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Matthew 5:13Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to becastout, and to be troddenunderfootofmen. [kjv]
fish
5:14Ye are the light of the world. A city that is seton an hillcannot be hid. [kjv]
birds
5:15Neitherdomenlight a candle, andput it underabushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. [kjv]
sheep
5:16Let your light so shinebefore men, that they may see your goodworks, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. [kjv]
These ideas will be in the summary of the houses built on rock and sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
Words in these verses may be code words, have double meanings, be play on words, etc. The Greek words may have been changed (mistranslated), omitted, etc. [top-down view]
1. Falselife: 15: You are the kingdom of heaven/air. If the kingdom is a falsekingdom, how shall the kingdom be kingdomed, with "negative consequences" (birds).
2. Falsetruth: 14: You are the light of the world. If the light is falselight, how shall the light be lighted. with "negative consequences" (fish).
3. Falseway: 13: You are the salt of the earth. If the salt is falsesalt, how shall the salt be salted, with "negative consequences" (pigs).
Let us elaborate the "negative consequences" of each verse for use as a model.
If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself.Saint Augustine (Early Christian father)
Do people today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe?
Do pastors today pick and choose which parts of the Bible they will believe? Do they then pass on those parts to their flock and not tell them about other parts?
Note that you can ignore parts of the Gospel that you do not know about or do not understand (ignorance of the law) or you can ignore parts of the Gospel in order to deceive others (and yourself).
5. 2 Peter 2:1-22 Déjà vu all over again
The chapter of 2 Peter 2 provides an interesting commentary on what appears to be happening in the world today - that has happened before.
Peter ends the chapter with the summary.
2 Peter 2:22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. [kjv]
Is what happened before the flood happening again today? "It's like déjà-vu all over again".
6. Coffee
The French phrase "déjà vu" ≈ "already seen"and is the source of the English phrase "déjà vu" as in something that is happening that reminds one of something that happened before.
Don't look so glum. Perk up. In terms of "déjà brew", there are "grounds" for a coffee joke right now.
The French phrase "déjà vu" ≈ "already seen"and is the source of the English phrase "déjà vu" as in something that is happening that reminds one of something that happened before.
It's like déjà-vu all over againYogi Berra (American professional baseball player and manager)
Since chapter divisions were created in the Middle Ages, the setup for chapter 2 is at the end of chapter 1 where Peter talks about eyewitness testimony, prophecy and how the prophets decided to write what they wrote.
The past is often an indicator of the future. In statistics this is called a "historical frequency" model. Today that is part of "data science".
2 Peter 2:1But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnableheresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swiftdestruction. [kjv]
εγενοντο δε καιψευδοπροφηταιεν τω λαω ως και εν υμιν εσονταιψευδοδιδασκαλοιοιτινες παρεισαξουσιναιρεσειςαπωλειαςκαι τον αγορασαντα αυτους δεσποτηναρνουμενοιεπαγοντες εαυτοιςταχινηναπωλειαν [gnt]
2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαιςδι ους ηοδοςτηςαληθειαςβλασφημηθησεται [gnt]
A "false prophet" tells others what they want to hear.
A "false teacher" tells others what they want to hear.
"damnable heresies" means "destructive divisions/groups".
Does "swift destruction" mean it is "soon" or "quick" (or both)?
Both often put their own gain above that of who they are deceiving.
KJV: But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnableheresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swiftdestruction.
Greek: εγενοντο δε και ψευδοπροφηται εν τω λαω ως και εν υμιν εσονται ψευδοδιδασκαλοι οιτινες παρεισαξουσιν αιρεσειςαπωλειας και τον αγορασαντα αυτους δεσποτην αρνουμενοι επαγοντες εαυτοις ταχινηναπωλειαν
14. Pernicious ways
2 Peter 2:2And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαιςδι ους ηοδοςτηςαληθειαςβλασφημηθησεται [gnt]
The ancient Greek word "ἀσέλγεια" ≈ "lewd, sensual" which appears to better fit the theme of the entire chapter.
Can you speak evil of the truth by not talking about the truth? Might omitted words be "idle words"? How about the unpardonable sin?
15. Strongs - sensual
*G766 *10 ἀσέλγεια (as-elg'-i-a) : from a compound of G1 (as a negative particle) and a presumed selges (of uncertain derivation, but apparently meaning continent); licentiousness (sometimes including other vices):--filthy, lasciviousness, wantonness.
Usage
All
ασελγεια *5
Mark 7:22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, ...
2 Corinthians 12:21 ... and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.
Jesus is the "way", "truth" and "life".
In Latin, these three words start with "v": "via", "veritas" and "vita". The Greek and Hebrew words for "truth" have to do with "reality" and not "logic" or "opinion". Thus, Jesus is the "way" (opinion as in glory), the "truth" (reality as in science) and the "life" (logic as in information).
KJV: And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.
Greek: και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις απωλειαιςασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται
22. Plastic words and merchandise
2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
και εν πλεονεξιαπλαστοιςλογοις υμαςεμπορευσονταιοις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]
Peter says that these falseteachers will use "plastic" words to make "merchandise" of their followers as in selling at an "emporium".
KJV: And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Greek: και εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει
2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
και εν πλεονεξιαπλαστοιςλογοις υμαςεμπορευσονταιοις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]
Modern marketing techniques have become the business of many churches. The "business" becomes more important than the "church". Messages can be tailored to avoid losing (paying) customers.
One business motto is that "the customer is always right".
Is Jesus the primary customer?
Is Jesus always right?
How do you really know what Jesus wants? That is where knowing the truth and detecting deception are important. And that starts with definitions.
Discuss:
What changes if the primary customer is "Jesus" and not the pastors nor the congregation? What does the customer really want?
