On the Day of Pentecost a multitude of people were confused about what they had witnessed. Peter explains a few prophecies to them in an effort to help them be spared on the Day of the Lord. What Peter tells the crowd is interesting as we generally assume Peter to be uneducated regarding scripture. If we examine this closely we will learn a few compelling things that relate to our day and time. We want to keep in mind, Pentecost was an unusual day in that the uneducated disciples were speaking languages they did not naturally speak and they were heard speaking the wonderful works of God. The educated people did not understand this event as it was unfolding, and they were stunned by what they heard.
On the Day of Pentecost Peter stood up with the eleven disciples and explained to the multitude why they were hearing people speak in their own languages the wonderful works of God. The multitudes were not sure what this meant. Peter explained that this was something prophesied by Joel. We often read this part of Acts today, but we sometimes forget the rest of what Peter said. Peter, who we usually consider an uneducated fisherman, had memorized many scriptures and was able to expound on the prophecies for the multitude. Think about that. Peter didn’t have a Bible, a scroll, or an app to refer to. People didn’t borrow the scrolls to take home and read. Somehow, this less educated fisherman was far smarter than we realize.
Joel’s prophetic words were probably written between 835 BCE to 796 BCE. Peter must have known these words well to be able to unravel them for the multitudes. Some of Joel’s words have been fulfilled, but some have not been fulfilled yet. Part of Joel’s prophecy describes the sun being converted. Since we just had an eclipse, we should look at these details and see what we can determine. Many superstitious people want to attach a spiritual significance to a solar eclipse. However, the Living God, our Creator, is not bound to the superstitions of men.
Acts 2:20G3588The G2246sun G3344shall be converted G1519into G4655darkness, G2532and G3588the G4582moon G1519into G129blood, G4250before G2228the G2064coming — G3588the G2250[4day G29625 of the Lord G3588 G31731great G25322and G20163apparent].
3344LSJ Gloss: μεταστρέφω to turn about, turn round, turn
Dodson: μεταστρέφω I turn, change, corrupt, pervert.
Thayer:
1) to turn around, turn around
μεταστρέφω
metastrephō met-as-tref'-o From G3326 and G4762; to turn across, that is, transmute or (figuratively) corruptKJV Usage: pervert, turn.
4655LSJ Gloss: σκότος darkness, gloom
Dodson: σκότος darkness darkness, either physical or moral.
Thayer:
1) darkness
1a) of night darkness
1b) of darkened eyesight or blindness
2) metaph.
2a) of ignorance respecting divine things and human duties, and the accompanying ungodliness and immorality, together with their consequent misery in hell
2b) persons in whom darkness becomes visible and holds sway
σκότος
skotos skot'-os From the base of G4639; shadiness, that is, obscurity (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: darkness.
4582 LSJ Gloss: σελήνηthe moon
Dodson: σελήνη the moon.
Thayer:
1) the moon
Trench's New Testament Synonyms
σελήνη
selēnē sel-ay'-nay From σέλας selas (brilliancy; probably akin to the alternate of G138, through the idea of attractiveness); the moon KJV Usage: moon.
129 LSJ Gloss: αἷμα blood
Dodson: αἷμα blood blood (especially as shed).
Thayer:
1) blood
1a) of man or animals
1b) refers to the seat of life
1c) of those things that resemble blood, grape juice
2) blood shed, to be shed by violence, slay, murder
αἷμα
aima hah'ee-mah Of uncertain derivation; blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specifically (the atoning blood of Christ); by implication bloodshed, also kindred KJV Usage: blood.
3173 LSJ Gloss: μέγας big, great
Dodson: μέγας large, great large, great, in the widest sense.
Thayer:
1) great
1a) of the external form or sensible appearance of things (or of persons)
1a1) in particular, of space and its dimensions, as respects
1a1a) mass and weight: great
1a1b) compass and extent: large, spacious
1a1c) measure and height: long
1a1d) sta
μέγας
megas meg'-as Including the prolonged forms, femine μεγάλη megalē , plural μέγάλοι megaloi , etc.; compare also G3176, G3187], big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application) KJV Usage: (+ fear) exceedingly, great (-est), high, large, loud, mighty, + (be) sore (afraid), strong, X to years.
