Tag: acts

  • Most Excellent Felix – Tertullus for the Prosecution

    Most Excellent Felix – Tertullus for the Prosecution

    Today we find ourselves with Paul in Caesarea facing Felix.

    (The plot thickens even after a secretive conspiracy to assassinate the Apostle.)

    History plays out over time through the interactions of its leading actors. Luke records the Acts of these men of the A.D. first century whose leading actors include:

    • the Apostle Paul,
    • Claudius Lysias (via his letter),
    • Felix,
    • Festus,
    • Agrippa and a host of minor actors in the plot of the Jews to execute Jesus’ Apostle
    • and of course, Roman generals – pawns of the Emperors and Caesars.
    Luke focuses on each of these in Acts, which we have cataloged into chapters 22-26. 

    He does not need to set the stage for his first century readers, but you may benefit from a few details.

    ~ A.D. 58

    This courtroom scene (so to speak) now takes place in the Roman stronghold of Caesarea before the Roman Governor Felix, rather than in a biased Jewish court from where the Apostle and Roman citizen Paulos had been whisked away.

    The Political Place of Antonius Felix

    Antonius Felix (b. ~ A.D. 5-10)

    Appointed Governor of Judea in ~AD 53, the Emperor Claudius had responded to a petition of his Secretary of the Treasury Marcus to elect his own younger brother Felix as Judea’s new Procurator.

    Although his name Felix means ‘happy,’ sources agree that in his rule of Judea:

    He ruled the province in a mean, cruel, and profligate manner. His period of office was full of troubles and seditions.

    Strong’s G5344 – phēlix – BlueLetterBible.org

    And for the politically unastute, a brief definition of sedition:

    "The raising of commotion in a state, not amounting to insurrection; conduct tending to treason, but without an overt act; excitement of discontent against the government, or of resistance to lawful authority."
    - source: Wordnik

    Just in case you missed the dramatic events leading up to this change of venue, READ all about it below for a better understanding of the Jewish prosecutors about to appear before Felix. 

    Paul’s Trial before Felix in Caesarea

    Acts of the Apostles 24:

    Scriptural quotes primarilary from the ASV 

    And after five days the high priest Ananias came down with certain elders, and with an orator, one Tertullus; and they informed the governor against Paul. And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him..


    Now the high priest of the Jews has no standing in a judicial court of the Roman government of Judea. However the lead prosecutor of Jerusalem’s religious council has hired a well-known orator to prosecute their case in Caesarea.

    Tertullus, which means “triple-hardened,” was a Roman orator in the tradition of Cicero and several of the Caesars known for public speeches designed to sway large crowds of fellow Romans to their way of thinking.


    Seeing that by thee we enjoy much peace,

    and that by thy providence evils are corrected for this nation,

    we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

    But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words. But, that I be not further tedious unto thee, I entreat thee to hear us of thy clemency a few words.


    Always beware.. when a politician claims to have 'a few words.' 

    For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes:

    (that is, followers of Jesus of Nazareth) 

    who moreover assayed to profane the temple: on whom also we laid hold: and we would have judged him according to our law.


    Tertullus, the prosecuting Roman orator hired by the Jews, then turns to make charges against the Roman military athority who snatched Paul (the defendant) from their jurisdiction of Jerusalem’s local authorities and justice of the Sanhedrin.

    Lysius, commanding his

    (that is Paul's or the defendant's) 

    accusers to come before thee. from whom thou wilt be able, by examining him thyself, to take knowledge of all these things whereof we accuse him.


    (In other words, you will find him guilty of our charges.)

    And, as in so many venues where Paul had been called to defend his actions for the gospel of Jesus Christ — practically on cue, the men of the council accompanying the high priest Ananias, ‘joined in the charge, affirming that these things were so.’

    judge gavel

    The Court will hear from the Defendant

    Paul:

    Forasmuch as I know that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this nation, I cheerfully make my defence: seeing that thou canst take knowledge that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem:

    and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.

    Neither can they prove to thee the things whereof they now accuse me.

    The opening arguments have concluded.


    Paul’s Defense of the Gospel

    Rome, of course, has NO interest in the Gospel; although politicians and orators may claim the Good News when politically expediant.

