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[questions] :
I have found these serious problems in my close reading of the Bible:

1. (Q.1) Mark 1:2: "As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, 'Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, who shall prepare the way."--- But, NOWHERE in Isaiah do these words appear (it should have said: Malachi)
   
   [Answer to Q1.] :This quotation actually comes from two verses in the Old Testament, one is from Isaiah 40 : 3; and the other, Malachi 3 : 1. Both verses are partially quoted by the author Mark. And he only indicates it came from the Book of Isaiah. Maybe the book of Isaiah is more famous and popular. Therefore the author just took it to represent the whole. This kind of expression is called "example expression", --- to use part of the whole to represent the whole.
   

2. (Q.2) Matthew 2:23: It says: "He [Joseph] came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene." --- But, the phrase "He shall be called a Nazarene" does not exist in the Hebrew Scriptures.
   
   [Answer to Q.2] : Most of scholars believe that this is not a word-by-word quotation from the Old Testament, but rather a "Description of Content". The so-called "Description of Content" should include the prophecy to Mary and Joseph(Luke 1:26; 2:4; Mathew 1:18-21), since both came from the city of Nazare, they are Nazarene. The "prophet" in this verse is plural (prophets), not singular, indicating it might come from many prophets or several prophets, not from a particular one.
   

3. (Q.3) Matthew 27:9-10-- the text states that there is a fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy regarding the 30 pieces of silver; but, Jeremiah didn't give this prophecy.
   
   [Answer to Q.3] : This quotation combined two states from two different prophets - one is Jeremiah and the other, Zechariah. The one from Jeremiah is more clear about purchasing of the field. And the other from Zechariah is more clear on 30 pieces of silver. The reasons shall be similar with the ones metioned in the answer for Q.1.
   

4. (Q.4) Mark 8:31-- Jesus says: "The Son of man must suffer many things....and be killed, and after three days rise again." But, Jesus was buried on a Friday evening and allegedly rose somethime during Saturday night or Sunday morning.But, to fulfill Jesus' own prophecy, he would have to have arisen after three full days, meaning Monday afternoon at the earliest.
   
   [Answer to Q.4] :Not exactly or necessary as you said. The Bible was written by the Jewish authors (most of them) with their own conventional language, not with the "logic" or "scientific" language. When you interpret this prophecy, you should combine all the biblical sources relating to the same event together. Then the more accurate interpretation will be possible. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, even though the 1st and 3rd day are not full days, are 3 days.
   

5. (Q.5) Jesus promises in Mark 13:30-31 "Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done" and then lists a wide assortment of events such as the stars falling from heaven and the sun being darkened, etc. Yet, not only did these things not occur, but the fulfillment of even the basic messianic prophecies do not occur within that generation or 2000 years since.
   
   [Answer to Q.5] :Two points need to be understood to 'solve' this problem :
   
   1. When mentioning "these things", Jesus pointed to the question his disciples asked in v.4, "When do these things happen ?"
      
      
   2. In His own answer, Jesus did expend greatly. The way He said is a very typical expression which is so clear in the prophecy of the Old Testament. The prophets very often mixed all the visions --- no matter when they are going to happen sooner or later --- together. And this kind of expression does confuse the readers a lot. Therefore careful mind is needed while reading them.

6. (Q.6) Matthew 17:11-13: Jesus says that Elijah shall first come and restore all things and that Elijah has already come in the form of John the Baptist. But, not only does John the Baptist reject being Elijah (John 1:21) and was he supposed to have seen Elijah (Mt. 10:34-5; Mk. 9:11) (and how could he see Elijah if he was supposed to BE Elijah???), but John does not perform the commision of Elijah (which in Malachi 3:23-24 is to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers) and Jesus declares his mission to be precisely the opposite of bringing peace: Jesus says: "But I have a baptism to undergo, and how disressed I am until it is accomplished! Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division; for from now on five members in one household will be divided, three against two, and two against three. They will be divided, father against son, and son against father; mother against daughter, and daughter against mother...." (Luke 12:49-53)
   

   -- In a sense, I see Jesus' prophecy here coming true. Isn't it the case that those who follow Christianity become divided from their ancestors? Separated from their Chinese culture, heritage, religions, philosophies?
   

