IT IS NO SECRET NOR IS IT FALLACIOUS THAT ROMAN CATHOLIC COMPULSORY CELIBACY IS INHUMAN AND MONOGAMY IS
ABSURD AND HYPOCRITICAL
The Two
Lifestyles are Hypocritical because
Whereas
celibacy is UNNATURAL,
Monogamy is
FALSEHOOD dignified
Not a single one of the biblical patriarchs
practised monogamy. If you know of any, please point him out for all
rationalists to evaluate. Even Patriarch Enoch of Genesis 5 who was so holy
that he was taken up to heaven was married. Besides Prophet Elijah and John the
Baptist that we were priviledged to know their marital status, any occurrence
of such story or legend fully indicates a fabrication, a forgery or a deceit!
Saul of Tarsus was a natural eunuch, in
scientific nomenclature, he is classified as IMPOTENT and so only suggested
that a fulltime priest should be like him so as to be free from family encumbrances
THAT RESTRICT FATHERHOOD ROLES AND DUTIES. HE FELT THAT A GENUINE PRIEST SHOULD
BE CONTINENT, SELF-DISCIPLINED AND ABLE TO GUARD HE REPRODUCTIVE DRIVES SO AS TO
DEVOTE ALL HIS TIME AND ENERGY TO THE SERVICE OF GOD. Search all versions of
the Bible to corroborate my depositions here. And even at that, he still
advised his disciples who had reached the ranks of a bishop to restrict
themselves to one wife, implying that as the time he gave that counselling
priests were all practising polygamy. Come and see biblical evidence, if you
doubt me!
I DID NOT INVENT THE NEXT
QUOTATIONS FROM KJV
1Ti 3:2 A
bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of
good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; {of good...: or, modest}
Tit 1:6 ¶ If any be blameless, the husband of
one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly.
LET US SEE THE FULL EXHORTATIONS IN MORE
THAN ONE VERSION
1 ¶ The saying is sure: If any one aspires to the
office of bishop, he desires a noble task. (RSV)
1 ¶ Faithful is the saying, "If
any one is eager to have the oversight of a Church, he desires a noble work." (WNT)
Ac 20:28; Eph 4:12; Php 1:1; 1Ti 1:15
GBN ACC Barnes JFB JWN MHC MHCC PNTC RWP TSK WBN
2 Now a
bishop must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible,
dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher, (RSV)
2 A minister then must be a man of
irreproachable character, true to his one wife, temperate, sober-minded, well-behaved,
hospitable to strangers,
and with a gift for teaching; (WNT)
1Ti 5:9; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 1:6
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3 no
drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, and no lover of money. (RSV)
3 not a hard drinker nor given to
blows; not selfish or quarrelsome or covetous; (WNT)
1Ti 3:8; 2Ti 2:24; Tit 1:7; 1Pe 5:2
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB PNTC RWP TSK WBN
4 He must
manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive and respectful
in every way; (RSV)
4 but ruling his own household
wisely and well, with children kept under control with true dignity. (WNT)
Tit 1:6
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5 for if a
man does not know how to manage his own household, how can he care for God's
church? (RSV)
5 (If a man does not know how to
rule his own household, how shall he have the Church of God given into his care?) (WNT)
ACC Barnes JFB PNTC RWP TSK
6 He must
not be a recent convert, or he may be puffed up with conceit and fall into the
condemnation of the devil; (RSV)
6 He ought not to be a new convert,
for fear he should be blinded with pride and come under the same condemnation as the Devil.
(WNT)
Isa 14:12
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7 moreover
he must be well thought of by outsiders, or he may fall into reproach and the
snare of the devil. (RSV)
7 It is needful also that he bear a
good character with people outside the Church, lest he fall into reproach or a snare of the
Devil. (WNT)
Ac 22:12; 1Co 5:12; 1Th 4:12; 1Ti 6:9; 2Ti 2:26
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC RWP TSK WBN
8 ¶ Deacons
likewise must be serious, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not
greedy for gain; (RSV)
8 ¶ Deacons, in the same way, must
be men of serious demeanour, not double-tongued, nor addicted to much wine, nor
greedy of base gain, (WNT)
Le 10:9; Eze 44:21; Ac 6:3; 1Ti 3:3
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN MHC MHCC PNTC RWP TSK
WBN
9 they must
hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. (RSV)
9 but holding the secret truths of
the faith with a clear conscience. (WNT)
1Ti 1:19
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10 And let
them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves blameless let them
serve as deacons. (RSV)
10 And they must also be well-tried
men, and when found to be of unblemished character then let them serve as deacons. (WNT)
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11 The women
likewise must be serious, no slanderers, but temperate, faithful in all things.
(RSV)
11 Deaconesses, in the same way,
must be sober-minded women, not slanderers, but in every way temperate and trustworthy.