    Everyone in the courtroom of Felix would have known that some twenty years ago the Emperor Caligula had declared himself a god. And his successor Claudius (to whom Felix was connected) had recently conquered Britain and seemed to have little interest in affairs to the east, here in remote Judea.

    But as Paul, Tertullus, Ananias and the elders all knew, Caesar was no friend of the Jews, since Claudius had deported them from Rome just nine years ago. And they gained no favor with the current Emperor Nero either.

    So Paul continues his defense:


    But this I confess unto thee, that after the Way which they call a sect, so serve I the God of our fathers,

    believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

    having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for,

    that there shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust.

    Acts of the Apostles 24:14-15 ASV

    Of course as always, the resurrection brings into play the great controversy of GOD exercising both reward and punishment to every soul after the death of our mortal flesh. 

    AND at the center of the controversy of this GOSPEL proclamation of the Apostle stands the MESSIAH JESUS - the risen Christ of the Jews crucified on a Roman Cross under Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem some two-dozen years before.

    Paul tells the court the reason for his return to Jerusalem.

    Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings: amidst which they found me purified in the temple, with no crowd, nor yet with tumult..

    Remember? There had been a famine. And Paul had been asking all the churches in his missionary jouneys for help for the poor (alms) in Jerusalem. 
    drawing of Herod's Temple

    Herod’s temple in Jerusalem effectually becomes a large, highly regulated public square during festivals. It is unlike a church building or large meeting house.

    Paul defends his public worship there and the lack of evidence that he caused any trouble:

    but there were who ought to have been here before thee [Felix, that is], and to make accusation, if they had aught against me.

    Acts 24:19 ASV

    Obviously, these so-called-witnesses were NOT called to the stand to accuse Paulos in person. 

    Furthermore, Paul continues answering such inadmissable hearsay by challenging those Elders present.
    Was it something I said?

    “Or else let those who are here [Ananias and the Elders of Jerusalem’s council] themselves say if they found any wrongdoing in me [or what wrongdoing] while I stood before the council, unless it is for this one statement which I cried out, standing among them, ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged by you this day.’ ”

    Acts 24:20-21 NKJV

    judge gavel

    The Court will be in recess

    Luke’s transcript of the court proceedings ends and he adds additional background of context for the reader.

    But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying,

    ‘When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will determine your matter.’

    The Governor, Felix, is a skillfull politician dealing with Jews, Christians (followers of the Way), financial supporters of Nero and Rome, Centurians of Rome’s powerful occupying military and even the handling of grandious prosecuting oraters selling their case such as Tertullus.

    And he gave order to the centurion that he [Paulos] should be kept in charge [custody], and should have indulgence [provisions]; and not to forbid any of his friends to minister unto him.

    Acts 24:23 ASV


    Political inaction — and the Judgment to come

    What happens next may look familiar to any who follow the cunning of political strategists.

    Since Felix’s obvious action that fairness and justice would demand will create additional trouble in governing, Felix the Governor waits for a more opportune time for public support — and for filling the coffers of his personal PAC which he might use later to gain higher office.

    (Felix is looking for a handout $$.)

    Luke continues by accounting for Felix’s delay in justice:

    But after certain days, Felix came with Drusilla, his wife, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.

    Acts 24:24 ASV

    Drusilla was the youngest daughter of Herod Agrippa I and the sister of Herod Agrippa II, making her a member of the Herodian dynasty, which played a significant role in the political and religious landscape of Judea during the first century. 
    - source BibleHub.com

    And as he [her husband the Governor] reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified..

    The Apostle had noted the appropriate fear of Felix for judgment of his own guilty soul.

    Luke adds Felix’s sudden dismissal of Paul saying:

    .. ‘Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.’

    Days pass… and more time passes.

    Luke notes what everyone knew: it took a bribe to garner a favorable outcome from the Governor:

    He hoped withal that money would be given him of Paul: wherefore also he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.

    But while Paul remained in ‘protective custody’ of the Governor of Judea in Caesarea, time not only passed but grows short for Felix.

