The Word Of God Is The Mouth Of God

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Notes For Verse 4
a [It is written ...] First words of Christ since His anointing.

There were at least two sets of three temptations: the first three in Lk. 4:1-13, after which Satan left Christ "for a season"; the last three in Mt. 4:1-11, after which Satan was dismissed by Christ, never to present like temptations again.

b [Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God] Quoted from Dt. 8:3.

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Jesus quoted from Deuteronomy 8:3.
Food is essential to life. So is the Word of God.

Those who don’t feed on God’s Word cannot be spiritually healthy Luke 4:4.

Jesus answered every temptation with
“It is written,” showing His knowledge of God’s written Word.

This is remarkable, since He didn’t have a personal copy of Scripture, but Jesus was the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Notes For Verse 12

a [word of God] The Scriptures. See Twenty-one Names of the Bible.

b [quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword]

Seven Facts about the Word of God

1. Quick. Greek: zao (GSN-<G2198>), to live; to be full of vigor; be strong; powerful; active. Translated "quick" (Heb. 4:12; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:1; 1Pet. 4:5); "lively" (Acts 7:38; 1Pet. 1:3; 2:5; and "to live" and "be alive" 112 Times. Not the same as zoe (GSN-<G2222>), living (Rev. 4:6, note)

2. Powerful. Greek: energes (GSN-<G1756>). Also translated "effectual" (1Cor. 16:9; Phm. 1:6)

3. Sharper than any two-edged sword

4. Piercing even to divide asunder of soul and spirit

5. Dividing the joints and marrow

6. Discerning the thoughts

7. Discerning the intents of the heart

c [twoedged] Greek: distomos (GSN-<G1366>). Here; Rev. 1:16; 2:12.

d [sword] Greek: machaira (GSN-<G3162>), sword, 29 times (Heb. 4:12; 11:34,37; Eph. 6:17; Mt. 10:34; 26:47-55; Mk. 14:43-48; Lk. 21:24; 22:36-52; Jn. 18:10-11; Acts 12:2; 16:27; Rom. 8:35; 13:4; Rev. 6:4; 13:10,14).

Twelve Symbols of the Word of God

1. A hammer to convict (Jer. 23:29)

2. A fire to refine (Jer. 23:29)

3. A mirror to reflect (Jas. 1:23)

4. Seed to multiply (1Pet. 1:23)

5. A laver to cleanse (Eph. 5:26)

6. A lamp to guide (Ps. 119:105)

7. Rain and snow to refresh (Isa. 55:10)

8. A sword to cut (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17)

9. A bow for revenge (Hab. 3:9)

10. Gold to enrich (Ps. 19:7-10)

11. Power to create faith (Rom. 10:17) and eternal life (1Pet. 1:23)

12. Food to nourish:

(1) Milk for babes (1Pet. 2:2)

(2) Bread for the hungry (Mt. 4:4)

(3) Meat for people (Heb. 5:11-14)

(4) Honey for dessert (Ps. 19:10)

e [dividing asunder of soul and spirit] Piercing through the body and laying open the innermost recesses of the soul (feelings, passions, desires, appetites) and mind (thoughts and intents of the innermost being).

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Hebrews 4:11 speaks of laboring to enter into this rest. Here, the writer spoke about the Word because laboring in the Word is one of the greatest things we can do to enter into that rest (1 Timothy 5:17).

The word “quick” means alive or living. The Greek word ENERGES, from which “powerful” was translated, means “active, operative” (Strong’s Concordance). The New International Version translated this as “For the word of God is living and active.”

The Strong’s Concordance definition for TOMOTEROS, from which “sharper” was translated, says, “comparative of a derivative of the primary temno (to cut; more comprehensive or decisive than 2875, as if by a single stroke; whereas that implies repeated blows, like hacking); more keen.” This word is stressing the ability of God’s Word to cut through the hardest heart in a single stroke.

Only the extreme sharpness of God’s Word can separate between soul and spirit. The soul and spirit compose the heart (see my note 3 at Matthew 12:34), and they function as one. Only under the intense scrutiny of the Word of God can we distinguish between them.

The relationship between soul and spirit is like the relationship between joints and marrow. The marrow of the bone is where blood (the life-giving force) is produced. But all the bones of the body are joined together by joints. Without joints, the body would not be able to function the way it does.

Likewise, our born-again spirits are the life-giving part of us. But our spirits are connected to our bodies by our souls. The life that is in our born-again spirits cannot reach our bodies except through our souls. Therefore, the renewing of our minds is essential to release the life that is in our spirits (Romans 12:2).

This isn’t a promise that God’s Word will always accomplish good results.

There are promises of judgment too.

This is simply saying that God’s Word always works.

For those who receive it, God’s Word will work blessings.

For those who reject it, God’s Word will work curses Deuteronomy 28:15.

