[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.
[2] Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
Verses 1-4 Expanded Bible Comments
| 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. [2] Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; [3] Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; [4] Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. |
|
|---|---|
| Please read Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16 | |
| Question | Answer |
| By comparing the Matthew, Mark and Luke accounts, what is the sequence of events shown in these verses? | 1. Went into a mountain to pray. 2. Continued all night in prayer to God. 3. The next day he named the 12 apostles. John 5:30; John 17:6. |
| In naming the Apostles, is there any significance to the order given in the Matthew account? | R2261 |
| What did Jesus give them? | Power to cast out devils and to heal sickness and disease. |
| How does this gift harmonize with what we learned in Mark 5:30 and Luke 8:46? | R2635 |
| Is there a difference between receiving the Holy Spirit and being begotten by the Holy Spirit? | Yes. First we need to remember what is the Holy Spirit. It is the power or influence of God. Then we need to ask ourselves who prior to the Gospel Age was influenced by the Holy Spirit? – How about the holy prophets? – 2 Pet. 1:21 Remember also Joel 2:28 where God says "I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh." Mankind during the mediatorial phase of the Kingdom (when the New Covenant is in effect) will not be begotten to a spiritual nature. |
[5] These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. [7] And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. [8] Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. [9] Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [10] Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. [11] And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. [12] And when ye come into an house, salute it. [13] And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. [14] And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. [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. [16] Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. [17] But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; [18] And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. [19] But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. [20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. [21] And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. [22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. [23] But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. [24] The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. [25] It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? [26] Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [27] What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. [29] Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. [32] Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. [34] Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [36] And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. [37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. [38] And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. [39] He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. [40] He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. [41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. [42] And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
Verses 5,6 Expanded Bible Comments
| These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: [6] But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did Jesus forbid the twelve from going to the Gentiles? | Because the 70 weeks of favor upon "thy people" were not yet up. Dan. 9:24; C169:2-3 |
| Why did he specifically tell them to avoid also the Samaritans? | R4130:6-7 |
| What is indicated by Jesus making reference to "the house of Israel" as opposed to mentioning "the house of Judah?" | Our Lord no longer recognized a difference between Judah and Israel but now simply grouped them together as the children of Jacob (Israel.) |
Verse 7 Expanded Bible Comments
| And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How was this message different from what the Jews were used to hearing? | They understood about an earthly Kingdom and that somehow Israel was to be the chief nation of kingdom. This was new because it now included the idea that the Kingdom of God had both an earthly and a heavenly phase. Additionally, they were being invited to become part of a the heavenly phase. |
| What did Jesus mean by "The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand?" | The opportunity to enter into the body of Christ (the embryo Kingdom of Heaven) has arrived. Those Jews who will follow Jesus may be transferred from Moses into Christ.) |
Verse 8 Expanded Bible Comments
| Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What was the purpose of the Jesus giving the disciples this healing power? | For them to use it to bring attention to the Kingdom message (Acts 2:5-11; Acts 2:41; Acts 4:4) as well as provide a foregleam of what that kingdom will entail. 1 Cor. 13:8-10 teaches us that such gifts (once they are no longer needed to get the church started) would cease. |