    He was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and when recalled to Rome, he escaped being sentenced to death by Nero only through the intercession of his brother, Pallas. His oppressive rule caused deep resentment among the Jews and strengthened the anti-Roman party.

    source: Encyclopedia.com

    Again.. time passes, Luke records:

    But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus; and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul in bonds.

    Acts of the Apostles 24:27 ASV

    To be continued — in the NEXT administration…

    Talk of JESUS . com

    Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel


  • Justice deferred in a Political Theatre of Law

    Justice deferred in a Political Theatre of Law

    We suppose Law to be a tool of Justice

    Citizens of Greek City-States claimed freedom and justice..

    (although like everywhere else, Greek democracy did not apply to its slaves.)

    Socrates drank the hemlock of justice weighed by his opponents of classic philosophy.

    And, of course, Alexander the Great Macedonian claiming all Greece and the world had different ideas of law to make the world Greek again.

    (“There’s nothing new under the sun,” stated Solomon, King over much of the same empire nearly a thousand years before Alexander.)

    Justina Roman goddess pictured "LAW in the Roman theatre of JUSTICE

    Roman Law

    In today’s setting of Acts of the Apostles it’s important for us to remember that in Jerusalem – Judean LAW (it isn’t even fully JEWISH LAW applicable in other Roman Provicences (or States by contemporary comparison) – as administered by the Sanhedron separate of the Roman Governor, a minor appointed Proconsul accountable to the Emporor.

    This jurisdictional oversight – similar to that when Pontius Pilate tried to pass the political hot potato of the King of the Jews back and forth to Herod or the Jewish leaders of Jerusalem – is little different when just a few years later Paul retuns to Jerusalem to face JUSTICE redefined in various venues.

    Jews demanding JUSTICE

    The Apostle of Jesus sent to the Gentiles (Greeks) has just returned home.

    After his witness to the Jews (in Hebrew) of being sent by Jesus (who had been crucified) on the road to Damascus) AND being sent to the Gentiles — (this had been 20 years ago, back in A.D. 37) — once again, Paul proclaims Christ risen!

    The adjitated jewish crowd was about to stone him, just as when he himself had witnessed the execution of Stephen.

    “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman citizen and uncondemned?”

    When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune..

    Acts of the Apostles 22:25b-26a ESV

    There he's done it! 

    Paul initiates a whole chain-of-events triggering the chain-of-command in Roman oversight and justice.

    But on the next day, desiring to know the real reason why he was being accused by the Jews, he [the Tribune in charge of the Centurians] unbound him and commanded the chief priests and all the council to meet, and he brought Paul down and set him before them.

    Acts 22:30 ESV

    This JEWISH council — about seventy leading men, SUMMONED to apprear before the ROMAN Tribune and his COURT of Roman justice in Jerusalem — are NOT in charge of the proceedings. 

    Acts 23:

    And looking intently at the council, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived my life before God in all good conscience up to this day.”

    Remember: Although the courtroom is that of the Jews, Paul — the DEFENDENT — faces them as his PROSECUTOR (not his judge).

    And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

    “God is going to strike you, you whitewashed wall!

    Are you sitting to judge me according to the law, and yet contrary to the law you order me to be struck?”

    Some savvy oral arguments take place (as is common in court). Paul seeks to divide the jury of his accusers:

    “.. It is with respect to the hope and the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial.”

    It worked. One of his fellow Pharisees stands in his defense,

    “We find nothing wrong in this man.

    What if a spirit or an angel spoke to him?”

    The dissension (between the two parties of the Pharisees and Sadducees)became violent.

    Now the Jews of this local lower court — to which the rules of the Pax Romana defer — sound more like a lynch mob than a place of justice AND (let’s not forget) Paulos is a ROMAN CITIZEN.


    And as a great dissension was developing, because the commander was afraid Paul would be torn to pieces by them, he ordered the troops to go down and take him away from them by force, and bring him into the barracks.

    Acts 23:10 LSB

    Conspiracy against Christ and His Apostle

    The world will often witness an unexplainable boldness in a certain saint of God is seemingly insurmountable circumstances. (This had happened with the Apostle time and time again during his ten-plus years of travel among the gentiles and Greeks.)

