Vol. 81 No. 966 November 2011 TESTIMONY For the study and defence of the Holy Scripture For the Study and Defence of the Holy Scripture

New study series 386 John’s First Epistle David: giant slayer and king-in-waiting 360 & 354 Prayer under pressure 364 The fate of the temple treasures 372 Are we ready and waiting? 379 The Creator’s palette 383 PS—The importance of ‘as’ 390

“He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” TESTIMONY editors:

David Burges. 7 Whitehead Drive, Wellesbourne, Warwick, CV35 9PW. Tel. 01789 842692; email: [email protected] Science; Archaeology Contents SHAUN MAHER. 35 Feus, Auchterarder, PH3 1EP. Tel. 01259 743172; email: [email protected] Watchman Convicted by sin—Editorial 353 What happened to the temple treasures? Trevor Maher. 5 Birch Court, David—the man after God’s 1. A remarkable journey Doune, Perthshire, FK16 6JD. own heart Jeremy Thomas 372 Tel. 01786 841830; 18. The Lord’s anointed email: [email protected] News from the nations Principles, preaching, problems 19. King-in-waiting John Mitchell 354 Joan Brooks 377 Eric Marshall. The Pines, Bishops and neighbours— Ready and waiting? Ling Common Road, Castle Shaun Maher Rising, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, taking care 379 PE31 6AE. Tel. 01553 631279; Stephen Hole 357 The autocrat rides again email: [email protected] Geoff Henstock Exposition The faithful of old—studied 382 by the young The chemical elements— John Nicholls. 17 ­Upper Trinity David: the giant slayer the Creator’s palette Road, ­Halstead, Essex, CO9 1EE. Nathan Kitchen Tel. 01787 473089; email: 360 David Burges 383 [email protected] Answers to the ultimate John’s First Epistle Reviews questions: The story of Job 1. “That which was from the JEREMY tHOMAS. 22 Kingswood 5. Prayer under pressure beginning” Close, Kings Norton, Birmingham, Stephen Hill 364 Mark Allfree 386 B30 3NX. Tel. 0121 444 6810; email: [email protected] “Things hard to be P.S. Assistant Editor; Exhortation understood” (Review) The importance of ‘as’ John Nicholls 366 Mark Vincent 390 GEOFF HENSTOCK. 13 ­Alpha Crescent, ­Panorama 5041, Gibbon and Revelation Testimony Book Exchange 391 S. Australia. Tel. 8277-0730; email: 6. Corruption of the early Scenes of Syria [email protected] ecclesia Australia Editor; Prophecy 13. Temple of Baal, Ugarit Geoff Henstock 367 Jeremy Thomas XVIII Publishing Editor: ERIC MARSHALL (see above) Articles for publication Articles to be considered for publication are welcome and should be Testimony website: forwarded to the Publishing Editor (in Australia, the local editor) in the www.testimony-magazine.org first instance.

Cover design: Rachel Otter Publication of articles in the Testimony does not presume editorial endorsement except on matters of fundamental doctrine, as defined in the Birmingham Amended Statement of Faith. XVII Convicted by sin—Editorial HERE ARE TIMES in our discipleship that they are all under sin” (v. 9); yet the Law of when we become starkly aware of human Moses, by obedience to which a God-fearing Jew Tsinfulness in the sight of God. The Apostle would measure righteousness, is not mentioned Peter, aboard ship with the Lord Jesus on Galilee, until chapter 2. The sins listed by Paul in chap- experienced such an incident when, after hav- ter 1, therefore, had particular resonance for the ing caught nothing all night, he found himself Gentile world, whose guilt was never in question overwhelmed by the innumerable multitude of to the Jew. fish which teemed in his net—sufficient not only But the self-evident sins of the Gentiles were to break the net, but almost to sink two sturdy not to blind the Jew to his own sins—particularly fishing vessels too. Struck by the power of his if they were of the very same character. Thus the Master in a way he had never before appreciated, self-righteous Jew, puffing out his chest in pride Peter’s emotional reaction revealed how he now that he was not like those miserable Gentiles, saw himself in the light of Jesus’ miracle: “When would be startled to hear the same charges made Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, against him too: “Therefore thou art inexcusable, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for Lord” (Lk. 5:8). Confronted with such a display wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest of authority, his sense of personal unworthiness thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same was understandable enough. things . . . And thinkest thou this, O man, that Experiences like this need not dismay us, for, judgest them which do such things, and doest as in Peter’s case, they can become a springboard the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment to greater things. If a sudden awareness of guilt of God?” (2:1,3). leads to repentance, a sincere change of thinking The rhetorical “O man” to whom Paul writes and direction in life, it is no bad thing; for this is carries an echo of Micah 6, where the prophet an essential step in the search for forgiveness and too is demonstrating that righteousness is to reconciliation with God. It may lead us to greater be attained not by means of sacrifices and confidence in the love of our heavenly Father in burnt offerings, but rather via a change of heart Christ Jesus, enabling us to imagine the Lord’s prompted by a conviction that all God’s people reassuring words to Peter being spoken afresh are answerable to Him: “Will the LORD be pleased to us: “Fear not.” An appreciation of the grace of with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands God touching his own life would not only colour of rivers of oil? . . . He hath shewed thee, O man, the remainder of Peter’s walk but equip him to what is good; and what doth the LORD require of exhort others too. “Humble yourselves therefore thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to under the mighty hand of God, that He may ex- walk humbly with thy God?” (vv. 7,8). There is no alt you in due time” (1 Pet. 5:6), he could write, room here for finger-pointing. Micah’s focus is on knowing for himself now how “God . . . giveth a meaningful individual response to the aware- grace to the humble” (v. 5). ness of personal sinfulness, not on unprofitable Ironically, our response when we become comparisons with others. aware of the sins of others may be harder to “The sins of some are obvious, reaching the direct towards such profitable thinking. There is place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of oth- something so perverse about human nature that ers trail behind them” (1 Tim. 5:24, NIV). There we find it easy to find fault even in those who may be surprises aplenty at the Lord’s return, are guilty only of the same sins as ourselves. with some granted eternal life whom we never The Epistle to the Romans shows clearly what expected to see in the Kingdom, and others of a danger this was in the first century for the whose salvation we were confident rejected—with Jews, who had enjoyed a relationship with the Biblical characters in both groups. In preparation Almighty unequalled in any other nation. Paul is for that Day we do well to maintain a healthy robust in his allegation that all the world—Jews awareness of our own need for God’s mercy, included—is under the condemnation of sin (for not making the mistake of presuming that our example, Romans 3:19). position is secure merely because we are aware By this point in his carefully reasoned argu- of the faults of others. ment Paul has “proved both Jews and Gentiles, Jeremy Thomas The Testimony, November 2011 353 Exhortation David —the man after God’s own heart 1 John Mitchell 18. The Lord’s anointed

EJOICE NOT when thine enemy falleth, that he should be king over Israel after Saul. He and let not thine heart be glad when already had the crown of Saul handed to him by he stumbleth: lest the LORD see it, and an Amalekite, but that to him was a mere bauble. “R There is no indication in the record whether he it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him” (Prov. 24:17,18, AV). So wrote Solomon. even wore it. What David desired above all was David’s son, in a proverb whose meaning he to be anointed king by God’s high priest in ac- learned from the example of his father on the cordance with divine precedent. He could hardly death of Saul. Ever conscious that the Lord knows have imagined, however, that the fulfilment of and looks upon the heart of man, David held Saul the prophecy would require three anointings and in respect as the Lord’s anointed, bitter though the passage of more than seven years before his Saul’s enmity had been. At no point in his life kingship was made sure to him. before becoming king did David’s graciousness The trouble was that the whole land of Israel rise higher than when he mourned the death of was in a state of flux after the overwhelming King Saul, and lamented the end of his relation- defeat of Saul’s army by the Philistines on Mount ship with Jonathan the prince: Gilboa. Abner, Saul’s chief of staff, partly out of “Saul and Jonathan were lovely and self-interest and partly to prevent the Philistines pleasant in their lives, overrunning more territory in the north, gathered And in their death they were not divided: together the remnants of Saul’s army and set up They were swifter than eagles, his headquarters in Mahanaim on the other side They were stronger than lions. of the River Jordan. And there, to lend credence to Ye daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, his intentions to save the state of Israel, he made Who clothed you in scarlet, with other Ishbosheth, Saul’s fourth son, its puppet king. delights, What of David? True to form, David inquired Who put on ornaments of gold upon your of the Lord: “Shall I go up to one of the towns apparel. of Judah?” to which the Lord replied, “Go up.” How are the mighty fallen in the midst of David asked, “Where shall I go?” “To Hebron,” the battle! the Lord answered. Thus directed, David estab- O Jonathan, thou wast slain in thine high lished his right to the throne first in the town places. hallowed by all Israel as the dwelling place of I am distressed for thee, my brother their father Abraham. There, with his own small Jonathan: army settled around him, and with Abiathar the Very pleasant hast thou been unto me: high priest and Gad the seer to support his cause, Thy love to me was wonderful, the men of Judah rallied to him in such numbers Passing the love of women. as to dissuade the Philistines of the south from How are the mighty fallen, attacking him. Moreover, the men of Judah lost And the weapons of war perished!” no time in arranging the priestly anointing of (2 Sam. 1:23-27, AV) David as their king. It was for such an attitude as this that David was designated ‘a man after God’s own heart.’ The mourning over, however, David needed 1. The narrative follows the text of 2 Samuel 1–4. Quota- urgently to set about fulfilling Samuel’s prophecy tions are from the NIV unless otherwise noted. 354 The Testimony, November 2011 There were thus two camps in Israel, each with After the battle, Abner and his forces fled, a potential king over the whole realm, neither of just before sunset, to a hilltop on the way to the which wished to do battle before strengthening wasteland of Gibeon, and there made a stand. his forces. For David especially this was a period From that hill, as Joab and his men arrived, Abner of rest and recovery after his years of wandering: called out to Joab, “Must the sword devour for a time, too, for him as a mature man to increase ever? Don’t you realise that this will end in bit- his family after the manner of kings. He married terness? How long before you order your men to four wives in addition to the two he had brought stop pursuing their brothers?” Joab answered, “As with him, Ahinoam and Abigail, more with po- surely as God lives, if you had not spoken, the litical alliances in mind than was perhaps war- men would have continued the pursuit of their ranted. As Deane 2 points out, such engagements brothers until morning.” So he blew the trumpet, were contrary to the spirit of the Law, and two of halting his men and marking the end of the battle. them bore bitter fruit. The offspring of Maachah, All that night, Abner and his men marched daughter of Talmai king of Geshur, was Absalom, through the Arabah and across the River Jordan the rebellious favourite who brought David bit- until they came to their stronghold at Mahanaim. ter tears. Another wife was Haggith, whose son Before his departure, Joab held a head count of his Adonijah also sought the throne. own forces, and those of Abner, which revealed that David’s men had killed three hundred and Rival camps sixty Benjamites, whereas, besides Asahel, only Meanwhile, Abner had moved from Mahanaim nineteen of his own men were missing. Asahel to Gibeon, site of the palace and court of the late was taken and buried in his father’s tomb in King Saul, where a meeting was arranged with Bethlehem before the army marched all night Joab, commander of David’s forces, to settle the and arrived at Hebron at break of day. differences over the kingship. Having sat down But the kingdom was still divided. together on opposite sides of the pool of Gibeon, the two commanders, being reluctant to commit their forces to wholesale slaughter, first resorted 19. King-in-waiting to single combat between six pairs of warriors from the two sides. They were so well matched, S HAS BEEN made abundantly clear from the however, that they unfailingly slew one another, Aturn of events after the death of Saul, Abner and nothing was to be decided that way—a had become increasingly powerful in the northern unique result, surely with the providence of God kingdom and was a man not to be trifled with— behind it. After that, there was no alternative but certainly not by Ishbosheth, the puppet king. to engage in a fixed battle, in which Abner’s army This was made plain when Abner chose to take was soundly defeated. Even so, the conflict was to himself one of the late King Saul’s concubines, not conclusive, and, again in the providence of thereby slighting Saul’s house. When Ishbosheth God, it had to be decided by other means. objected, however, Abner flew into a great rage Those means were complicated, but they began that led to the downfall of the house of Saul as a result of a tragic incident during the battle, and of the new king. “Why did you sleep with in which Asahel, Joab’s athletic younger brother, my father’s concubine?” demanded Ishbosheth. was killed by none other than Abner himself. The “Am I a dog’s head—on Judah’s side?” replied youth, fleet of foot but inexperienced, foolishly Abner. “This very day I am loyal to the house of trailed the veteran commander, intending to your father Saul and to his family and friends. I achieve fame by killing him. Abner recognised haven’t handed you over to David. Yet now you who he was and pleaded with him to take on one accuse me of an offence involving this woman! of the younger men and strip him of his weapons. May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, “Stop chasing me!” he shouted. “Why should I if I do not do for David what the LORD promised strike you down? How could I look your brother him on oath and transfer the kingdom from the Joab in the face?” But Asahel refused to give up house of Saul and establish David’s throne over the pursuit; so Abner thrust the butt of his spear Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.” His into Asahel’s stomach, with unintended but fatal words were a revelation of the extent to which consequences for both of them. Joab never forgave Abner for what he had done, and only awaited a suitable opportunity to avenge Asahel’s death. 2. W. J. Deane, David, His Life and Times. The Testimony, November 2011 355 David’s destiny was known and appreciated in But his departure happened to coincide with Israel, and therefore Ishbosheth did not dare to the return from a raid on Israel’s enemies of say another word to Abner. David’s soldiers, headed by Joab, commander of Abner lost no time in sending messengers to his forces. And when he heard of Abner’s visit, he say to David, “Whose land is it? Make an agree- lost no time in visiting David to protest. “What ment with me, and I will help you bring all Israel have you done?” he asked. “Look, Abner came over to you.” David agreed. “Good,” he said; to you. Why did you let him go? . . . You know but he added what at first seems a remarkable Abner son of Ner; he came to deceive you and condition regarding his own family bond with observe your movements and find out everything the house of Saul. It concerned Saul’s daughter you are doing.” Michal, whom David had married in his younger How far David was convinced of what Joab had days, only to see her given away by Saul to a said, if at all, is not stated. More to the point is commoner. “I demand one thing of you,” said what Joab did when he left David. He sent mes- David to Abner. “Do not come into my presence sengers after Abner, and, without telling David, unless you bring Michal daughter of Saul when recalled him to Hebron, where he met him at the you come to see me.” gate of the city and took him aside as though to Then David sent messengers to Ishbosheth speak with him privately. And there, to avenge ­using the sternest language to demand the return the blood of his brother Asahel, whom Abner had of his wife, whom he had betrothed to himself killed unintentionally during the battle at Gibeon, for the price of a hundred Philistine foreskins. Joab stabbed him in the stomach so that he died. Before such a combination as David and Abner, It was a dastardly deed, not solely because it was Ishbosheth wilted. He gave orders immediately unjustified and treacherous, but also because, in that Michal be taken away from her husband ridding David of another potential commander, Paltiel. But the manner of it approached the whose star was in the ascendant, Joab was bla- pathetic when Paltiel, who evidently loved her, tantly serving his own ends. There was not room went with her, weeping behind her all the way for two commanders-in-chief in David’s army! to Bahurim on the eastern side of the Mount of When David learned that Abner had been Olives—until he was sternly told to go back home murdered in this way, he was appalled and by Abner. It was the price he had to pay for tak- distressed. Leaving Joab in no doubt as to his ing another man’s wife, doled out like a chattel feelings, he addressed him before all, saying, by the late king. “Tear your clothes and put on sackcloth and walk Abner went to David, however, with far more in mourning in front of Abner.” David himself in hand than Michal. On the way he conferred walked behind the bier to the burial in Hebron, with the elders of Israel, and said, “For some where he wept aloud at Abner’s tomb and sang time you have wanted to make David your king. this lament for him: Now do it! For the LORD promised David, ‘By My “Should Abner have died as the lawless die? servant David I will rescue My people Israel from Your hands were not bound, the hand of the Philistines and from the hand Your feet were not fettered. of all their enemies.’” Abner also spoke to the You fell as one falls before wicked men.” Benjamites before going to Hebron to tell David Whereupon, for a second time that day, the peo- everything that Israel and the whole house of ple of Hebron signalled their grief with a com- Benjamin wanted to do. munal act of weeping over what had occurred. Afterwards, they came to David and urged him Joyful news to have something to eat while it was yet day, Naturally, David was delighted by the news. but he refused, saying, “May God deal with me, He prepared a feast for Abner and the twenty be it ever so severely, if I taste bread or anything representatives who were with him. And when else before the sun sets!” The oath pleased the Abner said to him afterwards, “Let me go at once people and, being widely reported, set the seal and assemble all Israel for my lord the king, so in all Israel that David had taken no part in the that they may make a compact with you, and that murder of Abner. Moreover, he said to his men, you may rule over all that your heart desires,” it “Do you not realise that a prince and a great man seemed as though a golden prospect was at hand. has fallen in Israel this day? And today, though With high hopes, David sent Abner away, and he I am the anointed king, I am weak, and these went in peace. sons of [my sister] Zeruiah are too strong for 356 The Testimony, November 2011 me. May the LORD repay the evildoer according David’s headquarters next day and confronted to his evil deeds!” the king with the evidence of their deed. “Here is the head of Ish-Bosheth son of Saul, your enemy, Implications for Ishbosheth who tried to take your life,” they said, hoping for But the death of Abner had wider ramifications a handsome reward. in the fulfilment of God’s purposes than David But such was not what they received. In sorrow at first realised, for it brought to a head his claim at news of another treacherous deed, David said to be the divinely appointed ruler over all Israel, to them, “As surely as the Lord lives, Who has and when Ishbosheth learned what had happened delivered me out of all trouble, when a man told in Hebron he lost courage and all Israel became me, ‘Saul is dead,’ and thought he was bringing alarmed for the security of the state. Even within good news, I seized him and put him to death Ishbosheth’s own tribe, which had been the main- in Ziklag. That was the reward I gave him for stay of the house of Saul, men began to have their his news! How much more—when wicked men doubts, especially two leaders of their raiding have killed an innocent man in his own house bands named Recab and Baanah from Beeroth, and on his own bed—should I not now demand north of Jerusalem. With murderous intent they his blood from your hand and rid the earth of set out for Mahanaim, where Ishbosheth was still you!” So David gave an order to his men, and they living, and arrived in the heat of the day when killed the pair, and, after cutting off their hands the king was taking his rest. Unhindered, they and their feet, hung their bodies by the pool in went into the inner part of the house as if to get Hebron. They then took the head of Ishbosheth some wheat, and they stabbed Ishbosheth in the and buried it in Abner’s tomb at Hebron. stomach. Then they decapitated him before slip- And thus, by so barbarous a sequence of events ping away undetected, taking their grisly prize as this, the reign of David over the whole realm with them. Travelling all night, they reached of Israel was about to be ushered in. (To be continued) Exhortation Bishops and neighbours— taking care Stephen Hole

