The original books of the Bible were written in Hebrew (the Old Testament) and Greek (the New Testament). Parts of the books of Daniel and the Gospel of Matthew might have been originally written in Aramaic.

Many translations have been made over the years. In the early days of Christianity the Hebrew Old Testament was usually read in a Greek translation (the so-called Septuagint). As the church spread, the need for translations grew, taking the sacred text into widely accepted languages as well as local tongues. The Bible was soon translated into Latin (the language of the Roman Empire), Syriac (an Eastern Aramaic language), Coptic (Egyptian), and Arabic. By 500 AD, some estimate, scripture could already be found in more than 500 languages.

Unfortunately, translations were not always accurate and errors were made. For this reason – and also because they did not want “ordinary” people to be able to read the Bible – the (Roman) Catholic Church banned any further translations and used only a particular Latin text known as the Vulgate, which had been translated from the Greek around 600 AD. In the 1380s the first English translations were made by John Wycliffe. By 1455 the printing press was invented (Gutenberg), and mass-production capabilities made additional English versions and other language translations more readily available.

Hundreds of translations into English (estimated around 450) have been made over the years. Some of the best known are: the King James (KJV, 1611), the New International Version (NIV, 1978), the New King James (NKJV, 1982), the New American Standard Bible (NASB, 1971) and the English Standard Version (ESV, 2001). This large number of translations is usually grouped into three main categories:

Literal translations: These translate the original texts word for word into the best English equivalent words. These translations are sometimes also referred to as interlinear translations, placing the English rendering along side the original Hebrew and Greek. Although they are undoubtedly the most accurate translations, they can be difficult to read because the flow of language follows the original Hebrew and Greek, quite different from modern English. The NASB as well as the ESV are good examples of literal translations.

Dynamic equivalent translations: These translations attempt to be as literal as possible, but restructure sentences and grammar from the original language to English. They attempt to capture thought and intent of what writers wanted to say. As a result, these are more readable in English, but have a higher degree of subjective interpretation than the literal translations. These translations include the KJV, NKJV, and NIV.

Contemporary language translations: These translation paraphrase the thought and intent of the original text into contemporary English. The result is easy to read, but the text is largely a subjective interpretation of the translator. These versions, such as the well known The Message and The New Living Translation, should be approached with great care. Use them perhaps for supplementary readings, but be aware that these texts can (and often do) differ significantly from the original Bible texts.

Every translation requires interpretation. Why? Because languages do not translate one on one. That is, not every word has a unique word to match it in the other language. Also some tongues are richer in expression than English (such as Greek) or smaller in vocabulary (such as Hebrew). A translator must interpret the original meaning and find an equivalent wording, but this makes the result subject to the biases of the translator. Bottom line: interpretations differ and errors can occur. When translations differ significantly, research into the original language can help clarify the message.

To complicate things a bit, a small number of NT verses are not supported by all ancient manuscripts; this forces translators to decide which verses to incorporate. Most translators are cautious to err on the safe side and note for the reader any verse not supported by the majority of manuscripts.

As an illustration, let’s look at the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 in the New International Version and the King James Version:

The Lord’s prayer in the King James:

“After this manner therefore pray ye: ‘Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.’”

Now read the Lord’s prayer in the NIV:

“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ Apart from “old” English versus more modern English style, notice the two differences in the last verse:

“The evil one” versus “evil.” The KJV asks for deliverance from “evil” while the NIV asks to deliver us from “the evil one.” There is a significant difference between the two. The original Greek text actually uses an adjective with an article, making “the evil one” the only correct translation. When we pray we ask to be delivered from the evil one, not from any danger, disaster, or from the general evil of the world.

An extra sentence. Compared to the NIV, the KJV has an extra sentence at the end: “For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen.” This is a good illustration of a later addition to the oldest preserved Greek manuscripts. As the NIV mentions in a footnote: “some late manuscripts: for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Other verses in the NT have similar additions. None of these are of vital theological consequence, but it is important to be aware of these variations. Therefore the differences between the various English translations are not the result of differences in the extant (still in existence) ancient manuscripts, but merely the result of choices (and sometimes errors) made by the translators during the translation to English.
About the Author:

The recent calamities have caused many to wonder if they are signs of the world’s end. Mother nature has been on a rampage lately. The 2004 tsunami in the Indian ocean was estimated to kill 170 to 275 thousand. Hurricanes destroyed New Orleans and other cities on the gulf coast and there was record number of hurricanes in 2005. Tornadoes and heavy snow storms seem to be getting worse.

Are all of these things signs the world is coming to an end? Many think they are. Prophecy buffs point to verses in the Bible that speak of signs of the end of days. It should be pointed out, however, that people have been predicting the end of the world for years. Days are picked that they claim will be the end. None have proved true so far.

The Bible does state the end is coming, and we have been living in what is called the last days since the times of the New Testament. Jesus said that only his Father knows the time he will return to take believers to heaven (MT 24:36). Most of the signs given in this chapter are about the destruction of Jerusalem in A. D. 70. The Christians remembered them and fled to the mountains when they saw the armies coming. As far as we know, none were lost.