What historical examples exist of the church putting worldly "gain" above the interests of "Jesus"?
If Jesus is to be the primary customer of the church, then what are the objective functions to be maximized or minimized. Provide evidence from the Bible.
Peter will later say, in chapter 3, that God is giving everyone time to change, but that time is limited.
29. Feigned words
What are "feigned words"? The modern Greek adjective "πλαστικός" (pla-stee-KOS) ≈ "plastic" originally meant, as above, something that is easily formed/changed.
Aside: The modern world uses a lot of plastic. To make plastic requires oil. If oil prices go up, so does the price of anything made with plastic.
30. Strongs - plastic
*G4112 *1 πλαστός (plas-tos') : from G4111; moulded, i.e. (by implication) artificial or (figuratively) fictitious (false):--feigned.
Usage
All
πλαστοις
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: ...
*G1710 *2 ἐμπορεύομαι (em-por-yoo'-om-ahee) : from G1722 and G4198; to travel in (a country as a pedlar), i.e. (by implication) to trade:--buy and sell, make merchandise.
Usage
All
εμπορευσομεθα
James 4:13 ... a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:
εμπορευσονται
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose ...
33. Not better than the angels
2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [kjv]
The fallen angels got into trouble. So will humans.
For many angels of God now consorted with women and begat sons who were overbearing and disdainful of every virtue, such confidence had they in their strength; in fact the deeds that tradition ascribes to them resemble the audacious exploits told by the Greeks of the giants. Jewish Antiquities, I, 73.
In Genesis 5 and as recorded by Josephus in the first century, these fallen angels appear to have consorted (had relations) with women. This "genetic" engineering created hybrids and was, in part, the reason for the flood of Noah. Noah was not "perfect" but his genes were not corrupted.
Whatever happened, this appears to have happened before the flood of Noah (with some additional references after the flood).
Until the 4th century A.D.: Angels had relations with humans to create hybrids. (Josephus)
Introduced in the 4th century A.D.: Sons of Seth married the daughters of Cain. (Augustine)
35. Josephus
Josephus was a Jewish historian working for the Romans. His main works include a history of the Jews and a history of the Jewish War against the Romans.
For many angels of God now consorted with women and begat sons who were overbearing and disdainful of every virtue, such confidence had they in their strength; in fact the deeds that tradition ascribes to them resemble the audacious exploits told by the Greeks of the giants. Josephus. Jewish Antiquities, I, 73.
KJV: For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
1 Corinthians 6:9Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [kjv]
η ουκ οιδατε οτι αδικοι θεου βασιλειαν ου κληρονομησουσιν μη πλανασθε ουτεπορνοιουτε ειδωλολατραι ουτεμοιχοιουτεμαλακοιουτεαρσενοκοιται [gnt]
6:10Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [kjv]
Paul lists many sins that should not be supported nor condoned. [Same or similar words in Clement, Didache, etc.]
"effeminate" (passive partner)
"abusers of themselves with mankind" (active partner)
Important point: Whatever penalty or remedy you determine for one sin listed, it should apply to every sin in the list.
It appears that anything that is not a (good) witness to God is a sin, the literal meaning of the Greek word for "sin".
38. A hard look at soft ideas
The temptations of Jesus by Satan form most of chapter 4 of Matthew. Jesus acquires some disciples, starts to preach the gospel of the kingdom, heal the sick and diseased, etc.
Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [kjv]
και περιηγεν εν ολητη γαλιλαια διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας καιθεραπευωνπασαννοσονκαι πασανμαλακιανεν τω λαω [gnt]
… sanans … languorem … infirmitatem … [v]
The ancient Greek word "μαλακός" ≈ "soft, tender, gentle, mild". Of persons, in a bad sense, it means "faint-hearted", "effeminate", "cowardly", "incapable of bearing pain". It can mean "effeminate" and, for sexual partners, the "passive" or "receptive" side of such a relationship.
This word is used in the GNT (Greek New Testament) and LXX (Septuagint) is translated in various and interesting ways. What is the range of meanings for this Greek word? Aristotle to the rescue!
Matthew 4:23And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [kjv]
και περιηγεν εν ολητη γαλιλαια διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας καιθεραπευωνπασαννοσονκαι πασανμαλακιανεν τω λαω [gnt]
… sanans … languorem … infirmitatem … [v]
9:35And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [kjv]
και περιηγεν ο ιησους τας πολεις πασας και τας κωμας διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας καιθεραπευωνπασαννοσονκαι πασανμαλακιαν [gnt]
… curans … languorem … infirmitatem [v]
10:1And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. [kjv]
και προσκαλεσαμενος τους δωδεκα μαθητας αυτου εδωκεν αυτοις εξουσιαν πνευματων ακαθαρτων ωστε εκβαλλειν αυτα καιθεραπευεινπασαννοσονκαι πασανμαλακιαν [gnt]
The ancient Greek word "μαλακός" ≈ "soft, tender, gentle, mild". Of persons, in a bad sense, it means "faint-hearted", "effeminate", "cowardly", "incapable of bearing pain". It can mean "effeminate" and, for sexual partners, the "passive" or "receptive" side of such a relationship.
KJV: Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
2 Peter 2:4For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [kjv]
2:5And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; [kjv]
If the previous verse was not hint enough, Peter explicitly connects the fallen angels with the flood of Noah.
These people before the flood were "ungodly". Can we guess what that entailed? Was it like Sodom and Gomorrah?
Romans 1:24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [kjv]
1:25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [kjv]
1:26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [kjv]
1:27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [kjv]
Paul appears to talk of this time before the flood in Romans 1. Discuss:
Has this happened in the past? Do we see any of this today? What might this mean?
Is this behavior approved by the world?
Is this behavior approved by the church?
