Jonathan: An example of a man who knew his God.

He was the eldest and noble son of King Saul and heir to the throne of Israel.

He was the brave friend of David.  

DTS professor and prolific writer M.F. Unger wrote: “one of the most beautiful characters of the Bible” (Unger’s OT commentary).

We don’t read concerning him as with David as being “a man after God’s own heart,” but there are significant spiritual qualities revealed about him and a clear contrast between him and his father Saul.

Bravery was clearly characteristic of Jonathan:  1 Samuel 13.1-6; 14.1-6

He commanded1000 men against the Philistines.  We read that he and his armor bearer, by themselves, engaged a military post of the Philistines.

Jon’s bravery was centered in a belief in God as one who can save by “many or by few."

Surely, Jon had a similar understanding and faith as that of David when it came to the relationship of God to Israel and the promises of God of deliverance from their enemies through faith and obedience. 

Deuteronomy 7.23: “the Lord your God will deliver them over to you…”

Daniel 11.32:  During the time of Antiochus Epiphanes (Seleucid Ruler who persecuted the Jews and foreshadow of Antichrist) and the Maccabean revolt: “The people who know their God shall be strong and carry out great exploits.”

1 Samuel 14.7-17: The Philistine soldiers fell down before Jon as he climbed up to them on his hands and knees; Jon’s armor bearer killed them with the sword.  God brought about victory for Israel following this act of courage.

 

Friendship with David was surely due to a common faith in and submission to God.

1 Samuel 18.1-4:  Jon loved David as himself, but Saul would grow to despise David, jealous of his popularity and fear for his throne.  

Close friendships are very valuable.

Proverbs 18.24: “A person who has friends may be harmed by them, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”  NET Bible

David had 7 bothers, but his close friend was Jonathan.

The believer's closest friends should be those with whom they share a common faith. 

If you're married, it should be your spouse—no competition should exist with your spouse.  Friendship is significant for encouragement or for admonition if necessary. 

1 Samuel 19.1-7:  Jon intercedes for David, temporarily diverting Saul’s murderous intentions, but it wouldn’t stay this way.

1 Samuel 20.12-15: The plan…David doesn’t show up for dinner with the king, so Jon could discover Saul’s intentions toward David.

1 Samuel 20.27-34:  Jon angrily reacts to Saul’s murderous jealousy against David.  Jon then goes to inform David of the danger, that he should flee. 

Jonathan shows humble acceptance in the will of God.

David is constantly on the run, hiding from King Saul’s attempt to find and kill him.

1 Samuel 23.14-18:  Jon finds David in hiding, and he “strengthens David’s hand in God.”

That was a figure of speech.  Here is a quote from another source: “Jonathan comforted and supported him against all fears, by considerations of the divine goodness and power, and by reminding him of God’s faithful promises to him, and his providence which had been and would still be with him.”

Jon encourages David, acknowledging that he shall be king of Israel.

It wasn’t an attitude of not wanting the kingdom for himself, but an accepting acknowledgment that it was the will of God.

Jon knew that God chose David to be king.  He accepted this.  Unlike Saul, he was accepting of the will of God.  He accepted that what was rightfully his, was given to another as a consequence of his father’s disobedience to God. 

Though Jon thought he might reign by David’s side, he chose to unite with his father in battle against the Philistines, a battle determined to take the lives of Saul and 3 sons, including Jon.  Jon may not have known the words of the witch. Jon chose to be loyal to the authority of his father in battle, and surely fought by his side with the decision that ‘God’s will be done.’

David laments Jon’s death:  2 Samuel 1.17; 25-27.

Jonathan is an example of bravery, friendship, and humility centered in a belief in and submission to God.

Captain Jesus

 Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)

After providing several examples of those who did things in their lives consistent with a faith in a future life and reward--those being the "great" "cloud of witnesses," the author of Hebrews exhorts his readers to endure by setting aside every hindrance, particularly sin, and using the imagery of a long-distance runner.  He is speaking of priorities and proper focus.  Obviously, a call to sinlessness is not in view, but one needs to make changes concerning those things that would hold them down or back from the spiritual progress needed to endure to the end.

To further inspire in this race is the example of Jesus.

looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. Hebrews 12:2-3

The New king James reading is the usual understanding of Hebrews 12:2a: “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of [our] faith.” 

But I think that translation misses the meaning of the verse in light of the context.  The context is about what living by faith looks like.

