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  • The Tongue is a Fire! – Speaking of Christians

    The Tongue is a Fire! – Speaking of Christians

    If anyone thinks he is religious without controlling his tongue, his religion is useless and he deceives himself.

    James 1:26 CSB

    Contents of 3-part series

    We began this forum for freely speaking whatever is on your mind with the substance and consequences of speaking out in POLITICS. November in the U.S. is always a contentious time and the approaching year of Presidential politics will offer more intense variations on the themes of hypocrisy and hatred.

    As the politically correct and often biased words of media might suggest, RELIGION has no say so in these arguments. The movie scene depicted in the photo for this series suggests a time when all of this correctness fails for all of us, including media.

    Next and finally, today we will take a look at what the Bible has to say about such things. Examine your heart further along with me as our tongues speak up (sometimes inappropriately) for Jesus Christ.

    Don’t be deceived

    Paul preaches to the church in Ephesus:

    Let no one deceive you with empty arguments, for God’s wrath is coming on the disobedient because of these things. Ephesians 5:6

    James suggests early in his letter how easily we deceive ourselves.

    James 1:19 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God…

    He offers a remedy to hypocrisy, of which we will quickly be accused. And James illustrates our self-examination in the mirror.

    22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

    23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.

    Swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath!

    It’s just not our nature (Christian or not).

    Because we speak out so quickly, we show how easily we are deceived. It is the same deception of our own hearts mentioned in Genesis 3:13

    And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, H5377 and I did eat.

    Disobedience Brings God’s Judgment

    This has always been the warning of the LORD’s true prophets to a people who claim religious favor while displaying hypocritical sin.

    The Lord will judge and many have warned us throughout the millennia in scripture given by Almighty God.

    In order that you may anticipate my outline from the Lord’s word, we will examine four of these chronologically:

    1. Jeremiah ~687-520 B.C.
    2. John the Baptist ~A.D. 30
    3. Jesus Christ
    4. James, brother of Jesus, leader of the church at Jerusalem ~A.D. 50

    Jeremiah 9:

    3 “They bend their tongue like their bow;
    Lies and not truth prevail in the land;
    For they proceed from evil to evil,
    And they do not know Me,” declares the Lord.

    The LORD, through the Prophet Jeremiah, condemns the tongue of the religious leaders of Judah.

    5 “Everyone deceives his neighbor
    And does not speak the truth,
    They have taught their tongue to speak lies;
    They weary themselves committing iniquity.
    6 “Your dwelling is in the midst of deceit;
    Through deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the Lord.

    The Tongue that Answers Hypocrisy

    How is this any different than the hypocrisy of some who claim God today?

    Though this condemnation is directed toward Jews around 627 Before Christ, the Lord could well convict so-called christians of this 21st century in the year of our Lord.

    For what else can I do, because of the daughter of My people?
    8 “Their tongue is a deadly arrow;
    It speaks deceit;
    With his mouth one speaks peace to his neighbor,
    But inwardly he sets an ambush for him.
    9 “Shall I not punish them for these things?” declares the Lord.
    “On a nation such as this
    Shall I not avenge Myself?

    The Lord does not condemn the nations for the fire of their accusations against God, but those who claim the Name of the Lord whose tongue deceives their neighbor and speaks deceit.

    How are we not like those condemned here, where our tongues of fire shout against the evils of the world, “I’m mad and hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

    John the Baptist

    In a captive Israel (and Judah) after centuries of silence from the Lord, many recognized John as a Prophet of God. Jesus confirms it.

    “And if you’re willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who is to come.

    The testimony of Jesus Christ about John the Baptist – Matthew 11:14

    REPENT! you religious hypocrites

    John never said this in so many words, but repentance of sins and hypocrisy of the tongue by religious leaders held center-stage in his ministry to the crowds in the wilderness.

    Matthew 3:

    4 Now John himself was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist; and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

    Although the son of a priest, John followed the Lord’s leading away from the Temple limelight into the wilderness. And his raiment reminded all of the great Prophet Elijah. John’s fiery calls for repentance he directed not to idolatrous followers of other religions, but to the Jews.