   [Answer to Q.6] :
   
   • 1. There are two different kinds of "Elijah who will come" in the bible and in the interpretation of Jewish tradition as well. Jesus Himself at least twice interpreted that John the Baptist was the coming Elijah (Mathew 11:14; Mathew 17:10-13 and Mark 11:1-13). Apparently He understood this based upon the ministry of John the Baptist, just as the Bible describes that "he has the will and strength of Elijah" (Malachi 4:5; Luke 1:17). Therefore Jesus believed that he(John the Baptist) was Elijah to come. John the Baptist did perform the commission of Elijah, namely "to turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers" (Malachi 4:5). Jesus Himself and the author of the Gospels confirmed this (Mathew 3:1-12; 11:10,14).
        
        
     2. But among the Jewish tradition, they also interpreted the coming Elijah actually was the Messiah himself. Look at the desciples' answers to Jesus' question : "Who do the people think I am ?" ( Mathew 16:13-15). One of their answers was "Elijah". Some people did believe that the coming Messiah actually is Elijah who did not die according to the Old Testament. In the Gospel of John, some people came to John the Baptist asking him whether he was Elijah or was "that prophet" --- both indicating the coming Messiah. And the clear answer of John the Baptist is "No" (John 1:19-21). Therefore, same expression with different interpretations.
        
        
   • In the passage "Do you suppose that I came to grant peace on earth ? I (Jesus) tell you, "No", but rather division." (Luke 12:49-53), Jesus did mention that "he came to grant division instead of peace on earth". But what does He mean ? In the following verses (v.52-53), "division" is clearly mentioned. But if we read the whole Gospels that Jesus' teachings and deeds were well recorded, it is clear enough that His mission was not to divide the family, but rather He brought peace within people and in family as well. He brought peace to the family of Martha, Mary and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42; John 11:33-44; 12:1-11). He even healed the person who came to arrest Him (Luke 22:50-51). In His teachings, He encourages us to "return home, reuniting with our families (Luke 15:11-32). He accepted those people who came to Him with their repented hearts, even the robber who was crucified together with Him (Luke 23:39-43). He prayed for those people who crucified Him, asking God's forgiveness to them (Luke 23:34).
     
     Therefore, in the statement He made in Luke 12:52-53, He talks about a possible situation happened upon some people while they just accepted Him. A person from a non-Christian family becomes a believer and the rest of his family stands up against him. It is very possible or even very common especially in an oriental family.
     
     Alex, your perception or attitude against Christianity actually is the very reason causing the division in a family. When my mother just became a Christian many years ago, my father and my uncles stood up against her faith. Did they understand Christian faith well enough for them to do so ? Not at all. But they did it. And Jesus was blamed for it. This is what Jesus meant here.
     

   • Alex, I do have several words for you personally. I do see your points and even concerns showing in your questions. I can also tell that you do read the Bible or the related books. But several things which are very important I would like to suggest you and anyone who has similar attitude toward Christianity :
     
     
     1. Becoming and being a Christian does not necessarily mean to separate from your Culture or your race. We Chinese Christians are still Chinese, enjoying our good tradition in our own Culture. We also realize some in our Culture which are against Bible, like idols worship, gambling, ..., etc. We certainly will not follow them. But some teachings in our tradition are so good that the Bible also encourages its believers to carry on, surely we'll follow. To honor your parents, to help those who are in need, to share concerns for the society, to stand firm against the sins, you can name more, are only parts of them.
        
        Therefore, the concept mentioned above tells us that in order to understand the Bible correctly, you need to have the whole picture of the Bible accurate enough to provide you clear knowledge. We should try our best to avoid "jumping into the conclusion too fast" with limited knowledge.
        