In the verse’s following in chapter 24, Jesus says that when he comes it will be like it was in the days of Noah. People will be eating and drinking and getting married. In Noah’s days they didn’t know what was happening until the flood came. They didn’t believe Noah when he warned them, because they had never seen it rain. Up to this time streams came up from the ground to water the earth(GE 2:6). HE WILL COME WHEN HE IS NOT EXPECTED (MT 24:44).

IT WILL NOT BE ANNOUNCED THAT THE LORD IS COMING! First Thessalonians 5:2 and Second Peter 3:10 both plainly state that JESUS WILL COME LIKE A THIEF IN THE NIGHT. A thief does not give signs that he is coming and neither will our Lord!

The recent calamities do not necessarily mean the world’s end is near. We can’t rule it out either. We don’t have any way of knowing when it will be. We have to keep watch as Jesus told us. It is not any thing to worry about if you are living according to Biblical instructions. It is a time to help others to know and obey the gospel so they will be ready.

The Bible wasn’t written to tell the future but to instruct how to live holy lives. We are to live by faith and not by sight. Second Peter 1:20 explains that no prophecy is of any private interpretation. The prophets didn’t understand what they were speaking and neither can we. When New Testament verses point out they are fulfilling something predicated in the Old Testament, we know what they mean. This is the only way we can know for sure what they are about. We are told about death, and the judgement, but the times are not given.

Weather comes in cycles. We have mild winters and summers and we have severe ones. Global warming may be true and it may be imagination. Our God has always taken care of this world and he will continue until he is ready to put a stop to it. Global warming will not end the world unless the Creator chooses this method to destroy it. The end will not come one minute sooner than he intends. We can be sure of that! The Lord designed and built it, and is capable of maintaining it.

Permission is granted to publish this article if the resource box is left intact.
follow wedding_favors

As we talk about the huge problems concerning nuclear proliferation in places like North Korea and Iran, we often fail to realize these are not the only challenges when it comes to nuclear weapons. It seems that Libya is also a huge issue, along with Syria. And we have Pakistan and India pointing nuclear weapons at each other across their borders. That wouldn’t be a very fun exchange for anyone in the world. Worse, the Taliban and Al Qaeda are hanging out just over the border of Afghanistan and Pakistan, in an area where the nuclear power stations for Pakistan exist.

India has already been hit with terrorist acts, originating from Islamic radical terrorist groups within Pakistan. If the Pakistani government falls to terrorism and all those nuclear weapons are pointed at India, who is to say what could happen. If the Pakistani government falls, and is replaced by radicalism, the new government leaders may take a much harder line towards the temporary peace between the two nations. This could lead to thermonuclear war. It seems no one is talking about that, although it is a potential eventuality.

Meanwhile, China has invested heavily in Pakistan to build a railway, Port, and pipelines from that port all the way through Pakistan into the mountain pass between their countries. If China is heavily invested in Pakistan, and there is a war between India and Pakistan, one has to ask if China will take sides. If China takes the side of Pakistan, and we know India to be a free society, a democracy, in a capitalist nation, then we are obligated to support it. As well we should they are a trading partner.

This could cause huge tensions between the United States and China and with the United States in Afghanistan already, things could get quite ugly. The game of geopolitics in that region is getting quite complicated considering all the interactivity between the terrorists and the various nations that have been infiltrated by Islamic radical jihadists. So stay tuned, things could get pretty crazy pretty quick and it could happen next year, the year after, the year after that, and who knows when civilizations in that region could come tumbling down. Please consider all this.
About the Author:

For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succored thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (II Corinthians 6:2)

We have been taught this scripture means one must accept or reject Jesus Christ before one dies to either be saved and go to Heaven or unsaved and spend eternity in the agony of hell. Does that sound fair to you? Let’s consider some of these lost souls which are consigned to the alleged eternal punishment in hellfire. There are the billions or trillions who never even heard the name Jesus. What about everyone who lived before Jesus was even born? Absolutely none of these people were ever given a choice to accept or reject Jesus as their Savior before their death! The good news of the gospel was never explained to them. Ask yourself once again, “Is this a fair and just system?” In fact, God is fair and just, and none of these will be unjustly cast into hell:

Great and marvelous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. (Revelation 15:3)

So God is indeed just and true. But the only path to salvation is through Jesus Christ:

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Will the multitudes who have died never having even heard the name of Jesus unjustly suffer? Heaven, we have a problem! Of course, the problem did not originate in heaven. The problem is man’s inability to understand the scriptures which are sealed up from his understanding. Consider the following verse:

I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: (Deuteronomy 30:19)


Only after the true gospel message has been set before each person can that person truly choose between eternal life and the second death as described above. So the untold numbers of people who have died without ever hearing the name Jesus could not make their choice! Let’s now consider the phrase “now is the day of salvation” in greater detail. What day do we actually live in? In a broader sense, what age do we live in? We are living in the age of man. Man was created and given dominion over the earth in the Genesis creation. We are under the sway of Satan and God intervenes as required to keep His master plan on track. With those exceptions, mankind rules today’s earth! Man’s will is being done on earth, not God’s. In fact, the first request we are instructed to pray for in the Lord’s Prayer is for God’s will to be done on earth:

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name, Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-10)