    Our most enduring impression of John may be his public accusation of the leaders of religion who came to hear him in the wilderness.

    What the crowds witnessed

    But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them,

    “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

    Matthew 3:7-8 ESV

    I could easily say more about John’s tongue of fire as it also applies to Christians, but I’ll save it for a more detailed look at John the Baptist, greatest of the prophets who the Lord sent before the Messiah Jesus.

    Proverbs for the Tongue

    There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.

    The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

    Proverbs 12:18-19 KJV

    Christ Jesus

    As John and the Spirit testified, Jesus is more than a man who speaks truth. He IS the Perfect truth established before time for all time, the Son of God the Father!

    Previously in this series I mentioned Jesus’ caution about the tongue of one saying “raca” or “you fool” being liable to hell. Although this ought to be caution enough for those claiming Christ, here I will add an additional insight from Jesus about hell.

    Jews, Messianic Jews and Christians may differ on our views of hell; its punishments, certainly who is condemned and the nature of eternal life after death. Nevertheless, considering not the illustrative nature of the parable, but the truth of what the Messiah Jesus must witness by His very word, take just this one scene to heart.

    Luke 16:

    Jesus’ parable follows three more familiar parables about the lost followers of the LORD, Shepherd of Israel.

    Most hearers compare Jesus’ two main characters, a rich earthly master and his poor servant by identifying Jesus’ parable as The Rich Man and Lazarus. For many this may confuse the issues of resurrection (identified with the name of this other Lazarus) and salvation for the wealthy (which Jesus seems to oppose on many occasions).

    Neither wealth nor resurrection are at issue in this parable.

    Prior to this parable, Jesus categorically states:

    “Until John the Baptist, the law of Moses and the messages of the prophets were your guides. But now the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is eager to get in.

    Luke 16:16 NLT

    Jesus on Social Injustice

    J.B. Phillips focuses our attention more to the issue of how we act toward others during this mortal life, introducing this parable: Jesus shows the fearful consequence of social injustice.

    It’s a tragic tale describing the inequities of this life, followed by a scene of the rich man gazing upon heaven from hell. The rich master and faithful servant have died, their fates having rewarded each justly.

    And from among the dead he looked up and saw Abraham a long way away, and Lazarus in his arms.

    ‘Father Abraham!’ he cried out, ‘please pity me.

    Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in agony in these flames.’

    Luke 16 excerpt J.B. PHILLIPS

    This follower of the LORD who had every blessing in life pleads to Abraham to intercede for him while he suffers the agony of hell! It would be like asking a saint of old or mother of our Lord to help you. Just cool my tongue from the agony in these flames.

    Jesus has already separated the sheep from the goats. This is no intermittent place of punishment where relief through others may take place.

    Dear brother or sister in Christ,

    Therefore, watch your tongue and actions in this mortal life. For we must now be perfect in Him before a world hearing us as Christ, named ‘Christians.’

    James

    Earlier this year I addressed the turmoil of religion and politics which preceded the appearance of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ. If you would like to read more follow this link to James and Jerusalem’s Controversy.

    The applications of James to Christian contemporary thought may be helpful to each of us personally, particularly what I taught previously on this in James – Preaching to a Worldly Church.

    Even though I recently covered the entire book of James, his application to Christians is worth repeating as a brief conclusion to this 3-part series: The Tongue is a Fire!

    FOR CHRISTIANS ONLY:

    DISCLAIMER: IF you do not believe in God, no need to read further. As Jeremiah aimed his tongue of rebuke to the Jews and as John the Baptist also called God’s chosen to repentance, this is not for those who refuse the Lord’s grace.

    And so, you who claim Christ consider this:

    Your contemporary issue of how God can use your tongue of fire to save the world may not agree with scripture.

    Roger Harned – TalkofJesus.com

    Which issue excites your tongue to cry out, “you brood of vipers?” Abortion? Equal rights for women? Helping poor migrants trying to come to America? Healthcare, food and shelter for the poor? Fair elections? Tolerance for other religions?