Do you see any issues?
Some interpret this to be a small number of individuals throughout history, including the Romans at the time of Paul. Note: As with many passages, it is possible that both can be true.
KJV: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
Greek: οιτινες μετηλλαξαν την αληθειαν του θεου εν τω ψευδει και εσεβασθησαν και ελατρευσαν τη κτισει παρα τον κτισαντα ος εστιν ευλογητος εις τους αιωνας αμην
KJV: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
Greek: ομοιως τε και οι αρρενεςαρσενες αφεντες την φυσικην χρησιν της θηλειας εξεκαυθησαν εν τη ορεξει αυτων εις αλληλους αρσενες εν αρσεσιν την ασχημοσυνην κατεργαζομενοι και την αντιμισθιαν ην εδει της πλανης αυτων εν εαυτοις αυτοις απολαμβανοντες
51. Verbs
... more to be added ...
52. Days of Noah
When asked about the end times, Jesus says the following in the Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.
Matthew 24:37But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
24:38For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe enteredinto the ark, [kjv]
24:39And knewnot until the floodcame, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
People have always been marrying and giving in marriage.
What type of "marriage" might have been different before the flood?
2 Peter 2:6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [kjv]
Matthew 10:15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [kjv]
If God doesn't soon bring judgment upon America, He'll have to go back and apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah! (often attributed to Billy Graham, but stated by his wife, Ruth, in 1965)
How might we get around the idea of judgment?
55. Connection
2 Peter 2:6And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [kjv]
Peter makes the connection more clear by connecting these ideas with Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sodom and Gomorrah were made an example of those that live "ungodly". Might it be useful to define "ungodly"?
Jesus mentions the punishment for those in Sodom three times in Matthew.
KJV: And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
Greek: και πολεις σοδομων και γομορρας τεφρωσας καταστροφη κατεκρινεν υποδειγμα μελλοντων ασεβεινασεβεσιν τεθεικως
57. Lot
The only righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah were Lot and his daughters and, perhaps, his wife. All others were ungodly and were destroyed.
2 Peter 2:7And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: [kjv]
2:8( For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) [kjv]
How should one view "sin" or "unlawful deeds" (before God) today?
Are you "vexed" by such deeds?
The Greek word for "deeds" means serious sexual sin.
KJV: ( For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)
Greek: βλεμματι γαρ και ακοη ο δικαιος εγκατοικων εν αυτοις ημεραν εξ ημερας ψυχην δικαιαν ανομοις εργοις εβασανιζεν
60. Sin and sinners
One is to "love God" as in "hate sin".
One is to "love neighbor" as in "love sinner".
Do you hate sin? Do you love the sinner? This is not easy to do. The wide gates are at the extremes. The narrow gate is in the center. Jesus says that few will find the path through that narrow gate. (Matthew 7).
Jude has a similar statement about the time before the flood and the time of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Jude 1:6And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. [kjv]
KJV: And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
Greek: αγγελους τε τους μη τηρησαντας την εαυτων αρχην αλλα απολιποντας το ιδιον οικητηριον εις κρισιν μεγαλης ημερας δεσμοις αιδιοις υπο ζοφον τετηρηκεν
63. Strongs - darkness
*G2217 *5 ζόφος (dzof'-os) : akin to the base of G3509; gloom (as shrouding like a cloud):--blackness, darkness, mist.
Usage
All
ζοφος *2
2 Peter 2:17 ... with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Jude 1:13 ... stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
ζοφω
Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, ...
ζοφου
2 Peter 2:4 ... them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
ζοφον
Jude 1:6 ... everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the ...
64. Strange flesh
Jude continues.
Jude 1:7Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. [kjv]
The Greek for "strange flesh" is that of "different flesh" - in addition to having indulged in "sexual immorality" (fornication).
Discuss: To what might the "different flesh" refer?
KJV: Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Greek: ως σοδομα και γομορρα και αι περι αυτας πολεις τον ομοιον τουτοις τροπον τουτοις εκπορνευσασαι και απελθουσαι οπισω σαρκος ετερας προκεινται δειγμα πυρος αιωνιου δικην υπεχουσαι
66. Strongs - fornication
*G1608 *1 ἐκπορνεύω (ek-porn-yoo'-o) : from G1537 and G4203; to be utterly unchaste:--give self over to fornication.
Usage
All
εκπορνευσασαι
Jude 1:7 ... in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after ...
67. Jesus talks about Sodom
Jesus mentions the punishment for those in Sodom three times in Matthew.
Matthew 10:15Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [kjv]
Abraham had tried to bargain with God, to spare the city if 50 righteous could be found, then 40, down to 10. The angels could not leave Sodom until Lot was safely taken away. His works were lost, by fire.
KJV: Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.
Greek: αμην λεγω υμιν ανεκτοτερον εσται γη σοδομων και γομορρων εν ημερα κρισεως η τη πολει εκεινη
69. Works and fire
Paul talks about works and fire and salvation. Lot appears to be an example.
1 Corinthians 3:13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [kjv]
εκαστου τοεργονφανερονγενησεται η γαρ ημερα δηλωσει οτι ενπυριαποκαλυπτεταικαι εκαστου το εργον οποιον εστιν το πυρ αυτο δοκιμασει [gnt]
3:15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. [kjv]
ει τινος τοεργονκατακαησεται ζημιωθησεται αυτος δε σωθησεται ουτως δε ως διαπυρος [gnt]
KJV: Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
Hebrew: מעשה כל איש יגלה כי היום הוא יבררהו כי באש יראה ואת מה מעשה כל איש ואיש האש תבחננו׃
Greek: εκαστου το εργονφανερον γενησεται η γαρ ημερα δηλωσει οτι εν πυριαποκαλυπτεται και εκαστου το εργον οποιον εστιν το πυρ αυτο δοκιμασει
KJV: If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Hebrew: ואם ישרף מעשהו יפסידנו והוא יושע אך כמו מצל מאש׃
Greek: ει τινος το εργον κατακαησεται ζημιωθησεται αυτος δε σωθησεται ουτως δε ως δια πυρος
72. Jesus talks about Sodom
Matthew 11:23And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [kjv]
11:24But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. [kjv]
Discuss: Does this change your ideas on which sins (e.g., as listed by Paul) are the most grievous?
