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What does submit mean for wives in Ephesians 5?

What does the submission of wives entail, Ephesians 5:22" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:22?

Verse 21 teaches voluntary subjection one to the other in the fear of God. One of the manifestations of this (verse 22) is the (Christian) wife's being submissive to her (Christian) husband as unto the Lord. This indicates that the wife submits (Greek: hypotasso) in loyal subjection (which includes obedience) to her husband, even as the Church is subject to Christ as Head (verse 23). The submissive wife acknowledges her husband's role of CONTROL and RESPONSIBILITY. "Everything" (verse 24) is limited by Lordship based on God's Word. This subjection is not slavish fear of a despotic husband but willing submission. The teaching in no way implies inferiority, but rather Divine intention.

A. Hull

Is baptism required to be saved?

Does Acts 2:38" TARGET="_blank">Acts 2:38 indicate that baptism is required for salvation after Pentecost?

Peter, as did John the Baptist, was speaking to Jewish listeners. As John’s baptism was a statement of disassociation from their past - both personal and national - so Peter’s command to repent and be baptized drew attention to their disassociation from past personal and national sins. John’s baptism was "unto repentance"; what Peter commanded was baptism "unto remission" (RV). For some, baptism unto repentance preceded faith; for all, faith preceded baptism unto remission.

Jews, whose birth linked them with the nation that had rejected its Messiah, were saved by gladly receiving Peter’s message from God (v 41), but they saved themselves from "this crooked generation" (v 40 ESV) by their baptism "unto remission." Their baptism visibly affirmed that they were no longer linked with those who had rejected Christ. It added nothing to their personal faith in Him and contributed nothing to their salvation.

Saul of Tarsus was told, "Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16)." TARGET="_blank">Acts 22:16). He himself later shows that "calling on the name of the Lord" is evidence of faith already placed in Christ when he asks, "How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed?" (Romans 10:14)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 10:14). Saul was saved before he was baptized, but his baptism affirmed his disassociation from his past life of animosity against the Christ.

D. Oliver

How do we "make disciples" and fulfill the Great Commission?

What is the most important help in "making disciples"?

The responsibility to "make disciples" extends "to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19, 20)." TARGET="_blank">Matthew 28:19, 20). We need every available spiritual means to encourage all believers to "obey all things."

New believers retain their former personality traits. Some love to learn something new (Acts 17:21);" TARGET="_blank">Acts 17:21); others like the challenge of advancing beyond others (Galatians 1:14);" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 1:14); still others love to fit into their new-found society and they eagerly conform (Acts 8:13)," TARGET="_blank">Acts 8:13), while the timid can be intimidated (Diotrephes did this, 3 John 1:9, 10)." TARGET="_blank">3 John 1:9, 10). Playing on these natural traits cannot produce spiritual results. The Lord predicates discipleship on this condition: "if any man will come after me" (Luke 9:23)." TARGET="_blank">Luke 9:23). Hearts drawn to Christ by an all-consuming devotion gladly embrace all He commands (John 14:15, 23)." TARGET="_blank">John 14:15, 23). Fostering devotion to Christ, coupled with patient, practical teaching, is essential to making disciples.

D. Oliver

What is a good commentary for John, Romans and 1 Corinthians?

What commentaries will help most in studying these books?

Again, first consult the commentaries in "What the Bible Teaches" on each of these books. The above mentioned general commentaries also help with these books.

John: Any of the authors who wrote books on the gospels recommended by Tom Wilson (September, October, 2001) are worth consulting where they write on John. George Reith is not well known, but, of his 314 pages in two small volumes, W. Smith says, "Dr. Reith has packed more helpful, practical, biblical, interpretative material into the unusually rich paragraphs of this book than any other writer on the same gospel within the same space." Leon L. Morris has 936 pages on John, of which Barber writes, "a work of superlative scholarship that not only replaces the majestic work of Westcott but surpasses Barrett as well."

Romans: James Currie has just released his book on Romans, which is likely to be very helpful. H. C. G. Moules book, "The Epistle to the Romans" is highly rated. His "Studies in Romans" is good, but less valuable than the other.

I Corinthians: J. M. Davies "The Epistle to the Corinthians" and W. E. Vines "I Corinthians" are very helpful aids for study.