Notes For Verse 10

a [For as the rain cometh down ...] The 69th prophecy in Isaiah (Isa. 55:10-13, unfulfilled). Next, Isa. 56:1.

The 69th Prophecy in Isaiah

Eight Predictions -- Unfulfilled:

1. My Word will not return unto Me void; it will accomplish what it is designed to do (Isa. 55:11).

2. You will go out with joy (Isa. 55:12).

3. You will be led forth with peace.

4. Mountains and hills will break forth into singing before you.

5. All the trees of the field will clap their hands.

6. Instead of the thorn the fir tree will grow (Isa. 55:13).

7. Instead of the brier the myrtle tree will come up.

8. These will be eternal things, a sign to glorify Jehovah.

b [returneth not thither, but watereth the earth] That is, the rain and snow do not return in this form; in other forms the moisture returns and then falls again as rain and snow (Ps. 135:7; Jer. 10:13; 51:16).

Notes For Verse 11

a [So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it]

The Word of God

The Word of God, like rain and snow that water the earth and cause it to produce fruit, will be sown in the hearts of men and produce fruit in the moral world (Isa. 55:11; Dt. 32:2). As the rain and snow fall on various kinds of ground, so does the Word of God (Mt. 13:3-8,20-23). Like rain and snow, it will accomplish its best good in the eternal reign of the Messiah, when the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth (Isa. 11:9). Thus, the final fulfillment of this scripture will be in the future; there is only a partial fulfillment at present in the preaching of the gospel.

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Notes For Verse 16

a [All scripture] ALL, not a part of Scripture.

b [scripture]

Twenty-one Names of the Bible

1. The Scripture (Mk. 15:28; Jn. 7:38)

2. The Scriptures (Lk. 24:27; Jn. 5:39)

3. The Promises (Rom. 9:4-5; 15:8)

4. The Oracles of God (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12; 1Pet. 4:11)

5. The Lively Oracles (Acts 7:38)

6. The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms (Lk. 24:25,44)

7. The Law of the Lord (Ps. 1:2)

8. The Law and the Prophets (Mt. 5:17; 11:13; Acts 13:15)

9. The Book of the Lord (Isa. 34:16)

10. The Word of God (Mk. 7:13; Rom. 10:17)

11. The Sword of the Spirit (Eph. 6:17)

12. The Old and New Testament (2Cor. 3:6-15)

13. The First and Second Covenant (Heb. 8:7)

14. The Word of Christ (Col. 3:16)

15. The Word of Life (Php. 2:16)

16. The Scripture of Truth (Dan. 10:21)

17. The Word of Truth (2Tim. 2:15)

18. The gospel of Christ (Rom. 1:16)

19. The Word of Faith (Rom. 10:8)

20. The Word of the Lord (2Th. 3:1)

21. The Word of Righteousness (Heb. 5:13)

c [given by inspiration of God]

Nine Ways the Bible Was Given

1. Audible voice of God (Ex. 19:19; Dt. 5; Mt. 3:16-17; Jn. 12:28)

2. Angels (Acts 7:38; Heb. 2:2)

3. Prophets (Acts 3:21; Heb. 1:1)

4. Jesus Christ (Heb. 1:1; Rev. 1)

5. Apostles (Acts 1:2; Eph. 4)

6. Visions (Isa. 6; Dan. 7-8; Ezek. 1)

7. Dreams (Dan. 2; Mt. 1:20; 2:12)

8. Revelation (see Revelation)

9. Inspiration (2Tim. 3:15-17)

d [inspiration of God]

Inspiration: God-Breathed

Greek: theopneustos (GSN-<G2315>), God-breathed. Only here. It is that special influence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of holy men which qualified and enabled them to make an infallible record of divine truth concerning the will of God to man.

The purpose of inspiration is to secure truth and unity in record, not sameness of words or statements. Revelation discovers new truth; inspiration superintends the communicating and recording of that truth. We have examples of inspiration without revelation (Lk. 1:1-4); of inspiration including revelation (Rev. 1:1,11); of inspiration without illumination (1Pet. 1:11; 1Cor. 14:13-19); and of revelation and inspiration including illumination (1Cor. 2:12-16; 14:30).

We find lies of Satan and men; false doctrines; and many sins listed in Scripture. Inspiration simply guarantees that these lies were actually told; these fallacies were taught by certain men; and that these crimes were committed, but it does not make these lies and fallacies the truth or place God's sanction upon the crimes. One must find out whether Satan, evil men, or God is speaking in Scripture. God is not responsible for what others have said just because He causes what they did say to be recorded by inspiration. All God guarantees is that these things were said and done as they are recorded. Only what God says or teaches is truth which He requires men to obey.