    The night before his highly anticipated public trial in Jerusalem the Apostle of Christ Jesus again received supernatural instruction.

    But on that very night, the Lord stood at his side and said,

    “Take courage; for as you have solemnly borne witness to My cause at Jerusalem, so you must bear witness at Rome also.”

    Acts 23:11 LSB

    Imagine — the Lord Jesus Christ, who had been crucified twenty-seven years ago —  the same risen Lord who had appeared in a vision of great glory twenty years ago —  stands beside the Apostle and now sends him to Rome!

    So of course, Paul is emboldened when he is brought to trial before the Roman court the next day.

    Meanwhile, more than forty of the jews made a plot to murder Paul (outside of the jurisdiction of the Roman authorities).

    They went to the chief priests and elders and said,

    “We have strictly bound ourselves by an oath to taste no food till we have killed Paul. Now therefore you, along with the council, give notice to the tribune to bring him down to you, as though you were going to determine his case more exactly. And we are ready to kill him before he comes near.”


    The Plot Thickens

    steps from Antonia Fortress to roofs of Temple porticos

    Paul’s jewish nephew hears of the plot of these forty men, so the young man heads to the Roman fortress to try to warn Paul.

    Paulos —  the Roman citizen held in protective custody after the big hubbub of the jewish crowds —  instructs his guards to go to the man in charge.

    Paul called one of the centurions and said,

    “Take this young man to the tribune, for he has something to tell him.”

    Acts 23:17 ESV

    The tribune [Claudius Lysias] took him by the hand, and going aside asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

    Note the gentleness of this tribune, Claudius Lysias - a man in charge of the centurions of Antonia Fortress as he seeks to get to the truth of the matter. 

    The young son of Paul’s sister responds:

    “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though they were going to inquire somewhat more closely about him.

    But do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty of their men are lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves by an oath neither to eat nor drink till they have killed him. And now they are ready, waiting for your consent.”

    Acs 23:21b-22 ESV

    “Tell no one that you have informed me of these things.”


    An Imposed Authority of Roman Justice

    “Get ready two hundred soldiers, with seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go as far as Caesarea at the third hour of the night.[9 pm]

    Caesarea! a model of Roman incursion into all the world of the Mediterranean - a key port for Romans, a city where Cornelius, Philip, Peter, Paul and others brought the gospel
    Caesarea – (Caesar’s Palace in Judea

    Also provide mounts for Paul to ride and bring him safely to Felix the governor.”

    This military escort of a Roman citizen Paulos is most unlike the handling of Jesus the king of the Jews sent to the Pontius Pilate, governor of that time, (who happened to be in Jeruslem rather than Caesarea). 

    Official Orders sent with Paul

    “Claudius Lysias,

    to his Excellency the governor Felix,

    greetings.

    This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them when I came upon them with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman citizen. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. And desiring to know the charge for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their council. And when it was disclosed to me that there would be a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once, ordering his accusers also to state before you what they have against him.”

    Acts 23:26-30 ESV

    You might call this 'the official COURT record.' 

    Of course —  ALL follow orders and the next scene with, with Roman effeciency, take place in Caesarea.

    Marcus Antonius Felix

    Antonius Felix, served as the Roman procurator of Judea from ~AD 52-58. He was appointed by the Emperor Claudius and was known for his harsh and often corrupt administration. Felix was a freedman of Claudius' mother, Antonia. - source: BibleHub 

    When they had come to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they presented Paul also before him.

    The Governor inquires about jurisdiction – that is, in effect – Am I the appropriate judge of this case?

    And when he learned that he [Paulos] was from Cilicia, he said, “I will give you a hearing when your accusers arrive.” And he [Antonius Felix] commanded him [the Centurian in charge of Paul’s escort] to be guarded in Herod’s praetorium [there in Caesarea].

    Acts of the Apostles 23:35 ESV [with names of prepositions]

    Justice – a Case to be continued


    Talk of JESUS . com

    Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel

  • Death Put Under the Authority of God —Resurrection — in Order

    Death Put Under the Authority of God —Resurrection — in Order

    For God has put everything under his feet.