2016LSJ Gloss: ἐπιφανής coming to light, appearing
Dodson: ἐπιφανής manifest, glorious, illustrious.
Thayer:
1) conspicuous, manifest, illustrious
ἐπιφανής
epiphanēs ep-if-an-ace' From G2014; conspicuous, that is, (figuratively) memorable KJV Usage: notable.
First thing we have to establish is the timing of this event. This part of Joel’s prophecy takes place on the Day of the Lord. When will the Day of the Lord occur? At the end of the tribulation when Jesus comes back with His army. This day is said to be mega, meaning “big, great, large, loud, mighty”. It is also the day of epiphany, the appearing, coming to light, a conspicuous and memorable day.
Understanding the timing is always crucial because for humans time is linear, it has a starting point and an ending point; but the Living God is not bound to our dimension of time. Yet he chose to make himself and his plans known to us through linear time. This is why we see God so orderly and precise. We see his calendar of events laid out perfectly, without confusion; and we see his timing and time tables explained to us with detail and precision. It is humans who add superstition and religion, and have chosen chaos instead of the accuracy and exactness of the timing of the Living God. When one has a religious bias that needs to be substantiated, that one builds a religion and expects the Creator to mold himself into that religion. Don’t be fooled, many say that they are not religious, and many say that they are not of a denomination, but their biases are building a religion. This Day of the Lord is always mixed up, and almost never put into the proper timeline simply because people are not concerned with accuracy and precision. The Living God chose to make his plans known in a linear timeframe. If we mix up time, then we will lead ourselves and others astray. When we have a religious bias we will throw out parts of the written word that do not align with our religion. It is safer for us all to approach the written word as if we know nothing, and to not formulate religious biases. Then we are free to understand what the Holy Spirit has written to us.
The Day of the Lord will be the great epiphany. The day Jesus is revealed to everyone in heaven and earth. There are many events that must take place before this day, but the general timing is that this occurs just before the millennial reign of Jesus Christ begins on the earth. This is when he is revealed with his saints (the two apocalypses). People who rejected Jesus as Lord and Christ will know for sure that he is who he said he is. Remember the beast attempts to make war with the Lamb, but of course we know that doesn’t turn out well for the devil/dragon, the beast, the false prophet, and all those who worshipped the beast. The beast and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire and the devil is thrown into the bottomless pit for one thousand years. This is that great and terrible Day of the Lord.
What will happen before the Day of the Lord? The sun will turn or corrupt, into darkness. It will become perverted. The moon will turn or corrupt into blood. What turns the sun dark? Smoke, ash, clouds. What turns the moon red like blood? Smoke, ash, clouds. This is what happens before the great epiphany. Doesn’t John tell us that Jesus comes with the clouds and every eye will see him? No one will need the light of the sun or the moon on that day as Jesus’ light will illuminate the clouds. Peter is explaining this to the multitudes who are aware of Joel’s words, but Peter tells them how to be saved, delivered, preserved, and protected on the Day of the Lord, the great epiphany.
Acts 2:21G2532And G1510.8.3it shall be G3956all G3739who G302ever G1941should call upon G3588the G3686name G2962of the Lord G4982shall be delivered.
3686LSJ Gloss: ὄνομα by name
Dodson: ὄνομα name, character, reputation name, character, fame, reputation.
Thayer:
1) name: univ. of proper names
2) the name is used for everything which the name covers, everything the thought or feeling of which is aroused in the mind by mentioning, hearing, remembering, the name, i.e. for one's rank, authority, interests, pleasure, command, excellences, deeds etc.
3) persons reckoned up by name
4) the cause or reason named: on this account, because he suffers as a Christian, for this reason
ὄνομα
onoma on'-om-ah From a presumed derivative of the base of G1097 (compare G3685); a “name” (literally or figuratively), (authority, character) KJV Usage: called, (+ sur-) name (-d).
4982LSJ Gloss: σώζω to save, keep
Dodson: σῴζω I save, heal I save, heal, preserve, rescue.