Degrees of Inspiration:

1. Some parts of Scripture give the exact words of God (Ex. 32:16; Dt. 5:4,24; Mt. 3:17)

2. Some words were put into the mouths of the speakers who spoke as the Spirit inspired them (Ex. 4:12; Num. 23:5; Ezek. 2:7; 3:10-11; Acts 3:21)

3. Some words were written as the Spirit moved men (Ex. 34:27; 2Pet. 1:21)

4. In some parts of Scripture it was left up to the writers to choose their own words to relate truth by the inspiration and guidance of the Spirit (Dan. 12:8-9; Lk. 1:1-4; Jn. 20:30-31; Acts 1:1-2)

The Spirit used the faculties and abilities of the writers to record things, past, present, and future. He gave direct revelations, guided them to choose records of men, and superintended the writers in all their work until we now have a perfect and infallible record of the origin and destiny of all creation.

Twenty Proofs the Bible Is Inspired:

1. Its wonderful unity. Over 40 authors wrote 66 books in different lands and over a period of 1,800 years. Many never saw the writing of the others and yet there is no contradiction between any two of them. Collect any group of books by any other 40 men on any subject and see if they agree.

2. Its superiority to other books in its origin, formation, doctrines, principles, claims, moral tone, histories, prophecies, revelations, literature, present redemption and eternal benefits, and its general contents.

3. Its influence in the world. It has blessed millions in every generation, made the highest civilizations, and given man the highest hope and destiny.

4. The character and greatness of those who accept it. The wisest, most godly, and honest of men acknowledge it as God's Word. Only infidels and the ungodly reject it.

5. Man could not have written it if he would, and would not have written it if he could. No critic of Scripture had ever been able to improve or disprove it.

6. Good men must have written it. It condemns all sin and records the sins and faults of its writers as well as others. This, evil men would not do. Even good men would not do it unless inspired to do so to help others.

7. All man's present and eternal needs are met by the Bible. Redemption and promised benefits have been given to all who believe in all generations and this will always be so.

8. Its preservation through the ages. Whole kingdoms and religions have sought in vain to destroy it. It is still victorious and indestructible.

9. The heavenly and eternal character of its contents proves it to be of God.

10. The response of the soul to it. The Bible fits the soul as a key to a lock.

11. Its infinite depths and lofty ideals. It is universal in its appeal, reasonable in its teachings, reliable in its promises, durable in its conflicts, everlasting in its usefulness, new and modern in its statements, indispensible to human civilization, indisputable in its authority, interesting in its histories, colorful in its biographies, accurate in its prophecies, individual in its messages, far reaching in its vision, complete in its laws, comprehensive in its knowledge, infinite in its detail, unselfish in its purpose, simple in its application, just in its demands, righteous in its judgments, clear in its application, and masterful in its wisdom.

12. Fulfilled prophecy. About 3,300 verses of prophecy have been fulfilled, predictions made hundreds and even thousands of years before their fulfillment. Not one detail has failed yet. Nearly 3,000 verses are being fulfilled or will yet be fulfilled.

13. Miracles. Hundreds are recorded in Scripture and many happen daily among those who pray and claim Bible promises.

14. Its perfection. It is scientifically and historically correct. No one has ever found the Bible at fault in any of its many hundreds of statements on history, astronomy, botany, geology, or any other branch of learning.

15. Its adaptability. It is always up-to-date on any subject. It fits the lives of all people of all ages and all lands.

16. Its spiritual and moral power. It meets perfectly every spiritual and moral need of man.

17. Its doctrines. They surpass all human principles in relationship, religion, culture, etc. (1Cor. 2:14).

18. Claims of the Bible itself. Over 3,800 times Bible writers claim God spoke what they wrote. The Bible itself claims to be the Word of God.

19. Secular history. Many pagan as well as Jewish and Christian writers confirm the facts of the Bible, quoting it as being genuine, authentic, and inspired of God.

20. Its inexhaustible proofs. It would take many volumes to deal fully with the many thousands of facts which confirm the Bible to be the Word of God. The book must be divine. If one will use it properly it will confirm itself to him as the inspired Word of God.

What Great Men Have Said About the Bible:

It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible -- George Washington.

A studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands -- Thomas Jefferson.

The first and almost the only book deserving of universal attention -- John Quincy Adams.

It is the rock on which our Republic rests -- Andrew Jackson.

A man has deprived himself of the best there is in the world who has deprived himself of this (a knowledge of the Bible) -- Woodrow Wilson.

There is no other book so various as the Bible, not one so full of concentrated wisdom -- Herbert Hoover.

To the influence of this Book we are indebted for the progress made in civilization; and to this we must look as our guide in the future -- Ulysses S. Grant.

What can I do with respect to the next world without my Bible? -- John Bacon.

The Bible is more than a book; it is a living being with an action; a power which invades everything that opposes its extension -- Napoleon Bonaparte.

All other books are of little importance in comparison with the Holy Scriptures -- Alexander Cruden.

