The Gospel in Galatians

Paul’s Authority and Gospel

Lesson #2 for July 8, 2017

Scriptures: 2 Peter 3:15-16; Galatians 1; 5:12; Philippians 1:1[i].

1.    In our last lesson, we discussed the historical background of Paul. We discussed his conversion on the road to Damascus and what happened to him later. Where is Galatia? What do we know about the people of Galatia? Many of those people had migrated many years earlier from what we now call France. What do we know about the writing of the letter to the Galatians? What motivated Paul to write this letter? To whom was it written? When was it written? Had Paul ever been in Galatia? What experience did Paul have with the churches in Galatia? It is likely that Paul started some of those churches while working in Ephesus.

2.    The books of Galatians and Romans are very similar in many aspects. In Acts of the Apostles 383.1 and in the SDA Bible Commentary on Galatians, Ellen White suggested that the book of Galatians was written at the same time as Romans and that both were written from the city of Corinth, probably in the winter of A.D. 57-58.

While tarrying at Corinth, Paul had cause for serious apprehension concerning some of the churches already established. Through the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia.

These false teachers were mingling Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel. Ignoring the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, they urged upon the Gentile converts the observance of the ceremonial law.

The situation was critical. The evils that had been introduced threatened speedily to destroy the Galatian churches.

Paul was cut to the heart, and his soul was stirred by this open apostasy on the part of those to whom he had faithfully taught the principles of the gospel. He immediately wrote to the deluded believers, exposing the false theories that they had accepted and with great severity rebuking [384] those who were departing from the faith. After saluting the Galatians in the words, “Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,” he addressed to them these words of sharp reproof.—Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles* 383.3.

3.    Paul had been working for three years in Ephesus. During that time, he had written letters of advice and correction to the people in Corinth. After a short unpleasant visit to Corinth and, later, the writing to them of a very strong letter, they welcomed Paul back. On his return trip, Paul may have traveled through northern Galatia. Or, perhaps he just heard about the problems that they had. During his time in Ephesus, Paul, undoubtedly, traveled to several areas in Galatia to help start churches.

4.    Galatia is located in the western, central part of Asia Minor. Today, that area is known as Turkey.

5.    Letters such as Galatians played an essential role in Paul’s apostolic ministry. As the missionary to the Gentile world, Paul founded a number of churches scattered around the Mediterranean. Although he visited those churches whenever he could, he could not stay in one place for long. To compensate for his absence, Paul wrote letters to the churches in order to give them guidance. Over time, copies of Paul’s letters were shared with other churches.

(Colossians 4:16ii) Although some of Paul’s letters have been lost, at least 13 books in the New Testament were written by him as letters. As the above words from Peter show, too, at some point Paul’s writings were viewed as Scripture. This shows just how much authority his ministry eventually gained early in the history of the church.

At one time some Christians believed that the format of Paul’s letters was unique-a special format created by the Spirit in order to contain God’s inspired Word. This view changed when two young scholars from Oxford, Bernard Grenfell and Arthur Hunt, [in about 1896] discovered in Egypt about five hundred thousand fragments of ancient papyri (documents written on papyrus, a popular writing material used several hundred years before and after Christ).

In addition to finding some of the oldest copies of the New Testament, they found invoices, tax returns, receipts, and personal letters.

Much to everyone’s surprise, the basic format of Paul’s letters turned out to be common to all letter writers in his day. The format included (1) an opening salutation that mentioned the sender and the recipient and then included a greeting; (2) a word of thanksgiving; (3) the main body of the letter; and, finally,

(4) a closing remark.

In short, Paul was following the basic format of his time, speaking to his contemporaries through a medium and style with which they would be familiar.—Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide,* for Sunday, July 2. [Content in brackets is added.]

6. How did the earlier apostles/disciples and the people of those various churches feel about Paul’s letters? Read 2 Peter 3:15-16. Peter seemed to be suggesting that Paul’s letters were as authoritative as were the writings of the Old Testament. Was it because he recognized that the Source was the same? Did the disciples have greater authority than, for example, the deacons like Stephen? Does that mean that Acts 7 is a bit less inspired? Stephen seemed to impress Saul/Paul! Does the Holy Spirit “inspire” some less than others? Are some writings more generally applicable than others? God has to find ways to reach each of us where we are.

