Truth Magazine

By Mike Willis

Every fall when the leaves are turning, my wife Sandy and I take a couple of days of vacation. When October 1996 came, she asked me where I wanted to go. I replied, “I want to see the Chester Beatty papyri” at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, MI. She said, “What?”

I explained to her that, while reading my Greek New Testament, I observed that p37, p38, and p46, some of the oldest existing copies of the New Testament were stored in the library at the University of Michigan. I wanted to see them.

After a little coaxing and my explaining to her that there was a mall or two on the way and that we would be able to stay in a nice motel or bed and breakfast, she agreed to go with me. We enjoyed a very pleasant trip.

I learned that the University of Michigan has the largest collection of papyri in the Western Hemisphere. The University began its collection in 1920 with continuous subsequent purchases until 1943. They continued occasionally to add to their collection in the 1980s. In the early years, the papyri were purchased through a “cartel” comprised of the British Museum and several participating European and American universities (Columbia, Princeton, Yale, and Michigan). The University of Michigan’s holdings expanded from the finds of an expedition in Karanis, Egypt that covered eleven seasons (1924-1935). Most of the findings from this expedition were returned to the Egyptian government in 1954, but approximately 1000 individual papyrus fragments remain at the University of Michigan. Today, the Michigan Papyrus Collection is among the largest worldwide. It contains over 7,000 inventory numbers and more than 10,000 individual fragments.

When we arrived at the University of Michigan, Ms. Kathryn L. Beam, gave us a tour of the facility and a few of the manuscripts. She was a well-informed guide and very delightful company.

When I asked to see the Chester Beatty Papyri, she informed to me that these were not the Chester Beatty Papyri but the Michigan Papyri. She explained that Michigan Papyri and the Chester Beatty were originally part of the same codex, but when the codex was found, the merchants learned that they could make more money selling it in fragments. Chester Beatty was a wealthy man who was purchasing manuscripts in the region. He was able to act on the spot without committee approval from others. Buyers from the University of Michigan, on the other hand, had to obtain permission to purchase what they wanted. Of the 86 leaves of the codex that survived, 56 were purchased by Beatty and are known as the Chester Beatty Papyri. They are housed in Dublin, Ireland in the Chester Beatty Museum. Thirty pages are known as the Michigan Papyri and are in the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The Chester Beatty and Michigan Papyri originally measured 11 by 6’h inches and contained 104 leaves, 86 of which have survived in the two collections. All of the pages are slightly mutilated. The text contained the ten epistles of Paul in the following order: Romans, Hebrews, 1 and 2 Corinthians, Ephesians, Galatians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Portions of Romans and 1 Thessalonians are missing and all of 2 Thessalonians is missing. p06, the manuscript at the University of Michigan, is usually dated about the year 200, although our guide indicated that recent scholars believe that the copy could have been made as early as A.D. 150.

The significance of these manuscripts may not be obvious to our readers. The texts have much value for the study of the transmission of the New Testament. The Michigan and Chester Beatty papyri pre-date the best uncial texts (Sinaiticus, Alexandrinus, and Vaticanus) by a century. They are within a hundred years of the time when the original works of Paul were written. They helps us to know assuredly that the copy of the New Testament that we hold in our hands today is substantially the same as when the various books were written. Anyone who affirms that the text of the New Testament is corrupt for whatever reasons (such as to justify the need for continuous revelation) is wrong.

These texts also reflect that the early church revered the writings of the New Testament. The epistles of Paul were written in such places as Corinth, Philippi, Ephesus, and Rome. They were written to specific churches and individuals in different cities (Corinth, Ephesus, Rome, Thessalonica, Philippi, Colossae, etc.). Why were they copied and studied far away in Egypt? Obviously, the early church saw a difference in these documents and the ordinary letters that men write to one another. They considered them inspired literature on a par with the Old Testament (see 2 Pet. 3:16).

1 Corinthians 1:12, gives us a second example of hero 1515 Walnut, Alameda, California 94501 worship. Paul had planted the church there during his one and one-half year’s stay (see Acts 18). He was successful because he did not preach Moses, Elijah, philosophy, science, or feelings; he preached Christ (1 Cor. 1:23). By the time of Paul’s writing they had become hero worshipers.