Paul’s letter to Timothy was written that his young fellow- lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not disciple might “know how one ought to conduct himself covetous; one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjec- in the household of God, which is the church of the living tion with all gravity; (for if a man God” (1 Tim. 3:15, NASB). If put into practice, Paul’s know not how to rule his own house, guidance would support the twin functions of ecclesial life, how shall he take care of the church namely, to uphold the Truth and to display it to others. of God?)” (1 Tim. 3:1-5). Realistically After discussing some more general principles of ecclesial speaking, a brother can expect to be able to look after the ecclesia of God life, Paul turns his attention to those who aspire to the and oversee it only if he has his own work of an overseer. household in control and members of that household in subjection to him. This is HIS IS A TRUE SAYING, If a man desire entirely logical, and very practical. (Included in the office of a bishop, he desireth a good the bishop’s list of qualifications are “given to “Twork. A bishop then must be blameless, hospitality” and “apt to teach,” characteristics to the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good which we will return.) behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not However, there seems to be more to Paul’s given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy words than mere logic and practicality, for it The Testimony, November 2011 357 ­appears that, through inspiration, his require- Whether or not we aspire individually to being ments for the qualities needing to be seen in a bishops in our ecclesias, each one of us does well bishop are taken from the Lord’s Parable of the to examine our own attitudes towards our broth- Good Samaritan, recorded in Luke 10. The Greek ers and sisters. How much does the second com- word translated “take care” (1 Tim. 3:5) occurs mandment motivate our attitude and behaviour only twice more in our New Testament scriptures, to each other? It is too easy to claim that we are and both occurrences are in Luke 10. ‘too busy’ as an excuse for caring for and devoting time to one another. Perhaps the Good Samaritan The Good Samaritan—the bishop’s example was a busy man; he was certainly on a journey Jesus’ parable is his answer to the question, towards a specific destination. Yet a mere glance “who is my neighbour?” (Lk. 10:29), and its last at those final two verses of the parable shows the two verses—in which Paul’s word is found—can depth of the love this man had for his neighbour, be considered an epitome of the whole parable. whom he had never met before! The Samaritan “went to [the injured man], and Here is a true neighbour, a true bishop, one bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, willing to take care of the flock at his own ex- and set him on his own beast, and brought him pense. He went out of his way to help someone, to an inn, and took care of him. And on the mor- not only suffering financial loss, but seemingly row when he departed, he took out two pence, ruining his entire day’s programme too. But here, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, too, was a man who understood that eternal life Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest is a reward far surpassing any financial cost, and more, when I come again, I will repay thee” (vv. any day ‘lost’ in caring for a stranger’s needs will 34,35). Here was a true neighbour—in the words be more than recouped in eternity. This is the at- of the lawyer to whom Jesus was speaking, one titude to be found in a bishop, and in any of us “that shewed mercy on him” (v. 37). at all concerned for the needs of others. See how By using the very same word as the Lord Jesus, powerful the lesson is for us to love each other the Apostle Paul draws a parallel between those and to be a ‘good neighbour,’ merely in the Spirit’s who demonstrate such behaviour and one who use of the same word in two places in Scripture. faithfully fulfils the role of a bishop in ecclesial life; he is showing us that a bishop has to be a God—Israel’s Bishop neighbour. In the teaching of the Lord, loving Moving back into Old Testament times, paral- one’s neighbour is the second greatest command lels in the writings of the prophets indicate that of all, deferring only to loving God (Mt. 22:39). the Parable of the Good Samaritan is modelled Such is its importance that James describes it as on God’s love for His people Israel. God is the “the royal law” (Jas. 2:8), a fundamental aspect of ultimate Neighbour, the ultimate Bishop, as the the life of the Kingdom which we seek to put into links in the table below show. practice even now. Being an overseer in ecclesial Babylon, then later Rome, would come and life, therefore, requires putting away all thoughts wound Israel, leaving her half dead. Yet God was of selfishness, and being motivated entirely by to be the ‘Good Samaritan’ to Israel: He would caring for the flock—doing whatever is in our take care of them and ensure they stayed alive; He power to care for the wellbeing of the ecclesia. would bind up their wounds and restore health to The Good Samaritan and the “certain God and Israel man” (Lk. 10) Attacked by thieves Attacked by Gentile nations Assaulted and stripped of raiment (v. 30) Assaulted and stripped of clothes; left naked and bare (Ezek. 16:37,39) Wounded (v. 30) “Thy wound is grievous” (Jer. 30:12) Left half dead (v. 30) God did not make a full end of Israel (v. 11) Left to go without medical treatment (v. 30) “None to plead thy cause, that thou mayest be bound up . . . no healing medicines” (v. 13) Only the Good Samaritan bound up the wounds, “I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee pouring in oil and wine (v. 34) of thy wounds . . . an Outcast” (v. 17)

358 The Testimony, November 2011 them; He would have compassion on His people whosoever believeth in him should not perish, though they were stripped naked and wounded; but have everlasting life” (Jno. 3:16). He would be the Neighbour that Israel needed, Martha, serving alone, was “given to hospital- the Bishop of His people. ity”; and Mary was listening to her Lord, who The role of a bishop in the ecclesia is to stitch was “apt to teach.” As we have seen, both these up the spiritual ‘wounds,’ and to take care of characteristics are included in the list of a bishop’s its members, whatever the cost in time and re- qualifications (1 Tim. 3:2); yet Jesus states that sources. This is the standard we will rise to in on this occasion it was actually Mary who had one another’s service if we are to be neighbours “chosen that good part” (Lk. 10:42) to sit at the and take care of God’s flock. No wonder that feet of the Master and listen to his gracious words. Paul was able to say to Timothy that those who The parallel phrase in 1 Timothy 3 is “desireth desire the role of a bishop desire “a good work” a good work,” providing further support for the (1 Tim. 3:1). suggestion that Paul’s advice to Timothy has its roots in Luke 10. Mary and Martha Luke 10 continues the theme of ‘taking care.’ The Timothy: a Good Samaritan Good Samaritan parable concluded, our atten- Why might it be that these words in 1 Timothy 3 tion is drawn to the house of Mary and Martha were so appropriate for Timothy? Paul’s descrip- in Bethany, where a discussion is taking place: tion of him elsewhere provides an answer: “Now it came to pass, as they went, that he “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timo- entered into a certain village: and a certain theus shortly unto you, that I also may be of woman named Martha received him into good comfort, when I know your state. For I her house. And she had a sister called Mary, have no man likeminded, who will naturally which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his care for your state. For all seek their own, not word. But Martha was cumbered about much the things which are Jesus Christ’s. But ye serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, know the proof of him, that, as a son with the dost thou not care that my sister hath left father, he hath served with me in the gospel” me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she (Phil. 2:19-22). help me. And Jesus answered and said unto Timothy was another example of a Good Sa- her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and maritan, one who would “naturally” (that is, troubled about many things: but one thing is genuinely) care for the Philippian brethren and needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, sisters; one who was likeminded with Paul (v. which shall not be taken away from her” (vv. 2); one who would not seek his own things, but 38-42). care for others (v. 4). Here was a servant, a true Jesus is teaching, and Mary is listening to the bishop in his ecclesia. Both Paul (2 Cor. 11:28) and Word from Christ; yet the Lord is accused by Timothy (Phil. 2:20) were selfless in their care for Martha of not caring that she is serving alone. the ecclesias of Christ, and models for us to emu- How telling that this account so closely follows late. When Peter, speaking in his turn to elders the Parable of the Good Samaritan! Here is the (bishops), instructed them that they should not Lord Jesus, who binds up our wounds, taking look after their flock for their own benefit or pride excellent care of his followers. Dare any of us (1 Pet. 5:2), what an excellent pattern Timothy had accuse him of not caring? He is the true Good set for them to follow, since his care was indeed Samaritan, perfectly emulating his Father’s love for the flock, and not for self. for Israel. There is in these Scriptural examples a power- On another occasion, when the Saviour was ful lesson for us to develop just this selfless care with his disciples in the ship on the storm-tossed for each other, demonstrating the same willing- Sea of Galilee, again Jesus heard the accusation ness to use our time and financial resources to directed against him: “carest thou not that we help others—whether by visiting the sick or perish?” (Mk. 4:38). Did he not care? How little lonely, giving generously to our brothers and they realised that very soon the Lord would be sisters in other parts of the world, or in count- beaten, scourged and crucified brutally on a less others ways we can think of. It behoves each tree. Why? So that they would not perish. That one of us to seek to show the care that the Good is how much Jesus cared: “For God so loved the Samaritan showed. Such is the work of a bishop; world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that and if we ‘bishops’ do our job well, the rest of the The Testimony, November 2011 359 ecclesia is in so much better a position to follow side of the road. We had no one to turn to until the example set. ‘a certain man came along’ unexpectedly—and when he saw us, he had compassion on us, and Care for the body ‘took care’ of us. Paul, after writing to the Corinthians about the The Lord has bound up our wounds, forgiving division and schism that then existed in the body us our sins and saving us from certain death. He of Christ, goes on to prescribe the cure for the has brought us to an inn, a resting place, where problem: “there should be no schism in the body; he continues to look after us. He took us into his but . . . the members should have the same care sheepfold, to the safety of his flock, because he is one for another. And whether one member suffer, the Door. The innkeeper was told, “whatsoever all the members suffer with it; or one member thou spendest more, when I come again, I will be honoured, all the members rejoice with it” repay thee” (Lk. 10:35); so no matter what the cost (1 Cor. 12:25,26). of our continued needs—new sins included—we We can see ourselves as the man in the parable, are still taken care of in the fold. Truly the Lord seemingly without hope. Sin has got its grip on Jesus is our caring Neighbour, our Bishop. us and left us for dead, unable of ourselves to No man has cared so much for us in our perish- rise up again, dead in our trespasses and sins. ing state as the Lord did. How thankful are we The priest and the Levite were in no position that he did not pass by on the other side? Here, to help, for the Law of Moses was powerless to in his matchless example, is the power behind the save us, and it passed by, as it were, on the other instruction to bishops in 1 Timothy 3.

Exposition The faithful of old— studied by the young David: the giant slayer Nathan Kitchen

IME,” DECLARED the writer to the He- From this wide array of narrative let us con- brews, “would fail me to tell of Gedeon, sider three events from different stages of David’s “Tand of Barak, and of Samson, and of life, events which demonstrate the faith of the Jephthæ; of David also” (11:32). Thus does the man David and which the inspired writer may Spirit-Word invite the reader to meditate upon have been reflecting upon as he placed the name the righteous acts of these men of old, the irresist- of Israel’s king among the great cloud of faithful ible outworking of the character of faith. Let us witnesses (12:1). accept this invitation, for we will find waiting a feast of spiritual food to sustain us on our walk By faith David slew the giant to the Kingdom. The fall of the Philistine giant provides the The record of the man David provides a rich backdrop to one of the most striking shadows banquet of lessons and examples to the Bible stu- of our Lord Jesus Christ. Stepping out from the dent. Few are the men whose lives are recorded in wall of figures forming the Israelite front line, such breadth. Through the pages of Scripture we David strides forward to confront the enemy of watch as David grows from humble beginnings God. Ahead towers the man-mountain Goliath, in a Judean sheep-field to the Jebusite stronghold fortified with the finest weapons and armour of Jerusalem and the kingship of Israel. Lessons Philistia could forge. In his hand the dull glint abound for young and old in the accounts of his of an iron sword instills fear in the ranks of the character, acts and thoughts. men of Israel. 360 The Testimony, November 2011 David before him he trusted Where the giant trusted his armour, his weapon in the strength of God’s arm, and the strength of his arm . . . facing the brutish giant of sinful flesh arrayed in all its seemingly impenetra- ble resolve. In like manner the world failed to see the power of the Almighty and was blind to the true means by which sin would be de- stroyed. Looking for a glori- ous Messiah, they failed to comprehend the purpose of God in His humble servant. As the spectacle unfolded before the assembled armies of Israel and Philistia, a pal- pable sense of excitement and dread filled the air. The sling whirled and sagged, telling the onlookers that its con- tents had been dispatched. The giant stiffened, as if held for a moment by the gazing eyes of the watching troops; but the missile had found its mark. Gasps of Philistine as- tonishment could do nothing to cushion their hero’s fall as he crashed to the earth. Their faith in the strength of their own arm evaporated. In a final act of prophetic design, David dealt the fatal blow . . . David trusted in the to the giant with the same God of Israel to bring sword which had inspired Picture: Mark Pennington fear in the encampment of about his destruction. Israel. Facing him across the open ground stands It is no idle remark that the principal weapon David. Stripped of Saul’s armour, and holding of the giant finally became his undoing, for in this only a staff and a strip of leather, he stands as fact we find the foreshadowing of another battle an affront to the battle-hardened man of war. that was won in like manner. Paul warned the Where the giant trusted his armour, his weapon Romans that “the wages of sin is death” (6:23). In and the strength of his arm, David trusted in the the hand of the sin-giant we see the iron sword God of Israel. As Goliath stood railing against the of death, which would strike fear into the heart youth before him he failed to see with him the of those who have not faith in God. But by this power of the Almighty. Even a lifetime of battle same means was the sin-giant slain, for Christ experience proved worthless, for he appeared “through death [destroyed] him that had the blind even to the weapon which would soon power of death, that is, the devil” (Heb. 2:14). issue his destruction (“thou comest to me with Their captain dead, the Philistines fled for staves”—1 Sam. 17:43). their lives. Seeing the strong arm of God mani- A thousand years later another would step out fest before them, the people of God were filled among the seed of men, treading the same Judean with zeal to emulate their representative man. In hills void of the entrapments of the world. Like united fervour, Israel pursued their fleeing foes The Testimony, November 2011 361 to the gate of Ekron (1 Sam. 17:52), and returned When opportunities arise the world knows to spoil their abandoned tents. nothing of such deferential acts as pausing to So we too must emulate our representative commune with our Father. ‘Don’t look a gift-horse man in the battle against sin. The fatal blow has in the mouth,’ it cries. ‘Seize the day!’ The disciple already been struck. If we resist the devil he will of Christ is not so quickly enticed. We seek not flee from us (Jas. 4:7). Clad in the armour of God the things of this world but the things of God, we wield His Word as a ready weapon against “For our conversation is in heaven” (Phil. 3:20). the enemy, using it even to examine our own So also Christ exhorted believers to trust in God selves as we pursue sin from our lives. From our to provide, Who knows the things we have need personal Philistines we liberate time to the service of before we ask. of God, fruits of the Spirit, and encouragement Let us not grasp impulsively after the things of for our brethren and sisters: the world; for this world is passing. Rather, may “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, prayer be our ready recourse through the chang- nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, ing scenes of our lives. As strangers and pilgrims He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail we find here no continuing city, but, having food thee, nor forsake thee” (Deut. 31:6). and raiment, let us therewith be content; for we await a city whose Builder and Maker is God (cf. By faith David stayed his hand 1 Tim. 6:8; Heb. 11:10). When a tall figure hasted into the dark recesses of a cave, the air of authority he commanded be- By faith David charged his son fore his men was left in the stifling heat outside. As the book of Kings commences we find David In the cool shade of the rock King Saul could be old and stricken in years. Beneath layers of any other man: shamed, exposed, vulnerable. All clothes, and wrapped snugly in his chamber, he around him the eyes of the shadows frantically was insulated from both the cold and the develop- gesticulated to their concealed leader, urging him ing aspirations of his son Adonijah for the throne to take the life of the man who had driven them of Israel. In direct opposition to God’s decree that into the “dens and caves of the earth” (Heb. 11:38). Solomon would be king (1 Chron. 22:9), Adonijah How easy it is to take matters into our own saw fit to conspire against the ailing King David hands instead of trusting in God! And how and take the rulership of Israel for himself. deceptive to justify it as part of God’s will! Had Barely a generation had passed, but once again not David been anointed king over Israel, and the true king of Israel was being rejected. In a Saul rejected? A soft whisper of metal and Saul’s sorry repetition of the past (1 Sam. 8:7), Adonijah body would slump to the ground—and with him scorned the leader appointed by God, and in so the fear and dread of a hundred desperate and doing rejected God as the true King over Israel. persecuted men. What a contrast to his father David, whose heart But the kingdom was not David’s to take; it smote him even for clipping the edge of Saul’s was God’s to give. By faith David awaited the skirt (24:5)! providence of God, knowing that he would be- When word of Adonijah’s actions reached the come king in God’s good time and not his own. bed-ridden king he immediately perceived the Likewise Noah waited fifty-seven days in the danger that now faced Israel. Unless prepara- Ark for the word of God (Gen. 8:13,14) instead of tion was made to transfer the stewardship of taking matters into his own hands, knowing all the ecclesia it would die in his aging hands. In the while that the waters had already receded a flurry of activity Solomon was declared king, and plants were growing in the earth. and not many days later the leaders of the people It is so easy for us to satiate our own selfish were summoned before David and Solomon in ambition rather than bringing the ‘opportuni- Jerusalem. ties’ of life before the God Who sees. Would we The proceedings of this great assembly are snap up that promotion without a thought as to recorded for us in 1 Chronicles 28. Though his whether it may take us away from our family or body was going the way of all the earth (1 Kgs. our God? Or stop to consider the effect on our 2:2), this giant of faith was so moved by the needs brothers and sisters of owning that once-in-a- of his people that he addressed the gathering lifetime bargain commodity? After all, perhaps himself. We can well imagine a hushed silence if we had a faster car we could get to the meeting falling as the king who was once tucked away in more quickly! his chamber now stood—upon his feet (1 Chron. 362 The Testimony, November 2011 David’s heart smote him for clipping the edge of Saul’s skirt. Picture: Mark Pennington The Kingdom was not his to take; it was God’s to give. 28:2)—to deliver a final exhortation to the next preparation to give each their spiritual food in generation. due season (Lk. 12:42). Whether young or old, we What an example he has set for us! Should it must trust in God and place Him at the forefront be that the experiences of age are hidden away of our lives in all our trials and temptations. from the generation following? How many hard Whether young or old, we find that our battle lessons have been learnt through years of patient with the sin-giant rages. We must continually endurance which could be impressed upon the look to our captain, the author and finisher of attentive and thoughtful minds of others? Indeed, our faith, following his example in our warfare Paul himself followed the example of David when with the flesh. Underlying all our lives should writing to Timothy, charging him to keep God’s be a firm, confident hope in our God and all that ways (1 Tim. 1:18; cf. 1 Kgs. 2:3), encouraging by He has promised. the word of prophecy (1 Tim. 1:18; cf. 1 Kgs. 2:4) Throughout our lives our faith should be and warning of danger in the ecclesia (1 Tim. manifest in the actions and decisions we take (Jas. 1:20; cf. 1 Kgs. 2:5-9). 2:17). Hebrews 11 provides a myriad of examples for our consideration; lives of service that exhib- Running together ited faith in the unchangeable and living God. Though Scripture presents lessons from different Our reflection on a passing reference to David stages in David’s life, we should not limit our- has uncovered a few of the many faithful acts selves to appreciating only those lessons which recorded for our learning, which we can put to are narrated through our own stage of life. These practical effect in our lives. examples of faith should resound with all disci- It was by faith that David slew the giant, ples who would “run with patience the race that zealous that the Name of his God be not blas- is set before us” (Heb. 12:1). phemed. By faith he stayed his hand, waiting Whether young or old, we must all endeavour patiently for the time when his wandering in a to be good stewards of our Father’s house, making desert land should cease. By faith he charged his The Testimony, November 2011 363 son ­concerning things to come, making careful down in the Kingdom of our God, and in the city preparation for the continuing stewardship of of the great King find ourselves acquainted with the ecclesia. How many other examples might the writer himself. In some quiet moment we the writer to the Hebrews have lifted from the may find opportunity to reflect together on the pages of Scripture? Surely, time would fail him. examples of faith which sustained us through our If the question be pressed then let us take wilderness journeys, and marvel at the wonderful heart. Perhaps not many days hence we shall sit provision which led us to the Promised Land.