We, the undersigned, Students of the Natural Sciences, desire to express our sincere regret that researchers into scientific truth are perverted by some in our own times into occasion for casting doubt upon the truth and authenticity of the Holy Scriptures. We conceive that it is impossible for the Word of God written in the book of nature, and God's Word written in Holy Scripture, to contradict one another ... physical science is not complete, but is only in a condition of progress -- Signed by 800 scientists of Great Britain, recorded in the Bodelian Library, Oxford.

The Bible is the Book of faith, and a Book of doctrine, and a Book of morals, and a Book of religion, of special revelation from God; but it is also a Book which teaches man his responsibility, his own dignity, and his equality with his fellow man -- Daniel Webster.

A Tribute to the Bible:

The Bible is not an amulet, a charm, a fetish, or a book that will work wonders by its very presence. It is a book that will work wonders in every life, here and hereafter, if acted upon and obeyed in faith and sincerity. It is God's inspired revelation of the origin and destiny of all things, written in the most simple human language possible so that the most unlearned can understand and obey its teachings. It is self-interpreting and covers every subject of human knowledge and need now and forever.

As a literary composition, the Bible is the most remarkable book ever made. It is a divine library of 66 books, some of considerable size, and others no larger than a tract. These books include various forms of literature -- history, biography, poetry, proverbial sayings, hymns, letters, directions for elaborate ritualistic worship, laws, parables, riddles, allegories, prophecy, drama, and others. They embrace all manner of literary styles in human expression.

It is the book that reveals the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts binding, its histories true, and its decisions immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. The Bible contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter.

Here heaven is opened, and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand subject, our good is its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your feet in righteousness and true holiness. Read it slowly, frequently, prayerfully, meditatively, searchingly, devotionally, and study it constantly, perseveringly, and industriously. Read it through and through until it becomes part of your being and generates faith that will move mountains. The Bible is a mine of wealth, the source of health, and a world of pleasure. It is given to you in this life, will be opened at the judgment, and will stand forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward any amount of labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

e [profitable] Greek: ophelimos (GSN-<G5624>), to convince men of truth. Translated "profitable" (2Tim. 3:16; 1Tim. 4:8; Tit. 3:8) and "profit" (1Tim. 4:8).

f [doctrine] Greek: didaskalia (GSN-<G1319>), teaching (1Tim. 4:13).

g [reproof] Greek: elengchos (GSN-<G1650>), reproof (2Tim. 3:16) and evidence (Heb. 11:1).

h [correction] Greek: epanorthosis (GSN-<G1882>), to restore things to their proper use and place, correcting false theories and practices. Only here.

i [instruction] Greek: paideia (GSN-<G3809>) (note, Eph. 6:4). It means here the schooling of mankind in true scriptural righteousness, perfecting the man of God, and filling him with power for all good works (2Tim. 3:16-17; 2:19-21).

Notes For Verse 17

a [perfect] Greek: artios (GSN-<G739>), complete; exactly fitted as a joint. Only here.

b [throughly furnished] Greek: exartizo (GSN-<G1822>), to finish out; equip fully. Translated "accomplish" in Acts 21:5. When one is thus fully equipped he will be able to do the works of Christ (Mt. 17:20; 18:18; 21:22; Mk. 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:15-20; Jn. 14:12-15; 15:7,16). The Scriptures are to bring this about in the man of God (2Tim. 3:16-17).

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Notes For Verse 3

a [humbled thee] These are the methods God used to humble and test Israel: hunger, thirst, lack of supplies, and other chastenings (Deut. 8:3-6).

b [hunger] See Ex. 16-17; Num. 11,20.

c [that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD] This is why Israel was tested with hunger and then supplied with manna -- that God might teach them that man does not live by material food alone, but also on spiritual food -- the Word of God.

d [man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD] This part of the verse was quoted by Christ in His great victory over Satan (Mt. 4:4; Lk. 4:4).

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Jesus quoted this verse in Matthew 4:4 and Luke 4:4 when the devil tempted Him to turn stones into bread.

The negative things that happened to the Israelites during their forty years of wandering wasn’t part of God’s original plan for them.

They caused this when they rebelled against the Lord in Numbers 14:1-4.

Although the Lord used the situation to instruct the Israelites, they could have learned this through His Word (2 Timothy 3:16-17) without the school of hard knocks.

Humility is when we humble ourselves (James 4:10 and 1 Peter 5:5-6).

When we are humbled by someone else, that is humiliation.

Notes For Verse 17

a [take] Greek: dechomai (GSN-<G1209>). Translated "receive" 41 Times; "accept" 2 Times; and "take" 5 times.

b [helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit] Here; 1Th. 5:8 (cp. Isa. 59:17).

c [word] Greek: rhema (GSN-<G4487>), the written Word (note, Acts 1:1). See Lk. 4:32; Isa. 8:20; Mt. 4:4-7. The Spirit always acts in harmony with the written Word of God. It should be quoted in times of temptation and it will cut in pieces the snares of the enemy.

