Paul Confronts Peter (continued)

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Paul Confronts Peter (continued)

Galatians 2:14-21 NLT
14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, I said to Peter in front of all the others, “Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?
15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”
17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down. 19 For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. 20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless. For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

Examine the scriptures:

Scripture from the previous lesson.

Galatians 2:11-13 NLT
Paul Confronts Peter
Christians Confronting Christians
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.   12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.  He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.  13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Today’s lesson.

Galatians 2:14-21 NLT
Paul Confronts Peter (continued) 

14 When I saw that they were not following the truth of the gospel message, 

The truth of the gospel message:

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

  • The truth of the gospel message: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

I said to Peter in front of all the others,

What Peter had initiated created a public scandal and therefore deserved a public rebuke.

There are circumstances when individuals should be rebuked publicly.

  • Peter’s actions needed to be addressed.

“Since you, a Jew by birth, have discarded the Jewish laws and are living like a Gentile, why are you now trying to make these Gentiles follow the Jewish traditions?

Peter and the other Jewish believers were “Practicing a double standard.”

  • “Practicing a double standard” is wrong!

When Peter and the other Jewish believers were eating with the Gentile believers, they were not observing the Jewish food laws.

  • Afraid of criticism, Peter and other Jewish believers stopped “eating” with Gentiles who were not circumcised.

Peter’s hypocrisy was blatant.

At first it was o.k. for Peter to ignore Jewish food laws and treat uncircumcised Gentiles as equals.

Afraid of criticism, Peter and the other Jewish believers stopped eating (fellowshipping) with the Gentile believers.

  • The actions of Peter and the other Jewish believers implied that faith in Christ was not enough.

Their actions implied that Gentiles had to be circumcised to become true believers. 

15 “You and I are Jews by birth, not ‘sinners’ like the Gentiles. 

Of course, the Gentiles were sinners.

The Gentiles did not have the “advantage” that the Jews had, which was the divine written law.

We know that this is irony.

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

16 Yet we know that a person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law. And we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be made right with God because of our faith in Christ, not because we have obeyed the law. For no one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law.”

  • Jews and Gentiles alike are sinners.
  • Justification (for all people) is by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the law.

Example:

Genesis 15:6 NLT
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith. 

(Before the law was given to Moses)

One new people from the two groups.

Ephesians 2:14-16 NLT
14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us. 15 He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death. 

17 But suppose we seek to be made right with God through faith in Christ and then we are found guilty because we have abandoned the law. Would that mean Christ has led us into sin? Absolutely not! 

Just because following the law does not lead to salvation does not mean that the law has no value.

This is not a license to live a sinful life.

John 14:15-17 NLT
Jesus Promises the Holy Spirit
15 “If you love me, obey my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. 17 He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. 

18 Rather, I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down.  

Salvation by grace alone through faith alone. (Not by keeping the law.)

  • I am a sinner if I teach that we must keep the law to be saved.

Practice Jewish food laws and be circumcised. 

19 For when I (Paul) tried to keep the law, it condemned me.

The Law demanded death for those who broke it.

So I (Paul) died to the law—I (Paul) stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I (Paul) might live for God. 

Paul makes a similar comment addressing the Romans.

Romans 7:6-11 NLT
6 But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.
God’s Law Reveals Our Sin
7 Well then, am I suggesting that the law of God is sinful? Of course not! In fact, it was the law that showed me my sin. 

Romans 8:1-2 NLT
Life in the Spirit
8 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. 

  • The law shows us the need for a Savior.
  • Paul stopped trying to meet all of the requirements of the law. 

20 My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

Faith in Christ empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

21 I do not treat the grace of God as meaningless.

  • Grace is the undeserved favor of a loving God freely given to sinful people who did nothing to earn it.
  • Salvation is not a combination of keeping the law and God’s grace. 

For if keeping the law could make us right with God, then there was no need for Christ to die.

  • The truth of the gospel message: Salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone.

 

Mordecai’s Loyalty to the King

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Esther 2:19-3:4 NLT
19 Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official, 20 Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.
Mordecai’s Loyalty to the King
21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. 22 But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. 23 When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were impaled on a sharpened pole. This was all recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign.
Haman’s Plot against the Jews
3 Some time later King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. 2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.
3 Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” 4 They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 2:19-3:4 NLT  

19 Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official,

Not all translations describe Mordecai as “a palace official”.

Many translations say that “Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.”

Verse 21 states: 21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate,

Esther 3:3 clearly states that officials of the king sat at the king’s gate.

3 Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?”

Mordecai being at the king’s gate probably meant that Mordecai held an official position in the empire’s judicial system.

Court cases were decided and much official business was conducted at the gate.

  • Mordecai is becoming even more assimilated into the Persian culture.
  • God’s sovereignty is evident. Putting Mordecai at the right place at the right time.

20 Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. 

This is mentioned twice.

Esther 2:10 NLT
10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so.

  • Esther continues to keep her Jewish nationality a secret.

This will be important for the rest of the story.

She was still following Mordecai’s directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.

 Esther 2:7 NLT
7 This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.

 Ephesians 6 NLT
Children and Parents (A familiar Biblical principle.)
1 Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. 2 “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: 3 If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” 

Exodus 20:12 & Deuteronomy 5:16

Mordecai would have been aware of the prejudice many Persians felt toward the Jews.

  • Esther still followed Mordecai’s directions even after she was married to the king.

Mordecai’s Loyalty to the King

21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate,

This was more than a social activity for men from the city. It was an actual job.

Court cases were decided and official business was conducted at the gate.

God’s sovereignty is clearly at work.

two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him. 

Guards at the king’s private quarters would have easy access to the king.

22 But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther.

Respect for Authority (Another important Biblical principle.)

