DOCSLIB.ORG

April 17Th 2Cor. 12.1-10 2

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
April 17Th 2Cor. 12.1-10 2 Crossroads Women’s Bible Study Winter/Spring 2020 2 Corinthians “All Things Become New” 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 – The Good, the Bad, and the Beautiful Instructor: Maryellen Stipe I. Introduction – Paul’s Last Words to the Corinthians in His Own Defense A. Paul was restrained in writing about his personal experiences, but we see him share some rarely shared details in this chapter. Our only verdict must be that there was no other way to solve the problem of the false “super apostles.” He finishes off his letter by explaining a very deep and profound theology of suffering in order to defend himself and bring enlightenment to the Corinthians. B. It is evident that he wants to avoid exalting himself. In fact, in his first example, Paul describes his experience in the third person rather than the first person. This was an often-used teaching method of the Jewish rabbis of the time and Paul utilizes it skillfully. C. Paul defends himself once more against the malevolent accusation of his enemies. He shares three important experiences from God that became a part of his legacy and reveals some incredible truths about how God works in lives of his children. II. How God Honored Paul – The Good (12:1-6) It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord: 2 I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— 4 how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities. 6 For though I might desire to boast, I will not be a fool; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, lest anyone should think of me above what he sees me to be or hears from me. A. The Judaizers were anxious to receive honors, and they boasted about their “letters of recommendation” (2 Cor. 3:1). These “super apostles” among the Corinthian Christians undoubtedly claimed many spectacular spiritual experiences, such as visions and revelations of the Lord. B. Paul has “reluctantly boasted” since the last chapter, but now he will put on display a report of his own regarding visions and revelations of the Lord. C. Paul’s reluctance is expressed in the opening words of this chapter: It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. 1 D. Paul did not look for honor from men; he let God honor him, and that was all that mattered to him. Paul explains how God honored him by giving him visions and revelations. This was part an important part of Paul’s spiritual gifting “Paul saw the glorified Christ on the very day he was converted (Acts 9:3; 22:6). He saw a vision of Ananias coming to minister to him (Acts 9:12), and he also had a vision from God when he was called to minister to the Gentiles (Acts 22:17). During his ministry, he had visions from God to guide him and encourage him. It was by a vision that he was called to Macedonia (Acts 16:9). When the ministry was difficult in Corinth, God encouraged Paul by a vision (Acts 18:9). After his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul was encouraged by a vision from God (Acts 23:11). An angel appeared to him on a ship in the midst of the storm and assured him that he and the passengers would be saved (Acts 27:23). Along with these special visions that related to his call and ministry, spiritual revelations of divine truth were also communicated to Paul (see Eph. 3:1–6).” (from Wiersbe) E. Visions and revelation: Whether they concerned angels, Jesus, heaven, or other things, these things are more common in the New Testament than we think. “Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, had a vision of an angel (Luke 1:8-23). Jesus’ transfiguration is described as a vision for the disciples (Matthew 17:9). The women who came to visit Jesus’ tomb had a vision of angels (Luke 24:22-24). Stephen saw a vision of Jesus at his death (Acts 7:55-56). Ananias experienced a vision telling him to go to Saul (Acts 9:10). Peter had a vision of the clean and unclean animals (Acts 10:17-19 and 11:5). Peter had a vision of an angel at his release from prison (Acts 12:9). John had many visions on Patmos (Revelation 1:1).” (from Guzig) “We should not be surprised if God should speak to us through some type of visions and revelations of the Lord. But we do understand that such experiences are subjective and prone to misunderstanding and misapplication. In addition, whatever real benefits there are to visions and revelations of the Lord, they are almost always limited to the person who receives the visions and revelations. We should be rather cautious when someone reports a vision or revelation, they have regarding us” Guzig F. I know a man in Christ: Paul describes this experience in the third person instead of the first person (he didn’t say, “I myself had this experience”). 1. Why does he use the third person at all? Because Paul, in describing this remarkable spiritual experience, is describing just the kind of thing that the “super apostles” among the Corinthian Christians would glory in. 2. Paul walks very carefully in regard sharing his visions and revelations. Paul does everything he can to relate this experience without bringing glory to himself. 