The Book of Matthew - Part 24

The lesson on February 9, 2025 was part 24 of “The Book of Matthew” study. We are still in Matthew 10 and Wayne took some time to review what we learned with the phrase “but now” but then focused on Matthew 10:28 KJV. The tough conditions for the twelve apostles were facing in their witness for Jesus facing the prospect of the kingdom of heaven at hand. In this verse, Jesus is warning them not to fear them that could kill the body, but rather fear God that can kill the body and soul. We applied the principal of right division to ask “what is a soul?”. You find out by looking at the first occurrence of soul in scripture and that took us to Genesis 2:7 KJV “7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul”. Soul = “life”. When the spirit of God is gone, that is when you see death. However, if you are saved, God remembers your spirit in the resurrection where you wake up with eternal life. The apostles were facing a tough time when even their own family would become enemies.

The scripture reading was from Matthew 10:28-34 KJV “28 And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.”