Matthew (Written)

Burmese Giant Bamboo.

Wednesday, 4 September 2024

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Matthew 3:11

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Indeed, I, I immerse you in water to reconsideration, but He coming after me is mightier than I. He is whom I am not adequate to lift His sandals. He, he will immerse you in the Holy Spirit and fire” (CG).

John had just told the Pharisees and Sadducees that any tree that did not bear fruit would be cut down and thrown into the fire. Now he steps back and tells them about his ministry in comparison to that which is coming, beginning with, “Indeed, I, I immerse you in water to reconsideration.”

John was a prophet under the Old Covenant. Like other prophets, his calling was to get the people to wake up from their spiritual slumber and reconsider their ways. They were to return to the Lord, living for Him and not for idolatry, perversion, and self-indulgence.

His call went out, and for those who accepted it, he immersed them as a sign of their reconsideration. This was confirmed long after his ministry in the Book of Acts –

“Then Paul said, ‘John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.’” Acts 19:4

As for Paul’s words which noted that John directed the people to another, that is confirmed in John’s continued words, saying, “but He coming after me.”

John understood that his role was to direct the people to the Lord through reconsideration of their ways. And yet, he speaks of One coming after him, meaning in the timing of his ministry. John came first and only then did Jesus make Himself manifest as the Messiah, even if the two ministries overlapped. Of this coming One, John next says He “is mightier than I.”

The word generally speaks of physical strength. In the case of John’s words, it must extend beyond that because John’s ministry was not one of physical prowess, but of spiritual strengthening. What he says about the coming One speaks of spiritual matters, even if they include the idea of physical strength through metaphor. What Jesus will say will be matters of judgment and salvation or condemnation. Next, John continues his description, saying, “He is whom I am not adequate.”

He uses a word, hikanos, that speaks of sufficiency, the root of which means to arrive at or come to. Thus, it is that which is adequate. John signifies that there is never a time he will be adequate “to lift His sandals.”

It was a metaphor that all would understand. If a man had slaves, the lowliest job for the lowliest slave would be to wait for the master to come through the door into the house. When he arrived, this slave would take off the shoes of his master and then proceed to wash his feet.

The meaning, when taken in light of Jesus’ words, is astonishing –

“For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” Luke 7:28

Of all of the prophets, John was the greatest, and yet he was unworthy to lift the sandals of Jesus. John rebuked Israel’s leaders and even Herod the king with authority, and yet he was unworthy to take on the lowliest of duties of the least servant in the presence of the Messiah. And instead of immersing people in water, John next notes that “He, He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit.”

The necessary connection to God, for man to be restored to Him, was available through the immersion of the coming Messiah. In this thought, the ideas of infant baptism and sprinkling are completely eliminated. Infants are not prepared for immersion. Sprinkling a person with the Holy Spirit does not come close to the intended meaning.

Rather, it signifies a complete and absolute change in status for the person. He goes from one position before God to a completely new one. This coming baptism is next described with the words “and fire.”

Fire speaks of purification. Fire burns up, removing that which is temporary or unneeded. At the same time, it also purifies that which can withstand the fire. This fire is not referring to the vengeance of God against unbelievers. They will not be immersed in the process. They remain outside of what the Messiah will do for His people. There is another type of fire awaiting them.

The symbolism of the fire is seen in Acts 2 –

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. ² And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. ³ Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. ⁴ And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Acts 2:1-4

This was a one-time outward demonstration for the sake of the people. It was a visible manifestation of the inward change that results from the purification of the person, making him acceptable to God.

Life application: The effects of accepting Jesus as the Savior through faith in what He has done are absolute and total. Even if we are still living in corruptible bodies that continue to sin, the purification that has come through believing the gospel is once and forever.

The immersion is complete. That which is impure and which separates us from God is removed, and we enter into new life. To say that this can be lost is to say that what God has done was in error, was insufficient, and that the salvation provided by Him remains up to us to maintain. In other words, it was not actually of faith, nor was it sufficient to save at all. Instead, the cross of Christ – though a nice attempt at salvation for the people of the world – was a failure.