3. Paul’s spiritual experience had taken place 14 years before the writing of this letter, which would place the experience in about the year AD 43. There is no record of the details of this event, anywhere else in Scripture and it is probably useless to speculate where and when this took place. The 2 important thing to notice is that Paul kept quiet about this for fourteen years, and now he mentions it reluctantly. G. Whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows: Paul doesn’t really know if he was in the body or out of the body during this vision. It seems that in his mind, either one was possible. H. Such a one was caught up to the third heaven: The third heaven doesn’t suggest different “levels” of heaven Instead, Paul is using terminology common in that day, which referred to the “blue sky” as the first heaven, the “starry sky” as the second heaven, and the place where God lived and reigned as the third heaven. Guzig Paul affirmed here the reality of heaven and the ability of God to take people there. The third heaven is the same as “paradise,” the heaven of heavens where God dwells in glory. Wiersbe I. And heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter: describing this heavenly vision, Paul doesn’t relate anything he saw, only a description of what he heard. When we think of this, we realize how different Paul is from most of those who describe their so-called “visions” of heaven today. There is nothing self-glorying, self- aggrandizing, or foolish in the description of his experience. Paul waited 14 years to say anything about the incident, and when he finally did he said it reluctantly. He did everything he could in relating the story to take the focus off himself (such as writing in the third person). He doesn’t bother at all with breathless descriptions of what he actually experienced. Instead, he says nothing of what he saw, and says only that he heard things not lawful for a man to utter. Guzig J. What did Paul hear? They were inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. God didn’t want us to know, so He didn’t give Paul permission to speak. H. Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, except in my infirmities: Paul tells us that the “nameless” man who had the vision really had something to boast about. But “Paul himself” really could only boast in his infirmities. Paul kept quiet about this experience for fourteen years! During those years, he was buffeted by his “thorn in the flesh,” and perhaps people wondered why he had such a burdensome affliction. The Judaizers may have adopted the views of Job’s comforters and said, “This affliction is a punishment from God…Paul had exercised great spiritual discipline during those fourteen years, for he had told this experience to no one. There is no doubt that this vision of God’s glory was one of the sustaining powers in Paul’s life and ministry. No matter where he was—in prison, in the deep, in dangerous travels—he knew that God was with him and that all was well.” Wiersbe Why was Paul given this vision? First, he was given it for you and me so that we would benefit from what the Lord showed Paul. Secondly, he was given it because what God 3 told him through this vision sustained him through all the trials of ministry and enabled Paul to give everything God wanted him to give to all generations.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Studies in the Book of 2 Corinthians PART FOUR: Weeks 24-31 Group Applications Personal Study Week 24 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (ESV)
    Weak is STRONG Studies in the book of 2 Corinthians PART FOUR: Weeks 24-31 Group Applications Personal Study Week 24 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 (ESV) , Paul, myself entreat you, by the walk in the flesh, we are not waging war meekness and gentleness of Christ—I according to the flesh. 4 For the weapons who am humble when face to face with of our warfare are not of the flesh but have Iyou, but bold toward you when I am divine power to destroy strongholds. 5 We away!— 2 I beg of you that when I am destroy arguments and every lofty opinion present I may not have to show boldness raised against the knowledge of God, and with such confidence as I count on showing take every thought captive to obey Christ, 6 against some who suspect us of walking being ready to punish every disobedience, according to the flesh. 3 For though we when your obedience is complete. beyond what is necessary—only inasmuch Context as it pushes them towards holiness and love for each other. • 10:1 When Paul speaks of the meekness and gentleness of Christ, he is pointing to • 10:3 Paul does a little wordplay here— the way in which Christ walked humbly he is apparently being accused by false before men with kindness and compassion teachers in Corinth of “walking in the despite his incredible power and wisdom. flesh” or living by his worldly lusts and Meekness is not weakness, but rather passions. He takes this accusation and power under control.
    [Show full text]
  • Philippians 4 1
    Ted Kirnabuer Philippians 4 1 Philippians 4 Stand firm 4:1 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! Since believers belong to the “state” of heaven (3:20), and due to the fact that Christ is coming and we will receive glorified bodies (3:21), we should stand firm. In great affection Paul says that the church in Philippi is his source of joy. They are also his crown. The crown Paul is speaking of was a laurel wreath worn on the head or a garland placed on the shoulders of the winner of a race in a Roman sporting event. The church is Paul’s crown even now. They are a demonstration that Paul had not run in vain. In the face of opposition to the gospel, Paul encourages them to stay steadfast as a soldier would in battle and to resist the onslaught of the enemy. Be united 4:2-3 4:2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Even though Paul had reason to rejoice, his joy is mixed with concern over two women in the church – Euodia and Syntyche. Both were Christians, for Paul says that their names were written in the book of life.