(WNT)
Tit 2:3
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12 Let
deacons be the husband of one wife, and let them manage their children and
their households well; (RSV)
12 A deacon must be true to his one
wife, and rule his children and his own household wisely and well. (WNT)
GBN ACC Barnes JFB PNTC RWP TSK WBN
13 for those
who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great
confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. (RSV)
13 For those who have filled the deacon's
office wisely and well, are already gaining for themselves an honourable
standing, and are acquiring great freedom of speech in proclaiming the faith
which rests on Christ Jesus. (WNT)
Mt 25:21
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14 ¶ I hope
to come to you soon, but I am writing these instructions to you so that, (RSV)
14 ¶ All this I write to you, though
I am hoping before long to come to see you. (WNT)
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15 if I am
delayed, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is
the church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth. (RSV)
15 But, for fear I may be hindered,
I now write, so that you may have rules to guide you in dealing with God's
household. For this is what the Church of the ever-living God is, and it is the
pillar and foundation-stone of the truth. (WNT)
Eph 2:21-22; 2Ti 2:20
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC RWP TSK
16 Great
indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion: He was manifested in the
flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations,
believed on in the world, taken up in glory. (RSV)
16 And, beyond controversy, great is
the mystery of our religion-- that Christ appeared in human form, and His
claims justified by the Spirit, was seen by angels and proclaimed among Gentile
nations, was believed on in the world, and received up again into glory. (WNT)
Mt 3:16; 28:2; Mr 16:5; Lu 2:13; 24:4,51; Joh
1:2,14,32-33; 15:26; 16:8-9; 20:12; Ac 1:9; 10:34; 13:46,48; Ro 1:4; 10:18; Ga
2:8; Eph 3:5-6,8,10; Col 1:6,23,27-28; 1Ti 2:7; 1Pe 1:12; 3:18,22; 1Jo 5:6
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC RWP TSK WBN
COMPULSORY CLERICAL CELIBACY BOTH FOR MALES AND FEMALES SERVING US BENDS
THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH JUST AS THIS PICTURE IS TILTED
I BEGIN TO WONDER WHY THE ROMAN
CATHOLIC FATHERS PUT THIS UNNECESSARY YOKE OF A DECEITFUL LIFESTYLE AND EVEN
MADE IT COMPULSORY CELIBACY ON ITS CLERGY OF THE LATIN RITE, A DEMONIC YOKE
THAT POLLUTES EVERYONE!
Mt 11:29 Take my
yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall
find rest unto your souls.
Mt 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is
light.
Lu 14:19 And another said, I have bought five
yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused.
Ac 15:10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to
put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we
were able to bear?
Ga 5:1 ¶ Stand fast therefore in the liberty
wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of
bondage.
1Ti 6:1 ¶ Let as many servants as are under
the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and
his doctrine be not blasphemed.
(KJV)
LET ME DEMONSTRATE WHAT
MY DEPOSITION AS THE PROLOGUE AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS DIATRIBE INDICATES BY
ASKING EVERYONE …..
HOW MANY
WIVES HAD OUR SO CALLED FATHER IN FAITH
1 ¶ Abraham took another wife, whose name was
Keturah. (RSV)
1 ¶ Abraham
again took a wife, and her name was Keturah. (NKJV)
1Ch 1:32-33
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2 She bore
him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. (RSV)
2 And she
bore him Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah. (NKJV)
1Ch 1:32-33
ACC TSK
3 Jokshan
was the father of Sheba and Dedan. The sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim,
and Leummim. (RSV)
3 Jokshan
begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and
Leummim. (NKJV)
ACC TSK
4 The sons
of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the
children of Keturah. (RSV)
4 And the
sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were
the children of Keturah. (NKJV)
ACC FBN TSK
5 Abraham
gave all he had to Isaac. (RSV)
5 And
Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. (NKJV)
Ge 24:35-36
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6 But to the
sons of his concubines Abraham gave gifts, and while he was still living he
sent them away from his son Isaac, eastward to the east country. (RSV)
6 But
Abraham gave gifts to the sons of the concubines which Abraham had; and while
he was still living he sent them eastward, away from Isaac his son, to the
country of the east. (NKJV)
Ge 21:14; Jg 6:3
GBN ACC FBN JWN TSK
7 These are
the days of the years of Abraham's life, a hundred and seventy-five years.
(RSV)
7 This is
the sum of the years of Abraham's life which he lived: one hundred and
seventy-five years. (NKJV)
ACC FBN JFB JWN TSK
8 Abraham
breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and
was gathered to his people. (RSV)
8 Then
Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of
years, and was gathered to his people. (NKJV)
Ge 15:15; 35:29; 49:29,33
ACC FBN JWN TSK
9 Isaac and
Ishmael his sons buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron
the son of Zohar the Hittite, east of Mamre, (RSV)
9 And his
sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before
Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, (NKJV)
Ge 23:9; 35:29; 50:13
ACC FBN JFB JWN TSK
10 the field
which Abraham purchased from the Hittites. There Abraham was buried, with Sarah
his wife. (RSV)
10 the field
which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and
Sarah his wife. (NKJV)
Ge 23:3-16; 49:31
TSK
11 ¶ After
the death of Abraham God blessed Isaac his son. And Isaac dwelt at
Beerlahairoi. (RSV)
11 ¶ And it
came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And
Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi. (NKJV)
Ge 16:14; 24:62
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MYFATHER
IN FAITH IS PATRIARCH ENOCH WHO WAS TRANSLATED TO HEAVEN LEST HE BE CORRUPTED
BY HIS PEERS
BY OUR REVOLUTIONARY PROFESSOR OF MODERN
THEOSOPHY
DR JIDEOFO KENECHUKWU DANMBAEZUE,
D.Sc.
CONFUSING GENEALOGY OF JESUS NEEDS
QUALIFICATION AND EXPLICIT EXPLANATION PROFESSSOR DANMBAEZUE INSISTS
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband
of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (KJV)
16
and Jacob of Joseph the husband of Mary, who was the mother of JESUS who is
called CHRIST. (WNT)
Weymouths New Testament WNT is the best rendition of all versions
that
I HAVE EVER READ SINCE MY TEENAGE EXPLORATION OF 21
VERSIONS OF THE HOLY BIBLE I KNOW OF. JOIN ME TO EXPERIENCE WHAT I MEAN .