7. Was Paul an apostle? Couldn’t God have arranged for Saul to have met Jesus at some point during his education in Jerusalem? Would that have given Paul greater authority? Who has authority in our day? Huldah was a prophetess; but, she did not write. Is her authority less?

8. There were those who believed that Gentiles who became Christians should first follow all the Jewish practices, especially circumcision. They are called Judaizers. Although they claimed to be Christians, their Pharisaical background meant that they were not at all comfortable with Paul’s message of salvation by faith alone. (Acts 15:1-5) Thus, the Judaizers visited churches where Paul had started congregations, trying to convince the new members that they had to practice all the Jewish ceremonial rites. They knew very well that this was completely against the message that Paul had taught. (Galatians 3:28-29; Colossians 3:11iii) So, they wanted to diminish Paul’s authority.

The men who had attempted to lead them from their belief in the gospel were hypocrites, unholy in heart and corrupt in life. Their religion was made up of a round of ceremonies, through the performance of which they expected to gain the favor of God. They had no desire for a gospel that called for obedience to the word, “Except a [387] man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” John 3:3. They felt that a religion based on such a doctrine, required too great a sacrifice, and they clung to their errors, deceiving themselves and others.—Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles* 386.2.

9.    How did Paul respond to those critics? Paul chose to write a letter-the one we are now studying-called Galatians. Read Galatians 1:1-5iv. As usual, Paul followed the standard format for letter-writing in his day. He gave his name; but, instead of immediately mentioning to whom the letter was written, he went straight to the issue. He said that his gospel did not come from human beings; it came directly from God! Having made that statement, he went on to address the people of Galatia. He followed with a brief doxology; and then, he did something quite out of the ordinary. Instead of praising the Galatians-as he did all of the other congregations to which he wrote-he immediately launched into an accusation. Read Galatians 1:6-9[v].

10.    Apparently, the issue/question among the Galatians was a very fundamental one: What is the truth of the gospel? Is that still an issue today? Could you spell out in a few words your definition of the gospel?

11.    Notice these words of Paul in Romans which were written about the same time.

Romans 14:1-5: 1Welcome those who are weak in faith, but do not argue with them about their personal opinions. Some people’s faith allows them to eat anything, but the person who is weak in the faith eats only vegetables. Those who will eat anything are not to despise those who don’t; while those who eat only vegetables are not to pass judgement on those who will eat anything; for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servants? It is their own Master who will decide whether they succeed or fail. And they will succeed, because the Lord is able to make them succeed.

5 Some people think that a certain day is more important than other days, while others think that all days are the same. We should each firmly make up our own minds.—American Bible Society. (1992). The Holy Bible: The Good News Translation* (2nd ed., Romans 14:1-5). New York: American Bible Society.

12.    Paul told us that we should be very generous and very considerate of other people’s opinions. “We should each firmly make up our own minds.” So, how could he be so bold as to say:

Galatians 1:8 (GNB*): “Even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel that is different from the one we preached to you, may he be condemned to hell!”

Paul had been a legalistic Pharisee, and he knew about those Judaizers!

13.    Does that sound like someone who wanted to be respectful of other peoples’ opinions? Clearly, Paul felt very strongly about this issue. Was Paul overstepping his bounds? Or, is it possible to be so certain about your version of the gospel? Do we know what those core issues were that Paul was so certain about? It would make matters considerably clearer if we had a careful explanation-written out-about what the Judaizers were teaching. But, we do not have that. All we have is Paul’s response. So, we must theorize about what they were teaching. It is very clear from passages like Galatians 5:12vi that the issue was circumcision and the practicing of other Jewish rites. The Judaizers believed that all of those things were required for salvation. Paul vehemently disagreed. That led to two additional questions arising: 1) Who has the authority to say what the gospel really is? 2) What is required for salvation?