Romans 13:1-5
13:1 Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. 2 So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished. 3 For the authorities do not strike fear in people who are doing right, but in those who are doing wrong. Would you like to live without fear of the authorities? Do what is right, and they will honor you. 4 The authorities are God’s servants, sent for your good. But if you are doing wrong, of course you should be afraid, for they have the power to punish you. They are God’s servants, sent for the very purpose of punishing those who do what is wrong. 5 So you must submit to them, not only to avoid punishment, but also to keep a clear conscience.

If Mordecai had not been “on duty at the King’s gate”, he would not have heard of Bigthana and Teresh’s plan to assassinate the king.

  • Mordecai heard two guards plotting to assassinate King Xerxes.

 She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report. 

  • Esther gave Mordecai credit for the report about Bigthana and Teresh’s plan to assassinate the king.

Another display of respect from Esther toward Mordecai.

23 When an investigation was made and Mordecai’s story was found to be true, the two men were impaled on a sharpened pole. 

Many translations say “they were both hanged on a tree”.

  • Being impaled on a sharpened pole was not an unusual method of execution in the Persian Empire.

Darius, Xerxes’ father, was known to have once impaled 3,000 men.

Ezra 6 NLT
1 So King Darius … 11 “Those who violate this decree in any way will have a beam pulled from their house. Then they will be lifted up and impaled on it …

Most translations use “impaled” in this verse.

A different time and place.

The story of Jonah.
Jonah was being sent to Nineveh in Assyria.
Nineveh was a city of violence, known for its brutal treatment of those it conquered. The Assyrians were notorious for impaling their captives.

This was all recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign. 

This is significant. It is a good thing that this event was recorded.

At this point in the story Mordecai did not receive any recognition for his actions.

Looking ahead to chapter 6:

Esther 6:1-3
The King Honors Mordecai
6 That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. 2 In those records he discovered an account of how Mordecai had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the door to the king’s private quarters. They had plotted to assassinate King Xerxes.

3 “What reward or recognition did we ever give Mordecai for this?” the king asked.
His attendants replied, “Nothing has been done for him.”

Haman’s Plot against the Jews

3:1Some time later

Esther 1:3 NLT
3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces.

 Esther 2:16 NLT
16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign.

Esther 3:7 NLT
7 So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign, lots were cast in Haman’s presence (the lots were called purim) to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later.

  4-9 years have passed since chapter 1. 

  • It is taking years (4-9) for this story to develop.

Practice Patience

Psalm 37:7
7 Be still in the presence of the Lord,
and wait patiently for him to act.

Psalm 27:14 NLT
14 Wait patiently for the Lord.
Be brave and courageous.
Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 40:1 NLT
1 I waited patiently for the Lord to help me,
and he turned to me and heard my cry.

 King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite 

A descendant of Agag, king of the Amalekites. 

over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire.  

  • Haman was promoted sometime between the seventh and twelfth year of King Xerxes reign.

This occurred after Mordecai had saved the king from assignation.

Mordecai may have been expecting a reward for saving the king but no reward was given.

2 All the king’s officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded.

  • Along with this promotion came the command from the king for the officials to bow down before Haman whenever he passed by.

This would be a show of respect, not a form of worship.

But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.

Pride?

Enmity between the Jews and the Amalekites?

No specific reason for not bowing down is given other than that he was a Jew.

  • Mordecai refused to bow down before Haman.

3 Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” 4 They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. 

So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew. 

  • Mordecai revealed his Jewish identity. (Something he had told Esther not to do.)

Esther Becomes Queen

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Esther Becomes Queen

Esther 2:1-18 NLT
2:1 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. 2 So his personal attendants suggested, “Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 3 Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa. Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. 4 After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.” This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.
5 At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. 6 His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. 7 This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.
8 As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care. 9 Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. 11 Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.
12 Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. 13 When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. 14 That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms, and the next morning she was brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived. There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would never go to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name.
15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.
16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 18 To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 2:1-18 NLT
Esther Becomes Queen

2:1 But after Xerxes’ anger had subsided, he began thinking about Vashti and what she had done and the decree he had made. 

After Xerxes’ anger had subsided.

What she had done.
.          She had refused to put herself on display for a bunch of drunken men to gawk at.

The decree he had made.
.         He had Queen Vashti permanently banished from his presence.

Xerxes may have had second thoughts.

A lot of time has passed.

The banquet in chapter 1:3 took place in the third year of Xerxes reign.

In chapter 2:16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes in the seventh year of his reign.

  • The Greek wars (most likely) took place between chapter 1 and chapter 2 of the book of Esther.

2 So his personal attendants suggested,

  • Throughout the book of Esther it is obvious that Xerxes’ decisions are strongly influenced by his officials.

Proverbs 15:22 NLT
22 Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.

Proverbs 11:14 NLT
14 Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
there is safety in having many advisers.

Proverbs 24:6 NLT
6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance;
victory depends on having many advisers. 

He depended on others to help him make decisions and he did not always receive the best advice.

Psalm 1:1 NLT
1 Oh, the joys of those who do not
follow the advice of the wicked,
or stand around with sinners,
or join in with mockers.

Sometimes the advice from others is bad advice.

2 Chronicles 10:8 NLT
8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were now his advisers.

 Deuteronomy 17:17 NLT
17 The king must not take many wives for himself, because they will turn his heart away from the Lord. 

“Let us search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king. 

To add to the king’s harem.

  • Xerxes’ personal attendants suggested that they search the empire to find beautiful young virgins for the king.

3 Let the king appoint agents in each province to bring these beautiful young women into the royal harem at the fortress of Susa.

Agents in each of the 127 provinces.

Xerxes already had a harem.

The fact that he had a harem in Susa is known from other sources.

Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, will see that they are all given beauty treatments. 4 After that, the young woman who most pleases the king will be made queen instead of Vashti.”

It would be approximately four years between the banquets in chapter 1 and Vashti’s replacement in chapter 2.

This advice was very appealing to the king, so he put the plan into effect.

 If these seven personal attendants were the same “wise advisers” that suggested Vashti be disposed, they certainly did not want Xerxes to be upset because of the fact that Vashti was no longer a part of his life.

