Has anyone found secret messages in the bible?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,470
689
113
Romans 13:1 commands you to obey all authority because all authority is ultimately from God. Obviously, it's within the context of God's authority, so if human government tells us to do something ungodly, that's where we disobey them, otherwise we continue to obey. What don't you understand about Romans 13:1 and other similar verses? Do you not obey the laws of your country?
Because that’s about the dumbest interpretation of that verse I’ve ever seen. Your logic says to follow dictators because God must have put them in charge.
 

NTNT58

Active member
Sep 20, 2023
525
41
28
Because that’s about the dumbest interpretation of that verse I’ve ever seen.
So do you disobey the law of your country if you can get away with it?

Nothing dumb about that interpretation, you clearly are an ungodly rebel if you don't obey laws. You need to repent and stop rebelling against God.
 

NTNT58

Active member
Sep 20, 2023
525
41
28
Since you didn’t read my post carefully, you continue to make stupid assumptions. You’re earning all the ire you receive.
Wrath is one of the deadliest sins. Hope you get better.
 

BeeBlessed

Active member
Jun 1, 2023
251
127
43
I can’t believe this thread is 55 pages long and still going. Hidden messages in the Bible? Well, there are examples to follow, types and situations that mirror what’s going on in the world today, prophesies fulfilled and yet to be fulfilled, symbolic poetry, and parables that only those with “eyes to see” can understand—just to name a few things that puzzle people in their quest for knowledge and wisdom from the Word. In fact, our very lives are “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). So shouldn’t worldly thinking be put aside and focus kept on what really matters? We are heirs of grace, and yet we want to quibble, nitpick, and insult one another’s intelligence? Really?

Titus 3:9-11

But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless. Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
Now I think we're just changing the subject... I was never arguing for or against the KJV.

Even if we use the KJV, there are at least 2 different semantic definitions for the word "appearance", in English, in 1 Thessalonians 5:22... and one definition makes more biblical and logical sense than the other.



God Bless, and have a great
That's a common but less than adequate interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

It doesn't use the word "appearance" in the sense "to look like a thing even though it may not be the thing."
That is not the sense of the passage... and other translations translate it differently.
Even if we stick to the KJV, and translate the Greek word as "appearance", we are still left with two possible understandings of the word "appearance"... a choice of two completely different semantic definitions, right in the English.
So even in the KJV, there are interpretative choices that need to be analyzed.

We cannot possibly use this subjective and relativistic definition of the word "appearance", because the preceding adjective "all" would magnify it to the level of absurdity, and to logical impossibility.

(I won't go into more detail on the semantics unless someone wants to talk about it more. It's all kind of boring.)


CONCLUSION:
To simplify things: it's fine to dislike something Dino says - but we can't use that particular verse to discredit him, because that isn't what the verse means.



(In all fairness, I used to interpret this verse in the same way, and I don't think this semantic misunderstanding makes anyone a bad person, or open to ridicule. There is just a more precise and logical way to interpret the verse, which fits better in the context and within Biblical principles.)

.
It means what it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. The translators of the KJB knew the Greek more than you, my friend.

We have other verses that loosely convey a similar concept.

2 Corinthians 8:21
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

1 Corinthians 10:32
“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”
 

Sipsey

Well-known member
Sep 27, 2018
1,470
689
113
Romans 13:1 commands you to obey all authority because all authority is ultimately from God. Obviously, it's within the context of God's authority, so if human government tells us to do something ungodly, that's where we disobey them, otherwise we continue to obey. What don't you understand about Romans 13:1 and other similar verses? Do you not obey the laws of your country?
So the Apostles were wrong?
Acts 5:25-29 (KJV)
[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
[26] Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
[27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
[28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
[29] ¶ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
 

NTNT58

Active member
Sep 20, 2023
525
41
28
So the Apostles were wrong?
Acts 5:25-29 (KJV)
[25] Then came one and told them, saying, Behold, the men whom ye put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people.
[26] Then went the captain with the officers, and brought them without violence: for they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned.
[27] And when they had brought them, they set them before the council: and the high priest asked them,
[28] Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
[29] ¶ Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
You didn't even read my comment...

