Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, |
Bible Question:
I am seeking understanding of Matthew 23:1-36; which is summarized in Mark 12: 38-40 regarding Jesus’ teaching about how we should be aware of false teachers. How can we identify false “religious keepers” when most clergy people “38…walk around in long robes…like to have the respect of men as they stand in the center of town where people gather….39…have important seats in the places of worship and the important places at big suppers.”? What character traits, behaviors, etc. are most indicative of false religious law-keepers who have found a secure title and position within the church? Is the answer to the above is found in the fact that most clergy do not “40 … take houses from women whose husbands have died….” ? Mark 12: 41-44 infers that a poor widow who willingly gives all to the church will be rewarded for being the most giving. What’s the difference between taking widows’ houses and accepting the gift of widows’ houses? How does a widow know if she’s giving or “being taken?” Your willingness to take the time to help me understand is more appreciated than you can know. God Bless you and yours, |
Bible Answer: Greetings and wecome to the forum, For one to be able to spot false teachings and or false teachers there is a good lesson that we can learn from the U.S. treasury department. There are millions of different counterfeit bills in circulation and it would be impossible to study all of them, so every one who is engaged in finding bogus bills is given extensive training in recognizing the real thing. Strong suggestion! Study, study, study, the Bible, especially the New Testament, with God’s help and you will spot imitations when they come along. 2 Tim. 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 2 Tim. 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever. The first and most essential thing to have before any Bible study is to have had a personal experience with the Lord Jesus Christ in order to perceive what one is studying. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. The word “see”, in John 3:3, comes from the Koine Greek word, EIDO, and carries the connotation of understanding. 1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. Jesus was speaking here, John 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Have a great day, CDBJ |