This is what teaching the loss of salvation means. It points to a “god” who developed a plan that cannot overcome the frailty of humanity. In other words, it defaults back to the power of human endurance and self-sufficiency. If that is where you have put your hope, good luck with that. For those who understand the true and eternal effects of the ministry of Jesus Christ, we will rest wholly and entirely in His merits alone. In the end, guess whose merit will stand?

Lord God, may we never presume to rely on ourselves or our own goodness before You. Rather, may we remember the feelings we felt when we heard of what Jesus did? We were weak and stood at the abyss, ready to plunge in, knowing we had no hope. But when we heard the gospel, we trusted and were saved. How can we turn from that back to self? We will not! We will forever trust in Jesus alone. Amen.

Golden pheasant and one of his lovlies.

Tuesday, 3 September 2024

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 3:10

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And already also, the ax, toward the root of the trees it lies. Therefore, every tree not producing good fruit, it is hewn, and into fire, it is thrown” (CG).

In the previous verse, John warned the Pharisees and the Sadducees not to trust in the fact that they were physical descendants of Abraham. In fact, he noted that God could raise children for Abraham from the stones. Now to further wake them up to their spiritual plight, he next says, “And already also.”

The word translated as already is édé. It gives the sense of “already” or even “now after all this waiting.” HELPS Word Studies says, “(a temporal adverb) – already now, even now, referring to what is not yet strictly present but already (now) impacts the present (= ‘already now’). (a temporal adverb) – already now, even now, referring to what is not yet strictly present but already (now) impacts the present (= ‘already now’).”

His words are words of warning. What he is going to tell them is right now. What was prophesied concerning Israel’s future and the coming Messiah has met with the present, which is that “the ax, toward the root of the trees it lies.”

The word translated as ax is axiné. One can see the etymological root of our modern word. It will be seen only here and in the comparable passage found in Luke 3:9. John’s words are in the present tense, indicating that what is to be chopped down is in deadly peril of having it happen at any moment. The words signify impending judgment.

In Scripture, trees bear various spiritual meanings depending on the context, the type of tree, and so forth. In this case, John is equating them to people. This can be deduced from the fact that he just said in verse 8 that those before him were to produce fruit worthy of reconsideration. Now, in accord with that, he next says, “Therefore, every tree not producing good fruit.”

John ties the two thoughts together. If people are to bear fruit and some produce bad fruit, then he is speaking of people, namely those before him. However, his words extend to all in Israel because he is the herald of Israel’s coming Messiah.

Therefore, those who bear good fruit will reconsider their ways, turn to Jesus, and follow Him. Those who do not will have borne bad fruit. That is what the ax being laid at the root is for. To remove such people from Israel, as he next says, “it is hewn, and into fire, it is thrown.”

Jesus is the dividing line. Those who follow Him will be saved. Those who do not will be sent to Gehenna, a subject Jesus will speak of first in Matthew 5.

Life application: As noted above, trees carry various meanings in Scripture. In fact, pretty much every object used in the Bible is giving us information about other things. Directions convey meaning. The seasons of the year give us information about other things. Types of metal, various words for rock, water, clouds, etc. Along with its surface meaning, whatever is being conveyed, each thing also tells us about something else.

Each number carries a special meaning. To understand how numbers consistently mean the same thing, go online and search for Number in Scripture by E.W. Bullinger. It is public domain and can be read online or downloaded from the internet. What is the significance of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 40, or 200? Bullinger will explain that to you, along with all other biblical numbers.

What significance does the fig, olive, or acacia tree convey? Every type of tree provides information in a relevant way. God created the trees. He understands their properties and He uses them to provide us with information.

The fig, for example, consistently speaks of a connection to God. The olive tells us of religious privilege. The acacia tree is considered an incorruptible wood, and so its wood was used in the making of the tabernacle implements to picture the incorruptible Man, Jesus Christ. However, the tree itself carries its own typological meaning, as do all the other trees.

Mountains, rivers, valleys (and there are various types of valleys), and so forth – they all convey information that is used to tell us deeper spiritual truths than one gets from only the surface reading.