    All of these causes may excite your witness to others, but the leaders of the church will warn you and me to watch our tongue and act like Jesus.

    You cannot go wrong by keeping the love of Jesus on your lips and the fruit of love in the harvest of your relationships with others. But look more closely at nearly every New Testament writer and the sayings of Jesus:

    Our words of refinement and love are for each other – brothers and sisters in Christ. If our actions match the love of Jesus, only then will the world take note of our words.

    James 3:

    2 For in many things we offend all. – KJV

    Christians excel in this, but the world should not be offended by you. Rather, the world is offended by Christ Jesus and will not accept the grace of His love.

    2-6 [PHILLIPS] We all make mistakes in all kinds of ways, but the man who can claim that he never says the wrong thing can consider himself perfect, for if he can control his tongue he can control every other part of his personality!

    Think of it. If you control your tongue, you can be perfect; that is, Christ-like. Your actions will finally become perfect, because you mirror our Lord.

    5b [NASB] See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6 And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.

    The Not So Good NEWS of Today

    Can you think of some in the public eye whose tongues easily set social media on fire?

    Sadly, Christians participate in the hot debates of those worldly things which have little or nothing to do with Christ. I admit it. My speech before others sparks debate. Yet is it for Christ?

    Are you a disciple of your political party? Of your particular issue? Do you show religion as condemnation and faith as opposition to the value of others?

    8 [NASB] But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing.

    Again, the hypocrisy of ‘christians’

    As we pointed a finger toward ourselves in an earlier post in this series, this is hypocrisy. James tells us that it must not be. He asks the church to direct our teaching first to ourselves.

    [PHILLIPS] … your lives will be an example of the humility that is born of true wisdom… —don’t deny the truth that you must recognise in your inmost heart… For wherever you find jealousy and rivalry you also find disharmony and all other kinds of evil.

    TRUE. True in the world and true in the church. Jealousy and rivalry lead to disharmony and many kinds of evil. Don’t get caught up in it all.

    Listen to this: James’ instruction to Christians in how to be perfect can be found in two verses of his letter. Consider them before your tongue turns your life off course in the next storm of public opinion.

    Wisdom from Above

    17-18 [PHILLIPS] The wisdom that comes from God is first utterly pure, then peace-loving, gentle, approachable, full of tolerant thoughts and kindly actions, with no breath of favouritism or hint of hypocrisy. And the wise are peace-makers who go on quietly sowing for a harvest of righteousness—in other people and in themselves.

    Would a list help?

    From the KJV, But the wisdom that is from above is:

    • pure,
    • peaceable,
    • gentle,
    • easy to be intreated,
    • full of mercy
    • good fruits,
    • without partiality,
    • without hypocrisy.

    We cannot be pure while leavened by the hatred of the world. And the world’s peace looks much different than the peace of Jesus.

    Can you imagine any more gentle example than our Lord Jesus Christ?

    Easy to be intreated would be advice from more obedient times meaning compliant or easily obeying. Modern translations sweeten it a bit calling this trait, ‘reasonable.’ Are you reasonable or compliant in your conversation with others?

    Full of mercy: there’s a trait we wish to encounter. Compassion, true compassion for others; not claims of a nice ‘christian’ to treat others with mercy, but Christ-like compassion for another.

    Jesus said:

    “But go and learn what this means: ‘I DESIRE COMPASSION AND NOT SACRIFICE,’ for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

    the words of Jesus to religious leaders – Matthew 9:13

    Are you a Pharisee of this 21st century in the eyes of those you encounter? You with ears to hear, hold your tongue until your heart finds mercy.

    We know many parables of Jesus about the fruit of righteousness. Do you show others how you, a sinner, have changed? Like John the Baptist scorned the Pharisees and Scribes coming for baptism:

    “Therefore bear fruit in keeping with repentance.

    Matthew 3:8 NASB

    Has Jesus changed you? Did your tongue receive Christ’s bridle of restraint of your words of witness to the world?

