Taken by Force

Monday, April 19, 2010: Acts 8:39

Now when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing.

Background: Phillip is told to go on the road to Gaza by the Holy Spirit. There he meets the Treasurer of Ethiopia and tells him about Christ from Scriptures. He baptizes the Treasurer at the latter’s request and could have been offered money soon after.

What happened to Phillip as the treasurer and he emerged from the water after baptism? Phillip disappeared. He was taken away by the Holy Spirit to a town called Azotus and continued his preaching.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010: Matthew 13:19

When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside.

Background: Jesus peaches the Parable of the Sower to many from a boat just off the shore. He proceeds then to explain to His disciples that the seed is the Word of God because they ask Him.

What does understanding have to do with the Kingdom of God? If one does not understands that he is sinful and needs to repent and accept God’s salvation simply accepts the Word with the attitude that he is better than other sinners. The Word in such an unrepentant heart is soon snatched away by the devil.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010: John 10:28–29

And I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father’s hand.

Background: Christ Jesus is in the Temple in Jerusalem in winter, during Hanukah. He spoke about being the good shepherd who gives His life for His sheep.

Can you loose your salvation? No. Anyone includes you. No one can snatch you from Christ’s hand.

Thursday, April 22, 2010: 2 Corinthians 12:2–4

I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or whether out of the body I do not know, God knows—such a one was caught up to the third heaven. And I know such a man—whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows— how he was caught up into Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

What made Paul unique among the Apostles? He was taught truth by direct revelation and was caught up in a way not understood by him into heaven.

Friday, April 23, 2010: 1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘caught up?” ἁρπάζω ( harpazō in Greek) is a verb which in the Latin Vulgate translation is ‘Rapture.’