Understanding this, be careful not to just accept what someone says about a spiritual or typological meaning of something. Quite often, people will insert their meaning into what is being presented. Thus, anything can mean anything. For example, it is popular to hear someone say, “The fig tree pictures Israel.” It is incorrect, but by shoving Israel into the fig, a point of doctrine is intended.

Rather, than inserting meaning, it must be drawn out from the context. or from the meaning of the root word of whatever is being looked at, or from some other valid means of biblical interpretation. Further, the meaning must be consistently seen in every use of that particular object, thing, or concept. If it is not, then the interpretation is not correct. God is consistent in His use of such things.

Never stop pondering the word. It is an almost limitless source of wisdom and knowledge. Enjoy your daily time interacting with God through His precious word!

Lord God, how amazingly detailed is Your word. It is a treasure trove of wisdom, instruction, and joy for the heart. May we seek You through it all our days. In it, we find Jesus, and through Jesus, we can find words of salvation based on what He has done for us. Hallelujah for Your precious word. Amen.

Golden Pheasant.

Monday, 2 September 2024

and do not think to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.  Matthew 3:9

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen)

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“and think not to say in yourselves, ‘A father, we have – Abraham.’ For I say to you that God can from these stones rouse children to Abraham” (CG).

In the previous verse, John warned the Pharisees and Sadducees to produce fruits worthy of reconsideration. Now, he continues his thought, saying, “and think not to say in yourselves.”

By saying this, he knows this is exactly what they say to themselves. What they were thinking was probably one of the most common thoughts in Israel at the time, which is “A father, we have – Abraham.”

This is just what the Pharisees later said to Jesus in John 8 –

“I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you. ³⁸ I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.”
³⁹ They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” John 8: 37-39

In John 7:36, the Pharisees were told by Jesus that “if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” He was making a point about their state before God because of sin. Despite being Abraham’s descendants, he was not really their father. But they didn’t understand His logic. Their default setting was, “If we descended from Abraham, then Abraham is our father.” It is exactly what John is warning against now.

Jesus, however, next directly tells them their state –

“Jesus said to them, ‘If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. ⁴⁰ But now you seek to kill Me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. ⁴¹ You do the deeds of your father.’
Then they said to Him, ‘We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.’” John 8:39-41

These people claimed to be children of Abraham, but they did not do what Abraham did. Rather, they were children of Satan, doing what their father, the devil, did (John 8:44). When confronted with the fact that they did not act as Abraham, they then defaulted to being sons of God. That is when Jesus corrected them about their true father.

In this case, the argument of sonship is one based not on natural genealogies, but characteristic. To be a “son” of something in the Bible often signifies a descriptor, meaning a trait or characteristic. For example, to be a “son of death” means to be someone worthy of being put to death.

John knew the thinking of these people because it permeated their culture and society. However, he attempted to correct their thoughts even before the revealing of the Messiah by saying, “For I say to you that God can from these stones rouse children to Abraham.”

Here, he uses the word egeiró. It has already been seen five times in relation to Joseph arising and doing as he was instructed. Strong’s defines it as “to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e. Rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from obscurity, inactivity, ruins, nonexistence).”

The idea of John’s words here is one of making a complete change in someone as if he were a stone that could be raised to life, arousing him to life. What seems impossible is something that God can, in fact, do. But what is John referring to? The symbolism goes back to Joshua 4 where stones are set up in memorial to the cutting off of the Jordan for the sons of Israel to pass through on dry ground.

Not one (as some translations imply) but two sets of stones were set up. And those events occurred at the same location that John the Baptist is now immersing people. The significance of the stone memorials is exactly what John is now speaking of in the coming of the Messiah.

Jesus, the Descender, like the Jordan, would be cut off. In His being cut off, life would be given to any who passed through His death. To fully understand the symbolism (and it would be a sad loss for you if you don’t), going to the Superior Word sermons on Joshua 3 and 4 is a must. Everything is pointing to the coming of Christ and what He was to do for His people.