Esther 1:13-14 NLT
13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

  • This advice was very appealing to the king.
  • The counsel King Xerxes received from his personal attendants is somewhat questionable. 

5 At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair.

  • Mordecai was Jewish.

Mordecai is a Babylonian name.

Mordecai most likely had a Hebrew name also.

(Repeat from introductory lesson.)

So it was that a Jewish man named Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

Esther 2:19 NLT … Mordecai had become a palace official.

Esther 2:19 ESV and NIV … Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

Mordecai became assimilated into the Persian culture much like Lot became assimilated into the culture of Sodom.

  • Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. 

King Saul’s father was named Kish.

6 His family had been among those who, with King Jehoiachin of Judah, had been exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon by King Nebuchadnezzar. 

597 BC (more than 100 years prior to this time)

His family – his ancestors – had been exiled from Jerusalem.

Mordecai was Jewish. 

7 This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther.

Hadassah is a Hebrew name. (Myrtle)

Esther is a Persian name. (Star) 

When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.

  • Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai after her parents died.

8 As a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care.  

  • Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa.

Without God’s intervention, the odds were very slim that she (or any one individual) would be chosen by the King. 

9 Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her

God’s hand was at work.

Unlike Daniel, Esther does not appear to be concerned with Jewish dietary restrictions.

and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.

Assigning seven maids to Esther was an indication that Hegai thought Esther was a good prospect.

10 Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so. 

  • Esther kept her Jewish nationality a secret because Mordecai had directed her to do so.

Mordecai would have been aware of the prejudice many Persians felt toward the Jews.

Marriages with people of other nations that worshiped false gods were forbidden in the Law of Moses.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4 NLT
3 You must not intermarry with them (people of other nations that worship false gods). Do not let your daughters and sons marry their sons and daughters, 4 for they will lead your children away from me to worship other gods. Then the anger of the Lord will burn against you, and he will quickly destroy you. 

11 Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.

It is clear in this story that Mordecai loved Esther.

12 Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. 

  • Esther spent 12 months preparing to go to see the king.

Primarily beauty treatments, but also some training in palace customs.

13 When it was time for her to go to the king’s palace, she was given her choice of whatever clothing or jewelry she wanted to take from the harem. 14 That evening she was taken to the king’s private rooms, and the next morning she was brought to the second harem, where the king’s wives lived.

  • Esther spent a night with King Xerxes
  • Esther was transferred to the second harem where the king’s wives lived.

 There she would be under the care of Shaashgaz , the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. 

She would never go to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name. 

Most of the women would live the rest of their lives in the harem of the concubines.

  • A concubine might not ever see the king a second time.

(More details) 

15 Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem.

Hegai would have known the King’s preferences.

  • Esther wisely accepted Hegai’s advice.

She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.

  • Esther followed Hegai’s suggestions.

16 Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign. 

  • Four years had elapsed since Vashti’s fall from favor.

17 And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 

  • Xerxes was so delighted with Esther that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti. 

18 To celebrate the occasion, he gave a great banquet in Esther’s honor for all his nobles and officials, declaring a public holiday for the provinces and giving generous gifts to everyone.

It appears that Xerxes likes banquets.

“Holiday” The Hebrew for this word, unique to this verse, may imply

a remission of taxes,

an emancipation of slaves,

a cancellation of debt

or a remission of obligatory military service.

  • Esther, a Jew, was placed in a position in which she could help the nation Israel, even before Israel needed help.

Paul Confronts Peter – Christians Confronting Christians

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Paul Confronts Peter

Christians Confronting Christians

Galatians 2:11-13 NLT
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong.   12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.  He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.  13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Examine the Scriptures
Paul Confronts Peter
Christians Confronting Christians

11 But when Peter 

Peter’s reputation

A pillar of the church

Galatians 2:9 NLT
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church.

Part of the “inner circle” of disciples.

Matthew 17:1 NLT
The Transfiguration
17:1 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone.

Mark 14:33 NLT
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed.

The spokesman for the disciples

Examples:

Matthew 19:27 NLT
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”

Luke 12:41 NLT
40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
41 Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”

Mark 8:29 NLT
29 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.” 

  • The early church regarded Peter as the representative of the apostolic body.

(Note: Peter held no distinct office and never claimed any powers that did not belong equally to all of his fellow apostles.)

came to Antioch,

The first Gentile church was established in Antioch. 

The starting point of Paul’s three missionary journeys.

(Note: The time of Peter’s trip is unknown.)

I had to oppose him to his face,

A tense face to face confrontation between two Christian leaders.

Two reasons for Paul to oppose Peter.

Defending the Gospel.

Demonstrating his own independence and equality as an apostle.

Remember that Paul was “not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 NLT

for what he did was very wrong. 

  • Paul had to oppose Peter to his face for doing something very wrong.

Peter’s conduct threatened to compromise the gospel.

  • There are times when face to face confrontation is necessary. 

12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised.

Acts 10:9-15, 28 NLT
Peter Visits Cornelius
9 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”
14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”
15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.” 

28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.

  • When Peter, a Jew, first arrived at Antioch he ate with the Gentile believers.

This was a demonstration of the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.

  • God had shown Peter that he should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean. 

But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.

It is doubtful that they had James endorsement.

Judaizers added Jewish traditions to the Gospel.

  • Peter had, in appearance, supported the doctrine of the Judaizers and nullified Paul’s teaching.

Actions speak louder than words.

Matthew 7:24 NLT
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.

26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.

  • Peter compromised the Gospel.

He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 

  • Peter acted out of fear. He was afraid of criticism.

Proverbs 29:25 NLT
25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the Lord means safety.

 God speaking to Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 2:3-7
3 “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. 4 They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ 5 And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
6 “Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. 7 You must give them my messages whether they listen or not.

13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Hypocrite – someone who masks his true character by pretending to be something he is not.

These believers were denying the truth by their conduct.

Challenge:

2 Timothy 4:2-5 NLT
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 

  • Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.