Verse 2 and 3 are telling us how Jesus behaved himself and that is what we are to look to.  To translate verse 2 to say how Jesus authored (created) our faith and finishes (we will persevere to the end?) our faith doesn’t really fit the point that he is our example that we to follow. 

The book of Hebrews is concerned about continuing in the faith.  This requires effort: it’s not guaranteed.

Not all translations are the same on this…

ESV  “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith,” Hebrews 12:2

NAS  “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith,” Hebrews 12:2

NET  “keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.” Hebrews 12:2

ISV  “fixing our attention on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of the faith” Hebrews 12:2

NIV  “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith" Hebrews 12:2

We are to look to Jesus as an example of faith—of what living by faith looks like.

I believe the NIV is the best translation in light of the context.

The word translated “author” could be translated “captain” or “pioneer.” A captain often “leads from the front.”    A pioneer is a person who begins or helps develop something new or prepares the way for others to follow.  He “blazes” a trail for others to follow.

 The Greek word is translated “captain” in the NKJV in Hebrews 2:10:  "For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings."

 Why translate it “captain” in 2:10 and not in 12:2?  Jesus is the captain, the leader.  The Greek word is translated “prince” twice concerning Jesus in the Book of Acts.   In the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Old Testament, the same Greek word translates words that mean “head,” leader,” and “captain.”

A different Greek word is translated “author” in Hebrews 5:9 in the NKJV: “And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.”  Here, “author” probably speaks of Jesus as the source or cause of “eternal salvation."  But that eternal salvation is probably more than justification, since "salvation" in Hebrews 2:3 must be looking to the “world to come” ("of which we speak" Hebrews 2:5) and the potential reward or glory in that future world for those who obey God, having been made possible because Jesus obeyed God. 

So, there is a salvation all believers will share equally, but there is reward or glory that depends on obedience now, which is also part of and included in the idea of salvation--and it is in the world to come.   There is a common salvation all believers share, but there is a salvation that depends on obedience, which is the future glory we will experience in the world to come.  That world to come, and its glory, is because Jesus was obedient unto death (and so he is the "author" of it, Hebrews 5:9), and because of him, there is a glory that we can share in, but it won't be equal, just as Jesus had more glory than Moses, Hebrews 3:3.  Yet, Jesus, as our "captain," is seeking to bring "many sons to glory":  he is seeking to lead us to obtain that glory in the world to come, just as he through obedience obtained it.

Though the Greek word in Hebrews 5:9 can be translated "author"--with reference to Jesus being the cause of the "eternal salvation" (as the "world to come") and the glory available for the obedient believer, I believe the different Greek word in Hebrews 12:2 speaks of him as the captain or leader of faith.  If you want to know what it means to live by faith, look to Jesus.  This fits the context.

Jesus is the “finisher” in that he “perfects” or fulfills what faith calls for.  This particular faith is one that fully trusts God and looks to the promises of God to be received beyond this life.  The Greek does not have “our faith” but “the faith.” Jesus perfected what faith looks like.  Again, I think the NIV is the best translation: “fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith."

Therefore, as the author of Hebrews stated earlier in the letter:

Hebrews 10:36-38: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:    "For yet a little while,  [And] He who is coming will come and will not tarry.    Now the just shall live by faith;  But if [anyone] draws back,  My soul has no pleasure in him."

Jesus was and is the captain and perfecter of faith. We are to look to Him to obediently persevere in the faith, looking to the promises (reward and glory).   May God help us to persevere, even in great difficulty, so we might be like those who..."were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection." Hebrews 11:35

Eye for an Eye

This sets a limit on revenge or executing justice.  It doesn't mean an individual should always get equal revenge on every evil committed against him.  Jesus said to "turn the other cheek."  I don't believe this means justice should never be sought.  It depends on the evil that is committed, and the threat of the one who did the evil to others in society.  "Eye for an Eye" set a limit: you are not to take two eyes for one eye. 

Government must operate differently than individuals. Government has a responsibility to pursue justice, but it depends on the evil that is committed.  Government has a divine right to shed the blood of the one who has shed blood, but it depends on the circumstances.  But it is an issue of justice.  

An individual can turn the other cheek, but government may have to pursue justice.  If government does not pursue justice for its citizens, then there will be a threat to a safe, secure, and prosperous life--this is the problem for many countries that have corrupt governments.  How we respond as individuals to the evil done to us impacts others and our own hearts as well.