As Jonah was successful at Nineveh, Jesus appears to say that Sodom would have repented if Jesus had done the miracles there.
KJV: And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
Greek: και συ καπερναουμ ηκαφαρναουμ μη εως του ουρανου υψωθεισαυψωθηση εως αδου καταβιβασθηση καταβηση οτι ει εν σοδομοις εγενοντοεγενηθησαν αι δυναμεις αι γενομεναι εν σοι εμειναν εμεινεν αν μεχρι της σημερον
KJV: But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Greek: πλην λεγω υμιν οτι γη σοδομων ανεκτοτερον εσται εν ημερα κρισεως η σοι
75. Temptation and doomsday
2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: [kjv]
οιδεν κυριος ευσεβεις εκπειρασμουρυεσθαι αδικους δε ειςημεραν κρισεωςκολαζομενους τηρειν [gnt]
… temptacioun… dai of dom … [wy]
In Old English, "doom" meant "judgment". Thus, "doomsday" means "judgment day". The ancient Greek word "πειράζω" ≈ "examine" and is often translated in the KJV as "tempt". The Greek for "temptation" means an "examination" to deceive using what you think or know to be true.
Matthew 6:13And 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]
και μη εισενεγκης ημας ειςπειρασμοναλλα ρυσαι ημας απο τουπονηρου [gnt]
The Lord can deliver the righteous from temptation. What about the "ungodly"?
KJV: 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.
Greek: και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρουοτι σου εστιν η βασιλεια και η δυναμις και η δοξα εις τους αιωνας αμην
80. Characteristics of the ungodly
2 Peter 2:10But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. [kjv]
μαλιστα δε τους οπισω σαρκος εν επιθυμιαμιασμουπορευομενους και κυριοτητος καταφρονουντας τολμηται αυθαδεις δοξας ου τρεμουσιν βλασφημουντες [gnt]
2:11Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]
2:12But 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]
Who are "they"? What do "they" not "understand"?
Peter goes on to list some other characteristics of the "ungodly" in general and of false teachers who justify and lead the way in being ungodly.
A term used by Jesus for this behavior is that of "mammon" where one puts oneself before God.
KJV: But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
Greek: μαλιστα δε τους οπισω σαρκος εν επιθυμια μιασμου πορευομενους και κυριοτητος καταφρονουντας τολμηται αυθαδεις δοξας ου τρεμουσιν βλασφημουντες
83. Angels and false teachers
2 Peter 2:11Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]
Even angels do not bring accusations against these false teachers and the ungodly. Why?
The second Kingdom Parable of the wheat and the weeds provides an explanation. One should promote the truth without verbally (or physically) attacking other views. Jesus uses the words "you have heard it said ...". One can add "but the Bible appears to say ...".
2 Peter 2:12But 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]
They speak against God of things they do not understand. Is ignorance of the God's law a reason? Jesus explains this in the first Kingdom Parable of the sower and the seed.
These false teachers and ungodly are likened to "brute beasts".
What exactly is a "brute beast"?
86. Brute beasts
The Greek word translated as "brute beast" meant a magnificent war horse whose only purpose is to "utterly perish" in war according to the desires of the commander of that military unit. Man is made in the image of God.
The same Greek term could refer to the "beasts of burden" or pack animals that handled the supplies and work of the army. Those other animals will be mentioned in a few verses.
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 καιφθαρησονται
88. 2 Peter 2:13 Hedonistic rioting
2 Peter 2:13And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; [kjv]
αδικουμενοι μισθον αδικιαςηδονηνηγουμενοιτην εν ημερατρυφηνσπιλοικαιμωμοιεντρυφωντεςεν ταιςαπαταιςαυτωνσυνευωχουμενοιυμιν [gnt]
The Greek for "count" is related to the word for "hegemony". The word for "pleasure" is the source of the English word "hedonism".
Discuss: Do "sinners" or "false teachers" want to come into your church and "feast" with you so that you become part of their conspiracy? Are we really "better together"?
What do you think of when you hear someone having pleasure to "riot" in the day time, publicly showing their disdain for God and wanting everyone else to approve? The ancient Greek word "τρυφαώ" ≈ "coddled, pampered, indulged".
KJV: And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
Greek: κομιουμενοιαδικουμενοι μισθον αδικιας ηδονηνηγουμενοι την εν ημερα τρυφηνσπιλοι και μωμοιεντρυφωντες εν ταις απαταις αυτων συνευωχουμενοι υμιν
90. Pampered lifestyle
Matthew 11:8But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in softraiment? behold, they that wear softclothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον ενμαλακοιςημφιεσμενονιδου οι ταμαλακαφορουντεςεν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]
Luke 7:25But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeouslyapparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον ενμαλακοιςιματιοιςημφιεσμενον ιδου οι ενιματισμωενδοξωκαιτρυφηυπαρχοντες εν τοις βασιλειοις εισιν [gnt]
KJV: But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeouslyapparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
Greek: αλλα τι εξεληλυθατεεξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοιςιματιοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι εν ιματισμωενδοξω και τρυφη υπαρχοντες εν τοις βασιλειοις εισιν
Greek: ουαι οι επισπωμενοι τας αμαρτιας ως σχοινιω μακρω και ως ζυγου ιμαντι δαμαλεως τας ανομιας
94. Adultery
Isaiah 5:18Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: [kjv]
5:20Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter ! [kjv]
Isaiah talks of those ungodly that display their iniquity as if on parade. Do we see displays and parades of iniquity today?
