The Dispute Raised by Judaizing Teachers 1

15 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you are circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad.







Act 15:1-6
Some from Judea were teaching the Gentile converts at Antioch, that they could not be saved, unless they observed the whole ceremonial law as given by Moses; and thus they sought to destroy Christian liberty. There is a strange proneness in us to think that all do wrong who do not just as we do. Their doctrine was very discouraging. Wise and good men desire to avoid contests and disputes as far as they can; yet when false teachers oppose the main truths of the gospel, or bring in hurtful doctrines, we must not decline to oppose them.

Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Acts 15." "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible." .

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Applying the Truth of Jesus' Victory in Light of the Colossian Heresy

15 And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. 17 These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.



Col 2:15
And having disarmed the powers and authorities—The evil angels, of their usurped dominion.

He—God the Father.

Col 2:16
Therefore—Because, ye being complete in Christ, God has dispensed with all subordinate means as essential to acceptance with Him.

Therefore—Seeing these things are so.

Do not let anyone judge you—That is, regard none who judge you.

New Moon—Monthly.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary

John Wesley's Explanatory Notes

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

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The Reign of the Righteous King 2

2 He will judge
your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with
justice.










Psa 72:2
He will judge your people in righteousness—Clothed with divine authority, he will use it on the behalf of the favoured nation, for whom he will show himself strong, that they be not misjudged, slandered, or in any way treated maliciously. His sentence will put their accusers to silence, and award the saints their true position as the accepted of the Lord. What a consolation to feel that none can suffer wrong in Christ's kingdom: he sits upon the great white throne, unspotted by a single deed of injustice, or even mistake of justice: reputations are safe enough with him.

http://discipleshipremix.com/?p=653

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Spurgeon, Charles H. "Commentary on Psalms 72:2." "C.H. Spurgeons's The Treasury of David." . 1865-1885.

Balak, King of Moab, Fears an Advancing Israel 2

3 and Moab was terrified because there were so many people. Indeed, Moab was filled with dread because of the Israelites.

4 The Moabites said to the elders of Midian, "This horde is
going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field."

So Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab at that time,





Num 22:4
This horde is going to lick up everything around us, as an ox licks up the grass of the field—In one sense, Balak’s fear was completely logical. On the other hand, if he had only known and believed God’s word, he would have had nothing to fear. God commanded Israel to not harass the Moabites, because He did not intend to give Israel the land of the Moabites (Deu 2:9).

BiblePlaces.com

Guzik, David. "Study Guide for Numbers 22." Enduring Word. Blue Letter Bible. 7 Jul 2006. 2010. 22 Jun 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=2&contentID=7459&commInfo=31&topic=Numbers >

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Balak, King of Moab, Fears an Advancing Israel 1

2 Now Balak son of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites,
















Num 22:2
Balak—That is, "empty." Terrified (Exo 15:15; Deu 2:25) at the approach of so vast a multitude and not daring to encounter them in the field, he resolved to secure their destruction by other means.

BiblePlaces.com

Jamieson, Robert; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown. "Commentary on Numbers 22." Blue Letter Bible. 19 Feb 2000. 2010. 22 Jun 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=7&contentID=2020&commInfo=6&topic=Numbers >

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

The Taking of a Red Heifer

19 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 "This is a requirement of the law that the Lord has commanded: Tell the Israelites to bring you a red heifer without defect or blemish and that has never been under a yoke.


Num 19:1-10
The heifer was to be wholly burned. This typified the painful sufferings of our Lord Jesus, both in soul and body, as a sacrifice made by fire, to satisfy God's justice for man's sin. These ashes are said to be laid up as purification from sin, because, though they were only to purify from ceremonial uncleanness, yet they were a type of that purification from sin which our Lord Jesus made by his death. The blood of Christ is laid up for us in the word and sacraments, as a fountain of merit, to which by faith we may have constant recourse, for cleansing our consciences.

Num 19:2
Red—A fit colour to shadow forth the bloody nature of sin, and the blood of Christ, from which this water and all other rites had their purifying virtue.

Henry, Matthew. "Concise Commentary on Numbers 19." "Matthew Henry Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible." .

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Wesley, John. "Commentary on Numbers 19." "John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible." . 1765.

The Twelve Disciples; Instructions for Service

2 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John;





Mat 10:2
Simon—Simon is a name very usual among the Talmudists for Simeon. By which name our apostle is also called, Acts 15:14.

Let these words be taken notice of, "R. Eliezer inquired of R. Simon concerning a certain thing; but he answered him not. He inquired of R. Joshua Ben Levi, and he answered. R. Eliezer was enraged that R. Simeon answered him not."

James son of Zebedee, and his brother John—These two were called next and together, and therefore are placed in this order: the former is so called, to distinguish him from another James, the son of Alphaeus, after mentioned; and the latter is the beloved disciple; these were surnamed "Boanerges", that is, "sons of thunder."