"Turn the other cheek," I believe, has as its aim to be non-threatening to others who may have done us evil, for it can open the way for them to come to you for help, especially concerning spiritual things--because you are non-threatening to them, not someone who will take advantage of them.  But it depends on the evil done, because some evil must be brought to justice, for the safety of the victim and society.

We don't have to always execute the letter of the law, but the "eye for an eye" set a limit.

Hilastrion as either propitiation or expiation

 "[Jesus] whom God put forward as an expiation [hilastrion] by his blood, to be received by faith." RSV  Romans 3.25a

Could hilastrion have a double meaning like hagorazo?

The two meanings are not equal but 2 separate stages.  Hilastrion could be propitiation or expiation. The former is the basis for the latter.

Just like Hagorazo could be "purchase" or "taken possession of."  Everyone is purchased, but only believers have been taken possession of by God.  

2 Peter 2.1: "...false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought [hagorazo] them, and bring on themselves swift destruction." NKJ

Revelation 5.9 "For You were slain,

And have redeemed [hagorazo] us to God by Your blood
Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation,"

Romans 3.25 could mean "expiation" instead of "propitiation."  Expiation is through faith, because of the Propitiation by the death ("blood") of Christ.   

1 John 2.2 "And He Himself is the propitiation [hilastrion] for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world."

Propitiation is the "satisfaction" of divine justice for all sin of all people, while the expiation of sins or the "remission" of sins is through faith--only true for those who believe.

The death of Christ is the propitiation for sin by which one receives expiation/ remission of sins by believing in Jesus as the Christ (son of God) who saves them by his propitiation from their sin (expiation/ remission of sins, justification, and new birth).

Antiochus or AntiChrist in Daniel 8?

 It still seems like the best fit for the 2300 evening-mornings (Daniel 8.14) best fits the activity of Antiochus concerning the "daily sacrifices taken away" (8.11), the "desolation" (8.13), and later, the "cleansing" 8.14 of the temple. 

Antiochus is the "little horn" that came out of one of the 4 families/ or generals (4 horns) after Alexander the Great. 

Yet what is the "time of the end" in 8.17? Is it the end of the "indignation" 8.19?  And what is that?  Walvoord may be right in calling this "God's anger against Israel"--God uses other nations to chasten Israel through persecution, and this was the case with Antiochus against the Jews.  

But up through 8.22, could it be Antiochus, while 8.23 - 25 looks beyond Antiochus to the Antichrist, who "will rise against the prince of princes and shall be broken without human means/ hand" (Armageddon?) 8.25? 

Both Antiochus and Antichrist were "many days in the future" (8.26) from Daniel's time.  

Both cause the "abomination of desolation" and cause the sacrifices to cease in the Temple and persecute the people of God.  

Both are "little horns." 

Yet little horn in Daniel 7.8 that comes up among 10 horns of the 4th beast of Daniel 7 is clearly the antichrist as described later in his character in Daniel 7 and in Revelation 13 and 2 Thessalonians 2.

“He who endures to the end will be saved”

Jesus said this twice in Matthew with reference to persecution:  10.22 and 24.13.  The first reference seems to apply to the near future, yet not the immediate future when Jesus sent out the 12 Apostles, while the second reference applies to the great tribulation period.

 Some would say this speaks of eternal salvation, and those who (truly) have salvation are those who endure to the end.  If you don’t endure to the end, then you were never really saved, (or you lose your salvation—if you don’t believe in once saved, always saved).  

There is the view more common among dispensationalists that this speaks of a physical salvation during the great tribulation.  Due to the persecution of the great tribulation, a believer will have to trust God with his life, and through perseverance to the end, they will be saved physically.  I could see that as a possible explanation, but will all who endure survive physically?  

There are, I believe, parallels with the many references of the words of Jesus, saying, "he who loses his life will preserve it" (Luke 17.33).  He said this just after he made reference to Lot's wife (who died).  Jesus is talking about how it will be when he is "revealed":  His second coming (17.24,30).  She sought to save her life, and she lost it.  So maybe it is about physical salvation.  But it seems difficult to think that physical salvation is in view if many die for their faith during the great tribulation.  I think that it is possible that losing your life (or soul, because the Greek is Psuche) results in a certain kind of preservation, not physically, but spiritually.

