Prince who?

Do we know who the prince is in Ezekiel 45?  There will be a prince, but the Lord Jesus will be the King, correct?

Ezekiel 45:7, 16-17, 22

And a portion shall be for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the oblation of the holy portion, and of the possession of the city, before the oblation of the holy portion, and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward: and the length shall be over against one of the portions, from the west border unto the east border.

All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. And it shall be the prince's part to give burnt offerings, and meat offerings, and drink offerings, in the feasts, and in the new moons, and in the sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel: he shall prepare the sin offering, and the meat offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.

And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering.

It's David! Israel's King David will be resurrected in that earthly kingdom and he will sit as our Lord Jesus Christ's "prince" in that day!  We know this because God already told us that earlier in chapters 34 and 37.

Ezekiel 34:24; 37:25

And I the LORD will be their God, and my servant David a prince among them; I the LORD have spoken it.

And they shall dwell in the land that I have given unto Jacob my servant, wherein your fathers have dwelt ; and they shall dwell therein, even they, and their children, and their children's children for ever: and my servant David shall be their prince for ever.

Hopefully this helps! 

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New Jerusalem

Author David Busch says that when the Lord Jesus Christ returns at his Second Coming, he brings the City of Jerusalem with him. [The Assyrian (p. 301); The Appointed  (pp. 163, 218)]  I had been under the impression that the new City of Jerusalem descends at the end of the 1000 year Kingdom. 

Additionally, Mr. Busch also says that the earth is destroyed at Christ’s return, not at the end of the 1,000 years, like most believe.

Would you please tell me your position on this issue?

I am familiar with the books of brother David Busch, as I have and had read them all. I also have had some personal contact with him over the years, and he is a very dear brother indeed!

As far as his view on when the heavenly New Jerusalem will come down, I too agree with how he sees it!

I had come to the conviction that the city would come down when Christ returns in his Second Advent to the earth, and not after the 1,000 years, even before I knew of brother David's view on it! It is evident also to me after studying this issue out over the years that, yes, the earth will be destroyed (at least the Middle East—God's focus is on the Promised Land) before/at the return of Christ (Day of the Lord's Wrath), and not at the end of the 1,000 years.

Here are some reasons why I see those two issues as I do...

First, just like what brother David writes, when dealing with the book of Revelation, you must understand that the book "cycles" or "re-cycles" information, that is, things don't always go in sequential order, and God will also repeat things that He’s already mentioned in previous chapters.

For example, in Genesis 1, God gives an account of the Creation, and it looks like he is finished (because he said it is). But then, God will go back and "re-cycle" the info to add more details to the account in previously given.  By the way, the book of Acts is written this way also. God will mention that the persecuted Jewish kingdom saints of the little flock fled from Saul's persecution in Acts chapter 8, then He would skip a few chapters, and then pick up the story in chapter 11, where He would then give us more details.

Acts 8:3-4

As for Saul, he made havock of the [Kingdom] church [which was at Jerusalem (v1)], entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.  Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word.

Acts 11:19

Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word [the gospel of circumcision, not the gospel of uncircumcision] to none but unto the Jews only.

Here we see that God "re-cycled" the info, and gave us details of who they were preaching to. He does this type of thing throughout the book of Revelation as well!

                                          

Therefore, in Revelation, God will say something in chapter 6, but then repeat the same events with more detail in chapter 13 for example, even after giving other details about something else in the meantime (he does this so that we might study his word and not be lazy in our handling of it like unbelievers are when they deal with the bible.

Therefore, while it looks to most people that the New Jerusalem comes down after the 1,000 years, because of how it is written in Revelation 21:1-2 where John first mentions a "new heaven and new earth,"  God is simply "cycling" or "re-cycling" information that he gave us in previous chapters, and is not necessarily giving us the sequential order of things (I will give you other verses from scripture later also showing that the heavenly temple located in New Jerusalem must come down with Christ at the beginning of the 1,000 years!)

Revelation 21:1-2

And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Secondly, if the New Jerusalem does not come down at the beginning of the 1,000 years, what temple will the Lord live in? The temple on the earth at that time will be defiled when the Antichrist sits in it as God, and it will be destroyed during the wrath of God anyway.

2 Thessalonians 2:4

Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.