Exposition Answers to the ultimate questions—The story of Job 5. “Wherefore hidest Thou Thy face, and holdest me for Thine enemy?” (Job 13:24): Prayer under pressure Stephen Hill

OB UTTERED many prayers, pleas and com- “Surely I would speak to the Almighty, and plaints in his responses to his friends and I desire to reason [argue my case, ESV] with Jin his discourses (7:7-21; 10:2-22; 13:20–14:22; God” (13:3); 16:7,8; 17:3,4; 19:7; 30:20-23). “I will maintain [argue, ESV] mine own ways before Him” (v. 15); His wish to confront God “Oh that one would hear me! . . . I would Throughout the book Job cried to God and plead- declare unto Him the number [an account, ed for the opportunity to confront Him. Much of ESV] of my steps; as a prince would I go near the book reads like a court case with Job as the unto Him” (31:35,37). defendant, or sometimes even the prosecutor. Job went even further and, dangerously, wanted In the ESV the term “case” is used in 13:3,8,18; God to appear and answer his questions, as 23:4; and “court” in 11:10. The term “gate” in 5:4 though God were on trial! and 31:21 also refers to the seat of judgement, or “Then call Thou, and I will answer: or let me court. speak, and answer Thou me” (13:22); Job felt he was on trial and wanted to put his “Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not case to God in his defence. In the ESV for 35:14 heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment and 37:19 Elihu also uses the word “case” and [justice, ESV]” (19:7); criticises Job for attempting to justify himself “Oh that I knew where I might find Him! that I before God. might come even to His seat! I would order my Job was so frustrated with the accusations of cause [lay my case, ESV] before Him” (23:3,4); the friends that he wished that God would appear “I cry unto Thee, and Thou dost not hear [an- and defend him. He even wanted to confront God swer, ESV] me: I stand up, and Thou regardest and make Him answer his burning questions: me not [You only look at me, ESV]” (30:20). “If I had called [If I summoned Him, ESV]” Nevertheless, Job never gave up on God or (9:16); rejected Him. Though much of what he said “Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, in his prayers was not wise, God still listened, that might lay his hand upon us both [There and cared for Job. This is of great comfort to us, is no arbiter between us, who might lay his conscious as we are of the inadequacies of our hand on us both, ESV]” (v. 33); prayers, “for we know not what we should pray “But oh that God would speak . . . !” (11:5); for as we ought” (Rom. 8:26). 364 The Testimony, November 2011 Answers to prayers • uncaring for the poor (Prov. 21:13; Isa. 58: In God’s good time He answered Job out of the 3-5) storm (38:1; 40:6). He said that, far from God hav- • having unresolved conflict (Mt. 5:23,24; ing to explain Himself to Job, Job had to answer 1 Jno. 2:9) Him (38:2,3,18)! A consideration of what prayers • unforgiving (Mt. 6:12,14,15; 18:35; Mk. 11:25) God will and will not answer will help us in • self-righteous (Lk. 18:11-14) framing the thoughts and words of our prayers. • having no faith (Jas. 1:5-7) We need to know when He will say “Yes,” when • selfish (4:3) He will say “No,” and when we have to wait and • being an uncaring husband (1 Pet. 3:7). see what “the will of the Lord” is. “If the Lord will” (Jas. 4:15) When God’s answer is “Yes” There are two places where the Scriptures speak Jesus encouraged us to pray, with the assurance, clearly of the uncertainty of our lives and what “Ask, and it shall be given you” (Mt. 7:7). Our tomorrow may bring: “ye know not what shall God loves to bless (Lev. 26:3-6; Deut. 28:2-6; Mt. be on the morrow” (Jas. 4:14); and, “if we ask 7:9-11), and, more specifically, we learn from the any thing according to His will, He heareth us” Scriptures that God will grant (1 Jno. 5:14). Therefore there are many things that • power (Eph. 1:19) we cannot know whether God will grant us or • strength (Eph. 3:16; Phil. 4:13) not, or when He will do so. We must accept with • peace (Phil. 4:6,7) humble gratitude anything that God’s wisdom • love of the brethren (Phil. 1:9,10; 1 Thess. dictates. We are not the judges of what is good 3:12,13) for us. Only lives surrendered to God receive the • care (1 Pet. 5:7) blessings of answered prayer. • mercy (Heb. 4:16; Ps. 4:1; 27:7; 85:7) “It may be years before, looking back, we are • grace to help in our time of need (Heb. 4:16; able to recognize his gracious answer. It is Ps. 22:19; 30:10). through this submission to the wisdom of These are not qualified by “If the Lord will” God that we walk joyfully along the path he because it is the Lord’s will! The only barrier to chooses for us, learning in the process that receiving these blessings is our lack of a single- he will answer our prayers according to his minded faith. will.”1 Some specific examples in Scripture of uncer- When God’s answer is “No” tainty are: There are two possible reasons why God says • Hannah’s desire for a child (1 Sam. 1:10,11) “No” to our prayer: • Christ in the garden of Gethsemane (Mt. 26:42; 1 Because our requests are inappropriate, and Heb. 5:7) not in accordance with God’s will; for example: • Peter’s release from prison (Acts 12:1-16) • Paul’s thorn in the flesh (2 Cor. 12:8,9) • Paul’s travel plans (Rom. 1:10; 15:30-32;). • “let us make three tabernacles” (Mk. 9:5) Sometimes God delays His response to test our • “. . . that we may sit, one on thy right hand, faith, so that we can modify our requests, or so and the other on thy left hand, in thy glory” that we can develop character qualities such as (10:35-40) endurance, trust, patience and submission. We • “wilt thou that we command fire to come should be like Christ in Gethsemane, and say, down . . . ?” (Lk. 9:54). ‘This is what I would like, but if You have dif- 2 Because we are in the wrong; such as: ferent plans, I will go Your way.’ • disobedient (Deut. 3:23-27) (To be concluded) • wicked (Job 35:12; Ps. 18:40,41; Prov. 1:24-28; 15:29; Mic. 3:4; 1 Pet. 3:12) 1. Brother Melva Purkis, Prayer, p. 32.

Testimony Book Exchange Due to personal circumstances, including a house move, Brother Gerry Cox has been unable to send us a book list for the Testimony Book Exchange for the last few months. We thank Brother Paul Hamnett for providing a book list this month. God willing, Brother Gerry will be able to continue the task when circumstances allow.—E.D.M.

The Testimony, November 2011 365 Review “Things hard to be understood” (2 Pet. 3:16) John Nicholls

Problem passages from the Apostle Paul, “When that which is perfect is come” Malcolm Edwards (2011). A good illustration would be the first problem he looks at, “When that which is perfect is come,” 28-page booklet. taken from 1 Corinthians 13:10. He writes: Obtainable in the UK from Brother David “Quite understandably, some have thought Edwards ([email protected]); the perfect thing to be the Kingdom Age and in Australia from C, B and L Agents superficially it would seem to fit the context. ([email protected]); There are however two major difficulties with in the USA from Brother Tom Graham this understanding. Firstly, it suggests that the ([email protected]). Spirit gifts have always been available since apostolic times . . . Secondly, ‘they shall fail’ ROTHER MALCOLM Edwards of Queens- implies the gifts will not be needed in the land, Australia, wrote many fine articles Kingdom of God, which does not agree with Band booklets, but the one under review was Hebrews 6:4-5 where gifts are described as the last he wrote before he fell asleep in Christ ‘a taste of the powers of the world to come’ last April. The reviewer never met him, but was . . . We must therefore look for a different in email correspondence from time to time, and meaning that satisfies the context of Spirit was always struck by his sound and balanced gifts being replaced by something better . . . approach to the exposition of Scripture and to It is reasonable to conclude that the perfect life in the Truth. It is a pleasure to review this thing expected was the completed canon of posthumous publication as a tribute to his life of Scripture. Yet this alone does not satisfy the service to the Brotherhood. strong involvement of love, which is the im- Peter wrote in his Second Letter that there mediate context of the passage . . . a better were “some things hard to be understood [in the word than perfection would be completeness epistles of ‘our beloved brother Paul’], which they or maturity . . . the Greek word is translated that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they as ‘men’ and ‘full age.’ This suggests that Paul do also the other scriptures” (3:15,16). Sometimes is teaching that the Spirit gifts were given as we find it difficult to explain to our friends or a maturing effect on the infant ecclesia of that our children some of the expressions used by time. They would no longer be required after the great apostle. What did he mean when he complete doctrinal and spiritual maturity wrote to the Romans that “the Gentiles, which was attained. Confirmation of this is found have not the law . . . are a law unto themselves” in Ephesians 4:11-15 . . . This passage bears (2:14), or that “the Spirit of Him That raised up out that coming perfection was both complete Jesus from the dead [should] dwell in you” (8:11)? revelation and full spiritual growth in the These are two of twenty-five passages from the context of Christian love. letters of Paul, including the letter to the Hebrews, “One might fairly ask, exactly when in ap- which can pose problems in interpretation and ostolic history, was there an apex of spiritual understanding. Brother Malcolm’s approach is to maturity amongst the early ecclesias and, look at the RV, NKJV, RSV, ESV, NIV and others if there was, how long did it last? Since the to get as accurate a translation as possible, then work of the Spirit was to help the ecclesias to to examine the context very carefully, and finally ‘grow up into him in all things,’ one would to discuss the problem and draw appropriate assume that to a great degree, this desirable conclusions. expectation was eventually reached. However, 366 The Testimony, November 2011 such a period must have been fairly short- of “absent from the body, and . . . present with lived, since, in Asia at least, things were very the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8)? What about that difficult much on the decline by the time letters to the passage in Hebrews 1:8,9 where Jesus is referred seven ecclesias in the book of Revelation were to as God: “Thy throne, O God, is for ever and written, towards the end of the first century ever”? And what was the “gospel” received by . . . Putting a date to such a period is not too Paul by revelation (Gal. 1:11,12)? What about difficult. It is not unreasonable to arrive at a that verse in 1 Corinthians 3:15: “If any man’s time between A.D. 80 and 100 as being the work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he full maturity of the early Ecclesia. Beyond that himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire”? Who period takes us to the post-apostolic epistles of was the “Satan . . . transformed into an angel of Clement and Ignatius which make reference light” (2 Cor. 11:14), and what was the debt that to factions and heresies beginning to take Philemon owed to Paul (Philem. v. 19)? Answers hold. ‘That which is perfect,’ most certainly, to these and many other questions can be found was full revelation, also solidly established in this useful booklet. on the foundation of ecclesial love . . .” Brother Malcolm is not dogmatic about his (pp. 3-4). conclusions. He sets forth his reasons Scriptur- ally, with logic and full regard to the context. Other problem passages The booklet will be of help to those looking into Many other difficult passages are considered in the Truth, for the young and newly baptized this booklet. What did Paul mean when he said, and those engaged in teaching and missionary “why are they then baptized for the dead” (1 Cor. work. For those mature in the Truth, there are 15:29)? The Mormon sect have built an edifice of some fresh aspects which perhaps they had not wrong doctrine and practice on this sentence, seen before. It is a fitting conclusion for a brother and we should be able to tell them what the true whose life was devoted to serving the Brother- meaning is. How do we explain the meaning hood and the Truth.