So today we are in the age of man or the day of man. This entire day or age of man is the accepted time in which men may seek salvation. But isn’t this making the same claim that humans must accept Jesus before dying? After all, isn’t that the only time they will be alive to make their choice? No, that is not the case! The majority of humans will have two periods of life with physical bodies on the earth. Every human who ever lived will be resurrected. However, only those with their names written in the book of life will be resurrected as immortal spiritual bodies:

And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life… (Daniel 12:2)

Two body types are defined in the Bible, physical and spiritual:

There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. (I Corinthians 15:44)

The many that sleep in the dust of the earth are all humans who have died and been buried. The some that awake to everlasting life are Christians who are born again as spirits and thus awake to eternal life. Those not awakened to everlasting life as spiritual bodies must be awakened as the only remaining body type which is natural or physical. These are resurrected as the same human body type in which they lived and died their first physical death on the earth. Since men are still alive after the resurrections, that time is still within the day of man, and salvation can be attained then! As long as any one human is alive, that human can accept Jesus Christ and be saved. The New Testament requirement for salvation, John 3:16, does not mention any time limitations. While it is true that men must accept or reject Jesus before they die, men truly die at their second death, not their first! Man’s first death is spoken of as sleep or rest in the Bible. We rest in peace. Therefore, men can accept Jesus and be born again as immortal spiritual beings into the Kingdom of God up to their second death! Those suffering the second death never live again. It is eternal! When did this age or day of man begin? It began when man was created and given dominion over the earth as described in Genesis:

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26)

When will the age of man end? It will end when there are no more men. This occurs after the great white throne judgment. After completion of this judgment every human being will have either been born again as a spiritual body or cast into the lake of fire and suffered the second death. There will be no more humans and there never will be again. Therefore, the age of man is over:

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)

This marks the end of our age. Man can no longer be saved because there are no more men. The age of Jesus Christ’s rule on earth now begins. This new age will last for eternity. The scriptures state that humans will learn the truth of the gospel from children:

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Jesus Christ. (II Timothy 3:15)

Nonbelievers resurrected as mortals at the second resurrection will have their first true choice between accepting or rejecting Jesus as their personal Savior at that time. Who will teach them the scriptures so that they can make an informed decision? Children! Who are these children? They are those Christians who were born again as spiritual children of God at the first mass resurrection:

Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. (Luke 20:36)

Having lived through the millennium period of rest and training, these children of the resurrection are now one thousand years of age. In fact, they are only one day old children! They are now immortal spiritual beings and to them one thousand years are as one of mortal man’s days:

But beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. (II Peter 3:8)

So these born again Christians from the first resurrection are still children, being one day old. The pastors and priests which we are familiar with today did not accomplish the job. These born again Christians who are now children of the resurrection have become the immortal spiritual priests of God and Christ:

Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. (Revelation 20:6)

These child priests will teach the true gospel message of the scriptures to untold numbers of nonbelievers resurrected as physical beings at the second resurrection. The bulk of humanity will not hear the gospel message from piously robed “men of God” with honorary prefixes attached to their names and multi million dollar book deals. They will hear it from children, these one day old spiritual children of God! As these mortals accept Jesus as their Savior they will be born again or converted to spiritual children of God:

Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)

Those who still reject Jesus even after hearing the true good news of the scriptures will suffer the second death when cast into the fires of hell. Since they are still mortal beings, they will quickly perish in the fire:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

There are always reasons for God’s actions. The reasons are never hatred or revenge, because God is love. He is not raising nonbelievers from the dead simply to humiliate them before they suffer their second death! Why resurrect them at all if that was the case? They are being resurrected for a reason. It is their chance to choose, their day of salvation. It is the first opportunity for most of them!
ontario travel

The resurrection story in Matthew 28:1-20 gives some insight into the strategic nature of Christian leadership in the early church and consequently the spread of Christianity. Commentaries as well as an exploration of the text using social and cultural analysis from socio-rhetorical criticism by Robbins showed numerous strategic designs and plans that were exploited even as Jesus commissioned His disciples in the 19th verse, to “go and make disciples of all nations.”

This paper provides readers with deeper insights into the strategic nature of Christian Leadership. Using a cultural texture analysis of the Farewell Discourse in Matthew 28, the strategies that were utilized in order for Jesus to fulfill His purpose on earth are highlighted. Finally this essay provides readers with insights that can be gleaned from the early church in the first century, one that they can use in contemporary organizations in order to remain viable for the future!

As leaders of contemporary organizations continue to search the most current books to find workable strategies to help define their roles; and as they continue to grapple with the ramifications of change; and continue to seek strategies that can assist them in their quest to keep their organizations afloat; what can they learn from the early church communities in the First century?

Christianity starts with Jesus, a Jew, during the Roman era in the eastern end of the Mediterranean. Matthew’s narratives chart the course of Jesus’ journey during the 1st century. He commences with the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:1) and culminates not with his death (Matthew 27:50) but with His resurrection and consequently a command to His disciples (Matthew 28:19). Throughout his narratives Matthew illuminates the patron-client relationship which existed between Jesus and His father (Mark 15-16); He highlights the benefits that Jesus derived through interaction with the Father (Mt. 26:64). He relates numerous challenge and response episodes with Jesus and the people at the lower and upper rung of the social ladder (Mt. 21:12-17, 9:9-10, 8:2-4).

