Matthew records a strange event, and the other three gospel writers never mentioned nor is it anywhere else. Matthew 27 reports on the trial of Jesus before Pilate, the death of Judas, Pilate saying Barabbas, or Jesus?, turning Jesus over to the soldiers for crucifixion, the events on the cross, his death, the earth quake and then: Matthew 27:52-53 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Matthew 27 then continues with his removal from the cross, laid in the tomb, a guard assigned to watch and sealing of the tomb. Reread Matthew 27:52-53 again. Notice when these bodies appeared. “And came out of the graves after his resurrection”. These would have been raised with the same body that the resurrected Lord had. A body of flesh and bone, 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. So, if they won’t face death again, what became of them? Since Jesus was carried into heaven on the first day of resurrection (Luke 24:50-51, Mark 16:19) he may have taken them with him, or he could have taken them with him on the 40th day Acts 1:9. The scripture does not say! But a study of “First Fruits” assures us He did take them to Heaven to be with Him.
Another question, “Who were they”? Some have suggested they were old testament saints. Reread Matthew 27:52-53 again: “went into the holy city, and appeared unto many”. This was not done in secret. They would have had to be known in the city for this to be a miracle, recognized by the Jews.
Eight days later, with Thomas present, the Lord appeared again John 20:26 and Thomas believed John 20:27-29 John 21 Records another appearance of the risen Lord conversing and eating with his disciples Twice, John writes “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of His Disciples” John 20:26 and John 21:25 “And there are also many other things which Jesus did,”
Acts 1:2-3Until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: Later Jesus met the eleven at an appointed mountain and gave them their instructions. Matthew 28:16-20, Mark 16:19So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. Acts 1:9And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. The Apostle Paul wrote 1 Corinthians 15:5-6 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. To summarize: ⇒ Not recognized until he revealed himself ⇒ Had a physical, flesh and bone, body ⇒ Had the wounds he received on the cross ⇒ Ate with them ⇒ Passed thru walls ⇒ Preformed many signs ⇒ Had access to heaven ⇒ Seen of over 500 people ⇒ Ascended to heaven in a physical body The above answers the question Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:35 But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? And he answered them with “THOU FOOL!” And goes on to describe the process and new body. What will we be able to do when we are raised from the dead and given new bodies? It would appear, the same things Lord Jesus did in his resurrected body. After all, there is an eternity prepared for all believers.
40 days after the resurrection! What do we know about the 40 days after the resurrection? What did the Lord Jesus do for those 40 days? Acts 1:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Blending together, Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24 and John 20-21 we get a picture of the Events on that first day. It was on the first day, very early in the morning. Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:2, Luke 24:1, John 20:1 Some women came to the grave to anoint the body of the Lord. Matthew 28:1, Mark 16:1, Luke 24:1 There was an earthquake and an Angel rolled the stone away and sat on it Matthew 28:2 They found the stone rolled away Mark 16:4Luke 24:2, John 20:1 They entered into the tomb Mark 16:5, Luke 24:3 They entered in discovering no body Luke 24:3 They saw a man/men Mark 16:5, Luke 24:4 They were afraid as the men spoke Matthew 28:5, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:5 They left the tomb Matthew 28:5, Mark 16:8, Luke 24:9 As they left the Tomb, Jesus appeared to them Matthew 28:9-10, They reported what they experienced Matthew 28:5, Luke 24:9 They told no one what they experienced Mark 16:8, The women are identified Mark 16:1, Luke 24:10 They were not believed Luke 24:11 Peter and John ran to the tomb Luke 24:12, John 20:3-10 Mary Magdalene stood without the tomb John 20:11 She spoke with two angels John 20:12-13 The Lord Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene Mark 16:9 She spoke with the Lord Jesus, not knowing who he was John 20:14-17 She went and told them Mark 16:10-11, John 20:2 Two disciples walking to Emmaus from Jerusalem Mark 16:42, Luke 24:11 Jesus joined them while they walked Luke 24:14 They did not recognize him Luke 24:16 One of them is identified as Cleopas Luke 24:18 They reported to him the events of the day Luke 24:19-24 Jesus then expounded to then the Scripture Luke 24:25-27 They constrained him to stay at their house Luke 24:28-29 He dined with them Luke 24:30 They then recognized him and he vanished out of their sight Luke 24:31 Excited by seeing the risen Lord, they returned to Jerusalem Luke 24:33 They related what happened to the Eleven Mark 16:13, Luke 24:34-35 As they did Jesus appeared in the midst of them Mark 16:14, Luke 24:36, John 20:19 Thomas was not there John 20:24 They were terrified, affrighted Luke 24:37 He spoke to them showing his wounds Luke 24:38-40, John 20:19 He asked for food and ate before them Luke 24:41-43 He shared the scripture with them Mark 16:15-18,Luke 24:44-49 Thomas did not believe John 20:25 He led them to Bethany, blessed themLuke 24:50-51 He was carried up into heaven Mark 16:19, Luke 24:50-51 Thus ended the first day.