14.    Should Paul have sought the approval of the brethren and avoided preaching controversial matters? As a member of the Sanhedrin, he certainly had obtained human approval in the past. However, even his family apparently rejected him because of his new beliefs. Does that sound like he was seeking human approval?

15.    And what about us today? What authorities do we recognize? Do we even think about what authorities we are recognizing? Or, do we simply float with the crowd? To what extent are our standards and decisions determined by group pressure? Is that a reliable source? How do we value past evidence as compared to the latest thing? Do we carefully evaluate every new religious or theological idea against the Canon of Scripture and the Spirit of Prophecy? Can we give to anyone who asks us a reason for the faith/hope that is in us? (1 Peter 3:15-16vii)

16.    Paul’s opponents began by attacking Paul’s authority. They probably suggested that he was not one of the original disciples and had never actually seen Jesus. Paul admitted that. (1 Corinthians 15:3-8; Galatians 1:15-19viii) But, he went on to point out that he had gotten his message directly from the risen Jesus, seated at the right side of God’s throne. How would you respond if your pastor made such a claim?

17.    He was absolutely certain about his version of the gospel! Could we-or should we-be that certain? In Testimonies to Ministers 119, Ellen White stated: “They must know that they do know what is truth.” Don’t those words sound like someone who is certain?

18.    How do we know that Paul was telling us the truth? His encounter on the road to Damascus is well documented. Is that all the evidence that we need? There is no way that everything Paul received from Christ about the gospel was received in that one moment of time! Where did the rest of Paul’s information come from? (Acts 9:15-16ix)

19.    What would lead Paul to say that anyone who disagreed with him should be condemned to hell? Was John the Revelator also certain about the truth that had been revealed to him? Read Revelation 22:18-19.[x]

20.    But, if you cannot trust an angel, who can you trust? Who was it that started circulating misinformation and accusations against God right in the courts of heaven? Wasn’t it an angel? In fact, wasn’t it the number one angel? What did that angel-Lucifer who later became the Devil, or Satan-say that was so convincing that one-third of the angels, living in the very presence of God, began to trust Lucifer and distrust God?

21.    Unfortunately, we have been told in no uncertain terms that the same deceiver is coming back in person at the end of time to practice his deceptive skills on us. (Matthew 24:24xi) Are we so clear about our version of the gospel that we cannot be deceived?

22.    Right up front we should recognize that it is dangerous to accept mere claims. Claims, even stated with great authority, are not evidence. When someone makes an authoritative statement, the first question we should ask is, “Where is the evidence?” Lucifer must have made some incredible claims right in the courts of heaven. Did he provide any evidence? The evidence was/is not on his side. How should we approach those who are so sure they are right but cannot back up their claims with evidence from Scripture?

23.    Down through the centuries, an incredible number of different claims have been made by religious sources. How can we determine which of those claims we should believe? Perhaps the best clue was given by Jesus Himself. Late in the afternoon on resurrection Sunday, two of the lesser-known disciples were leaving Jerusalem and traveling back to Emmaus. Shortly after leaving Jerusalem, they were joined by another Traveler. As we now know, it was Jesus Himself. Why didn’t Jesus just tell them who He was and then answer their questions? They would have been completely satisfied. But, instead, for a considerable period of time, Jesus maintained His disguised until He had interpreted the Scriptures to them. (Luke 24:25-27xii; 5BC 1125.12; 3SP 214.2; ST October 6, 1909; 6Red 32.3)

Jesus did not first reveal himself in his true character to them, and then open the Scriptures to their minds; for he knew that they would be so overjoyed to see him again, risen from the dead, that their souls would be satisfied. They would not hunger for the sacred truths which he wished to indelibly impress upon their minds, that they might impart them to others, who should in their turn spread the precious knowledge, until thousands of people should receive the light given that day to the despairing disciples as they journeyed to Emmaus.

He maintained his disguise till he had interpreted the Scriptures, and had led them to an intelligent faith in his life, his character, his mission to earth, and his death and resurrection. He wished the truth to take firm root in their minds, not because it was supported by his personal testimony, but because the typical law, and the prophets of the Old Testament, agreeing with the facts of his life and death, presented unquestionable evidence of that truth. When the object of his labors with the two disciples was gained, he revealed himself to them that their joy might be full, and then vanished from their sight.—Ellen G. White, Spirit of Prophecy,* vol. 3, 214.1-2.