Ephesians: William MacDonald in his "Believers Bible Commentary" devotes more pages proportionately to Ephesians than any other epistle of Paul. It may well be the outstanding work in his commentary.

"In the Heavenlies" is one of Henry A. Ironsides best studies. John R. W. Stott, "Gods New Society: The Message of Ephesians" is also very helpful.

Hebrews: "Studies in the Epistle to the Hebrews" by E. Schuyler English and "An Unshakeable Kingdom" by David Gooding are a good basis for studying this book.

W. Gustafson

Why did Aaron wear a mitre?

What is the typical significance of Aarons mitre and the bonnets of his sons (Leviticus 8:9, 13)" TARGET="_blank">Leviticus 8:9, 13)?

Although the Lord is a priest after the order of Melchisedec (Heb. 5:6)," TARGET="_blank">Heb. 5:6), Aarons priesthood was typical of Christs (2:17). The mitre on Israels priest was of linen, the same material as his breeches and coat (Exodus 39:27)." TARGET="_blank">Exodus 39:27). Although some have suggested that Aarons mitre portrays subjection, it may be better to see in it a complete righteousness in our representative as he appears before the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24)." TARGET="_blank">Hebrews 9:24). His head, controlling His body, also speaks of wisdom. The One in Whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom (Colossians 2:3)" TARGET="_blank">Colossians 2:3) exercises that wisdom on our behalf, consistent with perfect righteous. The "beauty of holiness" is seen from head to foot in the priest.

The bonnets of Aarons son are of the same material as Aarons mitre, but are distinguishable. Because his sons are related to him, they have this same righteousness "garment" as they move in Gods holy place. Perhaps this suggests that, although there is a difference between us and our representative, yet we have a link with him and therefore enjoy complete acceptance in Gods presence. Appearing for us in Gods presence is what Christ is essentially, but the complete favor that rests on us is conferred on us because of him.

D. Oliver

How old should I be to get married?

Is there biblical guidance on a minimum age for marriage?

Despite society’s whims, marriage is for life (Romans 7:2)." TARGET="_blank">Romans 7:2). Such a commitment, upholding such a high ideal (Ephesians 5:31, 32)," TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 5:31, 32), demands maturity. The unselfishness that marriage requires (1 Corinthians 13:5)" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 13:5) comes with maturity. When a couple marries too young, a crisis often comes later; one of the partners feels he or she would have chosen differently if given more experience.

An inordinate haste to be married may indicate personal problems that will produce lethal weaknesses in a marriage. This may include escaping an unpleasant family situation, filling an inordinate need for approval from the opposite gender, seeking financial independence, managing lust, fearing singleness, having unrealistic expectations for marriage, rebelling against parents, reacting to undisclosed abuse, or evading the consequences of immoral behavior.

Willingness to listen and evaluate the differing viewpoints of friends indicates maturity (Proverbs 12:15)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 12:15). A person who stubbornly insists he is sufficiently mature to marry, despite the disagreement of trustworthy friends, proves his immaturity. If a couple is willing to be patient, wait on the Lord, and demonstrate the wholesomeness of their relationship, their spirit may silence those who oppose them. Proverbs 3:5" TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 3:5 & 6 is good counsel.

Rather than intervening when emotions are inflamed, parents will be more effective by forestalling such a crisis. During children’s early teen years, family discussions regarding choosing wholesome friends and marriage partners are invaluable.

D. Oliver

What do I do if my Christian friends have different standards for their children?

Is there a way for believing parents to have standards for their children that differ from the standards of other assembly believers without belittling those other believers?

If joy really depends on obedience to Christ (John 13:17)," TARGET="_blank">John 13:17), then Christian parents will want to model and teach their children submission to Gods Word. "The fear of man bringeth a snare" (Proverbs 29:25)," TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 29:25), so obeying truth because of what others think confuses the crucial lesson of personal accountability to God. Parents set the standard for their child and explain in a manner appropriate to the childs maturity the Christian truths that influence this decision. If the child points out that another assembly family doesnt do the same thing, the parents have at least two truths to model: personal accountability to God; personal responsibility to others. Modestly, a Christian parent must uphold what He understands from Gods Word. Thats personal accountability to God. Personal responsibility to others includes showing respect for them. This may mean recognizing that they too want to please the Lord, want the best for their family, or are perhaps dealing with circumstances of which others are not aware. It may mean simply expressing respect, yet admitting an inability to understand their decision. By responding in a way that makes his children feel superior to the children of "that other bunch" or makes the other parents seem less spiritual, a parent has not "honored others" (1 Peter 2:17)" TARGET="_blank">1 Peter 2:17) or modeled biblical standards.