| What did Jesus mean by "freely ye have received, freely give?" Does this say anything about the ministers of the nominal church throughout the Gospel Age? | This explains why Bible Students have no paid ministry. This is a gift from God. How much better the world would be if those who claimed to be the ministers of Christ would have followed our Lord's word on this matter? |
| Is it wrong for accept any type of payment for rendering spiritual service? | Rom. 15:25-27 - No it is not, yet that should not be the purpose of such service. Most, if not all, of the brethren who serve as elders receive some kind of earthly "payment" for their services. We don't normally think of it in this manner because it is so common. It is the normal practice for a visiting elder to stay at the home of a member of the local ecclesia during their visit. Those putting them up are giving them shelter and feeding them. The class may pay for their lodging and/or transportation in order to allow the brother to be able to serve their class. This is a form of earthly payment. Brother Russell spoke of an arrangement where voluntary contributions would allow a brother to leave the work force in order to devote full time service for the Lord. |
Verses 9,10 Expanded Bible Comments
| Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, [10] Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did our Lord tell them not to take provisions for themselves? | The workman is worthy of his meat. Those who would receive the Lord's representatives in their homes are usually glad to do so. Our reliance should be on the Lord and not earthly wealth. |
| What does this say about modern ministers who openly say that their people should contribute to them. | R2261; John 10:12; Isa. 56:8-11 |
Verses 11-13 Expanded Bible Comments
| And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. [12] And when ye come into an house, salute it. [13] And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How were the disciples to determine where they would go? | They were to make inquiry. |
| What did Jesus mean when he said they should salute the house into which they came? | Give respect to the householder. |
| What did he mean by "if the house be worthy?" | If the household be interested in hearing the Word of the Lord. |
| How cound they have their peace remain upon the house, or be withdrawn from it? | The fact is that where the Lord's people go, those who treat them well will receive some kind of a blessing and the reverse is also true for those who ill-treat them. |
Verses 14-15 Expanded Bible Comments
| And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. [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. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Wouldn't it be normal for people not to let someone they did not know into their house? | Actually no. Please see R1988:3 |
| Why were they to "shake off the dust" of their feet? | It seems this was two-fold. 1) It was a testimony against them. Remember, they were a people in covenant relationship with God. 2) To indicate they (the Apostles) were not responsible for the consequences of their rejection of the Gospel. - R2262:2 Acts 13:50,51 |
| This brought up a question which was discussed: "After the Jews rejected Jesus, were they still under the Law Covenant?" | Col. 2:14 – Q176:1 |
| What will it be like in the day of judgment for a city which rejected the Apostles? | It will be difficult for them, even more difficult than the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha. |
| What do we here learn about the land of Sodom and Gomorrha? | That it will be tolerable for them in the day of judgment. Clearly this indicates that, even though they were destroyed by fire, they will be brought back to life. Furthermore we know that their final judgment has not yet been given, otherwise how could our Lord Jesus have said of them "it shall be more tolerable..?" Clearly they will have some kind of chance in the day of judgment, and that chance will be a better one than that of a city which rejected the Apostles. |
Verse 16 Expanded Bible Comments
| Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Please see R2262:4 | |
| What did Jesus mean by referring to His disciples as "sheep in the midst of wolves?" | The Lord's people are often described as sheep. We listen for the voice of our shepherd. John 10:4,5; John 10:27
We know that wolves eat sheep. That is why the Apostle Paul gave warning. Acts 20:29-31 |
| What does it mean to be "wise as serpents?" | Do not frighten people away when presenting the Gospel of Christ. They are likely to perceive that it is challenging what they believe to be true and immediately take a strong defensive attitude. "The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field" Gen. 3:1. We too need to use a degree of subtlety.
H6175
[The word "subtle" used in the Genesis account (H6175) is translated this once as "subtle," twice as "crafty" and 8 times as "prudent."]