24.    Remember that the Scriptures in those days included only the Old Testament. And so, Jesus led those two disciples through the Old Testament, showing how His life had been a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and thus, providing unquestionable evidence of the truth. Then, when He was finished, having arrived at their destination and sitting at the table with them, He revealed who He was, and then He disappeared. (See Luke 24:13-35xiii.)

25.    So, what is God trying to say to us? Do not believe a claim unless you have evidence that it is the truth! Satan has claimed that he is like God. He even wants to ascend above the throne of God. (Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:12-15xiv) He wants to be worshiped, and he has made many false claims against God. So, who is telling us the truth? Can God be trusted? Can Satan be trusted? Where do we go for the evidence? Notice what Satan said even while still in heaven!

Satan refused to listen. And then he turned from the loyal and true angels, denouncing them as slaves. These angels, true to God, stood in amazement as they saw that Satan was successful in his effort to excite rebellion. He promised them a new and better government than they then had, in which all would be freedom. Great numbers signified their purpose to accept Satan as their leader and chief commander. As he saw his advances were met with success, he flattered himself that he should yet have all the angels on his side, and that he would be equal with God himself, and his voice of authority would be heard in commanding the entire host of Heaven.—Ellen G. White, Spirit of Prophecy,* vol. 1, 20.1. [Bold type is added.]

26.    In Paul’s day, they did not have the New Testament. What they had was several apostles traveling around and visiting the different churches. Which would give you more confidence: 1) Having the Bible and all the evidence accumulated over the millennia? Or, 2) Having a living apostle, or prophet, among us to whom we could ask questions? Some churches claim they have one.

27.    What percentage of the truths that you believe are solidly based on evidence from the Bible or the Spirit of Prophecy? Have you checked them out for yourself?

28.    Coming back to the core issue: What is the gospel-the good news? Perhaps we should focus that question down a little bit: What did the gospel mean to Paul? What had he and others taught the Galatians? Is the gospel spelled out in Romans and Galatians? These two books were written about the same time? And can we be very sure about the gospel?

29.    About what can we be sure? After reading the Bible, can we be sure of the kind of Person God is? Can we be sure that He is not as Satan has claimed He is?

30.    In Galatians 1:4 (GNB), Paul said: “In order to set us free from this present evil age, Christ gave himself for our sins.” How does this compare to Romans 8:3 (GNB): “He condemned sin in human nature by sending his own Son, who came with a nature like our sinful human nature, to do away with sin”?

31.    At least two quite different views have emerged as to what this means. 1) Does it mean that Jesus died to pay the penalty for our sins, remove our guilt, and forgive us-sometimes labeled justification-so that we can be saved and go to heaven? Or, 2) Does it mean that Jesus came to reveal the truth about God, all Three Members of the Godhead, so we can make an intelligent decision about whether They can be trusted? Would you even want to go to heaven if God is the kind of Person Satan has made Him out to be: Arbitrary, exacting, vengeful, unforgiving, and severe?

32.    Ideally, we should ask: What did the gospel mean to Paul and to the Galatians? Do we have any clues in the books of Romans and Galatians. Paul certainly made it clear that in God’s eyes:

Galatians 3:28-29 (GNB*): There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. 29If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.

33.    He made it very clear that we are all sinners, Jews and non-Jews alike. (Romans 1 -3) He also made it clear that the answer to the sin problem was God’s demonstration of His Own righteousness so we can know the truth and become like Him. (Romans 1:16-17; 3:25-26, GNB) It is only after God has proven His Own righteousness that He can set us right, and He can keep us right. Look at Ellen White’s summary of this issue.

The only way in which he could set and keep men right was to make himself visible and familiar to their eyes.