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Note 17
The helmet was a piece of armor that protected the Roman soldier against deadly blows to the head. What the helmet was to the Roman soldier, salvation is to the Christian soldier. There can be no victory unless the mind is protected with God’s Word. Romans 8:6 says, “For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” As Christians, the battlefield is in the area of our minds (2 Corinthians 10:5). We must be careful to protect our minds from wrong thinking and be transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2). Every thought can be brought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

Note 18
The “sword of the Spirit” is our only offensive weapon. In battle, defense is a great asset to any warrior. If a warrior has only a good defense and no offense, though, he might protect himself from being badly hurt, but he could not win the battle. This piece of armor known as the “sword of the Spirit” is the only piece of armor that has the ability to cut, wound, and hurt our Enemy, the devil.

Several Greek words are used for the “word” of God. The Greek word used here is “RHEMA,” and it literally means a spoken word–specifically, a spoken word appropriate for your situation. It’s not the Bible lying on your coffee table that makes the Enemy flee; it is the Word of God hidden in your heart, activated by the power of the Holy Spirit, and spoken in an appropriate situation. It’s similar to what Jesus said in John 6:63–“The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” Ephesians 6:17 is not speaking of a book, but it’s speaking of a book as a RHEMA; i.e., the words we speak that come from the written Word of God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. The Word by itself doesn’t make us free. It is the Word we know and speak that will deliver us (John 8:32).

Why is the Word so effective? It’s because it is the Word of God. It has authority, because it is indeed the Word of God. God’s Word supersedes all authority of the church, of reason, of intellect, and even of Satan himself. That’s why it is so effective.

Note 19
The Word of God in this verse is also referred to as “the sword of the Spirit.” Notice that it is the Holy Spirit that wields this Word as it is spoken in faith. Speaking God’s Word in faith brings the Holy Spirit into action. In Luke 4, when Jesus was tempted of the devil for forty days, it was “the sword of the Spirit,” the Word of God, that Jesus used to defeat the Enemy during His temptation (Luke 4:4). Jesus constantly met His temptation by quoting from God’s Word as He repeatedly stated the phrase, “It is written.” Likewise, Christian soldiers must avail themselves of God’s Word by placing it in their hearts so that the Holy Spirit may bring it forth at the appropriate time to accomplish a complete and total victory.

Notes For Verse 1

a [beginning] Greek: arche (GSN-<G746>), beginning, origin, first. The dateless past (Gen. 1:1; Pr. 8:23).

b [Word] Greek: logos (GSN-<G3056>) (see note, Acts 1:1). The Word refers to Christ (Jn. 1:14; Rev. 19:13) and proves His pre-existence (Mic. 5:1-2; Rev. 1:8,11; 2:8; 22:13-16). He is an eternal Being as are also the Father and the Holy Spirit (Ps. 90:1-2; Heb. 9:14). They make the Divine Trinity (1Jn. 5:7).

c [was God] Not only was the Word with God, but He was God and always will be as much divine as the other two members of the Trinity (Ps. 45:6-7; Isa. 9:6-7; Jn. 1:1; Heb. 1:8-12; Rev. 1:8,11; 22:13-16).

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

John Chapter 1
(John 1:1-5) The Divinity of Christ.
(John 1:6-14) His Divine and human nature.
(John 1:15-18) John the Baptist's testimony to Christ.
(John 1:19-28) John's public testimony concerning Christ.
(John 1:29-36) Other testimonies of John concerning Christ.
(John 1:37-42) Andrew and another disciple follow Jesus.
(John 1:43-51) Philip and Nathanael called.

John 1:1
The plainest reason why the Son of God is called the Word, seems to be, that as our words explain our minds to others, so was the Son of God sent in order to reveal his Father's mind to the world. What the evangelist says of Christ proves that he is God. He asserts, His existence in the beginning; His coexistence with the Father.

The Word was with God. All things were made by him, and not as an instrument. Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. This shows how well qualified he was for the work of our redemption and salvation.

The light of reason, as well as the life of sense, is derived from him, and depends upon him. This eternal Word, this true Light shines, but the darkness comprehends it not. Let us pray without ceasing, that our eyes may be opened to behold this Light, that we may walk in it; and thus be made wise unto salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ.

John 1:6
John the Baptist came to bear witness concerning Jesus. Nothing more fully shows the darkness of men's minds, than that when the Light had appeared, there needed a witness to call attention to it. Christ was the true Light; that great Light which deserves to be called so.

By his Spirit and grace he enlightens all that are enlightened to salvation; and those that are not enlightened by him, perish in darkness. Christ was in the world when he took our nature upon him, and dwelt among us. The Son of the Highest was here in this lower world. He was in the world, but not of it. He came to save a lost world, because it was a world of his own making.