R5151ערוּם ‛ârûm aw-room' Passive participle of H6191; cunning (usually in a bad sense): - crafty, prudent, subtil. |
| What does it mean to be "harmless as doves?" | Such vicious creatures (tic). Consider R5146:11-12. |
| How can we be both? | We should already have the "harmless as doves" attitude of heart. "Do unto others…" Matt. 7:12; Luke 6:31 The more challenging is learning to be prudent, to be "wise." R3424:4 |
Verses 17-18 Expanded Bible Comments
| But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; [18] And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How should we expect men to treat us if we are being faithful to the Lord? | Matt. 10:25; 1 John 3:1; John 15:18-19; In Hymn #13 we sing: "Are there no foes for me to face? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vain world a friend to grace, To help me on to God? |
| Christians are not normally found in synagogues. Will men "scourge us in their synagogues? What does this mean? | During our Lord's earthly ministry there were no "Christian" churches. "I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel." Matt. 15:24. His disciples at that time were all Jews and therefore would be expected to (and did) preach in the synagogues. Acts 9:19,20; 13:2,5 Throughout the Gospel Age the saints were beaten and tortured in various ways by the so-called "church of Christ" (as foretold in Rev. 2:9.) During Br. Russell's day was preaching in the churches or before any "Christian" audience. The leaders tried all they could to silence him. During WWI and WWII many of the Lord's people were cast into prison and into the death camps because of their faith. |
| Will we be brought before governors and kings? | Governor means "a leader or chief person" - Strong's. Many of the Lord's people have been so brought and given testimony. We have the account of Paul before King Agrippa in Acts chapters 25 and 26. |
| How could this be a testimony against them? | The leaders are supposed to be responsible people. To whom much is given, much is required. Luke 12:48 – They should have known and when they were witnessed to they should have taken some appropriate action towards their repentance. |
Verses 19-20 Expanded Bible Comments
| But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. [20] For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why shouldn't we take thought as to what we would say in such cases? | "Because it is not you that speaks, but the Spirit of your Father.." See also Exo. 4:12 |
| If we are not to take thought, does this mean we should not study the Truth? | On the contrary. If we have not familiarized ourselves with the Word of God, how can He bring to our minds what to say? We have absolutely no indication that He will simply pour into our brains the information at the appropriate time. No, we must first do our part by studying. Then the Lord will bring it out when it is needed. 2 Tim. 2:15 |
Verses 21-23 Expanded Bible Comments
| And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. [22] And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. [23] But when they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another: for verily I say unto you, Ye shall not have gone over the cities of Israel, till the Son of man be come. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| When Jesus said "brother shall deliver up the brother to death," was he speaking only of natural brothers? | Clearly He was speaking of natural brothers and this did take place throughout the Gospel Age. However that does not preclude that he may also have been speaking of those who claim to be brothers in Christ. Remember the Apostle Paul's warning in Acts 20:29,30. |
| Have children risen up against their parents in this manner? | Yes, during the Gospel Age. |
| The world had an institution that was called "Christ's Kingdom (Christendom)" for well over a thousand years. Did anything like this take place in that realm? | Yes indeed. Throughout the Gospel Age this has been true all over the world, but especially within so-called "Christendom." Consider Vol. II of Scripture Studies, "The Man of Sin." |
| Did Jesus indicated what would be the attitude of others towards them? | "You will be hated of all men for my name's sake." |
| Who is to be saved? | "He that endures to the end." |
| Did Jesus say "If they persecute you.. flee into another?" | No. He did not say "If." He said "when." |
| When Jesus mentioned the cities of Israel, was he speaking only of the cities within Israel of His day? | We think He not only was referring to those cities, but He was also referring to the antitype, i.e., the cities of Christendom. |
Verses 24-25 Expanded Bible Comments
| The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. [25] It is enough for the disciple that he be as his master, and the servant as his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of his household? | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Why did Jesus tell his disciples "The disciple is not above his master?" | He answers by saying that "it is enough for the disciple that he be as his master." The Lord's people would never think to be equal to Jesus. If we thought this was necessary we would all become supremely discouraged. So He here reminds us that, in the sense of being persecuted for truth and righteousness, we may be as Him. |