    1 Corinthians 15:27a CSB

    How can this include DEATH?

    Is death not the antithesis of LIFE —decay into deep darkness the defeat of created man?

    How can the resurrection of the dead — even those martyred in Christ — take place?

    The Apostle Paul continues to address the concerns of the Corinthian church putting all things in order and now addressing THE END.


    The Order of Resurrection

    The apostle to the gentiles (Hellenists, that is, Greeks including Corinthians) began his logical argument with
    The Fact of Christ’s Resurrection and logically continued to connect those facts.

    LAST TIME, we ended with Paul’s astounding opening statement about death and resurrection about an ORDER of the Resurrection:

    Then comes the end…

    1 Corinthians 15:24a CSB


    I stumbled over it. Do you?

    THE END…

    Isn’t DEATH, after all, the end?

    And in the end
    The love you take
    Is equal to the love
    You make…

    “1,2,3,4,5,6,7,
    All good children go to heaven…
    Everybody’s laughing
    Everybody’s happy
    Here come the Sun King…

    Of course, we all have much anti-Christ philosophy replaying in the mortal minds of our imaginings (it isn’t hard to do..).


    The cultural challenges of the resurrection were no less for Paul and the Corinthians than the Promethean philosophical objections of the 20th century and this Common Era.


    AGAIN, as we first addressed in the Facts: 

    Cultural ‘science‘ of Promethean Logic

    Prometheus, in Greek religion, one of the Titans, the supreme trickster, and a god of fire. His intellectual side was emphasized by the apparent meaning of his name, Forethinker. In common belief he developed into a master craftsman, and in this connection he was associated with fire and the creation of mortals.

    Source: Britannica

    Perhaps they also hope against hope that these things aren’t really so..

    in a self-deceived way..

    the problem here is not merely cognitive..

    but.. Promethean…

    from WARRANTED CHRISTIAN BELIEF PP290-294

    NO – Death is NOT ‘The End.’

    The Apostle Paul will address this — DEATH and its threats did not phase him and should not prevent those possibly facing martyrdom for claiming Jesus Christ and the resurrection to the crowds of Corinth.

    What do I gain if, humanly speaking, I fought with beasts at Ephesus?

    If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”

    1 Corinthians 15:32 ESV

    Paul has emphasized order in worship and now, the Apostle even presents an order in the resurrection of the dead, rather than random godless chaos without form.


    1 Corinthians 15:

    King James Version 

    For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

    1 Cor 15:3-4 KJV

    But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.

    v. 20

    AND what were the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ to the Twelve sent to some with the Gospel?


    The Fruit of Faith (an illustration from a parable of Jesus)

    And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.

    But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?

    from Gospel of Luke 12:19-20 KJV

    And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear:

    Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.

    Gospel of Luke 12:4-5 KJV – Jesus on death and judgment

    Some foreboding in our Lord's call to stand up to death — is there not?

    Saul of Tarsus & the fearless witness of Paul

    When Paul had met the risen Jesus on the road to Damascus, Christ’s new apostle to the gentiles came to understand the reality of WHY those Saul had previously persecuted and killed had not changed their testimony — even as these saints of Ephesus or Corinth faced mortal death.

    (And remember Stephen as he was stoned to death in Jerusalem?)

    Just three or four years after he writes to the Corinthians, Paul also will witness the resurrection to King Herod Agrippa II, hearing his case brought by the Jews until Paul appeals to Caesar.

    Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I stand, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come— that the Christ would suffer, that He would be the first to rise from the dead, and would proclaim light to the Jewish people and to the Gentiles.”

    Acts of the Apostles 26:22-23 NKJV


    Christ the firstfruits of Resurrection

    For as in Adam all die, even so 

    in Christ shall all be made alive.

    But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

    1 Corinthians 15:22-23 KJV


    WHAT AN ILLUSTRATON! — āḏām [man – אָדָם] — made in the image of God — now mortal and re-destined to dust — in Christ (and Christ alone) redeemed and revived from DEATH — death, common to every creature made alive for a time by God.