 

 

 

 

Keep on Helping the Poor 

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Keep on Helping the Poor

Galatians 2:10 NLT
10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

Read last week’s passage of Scripture.

Galatians 2:6-10 NLT
The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2)
6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.  

10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 2:10 NLT
Keep on Helping the Poor

10 Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

  • The Jerusalem Church was not asking Paul to do something that he was not already doing.

They asked Paul to “keep on helping the poor”.

Paul was eager to help the poor.

James talks about helping the needy.

James 2:14-17 NLT
Faith without Good Deeds Is Dead
14 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 15 Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?
17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. 

  • Faith without good deeds is dead.

Background history.

The number of Christians in Jerusalem grew rapidly at first.

The Believers Formed a Community in Jerusalem.

Acts 2:41-45 NLT
41 Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all.
42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need.

The Jerusalem Believers Shared Their Possessions with Each Other.

Acts 4:32-37 NLT
32 All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had. 33 The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all. 34 There were no needy people among them, because those who owned land or houses would sell them 35 and bring the money to the apostles to give to those in need.
36 For instance, there was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). He was from the tribe of Levi and came from the island of Cyprus. 37 He sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

The Believers Faced Hard Times.

Acts 6:1 NLT
6:1 But as the believers rapidly multiplied, there were rumblings of discontent. The Greek-speaking believers complained about the Hebrew-speaking believers, saying that their widows were being discriminated against in the daily distribution of food.

A series of severe famines struck various sections of the Roman Empire during this time.  (A.D. 41-54)

Several secular writers (Josephus and Suetonius) affirm the occurrence of a great famine in Israel A.D. 45-46.

Acts 11:27-30 NLT
27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem. 

  • For years the Christians in Judea faced severe financial hardships.

Paul also talks about this in the book of Romans.

Romans 15:25-27 NLT
25 But before I come, I must go to Jerusalem to take a gift to the believers there. 26 For you see, the believers in Macedonia and Achaia have eagerly taken up an offering for the poor among the believers in Jerusalem. 27 They were glad to do this because they feel they owe a real debt to them. Since the Gentiles received the spiritual blessings of the Good News from the believers in Jerusalem, they feel the least they can do in return is to help them financially.

This demonstrates genuine concern on the part of the Gentile Christians for the Jewish Christians. This in turn would help promote unity and love among believers and help prevent the kinds of misunderstandings which were undermining the Gentile churches.

This principle is commanded in the Old Testament.

Deuteronomy 15:7-8 NLT
7 “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them. 8 Instead, be generous and lend them whatever they need. 

  • God’s Word repeatedly instructs us to help the poor.

Acts 20:35
35 And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 

1 John 3:17 NLT
17 If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?

  • Plan your giving.

1 Corinthians 16:1-3 NLT (Paul’s third missionary journey A.D. 54-58.)
The Collection for Jerusalem
16 Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. 2 On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. 3 When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem.

The collection for the Christians in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9)

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT
6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.

  • “… God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
  • Those who are generous are blessed.

Proverbs 22:9 NLT
9 Blessed are those who are generous,
because they feed the poor.

Proverbs 28:27 NLT
27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing,
but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

Luke 6:38 NLT (in the context of relating to others)
38 Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

Matthew 25:34-40 NLT
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’
37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’
40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’

Jeremiah 22:15-16 NLT
15 But a beautiful cedar palace does not make a great king!
Your father, Josiah, also had plenty to eat and drink.
But he was just and right in all his dealings.
That is why God blessed him.
16 He gave justice and help to the poor and needy,
and everything went well for him.
Isn’t that what it means to know me?”
says the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Queen Vashti Deposed by King Xerxes

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Queen Vashti Deposed by King Xerxes.

Esther 1:1-22 NLT
Vashti Deposed by Xerxes
The King’s Banquet
1:1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.
5 When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 6 The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.
7 Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. 8 By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.
9 At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

Queen Vashti Deposed
10 On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine, he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas— 11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. 12 But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. This made the king furious, and he burned with anger.
13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.
15 “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”
16 Memucan answered the king and his nobles, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. 17 Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. 18 Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger.
19 “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked. It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she. 20 When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”
21 The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. 22 He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 1:1-22 NLT
The King’s Banquet 

1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, 

Xerxes is the Greek name.  The Hebrew name for Xerxes is Ahasuerus.

Xerxes succeeded his father Darius.

Xerxes ruled the Persian Empire for 21 years from 485 to 465 B.C.

He is mentioned in Ezra 4:6 and Daniel 9:1. 

who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 

2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa. 

3 In the third year of his reign, he gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. 

  • In the third year of his reign, King Xerxes gave a banquet for all his nobles and officials. 

He invited all the military officers of Persia and Media as well as the princes and nobles of the provinces. 4 The celebration lasted 180 days 

  • The celebration lasted 180 days

A 6 month long celebration.

The Persian Empire had a large administrative system made up of government leaders including the leaders of the 127 provinces in this vast empire and all of his military officers.

Commentators speculated that the officials took turns attending events so that the military and other government offices could continue to operate. 

—a tremendous display of the opulent wealth of his empire and the pomp and splendor of his majesty.

Designed to impress others, including the military leaders, of the king’s greatness.

Illustrates Xerxes pride.

  • Though not stated in scripture, this banquet probably corresponds to the great feast Xerxes gave when he was planning to invade Greece.

Military campaigns were common throughout the Old Testament.

2 Samuel 11:1 NLT
David and Bathsheba11:1 In the spring of the year, when kings normally go out to war, David sent Joab and the Israelite army to fight the Ammonites. They destroyed the Ammonite army and laid siege to the city of Rabbah.

Battles were fought to restore the honor of a king or a nation.

Battles were fought to control others and to obtain a source of income from taxes.

Battles for fought for the spoils of war.

Nahum 2:9 ESV
9 Plunder the silver,
plunder the gold!
There is no end of the treasure
or of the wealth of all precious things.