Luke 21:5-6

And as some spake of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said, As for these things which ye behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.

So because of the defiling of the temple by the false Christ, as well as the fact that it will be destroyed (along with the rest of the Middle East in that day), it makes sense that the temple that Christ will sit in during the 1,000 years is his own temple, that he will bring down with him at his second coming to the earth!

Revelation 15:5

And after that I looked, and, behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened:

Revelation 21:2-3

And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

As far as the earth (Middle East/promised land) being destroyed in that day, which too, is evident because of the day of God’s wrath—here are a few references addressing that.

Jeremiah 4:22-28

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. I beheld the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I beheld, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I beheld, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities thereof were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger. For thus hath the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate; yet will I not make a full end. For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black: because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and will not repent, neither will I turn back from it

2 Peter 3:10-13

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

Isaiah 13:6-10

 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine.

Joel 1:14-15

Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, Alas for the day! for the day of the LORD is at hand, and as a destruction from the Almighty shall it come.

Evidently, when the Lord brings down the New Jerusalem it will fill the approximate dimensions of the Promise Land. So, all that area of land mass that God promised to Abraham and his seed will be "replenished" at the return of Christ. The dimension of the city is 1,500 miles long in every direction.

Hopefully this helps! 
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Much about Job

I was looking at the book of Job as I was preparing for a lesson I'm going to teach and the thought came to me: when did the events of Job occur? Do you believe the events in the book of Job took place pre-flood or post flood?

From what I see in studying the scriptures, the events of that book not only took place post-flood, but they also took place many years after the time of Noah!  In fact, from what I see, the events of the book of Job took place after Abraham, after Isaac, and after Jacob, and even after Jacob gave birth to the 12 tribes. Although most of the references to the name Job are in the book of Job, there are other references to that name in the scriptures. The very first reference to that name is found in the very first book of the bible, the book of Genesis, and no doubt (at least in my mind) this is the same person spoken of in the book of Job (both Ezekiel and James mentions him also). The book of Genesis is introducing him to us!

Genesis 46:1
And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

(Be aware also, as is the custom in scripture, some people also have "aliases,” or different names or spellings of their names in scripture, such as Peter, Cephas, Simon, etc.  The same is also true for Job; he is also known as "Jashub.")

Numbers 26:23-25

Of the sons of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites: of Pua, the family of the Punites: Of Jashub [Job], the family of the Jashubites: of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. These are the families of Issachar according to those that were numbered of them, threescore and four thousand and three hundred.

1 Chronicles 7:1

Now the sons of Issachar were, Tola, and Puah, Jashub [Job], and Shimron, four.

Anyway, notice that the very first time we see Job mentioned is in Genesis 46, and he is said to be one of the sons of Issachar. Who is Issachar? he is a very important son of Jacob, and one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

Genesis 30:16-18; 35:23

And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

The sons of Leah; Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun:

The tribe of Issachar is renown in scripture as being one of the few in Israel that actually had a clue spiritually speaking!

1 Chronicles 12:32

And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.

So it looks as if Job is a grandson of Jacob, being a son, of Jacob's son, Issachar. And as such, it is no marvel that he is the godly man that he is said to be seeing he is in the line of Issachar.

Another clue to when these events take place is when we read the entire context of Gen 46. In context, Job is first mentioned as one of the souls that go down into Egypt with Jacob during the days of Joseph.

Genesis 46:1-3; 6-7

And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac. And God spake unto Israel in the visions of the night, and said, Jacob, Jacob. And he said, Here am I. And he said, I am God, the God of thy father: fear not to go down into Egypt; for I will there make of thee a great nation:

And they took their cattle, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his seed with him: His sons, and his sons' sons with him, his daughters, and his sons' daughters, and all his seed brought he with him into Egypt.

This is when we are first introduced to Job...

Genesis 46:13

And the sons of Issachar; Tola, and Phuvah, and Job, and Shimron.

(Again, every other reference to this name "Job" is in reference to the "Job" of the book of Job, so I am convinced that this is no different!)

