואמר לך עבדי אתה בחרתיך ולא מאסתיך׃
Greek: ου αντελαβομην απ ακρων της γης και εκ των σκοπιων αυτης εκαλεσα σε και ειπα σοι παις μου ει εξελεξαμην σε και ουκ εγκατελιπον σε
KJV: Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the righthand of myrighteousness.
Hebrew: אל תירא כי עמך אני אל תשתע כי אני אלהיך אמצתיך אף עזרתיך אף תמכתיך בימין צדקי׃
Greek: μηφοβου μετα σου γαρ ειμι μη πλανω εγω γαρ ειμι ο θεος σου ο ενισχυσας σε και εβοηθησα σοι και ησφαλισαμην σε τη δεξια τη δικαιαμου
KJV: Behold, all they that were incensed against thee shall be ashamed and confounded: they shall be as nothing; and they that strive with thee shall perish.
Hebrew: הן יבשו ויכלמו כל הנחרים בך יהיו כאין ויאבדו אנשי ריבך׃
Greek: ιδου αισχυνθησονται και εντραπησονται παντες οι αντικειμενοι σοι εσονται γαρ ως ουκ οντες και απολουνται παντες οι αντιδικοι σου
KJV: Thou shalt seek them, and shalt not find them, even them that contended with thee: they that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of nought.
Hebrew: תבקשם ולא תמצאם אנשי מצתך יהיו כאין וכאפס אנשי מלחמתך׃
Greek: ζητησεις αυτους και ου μη ευρης τους ανθρωπους οι παροινησουσιν εις σε εσονται γαρ ως ουκ οντες και ουκ εσονται οι αντιπολεμουντες σε
KJV: For I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fearnot; I will help thee.
Hebrew: כי אני יהוה אלהיך מחזיק ימינך האמר לך אל תירא אני עזרתיך׃
Greek: οτι εγω ο θεος σου ο κρατων της δεξιας σου ο λεγων σοι μηφοβου
16. Peace loving God
One way to introduce a "fear" deception is to state, perhaps in a prayer, something about God being a "peace giving God" without defining "peace". Note that prayers are, by definition, and as in the Lord's Prayer, a request or wish for something. Calling God a "peace giving God" in a prayer would be making a statement of (what you want to be a) fact, often to support a political or social agenda.
One way to introduce a deception is to make a three-step analogy where the first one is scriptural but the last two are not. This can be useful in deception as a subtle psychological mind-control.
Most people will not notice, especially if it is part of a prayer. Here is an example.
Let us replace hate with love, [Jesus does say this.]
replace division with unity, [This is not what Jesus says.]
replace conflict with peace. ... [This is not what Jesus says and is an equivocation on the word conflict.]
Adept false teachers will maintain plausible deniability by carefully wording their statements so that, if challenged, they can feign ignorance and point to the limited sense in which what they said might be true. This reminds one of the verse that "God is not mocked" and of what Jesus says about "idle words" and the "unpardonable sin".
Matthew 10:34Think not that I am come to sendpeace on earth: I came not to sendpeace, but a sword. [kjv]
μη νομισητε οτι ηλθονβαλεινειρηνηνεπι την γην ουκ ηλθονβαλεινειρηνηναλλαμαχαιραν [gnt]
… pacem … gladium [v]
Many think that Jesus came to bring, or "throw", "peace" on earth.
Some pastors will say that Jesus wants to "replace conflict with peace". Is that what Jesus says?
A syntactic match (word letters) results in Genesis 3:24 in the LXX and Matthew 10:34 in the GNT (Greek New Testament) using different words for "sword".
A semantic match (word meaning) results in a "sword" being a "sword".
The "sword" is the sword of "truth" (code word approach). In addition, Jesus provides the "sword" part of the "flaming sword" for the "tree of life".
If the sword were not forged right, a "forgery", you might say that the sword "smelt funny". If you can find an inexpensive sword, it might be a "good steel".
Luke 12:51Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division: [kjv]
δοκειτε οτιειρηνηνπαρεγενομην δουναι εν τη γη ουχι λεγω υμιν αλλ ηδιαμερισμον [gnt]
Some pastors want to "replace division with unity". Jesus does not appear to say this. One can make the case that the "sword" is the "sword" of the "truth" or "reality". That fits in with the "reality" of the "flaming sword".
Notice how Luke, writing in part to the Romans, changes "sword" to "division" (the figurative meaning). The Romans were quite adept at "swords" and might get the wrong idea.
This is similar to the translation of the Bible for the Goths by Wulfila. He did not translate parts of the OT (Old Testament) because he said the Goths were warlike enough without additional encouragement. Note: Most of that OT translation has not survived.