Everybody has them. Visions, Hebrews 1:1-2, no more! Why do we have dreams? Studies have shown the brain does not sleep but is very active while the body sleeps. There are various stages of sleep and while in the deepest state, the brain is very active. The brain is like a huge computer and while the body is awake it gathers information from our senses: hearing, sight, smell, taste, and touch. This data is stored in the frontal lobe of the brain. As the body drifts off into sleep, the brain starts to process this data, moving and labeling it to different parts of the brain, just as a computer does. All this occurs while in deep sleep. If the body is disturbed during this process and move to a lighter sleep state a dream occurs and is put back into the frontal lobe. This may or may not be recalled when the body is fully awake. This is why dreams may be remembered. The question arises “Why do I have weird dreams?” Remember what the brain has experienced during the day: Movies, TV, Radio, Books read, food eaten etc. Also remember this data is being merged with all of life’s past experiences. Disturbed from deep sleep at the wrong time could produce some really bad dreams. The brain never forgets. Consider what the scripture says:
The Lord Jesus: Matthew 12:36But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
The Apostle Paul: Romans 14:10-12 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. Isaiah 45:23I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. 1 Corinthians 3:13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. 2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
And the Apostle Peter writing to believing Jews: 1 Peter 4:5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
Most all believers want to know the will of God for their lives. What should I do? Where can I go or not go? Who should I date? Marry? The questions are endless. There have been many books written on this subject. BUT the only book that really matters is the BIBLE.
The Lord Jesus said it first. Mark 3:35For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother. The Apostle Paul warns: Ephesians 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. And preaching to Israel reminds them of God’s will, even in death: Acts 13:36For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:
Listed are verses stating the WILL OF GOD. Understanding them will aid in knowing God’s will for you. Romans 1:10Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of Godto come unto you. Romans 8:27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to thewill of God. Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 15:32 That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and … 1 Corinthians 1:1 Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, 2 Corinthians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, unto the church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints … 2 Corinthians 8:5 And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God. Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God, and our Father: Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Ephesians 6:6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God,from the heart; Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timotheus Colossians 4:12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God,in Christ Jesus concerning you. 2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.
The Apostle Peter writing to his fellow Jewish believers about the will of God: 1 Peter 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: 1 Peter 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing. 1 Peter 4:2-3 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 1 Peter 4:19 Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 2 Peter 1:21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance
And finally the Apostle John writes: 1 John 2:17And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
Dreams “a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person’s mind during sleep”.
Jacob dreaming
Everybody has them. Almost none are remembered (and for those remembered, not for very long). What do they mean? Why do we have them? There are those who place much belief on a dream, claiming they tell us things; should we? (For a list of dreams in scripture seeDreams – Visions)
Dream(s) are mentioned 61 times in a little over 4000 years of human history as recorded in Scripture. 54 times in the Old Testament: In Genesis 23, Numbers 1, Judges 2, 1 Kings 2, Job 2, Psalm 2, Ecclesiastes 1, Isaiah 1, Jeremiah 1, Daniel 18, Joel 1. 7 times in the New Testament: Matthew 6, Acts 1.
Visions “something seen in a dream, trance, or religious ecstasy, especially a supernatural appearance that usually conveys a revelation”.
Peter’s vision
Yes there are people who claim to have them, even today. Vision(s) are mentioned 73 times in scripture. 58 times in the Old Testament: Genesis 1, Numbers 3, 1 Samuel 2, 2 Samuel 1, 1 Chronicles 1, 2 Chronicles (1) Job (2) Psalm 1, Proverbs 1, Isaiah 7, Jeremiah 2, Lamentations 1, Ezekiel 10, Daniel 19, Obadiah 1, Micah 1, Nahum 1, Habakkuk 2, Zechariah 1. 15 times in the New Testament: Matthew 1, Luke 2, Acts 11,.Revelation 1. Even though the Apostle Paul had dreams and visions, he never suggests them in his epistles to the churches. In study of the above passages, it is almost every time the Lord God communicating a message, instruction to man. Which brings us to Paul’s message in Hebrews: Hebrews 1:1-2God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; And as Paul concludes in 1 Corinthians 13:8-13Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
The Word of God is Perfect.
Today, to hear from God, READ and STUDY His word, the Holy Scriptures.
Because of Egypt’s treatment of Israel the Lord God prophesies against them: Ezekiel 29:9-13And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and waste; and they shall know that I am the Lord: because he hath said, The river is mine, and I have made it. Behold, therefore I am against thee, and against thy rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt utterly waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even unto the border of Ethiopia.No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years: and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries. Yet thus saith the Lord GOD; At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the people whither they were scattered: Stephen rehearses Israel’s History: Moses lived 120 years, 40 in Egypt, 40 as a shepherd, and 40 years in the wilderness leading the children of Israel:
Moses the Shepard, before the burning bush appeared.