Thayer:
1) to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction
1a) one (from injury or peril)
1a1) to save a suffering one (from perishing), i.e. one suffering from disease, to make well, heal, restore to health
1b1) to preserve one who is in danger of destruction, to save or rescue
1b) to save in the technical biblical sense
1b1) negatively
1b1a) to deliver from the penalties of the Messianic judgment
1b1b) to save from the evils which obstruct the reception of the Messianic deliverance
σώζω
sōzō sode'-zo From a primary word σῶς sōs̄ (contraction for the obsolete σάος saos , “safe”); to save, that is, deliver or protect (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole.
Delivered from what? Delivered from the great epiphany. How are people protected from that terrible day? By calling on the name of Jesus Christ the Lord. It is calling on Him, Jesus, that preserves people from the great epiphany. Peter now has their attention. Remember these are people who are wondering why they heard the wonderful works of God in their own languages. Peter has now explained Joel’s words to them. Peter has told them how to escape the great epiphany. Now Peter will explain Jesus.
Acts 2:22G435Men, G*Israelites, G191hear G3588 G3056these words! G3778 G*Jesus G3588the G*Nazarene, G435a man G575from G3588 G2316God G584exhibited G1519unto G1473you G1411powers G2532and G5059miracles G2532and G4592signs, G3739which G4160[did G1223through G1473him G3588 G2316God] G1722in G3319your midst, G1473 G2531as G2532even G1473you yourselves G1492know.
23G3778This one G3588[by the G3724confirmed G1012counsel G2532and G4268foreknowledge G3588 G2316of God G1560delivered up]; G2983having taken, G1223[by G5495hands G459lawless G4362staking him up G337you did away with].
24G3739Whom G3588 G2316God G450raised up, G3089having loosed G3588the G5604pangs G3588 G2288of death; G2530in so far as G3756it was not G1510.7.3 G1415possible G2902for him to be held G1473 G5259by G1473 it.
2902LSJ Gloss: κρατέω to be strong, mighty, powerful
Dodson: κρατέω I lay hold of, obtain I am strong, mighty, hence: I rule, am master, prevail; I obtain, take hold of; I hold, hold fast.
Thayer:
1) to have power, be powerful
1a) to be chief, be master of, to rule
2) to get possession of
2a) to become master of, to obtain
2b) to take hold of
2c) to take hold of, take, seize
2c1) to lay hands on one in order to get him into one's power
3) to hold
3a) to hold in the hand
3b) to hold fast, i.e. not discard or let go
3b1) to keep carefully and faithfully
3c) to continue to hold, to retain
3c1) of death continuing to hold one
3c2) to hold in check, restrain
κρατέω
krateō krat-eh'-o From G2904; to use strength, that is, seize or retain (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: hold (by, fast), keep, lay hand (hold) on, obtain, retain, take (by).
It was not possible for death to hold Jesus. Death had no strength to seize or retain Jesus. Since death could not contain Jesus he overcame death. Just as John tells us that Jesus has the keys to hell and death; he is now in charge of both.
Now the uneducated fisherman, Peter, will recite David’s words and explain them to this multitude.
Acts 2:25G*For David G1063 G3004says G1519concerning G1473him, G4308I foresaw G3588the G2962Lord G1799before me G1473 G1275continually; G3754for G1537[at G1188my right hand G1473 G1510.2.3he is] G2443that G3361I shall not be shaken. G4531
4531LSJ Gloss: σαλεύω to cause to rock, make to oscillate, shake to and fro
Dodson: σαλεύω I shake, excite I shake, excite, disturb in mind, stir up, drive away.
Thayer:
1) a motion produced by winds, storms, waves, etc
1a) to agitate or shake
1b) to cause to totter
1c) to shake thoroughly, of a measure filled by shaking its contents together
2) to shake down, overthrow
2a) to cast down from one's (secure and happy) state
2b) to move, agitate the mind, to disturb one
σαλεύω
saleuō sal-yoo'-o From G4535; to waver, that is, agitate, rock, topple or (by implication) destroy; figuratively to disturb, incite KJV Usage: move, shake (together), which can [-not] be shaken, stir up.