What might be some examples?
2 Peter 2:14Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: [kjv]
These false teachers promote, and the ungodly accept, all that is sinful before God. In Matthew 5 (external worldly influences) and again in Matthew 18 (internal church influences) Jesus says that if what you see traps you into sin, one should remove that "eye". That is, remove or nullify the temptation.
KJV: Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter !
Hebrew: הוי האמרים לרע טוב ולטוב רע שמים חשך לאור ואור לחשך שמים מר למתוק ומתוק למר׃
Greek: ουαι οι λεγοντες το πονηρον καλον και το καλον πονηρον οι τιθεντες το σκοτος φως και το φως σκοτος οι τιθεντες το πικρον γλυκυ και το γλυκυ πικρον
KJV: Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
2 Peter 2:15Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; [kjv]
2:16But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. [kjv]
The false teacher Balaam would not curse God but knew how to lead the people astray with ungodly behavior. Balaam liked getting paid to fill his belly with such teaching.
To find the problem, "follow the money" - the root of all evil.
The "dumb ass" is written by Peter as "beast of burden" as the faithful followers who proclaim the truth.
Like that "dumb ass", those faithful followers who are "beasts of burden" will be struck and rebuked by the false teachers who do not follow their ungodly ways.
KJV: Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;
Greek: καταλιποντες τηνκαταλειποντες ευθειαν οδον επλανηθησαν εξακολουθησαντες τη οδω του βαλααμ του βοσορ βεωρ ος μισθον αδικιας ηγαπησεν
99. Follow the money
One way to find the root of problems is to "follow the money".
1 Timothy 6:10For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [kjv]
KJV: For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
Greek: ριζα γαρ παντων των κακων εστιν η φιλαργυρια ης τινες ορεγομενοι απεπλανηθησαν απο της πιστεως και εαυτους περιεπειραν οδυναις πολλαις
Peter calls these false teachers "wells without water".
Jesus has the "living water". There are many imposter's. The "false teachers" have only a "mist of darkness" as they "impersonate" Christ rather than "imitating" Christ.Many false teachers will come using the name of Jesus.
Matthew 24:5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τωονοματιμου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλουςπλανησουσιν [gnt]
KJV: These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
Greek: ουτοι εισιν πηγαι ανυδροινεφελαικαι ομιχλαι υπο λαιλαπος ελαυνομεναι οις ο ζοφος του σκοτουςεις αιωνα τετηρηται
104. Anti-Christs
The term "anti-Christ" as used by John refers to someone who puts themselves in place of Christ (impersonation) as a false teacher. Jesus warns of such "false Christs".
Matthew 24:5For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τωονοματιμου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλουςπλανησουσιν [gnt]
These false teachers may not say the exact words "I am Christ" but will often say "Christ says to do this and that" where the "this and that" are their own views not supported by the Bible.
KJV: For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Greek: πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν
106. Words of vanity and liberty
2 Peter 2:18For when they speak great swellingwords of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. [kjv]
υπερογκαγαρματαιοτητοςφθεγγομενοιδελεαζουσιν εν επιθυμιαις σαρκος ασελγειαις τους ολιγως αποφευγοντας τους εν πλανη αναστρεφομενους [gnt]
These false teachers will speak great words of vanity to attract followers by telling those followers to ignore things that God desires.
The word "swelling" does not appear to be in the Greek. Instead, they speak "arrogantly" as in "bending" or "bulging" words of "vanity".
2:19While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. [kjv]
KJV: For when they speak great swellingwords of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error.
Greek: υπερογκα γαρ ματαιοτητοςφθεγγομενοι δελεαζουσιν εν επιθυμιαις σαρκος ασελγειαις τους οντως αποφυγονταςολιγως αποφευγοντας τους εν πλανη αναστρεφομενους
108. Strongs - arrogant
*G5246 *2 ὑπέρογκος (hoop-er'-ong-kos) : from G5228 and G3591; bulging over, i.e. (figuratively) insolent:--great swelling.
Usage
All
υπερογκα *2
2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through ...
Jude 1:16 ... their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration ...
KJV: While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
Greek: ελευθεριαν αυτοις επαγγελλομενοι αυτοι δουλοι υπαρχοντες της φθορας ω γαρ τις ηττηται τουτω και δεδουλωται
112. Political change
Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [kjv]
This verse, is often taken out of context to promote social and/or political change.
One is hard-pressed to find any saying of Jesus, Paul, etc., that advocates or approves of social change - when the civil powers are separate from the religious powers. Throughout history, one side's "freedom fighter" is the other side's "terrorist". A fictional example is Luke Skywalker in the Star Wars series.
2 Peter 2:20For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [kjv]
ει γαρ αποφυγοντες ταμιασματατου κοσμου εν επιγνωσει του κυριου και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου τουτοις δε παλινεμπλακεντεςηττωνται γεγονεν αυτοις τα εσχατα χειρονα των πρωτων [gnt]
… coinquinationes … inpliciti … [v]
That freedom in Christ will be twisted and contorted into a bondage to sin. They will be worse off than before.
Discuss: Is Peter talking about a large scale phenomena before the flood and again in the end times? Is Peter talking about individuals and small groups throughout history? Might both be true?
Matthew 23:15Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. [kjv]
ουαι υμινγραμματειςκαι φαρισαιοιυποκριταιοτι περιαγετε την θαλασσαν και την ξηραν ποιησαι εναπροσηλυτονκαι οταν γενηται ποιειτε αυτον υιονγεεννηςδιπλοτερονυμων [gnt]
KJV: Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.