Note: As Joshua 3 and 4 are right at the beginning of the book of Joshua, wouldn’t it be better to start with the first sermons of the book and go through them? That way, when you come to Joshua 3 and 4, you will have the appropriate background information to more fully understand what is being seen. The Bible is revealing an amazing journey through redemptive history in types and pictures. You may be amazed.

Life application: As previously noted, to be a son of someone or something means to bear the characteristics or traits of that person or thing. The main theme of the book of Galatians is that of law versus grace. The Galatians had started well. They had believed the gospel of Jesus and they had been saved and given God’s Spirit.

But then, along came Judaizers who attempted to put these believers back under the law of Moses, a time before the coming of Christ and His fulfillment of the law. If they did this, they would be sons of Moses, not Jesus. And because by the law is the knowledge of sin, they would not be free from sin. Rather, they would be bound by it.

In being bound to sin, they would be sons of the devil. But in coming to Christ, one is freed from sin. He is not under law but under grace. In this state, sin is no longer imputed (2 Corinthians 5:19). Law, by its very nature, causes the imputation of sin. It is a trap that too many have fallen into in the church today.

Modern Judaizers are everywhere, reinserting precepts of the law into their theology and bringing people back into bondage. Where they once stood free in Christ, they now stand at enmity to Him. There will be no salvation for those who never came to Christ and who believe this nonsense, and there will be no rewards for those who were once saved but have placed themselves back under the law.

Be free in Christ by living in faith that He has accomplished all things necessary for salvation. This is what grace means. It tells us that what we have gotten is what we do not deserve. We must simply accept it and forever rejoice in it.

“Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?— ⁶ just as Abraham “believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” ⁷ Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. ⁸ And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, ‘In you all the nations shall be blessed.’ ⁹ So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.” Galatians 3:5-9

O God, thank You for the freedom from sin and bondage that we have received through the coming of Jesus Christ. Yes, thank You for the grace You have lavished upon us! Hallelujah and Amen.

Shrimp plant.

Sunday, 1 September 2024

Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, Matthew 3:8

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“Produce, you, therefore, fruits worthy of reconsideration” (CG).

The previous verse cited John the Baptist’s words to the Pharisees and Sadducees who were coming to him as he was immersing people. He called out to them, “Vipers’ offspring! Who disclosed to you to flee from the coming wrath?” With that stated, he now continues his chiding of them, saying, “Produce, you, therefore, fruits.”

The word is karpos, fruit. It is that which is plucked and used for food. It is to be taken figuratively in passages such as this to indicate that which comes from an individual or an entity based on effort, faith, etc.

Both testaments use the fruit symbolism. In the New Testament, Jesus used the metaphor, helping to explain the meaning for us when He said –

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. ³⁴ Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. ³⁵ A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.” Matthew 12:33-35

The state of a tree will determine the state of the fruit the tree bears. The state of a tree will be based on its location, soil, amount of sun, and so forth. As for John’s word, some texts say the singular karpon, fruit. Others say the plural karpous, fruits.

In English the word fruit can be singular or plural depending on the reference. A banana is a fruit, many bananas are still fruit. However, bananas, apples, and oranges are fruits. As such, when one is speaking in an uncountable form, he will say, “I eat fruit.” But when referring to a countable amount, the word fruits is used, such as, “The basket is filled with amazing fruits like pomegranates and durian.”

In this case, John is speaking to a group of people, “Produce you (plural), fruits.” This may make more sense than the singular because he certainly isn’t expecting each person he is addressing to produce the same type of fruit (“You all need to bear fruits, each according to the type of tree you are”) unless he is referring individually to all of them (“Each of you is to bear his own fruit in a worthy manner”). Then it may be that he is speaking in an uncountable manner.

This may be hair-splitting, but each possibility is worth considering. As for the fruits John refers to, he continues saying that they should be “worthy of reconsideration.”

The point of John’s baptism was for people to reconsider their state before God, “We have been acting in this manner and it is not worthy of our calling as the people of Israel, we need to reconsider our ways and then turn to the path of what is right.” This is the immersion that John heralded. He was preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah by turning their hearts back to the Lord.