1
¶ The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of
Abraham. (KJV)
1 ¶ The Genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of
David, the son of Abraham. (WNT)
Ge
12:3; 22:18; Ps 132:11; Isa 11:1; Jer 23:5; Mt 22:24,42; Lu 3:23; Joh 7:42; Ac
2:30; 13:23; Ro 1:3; Ga 3:16
GBN
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN MHC MHCC PNTC RWP TFG TSK WBN
2 Abraham begat Isaac; and Isaac begat Jacob;
and Jacob begat Judas and his brethren; (KJV)
2 Abraham was the father of Isaac; Isaac of
Jacob; Jacob of Judah and his brothers. (WNT)
Ge
21:2-3; 25:26; 29:35
ACC
Barnes JFB PNTC RWP TFG TSK WBN
3 And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar;
and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram; (KJV)
3 Judah was the father (by Tamar) of Perez and
Zerah; Perez of Hezron; Hezron of Ram; (WNT)
Ge
38:27; Ru 4:18; 2Ch 2:5,9
ACC
Barnes JFB JWN PNTC TFG TSK
4 And Aram begat Aminadab; and Aminadab begat
Naasson; and Naasson begat Salmon; (KJV)
4 Ram of Amminadab; Amminadab of Nahshon;
Nahshon of Salmon; (WNT)
Barnes
JWN TSK
5 And Salmon begat Booz of Rachab; and Booz
begat Obed of Ruth; and Obed begat Jesse; (KJV)
5 Salmon (by Rahab) of Boaz; Boaz (by Ruth) of
Obed; Obed of Jesse; (WNT)
Barnes
JWN TFG TSK WBN
6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David
the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias; (KJV)
6 Jesse of David--the King. David (by Uriah's
widow) was the father of Solomon; (WNT)
1Sa
16:1; 17:12; 2Sa 12:24
Barnes
JWN PNTC TFG TSK
7 And Solomon begat Roboam; and Roboam begat
Abia; and Abia begat Asa; (KJV)
7 Solomon of Rehoboam; Rehoboam of Abijah;
Abijah of Asa; (WNT)
1Ch
3:10
Barnes
JFB TFG TSK
8 And Asa begat Josaphat; and Josaphat begat
Joram; and Joram begat Ozias; (KJV)
8 Asa of Jehoshaphat; Jehoshaphat of Jehoram;
Jehoram of Uzziah; (WNT)
ACC
Barnes FBN JWN PNTC TFG TSK
9 And Ozias begat Joatham; and Joatham begat
Achaz; and Achaz begat Ezekias; (KJV)
9 Uzziah of Jotham; Jotham of Ahaz; Ahaz of
Hezekiah; (WNT)
Barnes
TFG TSK
10 And Ezekias begat Manasses; and Manasses
begat Amon; and Amon begat Josias; (KJV)
10 Hezekiah of Manasseh; Manasseh of Amon;
Amon of Josiah; (WNT)
2Ki
20:21; 1Ch 3:13
Barnes
TFG TSK
11 And Josias begat Jechonias and his
brethren, about the time they were carried away to Babylon: (KJV)
11 Josiah of Jeconiah and his brothers at the
period of the Removal to Babylon. (WNT)
2Ki
24:14-16; 25:11; 1Ch 3:15-16; 2Ch 36:10,20; Jer 27:20; 39:9; 52:11,15,28-30; Da
1:2
GBN
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC TFG TSK
12 And after they were brought to Babylon,
Jechonias begat Salathiel; and Salathiel begat Zorobabel; (KJV)
12 After the Removal to Babylon Jeconiah had a
son Shealtiel; Shealtiel was the father of Zerubbabel; (WNT)
1Ch
3:17,19; 17:19; Ezr 3:2; 5:2; Ne 12:1; Hag 1:1
ACC
Barnes JFB PNTC TFG TSK
13 And Zorobabel begat Abiud; and Abiud begat
Eliakim; and Eliakim begat Azor; (KJV)
13 Zerubbabel of Abiud; Abiud of Eliakim;
Eliakim of Azor; (WNT)
Barnes
JFB TSK
14 And Azor begat Sadoc; and Sadoc begat
Achim; and Achim begat Eliud; (KJV)
14 Azor of Zadok; Zadok of Achim; Achim of
Eliud; (WNT)
Barnes
TSK
15 And Eliud begat Eleazar; and Eleazar begat
Matthan; and Matthan begat Jacob; (KJV)
15 Eliud of Eleazar; Eleazar of Matthan;
Matthan of Jacob; (WNT)
Barnes
TSK
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary,
of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (KJV)
16 and Jacob of Joseph the husband of Mary,
who was the mother of JESUS who is called CHRIST. (WNT)
ACC
Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC TFG TSK
17 So all the generations from Abraham to
David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into
Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto
Christ are fourteen generations. (KJV)
17 There are therefore, in all, fourteen
generations from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Removal to
Babylon; and fourteen from the Removal to Babylon to the Christ. (WNT)
NOW LET US CONSULT ADAM CLARKE A BIBLICAL SCHOLAR
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband
of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (KJV)
16 and Jacob of Joseph the husband of Mary,
who was the mother of JESUS who is called CHRIST. (WNT)
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC TFG TSK
Adam Clarke's Commentary:
Verse 16. Jesus, who is called Christ.] As the word cristov Christ, signifies the
anointed or anointer, from criw, to anoint, it answers exactly to the Hebrew
xyvm mashiach, which we pronounce Messiah or Messias; this word comes from the
root xvm mashac, signifying the same thing.