Prophecy Gibbon and Revelation 6. Corruption of the early ecclesia Geoff Henstock

HAPTER 37 of The Decline and Fall of the as no surprise to Bible students. It is both a salu- Roman Empire, entitled “Origin, progress, tary lesson and a solemn warning to believers that Cand effects of the monastic life—conversion what started so promisingly in Acts should have of the Barbarians to Christianity and Arianism— degenerated so severely within three centuries. persecution of the Vandals in Africa—extinction When our Lord gave his life for his friends he of Arianism among the Barbarians,” opens with left behind a band of disciples to preach the mes- this pithy explanation of the reason for its being sage of the salvation available as a consequence penned: of that sacrifice. After his resurrection the Lord “The indissoluble connection of civil and commissioned those disciples to be “witnesses ecclesiastical affairs has compelled, and unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judæa, encouraged, me to relate the progress, the and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of persecutions, the establishment, the divisions, the earth” (Acts 1:8). The Acts of the Apostles the final triumph, and the gradual corruption, documents the fulfilment of this commission, at of Christianity.” least up to the time of Paul’s detention in Rome: That the story of the Roman Empire’s decline • Jerusalem (Acts 1–7) and fall is also the story of the “triumph, and the • Judea and Samaria (Acts 8–12) gradual corruption, of Christianity” should come • uttermost part of the earth (Acts 13–28) The Testimony, November 2011 367 In Part 4 we reviewed the views of Edward Gib- was to happen after his departing, but Paul does bon about the factors which facilitated the rapid not say exactly when. and effective spread of the Christian gospel in Paul also wrote two personal letters to Timo- the first few centuries after the death of Christ. thy, a young leader of the ecclesia in Ephesus. In It took a mere 280 years from the resurrection for the first of these, having given detailed instruc- the apostate Christian Church to be manifested tion in 1 Timothy 1–3 as to how to establish an in its fullness under Constantine. Using the day- ecclesia on a sound footing, Paul speaks in 4:1-3 for-a-year principle, these 280 years could be seen of a movement which would corrupt the eccle- as 280 days of gestation from the initiation of sia by introducing false doctrines and spurious Christian teaching. It is, therefore, appropriate practices. In 2 Timothy 3:1-8 Paul prophesies of that language of birth should be used in Revela- moral decline in the ecclesia that would be a con- tion 12 to describe the arrival of this system. sequence of reprobate forces arising from within. Gibbon rejected the Christian message and In the next chapter he says explicitly that some had no faith in the power of God to influence “will not endure sound doctrine” and would affairs in the kingdom of men, which means instead turn to fables (4:3,4). Paul speaks of these his analysis inevitably ignores or discounts the developments occurring in “the latter times”, “the divine in these matters. His lack of sympathy for last days” or at a time that “will come,” but, as the Church also means, however, that he does with his comments in Acts, he is not precise as not hesitate to identify instances where early to exactly when these developments might be Christians were prepared to compromise with manifested. the false religious systems with which they were Peter told the early believers that, just as false competing. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire teachers arose in Israel in the past, so false teach- has some very interesting information about the ers would arise within the ecclesia: “But there process by which the apostolic ecclesia became arose false prophets also among the people, as corrupted and evolved into the apostate Roman among you also there shall be false teachers, Catholic Church. who shall privily bring in destructive heresies” (2 Pet. 2:1, RV). This passage also does not make Prophecies of corruption an explicit statement about the time when the The New Testament includes several warnings false teachers would arise. There are passages, that the purity of apostolic teaching would be cor- however, that make it clear that corruption of rupted over time. Our Lord in the Olivet Prophecy the ecclesia would commence within the lifetime warned that deceivers would threaten the flock: of the apostles, even while Spirit-gifted brethren “Take heed that no man deceive you. For many were still active in the ecclesia. shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and Towards the end of the first century John shall deceive many” (Mt. 24:4,5). Verse 5 makes a warned the early believers to “try the spirits point which is a common feature of passage about whether they are of God: because many false the forces that would corrupt the ecclesia: they prophets are gone out into the world”; and he would arise from within the body of Christ, not went on to warn of the “spirit of antichrist, externally. Later in the chapter, in words which whereof ye have heard that it should come; and have particular relevance to A.D. 70, Jesus also even now already is it in the world” (1 Jno. 4:1-3). warned that “there shall arise false Christs, and Edward Gibbon recognised (in a footnote) that false prophets, and shall shew great signs and these prophecies about antichrist had application wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they and were used, albeit cautiously, in preaching in shall deceive the very elect” (v. 24). the first century: Paul, while en route to Jerusalem, summoned “As the prophecies of the Antichrist, ap- the leaders of the ecclesia in Ephesus to meet him proaching conflagration, &c. provoked those at Miletus. At that meeting he exhorted them Pagans whom they do not convert, they were about a range of issues, including the fact that mentioned with caution and reserve” (ch. 16). false teachers would arise from within the ecclesia Regardless of what Gibbon understood the word itself: “For I know this, that after my departing ‘antichrist’ to mean, in the Bible it signifies not shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not so much that which opposes Christ as that sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall force “which sets itself in the place of Christ” men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw (Bullinger), a concept which finds an echo in away disciples after them” (Acts 20:29,30). This 2 Thessalonians. 368 The Testimony, November 2011 2 Thessalonians 2 describes a system involv- improper contempt for the law of Moses, the ing a “falling away [Gk. apostasia]” (v. 3) which various heretics deviated into equal but op- would become a rival system to the true ecclesia, posite extremes of error and extravagance. a rival even to God Himself (v. 4). Paul explicitly From the acknowledged truth of the Jewish states that “ye know that which restraineth, to the religion, the Ebionites had concluded that it end that he may be revealed in his own season. could never be abolished. From its supposed For the mystery of lawlessness doth already work: imperfections, the Gnostics as hastily inferred only there is one that restraineth now, until he that it never was instituted by the wisdom of be taken out of the way” (vv. 6,7, RV). The word the Deity.” translated “restraineth” in the RV in both verse The establishment of a separate clergy and laity 6 and verse 7 (Gk. katekō)1 signifies to hold down, was a major step in the corruption of the ecclesia. hold back, hinder or restrain. It does not necessar- This concept was borrowed from other religious ily carry the idea of overcoming or eliminating. traditions and adapted by the Church. It paved the The language Paul uses also indicates that the way for Constantine’s marriage of convenience restraining force would have effect only for a with the apostate religion: certain period, after which the apostate system “The separation of men into the two orders would be allowed to develop. of the clergy and of the laity was, indeed, A range of views has been expressed as to familiar to many nations of antiquity; and the the force which hindered the development of priests of India, of Persia, of Assyria, of Judea, this false rival system. In verse 6 the gender of of Æthiopia, of Egypt, and of Gaul, derived katekō is neuter, signifying a principle or power, from a celestial origin the temporal power while in verse 7 the gender is masculine, which and possessions which they had acquired. suggests a personal agency, consistent with the These venerable institutions had gradually reference to “that man of sin” in verse 3. Curiously, assimilated themselves to the manners and the agency being restrained undergoes a change government of their respective countries; but from the individual “he” in verse 6 to a “mystery the opposition or contempt of the civil power of lawlessness” in verse 7, emphasising perhaps served to cement the discipline of the primi- that it is not so much a person as a system which tive church. The Christians had been obliged is embodied in a person. It is frequently suggested to elect their own magistrates, to raise and by commentators that the force which restrained distribute a peculiar revenue, and to regulate the full development of the system was the pagan the internal policy of their republic by a code Roman Empire. Others have stated that it was the of laws, which were ratified by the consent of Holy Spirit. “All things are of God,” and it seems the people and the practice of three hundred likely that both are correct. Brother George Booker years. When Constantine embraced the faith makes this comment on the restraining power: of the Christians, he seemed to contract a “Obviously the true restraining influence is perpetual alliance with a distinct and inde- the Holy Spirit—which operates either directly pendent society; and the privileges granted by inspiration (as in the case of Paul) or in- or confirmed by that emperor, or by his suc- directly by providential arrangement. This cessors, were accepted, not as the precarious would be the ‘what’ of the previous verse [v. favours of the court, but as the just and inalien- 6]. The full flowering of the Roman Catholic able rights of the ecclesiastical order” (ch. 20). apostasy was restrained or hindered by the In chapter 40, when describing the great cathedral power of pagan Rome, or specifically the church of Constantinople, Gibbon draws attention power of the emperor—although, undoubt- to how much this magnificent structure owed to edly, God’s Spirit was providentially active paganism, even recycling artefacts from a pagan there as well.”2 temple: “A poet,3 who beheld the primitive lustre of Corruption and compromise St. Sophia, enumerates the colours, the shades, In chapter 15 Gibbon makes the observation that corruption of the ecclesia from its apostolic purity 1. Translated “withholdeth” (v. 6) and “letteth” (v. 7) in the AV. had its roots in a failure to maintain balanced and 2. Brother George Booker, Waiting for His Son: An Exposi- proper respect for the Word of God: tion of Paul’s Letters to the Thessalonians, Tamarisk, p. “While the orthodox church preserved a just 164. medium between excessive veneration and 3. Paul Silentiarius. The Testimony, November 2011 369 and the spots of ten or twelve marbles, jaspers, are reflected in Roman Catholicism. In particular and porphyries, which nature had profusely he enumerates six features of the Persian priest- diversified, and which were blended and hood that find parallels in apostate Christianity: contrasted as it were by a skilful painter. 1 tithes were collected for the benefit of the The triumph of Christ was adorned with the priesthood last spoils of Paganism, but the greater part 2 only priests could offer penitents salvation of these costly stones was extracted from the 3 priestly control of education quarries of Asia Minor, the isles and continent 4 priests mixed religion with philosophy of Greece, Egypt, Africa, and Gaul. Eight 5 priests indulged in politics, at times exercising columns of porphyry, which Aurelian had significant secular power placed in the temple of the sun, were offered 6 the priesthood persecuted those they regarded by the piety of a Roman matron . . . A variety as heretics. of ornaments and figures was curiously ex- By the seventh century the corruption of Chris- pressed in mosaic; and the images of Christ, tianity was very advanced: of the Virgin, of saints, and of angels, which “The Christians of the seventh century have been defaced by Turkish fanaticism, were had insensibly relapsed into a semblance dangerously exposed to the superstition of of Paganism: their public and private vows the Greeks.* According to the sanctity of each were addressed to the relics and images that object, the precious metals were distributed in disgraced the temples of the East: the throne thin leaves or in solid masses. The balustrade of the Almighty was darkened by a cloud of of the choir, the capitals of the pillars, the martyrs, and saints, and angels, the objects ornaments of the doors and galleries, were of of popular veneration; and the Collyridian gilt bronze; the spectator was dazzled by the heretics, who flourished in the fruitful soil glittering aspect of the cupola; the sanctuary of Arabia, invested the Virgin Mary with the contained forty thousand pounds weight of name and honours of a goddess” (ch. 50).5 silver; and the holy vases and vestments of the It was not just the paganism of Rome and its altar were of the purest gold, enriched with antecedents that corrupt Christianity resembled. inestimable gems.”4 When discussing the extension of the corrupted Although an atheist, Gibbon goes on to point out gospel preached by the Roman Church into that, regardless of how impressive the church Northern Europe in later centuries, Gibbon makes might be, it is a poor substitute for the marvels this telling observation: of creation: “In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries “A magnificent temple is a laudable monu- of the Christian era, the reign of the gospel ment of national taste and religion; and the and of the church was extended over Bul- enthusiast who entered the dome of St. Sophia garia, Hungary, Bohemia, Saxony, Denmark, might be tempted to suppose that it was the Norway, Sweden, Poland, and Russia. The residence, or even the workmanship, of the triumphs of apostolic zeal were repeated in Deity. Yet how dull is the artifice, how insig- the iron age of Christianity; and the northern nificant is the labour, if it be compared with and eastern regions of Europe submitted to the formation of the vilest insect that crawls a religion, more different in theory than in upon the surface of the temple!” practice, from the worship of their native The Roman Church adopted rituals and cer- idols” (ch. 55). emonies from both the Jewish system and the The reference to “the iron age of Christianity” in paganism that it replaced in Rome: this place reflects the author’s appreciation of the “Their [the clergy’s] ranks and numbers were insensibly multiplied by the superstition of * That is, the Eastern Christian Church, as opposed to the times, which introduced into the church the Catholic Church in the West.—J.D.T. the splendid ceremonies of a Jewish or Pagan 4. Parts of this extract are quoted (unacknowledged and temple . . .” (ch. 38). in a reconstructed form) by Brother John Thomas in Edward Gibbon was also aware of other sources Elpis Israel, The Christadelphian, Birmingham, 1973, fourteenth edition, p. 411. Brother Thomas introduces from which the Roman Catholic system derived the quote by changing Gibbon’s words “The triumph its teachings. In a lengthy section over several of Christ . . .” to “The triumph of Antichrist . . .” pages in chapter 8 he describes the religion of 5 Part of this extract is quoted by Edward Turney in ancient Persia and brings out several aspects that Diabolism, R. Roberts, 1872, p. 52. 370 The Testimony, November 2011 Remains of the Temple of the Sun in Baalbek, Lebanon, from where spoils were taken to adorn the great cathedral church of Constantinople. Picture: Jeremy Thomas

Roman system as the iron phase of Nebuchad- “If the Christian apostles, St. Peter or St. nezzar’s image. Paul, could return to the Vatican, they might Gibbon also draws attention to the fact that possibly inquire the name of the Deity who the Roman Catholic apostasy has even adopted is worshipped with such mysterious rites in teachings from Islam: that magnificent temple: at Oxford or Geneva, “. . . the Latin church has not disdained to they would experience less surprise; but it borrow from the Koran the immaculate con- might still be incumbent on them to peruse ception of his virgin mother” (ch. 50). the catechism of the church, and to study the In this chapter about the rise of Islam, Edward orthodox commentators on their own writings Gibbon erroneously claims that the religion of and the words of their Master.” Mahomet has remained inviolate since its foun- Gibbon’s disdain for the Bible and for the Chris- dation: tianity of the Churches may be gauged from the “It is not the propagation, but the permanency, following comments about the relative merits of of his [Mahomet’s] religion, that deserves our Zoroaster, Judaism, Christianity and Islam: wonder: the same pure and perfect impression “More pure than the system of Zoroaster, more which he engraved at Mecca and Medina, liberal than the law of Moses, the religion of is preserved, after the revolutions of twelve Mahomet might seem less inconsistent with centuries, by the Indian, the African, and the reason than the creed of mystery and supersti- Turkish proselytes of the Koran.” tion, which, in the seventh century, disgraced Having made this erroneous statement he goes the simplicity of the gospel” (ch. 51). on to compare that ‘fact’ with what has happened In his disdain for the Church, Gibbon provides to Christianity. In doing so makes the point that ample evidence for the corruption of Christianity Protestantism, while it might have rejected some and thus for the fulfilment of prophecy which of the errors of the Roman Catholic apostasy, is confirms our confidence in the Bible as the Word far from apostolic: of God. (To be continued) Typographical error Readers have drawn our attention to a typographical error on page 340 of the October issue, for which we apologise. Contrary to the impression given, H. P. Mansfield does not, of course, appear in the text of Scripture.—E.D.M. The Testimony, November 2011 371 Archaeology What happened to the temple treasures? 1. A remarkable journey Jeremy Thomas