     2. You write, read and understand English very well. But this does not prohibit youself to be a Chinese. English is only a tool of language. You wear western clothes, just as most of us do. Similarly, this does not disqualify you as a Chinese. You, as I guess, must have earn your degrees from one of the western Universities in the U.S. or other well-developped nation. You came to learn western scientific knowledges, because you think it worthy and helpful. But this does not disqualify you as a Chinese, either. Truth shall be universal, good for all the ages and all the peoples. If you agree with what I say above, you shall have better and more accurate understanding toward your questions.
        

     3. I would like to remind you that man is limited living being. He can learn a lot of things, but still lack of knowledge. Therefore, before you draw your so-called "conclusion", try to ask yourself " Am I right with this understanding ?" Question your questions untill your questions question you. The questions you raised actually have been well discussed and answered. They are not serious ones. But if we can have good attitude to approach the truth, the truth will be clearly seen. I'll sincerely pray for you that someday you can have the chance to accept the Truth, God Himself.
        

David Chen

[email]: shuhwa@imagixx.net
[phone]: (304)598-7858
[city]: 600 Morgan Dr. Morgantown WV
[name]: Wei Shu-Hwa

• [question] :
  

  In the Genesis 6:2, it says the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were beautiful, and they married any of them they chose.
  

  Where were those "sons of God" from? Why they are not mentioned in the rest of Bible ?
  

• [Answers] :
  

  To answer where the "Sons of God" come from, we should answer the following question first. That is, who "the Sons of God" are. This is still debatable question among the scholars. Some thought that this term indicates those people who are devoted to God, namely, godly people. But the others thought that they were the living creatures who became "regular men" with physical forms. These living creatures belong to the evil spirits, incarnating within men. They were called the "sons of God" (Job 1:6; 2:1).
  

  But which one is more possible or even accurate interpretation ? If the first one is correct, then we should be ready to answer the following two questions : (1) How can two normal persons - man's daughter and man's son (sons of God) - produce great or giant descendants (Gen 6:4) ? (2) if only two normal persons got married, why did it make God so mad that He decided to destroy the whole earth ?
  

  If we take the second one as the answer, then it would be more possible to have answers for those two questions mentioned above. Maybe the whole event was a plan that Satan and his fellowers set to destroy man or even God's plan.
  

David Chen

[email]: alainlai@hk.linkage.net
[phone]:
[city]: Hong Kong
[name]: Alain Lai

• [question] :
  

  Dear Rev.Chen,
  

  One of my friend in Hong Kong Church of Christ (Branch of Int'l Church of Christ) said that the founder of Int'l Church of Christ is Sam Lam and he seem to be "brain-washed". I have passed all information which I found in the Internet about "International Church of Christ", "Boston Movement", "Church of Christ" to him. He said that all are bullshit becuase nowadays, the Church of Christ is not the same as past. The fact that I found there are out-dated.
  

  Would you kindly give me the latest information of the Hong Kong Church of Christ?
  

  He is very aggressive on recruiting people to go to his church, some of the people that he recurited are my friend. I just don't know how to stop him. Would you give me some advice or can you forward my question to other father?
  

  Urgent help needed!
  

  This cult spread very fast in Hong Kong.
  

  Thank you for your kindness help.
  

  May God Bless you!
  

  With Best Wishes,
  

  Alain
  

• [Answers] : by GWCCN
  

  First of all, we want to apologize the delay of answering your questions, because we had hard time to collect information about Hong Kong Church of Christ, especially the church you memtioned - the branch of International Church of Christ.
  

  Rev. Chen has asked 4 pastors friends from Hone Kong, but none of them has any idea about that church. In general understanding, Church of Christ is not a cult, they are just emphasizing on spiritual gifts, like speak in tongue, etc. But we can't deny the possibility that individual church leaders could have false teaching.
  

  We still need to collect more information about International Church of Christ, and we've also passed this question to other pastors. If any reader has any information about this church or their mission in Hong Kong, please contact with us. We hope this question can be cleared up soon.
  