Nahum 2:9 ERV
9 Take the silver!
Take the gold!
There are many things to take.
There are many treasures.

Secular source of information:

  • Herodotus  was a Greek writer, geographer and historian born in the Greek city of Halicarnassus, part of the Persian Empire. (484 BC – 425 BC)

According to Herodotus it took Xerxes four years to get ready for the invasion he launched in 481. No doubt the 180 days involved planning sessions in which all the provinces’ leaders were being prepared for the war effort, as well as being impressed with Xerxes’ wealth and splendor. The campaign was to be a costly affair.

The Book of Esther says nothing about Xerxes’ invasion of Greece, but other sources state that he wanted to avenge his father’s defeat at Marathon near Athens.

Xerxes engaged in three major battles with the Greeks (480-479 B.C.).

He won the first battle but lost the next two battles.

Defeated, he had to retreat home.

The time line of Esther from our previous lesson corresponds with the facts known from secular sources.

5 When it was all over,

The 180 day celebration for Xerxes’ officials.

the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. 

For all the people, from the greatest to the least.

Held outdoors to accommodate large numbers of guests.

6 The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

Even the pavement was exquisitely opulent.

“on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.”

The descriptions of the décor of the king’s palace garden add to the feeling that the writer had firsthand knowledge of the setting and the occasion. 

7 Drinks were served in gold goblets of many designs, and there was an abundance of royal wine, reflecting the king’s generosity. 8 By edict of the king, no limits were placed on the drinking, for the king had instructed all his palace officials to serve each man as much as he wanted.

In other words the king was liberal with the wine and a lot of people got drunk.

Often the guests could only drink when the king was drinking.

The abundance of wine being served would have resulted in many guests getting drunk. 

9 At the same time, Queen Vashti gave a banquet for the women in the royal palace of King Xerxes.

Separate banquets were not unusual in that culture.

Vashti’s Greek name was Amestris .

She was the mother of Xerxes third son, Artaxerxes 483 B.C., who later succeeded his father on the throne.

According to Greek historians – She was known as queen mother during the reign of her son.

Queen Vashti Deposed

10 On the seventh day of the feast, when King Xerxes was in high spirits because of the wine,

This order was given on the seventh day, that is, the last day of the feast which had turned into a drunken party. 

he told the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—

Castrated because their roles brought them into frequent contact with the women of the royal harem.

Castrated so they would have no illusions of starting their own dynasties. 

 11 to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman. 12 But when they conveyed the king’s order to Queen Vashti, she refused to come. 

  • King Xerxes wanted the nobles and all the other men at the feast to gaze on Queen Vashti’s beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.

“Vashti was a very beautiful woman.”

  • Queen Vashti refused to come to the king’s banquet.

Vashti’s refusal is not explained by the author.

Maybe she simply did not wish to be “gazed at” by all of the men.

Perhaps she did not wish to be in mixed company (of drunkards) at that time.

Perhaps she refused to go to the banquet because she was pregnant with Artaxerxes, who was born in 483.

Regardless of the reason for her refusal, her action was a breach of etiquette. The king was used to getting whatever he desired whenever he desired it. Therefore her response made him furious. 

This made the king furious, and he burned with anger. 

But he first consulted with his advisors.

13 He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice. 14 The names of these men were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—seven nobles of Persia and Media. They met with the king regularly and held the highest positions in the empire.

Wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs held the highest positions in the empire.

  • Throughout the ancient Near East wise men played important roles in governments.

(e.g., Daniel’s position in the Babylonian and Persian Empires).

15 “What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”

  • The king consulted wise men about what he should do.

These seven men had special access to the king and were the ones who knew the law well.

Herodotus has confirmed the fact that this use of wise men was a feature of ancient Near Eastern courts. 

16 Memucan answered the king and his nobles,

The counsel King Xerxes received from Memucan is somewhat questionable. 

“Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king but also every noble and citizen throughout your empire. 17 Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king. 

  • The crime the queen had committed was that she disobeyed a command of the king.

Obviously the king and queen did not share an emotionally intimate relationship. This was true of Xerxes and the women in his harem. 

18 Before this day is out, the wives of all the king’s nobles throughout Persia and Media will hear what the queen did and will start treating their husbands the same way. There will be no end to their contempt and anger. 

19 “So if it please the king, we suggest that you issue a written decree, a law of the Persians and Medes that cannot be revoked.

Irrevocable nature of Persian law

Daniel 6:8, 15 NLT
8 And now, Your Majesty, issue and sign this law so it cannot be changed, an official law of the Medes and Persians that cannot be revoked.”

15 In the evening the men went together to the king and said, “Your Majesty, you know that according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed.”

  • According to the law of the Medes and the Persians, no law that the king signs can be changed. 

It should order that Queen Vashti be forever banished from the presence of King Xerxes, and that the king should choose another queen more worthy than she.  

  • Memucan advised King Xerxes to banish Queen Vashti from his presence forever and choose another queen more worthy than Queen Vashti. 

20 When this decree is published throughout the king’s vast empire, husbands everywhere, whatever their rank, will receive proper respect from their wives!”

Memucan suggested that he have the queen deposed so that other women of the empire would not follow Vashti’s example and despise their husbands and the empire be filled with female disrespect and marital discord.

It is difficult to see how this punishment would cause the women of the empire to respect their husbands but that was the idea behind the decree.

This is partially explained by the fact that the men had been drinking heavily. 

21 The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. 

  • The king followed Memucan’s counsel.

It is possible that the king and his nobles had consumed too much wine during the celebration.

22 He sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.

  • A vast relay communications system, something like an ancient pony express, made it possible to spread news throughout the empire quickly.

This sets the stage for the rise of Esther.

The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2)

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The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2)

Galatians 2:6-9 NLT
6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching. (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.) 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles.
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 2:6-9 NLT
The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 2) 

6 And the leaders of the church had nothing to add to what I was preaching.

  • The apostles in Jerusalem did not correct or modify Paul’s message but recognized its divine source and affirmed its truth and completeness.