Matthew’s account of the nature of Jesus leadership is interwoven with vivid parables that Jesus used to teach and recruit people for His Fathers kingdom (Mt.16:11, 18:12-14). He describes a compassionate, loving and ever caring Jesus who would not allow the religious laws of that era to prevent Him from healing people; He did not subscribe to the social order status of the day, but was willing to mix with the “outcast” in order to gain people for God’s kingdom (Mt 9:20-29). In a period marked by rigid Jewish traditions, Matthew shows Jesus going against the grain of what was deemed as acceptable in order to fulfill God’s will, “For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost” (Mt 18:11).

To better understand the intricacies of the strategies Jesus employed, a look at the existing culture proves beneficial. 1st century Rome represented a growing dynasty, which according to Ramstad, combined superiority with cruelty and could abruptly lurch from civilization, strength and power to fear, totalitarianism and self-indulgence. Koester in his article, “From Jesus to Christ” paints a picture of a beautiful nation with a great deal of inequality at its core. On one hand a few people were extremely rich while others lived in severe poverty. It encouraged a very rigid hierarchical system in which the emperor is at the summit of the social economical pyramid, and the further one falls to the base of the pyramid the more difficult life becomes. Rome was by no means religiously selfish, while they encouraged their own religion; they were not intolerant to other religions. According to White, Rome “had accepted into its pantheon deities from the Italian tribes and from Asia Minor. In the provinces, the great territorial gods-such as Saturn in North Africa and Jehovah among the Jews-were accepted as “legal religion” on the grounds that their rites, even if barbarous, were sanctified by ancient tradition.”

Josephus’ account of that era describes a number of prophets and their followers, who in some cases were wiped out or dispersed by the Romans. That era saw the birth of a leader who was able to reform the traditions of that era in order to create a better world.

First Century Mediterranean societies may be analyzed from different social and cultural perspectives. Robbins provides an array of perspectives through which we can glean an understanding of that era. Matthew 28 includes substantive gnostic-manipulatiounist, thaumaturgical, and reformist discourse. Gnostic-manipulatiounist response can better aid readers in understanding the culture within that period. Public displays were used to set the standards for purity and honor codes. Under Jewish traditions defilement was an external issue and was treated with great disdain. An authoritative Jesus redefined the traditions of that era and gave birth to the genesis of Christianity. His authority is established in verse 18 “all power is given to me in heaven and in earth” and His consequent call to His disciples in verse 19 “go and teach all nations baptizing them in the name of the father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

Strategic design:
Jesus’ final mission prior to His death was the gathering of his strategic team at the top of a mountain (Mt 26) to present His final counter-cultural message. By gathering His family Jesus identified with one of the tenets of the counter culture (Malina and Rohrbaugh). The obligations within the family included both patron-client relations with Jesus and obligations with brothers and sisters in dyadic contracts (Robbins, 1996, p79). Within this gathering Jesus reestablishes His identity as the ultimate authority which is later substantiated in His final proclamation in Matthew 19. Matthew 28 begins with the visit of Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to the sepulcher (Mt 28:1). This pattern is reminiscent of the strategic principles that Jesus and His father employ throughout the discourse. Even in death, Jesus ignores the Jewish traditions that exhibited little regards to the testimony of women (Jos. Ant. 4.219; m. Yebamot 15:1, 8-10; 16:7; Ketubot 1:6-9;); which was a reflection of the broader Mediterranean culture under the Roman law (Gardner 1986:165; Kee 1980:89). In the second verse, “and behold, a severe earthquake had occurred, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and rolled away the stone and sat upon it” (Mt 28: 2). The rolling away of the stone could be seen as the ultimate dishonor to the authorities of that day. It is the authoritative Jesus defying their work “no stone can keep in the body of Jesus.” God’s ultimate power is unleashed (Mt 28:2-3).

From a revolutionist perspective the earthquake is representative of God’s plan to destroy the world to create a new order. From the reformist response this signifies the supernatural conquering of evil (Robbins, 1996). The appearance of an angel signifies the birth of a new order. “That the angel sat on the stone is also a dramatic statement of supernatural triumph, since the stone probably disk-shaped, would not naturally accommodate one sitting on it” (Kostner, p5). Triumph over death. The appearance of the angel reveals similarities with biblical theophanies, (Exodus 3:2-6, Genesis 32:24-32). God strategically revealed Himself to the guards, permitting them to witness His power but in the same vein allowed the angels to speak only to the women. The women exhibit a thaumaturgical response to the news from the angels (Mt 28:7-8). The testimony of the women to the others is a reflection of the gospel to transcend gender restrictions (Thompson 1985:p233). A new order is created where the borders of inequality of the sexes according to the traditions of that era are now erased. The purity code is rewritten. From a Gnostic-manpulatiounist perspective it suggests that salvation is possible in the world, and evil may be overcome if people learn the right means, improved techniques, to deal with their problems.” (Robbins, 1999, p73). The dyadic contract is once more enforced; Jesus meets with His disciples to deliver the great commission (Verse16-17). Jesus re-establishes His position of authority “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (verse 19) and then charged His disciples “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit; By baptizing in the name of the trinity.” Jesus is now elevated to the same level as that of the Father and the Spirit (28:19) “All nations may signify all groups of “peoples,” rather than the modern concept of “nation-states” (McGavran and Arn 1977:38); in many nations a variety of different peoples coexist,” the command therefore signifies different nations/races. Strategically He establishes His purpose; He then explains how the purpose is to be executed “teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you…” and He finally leaves them with a promise “and behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”

The understanding of Matthew 28 and the cultural issues within that period provides a point of reference for contemporary organizations. The text answers critical questions that can assist organizations not only to grow but to remain viable… What? Who? How? When?