HE WORDS of the Lord Jesus were frighten- grown, may be the last recorded resting place of ingly clear. From the vantage point of the the treasures rescued from the carnage of July 70. TMount of Olives he revealed to his aston- ished disciples what lay in store for the gorgeous A Roman triumph buildings of Herod’s temple in Jerusalem, the What those articles comprised, first of all, is indi- proud symbol of nationhood in which all Israel cated by the one depiction we have of them from took such pride: “And as some spake of the temple, antiquity. On the underside of the Arch of Titus, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, at the entrance to the Forum of ancient Rome, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the is the famous carving of the triumph awarded days will come, in the which there shall not be left jointly to Titus and his father Vespasian for their one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown victory in Judea. It clearly shows the menorah, or down” (Lk. 21:5,6). A people that had consistently seven-branched lampstand, the silver trumpets rejected the words of God’s prophets had filled and the table of showbread being carried in up the measure of their fathers’ sins by rejecting procession. The originals of these items had been His beloved Son, and there would be no escape at the centre of Israel’s system of worship since for the city which, despite God’s very Presence being manufactured for the tabernacle by Moses having dwelt there, had so signally failed to during the wilderness journey from Egypt to the recognise its promised Saviour. Promised Land. This final act of disobedience could not go There is no portrayal on the arch of the Ark unpunished, and within one generation the of the Covenant, which perhaps never survived Lord’s grim words would be fulfilled: “For the the Babylonian overthrow of Judah in 587 B.C.; days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies and indeed, both Jewish and Gentile sources shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee state that, by New Testament times, the most holy round, and keep thee in on every side, and shall place of the temple was empty. The Roman his- lay thee even with the ground, and thy children torian Tacitus describes how the Roman general within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one Pompey outraged Jewish sensibilities when, in stone upon another; because thou knewest not 63 B.C., he “entered the temple. Thus it became the time of thy visitation” (19:43,44). commonly known that the place stood empty We well understand that these prophecies of with no similitude of gods within, and that the the Lord came to pass in A.D. 70, when the temple shrine had nothing to reveal”.1 Flavius Josephus was destroyed by the Romans and the Jews were refers to the same incident, when “Pompey . . . scattered throughout the nations of the known went into the temple itself whither it was not law- world. What we may not be so familiar with is ful for any to enter but the high priest, and saw the subsequent story of the sacred articles looted what was reposited therein, the candlestick with from the temple by the soldiers of Titus. There its lamps, and the table, and the pouring vessels, are sufficient clues in the pages of history for us and the censers, all made entirely of gold, as also to reconstruct their movements in the following a great quantity of spices heaped together, with centuries, and the story takes us on a journey from Jerusalem to an abandoned site in Istanbul in Turkey which, although now filthy and over- 1. Tacitus, Histories, 5.9. 372 The Testimony, November 2011 The Arch of Titus in Rome (left, and detail above), which commemorated the victory of Titus and Vespasian in Judea. The lampstand, silver trumpets and table of showbread are all depicted, but not the Ark of the Covenant. Pictures: left, Jeremy Thomas; above, Gunnar Bach Pedersen/Wikimedia Commons Josephus tells us that at this time Vespasian also constructed a new Temple of Peace (otherwise referred to as the Forum of Vespasian) as part of the same propaganda campaign. An edifice so named would allow him to claim that, with two thousand talents of sacred money.”2 In each the Jews at last subdued, the Empire could enjoy reference, the Ark of the Covenant is conspicuous the peace it had long sought. Thus Vespasian’s by its absence. popularity in the eyes of the plebeians of Rome Titus’ use of this symbology on his com- would have soared. The Temple of Peace appears memorative arch was an unmistakeable claim of to have been designed as a sort of showcase for superiority over the Jews and, indeed, over their exceptional works of art looted from the nations God. A reconstruction of an inscription found at defeated by Rome, and archaeological work on its the nearby Flavian Amphitheatre (better known site on the Via dei Fori Imperiali (where one wall as the famous Colosseum, built circa A.D. 72–80), and part of the floor of the original building can tells us that “the Emperor Vespasian ordered still be seen) suggests that these artworks were this new amphitheatre to be erected from the displayed to the public in a beautiful garden of booty.”3 This is generally taken to mean that the exotic plants and elaborate water features. Here, in Colosseum was financed by the vast treasures an incident powerfully reminiscent of what King taken from Jerusalem. Humanly speaking, the Nebuchadnezzar had done with the artefacts he fall of Jerusalem was a huge propaganda coup removed from the Jerusalem temple more than for Vespasian, who, as founder of the line of 650 years earlier (Dan. 1:2), Vespasian “laid up . . . Flavian rulers in Rome, was anxious to establish those golden vessels and instruments that were firm credentials for his new dynasty after the taken out of the Jewish temple, as ensigns of his instability of ‘the Year of Four Emperors’ which glory.” Still not quite done, “he gave order that followed the murder of Nero in 68. A resounding they should lay up their Law, and the purple veils victory over a troublesome outlying province, [sic] of the holy place, in the royal palace itself, and the glorious spectacle of a triumph on the and keep them there.”4 streets of Rome, delivered Vespasian exactly what he needed in ‘PR’ terms so soon after his 2. Josephus, The Jewish Wars, 1.7.6. assumption of the purple. 3. Hopkins, K. & Beard, M. The Colosseum (London, There is evidence of precisely what subse- Profile Books, 2011). quently became of the temple articles in Rome. 4. Josephus, op. cit., 7.5.7. The Testimony, November 2011 373 Tunisia. In Eureka, his exposi- tion of Revelation, Brother John Thomas sees in the fall of Rome to the Vandals the fulfilment of the second wind trumpet of 8:8,9, and it is interesting to note that—pre- sumably with access to the same sources—he ratifies the story so far: “The pillage lasted fourteen days and nights. Among the spoils transported from the city by the king [Gaiseric] were the Golden Table and the Seven-Branched Golden Lightstand, brought by Titus to Rome, where they were deposited in the temple of peace. Nearly four hundred years after, these spoils of Jerusalem were The Colosseum in Rome, which is generally thought to have shipped for Carthage . . .”6 been financed by the treasures taken from Jerusalem. The Western Roman Empire Picture: Jeremy Thomas was by now in its death throes, Barbarian invasions and, in events prophesied by the third and fourth Rome was not to hold onto the precious trophies trumpets of Revelation 8 (again as interpreted in indefinitely, however. As foretold by the Lord Eureka), it fizzled out just twenty-one years later Jesus in his final message to his servants, eventu- on the abdication of its last emperor, Romulus ally her supremacy waned and the power of the Augustulus. It would be a mistake, however, to Western Empire was stripped away via a series understand 476 as the final end of ‘Rome,’ since of Barbarian incursions. Among these, the one the Eastern Roman Empire was alive and kicking, event which concerns the temple articles is the and it was to its Emperor Zeno that the imperial sack of Rome by the Vandals. Although they were regalia of the West were now sent as a clear sign originally an eastern Germanic tribe, by the fifth that the Eastern (or Byzantine) Empire was now century the Vandals had established for them- seen as the legitimate heir to the Caesars. Indeed, selves a powerful kingdom in North Africa, and through astonishing changes of fortune the Byz- it was from here, under their king Gaiseric (also antines held out for almost another one thousand known as Genseric), that the Vandals reached years—referring to themselves throughout as Rome in 455. The scale of the destruction they Romans—until Constantinople fell to the Ot- inflicted on the ancient city can be deduced from toman Turks in 1453, “an hour, and a day, and the fact that it is from this incident that the word a month, and a year” which the sixth trumpet ‘vandalism’ is derived. (9:13-21) anticipated.7 The Temple of Peace, with its priceless treas- The tortuous intrigues of the Eastern Empire’s ures, did not escape the attention of Gaiseric’s organisation, politics and religion have rightly led hoards, and the fate of the temple articles is re- to the word ‘Byzantine’ being used to describe corded by the ninth-century Byzantine chronicler something so utterly complex that it is impossible Theophanes the Confessor. In his Chronographia, a work covering more than 500 years of Roman history, he describes how Gaiseric, “with no one 5. Cited by Kingsley, S., God’s Gold (London, John Murray, to stop him, entered Rome . . . and taking all the 2006). money and the ornaments of the city, he loaded 6. Thomas, J., Eureka, vol. II.b., p. 70 (Birmingham, The them on his ships, among them the solid gold and Christadelphian, 1981). bejewelled treasures of the [Christian] Church 7. The fact that “the [Roman] beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame” and the Jewish vessels which Vespasian’s son (Dan. 7:11) only in 1453 is brought out by Brother Titus had brought to Rome after the capture of Geoff and Sister Ray Walker in their exposition of Jerusalem.”5 From Italy the loot was transported the Apocalypse, The Revelation of Jesus Christ (Alsager, by sea to the Vandal capital Carthage, in modern Bible Student Press, no date). 374 The Testimony, November 2011 to unravel. Yet the Empire was the dominant North Africa, and the contemporary historian Christian power of Europe for much of the Mid- Procopius of Caesarea records the next stage in dle Ages. Constantinople had been dedicated the journey of the Jerusalem treasures. He writes as its capital by the Emperor Constantine in that, in anticipation of defeat by the Byzantines 330. Relocating the Roman capital had practical at the Battle of Tricamarum in late 533, the Van- advantages, given longstanding pressure on the dal King Gelimer placed his valuables on board Empire’s eastern borders, but Constantine sought a ship in the nearby harbour at Hippo Regius, too to resurrect the by now fading glory of ancient hoping to be able to escape to Vandal Spain Rome, officially naming his city ‘New Rome,’ and should the battle be lost. However, unfavourable taking the opportunity to introduce ‘Christian’ winds brought the ship back to shore and into elements into the life of the state for the first time. the clutches of Belisarius. Neither Constantine nor Constantinople Procopius’ imprecise references to “all the royal adopted Christianity overnight, and some of treasure” of the Vandals and “the enormous sum the subsequent conflicts played out between the . . . plundered from Gelimer’s treasure”9 would old Roman system and Constantine’s version of be inconclusive by themselves did he not go on Christianity are symbolised by the events of Rev- to describe the triumph awarded to the Byzantine elation 12, where the pagan dragon is driven out general on his return home. For among the thou- of the political ‘heavens’ and forced to make way sands of talents-worth of gold and silver booty for the still recognisably Christian—yet clearly paraded through the streets of the capital were not virginal—woman who, later in the prophecy, “the treasures of the Jews, which Titus, the son becomes the great harlot. of Vespasian, together with certain others, had As befitted a second Rome, the Empire was brought to Rome after the capture of Jerusalem”10 scoured for ancient artefacts and works of art to nearly 400 years earlier. beautify Constantine’s city and to emphasise its Back in Constantinople, the Emperor Justin- new primacy. To this day, tourists visiting the ian’s hold on power had not always been secure. remains of the Roman hippodrome in Constan- Only two years before Belisarius’ return, he had tinople (modern Istanbul) wander among monu- almost lost his throne during the ‘Nika’ rebellion ments like the obelisk from ancient Egypt and the when his palace had been besieged and more bronze column commemorating the victory of the than thirty thousand people were put to death Greeks over the Persians at the Battle of Plataea in the bloody suppression of the riots. So, while in 479 B.C.—the latter in particular is a tangible Procopius is not clear on just how long the temple reminder of the sequence of the empires of Medo- articles remained in Constantinople, he does state Persia, Greece and Rome well known to us from that they were not brought under the cautious the prophecy of Daniel 2. These monuments, and Justinian’s roof. Fascinatingly, it appears to have many more, were brought to the new capital to been a Jew who dissuaded the Emperor from such demonstrate the Empire’s superior might and folly, for “one of the Jews, seeing these things, status over all other civilisations and deities, in approached one of those known to the Emperor just the same way that the temple articles had and said: ‘These treasures I think it inexpedient been taken to Rome to demonstrate the Empire’s to carry into the palace in Byzantium. Indeed, it victory over God’s land and God’s people. is not possible for them to be elsewhere than in the place where Solomon, the king of the Jews, Removal to Constantinople formerly placed them. For it is because of these We left those articles in the hands of the Vandals that Gaiseric captured the palace of the Romans, at Carthage after the fall of the city of Rome a and that now the Roman army has captured that hundred years or so after the time of Constan- of the Vandals.’ When this had been brought to tine. The ups and downs of the Eastern Empire the ears of the Emperor, he became afraid and make for fascinating reading,8 but by the sixth quickly sent everything to the sanctuaries of the century, in the reign of Emperor Justinian I, it Christians in Jerusalem.”11 was enjoying a resurgence of power sufficient to organise a military campaign to recapture some 8. The most readable (and entertaining!) account is of the territory of the West which had been lost perhaps the Byzantium trilogy by J. J. Norwich. to the Barbarians. 9. Procopius, Wars, 4.4. Amongst the areas restored to the Roman Em- 10. Ibid., 9.4. pire by Justinian’s general Belisarius was Vandal 11. Ibid. The Testimony, November 2011 375 Where exactly the treasures ended up, if Jus- emperor one day. However, in 518 the throne tinian did return them to the Land from where went instead to Justin I, who, although by then a they had been taken so many years before, we soldier of high rank, had begun life as a peasant do not know. Perhaps it was in one of holy places swineherd. (Justin never actually learned to read ‘rediscovered’ by the Empress Helena, mother and write, ‘signing’ official documents by means of Constantine, in the fourth century; another of a specially made stencil.) suggestion has been the Nea Ekklesia (‘New The contrast with the proud princess, who Church’), which had been built by Justinian in could trace her illustrious ancestry back to Con- Jerusalem in 543.12 We cannot be certain, for here stantine himself, could not have been greater, the historical trail goes cold. But if Justinian was and she held the illiterate Justin, along with his so superstitious as to forbid the temple articles nephew and eventual successor Justinian I, in ut- to enter his palace, can we say where precisely ter contempt as parvenu usurpers. Feelings were in Constantinople they may have been housed, mutual, and when Justinian one day attempted to as we could in Rome? steal a march on Anicia Juliana by obliging her (as he was entitled) to hand over her fortune towards Church of St Polyeuctus the construction of his own magnificent Hagia In 1960, workmen constructing the foundations Sophia church, which still stands in Istanbul, she of the new City Hall in Istanbul unearthed by invited him over to help himself. One can only chance two marble blocks bearing Greek inscrip- imagine Justinian’s chagrin when, on arrival at tions. On examination, the inscriptions were Anicia Juliana’s estate, he saw that she had had found to match the text of a seventy-six-line her stores of gold hammered into plates to adorn epigram already known to scholars from the the roof of ‘her’ church of St Polyeuctus! Justinian Palatine Anthology, a collection of Greek poems could have forced the canny Anicia Juliana to dating from around A.D. 1000. The epigram re- acknowledge the superiority of his own building ferred to the construction, by one Princess Anicia only by committing sacrilege. Juliana, of a church dedicated to St Polyeuctus. But who (who on earth!) was this ‘St’ Polyeuc- The building had long been familiar to historians tus, to whom Anicia Juliana had dedicated her from this and other documents, even though its church? Tradition has it that Polyeuctus was a location in Istanbul had never been established. wealthy officer in the army of Emperor Valerian, Then, in 1964, bulldozers digging out a new un- and that he hailed from Melitene in central Tur- derpass at a busy road junction adjacent to City key. On conversion to Christianity circa 259, so Hall came across similar marble blocks. Work the story goes, Polyeuctus marched to the central on the second site was immediately halted, and square of the city and openly tore up a copy of the for six seasons archaeological excavations were edict obliging the townspeople to worship idols. held under the auspices of the Dumbarton Oaks Polyeuctus next intercepted a procession of idols, Institute from Washington, D.C. As inscriptions which conveniently happened to be passing by at on further discoveries were deciphered, it became just that moment, and trampled them underfoot. clear that much of Anicia Juliana’s epigram had He was arrested, tortured and beheaded, thereby formed a giant marble frieze running round three earning himself a place in the list of Christian sides of a building, confirming that the remains martyrs around whom cults of devotion sprang of the church of St Polyeuctus had at last been up, and whose mortal remains were subsequently found. venerated. The relics of ‘St’ Polyeuctus found a Amongst the blue-blooded ladies of Byzan- resting place in his eponymous church in Con- tium, Anicia Juliana (462–c. 528) stands out as stantinople—and there is a good possibility that the daughter, the granddaughter and the great- so did the treasures from the Jerusalem temple, granddaughter of both Eastern and Western Ro- as we shall see in Part 2 of this article. man emperors. Born into the lap of luxury, she has been described as “the most aristocratic and (To be concluded) the wealthiest inhabitant” of Constantinople.13 At one point even her own husband had been offered (but had declined) the throne of the East, 12. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nea_Ekklesia_of_the_The and, perhaps unsurprisingly for one with untold otokos riches and unequalled prestige at court, she had 13. Maas, M., The Cambridge Companion to the Age of Justin- set her sights on her own son becoming Eastern ian (Cambridge University Press, 2005). 376 The Testimony, November 2011 News from the Nations

Iran trying to start a war Vatican calls for global central bank Why did Iran choose to escalate its The Vatican has recently made a series of radical demands for decades-long confrontation with the global financial control. According to a report in the Catholic News, United States by plotting to assassi- “The Catholic authority calls for a ‘super-national authority’ with nate the Saudi ambassador in Wash- worldwide scope to impose economic policies through a central world ington DC by bombing a crowded bank that regulates the flow and system of monetary exchanges.” restaurant? In the World News The document says the current global financial crisis has revealed section of the Jewish Chronicle an “selfishness, collective greed and the hoarding of goods on a great analyst says: “Attacks like this and scale.” It cites the teachings of popes over the last forty years on the their intention to blow up the Israeli need for a universal public authority that would transcend national and Saudi embassies as well in the interests. The current economic crisis, which has seen growing future, if successful, could trigger a inequality between the rich and poor of the world, underlines the war with the United States, Israel necessity to take concrete steps toward creating such an authority. and Saudi Arabia . . . Tehran’s view one major step it says should be reform of the international monetary is that US influence in the region is system in a way that involves developing countries. The document waning. The Middle East is changing foresaw creation of a ‘central world bank’ that would regulate the in Iran’s favour—nuclear weapons flow of monetary exchanges; it said the International Monetary are within reach and the US will not Fund has lost the ability to control the amount of credit risk taken launch a pre-emptive strike . . . The on by the system. The document did make a point of quoting from Arab Spring swept away Egypt’s and the teachings of several popes, however, including those of Pope Tunisia’s secular, pro-Western rulers, Benedict XVI, who in his 2009 encyclical Charity in Truth said there the US failed to save its decades-old was “an urgent need of a true world political authority” that could allies, and, when revolt challenged give poorer nations a bigger voice in financial decision-making. Damascus—a proxy of Iran—the The document also cited John Paul II’s 1991 warning of the risk of US is seen as only offering rhetorical an “idolatry of the market” in the wake of the failure of European aid to Syria’s rebels . . . As with the communism. Today his warning “needs to be heeded without delay.” US, Iran has good reason to believe that Israel has been straitjacketed Israel’s settlement ring plan by the current Arab Spring. Israel’s There is international criticism of Israel, which has moved a step deterrence has weakened and the closer to building a new neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in first since 1997. The Jewish Chronicle explains that “as a part of Egypt may herald a new era in which an attempt by Israel to send out a message that it is developing Israel is no longer safe on any of its East Jerusalem for both Arabs and Jews, only two thirds of the borders.” 2,610 units in the development plan will be part of the new Jew- ish district, Givat Hamatos. The rest will form an extension to the Arabs building a new city adjacent Palestinian village of Beit Safafa. Britain, the European According to comments in the Union and the United Nations have condemned the construction Jerusalem Post, while Netanyahu plan, as have Palestinian leaders. A spokesman for the Palestin- is under pressure not to build, ian Liberation Organisation team that negotiates with Israel said the Arabs are building a new city, that Givat Hamatos will prove ‘one of the most damaging settle- Rawabi, in the West Bank. Not ments for a future solution to the conflict’ because it will close only is there no controversy, it the ring of settlement around East Jerusalem, cutting it off from enjoys the support of the Quartet, the West Bank.” Israeli rights groups say that Jerusalem needs perhaps because it satisfies what the housing and is entitled to build, but there are countries that the world really wants: to push do not understand that building throughout all Israel is an integral out the Jews and get the Arabs in. part of Israeli policy. The Testimony, November 2011 377 Nuclear Iran sparks arms race Erdogan ditching diplomacy As Saudi Arabia and other threat- Officials and observers in Washington of the Israel-Turkey ened Arab Gulf states seek to relationship are baffled by Ankara’s unprecedented new tack bolster their defences against their with Jerusalem. As reported in the Jerusalem Report, “the Shiite rival, Defence News reported last thing the US needs is a diplomatic confrontation with recently that Saudi Arabia, which Turkey. Turkish Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has hinted has already purchased billions of that Turkey might use its naval power to ensure freedom of dollars-worth of upgraded mili- navigation in the eastern Mediterranean. Soon after, Turkish tary equipment from the US and Prime Minister Recep Erdogan said Turkish warships might Europe, is considering purchasing even accompany any future aid convoys, and he went on to the latest Aegis-class destroyer, call Israel ‘the West’s spoiled child.’ During his recent tour of which can be fitted with ballistic Egypt, Libya and Tunisia, Erdogan again lashed out at Israel, missile defence capabilities. In telling the Arab League in Cairo: ‘Israel acts irresponsibly and addition, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, without hesitation breaking human dignity and international the UAE and Turkey have all an- law.’” In his meeting with Erdogan on the sidelines of the UN nounced plans to build their own General Assembly, President Barack Obama was expected nuclear reactors for the purpose to raise the question of Turkey’s faltering relations with Israel. of electricity production—moves The US has long-standing friendships with both Israel and which analysts maintain were Turkey, an Administration official told theReport . “By threaten- taken in direct response to Iran’s ing to contest Israel’s blockade of Gaza militarily, the Turkish atomic drive. government has laid down a serious challenge to American policy.” Israel’s population reaches 7.8 million Secular Egyptians fear the spread of militant Islam Israel’s population on the eve of “The bonds forged between Muslims and Christians during the the Jewish New Year 5772 stood overthrow of Mubarak have disintegrated, replaced by mutual at 7,797,400, continuing a steady enmity and deep suspicion,” reports Middle East Affairs. “In Octo- population growth of 1.9 per cent after ber Christians marched on the headquarters of state television to surpassing the 7.5 million mark two protest restrictions placed on the building of a church in southern years ago, according to figures released Egypt. Christian Copts, who comprise roughly ten per cent of by the Central Bureau of Statistics. Egypt’s 80 million population, claim that laws on obtaining building Jews now count for some 5,874,300 permits for churches are overly restrictive. They have lamented of the population; Arabs 1,600,100; the collapse of the security services in the wake of the revolu- and the remaining 323,000 are those tion. Security forces have disappeared from the streets, fearing a not registered as Jews or Arabs by the vengeful population. In their place, Islamist groups have taken over Interior Ministry. When the state was security responsibilities, patrolling neighbourhoods and meting out established in 1948 there were only justice. One place where secular Egyptians are beginning to be 806,000 residents, with the number wary of Islamists is Mersa Matruh. These militant Islam groups reaching its first and second millions say that ‘We want Egypt to be an Islamic state now!’” in 1949 and 1958 respectively.