What was Paul’s message?

Ephesians 2:8-9 NLT
8 God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

The Gospel is both profound and simple.

Romans 10:9-13 NLT
9 If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. 11 As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.” 12 Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him. 13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

What was Jesus’ message?

John 3:16 NLT
16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

The Scriptures “add meat to the bones.” 

 (By the way, their reputation as great leaders made no difference to me, for God has no favorites.)

Romans 2:11 NLT
11 For God does not show favoritism.

2 Corinthians 12:11
… for I am not at all inferior to these “super apostles,” 

  • Paul knew that he was not inferior to the other apostles.
  • God does not show favoritism.

* Apply this principle to you and those around you. 

 7 Instead, they saw that God had given me the responsibility of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, just as he had given Peter the responsibility of preaching to the Jews. 

Different gifts.

Different responsibilities.

One Gospel, different audiences.

1 Corinthians 12 NLT
Spiritual Gifts4 There are different kinds of spiritual gifts … 5 There are different kinds of service … 6 God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. … 7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. 

One Body with Many Parts

12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. … and God has put each part just where he wants it. …27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it.  

  • A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.

Your responsibility is different from the responsibility of the person sitting next to you. 

Romans 12:6-8 NLT
6 In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you. 7 If your gift is serving others, serve them well. If you are a teacher, teach well. 8 If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging. If it is giving, give generously. If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously. And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly. 

  • In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well. 

8 For the same God who worked through Peter as the apostle to the Jews also worked through me as the apostle to the Gentiles. 

9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. 

Look for and recognize spiritual gifts in your co-workers as well as in your students.

  • Recognize the spiritual gift(s) God has given to the people around you. 

They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews. 

Encourage one another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT
11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.

Ephesians 4:29 NLT
29 Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

Hebrews 10:23-25 NLT
23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. 

  • God’s Word instructs us to encourage each other and build each other up. 

 

 

Introduction to the book of Esther:   

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Introduction to the book of Esther:

The book of Esther is unique in that it is one of the only two books in the Bible named for women (the other, of course, is Ruth).

Author: unknown

The book gives no hint of who wrote it, but whoever it was knew the Persian culture well. The account has all the marks of a person who was there because he described the events as an eyewitness. And he was probably a Jew.

The book could have been written sometime after 465 B.C.

Like Song of Solomon, Obadiah, and Nahum, the New Testament does not make any reference to the book of Esther.

Neither the word for God nor the name Yahweh (Lord), occurs in the book of Esther.

Even though the name of God is nowhere mentioned in the book, His sovereignty, divine guidance, and care are evident throughout the story.

Esther and Exodus both chronicle how vigorously foreign powers tried to eliminate the Jewish race and how God sovereignly preserved His people in accordance with His covenant promise to Abraham.

The book of Esther explains how the festival of Purim originated. Purim was to be an annual remembrance of how God delivered His people from death, similar to their deliverance during the exodus from Egypt.

Esther 1:1-2 NLT
Introduction
1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa.

Examine the Scriptures
Esther 1:1-2 NLT
Introduction 

1 These events happened in the days of King Xerxes, 

Xerxes is the Greek name.

The Hebrew name for Xerxes is Ahasuerus.

Xerxes was a cruel king who ruled with tyrannical force.

Xerxes was known for his drinking, lavish banquets, harsh temper, and sexual appetite.

During Xerxes’ reign, the Persian Empire was near its peak.

The empire was very wealthy.

who reigned over 127 provinces stretching from India to Ethiopia. 

This included Xerxes’ conquest of Egypt.

2 At that time Xerxes ruled his empire from his royal throne at the fortress of Susa.

Refer to a map of the Persian Empire at the time of Ezra.

Much of the story takes place at Shushan (Susa), the winter capital of Persia.

Other capital cities are Babylon, Ecbatana, and Persepolis.

The events of the book cover a 10-year portion (483-473 B.C.) of the reign of Xerxes I (486 – 465 B.C.).

The events occurred between those recorded in the sixth and seventh chapters of Ezra.

Background to this story of Esther.

The Jewish tribes of Benjamin and Judah had been conquered and taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon. Several decades later, the Medo-Persian Empire overwhelmed Babylon and inherited the Jewish captives who had assimilated into their Babylonian (now Persian), homeland.

Jeremiah 29:10 NLT  (approximate dates of Jeremiah’s prophecies are  627–570 B.C.),
10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 

The Persian king allowed a large contingent of Jews to return to Jerusalem

Ezra 1:1-3 NLT
Cyrus Allows the Exiles to Return
1 In the first year of King Cyrus of Persia, the Lord fulfilled the prophecy he had given through Jeremiah. He stirred the heart of Cyrus to put this proclamation in writing and to send it throughout his kingdom:
2 “This is what King Cyrus of Persia says:
“The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. He has appointed me to build him a Temple at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Any of you who are his people may go to Jerusalem in Judah to rebuild this Temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, who lives in Jerusalem. And may your God be with you!

Ezra 2:64-67 NLT
64 So a total of 42,360 people returned to Judah, 65 in addition to 7,337 servants and 200 singers, both men and women. 66 They took with them 736 horses, 245 mules, 67 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.

The Persian king allowed a large contingent of Jews to return to Jerusalem

but many Jews stayed in Persia.

Missed opportunities

Isaiah and Jeremiah had urged the yet to be exiled nation to come out of Babylon.

Jeremiah 29:10-14 NLT
10 This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. 12 In those days when you pray, I will listen. 13 If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. 14 I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.”

It was God’s plan for the Jews to leave Babylon (Persia).

Jeremiah 50:8 NLT
8 “But now, flee from Babylon!
Leave the land of the Babylonians.
Like male goats at the head of the flock,
lead my people home again.

Jeremiah 51:6 NLT
6 Flee from Babylon! Save yourselves!
Don’t get trapped in her punishment!
It is the Lord’s time for vengeance;
he will repay her in full.