David says he foresaw the Lord. He saw ahead and perceived the Lord at his right hand. Because of this vision David did not waver or oscillate. David was not disturbed or overthrown because he had the knowledge of the Lord at his right hand. This caused David’s heart to be merry. David had hope.
Acts 2:26G1223On account of G3778this G2165[was made merry G3588 G2588my heart], G1473 G2532and G21[exulted G3588 G1100my tongue]; G1473 G2089but still G1161 G2532also G3588 G4561my flesh G1473 G2681shall encamp G1909in G1680hope.
Now at first glance we might think David is speaking of himself here. But as we will see, David is speaking prophetically of Jesus. Peter explains this to the crowd.
Acts 2:27G3754For G3756you shall not abandon G1459 G3588 G5590my soul G1473 G1519into G86Hades, G3761nor G1325shall you give G3588 G3741your sacred one G1473 G1492to see G1312corruption.
28G1107You made known G1473to me G3598the ways G2222of life; G4137you shall fill G1473me G2167with gladness G3326with G3588 G4383your countenance. G1473
Pay attention to Peter’s words here.
Acts 2:29G435Men, G80brethren, G1832it is allowed G2036to speak G3326with G3954an open manner G4314to G1473you G4012concerning G3588the G3966patriarch G*David, G3754that G2532both G5053he came to an end G2532and G2290was entombed, G2532and G3588 G3418his tomb G1473 G1510.2.3is G1722among G1473us G891as far as G3588 G2250this day. G3778
30G4396A prophet G3767then G5224being, G2532and G1492knowing G3754that G3727[an oath G3660swore G1473to him G3588 G2316God], G1537(of G2590the fruit G3588 G3751of his loin, G1473 G3588the one G2596according to G4561the flesh,) G450to raise up G3588the G5547Christ, G2523to sit G1909upon G3588 G2362his throne, G1473
4396LSJ Gloss: προφήτης one who speaks for a God and interprets his will
Dodson: προφήτης a prophet, poet a prophet, poet; a person gifted at expositing divine truth.
Thayer:
1) in Greek writings, an interpreter of oracles or of other hidden things
2) one who, moved by the Spirit of God and hence his organ or spokesman, solemnly declares to men what he has received by inspiration, especially concerning future events, and in pa
προφήτης
prophētēs prof-ay'-tace From a compound of G4253 and G5346; a foreteller (“prophet”); by analogy an inspired speaker; by extension a poet
KJV Usage: prophet.
Peter is explaining the prophecy of David to the multitudes who just witnessed the Holy Spirit falling on the disciples. This prophecy from David was not about David. Although on one hand that is the case, that as soon as Jesus overcame the grave the souls of the righteous came out of the grave and went to paradise. But these words were really in regard to an heir, someone from David’s lineage.
Acts 2:31G4275looking out ahead G2980he spoke G4012concerning G3588the G386resurrection G3588of the G5547Christ, G3754that G3756[was not left G2641 G3588 G5590his soul] G1473 G1519in G86Hades, G3761nor G3588 G4561his flesh G1473 G1492saw G1312corruption.
4275Dodson: προείδω I see beforehand I see beforehand, am mindful.
Thayer:
1) to foresee
προείδω
386LSJ Gloss: ἀνάστασις a raising up
Dodson: ἀνάστασις a rising again, resurrection.
Thayer:
1) a raising up, rising (e.g. from a seat)
2) a rising from the dead
2a) that of Christ
2b) that of all men at the end of this present age
2c) the resurrection of certain ones history who were restored to life (Heb.
11:35)
ἀνάστασις
anastasis an-as'-tas-is From G450; a standing up again, that is, (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, general or by implication (its author)), or (figuratively) a (moral) recovery (of spiritual truth) KJV Usage: raised to life again, resurrection, rise from the dead, that should rise, rising again.