Galatians 6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [kjv]
μηπλανασθεθεος ουμυκτηριζεταιο γαρ εαν σπειρη ανθρωπος τουτο και θερισει [gnt]
The phrase "to mock a mockingmock" is a self-referential phrase that plays on the verse in Galatians 6:7 where one reaps, reflexively, what one sows.
The Greek for "deceived" is that of "wandering" and the source of the English word "planet". The Greek for "mocked" is, literally, "snot out of your nose". There are many phrases using the nose that are relevant, such as "turn up your nose", "thumb your nose", etc.
*G5399 *95 φοβέω (fob-eh'-o) : from G5401φόβος; to frighten, i.e. (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. revere:--be (+ sore) afraid, fear (exceedingly), reverence.
*G5400 *1 φόβητρον (fob'-ay-tron) : neuter of a derivative of G5399φοβέω; a frightening thing, i.e. terrific portent:--fearful sight.
*G5401 *48 φόβος (fob'-os) : from a primary phebomai (to be put in fear); alarm or fright:--be afraid, + exceedingly, fear, terror.
☐ Did Mary find "joy" with/beyond God?
☐ Did Mary find "grace" with/beyond God?
☐ Did Mary find "favor" with/beyond God?
By the time John wrote this letter, the meaning of "favor" may have already started to shift to more of a "joy".
The phrase "the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself" is by Franklin D. Roosevelt from his first inauguration (32 President of the United States) on Saturday, March 4, 1933.
So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is...fear itself - nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life, a leadership of frankness and of vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.
This was, partly, referring to the previous President Herbert Hoover and the Great Depression of 1929 and the aftermath of that depression.
One should "fear" God as in having a deep respect and honor for God and the rules of God. Jesus adds a more direct and important idea of what or who one should "fear" here on earth and in this world (that hates Jesus and his followers).
25. Matthew 10:28 Jesus and fear
Matthew 10:28And fearnot them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but ratherfear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [kjv]
One would expect a sermon on "fear" to include what Jesus says about "fear" and his warnings of what to "fear".
The way to "destroy" both "body" and "soul" in "hell" is through deception so that one separatesthemselves from the love of Christ. Jesus talks about this separation multiple times as does Paul.
However, if what Jesus says does not fit the political or social or Biblical agenda of those speaking, those verses are better left omitted. This is known as the selective evidence fallacy. One common name for this is cherry-picking.
26. Matthew 14:21-36 The all in one boat fallacy and deception
The "all in one boat" deception involves focusing on "fear" and the "boat" rather than on the "wind" and then ignoring another passage in Matthew involving a boat and wind that would invalidate the intended deception.
The fallacies used are, among others, faulty generalization, selective evidence and red herring (as a distractor). In short.
Get the other person to believe that you think they are very smart. False humility can be used.
Provide the person with selective evidence holding other evidence back.
The person arrives at the conclusion you want them to arrive at.
Tell the person how smart and clever and insightful they are.
Use distractors as necessary to focus attention on certain words and away from more relevant words.
Jesus uses the Greek word for "fear"threetimes in the fourverses in Matthew 14:26-30. This story can be used as part of the "all in one boat" deception that focuses on "fear" and the "boat" rather than the "wind" and what Jesus can do to the "wind".
Matthew 14:26And when the disciplessaw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. [kjv]
14:27But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. [kjv]
14:28And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. [kjv]
14:29And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. [kjv]
14:30But when he saw the windboisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. [kjv]
By contrast, the "fear" deception involves focusing on worldly "fear" and "friends" and not on what Jesus says four times in six successive verses in Matthew 10:26-31 about what to "fear" (i.e., deception that can kill both "body" and "soul" in "hell").
In six successive verses in Matthew 10:26-31, Jesus uses the word for "fear"fourtimes and provides an example in Matthew 10:29.
Matthew 10:26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [kjv]
10:27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [kjv]
10:28And fearnot them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but ratherfear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [kjv]
10:29Are not two sparrowssold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]
10:30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
10:31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
All the "birds" that "sell" themselves and others out are without the Father and will "fall".
Jesus is the "head" and you are the "hairs". You want to be a "white/light" "hair" and not a "black/dark" "hair".
The "more value" is the Greek word for "different". You are to be "different" than the "birds".
29. Matthew 10:26 Fear and Beelzebub
Matthew 10:26Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [kjv]
The Greek for "hid" is seldom, if ever, used in a good context in the LXX or GNT. The "many" who are on a "mountain" cannot be "hid".
The Greek word for "covered" and "secret" or "hidden" are related.