 

A Certificate to Verify That One Paid

Tribute to Caesar

The P. Mich. Inv. 263 Libellus text is also very interesting for students of the New Testament. It is a certificate in Greek issued during the Decian persecution to a woman and her daughter from the village of Theadelphia in Egypt. It testifies that they had obeyed the imperial edict to participate in pagan sacrifices as proof of their loyalty to the government. Since faithful Christians would not offer tribute to Caesar as god, the edict served as a means of identifying Christians and making them liable for punishment or imprisonment. The Roman emperor Decius ruled from 249 to 251 and conducted vigorous persecutions of Christians in an effort to revive the Roman state religion. This little text helps us to better understand the pressures that were put on early Christians to choose between Caesar and Christ. Here is a translation of the Libellus text:

To those in charge of the sacrifices of the village Theadelphia, from Aurelia Bellias, daughter of Peteres, and her daughter, Kapinis. We have always been constant in sacrificing to the gods, and now too, in our presence, in accordance with the regulations, I have poured libations and sacrificed and tasted the offerings, and I ask you to certify this for us below. May you continue to prosper.

(2nd hand) We, Aurelius Serenus and Aurelius Hermas, saw you sacrificing.

(3rd hand) I, Hermas, certify.

(1st hand) The first year of the Emperor Caesar Gaius Messius Quintus Traianus Decius Pius Felix Augustus, Pauna 27.

University of Michigan Web Site

The University of Michigan is participating in the Advanced Papyrological Information System, a joint project of Columbia University, Duke University, Princeton University, University of California in Berkeley, and Yale University, to make the papyri in their collection available on the world wide web. You will want to visit their home page at http://www.lib.umich.edu/pap. The certificate from the Decian persecution was available on the web when I last looked. Also, be sure to read highlights from the exhibit, From Papyri to King James on their web site.

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 2
April 3, 1997

By Olen Holderby

Some twenty-five years ago I made a few notes from a book, Heroes And Hem Worship. I do not recall the author’s name; and, I have had no luck in locating the book. Perhaps the notes can still serve a good purpose.

First, the author argued that all idols of heathen worship were once living men or women. Then, he points out that these men or women made their mark in society; they had made some notable achievement and were admired by many. They became heroes to some; and, following their death memorials were erected to them.

After a time people were inclined to forget their vices and remember their virtues. Then, after the passing of several generations they came to be honored religiously.

I do not argue for the accuracy of this theory; but, after observing some present-thy hero worshipers, I am inclined to accept the theory as fact. The Bible, itself, has given us a few examples of hero worship; let us notice a couple of those.

Matthew 17:1-9, the record of the transfiguration, offers our first example. Peter had a taste of hem worship; he would include Jesus, but equally so with Moses and Elijah.

Moses had no equal in his accomplishments for God’s people of old. He gave us the first reliable account of the creation and history of the world. He led over a million Israelites to their freedom from slavery, and angels were his pallbearers when he died. Why not erect a memorial to him? And, this is what Peter wanted to do.

Elijah was the one who defeated the prophets of Baal, and called God’s people back to the true God. He escaped death by riding a fiery chariot to heaven, the only man to so do. He had not been gone as long as Moses; but now, with Moses he makes a brief visit to earth. Why not recognize his achievements with a memorial? This is Peter’s suggestion.

The circumstances, here on the mount, may well suggest that they were horrified; sometimes we say or do things under pressure that we might not otherwise say or do. Moses and Elijah had been talking with Jesus concerning his impending death at Jerusalem. Now they both disappear, obviously wanting no part in Peter’s suggestion. They were not equal with the Son of God and would not accept any preeminence that belonged to him. The record reveals nothing of what Jesus thought of Peter’s idea.

God raises his objection to the idea by saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” When they raised their heads, they saw “Jesus only”; God, calling their attention to the only one worthy of such honor.

Some of them held to Paul, others to Apollos, Peter, or even Christ. This strife soon turned a happy congregation of God’s people into enemies of Christ. Paul was deeply grieved and wrote one of the most devastating epistles ever written to them. He pictures himself as going among them with tear-filled eyes; their gross carnality having now established that they were hero worshipers.