So with all this said, it is my opinion from scripture that the “events of the book of Job” took place sometime after Israel went into Egypt with all his family, and some time before God had Moses write the book of Genesis 400+ years later. So assuming Job is a young boy/man when he travels with his entire extended family to Egypt, sometime later when he grew up and had his own family, he apparently left Egypt—no doubt, as a man who understood the times, seeing the trouble coming for his people as the Egyptians begin leaving the "knowledge" of uncle Joseph over time, and growing more contentious with the Hebrew people. Job would have been free to leave at time before the Pharaoh who knew not Joseph showed up. (Egypt represents the world, and he would have been "separating from the world” like the godly man he was). And he ended up heading East, closer to what would later be "Jerusalem," the city of God. That is where we pick up his account. And that is where all his brethren, the sons of Issachar would end up when they got into the land in Joshua.

Job 1:3

His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.

Joshua 17:10

Southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea is his border; and they met together in Asher on the north, and in Issachar on the east.

Hopefully this helps!

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To read more, see...Who wrote Job?

KJV Only vs. only KJV

How does someone who only uses the KJV differ from a ‘KJV Onlyist?’  It's seems to be a derogatory term used to put someone down.

While I personally only use the KJ translation, I do not consider myself a "KVJ Onlyist.”   I've had two brief encounters with the issue and found that it is a real hot topic that blows their emotions up beyond reasoning.  I’d be very interested in your thoughts regarding the “KJV Only” crowd. 

First of all, like a lot of things when talking about the bible with someone else, there is a lot of emotion involved when it comes to their personal choices like what church they go to, and what doctrine they believe. The same is true also when it comes to the issue of which bible someone uses!

But getting emotional about the bible you use, in and of itself, is not a problem; as God does desire for people to be passionate about His Word.

Job 23:12

Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food.

Deuteronomy 8:3

And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.

Psalm 42:1

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

And the way that we get to know God is through His Word!

So the fact that a person might get emotional (if it is out of a passion for God's Word) is not wrong. But the problem comes when your emotions about which bible version one uses clouds one's judgment about whether or not that particular version is right or not. In that particular case then, emotions are not well pleasing unto God!

And when it comes to this issue of King James Version versus all the other so-called English versions, this issue of emotion usually gets in the way of making the rational/logical choice—one which is based not upon how emotional you are about your particular version, but whether or not that particular version you use (and are emotional about) is right!

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But for now, to deal directly with your initial question...

Simply put, the main difference between someone who "only uses the KJV," and someone who is a "KJV Onlyist" is their attitude when it comes to giving others the grace and freedom to come to their own conclusions in time when it comes to the bible version issue!

The person who is a KJV Onlyist does not subscribe to what our Apostle Paul wrote…

1 Corinthians 8:1b

…Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

2 Timothy 2:24-26

And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance [a change of thinking] to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

In these verses, our Apostle makes it abundantly clear that those of us who "know" about this issue, must seek to "edify" others about it as well. But that edification is not done with haughtiness, nor with unkindness, but with “charity,” the goal being of "helping" others understand God's Word, so that they may stand by faith!

The KJV Onlyist seeks to "have dominion" over other peoples' faith when it comes to this issue (which bible version to use is a heart/faith issue, aka a personal decision); that is, they seek to "control" them by forcing them to use it—or else! Instead of being gentle and patiently, in the spirit of meekness (defined by our Apostle in Galatians 6:1-2 as "considering thyself lest ye also be tempted;" that is, but by the Grace of God, you could be—and were—in the same boat) as they explain this issue to others.

And yes, those who do not use the KJV "oppose themselves" and are in Satan's "snare," but the way to help them out is not by beating them over the head with the KJV, but to sit down with them and "reason" with them about the topic from the scriptures by showing how God's Word must be perfect or it is not His Word. And, that all other versions have errors in them, thus making them not His Word at all!

But even when sharing this with them, we must give them the freedom to make the choice to decide to use it or not in their own time!

The person who only uses the KJV (like me), will both study it, teach from it, proclaim it, stand strong for it, tout it, recommend it, and be ready to give an explanation to others of why it is not only just the best English version, but that it is the only English version of the bible without error (I'll explain more at the end).