A clearly established goal is essential for strategic organizations. Jesus’ purpose was to recruit people for the Kingdom of God. For Him, it meant redefining the rules operating in the culture at that time. It meant putting changes in place that were not easily accomplished. It also meant defying satanic powers (Matthew 4:8-9) in order to remain true to the established relationship He had with God. Jesus recognizes the need to establish a relationship with God the Father, as well as to have a team to assist Him in carrying out His purposes. As He sojourned through earth he formed a band of faithful followers, these dyadic contracts enabled Him to successfully execute God’s divine purpose. Jesus had a plan to accomplish His purpose. By challenging the laws of inequality that existed, He was able to successfully strategically gain a foothold amongst the religious leaders of that period. After His final show of authority in defeating death, Jesus commanded His disciples to make more disciples, by teaching and baptizing them, with a promise that He will always be with them. The significance of the “end age” in the text is indicative of the promise that the Son of Man would return in His kingdom after the good news has reached all nations. (24:14).

The strategic design of Jesus is one of acceptance, forgiveness and repentance. His role while on earth showed the level of humility that is required then and now. Although He could have called “ten thousand angels to destroy the world and set Him free” He chooses instead to work with His Father and a strategic team to gain souls for the kingdom of heaven. The dyadic relationship between Jesus and his disciples was part of Christ plan in His strategic design. Such relationship was set up as a prelude of what was to come; Robbins stated that it was based on reciprocity, “the honorable man selects another for a series of ongoing unspecified act…” (Robbins, 1996, p79). The act of Jesus has an enormous implication for contemporary organization; His actions are the blueprint for modern day organizations to function. He showed the example that an honorable dyadic relationship needs to be in place for organizations to move forward. As seen in the first century where Jesus ensures that a sociological formula was developed, this formula defines the Christian community in that all men are created equal. It is on this basis that contemporary Christian organizations are able to continue to cosset itself in such success. The Christian movement though has encountered persecution over the years it continues to grow because of the foundation Christ put in place. The design has been laid, the plan was set forth by Jesus, the requirement is simple, contemporary organizations have a strong foundation on which they can build; build with Jesus as the center of your designs.
unique wedding favors

In order to present readers with a thorough understanding of the expectations of leadership in the book of 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 it is imperative that we understand the backdrop against which the story unfolds. Corinth was constructed in the image of Rome; as such its legal, political and social systems bore influences of Rome (Dutch, 2005). Corinth was known for its great wealth and its ability to take advantage of its global interaction with Asia and Italy through merchandizing. The city of Corinth derived its strong economy through agriculture, the trading of bronze, as well as the isthmian games. This game was one of the largest at the time, a game that honored the Greek god Poseidon (Lahanas, 2008). At the time of Paul’s visit to Corinth, Corinth was a city of social, cultural and religious diversity. Many Jews had already begun settling in Corinth because of their eviction from Rome. According to Witherington, Greeks who were living in the ruins after the destruction of Corinth returned to establish residence in Corinth; however they were considered as aliens, as only the colonists and their descendants were citizens. This city therefore became a melting pot of different cultures. Corinth represented a young and dynamic city… “Not hidebound by tradition, a mix of dislocated individuals without strong ethnic identities seeking to shed their former low status by achieving social honor and material success” (Brockway & Price, 2008).

This Greco-Roman community consisted therefore of people from different socio-economic status; the wealthy; the poor 1 Corinthians 1:28, and 11:22, the slaves 1 Corinthians 7:21-23… It was a community in which honor and shame, and patron-client relationships played a dominant role in how people were perceived. Witherington mentions numerous inscriptions that were made by the people, even slaves in honor of themselves. Public boastings was seen as a form of art according to Witherington. To be publicly recognized was vital to a persons self worth and was determined by his accomplishments. In 1 Corinthians 9: 1-6 the Apostle Paul presents a series of questions or what Robbins refers to as Challenge-Response to his audience in order to establish his identity as a figure of authority. It was evident that the Apostle Paul’s leadership was in question at Corinth therefore forced him to challenge the challengers on his status (Robbins, 1996). The affirmation of Paul’s status is shown in verse 1-6, Am I not an apostle? Am I not free…: for the seal of mine apostleship are ye in the Lord…have I not seen Jesus Christ…? This point is a necessary criterion for apostles, as substantiated in Acts 22: 14, 15: 26:16. Adam Clark posited that during the time of Corinth “The seal was a figure cut in a stone, and set in a ring, by which letters of credence and authority were stamped.”