John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible. Used by permission www.onlinebible.us

Lightfoot, John. "Commentary on Matthew 10." "John Lightfoot Commentary on the Gospels." . 1675.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Disciples and the World 3

15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

17 "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.


Mat 5:15
Nay, the very design of God in giving you this light was, that it might shine (Mar 4:21; Luk 8:16).

And put it under a bowl—A dry measure.

Instead they put it on its stand—Rather, "under the bowl. Instead they put it on the lampstand." The article is inserted in both cases to express the familiarity of everyone with those household utensils.

And it gives light—Shineth "to everyone in the house."

Jamieson, Robert; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown. "Commentary on Matthew 5." . Blue Letter Bible. 19 Feb 2000. 2010. 7 Jun 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=7&contentID=2838&commInfo=6&topic=Matthew >

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Wesley, John. "Commentary on Matthew 5." "John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible." . 1765.

The Accusation Against Moses and Aaron 1

16 Korah son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites—Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent











Num 16:1
Certain Reubenites—These are drawn into confederacy with Korah, partly because they were his next neighbours, both being encamped on the south-side, partly in hopes to recover their rights of primogeniture, in which the priesthood was comprehended, which was given away from their father.

Dathan . . . Abiram . . . and On—These were confederate leaders in the rebellion; but On seems to have afterward withdrawn from the conspiracy.

Jamieson, Fausset and Brown Commentary

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Wesley, John. "Commentary on Numbers 16." "John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible." . 1765.

Disciples and the World 1

13 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.











Mat 5:13
But if the salt loses its saltiness, [mooranthee]—'Become unsavoury' or 'insipid;' losing its saline or salting property. The meaning is, If that Christianity on which the health of the world depends, does in any age, region, or individual, exist only in name, or if it contain not those saving elements for want of which the world languishes.

And trampled by men—Expressive of contempt and scorn. It is not the mere want of a certain character, but the want of it in those whose profession and appearance were fitted to beget expectation of finding it.

Jamieson, Robert; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown. "Commentary on Matthew 5." . Blue Letter Bible. 19 Feb 2000. 2010. 7 Jun 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=7&contentID=2838&commInfo=6&topic=Matthew >

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

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The Sermon on the Mount; The Beatitudes 1

5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.






Mat 5:5
Happy are the meek—They that hold all their passions and affections evenly balanced.

They will inherit the earth—They will have all things really necessary for life and godliness. They will enjoy whatever portion God hath given them here, and shall hereafter possess the new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Mat 5:7
The merciful—The tender-hearted: They will be shown mercy—Whatever mercy therefore we desire from God, the same let us show to our brethren. He will repay us a thousand fold, the love we bear to any for his sake.

http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/wesleys-explanatory-notes/matthew/matthew-5.html

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

God Praised and Supplicated to Give Victory 1

108 My heart is steadfast, O God;
I will sing and make music with all my soul.







Psa 108:1
My heart is steadfast—The prophet saith his heart was ready, so the old translation hath it; the new translation, "My heart is steadfast." The word in the Hebrew signifies, first, ready, or prepared. Then, secondly, it signifies steadfast. We first fit, prepare a thing, sharpen it, before we drive it into the ground, and then drive it in and fix it. So ask seriously and often, that thy heart may be ready, and may also be steadfast, and this by a habit which brings readiness and fixedness, as in other holy duties, so in that of meditation.—Nathanael Ranew, in "Solitude improved by Divine Meditation", 1670.

With . . . my soul—The parallel passage in the Prayer book version is, "with the best member I have." The tongue, being considered the best member, is here described as the soul of man—as that which tends to elevate him in the scale of creation; and therefore the pious man resolves to employ his speech in giving utterance to the goodness of God. God is glorified by the music of his redeemed, and the instrument whereby it is effected is man's soul.—The Quiver.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Treasury of David

The Sending of the Spies 1

13 The Lord said to Moses,

Num 13:1
Speak to Moses—In answer to the peoples petition about it, as is evident from Deu 1:22. And it is probable, the people desired it out of diffidence of God's promise.

Num 13:1-2
The Lord said to Moses, "Send some men to explore the land of Canaan—Compare Deu 1:22, whence it appears, that while the proposal of delegating confidential men from each tribe to explore the land of Canaan emanated from the people who petitioned for it, the measure received the special sanction of God, who granted their request at once as a trial, and a punishment of their distrust.

http://www.israelsmessiah.com/maps/canaan_abraham_moses.htm

Jamieson, Robert; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown. "Commentary on Numbers 13." . Blue Letter Bible. 19 Feb 2000. 2010. 26 May 2010.
< http:// www.blueletterbible.org/commentaries/comm_view.cfm?
AuthorID=7&contentID=2011&commInfo=6&topic=Numbers >

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

“NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark office by International Bible Society.

Wesley, John. "Commentary on Numbers 13." "John Wesley's Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible". . 1765.