    Is your witness for a cause OR for Christ Jesus? What do your words say?

    Show no partiality or favoritism in your faith. Be unwavering for Jesus rather than swayed to the right or to the left by the crowds.

    NO Hypocrisy

    Hypocrisy is the mask of appearances, the make-up of our image. It is the false face of the world and their accusation of masked ‘christians.’

    The fire of our tongue will betray our motives. And our fruit of hypocrisy is witness against Jesus.

    Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. – Romans 12:9 NASB

    It is the genuine love of Jesus Christ, sincere faith in our Lord. The world must see Jesus in your actions, but first the world will hear your words.

    Are the words of your mouth witness that Jesus IS your LORD?

    OR

    Do you just have something more to say back to the world from your fiery tongue?

    Remember the love and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, dear saint and fellow sinner. For you would not want to hear the Lord say,

    “I never knew you.”

    May the grace, mercy and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ help you to hold your tongue from evil and witness His love through the Holy Spirit.

  • God’s Love Through John: Light of a greater testimony

    “John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

    Jesus, of John the Baptist – John 5:35 CSB 

    The Illustration

    The Apostle John makes more references to light in his Gospel than any other New Testament writer.

    Job, Psalms and Isaiah in the Old Testament also use the concept to evoke reflection on varying comparisons, as Jesus does in John 6. Here are just a few illustrations from the Hebrew definition, familiar to disciples of both John the Baptist and followers of Jesus.

    אוֹר ‘owr – [used 122 times as a noun] means:

    Light of day, of heavenly luminaries (moon, sun, stars), day-break, dawn, morning light, daylight, lightning, of a lamp (as Jesus uses here to refer to John the Baptist), of life, of prosperity,

    As a teacher with the greater ‘light of instruction,’ Jesus compares Himself to John the Baptist.

    John 1: a brief reflection

    Although we will not continually return to the beginning of John’s Gospel, it is important for us to understand the Apostle’s perspective as events unfold in the teaching ministry of Christ Jesus.

    Orazio Fidani, Saint John the Apostle, c. 1640-56

    Just a reminder here that the events of Jesus’ ministry occurred around AD 30 when the Apostle was a young man and John wrote his Gospel [Good News] between AD 70-100 as the only remaining Disciple who had not been martyred for Christ.

    John makes many references to light, including many in John 1, as we have already seen in ‘God’s Love Through John: In the Beginning.’

    Reflections of the Teacher

    John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.

    John’s reference to Christ Jesus

    7 He came as a witness to testify about the light, so that all might believe through him.

    John refers to Jesus and the witness mentioned is the teacher, John the Baptist. Then John continues to clarify the difference by restating the comparison of John the Baptist to Jesus.

    8 He was not the light, but he came to testify about the light.

    The Gospel-writer then unequivocally states that Jesus the Messiah is both ‘the true light’ and the greater light than John. He was coming to the world as the light – a light of hope – for everyone in the world.

    9 The true light that gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.

    Gospel of John, of the Messiah Jesus

    As mentioned earlier, John then proceeds to both explain the role of Jesus and continues to reflect on the relationship of the Prophet of the wilderness, John, to the Messiah.

    What John’s Gospel does not say

    And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if every one of them were written down, I suppose not even the world itself could contain the books that would be written.

    John 21:25 CSB

    Although we are studying the Gospel of John, it is important for us to put some missing events detailed in other gospels about the life of John the Baptist. So before we proceed with Jesus’ teachings, let’s briefly chronicle a few events of the well-known teacher, John.

    Matthew

    Matthew, of course, was the other Jewish writer of the gospels who adds additional detail.

    In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near! ”

    Matthew states later of Jesus and his reaction to the political events which led to the Baptist’s arrest, 

    When he heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee.

    Matthew 4:12

    Jesus had been in Judea, but leaves for Galilee and gathers Disciples to Himself. John, no doubt, hears of this and sends some of his own disciples to Jesus with questions from John asking for assurance.