D. Oliver

What basic books would you recommend for Bible study?

What basic books would you recommend for Bible study?

Accurate study of the Bible involves several principles: the meaning of a word in the original Hebrew and Greek (1 Corinthians 2:13);" TARGET="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:13); the context of the passage (since words may have more than one meaning, the context even determines their meaning) (words: Galatians 3:16;" TARGET="_blank">Galatians 3:16; passages: Romans 4:9-13);" TARGET="_blank">Romans 4:9-13); related truth as revealed in the rest of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20)." TARGET="_blank">2 Peter 1:20). For studying the Bible by these principles, the following books give assistance with word meanings: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words; Unger's Bible Dictionary (more like an encyclopedia); Strong's Exhaustive Concordance or Young's Analytical Concordance (preferably both). These commentaries will help with context and related truth: The Collected Writings of W. E. Vine; What The Bible Teaches; Believer's Bible Commentary, W. MacDonald; Synthetic Bible Studies, J. M. Gray; Systematic Theology, A. H. Strong; Egypt to Canaan, J. Ritchie; The Tabernacle in the Wilderness, J. Ritchie; The Tabernacle, H. Soltau; The Holy Vessels and Furniture of the Tabernacle, H. Soltau. This is a very brief list and could easily be lengthened to include several hundred excellent commentaries and books on Scriptural subjects.

A. Joyce

Who are the beheaded saints of Revelation 20?

Question: I have a question re- the beheading reference in rev 20:4." TARGET="_blank">rev 20:4.

I am new to bible study, I had read the bible 4 times before but since June the words have different meaning to me. I do not now know if my new interpretations are in the correct direction or indicative of a misunderstanding. Or each person interprets the word differently, based on their experiences and stage in life.

I was studying Ephesians 1" TARGET="_blank">Ephesians 1 and was then drawn to the letters addressed to the churches in Revelation 2 and Revelation 3" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 3 the letters seem to represent a systematic progression towards the kingdom of God while on earth.
then i was led to read Revelation 20:4" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 20:4

I have quietly approached people during conversation at my church to gauge their abilities or interests in bible interpretation, but it is hard to ask in-depth questions to people of differing backgrounds, everyone has their own opinion.

rev 20:4" TARGET="_blank">rev 20:4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6Blessed and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

Here are my questions -

“beheaded because of their testimony” - is this the when a person surrenders completely to God and have died in the flesh, to be reborn in the spirit. the word (sword) of God has severed the spiritual head from the physical body. the person has passed through the inner door to the kingdom that exists within. The person then arrives at the realization that the kingdom inside, outside and the kingdom of heaven are one and the same.
“They had not worshiped the beast” - is the beast our "flesh body" that the holy spirit lives within. We die in the flesh , meaning give up wants, desires, defects, …
“They came to life” - a person dies to the body of flesh and awakens to the spirit within. we still walk the earth but our perspective has changed. like when the blind are given sight, it is the people blind to the kingdom of God are given sight and not blind to the kingdom of Gd
“This is the first resurrection” - is this a reference that some people enter the kingdom of God while alive as they have surrendered fully without reservation to the will of Gd. the 2nd resurrection is for others who remain blind spiritually to the kingdom of Gd. These blind people do not enter the kingdom until they die physically and are buried.
“they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years” - a person that has entered the kingdom while alive in the physical body. This person while dead in the flesh but alive in the spirit is given tasks to perform. Tasks/functions/callings (refer to Ep 4:11) while completing the will of Gd. while some people remain blind to the kingdom. The thousand years refers to the rest of the physical life which will be a period of time.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
al

Answer:

The questions you pose appear can be answered with another question:

"How does one interpret the Bible, especially in regards to prophetic writings like Revelation? Literally? figuratively? Alegorically? Contextually? Culturally?

The best answer to the question of how to interpret the Bible is to view how the New Testament interprets the Old Testament.