Greek: ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι περιαγετε την θαλασσαν και την ξηραν ποιησαι ενα προσηλυτον και οταν γενηται ποιειτε αυτον υιον γεεννηςδιπλοτερον υμων
KJV: For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
Greek: ει γαρ αποφυγοντες τα μιασματα του κοσμου εν επιγνωσει του κυριου και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου τουτοις δε παλιν εμπλακεντες ηττωνται γεγονεν αυτοις τα εσχατα χειρονα των πρωτων
Latin: si enim refugientes coinquinationes mundi in cognitione Domini nostri et salvatoris Iesu Christi his rursus inpliciti superantur facta sunt eis posteriora deteriora prioribus
118. Déjà vu all over again
2 Peter 2:21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [kjv]
Counter-factual logic is logic or reasoning that is "counter to fact". That is, "what if" such and such had happened. Jesus uses such "what if" reasoning, as do humans in their reasoning..
2:22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. [kjv]
Is it "déjà-vu all over again"?
Peter indicates that what has and will happen has happened before - with much the same result. Is this verse about individuals, large collections of individuals, or both (and more)? Is the situation before the flood and again at Sodom and Gomorrah similar to what is happening again today?
KJV: For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.
Greek: κρειττον γαρ ην αυτοις μη επεγνωκεναι την οδον της δικαιοσυνης η επιγνουσιν επιστρεψαιυποστρεψαι εκ της παραδοθεισης αυτοις αγιας εντολης
KJV: But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Greek: συμβεβηκεν δε αυτοις το της αληθους παροιμιας κυων επιστρεψας επι το ιδιον εξεραμα και υς λουσαμενη εις κυλισμακυλισμον βορβορου
121. In the beginning
Matthew 19:4And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [kjv]
19:5And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [kjv]
KJV: And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
Greek: και ειπεν ενεκενενεκα τουτου καταλειψει ανθρωπος τον πατερα και την μητερα και προσκολληθησεται κολληθησεται τη γυναικι αυτου και εσονται οι δυο εις σαρκα μιαν
124. Love is better
Some say that "All you need is love" (Beatles song title). Some say "God is love" and "love is god" (converse fallacy). But which god?
Some say we can ignore God's other laws as long as we love others. That we are "better together" and that loving others trumps loving God (but not Trump).
John 3:16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [kjv]
3:17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [kjv]
The Greek for "condemn" means to separate, as into "sheep" and "goats", which did not happen in the first coming of Jesus as the "Messiah" and "Kinsman Redeemer". That appears to be happening at the second coming of Jesus as "King" and "Avenger of Blood".
"Condemn" means "separate" as in "sheep" and "goats".
First coming: Messiah as Lord and Kinsman Redeemer (Gospels)
Second coming: King as Avenger of Blood (Revelation)
KJV: For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
Greek: ου γαρ απεστειλεν ο θεος τον υιον αυτου εις τον κοσμον ινα κρινη τον κοσμον αλλ ινα σωθη ο κοσμος δι αυτου
128. Rock and sand
Build your house on the granite rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.
Church of believers built on the rock of Christ.
Church of believers built on the sand of man.
The higher one goes up the human sand hierarchy or sand tree, the more the temptation to ignore the foundation of the rock and to start to "influence" or "manipulate" others as "leaders" for one's own purposes.
To the extent that the Church of believers built on the sand of man helps one do what Jesus wants them to do, it is good. To the extent it does not, it is not good.
Some birds will make "stones" (sand on which to build their birdhouse) appear as "bread". That is, give "bad" "gifts" or "houses" to their "children".
2 Peter 3 contains interesting prophecies in terms of scientific knowledge some 1800 years before they were understood. He ends with a warning (next to last verse of the book).
2 Peter 3:17Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. [kjv]
3:18But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. [kjv]
KJV: Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
Greek: υμεις ουν αγαπητοι προγινωσκοντες φυλασσεσθε ινα μη τη των αθεσμων πλανη συναπαχθεντες εκπεσητε του ιδιου στηριγμου
KJV: But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.
Greek: αυξανετε δε εν χαριτι και γνωσει του κυριου ημων και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου αυτω η δοξα και νυν και εις ημεραν αιωνος αμην
135. Neighbors
Jesus divides people into two groups.
Fellow believers. Love them unconditionally since they will not ask you to do things against God's Laws.
Neighbors. Love them "as yourself". That is, do not do for them what is against God's Laws.
[Brute beasts as magnificent war horses, false prophet/teacher Balaam beating the beast of burden]
136. Matthew 5:29-30 : The ayes came in handy, if not plucked out
1 Corinthians 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]
Matthew 5:29And if thy righteyeoffend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [kjv]
18:9And if thine eyeoffend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having twoeyes to be castintohellfire. [kjv]
The verse pairs in Matthew 5:29-30 and 18:8-9 are similar in that they talk about plucking out eyes as members of the body and cutting off hands and feet rather than being cast into "hell" or "everlasting" "fire". Are we "better together"? Is there "strength in numbers"? Do we need to "protect each other's reputation"? Do we need to "have each other's back"?
Matthew 5: "eye", "hand" ("right" only, just "disciples")
Matthew 18: "eye", "hand", "foot" (no restriction to "right", entire "church")
This similarity appears to connect the two passages but there are some differences. Understanding one pair may help in understanding the other pair.
Paul in 1 Corinthians 12 talks of eyes as members of the body of the church. Is there a connection to the verses in Matthew?
137. Matthew 5:19-20 Righteous commandment breaking
Matthew 5:19Whosoever therefore shall breakone of theseleastcommandments, 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 calledgreat in the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no caseenter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
Which commandments are being broken? The word in Greek can mean "solve" or "resolve".