    Matthew 11:

    Now when John heard in prison what the Christ was doing, he sent a message through his disciples… Jesus replied to them, “Go and report to John what you hear and see:

    We will continue shortly from the Gospel of John with the signs they would witness to the Baptist and others. 

    “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been suffering violence, and the violent have been seizing it by force. … “Let anyone who has ears listen.

    The Messiah Jesus, Matthew 11:12

    Later in Jesus’ three-year ministry we learn the fears of Herod about Jesus from Matthew:

    At that time Herod the tetrarch heard the report about Jesus. 2 “This is John the Baptist,” he told his servants. “He has been raised from the dead, and that’s why miraculous powers are at work in him.”

    The Greater Light

    Immediately after John’s most quoted Scripture he testifies to the Messiah’s purpose and mission in Jesus’ own words. Jesus again uses comparisons of light and darkness.

    John 3:

    19 This is the judgment:

    The light has come into the world,

    and people loved darkness rather than the light

    because their deeds were evil.

    John 3:19

    20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. 21 But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.”

    Before we speak of Jesus’ love we must remember repentance. Darkness and evil envelope our lives, yet some love the darkness. Jesus offers love not only to Israel but to the world.

    The Gospel of John shows many signs of the Messiah which should be recognizable to the Jews, even though many chose darkness.

    Where will you look? Do you have eyes to see?

    Do you rely on a lesser lamp or perhaps even live in complete darkness?

    John presents signs, evidence and explanation of the Messiah.

    Who is your hope?

    To be continued...

  • God’s Love Through John: Disciples

    “If anyone serves me, he must follow me. Where I am, there my servant also will be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.

    John 12:26

    Preachers, Teachers & Disciples

    We’ve all seen them, the up and coming preachers who gain a public following. Of course appointed religious officials would like to be the superstars of their mega-temples in Jerusalem or cathedrals of later times, but this was not the style of Jesus or of his populist predecessor, John the Baptist.

    Some men have the gift of preaching a message to which others will respond and follow. As we pointed out in our previous post, John the Baptist was one such gifted preacher and like Jesus after him, he also had gained a following of disciples.

    How is a Disciple different from other hearers of preaching?

    To be clear, Jesus was not the only teacher or Rabbi with disciples, so let’s begin with a definition.

    μαθητής – mathētēs – a learner, pupil, disciple – from μανθάνω manthanō – to learn (in any way):—learn, understand.

    Certain followers of rabbis of the same school of teaching, as in the party of the Pharisees, were also called disciples. These disciples often were loyal to a particular teaching in a certain place, often Jerusalem. Popular Pharisees and popular Sadducees competed for prominent disciples with influence.

    Iterate teachers like Jesus or teachers in the wilderness like John also developed a following. Their crowds of disciples wanted to learn more about what they were preaching, but had to travel to a distant place to hear more teaching from this rabbi or prophet.

    The question of truth always goes to what are they preaching and why does their message connect to their followers?

    John’s Disciples

    John’s message is ‘repent and be baptized,’ but it is more than that. Note these references to the disciples of John, men who followed John the Baptist as he cried out to sinners to repent and be baptized. 

    John 1:

    “I baptize with water,” 

    “Someone stands among you, but you don’t know him. He is the one coming after me, whose sandal strap I’m not worthy to untie.”

    35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

    37 The two disciples heard him say this and followed Jesus.

    What a pivotal moment it must have been in their lives! These two men were disciples of the brash baptist, John, the Prophet of the wilderness.

    And what had John witnessed to his disciples about Jesus?

    “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

    30 This is the one I told you about:

    ‘After me comes a man who ranks ahead of me, because he existed before me.’

    31 I didn’t know him, but I came baptizing with water so he might be revealed to Israel.”

    He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” – John 1:20 ESV

    Therefore, these two disciples of John the Baptist now turn to follow Jesus.

    Disciples of John follow the Messiah

    Where are you staying?
    38 When Jesus turned and noticed them following him, he asked them, “What are you looking for?”

     

    They said to him, “Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “where are you staying?”

    39 “Come and you’ll see,” he replied. So they went and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day. It was about four in the afternoon.