As the same person is intended by both the Hebrew and Greek appellation,
it should be regularly translated The Messiah, or The
Christ; whichever is preferred, the demonstrative article should never be
omitted.
Priests, prophets, and kings, among the Jews, were anointed in order to
the legitimate exercise of their respective offices. Hence the word cristov
Christ, or xyvm Mashiach, became a name of dignity, and often signified the
same as king. See Isa 45:1; Ps 105:15; Le 4:3; 6:20; 1Sa 2:10. The words xyvm
Mashiach and Klm melec, cristov and basileuv, Christ and king, are frequently
interchanged. 1Sa 2:10; Ps 2:2,6; Lu 23:2; and see the Scholia of Rosenmuller
on this place. The reason of this may be
seen in the following note, which I extract from the comment on Ex 29:7.
"It appears from Isa 61:1, that
anointing with oil, in consecrating a person to any important office, whether
civil or religious, was considered as an emblem of the communication of the
gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit. This ceremony was used on three occasions,
viz. the installation of prophets, priests, and kings, into their respective
offices. But why should such an anointing be deemed necessary? Because the common sense of men taught them
that all good, whether spiritual or secular, must come from God, its origin and
cause. Hence it was taken for granted,
1. That no man could foretell events, unless inspired by the Spirit of God. And therefore the prophet was anointed, to
signify the communication of the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge. 2. That no person could offer an acceptable
sacrifice to God for the sins of men, or profitably minister in holy things,
unless enlightened, influenced, and directed, by the Spirit of grace and
holiness. Hence the priest was anointed,
to signify his being divinely qualified for the due performance of his sacred
functions. 3. That no man could enact
just and equitable laws, which should have the prosperity of the community and
the welfare of the individual continually in view, or could use the power
confided to him only for the suppression of vice and the encouragement of
virtue, but that man who was ever under the inspiration of the Almighty. Hence kings were inaugurated by anointing
with oil. Two of these offices only
exist in all civilized nations, the sacerdotal and regal; and, in some
countries, the priest and king are still consecrated by anointing. In the
Hebrew language xvm mashach signifies to anoint; and xyvm mashiach, the
anointed person. But as no man was ever
dignified by holding the three offices, so no person ever had the title
Mashiach, the anointed one, but Jesus, The CHRIST. He alone is King of kings, and Lord of lords:
the king who governs the universe, and rules in the hearts of his followers;
the prophet, to instruct men in the way wherein they should go; and the great
high priest, to make atonement for their sins.
Hence he is called the Messias, a corruption of the word xyvmh
ha-mashiach, THE anointed ONE, in Hebrew; which gave birth to o cristov ho
Christos, which has precisely the same signification in Greek: of him,
Melchisedeck, Abraham, Aaron, David, and others, were illustrious types. But none of these had the title of THE
MESSIAH, or THE ANOINTED OF GOD. This
does, and ever will, belong exclusively to JESUS, The CHRIST."
A COMPARATIVE STUDY IS IN
ORDER HERE, COME ALONG AND SEE
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband
of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (KJV)
16 and Jacob of Joseph the husband of Mary, who
was the mother of JESUS who is called CHRIST. (WNT)
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC TFG TSK
17 So all the generations from Abraham to
David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into
Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto
Christ are fourteen generations. (KJV)
17 There are therefore, in all, fourteen
generations from Abraham to David; fourteen from David to the Removal to
Babylon; and fourteen from the Removal to Babylon to the Christ. (WNT)
FROM MATTHEW HENRYS CONCISE
COMMENTARY
18 ¶ Now the birth of Jesus Christ was
on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came
together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (KJV)
18 ¶ The circumstances of the birth of Jesus
Christ were these. After his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, before they
were united in marriage, she was found to be with child through the Holy
Spirit. (WNT)
Lu 1:27,35
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB MHC MHCC PNTC
RWP TFG TSK WBN
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary:
18-25 Let us look to the circumstances
under which the Son of God entered into this lower world, till we learn to
despise the vain honours of this world, when compared with piety and holiness.
The mystery of Christ's becoming man is to be adored, not curiously inquired
into. It was so ordered that Christ should partake of our nature, yet that he
should be pure from the defilement of original sin, which has been communicated
to all the race of Adam. Observe, it is the thoughtful, not the unthinking,
whom God will guide. God's time to come with instruction to his people, is when
they are at a loss. Divine comforts most delight the soul when under the
pressure of perplexed thoughts. Joseph is told that Mary should bring forth the
Saviour of the world. He was to call his name Jesus, a Saviour. Jesus is the
same name with Joshua. And the reason of that name is clear, for those whom
Christ saves, he saves from their sins; from the guilt of sin by the merit of
his death, and from the power of sin by the Spirit of his grace. In saving them
from sin, he saves them from wrath and the curse, and all misery, here and
hereafter. Christ came to save his people, not in their sins, but from their
sins; and so to redeem them from among men, to himself, who is separate from
sinners. Joseph did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, speedily, without
delay, and cheerfully, without dispute. By applying the general rules of the
written word, we should in all the steps of our lives, particularly the great
turns of them, take direction from God, and we shall find this safe and
comfortable.
DESPITE THE MISNOMER,-CONCISE- LET US SEE THE UNCONCISE
16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of
Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. (KJV)
16
and Jacob of Joseph the husband of Mary, who was the mother of JESUS who is
called CHRIST. (WNT)
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC TFG TSK
17
So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from
David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from
the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. (KJV)
17
There are therefore, in all, fourteen generations from Abraham to David;
fourteen from David to the Removal to Babylon; and fourteen from the Removal to
Babylon to the Christ. (WNT)
Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible:
Ver. 18. thru Ver. 25.