Brother David Willey The editors and members of the Promoting Committee of the Testimony record their appre- ciation of the work of Brother David Willey, who fell asleep in Christ on 21 August 2011. He joined the Testimony Committee in 1983. As an experienced printer he had already provided help and advice in the publication of the magazine. His later experience of teaching comput- ing at Norwich City College proved invaluable when production of the Testimony changed from old-fashioned lead type to offset litho, and more and more of the work was done on computer. His artistic skills were also used to provide maps and drawings for the magazine. He became Chairman of the Promoting Committee meetings in 1992 and served in that role until 2006, completing 23 years of faithful service. We are indebted to his diligence and skills so freely given.—E.D.M.

378 The Testimony, November 2011 Watchman Ready and waiting? Shaun Maher

Significant developments are occurring in diverse regions In Revelation 19 and Zechariah 14 of the world at such a pace and on such a scale that we it would appear that the resurrection and judgement have already taken could be forgiven for feeling somewhat overwhelmed and place, because the saints are revealed confused. How do we make sense of these things, and how simultaneously with Christ. The words do we know what we should be looking for? echo language used elsewhere in Scripture to describe the redeemed. HROUGH BIBLE STUDY we may have Zechariah 14:4,5 describes the Lord Jesus and formed a personal view regarding the order the saints being revealed in glory: “And in that Tof events preceding the return of the Lord day his feet will stand on the Mount of Olives Jesus and leading up to the establishment of God’s . . . Thus the LORD my God will come, and all Kingdom. Alternatively, we may have gratefully the saints with you.” taken advantage of the faithful endeavours of Revelation 19:11-16, in symbol, paints a similar others who have carried out such studies. Whilst picture of these events: “And the armies in heaven, these lists are very helpful, in that they draw all clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed the relevant passages of Scripture together very him on white horses. Now out of his mouth goes neatly, there is a danger that we might adopt either a sharp sword, that with it he should strike the a tick-list approach or a rather dogmatic view of nations. And he himself will rule them with a rod things that ‘must happen’ before Jesus returns. of iron.” The phrase “rule . . . with a rod of iron” is The risk with this type of attitude can be that, if only ever used to describe the rule of Christ and we are not careful, we could be caught napping! the saints (Ps. 2:9; Rev. 2:27; 12:5; 19:15).2 Likewise, First and foremost, we do well to remember the description of beings clothed in linen “white our place and give thanks for this incredible and clean” is used of mortals who have passed privilege. The “great God” has revealed to us, as through a redemptive process and had their sins He did through Daniel to King Nebuchadnezzar, covered by the blood of the one whose robe had “what will come to pass after this.” These things been “dipped in blood” (v. 13). are “certain” and “sure” (Dan. 2:45).1 We can be absolutely confident that God will accomplish His A heavenly digression purpose and bring these things to pass. However, What may appear at first reading to be a con- with regard to exactly what we might expect to founding factor to this particular interpretation see before the angels come and call us to be with of these verses is the description of these beings Christ we cannot be so sure. as “the armies in heaven” (v. 14). In what sense are the saints who are revealed with Christ “in I am coming as a thief! heaven”? The first point to note is that there are a In Revelation 16:12-16 we are introduced to the number of passages in Revelation, including chap- sixth vial (or ‘bowl,’ depending on your Bible ter 19, which in symbol describe the redeemed version) judgement period, and it is during this period that the Lord Jesus sounds the warning: “Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he 1. Scripture quotations from the NKJV. who watches . . .” (v. 15). In contrast, Zechariah 2. There is a view that where this phrase occurs in 14 and Revelation 19:11-16 describe a glorious Revelation 12:5 an exception should be made and and very public revelation of the Lord Jesus in the symbol should be applied to a man, specifically power, bringing an initial period of judgement to the Roman Emperor Constantine. However, this very particular phrase, “rule the nations with a rod of iron,” the world, followed by the establishment of his which occurs only in Revelation and Psalm 2, is used rule and the nucleus of the Kingdom. Are these exclusively in all the other passages to describe the passages different descriptions of the same event? rule of Christ and the saints during the millennial age. The Testimony, November 2011 379 as being in “heaven” and/or being clothed with new and living hope (Jno. 3:5), our citizenship on “white” or “clean” linen or garments (see 3:5; the earth is superseded by a new citizenship—a 6:11; 7:9-14; 19:8). heavenly one. The second point relates to the way Scripture As we read through the New Testament, we see describes the first coming of the Lord Jesus and that the language used to describe the origins of his origin. We are familiar with the idea expressed the Lord Jesus and his present resurrected glory in John’s Gospel that Jesus is “he who comes down is used of believers also. We too have been born from heaven and gives life to the world” (Jno. “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of 6:33), and this idea is repeated on a number of the will of man, but of God” (1:12,13); and, as occasions throughout John’s record (3:13; 6:38,51; the Lamb was “slain from the foundation of the 8:23; etc.). This idea perturbed the Jews: ‘This is world” (Rev. 13:8), so those who are in him have Joseph’s son,’ they said, ‘we have seen him grow their names “written in the Book of Life from the up and live amongst us, how then can he have foundation of the world” (17:8). come down from heaven?’ (6:42 paraphrased). To Paul, when writing to the Ephesians, reminds understand these words we have to think like them that God has blessed them with “every spir- God, not like men. itual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” Jesus’ origins were in heaven, and he is the (1:3) and has raised them up and made them “sit focal point of God’s creative work. He existed in together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” God’s heavenly purpose before time began and (2:4-7). In Philippians 3:20 Paul further states down through the millennia until he became a specifically that “our citizenship is in heaven.” living reality: “In the beginning was the Word, Through baptism into Christ, forgiveness of sins and the Word was with God . . . And the Word and daily service, our lives are now bound up became flesh and dwelt among us, and we be- with that heavenly purpose. This idea is further held his glory” (1:1,14). God’s plan of salvation emphasized in the letter to the Colossian brothers has from its inception had the Lord Jesus as its and sisters: “If then you were raised with Christ, centrepiece—“All things were created through seek those things which are above, where Christ him and for him” writes Paul to the Colossian is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind ecclesia (1:16)—and, whilst we acknowledge the on things above, not on things on the earth. For sense in which this applies to the new creation you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in in Christ, the words are not limited to this. They God. When Christ who is our life appears, then speak of Christ being the very reason for eve- you also will appear with him in glory” (3:1-4). rything created—past, present and future. The These New Testament passages seem to be writer to the Hebrews introduces us to Christ perfectly in tune with the picture presented to using similar language, stating that God has us in Revelation 19. When Christ is revealed to spoken to us “by His Son . . . through whom the world, then those who died to the world also He made the worlds” (1:2). It would not be and gave their lives to the heavenly hope, being unreasonable to exchange the word ‘through’ for born again and ‘re-created’ in heaven, will also the words ‘for’ or ‘because of’ to help us get the appear in glory. true meaning of this and other similar passages. This fundamental principle is very helpful on You are not in darkness two counts. First, it gives us an insight into the So, where does this leave us? If these ideas have mind of our Creator, Who is able to give “life to any merit, then the resurrection and judgement the dead and calls those things which do not ex- will most likely have occurred prior to the events ist as though they did” (Rom 4:17). These words described in Zechariah 14:1-4 and Revelation seem to imply that in God’s mind and purpose 19:11-21. Although there is a description of the the birth, death and resurrection to glory of the first resurrection in Revelation 20:5,6, we note that Lord Jesus were a reality at the point He began the marriage of the Lamb has come and the bride His creative work. Secondly, we are left in no is ready in Revelation 19:7, the implication being doubt of the greatness of the Lord Jesus Christ that the call of the saints, asleep and alive, has and all that has been accomplished through him. taken place by this point. The warning sounded by our Lord Jesus, “Behold, I am coming as a Partakers of the heavenly hope thief” (16:15), is to bring this to our attention; it Once we put on the saving name of Jesus and is a warning to be ready for the call to go and are born again of the water and the spirit to a meet with him. The call appears to come at a 380 The Testimony, November 2011 point somewhere between the events of Revela- the living saints to be with him. The Apostle tion 16:14 and those of 19:7. Paul exhorts the Thessalonian ecclesia: “But you, Table 1 below, which is not intended to be brethren, are not in darkness, so that this Day exhaustive, lays out visually the things we have should overtake you as a thief . . . let us watch been considering. In essence this means that there and be sober” (1 Thess. 5:4-6); and so it is for us. is nothing in particular that needs to happen or The second way the question can be asked that we should expect to see before the angels is in the form of a call to action: ‘What are you are sent to gather the elect from the four winds waiting for? Get on with it!’ As we watch events (Mt. 24:31). in the world with great excitement and an earnest desire to see the God we know revealed, we need What are you waiting for? to be like Israel as they ate the Passover with This question can be asked in two ways. It can loins girded and staff in hand. We need to be in be asked with the emphasis on ‘What,’ to which a constant state of readiness—really to think and we might respond, ‘I’m waiting for the angel to to behave as if the call will come today. come and call me to be with the Lord.’ Christ This is the sense of the words of the Apostle may come for us at any time! Nothing needs to Paul in his letter to the Philippians: “work out happen, and there is nothing that we must see, your own salvation with fear and trembling” before Christ raises those who sleep and calls (2:12). It is very important that we set our hearts

Table 1 Overview of events at Jesus’ coming Rev. 16:12-21 Rev. 17,18 Rev. 19 Rev. 20 “Behold, I am coming as “The mar- a thief. Blessed is he who riage of the  watches . . .”  Lamb . . . his wife has made her- self ready”  Euphrates Unclean Nations The great The judge- Christ and The millen- dries up spirits like gathered to earthquake; ments of the saints nial reign of frogs go out Armaged- Babylon God on Ba- revealed in Christ and to gather don and the bylon, the glory the saints the nations nations Harlot and begins judged the Beast Possible interpretation of events Removal of Godless in- The nations The armies Details The resur- Human the Muslim fluences of attempt to of the of God’s rection, government Ottoman humanism sort out the nations judge- ­judgement controlled influence and false intractable judged and ment on and mar- and sup- from the religion Jewish defeated; the corrupt riage pressed Promised grow in problem political and religious, supper of as Christ Land: the the world; literal earth- political and the Lamb begins his nation of Is- growing co- quakes financial having rule rael reborn alescence systems of taken place, of opinion the world Christ and amongst the saints the nations revealed against Israel

The Testimony, November 2011 381 on the work to hand, working out our salvation and sisters in Christ. We need to reinforce the with fear and trembling; in other words, we need reality of these events by talking about them to get busy with the things pertaining to our together and making ready our response for the salvation. We need to make time in our lives for angel when he comes and says to us: ‘It is time reading and prayer, fellowship and preaching. now; we must go to be with the Lord,’ so that We need to make prayerful preparation with our with reverent fear and humility we shall say, ‘I’m families and with our wider family of brothers ready—let’s go!’

Watchman The autocrat rides again Geoff Henstock

HOSE WHO have read Elpis Israel will recall language that is used to describe the leadership that Brother Thomas frequently refers to of the Gogian host. Their scepticism has proved TGog, the leader of the hostile host described to be well founded. in Ezekiel 38 as the ‘autocrat.’ At the time that title The chaotic years of Boris Yeltsin in the 1990s was an apt description of the Czar who ruled gave way in the next decade to the iron rule of Russia as almost an absolute monarch. In 1917 Vladimir Putin. Under his rule dissenters have the Russian Revolution overthrew the autocratic been dealt with ruthlessly; some have been im- regime of the Czar, but it in its place was estab- prisoned, while others have died in suspicious lished a system that was just as authoritarian circumstances. The political system has been and oppressive. cynically manipulated to serve the objectives of Under leaders such as Stalin and Lenin the a ruling clique controlled by Mr Putin. term ‘autocrat’ continued to be appropriate for the Four years ago the Russian constitution limited ruler of Russia. The reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev presidents to two terms in office. That provision in the 1980s, with his policy of glasnost, led to the obliged Mr Putin to stand down, so in 2008 he collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Some com- swapped jobs with his prime minister, Dmitry mentators expressed hopes that this would allow Medvedev, and bided his time until the constitu- democracy to blossom in Russia and the states tion could be altered to allow for him to return which it had formerly controlled. Some of those to the presidency. From time to time there was former satellite states did embrace democracy speculation as to whether Mr Medvedev would to a degree, but Russia itself, after some tenta- stand aside for Mr Putin, with some in the West tive moves in that direction, turned its back on cherishing vain hopes that Mr Medvedev would democratic reforms. Students of prophecy who have the strength of character to assert an inde- shared Brother Thomas’s understanding of Ezek- pendent position. Such hopes ignored the reality iel 38 always doubted whether democracy could of the autocrat that pulls the strings in Moscow, make a lasting impression on Russia, given the and on 24 September came the long-expected announcement that Mr Medvedev would stand Medvedev and Putin. Picture: AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko—http://www.medvedev2008.ru aside to make way for the return to the presi- dent’s office of Mr Putin. In fact, the two men agreed again to swap jobs, returning Russia to the model that existed during Mr Putin’s last term in office. None of this surprised many people, in Russia or elsewhere. It has been interesting, however, to see the tone that Vladimir Putin has adopted since the announcement that he would be returning as president. In early October he announced a grand vision to create a new superpower out of the 382 The Testimony, November 2011 ­remnants of the former Soviet Union. Significantly, ­ a perfect description of the confederacy described he referred to it as a “Eurasian Union,” in that it as invading the Middle East and occupying Israel would stretch from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Mr at the time of the end. But how do Magog and Putin has been quoted as describing the collapse Gomer, the powers of central and eastern Europe, of the Soviet Union as “the greatest geopolitical who Ezekiel says are also confederate with Gog, catastrophe of the twentieth century.” The use fit into this scenario? Mr Putin has not ignored of the word ‘geopolitical’ suggests that he sees these powers. He argues that his Eurasian Union it as a catastrophe because it thwarted Russia’s would grow to become a partner for the European expansionist ambitions. His new Eurasian Union Union. “Membership of the Eurasian Union, apart is clearly designed to reverse that catastrophe. from direct benefits, will enable its members to In an article in the Russian newspaper Izves- integrate into Europe faster and from a much tia (reported in The Australian, 6 Oct. 2011), Mr stronger position,” he said in his article. Autocrats Putin spoke of the initiative as an “integration always have a natural preference for negotiating project.” He went on to say, “Close integration from a position of strength! based on new political and economic value is The Byzantine world of Russian politics has the imperative of our time. We are proposing a presented many unexpected developments, ever model of a powerful supranational association since the czars ruled in Moscow and St Peters- that is capable of becoming one of the poles of burg. There might well be other bizarre twists the modern world and, within that, to play an and turns before the Gogian host descends on the effective linking role between Europe and the Middle East. What we are seeing today, however, dynamic Asia-Pacific region.” is perfectly in accord with our long-standing un- Students of Ezekiel 38 will recognise Mr Putin’s derstanding of Ezekiel 38. Under Vladimir Putin phrase “a powerful supranational association” as the autocrat rides again!