David saw ahead to the Messiah coming from his lineage in the future and that this heir would be resurrected and not be left in Hades. Peter just explained David’s prophecy to a large number of people. It is important to note that this is the way prophecy works. We cannot understand some prophecies until certain events happen. In this case, a thousand years after David wrote these things, Jesus rose from the dead. Now David’s words make sense.
Acts 2:32G3778This G3588 G*Jesus G450God raised up, G3588 G2316 G3739of which G3956all G1473we G1510.2.4are G3144witnesses.
33G3588By the G1188right hand G3767then G3588 G2316of God G5312having been raised up high, G3588and the G5037 G1860promise G3588of the G39holy G4151spirit G2983having received G3844by G3588the G3962father, G1632he poured out G3778this G3739which G3568you now G1473 G991see G2532and G191hear.
These people who had tongues of fire on them, who were speaking the wonderful works of God in languages they did not normally speak, were witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Now the multitude had an answer as to what they experienced, but then Peter goes on.
Acts 2:34G3756[did not G1063For G*2David] G305ascend G1519into G3588the G3772heavens. G3004For he says G1161 G1473himself, G2036The Lord said G3588 G2962 G3588to G2962my Lord, G1473 G2521Sit down G1537at G1188my right, G1473
35G2193until G302whenever G5087I should establish G3588 G2190your enemies G1473 G5286as a footstool G3588 G4228of your feet. G1473
Peter points out another prophecy from David and notes that David did not ascend into the heavens. So how did he know this conversation? We will look at this second prophecy shortly, but first we should concentrate on David’s first prophecy as mentioned by Peter.
There is an important understanding here that we should be aware of. Psalm 16 is an inscription on a monument. Yes, there was once a monument of David’s writings. This is one way the people could know and read David’s words. As pointed out before, Peter knew these words, but Peter did not have his own Bible, scrolls, or phone apps. This Psalm along with a few others are noted as an inscription. These words must have been really important for David to have someone chisel them into a stone.
Psalms 16
Notice 4739.2 is used as an inscription on a monument for Psalm 16, 56, 57, 58, 59, and 60. This is amusing to me as it seems there are people today who are becoming acutely unhinged over monuments and statues. History cannot be undone. David’s words were inscribed on a monument. This is something that many people probably saw, read, understood, and thought about. Why these Psalms? We don’t know. But there are treasures here.
2G2036I said G3588to the G2962lord, G2962[my lord G1473 G1510.2.2You are], G1473 G3754for G3588 G18[of my goodness G1473 G3756no G5532need G2192you have].
3G3588[the G39holy ones G3588 G1722in G3588 G1093his land G1473 G2298.1wondered G3588The G2962 lord], G3956all G3588 G2307his willing ones G1473 G1722among G1473them.
4G4129[were multiplied G3588 G769Their weaknesses] -- G1473 G3326[after G3778these gods G5035.1they that hastened]. G3766.2In no way G4863shall I bring together G3588the ones G4864of their gathering G1473 G1537for G129blood, G3761nor G3766.2in any way G3403shall I mention G3588 G3686their names G1473 G1223through G5491my lips. G1473
5G2962The lord G3310is the portion G3588 G2817of my inheritance G1473 G2532and G3588 G4221of my cup. G1473 G1473You G1510.2.2are G3588the G600one restoring G3588 G2817my inheritance G1473 G1473to me.
6G4979The measuring lines G1968fallen G1473to me G1722in G3588the G2903most excellent places . G2532Yes, G1063for G3588 G2817my inheritance G1473 G2903[most excellent G1473is to me]. G1510.2.3
7G2127I will bless G3588the G2962lord, G3588the G4907.3one bringing understanding to G1473me; G2089but still G1161 G2532also G2193until G3571night G3811[corrected G1473me G3588 G3510my kidneys]. G1473
This Psalm is very insightful. David realized his inheritance lies in a future heir. David mentions kidneys as we have studied a while back. Now we see David’s prophecy as mentioned by Peter.
Psalms16:8G4308I foresaw G3588the G2962lord G1799before G1473me G1275always; G3754for G1537[on G1188my right G1473 G1510.2.3he is] G2443that G3361I should not G4531be shaken.