    [Show full text]
  • PAUL's BOASTING – THORN in the FLESH Mr. Arigala Jessie Smiles
    INTERNATIONALJOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARYEDUCATIONALRESEARCH ISSN:2277-7881; IMPACT FACTOR :6.514(2020); IC VALUE:5.16; ISI VALUE:2.286 www.ijmer.in Peer Reviewed and Refereed Journal:VOLUME:9, ISSUE:12(6), December:2020 BIBLICAL EXPOSITION ON 2 CORINTHIANS 12:6–7: PAUL’S BOASTING – THORN IN THE FLESH Mr. Arigala Jessie Smiles Research Scholar, COACH Institute of Intercultural Studies Abstract: St Paul, the most inspiring Christian missionary of all time, in 2 Corinthians 12:4-10 indirectly and very apologetically, refers to his experience of having been taken to Third Heaven, the abode of the God. He mentions his heavenly experience as having occurred to a man of Christ fourteen years ago, even though most theologians believe that it was his own personal experience. He was compelled to refer to this most euphoric occurrence, given the challenges he was facing from his opponents in the Corinth Church, who were challenging his apostleship and his message in a negative sense. He mentions this very reluctantly and with certain awkwardness, in order to defend his apostleship, his message and to protect the Church of Corinth from being misled. He immediately adds that there is nothing to be gained from it. He also immediately overcomes this medium boast by more gladly boasting about his infirmities i.e “Thorn in the flesh” that God gave him to control him from being conceited. This glorying in his infirmities was considered as his greater boast. There are several assumptions / theories, as to what his “Thorn in the Flesh” could be and who that messenger of Satan could be.
    [Show full text]
  • 2019 Teaching Application
    TEACHING APPLICATION Thank you for your interest in the ministry of Grace Academy. You are invited to fill out this initial application and return it to the school office. Upon qualification, we will request that you have your placement file forwarded to our office and a personal interview will be arranged. The key to a successful Christian school is its staff. We are grateful for those who are professionally qualified, who love and know children and who, by the pattern of their lives, exemplify Christ. Grace Academy is committed to integrity and excellence in Christian education; working in partnership with parents to equip children who will impact a changing world. It is our prayer that God fulfills His perfect will in the lives of all applicants. Grace Academy does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, gender, marital status, or disability. Application date: ________/________/ _______ Home Phone Number ( ) ______-________ Position desired: _________________________ Cell Phone Number ( ) _____-__________ Full time____________ Part time____________ Email Address: ________________________ Date available: ________/________/ _________ Name ________________________________________________________________________ Last First Middle Current Address ________________________________ ________________________________ Street City State Zip CHRISTIAN BACKGROUND A. On a separate sheet of paper write out your Christian testimony and baptism experience. B. Please read the attached Statement of Faith and indicate below your degree of support. ____ I fully support the Statement as written without reservations. Signature _____________________________________________________________________ ____ I support the Statement except for the area(s) listed and explained on a separate paper. The exceptions represent either disagreements or items for which I have not yet formed an opinion for conviction.
    [Show full text]
  • 2 Corinthians 12:9 Commentary
    2 Corinthians 12:9 Commentary PREVIOUS NEXT 2 CORINTHIANS - PAUL'S MINISTRY IN THE LIGHT OF THE INDESCRIBABLE GIFT Click chart to enlarge Charts from Jensen's Survey of the NT - used by permission Another Chart from Charles Swindoll A Third Chart Overview of Second Corinthians 2Co 1:1-7:16 2Co 8:1-9:15 2Co 10:1-12:21 Character Collection Credentials of Paul for the Saints of Paul Testimonial & Didactic Practical Apologetic Past: Present: Future: Misunderstanding & Explanation Practical Project Anxieties Apostle's Solicitation for Judean Apostle's Vindication Apostle's Conciliation, Ministry & Exhortations Saints of Himself Forgiveness, Reconciliation Confidence Vindication Gratitude Ephesus to Macedonia: To Corinth: Macedonia: Preparation for Change of Itinerary Certainty and Imminence Visit to Corinth Explained of the Visit 2Co 1:1-7:16 2Co 8:1-9:15 2Co 10:1-12:21 2Corinthians written ~ 56-57AD - see Chronological Table of Paul's Life and Ministry Adapted & modified from Jensen's Survey of the New Testament (Highly Recommended Resource) & Wilkinson's Talk Thru the Bible INTRODUCTIONS TO SECOND CORINTHIANS: IRVING JENSEN - Introduction and study tips - excellent preliminary resource - scroll to page 1877 (Notes on both 1-2 Cor begin on p 1829) JOHN MACARTHUR 2 Corinthians Introduction - same as in the Study Bible JAMES VAN DINE 2 Corinthians - Author, Purpose, Outline, Argument CHARLES SWINDOLL - 2 Corinthians Overview MARK SEIFRID - The Message of Second Corinthians: 2 Corinthians as the Legitimation of the Apostle J VERNON MCGEE - 2 Corinthians Introduction DAN WALLACE - 2 Corinthians: Introduction, Argument, and Outline DAVID MALICK - An Introduction To Second Corinthians 2 Corinthians 12:9 And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.