Which commandments are being taught and followed?
What exactly is the "kingdom" of "heaven"?
Who is doing the calling? (peacemakers 10 verses earlier)
What righteousness is in question? (man's, God's, both, neither)
Matthew 5:19Whosoever therefore shall breakone of theseleastcommandments, 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 calledgreat 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.
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 calledleast in that birdhouse. But whoever does and teaches those rules shall be calledgreat in the birdhouse.
To "preach" or "teach" in the birdhouse, one must espouse the views or "righteousness", not of God or Jesus, but of the lead bird. Saying: You'll be birdseed.
[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]
Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no caseenter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
Unlike an earlier verse, there is no "amen" or "verily" or even "blessed" starting this verse. The "righteousness" can be God's "righteousness" or man's "righteousness" (or both). Context is important.
Paraphrase: Except your righteousness (as defined by the birds) exceeds the righteousness of those birds, you shall not enter and/or be promoted as a member of that birdhouse.
Note that this alternate meaning does not make the traditional interpretation invalid.
[good and bad salt, good and bad light, good and bad houses]
Matthew 8:12But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
οι δε υιοι τηςβασιλειαςεκβληθησονταιεις τοσκοτοςτο εξωτερον εκει εσται οκλαυθμοςκαι οβρυγμοςτωνοδοντων [gnt]
Many people will come to you and tell you how you can make more money, do this, do that. But if you do what they say, and it does not work out, you will always feel bad about it. Listen to what they say, but make your own decision. That way, if it does not work out, you will know that you made that decision. Sam Snyder
These ideas will be in the summary of the houses built on rock and sand at the end of the Sermon on the Mount.
2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. [kjv]
Is what happened before the flood happening again today? "It's like déjà-vu all over again".
The French phrase "déjà vu" ≈ "already seen"and is the source of the English phrase "déjà vu" as in something that is happening that reminds one of something that happened before.
Since chapter divisions were created in the Middle Ages, the setup for chapter 2 is at the end of chapter 1 where Peter talks about eyewitness testimony, prophecy and how the prophets decided to write what they wrote.
2 Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. [kjv]
εγενοντο δε και ψευδοπροφηται εν τω λαω ως και εν υμιν εσονται ψευδοδιδασκαλοι οιτινες παρεισαξουσιν αιρεσεις απωλειας και τον αγορασαντα αυτους δεσποτην αρνουμενοι επαγοντες εαυτοις ταχινην απωλειαν [gnt]
2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]
2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]
2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]
2 Peter 2:2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. [kjv]
και πολλοι εξακολουθησουσιν αυτων ταις ασελγειαις δι ους η οδος της αληθειας βλασφημηθησεται [gnt]
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. [kjv]
λεγει αυτω ιησους εγω ειμι η οδος και η αληθεια και η ζωη ουδεις ερχεται προς τον πατερα ει μη δι εμου [gnt]
… via … veritas … vita … [v]
Discuss: Do pastors or teachers today pick and choose which parts of the Bible on which they will preach or teach? Is this a problem?
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
και εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]
Peter says that these false teachers will use "plastic" words to make "merchandise" of their followers as in selling at an "emporium".
2 Peter 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. [kjv]
και εν πλεονεξια πλαστοις λογοις υμας εμπορευσονται οις το κριμα εκπαλαι ουκ αργει και η απωλεια αυτων ου νυσταζει [gnt]
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [kjv]
1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, [kjv]
η ουκ οιδατε οτι αδικοι θεου βασιλειαν ου κληρονομησουσιν μη πλανασθε ουτε πορνοι ουτε ειδωλολατραι ουτε μοιχοι ουτε μαλακοι ουτε αρσενοκοιται [gnt]
6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. [kjv]
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [kjv]
και περιηγεν εν ολη τη γαλιλαια διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν εν τω λαω [gnt]
… sanans … languorem … infirmitatem … [v]
Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. [kjv]
και περιηγεν εν ολη τη γαλιλαια διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν εν τω λαω [gnt]
… sanans … languorem … infirmitatem … [v]
9:35 And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. [kjv]
και περιηγεν ο ιησους τας πολεις πασας και τας κωμας διδασκων εν ταις συναγωγαις αυτων και κηρυσσων το ευαγγελιον της βασιλειας και θεραπευων πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν [gnt]
… curans … languorem … infirmitatem [v]
10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. [kjv]
και προσκαλεσαμενος τους δωδεκα μαθητας αυτου εδωκεν αυτοις εξουσιαν πνευματων ακαθαρτων ωστε εκβαλλειν αυτα και θεραπευειν πασαν νοσον και πασαν μαλακιαν [gnt]
… curarent … languorem … infirmitatem [v]
Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]
From the Cambridge Greek Lexicon (volume 2), the ancient Greek word "μαλακία" ≈ "softness, effeminacy, unmanliness, feebleness, faint-hardheartedness". Only in the GNT is the meaning "infirmity" or "sickness".
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment; [kjv]
2:5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; [kjv]
If the previous verse was not hint enough, Peter explicitly connects the fallen angels with the flood of Noah.
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [kjv]
1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [kjv]
1:26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [kjv]
1:27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [kjv]
Matthew 24:37 But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
24:38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, [kjv]
24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
Matthew 24:39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. [kjv]
και ουκ εγνωσαν εως ηλθεν ο κατακλυσμος και ηρεν απαντας ουτως εσται η παρουσια του υιου του ανθρωπου [gnt]
2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [kjv]
Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [kjv]
If God doesn't soon bring judgment upon America, He'll have to go back and apologize to Sodom and Gomorrah! (often attributed to Billy Graham, but stated by his wife, Ruth, in 1965)
2 Peter 2:6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; [kjv]
2 Peter 2:7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked: [kjv]
2:8 ( For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;) [kjv]
This is not easy to do. The wide gates are at the extremes. The narrow gate is in the center. Jesus says that few will find the path through that narrow gate. (Matthew 7).