9G1223On account of G3778this G2165[was glad G3588 G2588my heart], G1473 G2532and G21[exulted G3588 G1100my tongue]; G1473 G2089and still G1161 G2532also G3588 G4561my flesh G1473 G2681shall encamp G1909in G1680hope.
10G3754For G3756you shall not abandon G1459 G3588 G5590my soul G1473 G1519in G86Hades, G3761nor G1325shall you give G3588 G3741your sacred one G1473 G1492to see G1312corruption.
11G1107You made known G1473to me G3598the ways G2222of life. G4137You shall fill G1473me G2167of gladness G3326with G3588 G4383your face. G1473 G5059.5Delightfulness G1722is at G3588 G1188your right G1473 G1519unto G5056the end
When we read this Psalm in the context of David’s time period, the people were told to look ahead to the sacred one who would not see corruption. This was what the people read on a monument. This foresight of David’s was made a public presentation. Imagine passing by that monument and seeing what it says. If we recognize that David started his reign in Hebron some time around 1010 BCE, then we understand that from this point to the time of Peter’s speech is around 1040 years. The people had to wait over one thousand years for this prophecy to come to pass. But David was teaching the people something more than the practical physical side of things. David was teaching the people to have foresight, vision, and prophecy so that their hearts could be comforted. David was making “seeing into the future” a cultural norm.
We can wonder if these monuments were still in place during Peter’s time. If they were, we can understand that Peter was “schooled” by these words, he would read them, consider them, and expected them to come to pass. Having David’s words come to pass in Peter’s lifetime was exceptional. Now imagine if we lived during the time of the Day of Pentecost and saw many people being in-filled with the Holy Spirit and speaking the wonderful works of God. Then, some Galilean guy stands up and tells everyone that the monument that we have all walked by, read, and considered, has come to pass in our life time. Wow, one thousand years after these words were written they were fulfilled. Today, we are going on nearly two thousand years from the Day of Pentecost. We have more ability to read, study, and consider the words that haven’t been fulfilled yet.
David’s second prophecy which Peter noted in his explanation to the multitudes was pointed out by Jesus himself. Let’s explore this song, Psalm 110.
Psalm110:
1G2036[3said G3588The G2962 lord] G3588to G2962my Lord, G1473 G2521Sit down G1537at G1188my right hand G1473 G2193until G302whenever G5087I should make G3588 G2190your enemies G1473 G5286a footstool G3588 G4228for your feet. G1473
We have previously noted Masoretic alterations here in the usages of the two words Lord. The Masoretes seemed to think that there should be an explanation that one Lord was greater or over another Lord. However, the Greek text, which is older and not altered, uses the same word for Lord. One Lord speaks to the other Lord.
Peter explained this well when he pointed out “For David did not ascend into the heavens”. Obviously David was seeing into the heavenly dimensions. Time is not an issue, the enemies of Jesus will be made a footstool when Jesus is coronated and the kingdoms of the world become His, Revelation 11. The Day of the Lord, the great epiphany, will make some of Jesus’ enemies a footstool. Then after the millennial kingdom, the rest of Jesus’ enemies will be made a footstool.
Jesus asks a very valid question to the unbelieving Pharisees. Jesus was pressing them to think and understand David’s words. They probably had some misunderstandings due to their own religious bias.
Matthew 22:41-43 (KJV)
41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,
42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he? They say unto him, The Son of David.
43 He saith unto them, How then doth David in spirit call him Lord, saying,
Matt 22:44G2036[said G3588The G2962Lord] G3588to G2962my Lord, G1473 G2521Sit down G1537at G1188my right G1473 G2193until G302whenever G5087I should establish G3588 G2190your enemies G1473 G5286for a footstool G3588 G4228for your feet! G1473
45G1487If G3767then G*David G2564called G1473him, G2962Lord, G4459how G5207[son G1473is he his]? G1510.2.3
46G2532And G3762no one G1410was able G1473to answer him G611 G3056a word; G3761nor G5111dared G5100[anything G575from G15655that G3588 G2250day G1905to ask G1473him] G3765any more.