According to verse 10, Paul demands that they all speak the same thing, be of the same mind, and have no divisions among them. No “unity-in-diversity” can be found here. When Paul finished preaching Christ to them, they knew exactly what to do to rid themselves of sin, and they did it. Further, their continuing respect for the gospel was expected. John puts it like this, “That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that you also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ” (1 John 1:3). Their respect for the Word is what made them Christians to begin with; and, their continuing respect for that Word would keep them in God’s favor.

Having looked at two Bible examples of hero worship, let us make a few observations. Many have their own little “mount of transfiguration.” Some great preacher, some great educator, some great student of Scripture, some deeply respected friend, or even our own feelings are exalted to being equal with Christ. We have forgotten their past vices, and remembering their virtues, they have become our heroes. We listen to them, even above what the Son of God has to say; we take their word on a subject and pervert God’s Word in our efforts to uphold them. Do you know anyone who does this? When the writings of our heroes are brought forth, we reverence them as if it was God’s Word. My brethren, these things ought not so to be!

Truth is truth, a perversion of truth is no longer truth; the gospel is still the gospel, and a perversion of it results in it being no gospel at all, as preached by Paul (Gal. 1:6-7). I am making no effort to discredit any of our fellows who happen to have outstanding abilities, or have done an out-standing work. I have nothing but admiration and appreciation for such. I am, however, trying to discredit the thinking of many toward such men. When we become modern hero worshipers, we are no better off than the ancient pagans who did the same. May God help us all to distinguish between his Word and the words of men; and, to recognize that only his Son is the real hero, and worthy of such honor. “Hear ye him.”

Guardian of Truth XLI: 7 p. 1
April 3, 1997

By Bruce Reeves

The Bible contains several interesting phrases which describe the spiritual condition of both those who accepted and rejected the invitation of salvation. In this article, I want to consider some of the sad words in the Scriptures be-cause they indicate to us how God views the state of those who disobey his truth.

“Some Mocked” (Acts 17:32)

The attitude of the Athenians to whom Paul preached on Mars Hill was not far removed from the attitude of many in our society today. Some of the finest educational institutions were to be found in Athens, Greece. Athens was elevated and advanced economically and financially. Due to their geographical location, there was a diversity of various people from different places with different ideas and beliefs. Their view of themselves was that they were a little bit smarter, stronger, and faster than everyone else.

But the Athenians were an idolatrous people. They even had an inscription to an unknown god. They had a god for everything you could imagine, so Paul preached to them about the Creator of all, Jehovah God Almighty! He also stressed to them that Jesus Christ will judge the world on an appointed day.

But when Paul told his listeners about the resurrection, the Scriptures contain this sad remark, “And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked” (Acts 17:32). We too live in what might be called somewhat of an atheistic society and there are those who mock the existence of God and the message of the gospel. But it is important that we continue to proclaim it from the lowest valley and highest mountain.

“We Will Not Walk Therein” (Jer. 6:16)

This is one of the saddest passages I know of concerning the children of Israel and their attitude toward the God that had loved them so much. The Lord pleaded with them to go back to the old paths where there was rest and blessings for their souls but they obstinately and stubbornly rebelled and said, “We will not walk therein.” look into the face of an Almighty, all-knowing, and omnipresent being and say, “No, I will not do what you want me to.” It is only to his own destruction that he disobeys.

This passage emphasizes to us that in order to find the blessings and favor of God we must go back to the plain and simple message of the gospel and it alone. We need less pop-psychology and worldly reasoning and more forceful and powerful preaching from the word of God.

“Who Concerning the Truth Have Erred”

(2 Tim. 2:18)

Certainly we can know if we are saved or not; we are not to walk around in a state of fear. But because we should not walk around in a state of fear does not mean we are to walk without caution. If it is not possible for a Christian to err from the truth and be eternally lost, why does the Scripture spend so much time dealing with something that is impossible?

The apostle Paul said that there were some who had erred from the truth. How do you err from something you never had to begin with? Some will say, “once you have it you cannot lose it and if you lose it you never had it.” If that was true then someone should have told Paul not to worry because Hymanaeus and Philetus never were saved in the first place. I believe you can see that the Scriptures do not teach that kind of thing.