The "them" are the religious establishment (i.e., "birds" and "pigs") who have (in the previous verses) attributed the power of Jesus as coming from Satan or Beelzebub.
Discuss: Do modern pastors effectively attribute the power of Jesus to Satan when they preach, not about what Jesus actually says, but the opposite of what Jesus says?
Whatever "definition" or "mountain" on which the "city" or "many" tries to be "hidden", they cannot "hide" - for better or worse. Here is a paraphrase of the last part of the verse using the play on words.
Paraphrase: It is not possible for the many to hide themselves (negative sense) on top of (worldly) mountain/empire/definitionand remain/abide there (past their worldly existence).
How hard is it to get someone down off a "mountain"?
How hard is it to get someone down off a "definition"? (same Greek word)
Aristotle covers how that the starting point in refuting invalid logic is to precisely define the meanings of the words used.
It appears that the "you are the light of the world" can be in a good sense or in a not so good sense. What type of "light" does the "world" desire?
KJV: Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known.
Greek: μη ουν φοβηθητε αυτους ουδεν γαρ εστιν κεκαλυμμενον ο ουκ αποκαλυφθησεται και κρυπτον ο ου γνωσθησεται
32. Matthew 10:27 Housetops
Matthew 10:27What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [kjv]
ο λεγω υμιν εν τησκοτιαειπατε εν τωφωτικαι ο εις τοουςακουετεκηρυξατεεπι τωνδωματων [gnt]
It appears one is to be "on" the "housetop" of the "house" that is built on "sand" rather than inside and a part of that "house". The phrase "better together" is deceptive.
This same word for "houses" is used in the Sermon on the Mount as in giving bad "gifts" or "houses" (i.e., built on "sand") to your "children".
The "birds" as false teachers who use deception want the flock to be "better together" or "all in the same boat" or "all in the same vote" or "all in the same house", etc. Instead of putting their "candle" or "opinion" under an objective "measure" they like to hold up that false light for all in their "house" (apparently built on a "mountain") to see.
Matthew 5:15Neitherdomenlight a candle, andput it underabushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]
ουδεκαιουσινλυχνονκαιτιθεασιναυτονυποτονμοδιοναλλεπιτηνλυχνιανκαιλαμπειπασιν τοις εν τηοικια [gnt]
Paraphrase: ... neither is a candle (kingdom, opinion, glory, etc.) put under a measure (for objective evaluation) but on a [voting] platform to provide (false) light (darkness) to all (the many, the city) who are in that house (built on sand).
That "house" built on "sand" (end of the Sermon on the Mount) will be "cut off" and the "many" (who need the real Good News) will "fall" (same base word in Greek).
Note: In Greek the space between "and" and "being" or "is" appears to have been removed/ignored to make a questionable translation to "light" as in "ignite" to justify the desired translation.
The abstract "measure" as in an "objective measure" was changed to the more concrete "basket" or "bushel".
KJV: What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops.
Greek: ο λεγω υμιν εν τη σκοτια ειπατε εν τω φωτι και ο εις το ουςακουετεκηρυξατε επι των δωματων
35. Good gifts and bad gifts
Matthew 7:11If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? [kjv]
ει ουν υμεις πονηροι οντες οιδατεδοματααγαθα διδοναι τοιςτεκνοιςυμων ποσω μαλλον ο πατηρ υμων ο εν τοις ουρανοις δωσει αγαθα τοις αιτουσιν αυτον [gnt]
… bona … filiis … [v]
The word "Gift" in German means "poison" while the word "gift" in English is a "present". Both have the idea of "giving" something to someone which is the origin of the words.
The ancient Greek word "δωρεά" ≈ "gift". The ancient Greek word "δῶμα" ≈ "house" and, in context, "gift". The idea of a "gift" can be good, bad and/or deceptive.
Who would give badgifts to their children?
Who would give badhouses (of sand) to their children?
Matthew 10:28And fearnot them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but ratherfear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. [kjv]
Jesus tells us who we should "fear" and it is not "fear" about the cares and concerns of this world. The most dangerous attacks are not from the outside but from the inside and involve deception.
One cannot "destroy the soul" by "killing" the body is in persecution (e.g., by the Roman administrations). The primary way to "destroy" the "soul" is through deception so that you "sell yourself out" or are "sold out".
Jesus provides an example in the next verse.
37. Matthew 10:29-31 Soul and body
Matthew 10:29Are not two sparrowssold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]
ουχι δυοστρουθιαασσαριουπωλειταικαιενεξ αυτων ουπεσειταιεπι την γηνανευτου πατρος υμων [gnt]
10:30But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [kjv]
υμων δε και αιτριχεςτηςκεφαληςπασαιηριθμημεναιεισιν [gnt]
10:31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
μηουν φοβεισθεπολλωνστρουθιωνδιαφερετευμεις [gnt]
Discuss:
How might "sparrows" (birds of the evil one) deceive to "destroy the soul" in order to achieve "earthly gain" (money) by "selling out"?