Science The chemical elements— the Creator’s palette David Burges

NE OF THE greatest achievements of ­recognise that metals such as iron and copper are modern science has been the elucidation elements. A great step forward took place in 1869 Oof the composition of the matter from when the Russian chemist Mendeleev recognised which the Creator has constructed the universe. the repeating patterns of properties among the For around 2,000 years the proposition of the elements and arranged the sixty-three elements Greek philosopher Aristotle was accepted, that known at that time into the first modern periodic all matter was composed of four elements: earth, table. He was also able correctly to predict the air, fire and water. During the Middle Ages the existence of several others from the obvious gaps futile quest of the alchemists, including such men in the table.1 Today around ninety naturally oc- as the great Isaac Newton, was to use this model curring chemical elements are known, together to convert base metals into gold, using various with a further twenty or so which have been mystical formulae. synthesised by nuclear reactions. As an outcome of their efforts, however, in These ninety elements have a great range of the eighteenth century the true nature of matter physical and chemical properties: eleven are began gradually to emerge. The first extensive gases at normal temperatures; two, bromine list of twenty-three chemical elements was pre- and mercury, are liquids; and the remainder are pared by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier metals and non-metallic solids. Separately, or in 1789 and included such elements as oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon. He was the first to 1. Wikipedia: Timeline of chemical elements discoveries. The Testimony, November 2011 383 combined together in a huge range of chemical DNA. This is accomplished by bacteria and algae compounds, they are the ‘stuff’ from which the employing an enzyme known as nitrogenase, an- material universe and all living things have been other complex molecule containing the elements formed. Remarkably, the atoms of each element iron, sulphur and molybdenum. Thus all life on are assembled, with beautiful simplicity, from earth is found to depend on the two lesser-known just three types of atomic particles: protons and elements manganese and molybdenum, and their neutrons in the nucleus, and a surrounding cloud very specific chemical properties. That these of electrons. These things may be so familiar highly complex and specific substances have been from ‘science’ lessons at school, however, that we purpose-designed by God is emphasised in the may not have considered that they need not have statements, “to every beast of the earth, to every existed in this orderly way at all. In fact, it has bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on emerged that the chemical elements can only exist the earth, in which there is life, I have given every because the mass and other physical constants of green herb for food,” and “He causes the grass to protons and neutrons are very carefully balanced, grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service which is yet one more example of the Creator’s of man, that he may bring forth food from the genius and forethought. earth” (Gen. 1:30; Ps. 104:14, NKJV). This leaves no room for the concept that these molecules, The elements of life and the genetic code which reproduces them, Of particular interest is the considerable number have arisen by chance and come to occupy these of the elements which have been found to be crucial roles in life by natural selection. essential for life, including human life. All life on earth ultimately depends upon plants, and For the service of man these in turn require certain essential nutrients There are many other elements which occupy to grow and flourish. The most fundamental similarly vital roles in the higher animals and life process is photosynthesis, which occurs in man. It is currently thought that up to thirty are the green leaves of plants in minute structures vital to humans to sustain good health. Six are called chloroplasts. Photosynthesis produces referred to as ‘bulk’ elements, forming the main carbohydrates, the building blocks of plants, in structures of the body (see Table 1 below), while the process removing carbon dioxide from the the remainder are required in much smaller atmosphere and releasing oxygen in its place. Yet amounts. All of these must be acquired from our it has taken scientists many years to discover the food and, ultimately, from the soil in which plants complex chemical route by which this apparently grow. How significant is the teaching of God’s simple process occurs, and it has emerged that Word: that man was made out of the ground, the catalyst which facilitates it is a remarkably must till it to obtain his food, and returns to it complex molecule containing atoms of calcium, when life ends (Gen. 2:7; 3:19,23)! oxygen and manganese.2 Of equal importance to photosynthesis is the process of nitrogen fixation, by which nitrogen 2. For a fuller description and a diagram of photosyn- thesis, see “The secret chemistry of life,” Testimony, in the atmosphere is converted to ammonia, used Jun. 2004, p. 263. to build the basic building blocks of life such as 3. Source: Mineral Information Institute, www.mii.org/ amino acids, and the nucleotides used to construct periodic/LifeElement.html

Table 1 The six ‘bulk’ elements forming the main structures of the body 3 Element Symbol % Typical functions Calcium Ca 1.4 Bones, blood pressure control, blood clotting, energy Carbon C 22.9 Primary building block of all tissues Hydrogen H 10.0 All tissues as water and other molecules Nitrogen N 2.6 In proteins and other life molecules, for example, DNA Oxygen O 61.4 Mainly as water, other life molecules, for example, DNA Phosphorus P 1.1 Bones and teeth, energy system, life molecules, for example DNA

384 The Testimony, November 2011 4 substances required for Table 2 Role of the elements in human life processes the life of plants and ani- Element Symbol Typical functions mals. And then, much as an artist uses a wide Boron B Bones, brain function variety of the colours Chlorine Cl Nerve cells, stomach acid, blood and textures at his dis- posal, it seems that the Chromium Cr Insulin function, some proteins Creator has employed a Cobalt Co Component of Vitamin B12 significant proportion of the chemical elements in Copper Cu Many functions: blood cells, skin, brain forming and sustaining Fluorine F Strengthens bones, tooth enamel the amazingly complex creature which is man, Germanium Ge Oxygen transport to cells, immune system as well as all the other Iodine I Thyroid gland, growth control plants and animals. In contrast, it is dif- Iron Fe Haemoglobin, brain function, immune system ficult to see how an Magnesium Mg Bone growth, blood pressure, brain function evolutionary model can account, first of all, for Manganese Mn Food digestion, immune system the extreme complexity Molybdenum Mo Some enzymes, cell growth of the molecules essen- tial for life. For example, Potassium K Cell function, nerve cell function to date some of the finest Selenium Se Blood cells, immune system, heart and pancreas research chemists have been unable to replicate Silicon Si Bone and connective tissue, hair, skin the catalyst responsi- Sodium Na Blood plasma, cell function, nerve cells ble for photosynthesis, yet ‘nature’ is claimed Sulphur S Liver function, blood clotting, component of Vitamin to have invented it by B1, insulin chance in cyanobacteria Zinc Zn DNA formation, tissue repair, immune system and thereby formed the oxygen in the earth’s Table 2 above lists eighteen other elements atmosphere. Secondly, how is it to explain the known to be important for good health. Some utilisation, presumably in stepwise fashion, of are referred to as macronutrients and others as so many different elements, each with specific trace elements or micronutrients. The list includes properties and roles? Since all are now considered some surprises, such as the inclusion of chro- essential for health, how did the body manage mium, fluorine and selenium—all considered to before each was incorporated into the metabolic be very toxic substances, but which are essential pathways? Such questions are normally brushed in small concentrations. In addition, claims have aside with the assertion that these things have been made that several other elements, including ‘evolved.’ aluminium, arsenic, bromine, cadmium, nickel, Truly, every aspect of the living world testifies tin, titanium and vanadium are trace elements, to the handiwork of the Creator and to the wis- but these are yet to be verified. In a number of dom which underlies the entire material world. cases the exact biochemical function of the trace How blessed we are to recognise this and give elements is unknown, only that deficiencies can honour to Him: “Happy is he who has the God lead to disease. of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Who made heaven and earth, the sea, Divine palette and all that is in them . . . Who gives food to the It is surely remarkable that God has designed an hungry . . .” (Ps. 146:5-7, NKJV)! ecosystem on this earth which is able to make available in the soil and atmosphere all of these 4. Ibid.

“O LORD, how manifold are Thy works! in wisdom hast Thou made them all” (Ps. 104:24).

The Testimony, November 2011 385 Exposition New series John’s First Epistle 1. “That which was from the beginning” Mark Allfree

There are certain sections of the Bible where the language “That which was from the used can be described as truly sublime. This is, of beginning” course, what we would expect, since what we have in the John begins his Epistle by bringing to our attention “the Word of life,” Scriptures is an expression of the mind of Almighty God which, he says, “was from the begin- Himself. No more so is this the case than in the writing of ning, which we have heard, which John, and especially his First Epistle. The thoughts John we have seen with our eyes, which expresses are most profound, and yet at the same time the we have looked upon, and our hands language he uses is so simple that a child could understand have handled, of the Word of life; (for the life was manifested, and we have it. In our English version the vast majority of words in seen it, and bear witness, and shew this First Epistle are words of one syllable, and yet what unto you that eternal life, which was deep truths are being expressed by the Spirit! with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) that which we have seen and E SHALL TAKE IT AS READ that the heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have author of the Epistles of John was John fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is Wthe son of Zebedee—the same John who with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. wrote the Gospel and the book of Revelation. He And these things write we unto you, that your joy was “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” an eyewit- may be full” (1 Jno. 1:1-4). To which “beginning” ness of the ministry and the majesty of the Lord does John refer here? The answer to this question Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is significant that is key to our understanding of the Epistle. There love forms one of the most prominent themes of have been a number of suggestions, including: this First Epistle. • Genesis 1:1, when “God created the heaven and the earth” Purpose for writing • the start of the life and ministry of the Lord The content of the Epistle indicates that it was Jesus Christ; as Mark stated in the preface to written with the objective of declaring the truth his Gospel: “The beginning of the gospel of of the Messiahship of Jesus, whom John had been Jesus Christ, the Son of God” (Mk. 1:1). privileged to witness with his own eyes. He also Both these suggestions have merit, but there is wished to encourage the brethren to hold fast to a further possibility: that John has in mind “the the faith in the face of developing heresy within world” that he mentions on no less than twenty- the ecclesial world. The vast majority of com- three occasions in the First Epistle alone, and mentators put forward the view that the heresy that he is speaking about the beginning of that concerned was Gnosticism, a key feature of which particular world. To what, then, does John refer was the belief that the association of the human when he speaks about “the world”? and the divine in the Lord Jesus Christ was not a reality. It is my view that the First Epistle of The world John has nothing to do with Gnosticism, but In his second chapter John counsels his readers, rather seeks to counter the much more dangerous “Love not the world, neither the things that are influence of the Judaisers within the Brotherhood. in the world. If any man love the world, the love This viewpoint will be developed as the study of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the progresses. world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the 386 The Testimony, November 2011 eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, is speaking of the Jewish nation to whom Jesus but is of the world. And the world passeth away, came. We now need to consider why this should and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of be. Why does John speak of Israel as the kosmos? God abideth for ever” (1 Jno. 2:15-17). The Greek The word in Greek means ‘an orderly ar- word he uses is kosmos, and it is clear that this rangement of things.’ We recognise it as having kosmos is a key theme in John’s writings. In the something to do with the universe. The English Gospel and the Epistles he uses the word a total word ‘cosmic’ is derived from it. When we stand of a hundred times. In the other three Gospels on the earth and gaze into space, we are looking kosmos occurs only fifteen times in total. Without at the kosmos. We can see the heavenly bodies doubt, then, John has a lot to say about the kosmos. moving in perfect harmony; and so orderly is It is one of his favourite themes. this arrangement that we can set our clocks by John 1:8-10 helps us to understand what the the movement of the stars, and predict hundreds kosmos is in John’s writings: “He was not that of years in advance where the heavenly bodies Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. will be at any given moment. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man This ordered arrangement of the heavenly that cometh into the world. He was in the world, bodies in many respects governs what takes and the world was made by him, and the world place on the earth. For example, night and day, knew him not.” What was this “world” that “knew the seasons, and the ebb and flow of the tides, are him not”? Clearly John is not speaking here about all controlled by the movement of the heavenly the globe on which we live. He is speaking of the bodies. This relationship between the heavenly people amongst whom Jesus walked, and who bodies and the earth is reflected in Genesis 1:16, failed to recognise him as the Son of God. He where “God made two great lights; the greater explains this in verse 11, where he says that “He light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule came unto his own, and his own received him the night.” We thus have a principle established not.” So when John speaks here of the kosmos, he that in the natural kosmos the heavens bear rule is referring to the nation of Israel, who rejected over the earth. the Lord Jesus Christ who came to save them. It cannot be speaking about the Gentile world Israel’s world to pass away because of for the simple reason that Jesus conducted his wickedness ministry in Israel, and the Gentile world did not When we look at the prophetic Scriptures, we see at that stage have the opportunity to know him. that God uses this orderly arrangement of heavens In John 3:19 we read that “this is the condemna- and earth—the natural kosmos—as a pattern of tion, that light is come into the world, and men the arrangement of things in the nation of Israel. loved darkness rather than light, because their We thus find that on many occasions Israel is deeds were evil.” Again, John is speaking of the described in Scripture as consisting of heavens reaction of the Jewish nation to the manifestation and earth. For example, in Deuteronomy 32, when of God in Jesus Christ. For the most part they were Moses spoke to the congregation of Israel, he not interested in what Jesus had to say. began, “Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; John 6:14 confirms this conclusion regarding and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth” (v. 1). the meaning of “the world” in John’s writings. In Daniel 8, when describing prophetically the After Jesus had performed the miracle of the downfall of the Jewish constitution at the hands feeding of the five thousand, “those men, when of the Romans in A.D. 70, the prophet spoke of they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This “a little horn, which waxed exceeding great . . . is of a truth that prophet that should come into toward the pleasant land. And it waxed great, the world.” They were referring to the promise even to the host of heaven; and it cast down some of Deuteronomy 18:15: “The LORD thy God will of the host and of the stars to the ground, and raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of stamped upon them” (vv. 9,10). Therefore, in a thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye symbolic sense, the nation of Israel consisted of shall hearken . . .” The prophet like unto Moses heavens and earth, with the heavens representa- was thus to be from their midst—one from the tive of the ruling authorities and the earth the nation of Israel—hence a prophet that should subjects of the kingdom. come into Israel’s “world”. In process of time, that nation that God had We suggest that whenever John speaks of the taken to be a kingdom of priests and an holy kosmos, both in his Gospel and in his Epistles, he nation proved to be anything but holy. They The Testimony, November 2011 387 ­forsook God and provoked Him to anger with in verse 18 he says, “Little children, it is the last their abominations. The Israelite kosmos was time.” John’s use of the Greek word hora indicates overcome with wickedness, and the cup of iniq- that the phrase should literally be translated “the uity was finally filled to the brim when the Son last hour.” The judgements of God were fast ap- of God was crucified, since men loved darkness proaching, hence the urgency of John’s message. rather than light because their deeds were evil. The Jewish kosmos was almost at an end. Thus it became necessary for God to pronounce His judgements upon that wicked nation; and The beginning of the kosmos it is significant that the judgements that were How does this understanding of the kosmos in to fall on Israel are often described in cosmic John’s Epistle help us to understand what he terms. Joel 2 is a good example: “And I will shew means by “the beginning” in 1:1? The very same wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, kosmos, which was about to pass away, must of and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be necessity have had a beginning. Logic dictates turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, that if it had an end it also began. Just as with before the great and the terrible day of the LORD the literal kosmos, which came into existence come” (vv. 30,31). when God created the heavens and the earth, so Joel is speaking here not of the passing away too with the Jewish order of things. When, then, of the literal heavens and earth; we know that was that beginning? will never happen. Rather, he is speaking about The writer to the Hebrews helps us when, quot- judgements that were to fall upon Israel. The ing from Psalm 102, he says, “And, Thou, Lord, Apostle Peter’s quotation of this prophecy on in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the the day of Pentecost in Acts 2:16-21 confirms earth; and the heavens are the works of Thine this. The Jewish heavens and earth were to be hands: they shall perish; but Thou remainest; consumed by the fire of judgement, as indeed and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and they were when the Romans swept through as a vesture shalt Thou fold them up, and they that nation in A.D. 70 and the commonwealth of shall be changed: but Thou art the same, and Thy Israel was destroyed. Because of the wickedness years shall not fail” (Heb. 1:10-12). This heavens of the Jews in crucifying their Messiah, the day and earth of which the apostle speaks would wax of the Lord came in A.D. 70, when, in the words old and perish. In fact, as the apostle wrote this, of 2 Peter 3:10, “the heavens [passed] away with that day was fast approaching, because later on, a great noise . . . the earth also and all the works in Hebrews 8:13, he says, “Now that which de- that are therein [being] burned up.” cayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” The Lord Jesus Christ also spoke of impending He is clearly speaking of the passing away of the judgement on Israel in similarly cosmic terms: Mosaic dispensation signified by the destruc- “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the tion of the temple in the terrible judgements moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth dis- of A.D. 70. But he tells us in chapter 1 that “in tress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the the beginning” the foundation of the earth had waves roaring; men’s hearts failing them for fear, been laid, and the heavens were the work of His ­ and for looking after those things which are com- hands. ing on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall If the destruction of the heavens and earth be shaken” (Lk. 21:25,26). These words of Jesus spoke of the demise of the Mosaic constitution, are frequently taken out of their natural context the creation of the heavens and earth must relate and applied to the general state of unrest that to its beginning when the nation of Israel was we see in the world today. But Jesus is speaking organised as a kingdom of priests and an holy here about the judgements that were to fall upon nation, and the Mosaic Law was received at Sinai the nation of Israel because of their disobedience; by the disposition of angels. Paul says in Galatians and that judgement fell in A.D. 70 when Jerusalem 3:19 that the Law was “ordained by angels in the was destroyed and the heavens and earth of the hand of a mediator,” and the point that the apostle Mosaic system of things passed away. is making back in Hebrews 1 is that the Mosaic Returning now to John’s First Epistle, it is of dispensation, ordained by angels, was to pass this event that John speaks in 2:17 when he says, away. But Christ’s throne and kingdom is “for “the world passeth away, and the lust thereof.” ever and ever” (v. 8). Therefore Jesus is greater Evidently John must have written this letter very than the angels, and, by implication, better than close to the dreadful events of A.D. 70, because the Law that came by angelic means. 388 The Testimony, November 2011 Taking this idea back into the First Epistle of association in ideas between the Gospel and the John, we are being led to the conclusion that “the Epistle, which the table below illustrates. beginning” to which John refers in 1:1 relates to What does John’s Gospel tell us about “the the creation of Israel’s kosmos, when they were Word of life”?—“And the Word was made flesh, organised as “a kingdom of priests, and an holy and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, nation” (Ex. 19:6), when the Law was given to the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) them by the disposition of angels at Sinai, and full of grace and truth” (Jno. 1:14). The “Word of they entered into the bonds of the covenant. life” is thus connected in thought with the glory of the Father. It was “full of grace and truth.” The grammar of 1 John 1 John is making the point that the glory of God Putting all this on one side for the moment, we was revealed to men in the person of the Lord turn our attention to the grammatical construc- Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh. Whilst it is tion of the introduction to the Epistle, verses 1-3. true that “No man hath seen God at any time,” John’s introductory remarks comprise a rather yet in a most remarkable way the Lord Jesus complex statement, but in its simplest form we Christ showed us what God is like, because “the can summarise John’s introduction thus: “That only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the which was from the beginning . . . concerning Father, he hath declared Him” (v. 18). The Old [RV] the Word of life . . . declare we unto you.” Testament background to John’s observation here This is the basic statement that John is making. He is Exodus 34:6,7, that great declaration of God’s then inserts into this simple statement a number character: “And the LORD passed by before him, of extra clauses that add more detail to what he and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, mer- is saying, thus: ciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant “That which was from the beginning . . . in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thou- which we have heard, which we have seen sands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and with our eyes, which we have looked upon, sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.” and our hands have handled . . . Here—when the glory of God passed before concerning the Word of life . . . Moses, revealing the Almighty’s character—was (for the life was manifested, and we have the Word of life, which was from the beginning. seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto This, then, is what John is referring to when he you that eternal life, which was with the speaks of “the Word of life.” And John had heard, Father, and was manifested unto us;) . . . seen, looked upon and handled that Word of life, that which we have seen and heard declare because it had come to be embodied in the person we unto you.” of the Lord Jesus Christ. John was an eyewitness At this stage we focus on the simplicity of what of this manifestation of God, and his desire was John is saying, because we must now address to show “that eternal life” to his readers who had the question, What is “the Word of life” which not shared this privilege thus far, so that they was “from the beginning”? (We think we know all might have fellowship together, and with the what “the beginning” is.) John’s Gospel will help Father and the Son. us. There is no doubt that there is a very strong (To be continued) John 1 1 John 1 In the beginning That which was from the beginning was the Word of the Word In him was life of life the true light, which lighteth every man God is light the light shineth in darkness no darkness at all And the Word was made flesh . . . and we of the Word of life beheld his glory . . . grace and truth bare witness we have seen it, and bear witness he hath declared Him declare we unto you