The mystery of Christ's incarnation is
to be adored, not pried into. If we know
not the way of the Spirit in the formation of common persons, nor how the bones
are formed in the womb of anyone that is with child Ec 11:5, much less do we
know how the blessed Jesus was formed in the womb of the blessed virgin. When
David admires how he himself was made in secret, and curiously wrought Ps
139:13-16, perhaps he speaks in the spirit of Christ's incarnation. Some
circumstances attending the birth of Christ we find here which are not in Luke,
though it is more largely recorded there. Here we have,
I. Mary's espousals to Joseph. Mary, the mother of our Lord, was
espoused to Joseph, not completely married, but contracted; a purpose of
marriage solemnly declared in words de futuro--that regarding the future, and a
promise of it made if God permit. We read of a man who has betrothed a wife and
has not taken her, De 20:7. Christ was born of a virgin, but a betrothed
virgin,
1. To put respect upon the marriage
state, and to recommend it as honourable among all, against that doctrine of
devils which forbids to marry, and places perfection in the single state. Who
more highly favoured than Mary was in her espousals?
2. To save the credit of the blessed
virgin, which otherwise would have been exposed. It was fit that her conception
should be protected by a marriage, and so justified in the eye of the world.
One of the ancients says, It was better it should be asked, Is not this the son
of a carpenter? than, Is not this the son of a harlot?
3. That the blessed virgin might have
one to be the guide of her youth, the companion of her solitude and travels, a
partner in her cares, and a help meet for her. Some think that Joseph was now a
widower, and that those who are called the brethren of Christ Mt 13:55, were
Joseph's children by a former wife. This is the conjecture of many of the
ancients. Joseph was a just man, she a virtuous woman. Those who are believers
should not be unequally yoked with unbelievers: but let those who are religious
choose to marry with those who are so, as they expect the comfort of the
relation, and God's blessing upon them in it. We may also learn, from this
example, that it is good to enter into the married state with deliberation, and
not hastily--to preface the nuptials with a contract. It is better to take time
to consider before than to find time to repent after.
II. Her pregnancy of the promised seed; before they came together, she
was found with child, which really was of the Holy Ghost. The marriage was
deferred so long after the contract that she appeared to be with child before
the time came for the solemnizing of the marriage, though she was contracted
before she conceived. Probably, it was
after her return from her cousin Elizabeth, with whom she continued three
months Lu 1:56, that she was perceived by Joseph to be with child, and did not
herself deny it. Note, Those in whom Christ is formed will show it: it will be
found to be a work of God which he will own. Now we may well imagine, what a
perplexity this might justly occasion to the blessed virgin. She herself knew
the divine original of this conception; but how could she prove it? She would
be dealt with as a harlot. Note, After great and high advancements, lest we
should be puffed up with them, we must expect something or other to humble us,
some reproach, as a thorn in the flesh, nay, as a sword in the bones. Never was any daughter of Eve so dignified as
the Virgin Mary was, and yet in danger of falling under the imputation of one
of the worst crimes; yet we do not find that she tormented herself about it;
but, being conscious of her own innocence, she kept her mind calm and easy, and
committed her cause to him that judgeth righteously. Note, those who take care
to keep a good conscience may cheerfully trust God with the keeping of their
good names, and have reason to hope that he will clear up, not only their
integrity, but their honour, as the sun at noon day.
III. Joseph's perplexity, and his care what to do in this case. We may
well imagine what a great trouble and disappointment it was to him to find one
he had such an opinion of, and value for, come under the suspicion of such a
heinous crime. Is this Mary? He began to think, ``How may we be deceived in
those we think best of! How may we be disappointed in what we expect most
from!'' He is loathe to believe so ill a thing of one whom he believed to be so
good a woman; and yet the matter, as it is too bad to be excused, is also too
plain to be denied. What a struggle does
this occasion in his breast between that jealousy which is the rage of man, and
is cruel as the grave, on the one hand, and that affection which he has for
Mary on the other!
Observe,
1. The extremity which he studied to
avoid. He was not willing to make her a public example. He might have done so;
for, by the law, a betrothed virgin, if she played the harlot, was to be stoned
to death, De 22:23-24. But he was not willing to take the advantage of the law
against her; if she be guilty, yet it is not known, nor shall it be known from
him. How different was the spirit which Joseph displayed from that of Judah,
who in a similar case hastily passed that severe sentence, Bring her forth and
let her be burnt! Ge 38:24. How good it is to think on things, as Joseph did
here! Were there more of deliberation in our censures and judgments, there
would be more of mercy and moderation in them. Bringing her to punishment is
here called making her a public example; which shows what is the end to be
aimed at in punishment--the giving of warning to others: it is in
terrorem--that all about may hear and fear. Smite the scorner, and the simple
will beware.
Some persons of a rigorous temper would
blame Joseph for his clemency: but it is here spoken of to his praise; because
he was a just man, therefore he was not willing to expose her. He was a
religious, good man; and therefore inclined to be merciful as God is, and to
forgive as one that was forgiven".
In the case of the betrothed damsel, if she were defiled in the field,
the law charitably supposed that she cried out De 22:26,27, and she was not to
be punished. Some charitable construction or other Joseph will put upon this
matter; and herein he is a just man, tender of the good name of one who never
before had done anything to blemish it. Note, It becomes us, in many cases, to
be gentle towards those that come under suspicion of having offended, to hope
the best concerning them, and make the best of that which at first appears bad,
in hopes that it may prove better.