    Let me explain the REIGN of Christ, Paul reasons:

    Once again, in the more AUTHORITIVE-sounding King James Version, let's examine Paul's text in words provoking push-back from Christians unaccustomed to such absolute authority of a most-powerful King. 

    Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father;

    when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

    For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

    1 Corinthians 15:24-25 KJV


    IS this the JESUS we know?

    Afterward —The Whole Harvest

    At the same time the wicked shall rise also. But they are not taken here into the account.

    v. 23

    Then — After the resurrection and the general judgment. Cometh the end — Of the world..

    When he shall have delivered up the kingdom to the Father, and he (the Father) shall have abolished all adverse rule, authority and power — Not that the Father will then begin to reign without the Son, nor will the Son then cease to reign…

    But this is spoken of the Son’s mediatorial kingdom.. which will then commence.

    John Wesley; Parallel Commentary on the NEW TESTAMENT, p.580

    John Wesley provides explanation and delineation of the roles of the Father and of the Son — in the time between the resurrection of ALL the dead and prior to the Judgment — and until the end.


    The King James Bible Commentary provides additional insight into Paul's explanation to the Corinthians of the end time.

    ” The logic is inescapable.

    KJB Commentary on 1 COR 15:14 , p.1496

    If Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain.

    The proclamation of the Gospel (vs.1-11) is hollow. Not only that, but your faith is .. ‘groundless.’

    Faith in a dead saviour is both preposterous and pathetic.

    ibid.

    Much in the way Wesley's explanation of 'Who does what?' helps us, the KJB commentary also guides our understanding of the order of THE END [vs.23-26]. 

    The end refers to he end of the kingdom of God. At that time he will have put down all rule.

    27-28 .. However two facts must be accounted for here:

    • First, when Paul say s that the Son is subject to the Father he is not speaking of the Son in terms of his essence, but in terms of his function, or ministry, as the incarnate Son.
    • Second.. At this present time the administration of the messianic kingdom is given to the Son.
      • However, at the conclusion of the messianic kingdom this function will be returned to the triune God that God may be all in all.

    ibid.


    WE don’t trust God, because of many who have claimed God — or Christ Jesus — in ways worthy of our suspicion.

    Roger@TalkofJesus.com

    The Apostle Paul is trying to show the Corinthians (and us) something about the order of God we do not understand, as well as the Authority all flesh tends to resist.


    ὑποτάσσω – ‘Put under’ (in order)

    Believe only Scripture and an order of the resurrection makes sense in the redemptive providential plan of God.

    Misapply portions of the Gospel or add an oversimplified imagined LIFE after death without consequence for opposing God and your gospel claims will prove false — Promethean in the sense that you know that it can NOT be true (but you continue to hope that it is).

    Take a look at the Biblical use of the word — hypotassō — primarily a military term that Paul uses NINE TIMES here IN TWO VERSES:

    1 Corinthians 15:25-28 For He must reign…

    v.26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

    For he hath put G5293 all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under G5293 him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put G5293 all things under G5293 him.

    And when all things shall be subdued G5293 unto him, then shall G5293 the Son also himself be subject G5293 unto him that put G5293 all things under G5293 him, that God may be all in all.

    1 Corinthians 15:27-28 KJV — Lexicon :: Strong’s G5293 – hypotassō


    How does New Testament Scripture use this term [ὑποτάσσω]?

    • to arrange under, to subordinate
    • to subject, put in subjection
    • to subject one’s self, obey
    • to submit to one’s control
    • to yield to one’s admonition or advice
    • to obey, be subject
    Personally, most of us (including Christians) do not like any part of this kind of order. 

    Let every soul be subject G5293 unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

    Romans 13:1 KJV

    How are YOU, dear saint of Christ, doing with that?

    YES, the Apostle Paul — put under Christ — obediently presents the resurrection of the body in order.

    NEXT, he will talk about the resurrection body. And shortly Paul will urge the saints of Corinth to submit to those who have labored with the Apostle bringing forth the firstfruits of Achaia [16:15-16].


    What do you think?

    (logically and Biblically, of course) about the order of DEATH and the Resurrection?

    Are you prepared to die daily (along with Paul) for the Lord Christ Jesus?

    Comment on Scripture – Share the Gospel