The Testimony, November 2011 389 P.S. The importance of ‘as’ ROTHER Dennis Gillett once wrote a series it’s all about. The more we can reconceive our called “Little words, big meanings” which relationships on this higher level, seeing them as Bcaptured a most important point: some- a living parable of something else, the more we times the smallest words can capture the most will be relieved from the ever-present danger of important truths; these little words can be the self-seeking and sullen dissatisfaction. It will give keys to unlock some of Scripture’s ‘Big Passages.’ us a glue, a reason beyond ourselves to hold us One such passage is Ephesians 5, Paul’s ‘recipe’ together through difficult or fallow times. for Christian marriage. Whenever I talk to teens When we think about the power of ‘as,’ about marriage and relationships I try to get therefore, we can find real exhortation and real them to spot the key word which keeps recurring challenge to take our marriage relationships to in that passage between verse 22 and verse 33. a higher level. As for a wife, she is to love her They often come up with ‘love’—obviously a vital husband, submitting and respecting as if he were term. Sometimes they suggest other words. But Christ. Now both the wife and the husband know the one which seems to me the most significant that this is not the case. My wife knows only too has merely two letters. It is the word ‘as’: well all the ways in which I am not like Christ. “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own Yet she is asked to treat me as if I were; in the face husbands, as unto the Lord” (v. 22); of my blatant falling short, she is asked to submit “For the husband is the head of the wife, even and honour my headship. A wife is to do this, as Christ is the head of the church” (v. 23); not for what her husband is, but for what Christ “Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, is. When she does so, she not only honours her so let the wives be to their own husbands” husband, but, much more importantly, honours (v. 24); Christ who is the true head that her husband “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ but typifies. also loved the church, and gave himself for When we turn to husbands, they are to love it” (v. 25); their wives and give to them, well, their every- “So ought men to love their wives as their thing, for this is what Christ gave, even his own own bodies” (v. 28); life for his Bride’s salvation. He is to love his wife “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but as the Lord loved the church and gave himself nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord for it. He is to be that kind of head. Greater love the church” (v. 29); had no man than this, and it is this which is to “Nevertheless let every one of you in particu- be the measure of the husband’s love, cherishing lar so love his wife even as himself” (v. 33). and nurturing his wife and family. There are seven occurrences here in all, and six Both roles, therefore, are incredibly difficult. of them define the relationship of the man and But it is the aspirational nature of this ideal, the his wife in marriage in terms of something else, beauty of what we might strive to achieve in something bigger than either of them: the rela- daily life, which is inspiring. The Scriptures are tionship of Christ and the church. The one is to full of images and parables, and God asks us to be shaped, patterned and defined by the other. build our own. It is an eloquent way of showing It does not exist in its own right or for its own how much we appreciate what God has done for ends; instead it is to be as something else. It is to us in Christ, and the extent of our love for him. find its meaning and its highest goal in terms of Virtually everything Paul says in the Ephesians the marriage of Christ and his bride. 5 passage therefore derives from the analogy. Our In a world which has so much ‘take’ and a lot marriages are not an end in themselves; they are less ‘give,’ this is revolutionary. The idea that my a living parable, a witness, in which we show marriage might not be about me, or even us (my forth from day to day what we believe about our wife and I), but about someone and something Lord—whether it be our reliance on him on the else, is shocking. And yet, by his insistent rep- one hand, or, on the other, our appreciation of etition of this little word ‘as,’ Paul drives home the depth of his love and sacrifice on our behalf. the analogy and the fact that this really is what Mark Vincent 390 The Testimony, November 2011 Testimony Book Exchange Enquiries this month to Brother Paul Hamnett, 3 Maple Close, Doveridge, Ashbourne, DE6 5LU. Tel. 01889 569596; email [email protected]

1 Roberts, R. & Walker, C. C. Ministry 98 Mosheim, J. Ecclesiastical History. 4 vols. of the Prophets: Isaiah. 1907. 1st edn. G. £2 1841. F. £4 2 White, F. Christ in the Tabernacle. 1883. G. £2 99 Tyndale Commentary: Matthew. Edited by Tasker. 1976. PB. VG. 75p 9 Baly, D. Geography of the Bible. 1967. VG. £2 103 Smith, P. Student’s Ancient History. 10 Young, R. Concordance. 1956. F. £2 1871. G. £2 12 Boulton, W. H. Palestine. ND. G. £1.50 107 Milman, H. H. History of the Jews. 15 Keith, A. Evidence of Prophecy. 38th edn. 3 vols. 1883. G. £3 1861. P. £1 108 Milman, H. H. History of Christianity. 21 Ullman, J. Malachi. 1978. PB. £1 3 vols. 1867. G. £3 25 Sulley, H. House of Prayer for all Nations. 118 Buckland, A. Universal Bible Dictionary. 1970. PB. 50p 1939. VG. £2 27 Rosser, W. Titus. 1970. PB. £1 120 Cottrell, L. Life under the Pharaohs. 1955. G. £1 52 Boulton, W. H. Babylon, Assyria, Israel. ND. G. £1.50 124 Fritsch, C. Layman’s Commentary: Genesis. PB. G. 50p 54 Bible, RSV. 1962. F. £1 127 Fuller, J. Harmony of the Gospels. 1890. F. £1 56 Bound Testimony magazines. Vol. 5. 1935. VG. £3 129 Mark. Oxford and Cambridge Commen- tary. Edited by F. Marshall. ND. VG. £1 58 Thayer. Greek Lexicon. ND. PB. £3 130 Phillips, J. B. Four Prophets. 1967. PB. F. 50p 59 Speakers Commentary. Edited by F. C. Cook. 11 vols. ND. VG. £25 133 Paul’s First Letter to Timothy. Commentary. Edited by Rowland. 1887. VG. £2 60 Pulpit Commentary. 44 vols. ND. VG. £20 138 Matthew 1–17. Commentary. Edited by 61 Edwards, B. God’s Outlaw. 1986. PB. £1 Bagot. ND. G. £2 71 Hastings, J. Dictionary of the Bible. 139 Smith, W. M. Bible Dictionary. 3 vols. 5 vols. Leather. ND. G. £8 Bound in Leather. 1863. G. £9 72 Clarke, Adam. Commentary. 6 vols. 143 Cruden, A. Concordance. Pocket edition. ND. Re-backed but sound. £6 1956. VG. £1 73 Hastings, J. Dictionary of Gospels. 2 vols. Leather. ND. VG. £4 Unless stated, books are hardback with postage extra. No reply means book(s) already sold. No 74 Bound Christadelphian magazine. 1891. G. £3 endorsement is made of the content of any book for sale. Prompt payment on receipt of books, 75 Bound Christadelphian magazine. 1902. G. £3 please. For overseas orders, payment in advance 76 Bound Christadelphian magazine. 1903. G. £3 may be required. 77 Bound Christadelphian magazine. 1904. G. £3 Key: PB, Paperback; VG, Very Good; G, Good; F, 78 Bound Christadelphian magazine. 1905. G. £3 Fair; ND, Not Dated, or date not known.

The Testimony, November 2011 391 SUBSCRIPTION DETAILS for 2012 Subscriptions Secretary: SOUTH AFRICA Mrs Thelma Marshall, The Pines, Ling Please apply for rates and method of Common Road, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn, payment to Anthony Oosthuizen, Calssa, Norfolk PE31 6AE. Tel. 01553 631279 PO Box 50357, Musgrave Road, Durban 4062. email: [email protected]. Tel./Fax (031) 201 5243 email: [email protected] Subscriptions are obtainable from our website, www.testimony-magazine.org, through the USA agents listed below, or from the Subscriptions Surface mail subscription or e-magazine Secretary, to whom all correspondence US $44 (Student rate $27; Airmail $58). relating to the issue of the magazine (including Mrs Celia Coleman, 22450 Schoenborn change of address) should be addressed. Street, West Hills, CA 91304-3318. Tel. (818) 596 0905 email: [email protected] Prices and Agents Remittances payable to CELIA COLEMAN UNITED KINGDOM £24 for a regular annual subscription or EUROPE AND ALL OTHER e-magazine. COUNTRIES Student rate (25 yrs or under): £12. Surface mail subscription or e-magazine Apply to: Subscriptions Secretary (see above) £28 Sterling (Student rate £16; Airmail £38). Remittances payable to Apply to Subscriptions Secretary (see above). TESTIMONY MAGAZINE Remittances payable to TESTIMONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA Surface mail subscription or e-magazine Aus$50 (Student rate $30; Airmail $80). Trial Subscriptions Douglas Bailey, 33 Margaret Street, A free three-month trial subscription may be Port Augusta, SA 5700. obtained from the Subscriptions Secretary. Tel./Fax (08) 8641 3212 Mobile 0439 990 413 Complaints/Queries email: [email protected] Please address any complaints or queries Remittances payable to D. BAILEY to the Subscriptions Secretary, who will be pleased to investigate and arrange for CANADA replacement of faulty or missing copies. Surface mail subscription or e-magazine Can$46 (Student rate $29; Airmail $67). Back Copies Mrs Linda Fairhurst, 76 Royal Road NW, Back copies are available for nearly all Calgary, AB, T3G 5G9. months over the last sixty years. Please Tel. (403) 375-0955; email: [email protected] apply to the Subscriptions Secretary. Remittances payable to MRS L. FAIRHURST NEW ZEALAND Binders Surface mail subscription or e-magazine These hold two years’ magazines, and cost NZ $60 (Student rate $36; Airmail $93). £4.25 + postage. Apply to the Subscriptions Philip Walker, “Christadelphians”, Secretary. PO Box 458, Palmerston North 4440. Tel. (6) 354 0396; Fax (6) 354 0395 Other Publications email: [email protected] For a list of previous years’ Special Issues Remittances payable to available, please apply to the Subscriptions TESTIMONY MAGAZINE Secretary, to whom all orders should be sent. Published on behalf of The Testimony Committee (Christadelphian) by Eric Marshall, The Pines, Ling Common Road, Castle Rising, King’s Lynn, PE31 6AE, UK • Printed by Reflex Litho Ltd., Thetford, Norfolk. Registered Charity No. 225908. 392 The Testimony, November 2011 Scenes of Syria 13. Temple of Baal, Ugarit

TESTIMONY I wonder how many Christadelphians could say that they’ve been inside a temple of Baal! There would be no cause for concern, however, as the temple in question fell into disrepair long ago. It’s found at the ancient city of Ugarit, originally right on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, but now a mile or so inland following changes to the shoreline. A short distance to the north of the city lies Mount Aqraa, the reputed home of the weather god Baal, whose own temple is next door to Dagon’s.

For centuries the location of Ugarit was forgotten, until in 1928 a local farmer, ploughing his field, un- expectedly unearthed an underground chamber. Subsequent excavations discovered the remains of a cosmopolitan port city which had clearly en- joyed lively trading relations with its neighbours in the Middle East, including (remarkably) a line in exporting grain to Egypt—generally regarded as the ‘bread basket’ of the Mediterranean world. Ugarit civilisation flourished between about 1450 and 1200 B.C., roughly contemporary with Israel’s exodus from Egypt and the time of the judges. The world’s oldest written alphabet (with thirty letters) was found here, a tiny example of which is proudly on display in the Damascus museum.

For the Bible reader, there seem to be a number of

connections between Ugarit and the Philistines— Pictures: Jeremy Thomas not least the temple of Dagon mentioned above. Among the thousands of clay tablets from Ugarit is a letter from its last king, evidently concerned for the safety of this throne as he mentions the recent arrival of seven ships of the ‘Sea Peoples,’ Murex shells a confederation with whom the Philistines are sometimes linked. Scripturally the Philistines origi- nated in Caphtor (Jer. 47:4; Amos 9:7), possibly Crete or Cyprus, and it is not difficult to imagine Ugarit falling to an invasion by such seafaring nations.

Another Biblical connection in Ugarit was the exist- ence here of an industry using purple murex dye, some of which decorates the walls of the royal palace (just visible in the bottom photograph). It is from this precious substance that the “purple” of the tabernacle was most probably manufac-

Photographs of Temple Photographs of of Temple Baal: Jeremy Thomas; Murex shells: © Bigstockphoto.com tured.—Jeremy Thomas XVIII TESTIMONY BOOKS For the Study and Defence of the Holy Scripture. Edward Whittaker. A glance through the list of the 130 or more articles that Brother Edward Whittaker wrote for the Testimony magazine over the years will show quite clearly that his writings are of major importance to Bible students and lovers of the Truth. It is because of this that the Promoting Committee commissioned this selection of articles in 1987, in the conviction that the Brotherhood will benefit by having readily available in book form some of the best writing produced by one of our community’s most able expositors. £5.00.

Testimony Handbook of Bible Principles. 197 pages. £5.50. Moses: Earth’s Meekest Man. 172 pages. £5.50. The Pen of a Ready Writer. 272 pages. £6.99. Which Translation? 124 pages. £3.50. Man and Woman. 122 pages. £3.80. God’s Purpose with Israel. 112 pages. £3.80. ‘Spirit’ in the New Testament. 185 pages. £4.00. Creation, Evolution and Science. 140 pages. £3.80. The Exodus – A Commentary on Exodus 1–15. 237 pages. £5.99.

All post-free in the UK and available from the Subscriptions Secretary (see last page of magazine). Please make cheques payable to Testimony Magazine. Overseas orders: please send no money. Await invoice and payment instructions. Additional postage will be charged for overseas. www.testimony-magazine.org