Yet the world knew him not. When he comes as a Judge, the world shall know him. Many say that they are Christ's own, yet do not receive him, because they will not part with their sins, nor have him to reign over them. All the children of God are born again. This new birth is through the word of God as the means, 1 Peter 1:23, and by the Spirit of God as the Author. By his Divine presence Christ always was in the world. But now that the fulness of time was come, he was, after another manner, God manifested in the flesh.

But observe the beams of his Divine glory, which darted through this veil of flesh. Men discover their weaknesses to those most familiar with them, but it was not so with Christ; those most intimate with him saw most of his glory. Although he was in the form of a servant, as to outward circumstances, yet, in respect of graces, his form was like the Son of God His Divine glory appeared in the holiness of his doctrine, and in his miracles. He was full of grace, fully acceptable to his Father, therefore qualified to plead for us; and full of truth, fully aware of the things he was to reveal.

John 1:15
As to the order of time and entrance on his work, Christ came after John, but in every other way he was before him. The expression clearly shows that Jesus had existence before he appeared on earth as man.

All fulness dwells in him, from which alone fallen sinners have, and shall receive, by faith, all that renders them wise, strong, holy, useful, and happy. Our receivings by Christ are all summed up in this one word, grace; we have received "even grace," a gift so great, so rich, so invaluable; the good will of God towards us, and the good work of God in us.

The law of God is holy, just, and good; and we should make the proper use of it. But we cannot derive from it pardon, righteousness, or strength. It teaches us to adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour, but it cannot supply the place of that doctrine. As no mercy comes from God to sinners but through Jesus Christ, no man can come to the Father but by him; no man can know God, except as he is made known in the only begotten and beloved Son.

John 1:19
John disowns himself to be the Christ, who was now expected and waited for. He came in the spirit and power of Elias, but he was not the person of Elias. John was not that Prophet whom Moses said the Lord would raise up to them of their brethren, like unto him. He was not such a prophet as they expected, who would rescue them from the Romans. He gave such an account of himself, as might excite and awaken them to hearken to him. He baptized the people with water as a profession of repentance, and as an outward sign of the spiritual blessings to be conferred on them by the Messiah, who was in the midst of them, though they knew him not, and to whom he was unworthy to render the meanest service.

John 1:29
John saw Jesus coming to him, and pointed him out as the Lamb of God. The paschal lamb, in the shedding and sprinkling of its blood, the roasting and eating of its flesh, and all the other circumstances of the ordinance, represented the salvation of sinners by faith in Christ.

And the lambs sacrificed every morning and evening, can only refer to Christ slain as a sacrifice to redeem us to God by his blood. John came as a preacher of repentance, yet he told his followers that they were to look for the pardon of their sins to Jesus only, and to his death. It agrees with God's glory to pardon all who depend on the atoning sacrifice of Christ. He takes away the sin of the world; purchases pardon for all that repent and believe the gospel.

This encourages our faith; if Christ takes away the sin of the world, then why not my sin? He bore sin for us, and so bears it from us. God could have taken away sin, by taking away the sinner, as he took away the sin of the old world; but here is a way of doing away sin, yet sparing the sinner, by making his Son sin, that is, a sin-offering, for us.

See Jesus taking away sin, and let that cause hatred of sin, and resolutions against it. Let us not hold that fast, which the Lamb of God came to take away. To confirm his testimony concerning Christ, John declares the appearance at his baptism, in which God himself bore witness to him. He saw and bare record that he is the Son of God. This is the end and object of John's testimony, that Jesus was the promised Messiah. John took every opportunity that offered to lead people to Christ.

John 1:37
The strongest and most prevailing argument with an awakened soul to follow Christ, is, that it is he only who takes away sin. Whatever communion there is between our souls and Christ, it is he who begins the discourse. He asked, What seek ye? The question Jesus put to them, we should all put to ourselves when we begin to follow Him, What do we design and desire? In following Christ, do we seek the favour of God and eternal life? He invites them to come without delay.

Now is the accepted time, 2 Corinthians 6:2. It is good for us to be where Christ is, wherever it be. We ought to labour for the spiritual welfare of those related to us, and seek to bring them to Him. Those who come to Christ, must come with a fixed resolution to be firm and constant to him, like a stone, solid and stedfast; and it is by his grace that they are so.

John 1:43
See the nature of true Christianity, it is following Jesus; devoting ourselves to him, and treading in his steps. Observe the objection Nathanael made. All who desire to profit by the word of God, must beware of prejudices against places, or denominations of men. They should examine for themselves, and they will sometimes find good where they looked for none. Many people are kept from the ways of religion by the unreasonable prejudices they conceive.

The best way to remove false notions of religion, is to make trial of it. In Nathanael there was no guile. His profession was not hypocritical. He was not a dissembler, nor dishonest; he was a sound character, a really upright, godly man. Christ knows what men are indeed. Does He know us? Let us desire to know him. Let us seek and pray to be Israelites indeed, in whom is no guile; truly Christians, approved of Christ himself. Some things weak, imperfect, and sinful, are found in all, but hypocrisy belongs not to a believer's character.