 I think this salvation that Jesus is talking about to his disciples is not about eternal salvation or even physical salvation, but a spiritual kind of salvation that one will have if they endure in their faith to the end.  It’s the same thing as where Jesus said in different ways and different times about those who lose their “soul/ life” for his (Jesus’) sake and the gospel.  Losing your soul/life for the gospel and Jesus are not the terms of justification.  I know that there will be an attempt to say that if you lose your soul/life that it is proof you are truly saved.  But is that the intent of what Jesus is saying? 

I believe he is talking about what one’s life consists of, being one’s identity.  It’s like when people say they are seeking to find themselves--who they are.    A believer who seeks to save his soul/life will lose it, but if he loses his soul/life for Christ’s sake and the gospel, he will find/ preserve/ save it.   It will affect your identity, both now and in eternity.    

Jesus said it several different ways, or the writers understood it with different words.  Matthew records that if one loses his life for Christ's sake, he "finds it" 10.39; 16.25.  Matthew also records that the one who "endures to the end will be saved" 10.22; 24.13.  Luke records that he who loses his life for Christ's sake "will save it" 9.24.  And in Luke 17.33, it says that "he who loses his life will preserve it."  Mark 8.35 tells us that if one "loses his life for My [Christ's] sake and the gospel, they will save it."  The word "life" is the Greek word for "soul" being "psuche."  I think soul is telling here, because how can one lose his soul for Christ and the gospel?  Some of my Free Grace brethren would say that soul speaks of physical life, but I think it speaks of one's identity or being.  By losing yourself for Christ and the gospel, one actually finds themselves.  This is a kind of salvation (or sanctification) that one will obtain if they endure to the end of tribulation.

People will make choices that causes them to lose themselves.   They may feel worthless, or hopeless.  They may become suicidal.  (I’m not talking about bipolar people here.)  I believe this is what Jesus is saying about believers who don’t persevere in tribulation.  They seek to save themselves from trial and conflict, but in effect lose themselves.  But those who persevere in the faith in the trials of life will find, preserve, or save themselves. He who endures to the end (the trial or tribulation) will be saved: His life will have meaning and approval before God.    

Consider Jesus' words:  "I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich).”   Revelation 2:9 (NKJV)

Also consider: "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you."  1 Timothy 4:16

Treasure in Heaven--a question of quantity

"One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have  treasure  in heaven;" Mark 10.21

Is it okay to be motivated by greater reward in heaven to go beyond what might seem reasonable?

I wonder about the quantity of it.  If you have two godly people, both serving God, but one chooses to have less material things and give more for spiritual things, wouldn't he have more treasure in heaven than the other?

I've heard it said that the issue is the motivation behind one's giving and labor that will make a difference.  Obviously, a person with more resources could give more than one with less.  Of course a person with less resources may devote his life in service to God, while the person with more does not devote his life to God in the same way.  But if reward is based on what one has--which the story about the poor widow and her mites reveals--then a poor person may be giving more than a wealthy person.  

I do think it's possible for a person to choose to go beyond what might be expected of him.  Is a person properly motivated if he chooses to give more, time and resources, for the work of God, than a person who has equal time and resources but gives less, though properly motivated? 

It's hard to draw a line between treasure in heaven and getting the wants of this life.  People will get themselves into a financial bind with the house and cars they buy, and then be limited in giving money, or time--because they have to work more to pay for the things they want and got.  They may be properly motivated in the time and resources they do have and give for the work of God, but if they would have been more limiting in getting the things they want, and were able to devote more time and resources for the work of God, wouldn't their treasure/ reward be greater?

Wycliffe always need money.  Should I buy that vehicle I always wanted or give more to Wycliffe Translators and buy a cheaper car?   Would my reward be greater?  If a believer who is a multimillionaire gave a few million to Wycliffe, instead of a few hundred thousand so that they could accomplish all the translations they project to do, wouldn't the reward be greater for the multimillionaire?

I think this is a difficult issue.  But I do think there must be a greater reward for the one who chooses to give more than he could, even if it is motivated by a greater reward.  It's the right kind of reward to seek, and so I would think God would be pleased if the motivation is heavenly rewards. One could devote more time and resources towards the acquisition of temporal things--unless that has as its aim to advance the work of God.  No one knows where he's at or what he's achieved, it can only be an expectation.  God only knows.

"41  Now Jesus sat opposite the treasury and saw how the people put money into the treasury. And many [who] [were] rich put in much.  42  Then one  poor   widow  came and threw in two mites, which make a quadrans.  43  So He called His disciples to [Himself] and said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you that this  poor   widow  has put in more than all those who have given to the treasury;  44  "for they all put in out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood."  Mark 12