Isaiah 48:20 NLT (approximate dates of Isaiah’s prophecies are  740–681 B.C.),
20 Yet even now, be free from your captivity!
Leave Babylon and the Babylonians.
Sing out this message!
Shout it to the ends of the earth!
The Lord has redeemed his servants,
the people of Israel.

The Persian king allowed a large contingent of Jews to return to Jerusalem

but many Jews stayed in Persia.

(Mordecai’s parents would have stayed)

This story takes place about 56 years after the first exiles returned to Jerusalem.

So it was that a Jewish man named Mordecai had worked his way into a low-level job in the king’s court.

Esther 2:19 NLT … Mordecai had become a palace official.

Esther 2:19 ESV and NIV … Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

Mordecai became assimilated into the Persian culture much like Lot became assimilated into the culture of Sodom.

Genesis 19:1 NLT
Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed
19:1 That evening the two angels came to the entrance of the city of Sodom. Lot was sitting there, and when he saw them, he stood up to meet them. Then he welcomed them and bowed with his face to the ground.

 

The Return of the Exiles

The return of the exiles is a gradual process spanning the following century. The Jewish exiles from Judah return to Jerusalem in a time span spread over 92 years between 537BC and 445BC.

The return of the exiles to Judah and the rebuilding of Jerusalem were carried out in three waves. The first return was around 538 B.C. under the leadership of a man named Zerubbabel. It was during this period that the people of Israel built the second Temple.

About eighty years later, a second group, under the priestly leadership of Ezra, returned to the land. Spiritual and religious reformation occurred at that time.

Finally, under the leadership of Nehemiah, a king’s cupbearer, many more returned. Nehemiah’s focus was to repair Jerusalem’s walls and gates.

 

The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 1)

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Introduction:

The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 1)

Galatians 2:1-5 NLT
2:1Then fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. 2 I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing. 3 And they supported me and did not even demand that my companion Titus be circumcised, though he was a Gentile.
4 Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. 5 But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you.

Examine the scriptures:
Galatians 2:1-5 NLT
The Apostles Accept Paul (Part 1)

2:1Then fourteen years later

Refer to  previous lesson.

I went back to Jerusalem again, this time with Barnabas; and Titus came along, too. 

Barnabas-a Jewish believer

Titus- a Gentile believer

The book of Acts mentions five Jerusalem visits made by Paul after his conversion.

The visit after he left Damascus (Acts 9:26-30).

The famine visit (Acts 11:27-30)

Acts 11:27-30 NLT
27 During this time some prophets traveled from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them named Agabus stood up in one of the meetings and predicted by the Spirit that a great famine was coming upon the entire Roman world. (This was fulfilled during the reign of Claudius.) 29 So the believers in Antioch decided to send relief to the brothers and sisters in Judea, everyone giving as much as they could. 30 This they did, entrusting their gifts to Barnabas and Saul to take to the elders of the church in Jerusalem.

The visit to attend the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-30)

The visit at the end of his second missionary Journey ((Acts 18:22)

His final visit which resulted in his Caesarean imprisonment Acts 21:15-23:35)

Galatians 2 could refer to either the “famine visit” or the “Jerusalem council visit”.

  • The book of Acts mentions five Jerusalem visits made by Paul after his conversion. Galatians 2 could refer to either the “famine visit” or the “Jerusalem council visit”.

It really doesn’t matter which trip this passage is referring to, the principles are still the same.

2 I went there because God revealed to me that I should go.

  • Paul traveled to Jerusalem because God directed him to, not because he was summoned by the church for something he was doing (preaching to the Gentiles).

Paul got his “marching orders” from God.

Peter would have understood this principle.

Acts 5:26-29 NLT
26 The captain went with his Temple guards and arrested the apostles, but without violence, for they were afraid the people would stone them. 27 Then they brought the apostles before the high council, where the high priest confronted them. 28 “We gave you strict orders never again to teach in this man’s name!” he said. “Instead, you have filled all Jerusalem with your teaching about him, and you want to make us responsible for his death!”
29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”

  • “We must obey God rather than any human authority.”

What does the Bible tell us to do?

While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church

Most likely Peter, James, and John (see verse 9)

Met privately.  Paul was not looking for a public endorsement.

“Those considered to be leaders” 

and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement,

Previously Paul had emphasized his independence from the other apostles.

Paul did recognize the importance of harmony and unity within the “church”.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT<
10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

Romans 16:17 NLT
17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

Philippians 2:2 NLT
2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.

Romans 15:5-6 NLT
5 May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. 6 Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

  • Paul recognized the importance of harmony and unity within the “church”.

Paul wanted to avoid a split between the Jewish and Gentile Christians.

  • Scripture tells us to “live in harmony with each other.”

Scripture does not teach “denominations”. 

For fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing. 

Paul feared that his ministry might be hindered or rendered of no effect by the Judaizers
if the Jerusalem leaders insisted on circumcision and other requirements of the Law for the Gentiles,

Mark 3:24-25 NLT
24 “A kingdom divided by civil war will collapse. 25 Similarly, a family splintered by feuding will fall apart.

Galatians 3:28 (next chapter)

Galatians 3:28 NLT
28 There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.

A word of encouragement for the discouraged.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.

  • You know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 

3 And they supported me

  • The leaders of the Jerusalem Church supported Paul’s ministry.

Paul’s position.

God’s grace comes through faith in Christ, not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

  • God’s grace comes through faith in Christ. 

and did not even demand that my companion Titus be circumcised, though he was a Gentile.

  • The Jerusalem apostles did not think that circumcision was necessary for a Gentile (a Greek) like Titus.

4 Even that question came up only because of some so-called believers there—false ones, really—who were secretly brought in. They sneaked in to spy on us and take away the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to enslave us and force us to follow their Jewish regulations. 

  • Beware of false prophets

Matthew 7:15-20 NLT
15 “Beware of false prophets who come disguised as harmless sheep but are really vicious wolves. 16 You can identify them by their fruit, that is, by the way they act. Can you pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. 18 A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. 19 So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.