This attitude of Grace and patience and long-suffering towards others (the exact same attitude God Himself has towards others when dealing with this issue) is lacking among the "KJV Onlyist," at least in my experience over the years with them. The KJV Only crowd will not only attempt to do all the things that I explained before that those people who "only use the KJV" do (i.e., study it, teach it, defend it, etc.), but they will condemn (usually with much un-Christ-like vitriol and unkindness) anyone else who does not use the same!

The KJV Onlyist would answer the following question that I get occasionally, a lot different than I do:

Questioner:  Pastor Ron, is your church a KJV Only church?

KJV Onlyist’s response:

You bet it is! And EVERY church should be and better be or they are condemned of Almighty God! Don’t even think of walking into this place with ANY other so-called version! If we even SEE anyone with any other version….out the door they go if they don’t agree to put that one away and start using the KJV!

(Also, any good KJV Onlyist worth his salt would also blast the questioner for calling him “Pastor” and not the KJV word for the teaching elder: “Bishop”!

Again, the attitude of the KJV Onlyist towards other people is what separates them from one who “only uses the KJV.” Both of us stand for and defend the KJV, but there is a huge difference in the attitudes (and sometimes actions).

My response would and has been:

Yes and No. Although I as the Bishop of this particular local Grace Assembly choose to both study out of and preach/teach out of the KJV only—and the leadership of this local Body of believers has decided that whoever is preaching/teaching from this pulpit will in fact do it only from a KJV—as far as those who attend the Assembly, they are free to use whichever version of the bible that they want!

I then go on to explain that my own personal conviction about the KJV was formed many years ago as I studied out this most important issues of the inspiration and preservation of God's Word from the scriptures. I have come to my own conclusion and conviction after much diligent study of the topic, that for me, the KJV is the only translation that is the true word of God—but, each individual must come to that conclusion on their own!

If they wished, I would sit down and help wade through all the particulars and showing how and why I have come to this conclusion.  But it is and would be wrong for me to force my conviction about anything upon another person!

The same holds true with our pulpit. The leaders have decided that whosoever preaches/teaches here at our Assembly, will do it from a KJV only! Again, that is because among these leaders, they too have come to a conviction that the KJV is the only one without error for you and I who speak English.

But with that said, if someone comes to visit our church, or even if someone is a "regular" but still chooses to use another version, then that is their freewill choice! I will share my convictions about the KJV both from the pulpit and in private conversations with them, and I will let them know that it would be more beneficial and edifying to them to follow along with my teaching if we are using the same version, but that is up to them to decide. But they are free to use whatever version they choose to and still fellowship with us as long as they want. Really, in my view, it's their loss (as they “oppose themselves”) if they do use any other version, but they are given that freedom from God, to choose for themselves, nonetheless.

So hopefully this helps dear sister. I have also included a little information from a real life question that I got on the bible version issue, as well as some of my other thoughts down below for you to peruse.

Hopefully this helps...Maranatha!

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The Unjust Judge

We had a guest pastor preach on Luke 18:1-8. He entitled his sermon "The Need for Persistence in Prayer."  Would you please explain this passage to me, rightly divided?

First of all, you mentioned that you had a "guest pastor," and that he taught on Luke 18:1-8, right? Unfortunately, if this man does not study from a Pauline, dispensation viewpoint, he is not doing the will of God in your life, or anyone else's!

God desires that all of learn his word rightly divided...having men teach us Paul's understanding of the scriptures. If someone is "teaching" you, and they do not rightly divide God's word, God says not to listen to them.

Romans 16:17-18

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Philippians 3:17-19

Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

So do not listen or sit under anyone who is not teaching God's word rightly divided from a Pauline-dispensational viewpoint. It is not God's will for you.

They might preach "Jesus" (like this "guest pastor" taught Luke 18), but it will not be what or how Paul teaches him.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.

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So I will expound on Luke 18:1-8 for you now...

Luke 18:1-8

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.  And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

The very first thing to notice in this passage is the context of it. The chapter starts with the word "And." That means what our Lord is about to say is "in addition to" what He was already saying in chapter 17. What was he saying in chapter 17?

Luke 17:22-37

 And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.  And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together.

The context of what he is about to say in chapter 18 is a "carry over" from chapter 17. The context of chapter 17 is his second coming in wrath, and to set up his earthly kingdom!

He ends chapter 17 by talking about the wrath of God awaiting the adversaries and enemies of God in that day during the time of Great Tribulation right before his return.