The assertion is made, by Paul referring to himself to that of the seal, allow the people of Corinth to better relate to who he is, a figure of authority. As chapter 9 progresses more questions followed, phrased in a manner that was socially and culturally understandable by the audiences in that era. According to Dutch, the Corinthian Christians understood Paul’s imageries as they were grounded in important aspects of Greek culture that were indigenous to Corinth. Robbins postulates that the discourse suggests images of social reality to which every member of the Mediterranean society could relate. The occupations mentioned in 1 Corinthians 9:7,10,13…soldier, vineyard planter, shepherd, plowman, thresher and temple worker were those that took precedence throughout that era. Hence by making references to those professions the common people could relate to the message Paul presented. In vs. 17 Paul’s reference to slavery may be understood in the context of slavery in that era. Robbins cited Martin’s analysis of vs. 17 as referring to the managerial position of stewardship. Stewards were owned by wealthy people and carried out work that was above that of hired slaves, their work held a level of prestige that was lacking in those of common “slaves” they were permitted more freedom and flexibility in carrying out their duties.

Thus according to Martin, Paul was not debasing himself, but rather attempting to imply that this kind of slavery could give oneself an edge in forward movement. At that time it was symbolic to associate oneself as slave to a person that was significant in society. Such a relation is tied into being a slave of Christ, which Martin concludes could give a person at the lower end of the spectrum a higher status if he is seeing as a slave to Christ. Further analysis by Martin predicates that the Pauline discourse employ the usage of ‘wage’ deliberately, in doing this it brings together Paul’s intention to show that slaves that are given the right of passage to stewardship falls into a much higher category to that of those who received a wage. 1 Corinthians 9:20 uses the term “Jews” three times and according to Robbins right next to the phrase “under the law.” Throughout that era it was a common practice for Jews to “submit themselves in special ways to the laws of their founder Moses.” Robbins posited that the ‘law’ to which the discourse refers is the Jewish Torah, a cultural trend designed by a specific group of people in the Mediterranean society. Torah is explained to mean “teaching” and is considered to be the principal document of Judaism. Lisa Katz explains that the Torah entails two parts which are written and spoken; she further avowed that the written Torah contains the five books of Moses, recording of what God proclaim to the prophets and the books that were written by prophets through the direction of God. On the other hand the oral Torah was passed down from generation to generation. Paul’s mission was therefore to gain the trust of a set of people whose beliefs were “Torah” ingrained and move them forward in accepting the message of Jesus Christ. The final verses in the chapter make reference to athletic events, a concept in that era which could easily conjure images of the isthmus games; and therefore could be understood by the people.

The Qualification of Early Leaders

Leaders in Corinth were predominantly selected from the upper elites, those who were “well-born” or acquired status postulated by Robbins. Leadership in Corinth was heavily influenced by the Greco-Roman culture that was evident at that time. Paul was a tent-maker, an artisan, a job that held no prestige, similar to that of Jesus, who was by trade a carpenter. Paul revolutionized the meaning of leadership… Beginning in 1 Corinthians 9:1-14 he constantly “put love above knowledge and personal rights.” Through a series of challenges he recognizes the laws, identifying himself with Christ, in order to reach the common people. In 1 Corinthians 9:17 he surrendered his interest by not accepting that which is due to him, as is commanded in Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7, opting instead to freely preach the gospel so that others could benefit. By embodying the role of servitude, Paul establishes the importance to serve others over self.

To transform the Corinthians Paul could not allowed them to lavish him with their riches. His intention is to transform them through a new way of thinking and a change in their cultural upbringing. They were already laced with materialism hence it was vile for them to conceive the notion of being a slave. In 1 Cor 9:19 Paul showed that it is more profitable to gain that which is from God rather than man, hence the sacrifice of oneself for God, to Paul it was an honor and a lesson of values. Paul also realized that salvation for Christian leaders is a difficult path however he ardently continued to press on…by conceding that even he might fail that which he has been given to accomplish, hence, the premise of “being disqualified.” However the immediate focus went back to what Paul called the ultimate reward, which is salvation. To cement this notion we see in 1 Cor 6:24 where Paul again declared for the Corinth to “run…as to win the price…” Similarly to that of Paul’s action is the call for the leaders of that time to fashion their behavior in accordance to his. The assertion by Paul is for these leaders to look on the salvation of God as a race, one that must be fought zealously. Another qualification for leaders at that time was the call for perseverance and sacrifice…In 2 Cor 11: 22-28 Paul obstinately spoke of the suffering he had been through, the punishment he had received, the endangerment of his fellowmen and the challenges of the church. It is through these lessons that one can determine a model for true qualification of leaders.

As a leader we could argue that Paul rewrote the definition of leadership in that era, not only by erasing the lines of social and cultural demarcation that separated the haves from the have-nots, but also by setting up the people to realize that boastings that were such a huge part of their honor and shame culture was inappropriate for entry into the kingdom of God.

Implications for Leaders Today

The apostle Paul may be considered arguably as one of the greatest leaders of all times. Paul’s actions as a leader left indelible marks that contemporary leaders may emulate in order to be the “best” leaders. 1 Corinthians 1:9 presents clear guidelines that leaders today can use to guide their practice. As leaders it sometimes become necessary to sacrifice ones rights for the betterment of the organization, providing they are founded on ethical principles laid down by God. Mileant posited that Paul’s leadership shows how Christians can take control of the challenges the church face today; how to recognize the standard of Christian values and what should be the guide to Christian leader’s value. The chapter provides hope for leaders working within an organizational culture that is seeped in values that are not consistent with Biblical teachings and provide guidelines on how leaders may embark on an organizational change, by first modeling the expected attitudes. The Epistle is laced with instructions and moral directives (Mileant, 2001). The implication of 1 Corinthians comes with clarification on how contemporary leaders should exemplify themselves from societal norm (O’Grady & Malloch, 2003).