Do "sparrows" succeed because those being deceived do not "understand"? This is what Jesus says of the birds in the Parable of the Sower in Matthew 13.
Have those "deceived" separated themselves from the love of Christ?
Matthew 10:29Are not two sparrowssold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [kjv]
ουχι δυοστρουθιαασσαριουπωλειταικαιενεξ αυτων ουπεσειταιεπι την γηνανευτου πατρος υμων [gnt]
10:31Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [kjv]
μηουν φοβεισθεπολλωνστρουθιωνδιαφερετευμεις [gnt]
Paraphrase: All the sparrows (of the evil one) who sell themselves (or others) out for earthly gain will fall on that earthly ground because they are without God the Father ... Fear not. You are different than sparrows.
It takes "two" to work a "deal" - for or against God.
The Greek word for "hairs" is that of general "hairs" and not the Greek word for "well-behaved hairs" which is a play on words with (un-walled) "town" or "village". [sheep and (young) goats]
To divert attention from God to humans the deception can focus on the Epicurean philosophy of "friends" of this "world".
It would appear that it is more important to be a "friend" of Jesus and then to be a "friend" to others rather than to rely on "friends".
40. Epicurus
Epicurus (341-270 BC) was a Greek philosopher who, rejecting Plato's ideas, founded the movement called Epicureanism. These ideas are still popular today and preached in some churches.
self-sufficient life surrounded by friends
absence of pain, control of anger
peace and freedom from fear
happiness and pleasure (hedonism)
Some pastors will preach on the great importance of having friends and make that part of their Bible teaching. It is hard to find Bible support for this idea.
Instead, one should "be a friend" as Jesus was, and not "need a friend".
Written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney and sung by drummer Ringo Starr, the Beatles song "With a little help from my friends" was on the "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" album released on May 26, 1967.
It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confidence of their help. Epicurus.
Consider Paul. No. Not Paul McCartney, but the Apostle Paul.
☐ Does Paul depend on "friends" for help?
☐ Does Paul get help from God?
What does Paul think of the "Epicurean" philosophy of having friends, anger management, etc.?
Acts 26:22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: [kjv]
επικουριαςουν τυχων της απο του θεου αχρι της ημερας ταυτης εστηκα μικρω τε και μεγαλω ουδεν εκτος λεγων ων τε οι προφηται ελαλησαν μελλοντων γινεσθαι και μωυσης [gnt]
To help the "fear" deception, one can talk about, with examples, how our worldly "faith" can be "tested" in worldly ways focusing on needs such as worldly food, shelter, etc. The Greek has a word for this type of "testing".
These are the same worldly cares and concerns that take some who have received the seed away from the truth in the "parable of the sower".
The more important Greek word for "testing" or "examination" is often translated as "temptation" and talked about in a worldly sense rather than the original sense of a "deception" using things we know or believe to be true.
Some of the "faith" "testing" from a "worldly" perspective appears to fit what Barnabas says about "pigs".
The first kingdom parable in Matthew 13 is the "parable of the sower". The explanation provided by Jesus covers three ways that one can be separated from the love of Christ.
seed by the wayside (birds, false teaching and deception)
seed among the stones (pigs, standing in the way, persecution)
seed in the thorns (fish, swimming in worldly cares and concerns)
Each of these is part of a problem-solving scenario. Let us go through an idealized problem solving scenario and then adapt it to this parable. Jesus says to "use our ears" so we must listen for play-on-word meanings in addition to the obvious meaning.
Matthew 13:9Who hath ears to hear, let him hear. [kjv]
ο εχωνωταακουετω [gnt]
13:18Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. [kjv]
Planting seeds is a way in which to reproduce the essential part of the seed. Using creative and funny techniques, I may have "planted" some "seedy" "artichokes".
In the Epistle of Barnabas, Barnabas interprets the writings of Moses not to eat animals such as the pig a change from the original in that one is, rather, not to act like a pig in 10.3. He does this for other animals (omitted).
The Greek for "associate" is that of "attaching oneself" as if by "glue" as in being "joined together". The Greek for "forget" is that of "ignoring".
English: You must not associate, he means, with such people, who are like pigs. That is, when they are well off they forget the Lord, but when they are in need, they acknowledge the Lord, just as the pig ignores its owner when it is feeding, but when it is hungry, it starts to squeal and falls silent only after being fed again. Holmes, 2007, p. 411