OT prophecies and events were taken literally unless there were specific, clear, obvious reasons to do otherwise.
For example, in the Book of Daniel, there are dreams which carried figurative meanings (tall statue, tall tree cut down), yet actual supernatural events (fiery furnace, lion's den). Daniel 3," TARGET="_blank">Daniel 3, Daniel 4," TARGET="_blank">Daniel 4, Daniel 5" TARGET="_blank">Daniel 5

The King had actual dreams and Daniel was thrown to real lions, the three friends walked in literal fire.
It is not as if the fire represented a trial and the Lions were a figure of Daniel battling Satan.
In the same way, your questions about the saints who were beheaded are literal believers who John sees in the future.
The beast is the world leader - known as the antichrist.
They are real people.

In Revelation, however, there is a lot of figurative language. Fortunately, we can tell when John is describing these images because he uses the words "like" or "as". Revelation 9" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 9: 7 "And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men."

I would recommend that you start your quest by determining how you should interpret the Bible. A good book to read on the subject is "Things to Come" by J. Dwight Pentecost. It's become a standard, comprehensive reference book on Bible prophecy. However, it is different from many other prophetic books in that the first 65 pages deal with the issue of how to interpret the Bible.

Specifically, the answers to your questions:

There is no indication in the chapter to say these bodies, resurrections and people are not real. What they experience is a miracle. While the "beast" is a name given to indicate a person's beastly character, he is a real human.

“beheaded because of their testimony” - is this the when a person surrenders completely to God and have died in the flesh, to be reborn in the spirit. the word (sword) of God has severed the spiritual head from the physical body. The person has passed through the inner door to the kingdom that exists within. The person then arrives at the realization that the kingdom inside, outside and the kingdom of heaven are one and the same.

This means there will be believers in the Tribulation that will be executed for disobeying the antichrist's decree to worship his idol.
There is nothing in the context of Revelation about surrendering oneself to God.
This teaching is taught quite straightforwardly in Romans 12:1" TARGET="_blank">Romans 12:1

“They had not worshiped the beast” - is the beast our "flesh body" that the Holy Spirit lives within. We die in the flesh, meaning give up wants, desires, defects, …

This beast is a real person, a world leader who demands worship as a god.
Again, read the context of the chapter.

“They came to life” - a person dies to the body of flesh and awakens to the spirit within. We still walk the earth but our perspective has changed. like when the blind are given sight, it is the people blind to the kingdom of God are given sight and not blind to the kingdom of God

These believers are raised back to by physically alive again.

“This is the first resurrection” - is this a reference that some people enter the kingdom of God while alive as they have surrendered fully without reservation to the will of Gd. the 2nd resurrection is for others who remain blind spiritually to the kingdom of Gd. These blind people do not enter the kingdom until they die physically and are buried.

There are two literal resurrections - firstly for believers who will live in heaven.
They are saved eternally. The second resurrection is described Revelation 21" TARGET="_blank">Revelation 21 where the eternally lost are given a just sentence for their sins and condemned to a literal Lake of Fire.

“they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years” - a person that has entered the kingdom while alive in the physical body. This person while dead in the flesh but alive in the spirit is given tasks to perform. Tasks/functions/callings (refer to Ep 4:11) while completing the will of Gd. while some people remain blind to the kingdom. The thousand years refers to the rest of the physical life which will be a period of time.

There will be a literal throne, a literal calendar that can mark of a literal thousand years and a literal group of people who will participate in the administration of the earth with Christ.

Shad Sluiter

If a damaging rumor about a believer proves to be false, should the person be cleared publicly?

If a damaging rumor about a believer proves to be false, should the person be cleared publicly?

If the inaccurate rumors were dealt with publicly (for example, by a public rebuke, 1 Timothy 5:20)," TARGET="_blank">1 Timothy 5:20), they should be cleared publicly. Otherwise, as is more usually the case, those who become aware that what they have heard or repeated is false should be as diligent to correct and contain the damage as they were to further it. They would do the right thing if they apologized to the individual, too. As far as the wronged believer is concerned, he may kindly request the believers who have told others these inaccuracies to repair the damage to the assembly's testimony by correcting their mistakes. Beyond that, the wronged believer should leave it to the Lord to vindicate his name (Proverbs 20:22)." TARGET="_blank">Proverbs 20:22). It's a safe "rule of thumb," that when a believer can trust the Lord to clear his name he is in the right; when he insists that others clear his name, he casts suspicion on his cause.

D. Oliver