    40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard John and followed him. 

    Who was this unnamed disciple with Andrew who heard John and followed Jesus? No doubt, the young evangelist, John, who will also introduce his older brother to the Messiah of Israel.

    James and John, along with Andrew’s brother, Simon Peter, will become Jesus’ inner circle of Disciples.

    Disciples and Apostles

    A preacher or teacher may have many listeners who do not hear, but men like John the Baptist had followers or disciples. John’s message was more weighty than the politically correct preaching of any particular religious party (like the Pharisees), with the authority of the LORD in Scripture.

    Disciples are followers of a certain teacher, Rabbi or other preacher. Some now use the terms disciple and apostle interchangeably, but is there a difference?

    Preachers need an audience of listeners. Disciples may follow some teachers of Scripture or other philosophy, yet an apostle is different. The apostle is a man with a different function than merely following a teacher.

    Apostle

    ἀπόστολος – apostolos – a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders; specifically applied to the twelve apostles of Christ, in a broader sense applied to other eminent Christian teachers, i.e. of Barnabas, of Timothy and Silvanus. – from ἀποστέλλω – apostellō – to order (one) to go to a place appointed or to send away, dismiss.

    The Apostle John does not refer to himself as an Apostle in his Gospel or three letters, even though clearly he is sent by Jesus after His resurrection. John makes only a single reference in the words of Jesus at the time of their preparation for the Sacrifice of the Lamb of God for the atonement of Israel.

    Nearly three years after having been disciples of John the Baptist Jesus will send them out as Apostles. John witnesses a story of their mission pointing to his own love and humility learned from Jesus.

    The Meaning of Foot Washing

    John 13:

    12 When Jesus had washed their feet and put on his outer clothing, he reclined again and said to them, “Do you know what I have done for you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord—and you are speaking rightly, since that is what I am. 14 So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done for you.

    16 “Truly I tell you, a servant is not greater than his master, and a messenger is not greater than the one who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.

    You may find the terminology of the King James Version helpful to understanding the root relationship between a master teacher and a follower sent out.

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

    John 13:16 KJV

    ‘Amen, amen,’ begins the Greek. The servant is δοῦλος doulos, the same word used for slave. (I know we have difficulty relating to this relationship.)

    The slave, therefore, says Jesus to His Disciples, is not greater than the lord (a term used for the master responsible for slaves). And ‘he that is sent,’ ἀπόστολος apostolos or apostle, is not greater than the one who sends (his lord who commands him with the message).

    John the Baptist did not send his own disciples to Jesus, but witnessed the Lord of all Authority.

    I have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”

    John 1:34

    Early Disciples of The Twelve

    35 The next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!”

    John and Andrew, disciples of John the Baptist follow Jesus. They may not have been the only ones and other disciples no doubt followed Jesus later.

    Their brothers, Peter and James then follow.

    41 He [Andrew] first found his own brother Simon and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated “the Christ”), 42 and he brought Simon to Jesus.

    When Jesus saw him, he said, “You are Simon, son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated “Peter”).

    43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him, “Follow me.”

    Galilee to the north of Judea is of course not only the place where Jesus stayed, but also the place of business for Simon and Andrew, sons of Zebedee, and others.

    Beginning in Galilee

    44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

    46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael asked him.

    “Come and see,” Philip answered.

    John, Andrew, Peter and then Philip, (John’s older brother James is not yet mentioned); the an addition of Nathanael. 

    47 Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

    48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

    “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered.

    49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!”

    “Teacher, you are the Messiah and King of Israel,” says Nathaniel (נְתַנְאֵל which means, “God/El has given”), who other Gospel writers refer to as, ‘Bartholomew.’ He is likely also a fisherman from Cana, near Nazareth, where Jesus grew up as a child after returning from Egypt.

    John does not introduce the other Disciples of Jesus here, but continues with witness of Jesus’ first miracle at a wedding in Cana, where John and other local Disciples were no doubt present.

    50 Jesus responded to him [Nathanael], “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”

    51 Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

    To be continued...