Jesus witnessed what passed when Nathanael was under the fig-tree. Probably he was then in fervent prayer, seeking direction as to the Hope and Consolation of Israel, where no human eye observed him. This showed him that our Lord knew the secrets of his heart. Through Christ we commune with, and benefit by the holy angels; and things in heaven and things on earth are reconciled and united together.

Notes For Verse 6
a [giveth wisdom] Five examples of getting wisdom:

1. Joseph (Gen. 41:38-39)

2. Moses (Ex. 4:12)

3. Solomon (1Ki. 3:12; 4:29)

4. Daniel (Dan. 1:17; 2:23)

5. Stephen (Acts 6:5,10)
Dake's Annotated Reference Bible.

Proverbs Chapter 2
(Proverbs 2:1-9) Promises to those who seek wisdom.
(Proverbs 2:10-22) The advantages of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:1
Those who earnestly seek heavenly wisdom, will never complain that they have lost their labour; and the freeness of the gift does not do away the necessity of our diligence, John 6:27. Let them seek, and they shall find it; let them ask, and it shall be given them.

Observe who are thus favoured. They are the righteous, on whom the image of God is renewed, which consists in righteousness. If we depend upon God, and seek to him for wisdom, he will enable us to keep the paths of judgment.

Proverbs 2:10
If we are truly wise, we shall be careful to avoid all evil company and evil practices. When wisdom has dominion over us, then it not only fills the head, but enters into the heart, and will preserve, both against corruptions within and temptations without.

The ways of sin are ways of darkness, uncomfortable and unsafe: what fools are those who leave the plain, pleasant, lightsome paths of uprightness, to walk in such ways! They take pleasure in sin; both in committing it, and in seeing others commit it. Every wise man will shun such company.

True wisdom will also preserve from those who lead to fleshly lusts, which defile the body, that living temple, and war against the soul.

These are evils which excite the sorrow of every serious mind, and cause every reflecting parent to look upon his children with anxiety, lest they should be entangled in such fatal snares. Let the sufferings of others be our warnings. Our Lord Jesus deters from sinful pleasures, by the everlasting torments which follow them.

It is very rare that any who are caught in this snare of the devil, recover themselves; so much is the heart hardened, and the mind blinded, by the deceitfulness of this sin. Many think that this caution, besides the literal sense, is to be understood as a caution against idolatry, and subjecting the soul to the body, by seeking any forbidden object.

The righteous must leave the earth as well as the wicked; but the earth is a very different thing to them. To the wicked it is all the heaven they ever shall have; to the righteous it is the place of preparation for heaven.

And is it all one to us, whether we share with the wicked in the miseries of their latter end, or share those everlasting joys that shall crown believers?

Chapter 3

Notes For Verse 1

a [the last days] See Fourteen End-Time Expressions.

b [perilous times shall come ...] The 2nd New Testament prophecy in 2Timothy (2Tim. 3:1-5, being fulfilled). Next, 2Tim. 3:12. Greek: chalepos (GSN-<G5467>), hard; difficult; grievous. Translated "fierce" in Mt. 8:28.

Notes For Verse 2

a [for men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy] Thirty characteristics of wicked Men:

1. Lovers of themselves (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: Philautos (GSN-<G5367>), fond of oneself; selfish. Only here

2. Covetous (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: philarguros (GSN-<G5366>), fond of money. Only here and Lk. 16:14

3. Boasters (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: alazon (GSN-<G213>), braggarts; self-exalted. Here and Rom. 1:30

4. Proud (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: huperephanos (GSN-<G5244>), self-important. See note, Rom. 1:30

5. Blasphemers (2Tim. 3:2). See note, Mt. 12:31

6. Disobedient to parents (2Tim. 3:2). Head-strong children (2Tim. 3:2; Rom. 1:30)

7. Unthankful (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: acharistos (GSN-<G884>), ungrateful. Here and in Lk. 6:35

8. Unholy (2Tim. 3:2). Greek: anosios (GSN-<G462>), without piety; no reverence. See pt. 5, Fifteen Classes the Law Was Made For

9. Without natural affection (2Tim. 3:3). Living in unnatural affection sins; perverts; homosexuals; sodomites. See note, Rom. 1:31

10. Trucebreakers (2Tim. 3:3). See note, Rom. 1:31

11. False accusers (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: diabolos (GSN-<G1228>), slanderer; adversary. See notes, Jn. 6:70; 8:44

12. Incontinent (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: akrates (GSN-<G193>), no control of appetites and passions. Only here

13. Fierce (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: anemeros (GSN-<G434>), wild; savage; uncivilized. Only here