The KJV blows this translation when it says, “Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance.” The archaic word “meet” signifies that which is suitable or fitting. In this, there is an ambiguity that can destroy the intent because it can mean, “When you come to be baptized by me, you are professing reconsideration,” as if the external act defines the reconsideration.

That is somewhat like the idea of infant baptism which essentially says, “This rite sanctifies this child for salvation.” Even later in life, Catholics will often say, “I am in a good place! I got baptized when I was young.” They treat the baptism as if it is something that produced good in them. This is not the intent of John’s words.

Rather, one reconsiders and then is baptized in John’s baptism. In Christ, one believes in His completed work and then as a symbol of that belief, he is then baptized. The believer’s reconsideration is about who God is and what He has done in Christ. Only after that comes a change in life based on the knowledge that is obtained as he grows in his faith.

Life application: In Galatians 5:22, Paul says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” The word fruit there is singular. Though there are many types of fruit, they are all of the Spirit. As you can see, the use of the singular and plural takes consideration.

In the parallel passage to Matthew 3:8 which is found in Luke 3:8, the word is again plural, “Produce, therefore, fruits worthy of reconsideration…”

As you go through the Bible, don’t hesitate to hesitate! Stop, think about what is being said, and consider what you are reading. Of course, various source texts may be different, and even translations will divert from what the source text says. As such, it is good to read multiple translations.

If you have the patience, get a parallel Bible and read two or more translations side by side. It can open your eyes to variations in translation. From there, you can then seek out why there is a difference in them. You can also weed out incorrect or ambiguous translations, such as the KJV referenced above.

These things will help you to get a better understanding of Scripture. But don’t just read the word. Be sure to bear fruit in your mind as you take in what is being presented to you from the mind of God.

Glorious God, what a treasure it is to be in Your word daily, tasting its delights and rejoicing in its truths. Our days are better when we start there, and our lives are so much better off as we continue to search it out and apply its precepts to our lives. Yes, Lord God, thank You for Your word. And thank You above all for Jesus our Lord, the One who is so beautifully presented to us in it. Amen.

Super duper sweet-smelling type of jasmine.

Saturday, 31 August 2024

But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Matthew 3:7

Note: You can listen to today’s commentary courtesy of our friends at “Bible in Ten” podcast. (Click Here to listen).

You can also read this commentary, scrolling with music, courtesy of our friends at “Discern the Bible” on YouTube. (Click Here to listen), or at Rumble (Click Here to listen).

“And having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming about his immersion, he said to them, ‘Vipers’ offspring! Who disclosed to you to flee from the coming wrath?’” (CG).

In the previous verse, it noted that those who went out to John the Baptist were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. Now Matthew, while speaking of John, says, “And having seen many of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

These are the main two groups addressed in the gospel narratives in relation to spiritual matters. However, there are other groups that are mentioned at times in leadership positions, such as the Herodians. As for these two groups, there are many extensive commentaries on them. One of the most detailed is that of Albert Barnes. For brevity, the commentary of Cambridge is provided –

Pharisees] The name signifies “Separatists;” the party dates from the revival of the National life, and observances of the Mosaic Law under the Maccabees. Their ruling principle was a literal obedience to the written law and to an unwritten tradition. Originally they were leaders of a genuine reform. But in the hands of less spiritual successors their system had become little else than a formal observance of carefully prescribed rules. “The real virtues of one age become the spurious ones of the next.” Prof. Mozley, Sermon on Pharisees. The “hypocrisy” of the Pharisees, which stifled conscience and made them “incapable of repentance,” is the special sin of the day rebuked more than any other by the Saviour.

Politically they were the popular party, supporters of an isolating policy, who would make no terms with Rome or any other foreign power. The Zealots may be regarded as the extreme section of the Pharisees.