Romans 13:1 commands you to obey all authority because all authority is ultimately from God. Obviously, it's within the context of God's authority, so if human government tells us to do something ungodly, that's where we disobey them, otherwise we continue to obey. What don't you understand about Romans 13:1 and other similar verses? Do you not obey the laws of your country?
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
It means what it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. The translators of the KJB knew the Greek more than you, my friend.

We have other verses that loosely convey a similar concept.

2 Corinthians 8:21
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

1 Corinthians 10:32
“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”
English - I'm only talking about English:

In the KJV, in English, there are still at least 2 different ways to understand the word "appearance."
That's just English.
This isn't about translation, this is about English.
The word "appearance", in English, can mean different things.
English words, in English, often have a variety of meanings.

The English word "appearance", in the prepositional phrase "appearance of", can mean:
1.)
for a thing to: look LIKE a thing, whether it is that thing or not
2.) for a thing to: appear, show itself, or arrive

- If we apply definition #1 to 1Th.5:22, we end up in all kinds of subjective and relativistic impossibilities, circular arguments, and contradictory doctrines.
- If we apply definition #2 to 1Th.5:22, we end up with a very clear and simple understanding, which correlates well with the rest of scripture.


I'm only using English.





God Bless.

.
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
Now I think we're just changing the subject... I was never arguing for or against the KJV.

Even if we use the KJV, there are at least 2 different semantic definitions for the word "appearance", in English, in 1 Thessalonians 5:22... and one definition makes more biblical and logical sense than the other.



God Bless, and have a great day.

.
If a person is against the rendering in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 in the KJV, and they argue for the original Greek for the NT over the KJB, then it is good chance they are usually into Textual Criticism (which is a teaching not found in the Bible).
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
It means what it says in 1 Thessalonians 5:22. The translators of the KJB knew the Greek more than you, my friend.

We have other verses that loosely convey a similar concept.

2 Corinthians 8:21
“Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.”

1 Corinthians 10:32
“Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:”

The verses you quoted are great verses, but they actually do NOT mean the same thing as the particular way you were interpreting 1 Thessalonians 5:22.


2 Cor 8:21 isn't even remotely similar... it's just talking about being honest before men.

1 Cor.10:32 actually does have some similarity, but it's also constrained by a very particular context.
- It's a passage explaining that we should limit our own liberty at times in order not to offend people with cultural differences, when those culture differences are MORALLY NEUTRAL.
- It's a particular lesson, with a very particular context.

.
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
d
English - I'm only talking about English:

In the KJV, in English, there are still at least 2 different ways to understand the word "appearance."
That's just English.
This isn't about translation, this is about English.
The word "appearance", in English, can mean different things.
English words, in English, often have a variety of meanings.

The English word "appearance", in the prepositional phrase "appearance of", can mean:
1.)
for a thing to: look LIKE a thing, whether it is that thing or not
2.) for a thing to: appear, show itself, or arrive

- If we apply definition #1 to 1Th.5:22, we end up in all kinds of subjective and relativistic impossibilities, circular arguments, and contradictory doctrines.
- If we apply definition #2 to 1Th.5:22, we end up with a very clear and simple understanding, which correlates well with the rest of scripture.


I'm only using English.





God Bless.

.
You mentioned Greek before.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
If a person is against the rendering in 1 Thessalonians 5:22 in the KJV, and they argue for the original Greek for the NT over the KJB, then it is good chance they are usually into Textual Criticism (which is a teaching not found in the Bible).

Besides, you already let the cat out the bag here by saying,

“You shouldn't rely solely on one translation. I personally like and use the kjv, but recognize there are some flaws in it. I also go back to the original language text for clarity such as found in the interlinear.”
Besides, you already let the cat out the bag here by saying,
“You shouldn't rely solely on one translation. I personally like and use the kjv, but recognize there are some flaws in it. I also go back to the original language text for clarity such as found in the interlinear.”