Summum just summa injuria--The rigour of the law is (sometimes) the
height of injustice. That court of conscience which moderates the rigour of the
law we call a court of equity. Those who are found faulty were perhaps
overtaken in the fault, and are therefore to be restored with the spirit of
meekness; and threatening, even when just, must be moderated.
2. The expedient he found out for
avoiding this extremity. He was minded to put her away privily, that is, to
give a bill of divorce into her hand before two witnesses, and so to hush up
the matter among themselves. Being a just man, that is, a strict observer of
the law, he would not proceed to marry her, but resolved to put her away; and
yet, in tenderness for her, determined to do it as privately as possible. Note,
The necessary censures of those who have offended ought to be managed without
noise. The words of the wise are heard in quiet. Christ himself shall not
strive nor cry. Christian love and Christian prudence will hide a multitude of
sins, and great ones, as far as may be done without having fellowship with
them.
IV. Joseph's discharge from this
perplexity by an express sent from heaven, Mt 1:20-21. While he thought on these things and knew not
what to determine, God graciously directed him what to do, and made him easy.
Note, Those who would have direction from God must think on things themselves,
and consult with themselves. It is the
thoughtful, not the unthinking, whom God will guide. When he was at a loss, and had carried the
matter as far as he could in his own thoughts, then God came in with advice.
Note, God's time to come in with instruction to his people is when they are
nonplussed and at a stand. God's comforts most delight the soul in the
multitude of its perplexed thoughts. The message was sent to Joseph by an angel
of the Lord, probably the same angel that brought to Mary the tidings of the
conception--the angel Gabriel. Now the
intercourse with heaven, by angels, with which the patriarchs had been
dignified, but which had been long disused, begins to be revived; for, when the
First- begotten is to be brought into the world, the angels are ordered to
attend his motions. How far God may now, in an invisible way, make use of the
ministration of angels, for extricating his people out of their straits, we
cannot say; but this we are sure of, they are all ministering spirits for their
good. This angel appeared to Joseph in a dream when he was asleep, as God
sometimes spoke unto the fathers. When
we are most quiet and composed we are in the best frame to receive the notices
of the divine will. The Spirit moves on the calm waters. This dream, no doubt, carried its own
evidence along with it that it was of God, and not the production of a vain
fancy.
Now,
1. Joseph is here directed to proceed
in his intended marriage. The angel calls him, Joseph, thou son of David; he
puts him in mind of his relation to David, that he might be prepared to receive
this surprising intelligence of his relation to the Messiah, who, everyone
knew, was to be a descendant from David. Sometimes, when great honours devolve
upon those who have small estates, they care not for accepting them, but are
willing to drop them; it was therefore requisite to put this poor carpenter in
mind of his high birth:
``Value thyself. Joseph, thou art that
son of David through whom the line of the Messiah is to be drawn.''
We may thus say to every true believer,
``Fear not, thou son of Abraham, thou
child of God; forget not the dignity of thy birth, thy new birth.''
Fear not to take Mary for thy wife; so it may be read. Joseph, suspecting she was with child by
whoredom, was afraid of taking her, lest he should bring upon himself either guilt
or reproach. No, saith God, Fear not; the matter is not so. Perhaps Mary had
told him that she was with child by the Holy Ghost, and he might have heard
what Elizabeth said to her Lu 1:43, when she called her the mother of her Lord;
and, if so, he was afraid of presumption in marrying one so much above him.
But, from whatever cause his fears arose, they were all silenced with this
word, Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife. Note, It is a great mercy to be
delivered from our fears, and to have our doubts resolved, so as to proceed in
our affairs with satisfaction.
2. He is here informed concerning that
holy thing with which his espoused wife was now pregnant. That which is
conceived in her is of a divine original. He is so far from being in danger of
sharing in an impurity by marrying her, that he will thereby share in the highest
dignity he is capable of. Two things he is told,
(1.) That she had conceived by the
power of the Holy Ghost; not by the power of nature. The Holy Spirit, who
produced the world, now produced the Saviour of the world, and prepared him a
body, as was promised him, when he said, Lo, I come, Heb 10:5. Hence he is said to be made of a woman Ga
4:4, and yet to be that second Adam that is the Lord from heaven, 1Co
15:47. He is the Son of God, and yet so
far partakes of the substance of his mother as to be called the fruit of her
womb, Lu 1:42. It was requisite that his conception should be otherwise than by
ordinary generation, that so, though he partook of the human nature, yet he
might escape the corruption and pollution of it, and not be conceived and
shapen in iniquity. Histories tell us of some who vainly pretended to have
conceived by a divine power, as the mother of Alexander; but none ever really
did so, except the mother of our Lord. His name in this, as in other things, is
Wonderful. We do not read that the virgin Mary did herself proclaim the honour
done to her; but she hid it in her heart, and therefore God sent an angel to
attest it. Those who seek not their own glory shall have the honour that comes
from God; it is reserved for the humble.
(2.) That she should bring forth the
Saviour of the world Mt 1:21. She shall bring forth a Son; what he shall be is
intimated,
[1.] In the name that should be given
to her Son: Thou shalt call his name Jesus, a Saviour. Jesus is the same name
with Joshua, the termination only being changed, for the sake of conforming it
to the Greek. Joshua is called Jesus Ac 7:45; Heb 4:8, from the Seventy. There were two of that name under the Old
Testament, who were both illustrious types of Christ, Joshua who was Israel's
captain at their first settlement in Canaan, and Joshua who was their high
priest at their second settlement after the captivity, Zec 6:11-12. Christ is
our Joshua; both the Captain of our salvation, and the High Priest of our
profession, and, in both, our Saviour--a Joshua who comes in the stead of
Moses, and does that for us which the law could not do, in that it was weak.