The Sadducees were the aristocratic and priestly party, they acquiesced in foreign rule, and foreign civilization. They refused to give the same weight as the Pharisees to unwritten tradition, but adhered strictly to the written law of Moses. Their religious creed excluded belief in a future life, or in angels and spirits (Acts 23:8). The name is probably derived from Zadok the priest in David’s time. Others with less probability connect it with Zadok, a disciple of Antigonus of Socho, who lived in the second century b. c. The derivation from tsaddik (righteous) is untenable.

Of these two groups, Matthew notes that they were “coming about his immersion.”

They probably had questions about his authority, purpose, doctrine, intent, and so forth. If so many people were coming to him, was he a threat to their authority and teaching? And if this was the case, how could they trap him in his own words, etc.?

We can assume that the questions these groups will ask of Jesus, as recorded in the gospels, were similar to those they would have asked John about now. Therefore, knowing their lives and form of religion, “he said to them, ‘Vipers’ offspring!’”

The word is echidna, a poisonous snake. The identification of this snake should not be pressed too far because the same word is used when referring to a snake on the island of Malta in Acts 28.

The serpent was introduced at the fall of man in Genesis 3. This is probably a reference to that. Serpents continue to be noted in Scripture after that. One instance is especially highlighted in the account of the time during the wilderness wanderings in Numbers 21. There, the people were bit by serpents, and many died. In this, the people acknowledged their sins, and a remedy was given by the Lord to heal the people.

As such, the main thought of John is probably that of these men being the spawn of Satan who cause the people to sin, separating them from God. They were the evil offspring of their evil parent acting in crafty and malevolent ways. After so addressing them, John next says, “Who disclosed to you to flee from the coming wrath?’”

He uses the word hupodeiknumi. It is a compound word signifying “to exhibit under the eyes.” It is only used six times in the New Testament, and it is variously translated. Many translations say something like “warned,” or “forewarned.” Contextually, that may be the idea, but it is more of a paraphrase. For example, the word is used in Acts 20 when speaking about what one should do –

“I have shown [hupodeiknumi] you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

For a word that gives the underlying sense of the meaning, disclose is sufficient. John questioned these men, asking who had disclosed to them to flee from the coming wrath. It would be difficult to think that John meant this literally as if they truly were coming to hear his message and reconsider their ways.

Whether John knew their true intent or not, or whether he merely suspected it, Jesus knew exactly what these men were thinking. Their words were often duplicitous toward Him. Two examples of this are found in Matthew 22:15-33 where first the Pharisees and then the Sadducees tried to trip Him up.

Understanding this, John may have been speaking to them in a tongue-in-cheek manner with a sarcastic emphasis in his question to them. In other words, “Wrath is coming, it will come on all offenders, but you don’t think you even lie in that category, so what are you doing here inquiring about my immersion for repentance?”

As for the wrath that lay ahead, it had been prophesied in the Scriptures that Israel would be exiled twice. Exile implies war, famine, and death. It implies the destruction of their land. But there is also the final wrath of judgment when all men stand before God. These men probably felt secure that they would escape both.

Paul, however, addresses the issue of coming wrath several times (Ephesians 5:6, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, etc.). One main time, specifically speaking of these particular Jews, he writes –

“For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, ¹⁵ who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, ¹⁶ forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.” 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16

Life application: The wrath of God is something that cannot be dismissed when the Bible is read and accepted at face value. To sin is to miss the mark with God. In this, judgment must come. The very nature of God demands it. To not accept His provision for forgiveness and atonement of sin means that His wrath, by default, remains upon that person.

The religious leaders of Israel were under God’s judgment for sin. They were offered forgiveness through the atoning work of Jesus Christ, but most of them never accepted God’s offer. They remained under His wrath because of this. We must remember that no person is good enough or can do enough good to be pleasing to God. That belongs to the Lord alone who fully pleased His Father. Therefore, only by coming to God through Jesus can one be saved. Be wise and accept the offer that God has made in the giving of Jesus!

“And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 1:14-17

Heavenly Father, You have sent Jesus! Thank You, O God, for having done for us what we could never do. You alone are to be praised for Your goodness to us in reconciling us through the precious blood of Jesus our Lord. Hallelujah to You. Amen.