Paul never lost sight of his vision, to run the race for which he is called, modern day leaders should embody this trait in their efforts to lead. The way leaders handle their challenges in the early church give leaders of today a guide on how to act. Samaha stated that “The ethical quandary the early church leaders faced and the way they were handled have set the pace for our contemporary…”

Conclusion

Leadership is always fraught with certain expectations. Leadership in the early church had there challenges, the way in which they were dealt with presented a graphic image of the way leaders should act today. The letter to the Corinth’s established a portrait of Paul’s ongoing dialogue with that group and the leaders of the time. The ongoing discourse seemed to have been one of many challenges… however Paul was determined to set the course of action on what must be done to protect the purity of the Christian faith. Desilva believes that that Paul’s answers to the concerns raised by the people of Corinth paved the way for mankind to developed a more Christ like vision for the Christian community. Individuals and churches continue to face many of the same problems encountered at Corinth. I believe if leaders exemplify the values modeled by Paul the potential for their organizations to succeed will be greatly increased.

References:

DeSilva, D. A. (2004), An Introduction to the New Testament: Context, Methods, &
Ministry Formation, Inter Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL.

Dutch, R. S., (2005), The Educated Elite in 1 Corinthians, Continuum International
Publishing Group, New York, NY..

Katz, L., What is the Torah? Retrieved 4 July 2008,
http://judaism.about.com/cs/torah/f/torah.htm

Mileant, A. (2001), Toward Understanding the Bible, Part 8: Epistles of Apostle Paul,
Los Angeles, CA, Holy Protection Russian Orthodox Church Publisher.

O’Grady, P. & Malloch. K. (2003), Quantum Leadership: A Textbook of New
Leadership, Sudbury, MA. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.

Robbins, V. K. (1996) The Tapestry of Early Christians Discourse: Rhetoric, Society and
Ideology, London Routledge, Retrieved 28 June 2008, http://www.religion.emory.edu/faculty/robbins/SRI/Examples/texts/paul/paul10.html
About the Author:

One of God’s most wonderful promises to those who love Him is the creation of the new Jerusalem, a place of unimaginable beauty and perfection. In fact, Jesus promised to go ahead of His followers and prepare a place for them in the new Jerusalem, and the Old Testament heroes who exhibited unwavering faith in the Word of God had their eyes trained on this future city, a place where justice would reign and righteousness would endure for all of eternity.

“All these people died still believing what God had promised them. They did not receive what was promised, but they saw it all from a distance and welcomed it. They agreed that they were foreigners and nomads here on earth. Obviously people who say such things are looking forward to a country they can call their own. If they had longed for the country they came from, they could have gone back. But they were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland. That is why God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” Hebrews 11:13-16 (NLT)

The same New Testament chapter points out that Abraham himself confidently looked forward to the new Jerusalem:

“Abraham was confidently looking forward to a city with eternal foundations, a city designed and built by God.” Hebrews 11:10 (NLT)

So when will this city arrive?

It will arrive in the aftermath of the Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ:

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!” Isaiah 9:6-7 (NLT)

As history proves, this child has already been born to us, and He freely offers the gift of eternal salvation to all who will accept it. Unfortunately, the entire world can see that His government and its peace have not yet arrived. But just as surely as the first part of this prophecy was fulfilled, it is a certainty that the rest of this prophecy will be fulfilled. And someday soon, those who love Him will witnesses the following:

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.” Revelation 21:1-2 (NLT)

The Promise of Jesus

In a conversation with His disciples, the Lord Jesus said the following:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.” John 14:1-4 (NLT)

Where is this place that Jesus is preparing? What does His Father’s home look like?

The bible provides us with a number of details. The place, of course, is heaven – His Father’s home, the place where God dwells.

Just as whatever plane the President of the United States occupies is known as Air Force One, wherever God chooses to dwell is known as heaven. And the bible clearly states that God will one day dwell with human beings in the new Jerusalem. Biblical descriptions of the new Jerusalem are descriptions of the place Jesus has prepared for us. The new Jerusalem is heaven.

So let’s examine what the bible says about this place:

The Pearly Gates

The physical description of the new Jerusalem paints the picture of a city beyond compare in its magnificence and enormity. The apostle John provides us with some details:

“So he took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. It shone with the glory of God and sparkled like a precious stone – like jasper as clear as crystal. The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. There were three gates on each side – east, north, south, and west. The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.” Revelation 21:10-14 (NLT)

The new city will shine with the glory of God, perfect in its beauty. And, as revealed in the following passage, its enormity will be unprecedented.