You just quoted something from someone else... I never made that statement.
Please be more careful when quoting me.
Thanks.

.
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
The verses you quoted are great verses, but they actually do NOT mean the same thing as the particular way you were interpreting 1 Thessalonians 5:22.


2 Cor 8:21 isn't even remotely similar... it's just talking about being honest before men.

1 Cor.10:32 actually does have some similarity, but it's also constrained by a very particular context.
- It's a passage explaining that we should limit our own liberty at times in order not to offend people with cultural differences, when those culture differences are MORALLY NEUTRAL.
- It's a particular lesson, with a very particular context.

.
They are different concepts conveying loosely the same idea. Do things openly and honestly. If you have an appearance of evil and you are supposed to be good on the inside, then one is not being honest of who you really are.
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
Besides, you already let the cat out the bag here by saying,
“You shouldn't rely solely on one translation. I personally like and use the kjv, but recognize there are some flaws in it. I also go back to the original language text for clarity such as found in the interlinear.”



You just quoted something from someone else... I never made that statement.
Please be more careful when quoting me.
Thanks.

.
I edited that statement out because I thought you said it, but you didn’t.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
d


You mentioned Greek before.
I mention all kinds of things.
You mentioned Greek just now.


What I "mentioned" before is irrelevant to whatever I am specifically showing you as a point to discuss right now.
I am currently discussing English with you, and I've made it very clear I'm discussing English with you.

Please don't say you want to debate and defend English, and then have a problem when I use English.

.

.
 

maxwel

Senior Member
Apr 18, 2013
9,526
2,608
113
They are different concepts conveying loosely the same idea. Do things openly and honestly. If you have an appearance of evil and you are supposed to be good on the inside, then one is not being honest of who you really are.
Neither of those verses mean the same thing as 1Th.5:22, in the particular way you interpret 1Th.5:22.

I already said everything I need to say about those verses.

The way you interpret the word "appearance" in 1Th.5:22 has implications and ramifications that are purely subjective and lead all the way to philosophical relativism.



This seems to be going nowhere... probably time to call it a night.
Take care, and have a great evening.

.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,366
13,728
113
So do you disobey the law of your country if you can get away with it?

Nothing dumb about that interpretation, you clearly are an ungodly rebel if you don't obey laws. You need to repent and stop rebelling against God.
Do you always interpret someone else's disagreement in the worst and most asinine way possible way? It certainly seems that you do.
 

Dino246

Senior Member
Jun 30, 2015
25,366
13,728
113
Wow. Now you are defending your personal insults towards me?
I don’t believe that’s right. All things will be revealed at the Judgment.
So if you are right, then God will reveal it. But I don’t believe you are, friend.
Scripture also tells us to avoid having any appearance of evil. So making what can look to be like personal insults (even when you say that they are not) would be having an appearance of evil. Then again, this verse in Scripture is altered in Modern bibles.
Let's see... it's okay if I find your comments toward me insulting, but if you find my comments toward you insulting, suddenly it's not okay?

That's called hypocrisy.
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
Well that's the problem... do you know which one of the thousands of original manuscripts is correct? They contradict each other!
Only Prote
I mention all kinds of things.
You mentioned Greek just now.


What I "mentioned" before is irrelevant to whatever I am specifically showing you as a point to discuss right now.
I am currently discussing English with you, and I've made it very clear I'm discussing English with you.

Please don't say you want to debate and defend English, and then have a problem when I use English.

.

.
Cut the chase, my friend. Do you believe in Textual Criticism or not?
 

Bible_Highlighter

Well-known member
Nov 28, 2023
2,042
334
83
Let's see... it's okay if I find your comments toward me insulting, but if you find my comments toward you insulting, suddenly it's not okay?

That's called hypocrisy.
Asking questions and speaking in general terms and or with the goal of correction towards God’s Word is not the same as personal attacks or slander against my character with no intent to correct. The statements I pointed out were insulting only and not with a challenge to obey or believe God’s Word. Therein lies the difference.