Joshua had been called Hosea, but Moses prefixed the first syllable of the name
Jehovah, and so made it Jehoshua Nu 13:16, to intimate that the Messiah, who
was to bear that name, should be Jehovah; he is therefore able to save to the
uttermost, neither is there salvation in any other.
[2.] In the reason of that name: For he
shall save his people from their sins; not the nation of the Jews only (he came
to his own, and they received him not), but all who were given him by the
Father's choice, and all who had given themselves to him by their own. He is a
king who protects his subjects, and, as the judges of Israel of old, works
salvation for them. Note, Those whom Christ saves he saves from their sins;
from the guilt of sin by the merit of his death, from the dominion of sin by
the Spirit of his grace. In saving them from sin, he saves them from wrath and
the curse, and all misery here and hereafter. Christ came to save his people,
not in their sins, but from their sins; to purchase for them, not a liberty to
sin, but a liberty from sins, to redeem them from all iniquity Tit 2:14; and so
to redeem them from among men Re 14:4 to himself, who is separate from sinners.
So that those who leave their sins, and give up themselves to Christ as his
people, are interested in the Saviour, and the great salvation which he has
wrought out, Ro 11:26.
V. The fulfilling of the scripture in all this. This evangelist, writing
among the Jews, more frequently observes this than any other of the
evangelists. Here the Old Testament prophecies had their accomplishment in our
Lord Jesus, by which it appears that this was he that should come, and we are
to look for no other; for this was he to whom all the prophets bore witness.
Now the scripture that was fulfilled in the birth of Christ was that promise of
a sign which God gave to king Ahaz Isa 7:14, Behold a virgin shall conceive;
where the prophet, encouraging the people of God to hope for the promised
deliverance from Sennacherib's invasion, directs them to look forward to the
Messiah, who was to come of the people of the Jews, and the house of David;
whence it was easy to infer, that though that people and that house were
afflicted, yet neither the one nor the other could be abandoned to ruin, so
long as God had such an honour, such a blessing, in reserve for them. The deliverances which God wrought for the Old
Testament church were types and figures of the great salvation by Christ; and,
if God will do the greater, he will not fail to do the less.
The prophecy here quoted is justly
ushered in with a Behold, which commands both attention and admiration; for we
have here the mystery of godliness, which is, without controversy, great, that
God was manifested in the flesh.
1. The sign given is that the Messiah
shall be born of a virgin. A virgin shall conceive, and, by her, he shall be
manifested in the flesh. The word Almah signifies a virgin in the strictest
sense, such as Mary professes herself to be Lu 1:34, I know not a man; nor had
it been any such wonderful sign as it was intended for, if it had been
otherwise. It was intimated from the beginning that the Messiah should be born
of a virgin, when it was said that he should be the seed of the woman; so the
seed of the woman as not to be the seed of any man. Christ was born of a virgin
not only because his birth was to be supernatural, and altogether
extraordinary, but because it was to be spotless, and pure, and without any
stain of sin. Christ would be born, not of an empress or queen, for he appeared
not in outward pomp or splendour, but of a virgin, to teach us spiritual
purity, to die to all the delights of sense, and so to keep ourselves unspotted
from the world and the flesh that we may be presented chaste virgins to Christ.
2. The truth proved by this sign is,
that he is the Son of God, and the Mediator between God and man: for they shall
call his name Immanuel; that is, he shall be Immanuel; and when it is said, He
shall be called, it is meant, he shall be, the Lord our righteousness. Immanuel
signifies God with us; a mysterious name, but very precious; God incarnate
among us, and so God reconcilable to us, at peace with us, and taking us into
covenant and communion with himself. The people of the Jews had God with them,
in types and shadows, dwelling between the cherubim; but never so as when the
Word was made flesh--that was the blessed Shechinah. What a happy step is
hereby taken toward the settling of a peace and correspondence between God and
man, that the two natures are thus brought together in the person of the
Mediator! by this he became an unexceptionable referee, a daysman, fit to lay
his hand upon them both, since he partakes of the nature of both. Behold, in
this, the deepest mystery, and the richest mercy, that ever was. By the light
of nature, we see God as a God above us; by the light of the law, we see him as
a God against us@; but by the light of the gospel, we see him as Immanuel, God
with us, in our own nature, and (which is more) in our interest. Herein the Redeemer commended his love. With
Christ's name, Immanuel, we may compare the name given to the gospel church Eze
48:35. Jehovah Shammah--The Lord is
there; the Lord of hosts is with us.
Nor is it improper to say that the
prophecy which foretold that he should be called Immanuel was fulfilled, in the
design and intention of it, when he was called Jesus; for if he had not been
Immanuel--God with us, he could not have been Jesus--a Saviour; and herein
consists the salvation he wrought out, in the bringing of God and man together;
this was what he designed, to bring God to be with us, which is our great
happiness, and to bring us to be with God, which is our great duty.
VI. Joseph's obedience to the divine precept Mt 1:24. Being raised from
sleep by the impression which the dream made upon him, he did as the angel of
the Lord had bidden him, though it was contrary to his former sentiments and
intentions; "e took unto him his wife; he did it speedily, without delay,
and cheerfully, without dispute; he was not disobedient to the heavenly
vision. Extraordinary direction like
this we are not now to expect; but God has still ways of making known his mind
in doubtful cases, by hints of providence, debates of conscience, and advice of
faithful friends; by each of these, applying the general rules of the written
word, we should, therefore, in all the steps of our life, particularly the
great turns of it, such as this of Joseph's, take direction from God, and we
shall find it safe and comfortable to do as he bids us.