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. [kjv]
Jude 1:7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. [kjv]
Matthew 10:15 Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city. [kjv]
1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. [kjv]
εκαστου το εργον φανερον γενησεται η γαρ ημερα δηλωσει οτι εν πυρι αποκαλυπτεται και εκαστου το εργον οποιον εστιν το πυρ αυτο δοκιμασει [gnt]
3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. [kjv]
ει τινος το εργον κατακαησεται ζημιωθησεται αυτος δε σωθησεται ουτως δε ως δια πυρος [gnt]
Matthew 11:23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. [kjv]
11:24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee. [kjv]
2 Peter 2:9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished: [kjv]
οιδεν κυριος ευσεβεις εκ πειρασμου ρυεσθαι αδικους δε εις ημεραν κρισεως κολαζομενους τηρειν [gnt]
… temptacioun… dai of dom … [wy]
Matthew 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]
και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]
Matthew 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]
και μη εισενεγκης ημας εις πειρασμον αλλα ρυσαι ημας απο του πονηρου [gnt]
2 Peter 2:10 But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, selfwilled, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities. [kjv]
μαλιστα δε τους οπισω σαρκος εν επιθυμια μιασμου πορευομενους και κυριοτητος καταφρονουντας τολμηται αυθαδεις δοξας ου τρεμουσιν βλασφημουντες [gnt]
2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]
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 Peter 2:11 Whereas angels, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before the Lord. [kjv]
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 Peter 2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you; [kjv]
αδικουμενοι μισθον αδικιας ηδονην ηγουμενοι την εν ημερα τρυφην σπιλοι και μωμοι εντρυφωντες εν ταις απαταις αυτων συνευωχουμενοι υμιν [gnt]
Matthew 11:8 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings' houses. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι τα μαλακα φορουντες εν τοις οικοις των βασιλεων [gnt]
Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts. [kjv]
αλλα τι εξηλθατε ιδειν ανθρωπον εν μαλακοις ιματιοις ημφιεσμενον ιδου οι εν ιματισμω ενδοξω και τρυφη υπαρχοντες εν τοις βασιλειοις εισιν [gnt]
Isaiah 5:18 Woe unto them that draw iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as it were with a cart rope: [kjv]
5:20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter ! [kjv]
2 Peter 2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable souls: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children: [kjv]
2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; [kjv]
2:16 But was rebuked for his iniquity: the dumb ass speaking with man's voice forbad the madness of the prophet. [kjv]
1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. [kjv]
2 Peter 2:17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. [kjv]
ουτοι εισιν πηγαι ανυδροι και ομιχλαι υπο λαιλαπος ελαυνομεναι οις ο ζοφος του σκοτους τετηρηται [gnt]
Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν [gnt]
Matthew 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [kjv]
πολλοι γαρ ελευσονται επι τω ονοματι μου λεγοντες εγω ειμι ο χριστος και πολλους πλανησουσιν [gnt]
2 Peter 2:18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. [kjv]
υπερογκα γαρ ματαιοτητος φθεγγομενοι δελεαζουσιν εν επιθυμιαις σαρκος ασελγειαις τους ολιγως αποφευγοντας τους εν πλανη αναστρεφομενους [gnt]
2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage. [kjv]
ελευθεριαν αυτοις επαγγελλομενοι αυτοι δουλοι υπαρχοντες της φθορας ω γαρ τις ηττηται τουτω δεδουλωται [gnt]
Galatians 3:28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. [kjv]
2 Peter 2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. [kjv]
ει γαρ αποφυγοντες τα μιασματα του κοσμου εν επιγνωσει του κυριου και σωτηρος ιησου χριστου τουτοις δε παλιν εμπλακεντες ηττωνται γεγονεν αυτοις τα εσχατα χειρονα των πρωτων [gnt]
… coinquinationes … inpliciti … [v]
Matthew 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites ! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. [kjv]
ουαι υμιν γραμματεις και φαρισαιοι υποκριται οτι περιαγετε την θαλασσαν και την ξηραν ποιησαι ενα προσηλυτον και οταν γενηται ποιειτε αυτον υιον γεεννης διπλοτερον υμων [gnt]
2 Peter 2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. [kjv]
2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. [kjv]
Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, [kjv]
19:5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? [kjv]
Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee. [kjv]
τιμα τον πατερα σου και την μητερα ινα ευ σοι γενηται και ινα μακροχρονιος γενη επι της γης της αγαθης ης κυριος ο θεος σου διδωσιν σοι [lxx]
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. [kjv]
3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. [kjv]
Build your house on the granite rock of Jesus and not on the human sand (or stones) of man, Matthew 7:24-27. Sand is a chip off the old block of granite and made in the image of granite.
For each outcome, a probability and cost is estimated. One often wants to minimize expected cost or maximize expected value.
2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. [kjv]
3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen. [kjv]
1 Corinthians 12:12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. [kjv]
Matthew 5:29 And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. [kjv]
18:9 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire. [kjv]
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]
5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
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]
Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. [kjv]
λεγω γαρ υμιν οτι εαν μη περισσευση υμων η δικαιοσυνη πλειον των γραμματεων και φαρισαιων ου μη εισελθητε εις την βασιλειαν των ουρανων [gnt]
Matthew 8:12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. [kjv]
οι δε υιοι της βασιλειας εκβληθησονται εις το σκοτος το εξωτερον εκει εσται ο κλαυθμος και ο βρυγμος των οδοντων [gnt]
A modern discovery is that of "