  • False prophets are a reality and false prophets are destructive.

Go back to Galatians 1
6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ. You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ.

Acts 15:1 NLT
15:1 While Paul and Barnabas were at Antioch of Syria, some men from Judea arrived and began to teach the believers: “Unless you are circumcised as required by the law of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

5 But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you. 

Paul was not willing to compromise.

To do so would change the Gospel.

Salvation is by faith alone.  Adding works to faith compromises the truth of the Gospel. 

There are times when it is wrong to compromise. 

Look back to:
Galatians 1:6-7 NLT
There Is Only One Good News
6 I am shocked that you are turning away so soon from God, who called you to himself through the loving mercy of Christ.  You are following a different way that pretends to be the Good News 7 but is not the Good News at all. You are being fooled by those who deliberately twist the truth concerning Christ. 8 Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. 

  • There are times when it is wrong to compromise.   

Let God’s curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you. (Galatians 1:8)

Boaz Marries Ruth

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This lesson wraps up our study on the book of Ruth

Ruth 4:11-22 NLT
Boaz Marries Ruth
11 Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 And may the Lord give you descendants by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez, the son of Tamar and Judah.”
The Descendants of Boaz
13 So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. 14 Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family! May this child be famous in Israel. 15 May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”
16 Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. 17 The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.
18 This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez:
Perez was the father of Hezron.
19 Hezron was the father of Ram.
Ram was the father of Amminadab.
20 Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
21 Salmon was the father of Boaz.
Boaz was the father of Obed.
22 Obed was the father of Jesse.
Jesse was the father of David.

 Examine the Scriptures
Ruth 4:11-22 NLT
Boaz Marries Ruth

11 Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses!

All of the people at the city gate signaled strong approval of Boaz’s actions. 

May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah,

From whom all the nation of Israel descended! 

Rachel was the most beloved wife of Jacob.

Rachel had been barren many years before she bore children.

Ruth had been barren in Moab.

Rachel was buried nearby.

Genesis 35:19 NLT
19 So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

Leah was the mother of Judah, their namesake descendant.  (900 years prior to this time.)

What does it mean to be “like Rachel and Leah”?

It might be something like this: Like Ruth, from whom came all the descendants of David.

  • The elders and all the people standing in the gate demonstrated a great deal of respect for Ruth the Moabitess. 

May you (Boaz) prosper in Ephrathah (another name for Bethlehem)

Ephrathites were from the clan of Ephrathah, centered in Bethlehem.

  • All of the people at the city gate prayed that Boaz would prosper and be famous. 

and be famous in Bethlehem. 

The birthplace of Jesus.

12 And may the Lord give you descendants

  • The elders and all of the people at the city gate prayed that the Lord would give Boaz descendants.

These descendants would include David and the Lord Jesus Christ.

  • The elders acknowledged that children are a gift from God.

Psalm 127:3 NLT
3 Children are a gift from the Lord;
they are a reward from him.

 by this young woman who will be like those of our ancestor Perez (the first born of twins), the son of Tamar and Judah.”

Genesis 38:1-30.

Boaz was a descendant of Perez.

They may have been praying for more descendants like Boaz.

The Descendants of Boaz
13 So Boaz took Ruth into his home, and she became his wife. When he slept with her, the Lord enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son. 

Ruth was married to Mahlon for ten years without having children.

  • The Lord enabled Ruth, who had been barren in Moab for the entire period of her marriage to Mahlon, to become pregnant.

14 Then the women of the town said to Naomi, “Praise the Lord, who has now provided a redeemer for your family!

Once again Naomi becomes the center of attention.

The women of the town recognized that God had provided a redeemer (Obed) who would care for Naomi in her latter years.

  • The Lord had provided a redeemer for Naomi and her family. 

May this child be famous in Israel. 

How was Obed used by God?

15 May he restore your youth and care for you in your old age. For he is the son of your daughter-in-law who loves you and has been better to you than seven sons!”

Ruth turned out to be better than seven sons.

Seven sons was an ideal for Hebrew families.

16 Naomi took the baby and cuddled him to her breast. And she cared for him as if he were her own. 

17 The neighbor women said, “Now at last Naomi has a son again!” 

“Son” can mean descendant.

This child replaced the family Naomi lost when her two sons died in Moab.

The family line would continue once again. 

And they named him Obed. He became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David.

Obed means “worshiper” or “servant”.

  • Naomi’s deep sorrow turned to radiant joy; emptiness gave way to fullness.

It appears that the neighbor women named Ruth’s son Obed.

  • Obed replaced the family Naomi lost when her two sons died in Moab. The family line would continue. 
  • Obed became the father of Jesse and the grandfather of David. 

18 This is the genealogical record of their ancestor Perez: 

Also in:
1 Chronicles 2
Matthew 1
Luke 3

 Perez was the father of Hezron.
19 Hezron was the father of Ram.
Ram was the father of Amminadab.
20 Amminadab was the father of Nahshon.
Nahshon was the father of Salmon.
21 Salmon was the father of Boaz.
Boaz was the father of Obed.
22 Obed was the father of Jesse.
Jesse was the father of David.

Nine centuries / ten generations. (900 years back to Jacob, 100 years before David)

“Son” can mean descendant.

Some generations have been selectively omitted.

The book of Matthew takes this line of ancestors back to Abraham.

1 Chronicles 2 goes back to Israel (Jacob).

Luke 3 goes back to Adam.

 

David was an ancestor of Jesus.

  • Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth, was an ancestor of Jesus.
  • The genealogical record of Obed is found in Ruth 4, 1 Chronicles 2, Matthew 1, and Luke 3.

The Book of Ruth 

The story of Ruth, a virtuous woman.

The story of Boaz, a kinsman redeemer.

An illustration of God’s redemptive plan extending beyond the Jews.

A picture of God’s sovereignty.

And so much more!