Week 37, Prophet

September 10th to 16th

Discussion Questions

Old Testament

Isaiah 10:1-4 contains a condemnation of rulers who oppress the people. What, if any, application does this passage have to modern society?

New Testament

What are the “marks of a true apostle” that Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians 12:12. And why is Paul writing about this topic in the first place?

Notes and Commentary

Old Testament

Isaiah 10:1-4 contains a condemnation of rulers who oppress the people. What, if any, application does this passage have to modern society?
[1] You are doomed! You make unjust laws that oppress my people. [2] That is how you keep the poor from having their rights and from getting justice. That is how you take the property that belongs to widows and orphans. [3] What will you do when God punishes you? What will you do when he brings disaster on you from a distant country? Where will you run to find help? Where will you hide your wealth? [4] You will be killed in battle or dragged off as prisoners. Yet even so the Lord’s anger will not be ended; his hand will still be stretched out to punish. Isaiah 10:1-4 (Good News Translation). 
This chapter obviously applies to the leaders in the time in which it was written. So this passage apparently denounces both the governors of the Jewish nation, and then the Assyrians. First there was the desolation of the Jews’ country by the Assyrians. Next follows a prophecy of the destruction of the Assyrians themselves. [A]  [A] See The New John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
These verses ring true, when compared to people in positions of authority throughout history, and up to the current day. God condemns evil rulers―especially those who oppress the powerless―at all times and places.

New Testament

What are the “marks of a true apostle” that Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians 12:12. And why is Paul writing about this topic in the first place?
[12] Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.  2 Corinthians 12:12 (KJV)
[12] And the seal of my Apostleship has been set over you, with all patience, with signs and wonders and miracles. 2 Corinthians 12:12 (Catholic Public Domain Version)
[12] I persevered in demonstrating among you the marks of a true apostle, including signs, wonders and miracles.  2 Corinthians 12:12 (NIV)
Although stated more directly in some translations than in others, Paul is making the case for his own apostleship.
Barnes’New Testament Notes:
Kretzmann Popular Commentary. The special indications of his apostolic authority, the signs which marked him at once as an apostle of the Lord, the miracles and powers which had been given to the Lord’s servants as a seal of their calling, had been wrought in Corinth through his agency. What greater proof did they desire? Why did they withhold from him the proper acknowledgment?

Random Quotes

When i see an old set of encyclopedias i’m tempted to cross out the facts i don’t like and write new ones in the margins, wikipedia style
– ET / via Twitter
A new study says that 38% of Europeans “suffer mental illness”. So… the other 62% are enjoying it?
– Fred Thompson / via Twitter
I’d like to know why well-educated idiots keep apologizing for lazy and complaining people who think the world owes them a living.
– John Wayne

Notes:


© Tom Truex 2014, Davie, FL