| What does it mean to be called "Beelzebub?" | G954
Βεελζεβούλ Beelzeboul beh-el-zeb-ool' Of Chaldee origin (by parody upon [H1176]); dung god; Beelzebul, a name of Satan: - Beelzebub. |
| Does this sound like the saints will be well-treated by the world? | Luke 6:26 |
Verses 26-28 Expanded Bible Comments
| Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. [27] What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. [28] And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Since we know persecutions are to come, should we be afraid of them? | No. That does not mean the experience will be pleasant, nor does it mean our flesh will not be in trouble, even in dire straits, but we – as New Creatures in Christ, are not to fear. – 1 John 4:18 |
| What reason does Jesus give for our attitude? | He says "because there is nothing that shall not be made known." |
| Jesus said "Fear them not therefore (because).." How is this revealment a comfort to us (so that we may not be afraid?) | He then goes on to say "for [because] there is nothing coverd.. hid.. that shall not be revealed.. make known." Those of the world (even though they believe they are doing God's service) become so caught up in the wrong spirit that they feel it is ok to mis-treat the righteous. Paul tells us that the devil works in the children of this world. Eph. 2:1-7 |
| What are we to do with the information Jesus gives us in private (for example: in our class or our individual studies?) | We are to proclaim it openly. |
| Should we not be afraid of someone who wants to kill us? | After the spirit – no. After the flesh – that may be another matter. Even here we know that the New Creature is to gain the ascendency over the old man, the mind of the flesh. We are to remember the promises of God to the New Creation. Rom. 8:28 If they are able to kill our body that, while not pleasent, would be the means of our deliverance from this world. |
| Is it possible to destroy the human soul? | Yes. That is clearly what Jesus is saying. Eze. 18:4,20; Psa. 51:5; Rom. 3:23; Rom. 6:23 |
| Where might the soul be destroyed? | In Gehenna. Please see HG510:8. |
Verses 29-31 Expanded Bible Comments
| Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. [30] But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. [31] Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| How much is a farthing? | Two mites. Mark 12:42. This is the amount the poor widow cast into the treasury. Luke 21:1-4 A farthing, according to one source, was worth about ¼¢ U.S. |
| What is Jesus telling us about by mentioning the sparrow and the hairs of our head being numbered? | He is explaining how loving is our Father in Heaven. |
| Why the comparison between the value of sparrows and that of Jesus' disciples in God's eyes? | It is normal for any one who has a reverent mind to feel that they are so insignificant in this vast universe and wonder why would the maker of all things pay even the slightest attention to us? This sentiment was expressed by David in Psa. 8:3-4. Jesus wanted the disciples (from His day even to the present) to recognize just how aware of all things God is, and of His great compassion – even for the sparrow – And that the followers of His own Son were very special to Him. |
Verses 32-33 Expanded Bible Comments
| Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. [33] But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Do we keep silent so as to "not make any waves," or shall we confesses Jesus before men? | We cannot (nor should we even want to) keep silent. His plan and His character are too wonderful not to be spoken of to whomsoever is willing to listen. |
| What does Jesus say He will do for us if we acknowledge Him before others? | He will confess us before God. |
| What would be our lot should we deny Jesus before men? | Jesus will deny us before His Father, God. |
Verses 34-37 Expanded Bible Comments
| Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. [35] For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. [36] And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. [37] He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| What did Jesus say about His purpose for being on earth? | That it was not to bring peace. What an unusual thing for "the Prince of Peace" to say. Using modern terminology – He came to "rock the boat, to stir things up." |
| What did He mean by "I came… to send a sword?" | A sword means division. Heb. 4:12; R536 |
| Don't the scriptures warn us about those who cause divisions? – Rom. 16:17-18 | Yes the scripture does say to avoid those who cause division. It further tells us that those who do cause division "serve NOT our Lord Jesus Christ." – This is an extremely serious matter. |
| Does that place Jesus and Paul at odds one with another? | Of course not. However, this does remind us of the need to be careful students and to find the harmony of all the scriptures. |
| How do we harmonize? | We harmonize these seemingly opposing scriptural expressions by being careful how we read. Notice how the Apostle Paul clearly indicates exactly who it is that is the guilty party, the one we are to avoid. Rom. 16:17 – Those that "cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned." 1 Cor. 11:19 – It is sometimes necessary for our beliefs to be challenged in order for the Truth and the true believers to come out more clearly.