“The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. When he measured it, he found it was a square, as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. Then he measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel).” Revelation 21:15-17 (NLT)

The length, width, and height of the new Jerusalem will all be 1,400 miles in length. To put this into perspective, this is a distance equivalent to almost half of the continental United States! Opinions differ as to whether the new Jerusalem is shaped like a cube or a pyramid. Whether a cube or a pyramid, it would still be the largest city any human being has ever entered. And its beauty is accentuated by the following construction materials:

“The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst.” Revelation 21:18-20 (NLT)

The human mind cannot begin to imagine the true beauty of the new Jerusalem. Pure gold as clear as glass? An entire wall made of jasper? Its foundation stones will be inlaid with some of the most colorful and exotic stones ever created, and to top it off, the twelve gates will each be constructed from a giant pearl:

“The twelve gates were made of pearls – each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass.” Revelation 21:21 (NLT)

Almost everyone has heard of the pearly gates of heaven. But unlike most of the artist renderings we’ve seen, the actual pearly gates will each be composed of a single pearl.

God Will Dwell Among Us

But the most glorious aspect of the new Jerusalem has nothing to do with its material splendor. The best part of the new Jerusalem will be that God Himself will dwell among men:

“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.’” Revelation 21:3 (NLT)

In the new Jerusalem, physical and spiritual life will be illuminated by the presence of the Lord Himself. There will be no need for the sun, the moon, or the building of a temple:

“I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light.” Revelation 21:22-23 (NLT)

In the new Jerusalem, we will see the very face of God:

“No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there – no need for lamps or sun – for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 22:3-5 (NLT)

The new Jerusalem will be heaven, the place of final destination for those who believe in Jesus Christ. For He Himself will live among us:

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives.” Philippians 3:20 (NLT)

The River of Life

In addition to the presence of God, a river filled with the water of life will flow from the throne of the Father and the Son and down the main street:

“Then the angel showed me a river with the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. It flowed down the center of the main street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal the nations.” Revelation 22:1-2 (NLT)

The river will be flanked by a tree of life, bearing a new fruit each month, and its leaves will be used to heal the nations. The prophet Ezekiel witnessed this same vision:

“Fruit trees of all kinds will grow along both sides of the river. The leaves of these trees will never turn brown and fall, and there will always be fruit on their branches. There will be a new crop every month, for they are watered by the river flowing from the Temple. The fruit will be for food and the leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12 (NLT)

The scriptures describe a new Jerusalem bursting with life, sustained by the living water of Christ:

“Springs will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams will water the wasteland. The parched ground will become a pool, and springs of water will satisfy the thirsty land. Marsh grass and reeds and rushes will flourish where desert jackals once lived.” Isaiah 35:6-7 (NLT)

To all who wish to drink from this water, the Lord Jesus Christ issues a free invitation to come:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who hears this say, ‘Come.’ Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” Revelation 22:17 (NLT)

More Characteristics of the New Jerusalem

The aforementioned aspects of the new Jerusalem don’t even begin to offer a comprehensive view of what God’s city will look like. Below are a few verses which provide further illustration of the new Jerusalem’s characteristics:

No More Disabilities

“And when he comes, he will open the eyes of the blind and unplug the ears of the deaf. The lame will leap like a deer, and those who cannot speak will sing for joy!” Isaiah 35:5-6 (NLT)

No More Death or Crying or Pain

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

“I will rejoice over Jerusalem and delight in my people. And the sound of weeping and crying will be heard in it no more.” Isaiah 65:19 (NLT)

“Those who have been ransomed by the Lord will return. They will enter Jerusalem singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Sorrow and mourning will disappear, and they will be filled with joy and gladness.” Isaiah 35:10 (NLT)

No More Darkness

“The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory.” Revelation 21:24 (NLT)

“Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there.” Revelation 21:25 (NLT)

Conclusion

The descriptions of the new Jerusalem provide a laundry list of the very things which mankind longs for – fellowship with God, the presence of justice, the achievement of everlasting life, the admiration of exquisite beauty, and the absence of fear, crying, and pain. By every account, the new Jerusalem is the paradise of which mankind has dreamed since the fall of man. How then, does a person become a citizen of this new Jerusalem?

The bible tells us that citizenship is freely granted by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ:

“And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’ And then he said to me, ‘Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.’ And he also said, ‘It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega – the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.’” Revelation 21:5-7 (NLT)

To all who are thirsty, Christ will give freely from the springs of the water of life. However, certain people will not be allowed to enter the city:

“But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars – their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Revelation 21:8 (NLT)

“Outside the city are the dogs – the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie.” Revelation 22:15 (NLT)

The reason these people will never be allowed to enter the new Jerusalem is because nothing evil can ever be allowed in the presence of the Holy God, and God will reside in the new Jerusalem:

“Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty – but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” Revelation 21:27 (NLT)

Unfortunately, the list of those who are not allowed to enter provides an accurate description of mankind:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” Romans 3:23 (NLT)

In spite of our shortcomings, not all hope is lost! A person can be made new again by belief in the living Son of God, Jesus Christ. Known as the Lamb of God, He gave His life as a sacrifice for our sin so that God can call us righteous and allow us entry into the new Jerusalem:

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NLT)

If a person believes in Jesus Christ, that person will not perish, but will have instead, eternal life. And this eternal life will be lived out in the confines and vicinity of the new Jerusalem, where God dwells among men:

“All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God – the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God.” Revelation 3:12 (NLT)

This is a promise from the Lord Jesus Christ. May His coming be soon!

“He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.” Revelation 22:20-21 (NLT)
birthday party favors