Acts 7:23And when he (Moses) was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel. Acts 7:30And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him (Moses) in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. Acts 7:36He (Moses) brought them out, after that he had shewed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years. Acts 7:42Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness? Paul rehearses Israel’s History: Acts 13:18And about the time of forty years suffered he their manners in the wilderness. Acts 13:21And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years. Hebrews 3:9When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. Hebrews 3:17But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?
Forty Years is mentioned 45 times in the Bible. Usually a time of testing.
The Ups and Downs of Israel during the times of Judges and Kings.
Judges 3:11And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. Judges 5:31So let all thine enemies perish, O LORD: but let them that love him be as the sun when he goeth forth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. Judges 8:28Thus was Midian subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gideon. Judges 13:1And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years. 1 Samuel 4:18And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck brake, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years. 2 Samuel 5:4David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years.1 Kings 2:11And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. 1 Chronicles 29:27And the time that he (David) reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years reigned he in Hebron, and thirty and three years reigned he in Jerusalem. 2 Samuel 2:10Ishbosheth Saul’s son was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. 2 Samuel 15:7And it came to pass after forty years, that Absalom said unto the king, I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed unto the LORD, … 1 Kings 11:42And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 2 Chronicles 9:30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 2 Kings 12:1In the seventh year of Jehu Jehoash began to reign; and forty years reigned he in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beersheba. 2 Chronicles 24:1 Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Zibiah of Beersheba.
Forty Years is mentioned 45 times in the Bible. Usually a time of testing. Genesis 25:20And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. Genesis 26:34 And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:
After a 40 day trip to the promise land, they didn’t believe God: so, 40 more years of testing!
Exodus 16:35And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. Numbers 14:33-34 And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness.After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. Numbers 32:13And the LORD’S anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed. Deuteronomy 2:7For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.\ Deuteronomy 8:2 And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. Deuteronomy 8:4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Deuteronomy 29:5And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. Joshua 5:6For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people that were men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the LORD: unto whom the LORD sware that he would not shew them the land, which the LORD sware unto their fathers that he would give us, a land that floweth with milk and honey.
The Lord God continues to remind Israel of their disobedience:
Nehemiah 9:21Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. Psalm 95:10Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways: Amos 2:10Also I brought you up from the land of Egypt, and led you forty years through the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite. Amos 5:25Have ye offered unto me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel?
Forty days appears 25 times in Scripture. Of course the first reference is to Noah and the flood: Genesis 7:4For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth. Genesis 7:12And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights. Genesis 7:17And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. Note: It rained 40 days and nights the water pevailed for 150 days but Noah was on the Ark for 1 year. Genesis 8:6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days, that Noah opened the window of the ark which he had made: The next reference in regarding the length of time for embalming a body. Genesis 50:3And forty days were fulfilled for him; for so are fulfilled the days of those which are embalmed: and the Egyptians mourned for him … Moses is called by God into the top of Mt Sinai. Exodus 24:18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud, and gat him up into the mount: and Moses was in the mount forty days and forty nights. Moses is called by God unto the top of Mt Sinai a second time, tablets of stone. Exodus 34:28 And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments. 12 men spying out the land. (see 12 Spies) Numbers 13:25And they returned from searching of the land after forty days. Numbers 14:34 After the number of the days in which ye searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall ye bear your iniquities, even forty years, and ye shall know my breach of promise. Moses recounts receiving the tablets (10 commandments) of stone. Deuteronomy 9:9When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water: Deuteronomy 9:11 And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant. Deuteronomy 9:18 And I fell down before the LORD, as at the first, forty days and forty nights: I did neither eat bread, nor drink water, because of all your sins which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger. Deuteronomy 9:25 Thus I fell down before the LORD forty days and forty nights, as I fell down at the first; because the LORD had said he would destroy you. Deuteronomy 10:10 And I stayed in the mount, according to the first time, forty days and forty nights; and the LORD hearkened unto me at that time also, and the LORD would not destroy thee. Goliath challenges Israel: 1 Samuel 17:16And the Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented himself forty days. Elijah, when dealing with Ahab and Jezebel:note: Horeb is Siani 1 Kings 19:8And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God. Ezekiel and the siege against Israel (a sign): Ezekiel 4:6 And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed thee each day for a year. Nineveh had 40 days to repent and turn to God: Jonah 3:4And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown. At the beginning of his ministry, the Lord Jesus fasted: Matthew 4:2And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. Mark 1:13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto him. Luke 4:2 Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. The Lord walked on earth to prove he had indeed risen from the Grave. Acts 1:3To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God To better understand, read the verses in context.