If we remember Peter’s earlier explanation to the multitudes, that David realized from his loins an heir would be resurrected from the dead, then we can understand Jesus’ question to these Pharisees. Jesus asks them that if David is speaking by the spirit why is David calling his son Lord? David must have known his son was also the son of the Most High God who had not come to earth to save people yet. David must have known through what he foresaw, that the Lord who is seated at the right hand of the Heavenly Father would come to earth through his, David’s, lineage. This is a great question for the Pharisees because they did not believe Jesus came from the Heavenly Father. Yet Jesus repeatedly told the Pharisees he did. If David’s heir came from heaven to earth to rescue man what kind of things would we see him do on the earth? No one else did what Jesus did. Jesus is the only one who healed many blind people. He fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy.
Now Jesus is teaching in the temple and asking the Scribes this same question.
Mark 12:35 (KJV)
35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, How say the scribes that Christ is the Son of David?
Mark 12:36G1473[3himself G1063For G*2David] G2036said G1722by G4151[spirit G39holy], G2036[said G3588The G2962Lord] G3588to G2962my Lord, G1473 G2521Sit down G1537at G1188my right!G1473 G2193until G302whenever G5087I should make G3588 G2190your enemies G1473 G5286a footstool G3588 G4228for your feet. G1473
37G1473[himself G3767then G*David] G3004calls G1473him G2962Lord. G2532Then G4159from where G5207[his son G1473 G1510.2.3is he]? G2532And G3588the G4183great G3793multitude G191heard G1473him G2234with pleasure
The people were glad that they heard what Jesus said. The people believed he was Lord and Messiah, and had come from the Father. Jesus again asks some of the scribes this same question. This is in a different context than Mark’s account, and after asking the scribes this question, Jesus takes the opportunity to warn people about the scribes like he did before. The Scribes were copying the scrolls and writings, yet they ended up in a position of admiration for their knowledge. The scribes used their position to their advantage.
Luke 20:39-40 (KJV)
39 Then certain of the scribes answering said, Master, thou hast well said.
40 And after that they durst not ask him any question at all.
Luke 20:41G2036And he said G1161 G4314toG1473them, G4459How G3004do they say G3588the G5547Christ G5207[2 the sonG*3of David G1510.11to be]?
42G2532And G1473he,G*David G3004says G1722in G976the book G5568of Psalms; G2036[3said G35881The G29622Lord] G3588to G2962my Lord, G1473 G2521sit down G1537at G1188my right, G1473
43G2193untilG302wheneverG5087I putG3588 G2190your enemies G1473 G5286as a footstool G3588 G4228for your feet. G1473
44G*David G3767then G2962[2him Lord G1473 G25641calls], G2532so G4459how G5207[2his son G1473 G1510.2.31is he]?
David’s prophecies took one thousand years to be fulfilled. No one could really understand them until Jesus lived, healed, taught, and then died and rose from the dead. Peter’s speech to the multitudes who witnessed the events of Pentecost explained a prophecy of David’s that the Pharisees and Scribes could not explain. David was not in heaven when he wrote this, he was seeing ahead to the coming of an heir who was already a Lord, seated at the right hand of His Heavenly Father. David was privy to a heavenly conversation and people were aware of what he said, but could not figure out what it meant until after Jesus came to earth. Once Peter explained this to the multitudes, they could put off their religious misunderstandings and learn about Christ. Christ is the only way that they can be delivered, saved, and spared from the great epiphany.
What happens when superstitious religious people predict the Day of the Lord irrespective of the timing the Holy Spirit gave us, simply because the earth experienced a solar eclipse (which happens quite regularly)? The unsaved recognize they cannot trust superstitious Christians. What happens when the emotionally unregulated people tear down statues and monuments in an attempt to change history? Emotionally balanced unsaved people recognize that they cannot trust the crazy behavior of those so easily upset. History cannot be unwritten. Superstition cannot summon the Living God to act. The days may be filled with crazy people everywhere, but we have to know, like Peter, the timing of events that the Holy Spirit records for us. We may be uneducated fishermen, but at least we have an answer for salvation from the great epiphany for those who want to know.