[email]: micromed@pond.com
[phone]: (610) 630-4318
[city]: 1028 Rafter Rd Jeffersonville, PA 19403
[name]: Kathy Sardella

• [Question]:
  

  My next-door-neighbors are from Taiwan. The husband is ill and their infant son is developmentally delayed. The wife speaks only limited english and is shy. She stays cooped-up in the house most of the time and usually declines offers to eat with us or go other places. She admits that her lack of fluency with english makes her uncomfortable with going to shops and such. She is too shy to use her english to ask for help to find things in a store.
  

  I would like to share the gospel with them, as they don't have any religion at present and they have so many problems now, but I don't know where to find a chinese bible or christian lit. in chinese. She is also unable to read baby books to her child (and he REALLY needs it with his disorder). I don't know where to begin and I don't know the cultural pitfalls to avoid. I think they're background is buddist, although the wedding they had was comercial Taiwan and not religious. Can you help me quickly?
  

  Thank you.
  

  Kathy Sardella
  

• [Answers] : by GWCCN
  

  we really appreciate your caring about our fellow Chineses. We've forwarded your message to Rev. David Chen who is also from Taiwan and lives in Philadelphia area. As a matter of fact, he may be able to visit your neighbors in person very soon.
  

  Since we don't have the name, address and phone number of your neighbors, Rev. Chen may have to call you first if you don't mind.
  

  You may refer this GWCCN site to your neighbors if they have access to Internet. We have many articles and links written in Chinese(includes Taiwan News), and, more important, we like to let them know that we care about them.
  

  FYI. Rev. David Chen is the host of this Bible Q's and A's, and he is the founder of CACEC ministry which is an evangelical organization aiming overseas Chinese students and young professionals.
  

  GWCCN, 2/28/96
  

• [Reply from Kathy] :
  

  God bless the internet! I typed that letter in the evening and got a reply by phone the next day! Rev. David Chen has been in touch by land line and we are thinking of preparing my neighbors for a home visit this week. Please pray that they will be receptive and not feel imposed upon.
  

  Thanks for such a quick and efficient reply. I have noted the E-mail and Web sites for future reference.
  

  Agape'
  
  Kathy Sardella PA-C
  March 4, 1996
  

[email]: novacka@cgs.edu
[phone]:
[city]:
[name]: Alex Wang

• [question]:
  

  In order for Jesus to qualify as the messiah, he must have come from the House of David (Isaiah 11:1). However there are the following problems:
  

  1) Joseph was not Jesus real father and BOTH geneologies trace David through Joseph (Mt.1:16; Lk 3:23-38). Unless the Word of God is not literal or unless Joseph was Jesus' real father, this alone disqualifies Jesus from messiahship.
  
  2) However, even assuming there is some link between the geneologies and Jesus there is still the following problem:
  
  a) Matthew lists Shealtiel as the son of Jeconiah, but omits his grandfather, Jehoiakim, from his record (Mt.1:11)
  b) Luke lists Neri as the father of Shealtiel (Lk 3:27) although the Hebrew text says that Shealtiel was the son of Jeconiah and the grandson of of Jehoiakim (1 Chronicles 3:16-17)
  c) Yet, God explicitly cuts Jehoiakim off from the Davidic line so that none of his descendents shall sit on the throne of David or rule in Judah (Jeremiah 22:30).
  
  3) So, to be the messiah, Jesus must fulfill the prophecy of Isaiah and be in the House of David. Yet, Jesus was not in the Davidic line nor was Joseph his father. Moreover, the gospel writers left out these important and condemning links in their geneologies and included links that they included links that are NOT in the Old Testament (eg. "Cainan").
  

  How can you explain this without resorting to fallacy, mistranslation, or subterfuge?
  

  -Alex Wang novacka@cgs.edu
  

• [Answers] : [Graphical Chinese] [Big-5 Chinese]
  

GWCCN, 2/28/96

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