    [Show full text]
  • PHILLIPPIANS – Study Guide – English Know Jesus More
    PHILLIPPIANS – Study Guide – English Know Jesus more intimately through experiencing? His power that is faithfully working in me (Phil. 1:6) His joy, even in the midst of suffering (Phil. 1:18-20) His humility that puts others first (Phil. 2:3-8) His all-surpassing worth and lordship over everything in my life (Phil. 3:7-8) His call to forget the past and press upward, closer to Him (Phil. 3:13-14) His peace that guards my heart and mind as I pray and let go of my anxiety (Phil. 4:6-7) His truth as I encounter what the world puts in my mind (Phil. 4:8) His contentment in the midst of uncertain situations (Phil. 4:11) His strength in me to do all things-anything and everything that comes my way (Phil. 4:13) His provision to meet all my needs (Phil. 4:19) 1 BIBLE STUDY GUIDE – Philippians 1 SESSION I DAY ONE – Scripture to be studied today: Acts 16 1. For the story of the Church in Philippi, read Acts 16. The church Paul established there was the first church in mainland Europe. Read Acts 16. a. How is Philippi described in Acts 16:12? b. In Acts 16 three people were affected by Paul and his ministry. Name each one and give a brief description of what happened in their lives. c. How do Paul and Silas’ actions in prison (Acts 16:25) exemplify the filling of the Spirit as described in Ephesians 5:18-20? 2. Because of the use of the first person “we” in Acts 16:10-12, it would appear that Luke, the writer of Acts, joined Paul when he went into Macedonia.
    [Show full text]
  • PRAISE Before My BREAKTHROUGH the Power of Your Story
    PRAISE before my BREAKTHROUGH The Power of Your Story John 4:39 “Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything I ever did” JOURNEY with my HEALTH Book: Prison to Praise 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. We see the strength of God in the middle of our brokenness. We witness the strength of God in the middle of our helplessness! POWER of Worship POWER of Thankfulness Always WALK in THANKSGIVING and PRAISE There is nothing like bringing songs of JOY when the enemy feels like he has you in a corner, when we come back with songs of FAITH, songs about the goodness of God!! That is WARFARE!! That is FAITH When we worship, we lift our eyes of the TEMPORAL and focus them on the authority we have in the name of JESUS. Worship will always lead you from FEAR to LOVE and entering in will always require faith. From IMPOSSIBLE to the POSSIBLE PRAISE before my BREAKTHROUGH PRAISE, is about what God has done before and about what He has yet to do. We’re not always living in it, quite yet but what we do with the space in between. The waiting period. WE WORSHIP, WE PRAISE! Battle of Jericho Paul and Silas King Jehoshaphat Defeats Moab and Ammon 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV) Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
    [Show full text]
  • New Testament Letters Biblical Commands
    © 2013 Rev. Paul R. Schmidtbleicher, Th.M. Philippians Commands Page 1 New Testament Letters Biblical Commands Commands from Philippians 1. Philippians 1:27 The gift of eternal salvation demands that the believer conduct a lifestyle that is worthy and proper as a child of God. Phil 1:27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, (NKJ) Salvation is the beginning point of the Christian Life where the Lord accepts us in the state He finds us, poor, sinful, and wretched. He expects us (commands us) to start with that salvation foundation and build the new man, one fashioned after the example of the Lord Himself as we "walk in Him." 2. Philippians 2:2 The believer is to fulfill both the mind of Christ and the mind of Apostle Paul in not being self-centered, but placing others above self. Phil 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (NKJ) In context, the like mindedness that is in view is that of love and care of one another that esteems others above self. A secondary position is taken allowing the Lord to promote according to His Will, His pleasure, and His timing. This is what would bring joy to Paul as it speaks to a Christian maturity he is seeking in all under his ministry.