VII. The accomplishment of the divine promise Mt 1:25. She brought forth
her firstborn son. The circumstances of it are more largely related, Lu 2:1,
&c. Note, That which is conceived of the Holy Ghost never proves abortive,
but will certainly be brought forth in its season. What is of the will of the
flesh, and of the will of man, often miscarries; but, if Christ be formed in
the soul, God himself has begun the good work which he will perform; what is
conceived in grace will no doubt be brought forth in glory.
It is here further observed,
1. That Joseph, though he solemnized
the marriage with Mary, his espoused wife, kept at a distance from her while
she was with child of this Holy thing; he knew her not till she had brought him
forth. Much has been said concerning the perpetual virginity of the mother of
our Lord: Jerome was very angry with Helvidius for denying it. It is certain
that it cannot be proved from scripture. Dr. Whitby inclines to think that when
it is said, Joseph knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn, it is
intimated that, afterward, the reason ceasing, he lived with her, according to
the law, Ex 21:10.
2. That Christ was the firstborn; and
so he might be called though his mother had not any other children after him,
according to the language of scripture. Nor is it without a mystery that Christ
is called her firstborn, for he is the firstborn of every creature, that is,
the Heir of all things; and he is the firstborn among many brethren, that in
all things he may have the preeminence.
3. That Joseph called his name Jesus,
according to the direction given him.
God having appointed him to be the Saviour, which was intimated in his
giving him the name Jesus, we must accept of him to be our Saviour, and, in
concurrence with that appointment, we must call him Jesus, our Saviour.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man,
and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away
privily. (KJV)
19 But Joseph her husband, being a
kind-hearted man and unwilling publicly to disgrace her, had determined to
release her privately from the betrothal. (WNT)
De 24:1
ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC RWP TFG TSK
WBN
20 But while he thought on these things,
behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph,
thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is
conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
(KJV)
20 But while he was contemplating this step,
an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid to bring home your wife Mary, for she is with child
through the Holy Spirit. (WNT)
Lu 1:35
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB PNTC RWP TFG TSK
WBN
21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou
shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins. (KJV)
21 She will give birth to a Son, and you are
to call His name JESUS for He it is who will save His People from their
sins." (WNT)
Lu 1:31; Ac 4:12; 5:31; 13:23,38
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC RWP TFG
TSK WBN
22 Now all this was done, that it might be
fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, (KJV)
22 All this took place in fulfilment of what
the Lord had spoken through the Prophet, (WNT)
ACC Barnes FBN JFB PNTC RWP TFG TSK WBN
23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and
shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being
interpreted is, God with us. (KJV)
23 <"Mark! The maiden will be with
child and will give birth to a son, and they will call His name
Immanuel"> --a word which signifies <`God with us'>. (WNT)
Isa 7:14
GBN ACC Barnes FBN JFB JWN PNTC RWP TFG
TSK
24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as
the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: (KJV)
24 When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of
the Lord had commanded, and brought home his wife, (WNT)
Barnes FBN JFB PNTC RWP TFG TSK WBN
25 And knew her not till she had brought forth
her firstborn son: and he called his name JESUS. (KJV)
25 but did not live with her until she had
given birth to a son. The child's name he called JESUS. (WNT)
Ex 13:2; Lu 2:7,21
GBN ACC Barnes JFB JWN PNTC RWP TFG TSK
WBN
YOU, MY READERS MUST READ AND
RE-READ THE TWO SCHOLARLY DEPOSITIONS I DOWN LOADED FOR YOU ALL HERE, REVIEW,
REGURGITATE AND THEREFROM CONSCIENTIOUSLY
MAKE YOUR CONVINCED STAND OR A POSITION
AS TO WHAT YOU SEE AS THE TRUTH OR A PLAUSIBLE OR RATIONAL DEPOSITION THAT
REALLY SATISFIES YOUR SENSE OF BASIC LOGIC, BELIEF SYSTEM OR STANDARD EPISTEMOLOGY.
THAT IS MY PRESCRIPTION, AS MY
KENEZIAN POSITION AS A MODERN THEOSOPHIST FOLLOWS BELOW !
HERE IS AN EDUCATED
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION BY DR KENEZ
Right from my
teenage years in a minor seminary, I had always quarreled we the greek
corruption of the original Aramaic language that the old jews spoke before and
after the arrival and departure the questionable spirit manipulated pregnancy
of the fictional virgin, AN ILLEGITIMATE MOTHER or a teenage woman allegedly engaged to or betrothed
to a poor carpenter who had to leave Bethlehem to live ina despised Nazareth of
all places as at that epoch in Israelite history, regarded as their equivalent
to our CURRENT NIGERIAN AJEGUNLE, AMA OBIA, SABON
GARI or in other words A SLUM NATHANIEL CALLED IT WHEN
PHILIP CAME TELLING HIM WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAH!
Again, was it
right for the composers of the legends that educated Israelites weaved around
their self-opinionated, fantasied God chosen notion or hypomanical greatness,
so carried away that they FORGOT THAT MOST CULTURES,
ANCIENT AND MODERN, NEVER TRACE THE GENALOGICAL ROOTS OF MALES VIA A FEMALE
ANCESTRAL LINEAGE.
I AM DONE HERE!
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