Notice he mentions the "eagles" in chapter 17, verse 37. Why? Well, he is answering his disciples’ question about where people will be taken in his wrath. (This is not and has nothing to do with the rapture of the church the body of Christ, as some suppose.  The church is nowhere in these passages of prophecy, as we are part of the mystery dispensation of grace)!

The enemies and adversaries of God here are taken in judgment and destroyed by the Lord in his wrath! The eagles (a type of God's power) will eat up their dead carcasses.

Job 39:27-30

Doth the eagle mount up at thy command, and make her nest on high? She dwelleth and abideth on the rock, upon the crag of the rock, and the strong place. From thence she seeketh the prey, and her eyes behold afar off. Her young ones also suck up blood: and where the slain are, there is she.

Revelation 19:17-18

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

So this is the context of Luke 18:1-8...

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint; Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man: And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary. And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me. And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith. And shall not God avenge his own elect [the believing remnant of Israel], which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them? I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

So we see how that in the context of God's wrath, he now tells his disciples to pray. Why pray? Pray that they don't become part of those who "fall away" from Christ (unto the Anti-Christ—he was also dealing with that in chapter 17), because if they do fall away from him, they too will be subject to that awful wrath of God. But for those who remain faithful to Christ, they will be "avenged" of their enemies by him!

That why the Lord had them pray the way he did earlier in Luke chapter 11, when he taught them what is commonly and denominationally referred to as "the Lord's Prayer" (which is really the disciple's prayer. The true Lord's prayer is found in John 17).

Anyway…when Israel prays, part of their prayer was to have God help them.

Luke 11:4

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

These people were to pray that they would withstand [endure so as to overcome] the power of the Anti-Christ to fall away from the Lord Jesus Christ! That was a part of their prayer life. But also, that the Lord would come and avenge them of the Anti-Christ, as well.

Luke 18:1-8

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;  Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:  And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.  And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man; Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.  And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.  And shall not God [the Just Judge] avenge his own elect, which cry [pray] day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?  I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Notice, he says, "to this end." Then, he goes on to give a parable about a widow who goes to a judge. Widows represented those who were vulnerable in that culture (along with the fatherless). She was without a husband and was destitute and powerless.  Judges represent those who have power and are in charge; therefore, this judge was able to change this woman's circumstance for the good if he wanted to. But, notice that this judge was not godly, nor did he fear God or man.  In fact, the Lord said that he was, "unjust."  He lived totally for himself, by his own way. This widow had a quarrel against an "adversary" (most likely someone more powerful) and she needed help from this judge. At first the judge would not move on her behalf even after she asked him, as it was his job to settle these matters. But after the woman's persistence and consistent "troubling" (that is, continually coming back time and time again to him for justice), he finally gave in, just to get "rid" of her.

So the Lord uses this extreme example of how this lowly, powerless, insignificant widow was able to move this powerful, self-centered, un-interested, unjust judge simply by staying on him day after day to do his job. Although she was a nothing, old widow in that culture, she got this powerful man to move on her behalf!

The point of the parable is, if that little old widow can get this unjust guy to "avenge" her of her "adversary," how much more can the "elect of God” (believing remnant of Israel) call of their Father, although he "tarries" and takes his time (seven years) to avenge them of their adversaries and enemies! That is why he adds this parable to the talk of destroying his enemies in chapter 17. Through much prayer and not fainting (giving up in despair) God will avenge his elect in that day of their enemies!

That is why the believing remnant of Israel was to pray "lead us not into temptation (to fall away from Christ), but deliver us from evil (the plan of the Anti-Christ to get them to fall away).

The Jew of that day will have to pray "fervently" to God and not give up....but wait patiently for Him to come back in his wrath and establish his kingdom of the earth!

James 5:16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Revelation 6:10

And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

Luke 21:19

In your patience possess ye your souls.

So we see that the context of the passage is the little flock of Jewish believers continuing in fervent prayer to the Lord is for them to withstand the Anti-Christ, and for him to come back to save them. And the pressure will be so severe in that day, with the Anti-Christ deceiving saints, getting them to fall away, that the Lord ends his parable by saying...

Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

Hopefully this helps!

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Northern California Grace Fellowship

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