    [Show full text]
  • Brad H. Young, "The Ascension Motif of 2 Corinthians 12 in Jewish, Christian and Gnostic Texts
    Grace Theological lournal 9. 1 ( 1988) 73- 103 THE ASCENSION MOTIF OF 2 CORINTHIANS 12 IN JEWISH, CHRISTIAN AND GNOSTIC TEXTS BRAD H. YOUNG The heavenly ascent motif is common in religious documents of late antiquity. A preoccupation with the similarities between these accounts leads some to overlook the equally important differences. Care should be taken, however, to distinguish between mystical eso­ tericism and extraordinary religious encounter. Earlier Jewish traditions provide the proper context for under­ standing Paul's visions and revelations; certain Gnostic texts evidence yet another distinct stage of development in the ascension motif. But thematic parallels do not warrant the assumption that various reli­ gious traditions are basically identical in origins. And parallels should not lead to indiscriminate grouping of essentially unrelated texts. * * * HE motif of the ascension through the celestial spheres provides T many insights into the religious thought of various traditions and sects in late antiquity. Here the primary texts for examination are: Paul's experience in 2 Cor 12: I - 10, selected rabbinic narratives, the Ascension of Isaiah and the Nag Hammadi Apocalypse of Paul. Before turning to the textual examination, a few preliminary observa­ tions must be made in view of the great methodological problems presented by this theme. At the outset, it must be noted that the ascension motif is not uniquely Jewish or distinctively Gnostic. Neither does Paul's description in 2 Corinthians make it an exclu­ sively Christian motif. In fact, the heavenly ascent is very widespread and appears in many religious contexts. In some of the ascent des­ criptions, it is difficult to determine if a literal heavenly journey is taking place or if a vision is being described.
    [Show full text]
  • Paul's Thorn in the Flesh (Pdf)
    Paul's Thorn In The Flesh By Andrew Wommack "And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there as given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." (2 Cor. 12:7-10) This thorn in the flesh that Paul mentioned has been used and misused by Christians to justify submitting to nearly any problem that comes along. Satan has twisted this passage of Scripture to deceive many, many people into believing that God would not heal Paul, so how can they expect to be healed? Let us examine this closely and find out exactly what Paul's thorn in the flesh was. First of all, this "thorn" came because of the abundance of revelations Paul had received. Until a person has an abundance of revelations, similar to what Paul had, he is not going to have a "thorn." That would disqualify just about all of those who have been hiding behind Paul's thorn. Then, verse 7 says it came lest Paul should be exalted above measure.
    [Show full text]
  • Paul's Revelation1
    PAUL’S REVELATION1 October 27, 2019 19th Sunday after Pentecost Revision E Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:31-12:9 Today’s Epistle is used in the West either on the 9th Sunday after Pentecost or two Sundays before Lent. In the Orthodox lectionary, today’s Epistle lesson is also used for the Feast Day of Peter and Paul on June 29. The lesson focuses on some of the visions and revelations that the Apostle Paul experienced. These visions were great revelations, but Paul had kept silent about them for 14 years (2 Corinthians 12:2). Since 2 Corinthians was written in 55 AD, this places the time of the revelations in 41 AD, which would be about 7 years after Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. Thus, the visions occurred while Paul was in Tarsus (Acts 9:29-30) and about 4 years before Barnabas brought him to Antioch to help out with the church there (Acts 11:25-26). For more details of this and for a history of the early life of Paul, see the Epistle lesson for the 20th Sunday of Pentecost. Table of Contents Epistle: 2 Corinthians 11:31-12:9 ...................................................................................................................... 1163 The Third Heaven ......................................................................................................................................... 1164 Inexpressible Words, Not Lawful to Utter ............................................................................................... 1165 Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh .............................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Thorn in the Flesh by CHARLES C. SMITH, JR., MD Presented
    The Thorn in the Flesh BY CHARLES C. SMITH, JR., MD Presented January 10, 1989 to The Innominate Society for The Study of Medical History Pendennis Club Louisville, KY The Thorn in the Flesh “Wheresoever I open St. Paul’s Epistles, I meet not words but thunder, and universal thunder, thunder that passes through all the world.” J. Doone “It is frankly disappointing to see how Paul hardly ever allows the real Jesus of the Nazareth to get a word in.” C.G. Jung “In the autumn of the year of the city 815 (which would be 62 A.D., in our way of counting time) Aesculapius Cultellus, a Roman physician, wrote to his nephew who was with the army in Syria as follows: My dear Nephew, A few days ago I was called in to prescribe for a sick man named Paul. He appeared to be a Roman citizen of Jewish parentage, well educated and of agreeable manners. I had been told that he was here in connection with a law-suit, an appeal from one of our provincial courts, Caesarea or some such place in the eastern Mediterranean. He had been described to me as a “wild and violent” fellow who had been making speeches against the People and against the law. I found him very intelligent and of great honesty. A friend of mine who used to be with the army in Asia Minor tells me that he heard something about him in Ephesus where he was preaching sermons about a strange new God. I asked my patient if this were true and whether he had told the people to rebel against the will of our beloved Emperor.
    [Show full text]