We should also remember Paul's words on the unity of the Lord's people in Eph. 4:1-6, 11-16. Please also see R768:3 "Christian Union" for some very sobering thoughts. |
| Why would Jesus say he came to set the members of family against each other? Isn't that the one of the "Seven Deadly Sins?" Prov. 6:16-19 – How do we harmonize? | It is indeed one of the 7 deadly sins to "sow discord among brethren." We harmonize this by considering the arguments made from (1) the preceeding comment and (2) by answering the next question. |
| What are the relative degrees of love we should have for our natural family and for the Lord? | There is nothing wrong with loving father, mother, son, daughter, brother, sister, etc. We should do this. The point our Lord is making is that our love for Him must be greater than all other loves combined. Our love for Him is based in principal. – Remember how the Lord teaches us. Isa. 28:9,10 |
Verses 38-39 Expanded Bible Comments
| And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. [39] He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Is cross-bearing the same as following Jesus? If not, how do they differ? | Not exactly, even though it will be a part of it. 1. R3236 Sacrifice before cross-bearing 2. R3236 Ready to follow Jesus 3. R3236 Cross-bearing |
| What did Jesus mean by "He that finds his life shall lose it?" | He was referring to finding one's earthly life, treasuring his life now, his reputation now, etc. – above his spiritual life in Christ. |
| What did He mean by "He that loses his life… shall find it?" | This is the opposite of the previous situation. One who loses his life now (its persuits, its fame, reputation among men, etc.) – these are those who find the true life in Christ. |
Verses 40-42 Expanded Bible Comments
| He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. [41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward. [42] And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward. | |
|---|---|
| Question | Answer |
| Considering verse 40, what does this say about our responsibility towards our brethren? towards others? |
Towards our brethren: R547:19 Towards others: We are representatives of Christ and should conduct ourselves as such (to the best of our ability.) Consider Gal. 6:10. |
| When we do receive one of the Lord's saints into our midst, who else are we receiving? | Both Jesus and The Heavenly Father. "He that receives you receives me.. and.. him that sent me [i.e., God]." |
| When would one receive a prophet? | A prophet is a speaker or public expounder. (F246:1) To receive a prophet then would refer to receiving (helping, having stay in your home, etc) a speaker – like a visiting elder. |
| What would be their reward and when would they receive it? | R4468:10 |
| What does it mean to receive a righteous man, especially considering Rom. 3:10? | A righteous man is one who has their sins covered. Rom. 4:3,6-8 |
| What would be their reward and when would they receive it? | To understand this one let us keep in mind the fundamentals of the Ranson. There have been only two perfect (righteous) men who have ever lived, Adam and Jesus. Since Adam lost his perfection, that leaves Jesus as the only remaining righteous man. Since Jesus opened the new and living way, and made possible justification by faith, it stands to reason that the only ones who can, at the present time, be righteous (justified) are those who believe in Him. Now let us consider the expression in verse 41: "He that receiveth a righteous man [One who is justified by faith in Christ] in the name of a righteous man [in Jesus' name] shall receive a righteous man's reward." – The reward promised to a righteous man is life eternal. Adam lost that. Jesus did not lose it. Instead He exchanged that for the life forfeited by Adam. A perfect life for a perfect life, and in so doing He bought the entire human race. This is the Ransom. The reward given to those who receive one who is justified to life is eternal life (as distinguished from immortality which is received only by the Christ.) When they receive it is at the end of the Millennial Age. |
| Who are "these little ones?" | The church, the "little flock." – Luke 12:32; Mark 9:41 |
| During what period of time would any be able to offer to "these little ones" a cup of cold water to drink? | During the Gospel Age. |
| What would be their reward and when would they receive it? | The glorified saints will remember these kindnesses, assistance, etc. These receive their reward during the Kingdom, under the New Covenant. The glorified saints will reward those who treated them thus in some fashion (we are not told exactly how.) R1821 |
| From class discussion re: different rewards. | 1 Tim. 5:17 – F252:top; 1 Cor. 15:41-44 |