How could “out of Egypt I have called my Son” be about Jesus?

Question: About the “from Egypt I called my son” prophecy: Was God applying the same thing to Jesus and to Ephraim? Answer: “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son” (Hosea 11:1). Egypt was a nation given over to idolatry. Hence, when Israel left Egypt they also…

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Why do we cite Matthew regarding divorce since Jesus lived under the Old Law?

Question: As I understand Matthew 19:9 and Matthew 5:32 concerning divorce, Jesus is answering the Pharisees (Jews) as they were tempting him on this question. His answer was the same as the law that they were under (except for fornication). Such as in the case that Joseph thought Mary was in. Why do we in the church today…

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Is the antecedent of “it” “church” or “rock” in Matthew 16:19?

Question: A little help, please.  Where Matthew records; “….and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”  What is the “it” referring to?  I have heard some say it was the “church.”  Others, that it was the “rock,” Christ. According to your studies of the Greek definition, what is the “it”? Answer: In Greek, a…

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What does Matthew 13:12 mean?

Question: In Matthew 13:12 it says, “For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.” What does this mean? Answer: “And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?”…

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Does Matthew 5:28 apply to other sins?

Question: Matthew 5:28 says “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” Does this apply to other things? If I had a desire to smoke and drink, but I actually don’t do it, does it means that I had…

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Why did Peter follow Jesus in Matthew 26:28?

Question: Why did Peter follow Jesus in Matthew 26:28? Is your understanding that the “reason” that he followed Jesus was only because he wanted to see what was going to happen?  Not to stand up for Jesus? Perhaps I should have explained that I am working on a lesson for Sunday morning and the point that I want…

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Could you explain Matthew 21:44?

Question: In Matthew 21:44, I know that Jesus is talking to the chief priests and the Pharisees, but I am having trouble understanding this verse. “And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” Is Jesus saying that whoever goes against him, since…

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Thank you for the information on the two lineages of Jesus

Question: Thank you. A friend of mine has lost all of his faith and is now picking on the Bible for all of its inconsistencies. He has brought up the two lineages of Jesus as proof, and thanks to your sermon notes, plus a few other sources, I believe I may finally have an answer he…

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Was Matthew originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic?

Question: One of the problems I would have with your explanation is whether or not Matthew wrote the words in Greek or did he write the words in the original Aramaic.  Most Bible scholars believe that Matthew wrote in Aramaic and while Mark’s words are almost identical, he too was a Jew who would have spoken a…

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Why did it take 35-40 years to write the Gospels?

Question: What was the reason for John, Mark, Luke, and Matthew writing their gospels? Why did it take 35-40 years after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus to begin to write the gospels or the rest of the New Testament? Answer: As for the purpose of the gospel accounts, see “The Four Gospels.” As to…

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What does the Bible tell us about Matthew’s life?

Question: What was the life of Matthew in biblical days? Answer: “As Jesus passed by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. He said to him, “Follow me.” He got up and followed him. It happened as he sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners…

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Why does Jesus sound harsh in Matthew 10:34-36?

Question: Will you please explain why Jesus sounds harsh in Matthew 10:34-36? Answer: “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you. Yes, and…

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How do you explain Matthew 24:27-31?

Question: Thanks for a great web site. You said… Too often, people mix the events from the destruction of Jerusalem with the events dealing with the end of the world. This leads people to believe they can predict the end of the world, even though Jesus clearly states that there will be no warning. You…

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Why did Jesus ignore the Canaanite woman?

Question: In reference to Matthew 15:22-28, this passage talks about a woman who approaches Jesus asking for help for her daughter. It appears from what she says that she was quite aware of who He was by referring to Him as the Son of David. My question – Why did Jesus not initially answer her,…

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Who is the Queen of the South?

Question: Who is the Queen of the South? Answer: “The queen of the South will rise up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and indeed a greater than Solomon is here” (Matthew 12:42). This is a reference…

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Does history record Herod killing the children?

Question: Regarding Herod killing the children, are there any other documents from other sources such as Roman or other ancient cultures documenting this event? Answer: “Then Herod, when he saw that he was deceived by the wise men, was exceedingly angry; and he sent forth and put to death all the male children who were…

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Could you explain Matthew 24:30?

Question: I have a question about Matthew 24:30. (I believe it is about the second coming of Christ.) I have been doing some personal study and discussed it with a fellow brother. Basically, it refers to symbolic events similar to instances of God’s judgment on mankind or nations. Would like to get feedback from you…

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Who is the faithful and wise servant in Matthew 25:45-47?

Question: The King James Version says at Matthew 24:45-47, “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make…

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Understanding Matthew 24

by Jeffrey W. Hamilton The teachings of Jesus recorded in Matthew 24 are commonly misapplied by people in the denominational world. People want to know what will happen in the future. They don’t enjoy having secrets kept from them. This is true whether we are talking about our jobs lasting another year or about important…

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