14. Despisers of good men (2Tim. 3:3). Greek: aphilagathos (GSN-<G865>), unfriendly to good men. Only here

15. Traitors (2Tim. 3:4). Greek: prodotes (GSN-<G4273>), betrayers. Only here; Lk. 6:16; Acts 7:52

16. Heady (2Tim. 3:4). Greek: propetes (GSN-<G4312>), rash; hasty; reckless; headstrong. Translated "rashly" in Acts 19:36

17. Highminded (2Tim. 3:4). Greek: tuphoo (GSN-<G5187>), senseless; conceited; silly. See note, 1Tim. 3:6

18. Lovers of pleasure (2Tim. 3:4). Sensual gratification is their god (2Tim. 3:4)

19. Having a form of godliness (2Tim. 3:5). Greek: morphosis (GSN-<G3446>), a semblance; sketch; form. Only here and Rom. 2:20. Their religion is only in their creed and formal confession of faith, not in their hearts

20. Denying the power of godliness (2Tim. 3:5). Destitute of godliness, having no faith that one can be godly in this life. From such turn away

21. Use their show of piety to gain entrance into homes to deceive (2Tim. 3:6)

22. Capture for their own pleasure silly (foolish) women whom they deceive (2Tim. 3:6)

23. Ever learning fallacies but never the knowledge of the truth (2Tim. 3:7)

24. Resist truth (2Tim. 3:8)

25. Have corrupt minds (2Tim. 3:8)

26. Reprobate concerning faith (2Tim. 3:8)

27. They are evil (2Tim. 3:13).

28. They seduce women -- entice them to surrender chastity (2Tim. 3:6,13).

29. They increase in evil (2Tim. 3:13).

30. They deceive and are themselves deceived (2Tim. 3:13).

Notes For Verse 8

a [Jannes and Jambres] The names of the magicians who withstood Moses and exercised satanic power until stopped by God (2Tim. 3:8-9; Ex. 7:11-12,22; 8:7,18-19).

Notes For Verse 10

a [But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience ...] Nine things of Paul fully known:

1. Doctrine. Greek: didaskalia (GSN-<G1319>), teaching

2. Manner of life -- conduct in view of my teachings (2Tim. 3:10)

3. Purpose in propagating these teachings

4. Faith in God and my teachings (2Tim. 3:10)

5. Longsuffering with those who oppose my teachings (2Tim. 3:10)

6. Divine love motivating my life (2Tim. 3:10)

7. Patience in suffering for my teachings

8. Persecutions I endure for Christ (2Tim. 3:11)

9. Afflictions (Greek: pathema (GSN-<G3804>), note, Rom. 7:5) because of my teachings (2Tim. 3:11)

Notes For Verse 11

a [Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured] See Acts 13:14,50; 14:1-7,19-21.

Notes For Verse 12

a [Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution ...] The 3rd New Testament prophecy in 2Timothy (2Tim. 3:12-13, being fulfilled). Next, 2Tim. 4:1.

b [godly] Greek: eusebos (GSN-<G2153>). Here and Tit. 2:12.

Notes For Verse 14

a [continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them] See note, Acts 14:22.

Notes For Verse 15

a [holy] Greek: hieros (GSN-<G2413>). Only here and 1Cor. 9:13.

b [scriptures] Greek: gramma (GSN-<G1121>), note, Gal. 6:11. The usual word for Scripture is graphe (GSN-<G1124>) and is so translated, 51 Times (2Tim. 3:16; Mt. 21:42; 22:29; 26:54-56; Mk. 12:10,24; 14:49; 15:28; Lk. 4:21; 24:27,32,45; Jn. 2:22; 5:39; 7:38,42; 10:35; 13:18; 17:12; 19:24-37; 20:9; Acts 1:16; 8:32,35; 17:2,11; 18:24,28; Rom. 1:2; 4:3; 9:17; 10:11; 11:2; 15:4; 16:26; 1Cor. 15:3-4; Gal. 3:8,22; 4:30; 1Tim. 5:18; 2Tim. 3:16; Jas. 2:8,23; 4:5; 1Pet. 2:6; 2Pet. 1:20; 3:16). Gramma (GSN-<G1121>) is translated "Scripture" only here.

c [able to make thee wise unto salvation]

Seven Things the Word of God Is Able to Do

1. Make wise unto salvation (2Tim. 3:15; Rom. 1:16; Jas. 1:21).

2. Produce faith (2Tim. 3:15; Rom. 10:17).

3. Make Jesus Christ known (2Tim. 3:15; Jn. 5:39; 1Cor. 15:1-8).

4. Build up (Acts 20:32).

5. Give inheritance (Acts 20:32).

6. Produce profit in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2Tim. 3:16).

7. Make the man of God perfect (2Tim. 3:17).

d [salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus] Salvation is always through faith in Jesus Christ -- never through works, rituals, water baptism, communion etc. (2Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:8-9; Rom. 3:24-31).