Christ exalted the character of God, attributing to him the praise, and giving to him the credit, of the whole purpose of his own mission on earth,-to set men right through the revelation of God. In Christ was arrayed before men the paternal grace and the matchless perfections of the Father. In his prayer just before his crucifixion, he declared, “I have manifested thy name.” “I have glorified thee on the earth; I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” When the object of his mission was attained,-the revelation of God to the world,-the Son of God announced that his work was accomplished, and that the character of the Father was made manifest to men.—Ellen G. White, The Signs of the Times,* January 20, 1890. Compare ST, December 4, 1893; Manuscript Releases, vol. 18, 359; RH, August 14, 1900; YI, November 21, 1883.

34.    The essence of the gospel is that God is not the kind of Person His enemies have made Him out to be. He is, instead, just like His Son showed Him to be. (John 12:45; 14:9; Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3xv)

35.    If you were asked to spell out your definition of the gospel, what would you say?

© 2017, Kenneth Hart, MD, MA, MPH. Permission is hereby granted for any noncommercial use of these materials. Free distribution of all or of a portion of this material such as to a Bible study class is encouraged. *Electronic versions.    Info@theox. org

i-2Pe 3:15-16 NIV Bear in mind that our Lord's patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. (16) He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

Gal 1:1-24 NIV Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-- (2) and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches in Galatia: (3) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (5) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. (6) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- (7) which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! (9) As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse! (10) Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (11) I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. (12) I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (13) For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. (14) I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (15) But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased (16) to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. (17) I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. (18) Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. (19) I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother. (20) I assure you before God that what I am writing you is no lie. (21) Then I went to Syria and Cilicia. (22) I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. (23) They only heard the report: "The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy." (24) And they praised God because of me.

Gal 5:12 NIV As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Php 1:1 NIV Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God's holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

ii-Col 4:16 NIV After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

iii-Gal 3:28-29 NIV There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (29) If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Col 3:11 NIV Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.

iv-Gal 1:1-5 NIV Paul, an apostle--sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead-- (2) and all the brothers and sisters with me, To the churches in Galatia: (3) Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (4) who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, (5) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

v-Gal 1:6-9 NIV I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel-- (7) which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. (8) But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse! (9) As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God's curse!

vi-Gal 5:12 NIV As for those agitators, I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

vii-1Pe 3:15-16 NIV But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, (16) keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

viii-1Co 15:3-8 NIV For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, (4) that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, (5) and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. (6) After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. (7) Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, (8) and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.

Gal 1:15-19 NIV But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased (16) to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. (17) I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. (18) Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days. (19) I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother.

ix-Act 9:15-16 NIV But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. (16) I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

x-Rev 22:18-19 NIV I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. (19) And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

xi-Mat 24:24 NIV For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.

xii-Luk 24:25-27 NIV He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" (27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

xiii-Luk 24:13-35 NIV Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. (14) They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. (15) As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; (16) but they were kept from recognizing him. (17) He asked them, "What are you discussing together as you walk along?" They stood still, their faces downcast. (18) One of them, named Cleopas, asked him, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (19) "What things?" he asked. "About Jesus of Nazareth," they replied. "He was a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. (20) The chief priests and our rulers handed him over to be sentenced to death, and they crucified him; (21) but we had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. And what is more, it is the third day since all this took place. (22) In addition, some of our women amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning (23) but didn't find his body. They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive. (24) Then some of our companions went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see Jesus." (25) He said to them, "How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! (26) Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" (27) And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself. (28) As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus continued on as if he were going farther. (29) But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them. (30) When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. (31) Then their eyes were opened and they recognized him, and he disappeared from their sight. (32) They asked each other, "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?" (33) They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together (34) and saying, "It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon." (35) Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognized by them when he broke the bread.

xiv-Isa 14:12-14 NIV How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! (13) You said in your heart, "I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. (14) I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High."

Eze 28:12-15 NIV "Son of man, take up a lament concerning the king of Tyre and say to him: 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: "'You were the seal of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. (13) You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: carnelian, chrysolite and emerald, topaz, onyx and jasper, lapis lazuli, turquoise and beryl. Your settings and mountings were made of gold; on the day you were created they were prepared. (14) You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones. (15) You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you.

xv-Joh 12:45 NIV The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me.

Joh 14:9 NIV Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Heb 1:3 NIV The Son is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

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