“And the Door Was Shut” (Matt. 25:10)

You remember the story of the ten virgins, five were wise and five were foolish. The wise virgins made preparation so that when the bridegroom came they would be ready. The foolish virgins did not make enough preparation. Therefore, they ran out of oil and had to get some more; by the time they got back he had come and gone. The Scripture says, “And the door was shut,” all opportunity was gone. What a sad thing that some folks will wait till it’s too late before preparing to meet the Lord. If we procrastinate to prepare till the bridegroom comes again, to prepare it will be too late.

Have you ever thought about how foolish it is for man to The door is open now and Jesus invites all to come and partake of the water of life freely but the day is coming when King Jesus is going to shut that door and all opportunity will be gone. So since we don’t know when Christ will come back and we don’t know when we will die, we need to obey the Lord now!

“Almost” (Acts 26:28)

As Paul preached the gospel to Agrippa, his message was powerful and clear. Thus Agrippa said, “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” Paul remarked that his wish was that, with the exception of his bonds, all that heard him would be not just almost, but altogether as he was. What was he? A Christian and that alone!

It is sorrowful thing to see folks who are at this point of almost, rather than altogether, persuaded to obey the gospel of Christ. The difference between those two points is the difference between heaven and hell. How fitting are the words of a song that we sing: “Almost persuaded is but to fail; Sad, sad the bitter wail, Almost, but lost.” Please don’t make Agrippa’s mistake!

Guardian of Truth XLI: 6 p. 19-20
March 20, 1997

By Lewis Willis

Bible students are aware of that time when the nation of Israel divided into the kingdoms of Israel and Judah. Samaria was the capital of Israel, and Jerusalem was the capital of Judah. Israel was very wicked, living defiantly against God. The Assyrian army came against Samaria, besieging the city for three years, until it fell to Sargon II in 721 B.C.

In time Sargon II was succeeded by Sennacherib as king of Assyria. In a move to stabilize his empire internally, he defeated an old enemy of his father, Marduk-Aplaiddina, consolidating his rule. Within the empire, there were many cities which had kings, creating mini-nations. Several of these kings revolted against Sennacherib and he sent his armies to quash these rebellions. He overcame opposition in Tarsus, captured the kings of several towns in Israel, defeated the Egyptians, and “sacked forty-six towns and villages in Judah, taking away 200,150 prisoners and much spoil” (Zondervan Pictorial Encyclopedia of the Bible V:340).

These events occurred as Hezekiah, age 25, began to reign in Judah. He would reign for 29 years (2 Chron. 29:1). His reign was likened unto the reign of David because “he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord (29:2). Before Hezekiah, Judah’s kings had permitted the worship of God to almost disappear. The priesthood was corrupted and they had allowed the temple to be polluted. Hezekiah ordered the priests to sanctify themselves and the house of the Lord to be cleansed. This task was accomplished in eight days (29:17). He recognized that the wrath of God was against the nation and it was in his heart to make a covenant with God that his fierce wrath might be turned away from them (29:10). With the temple cleansed, the rulers of the city were gathered to the temple and sacrifices were offered (29:31).

Next, Hezekiah sent to the whole nation in Israel and Judah that they should come to Jerusalem to keep the Pass-over, which had not been kept for a long time (30:1-2). This proclamation was declared from Dan to Beer-sheba. He called on the nation to “turn again unto the Lord . . . be not like your fathers . . . which trespassed against the Lord … be not stiff-necked . . . but yield yourselves unto the Lord . . . and serve the Lord . . . if ye turn again unto the Lord, your brethren . . . shall find compassion . . . for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful, if ye return unto Him” (30:6-9).

When the messengers took this message throughout the northern part of the nation, they were laughed at and mocked (30:10). However, many people assembled at Jerusalem as the king had required, and kept the feast of unleavened bread (30:21). “So there was great joy in Jerusalem: for since the time of Solomon the son of David king of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem” (30:26). The king had all of the altars to idols destroyed and he “wrought that which was good and right and truth before the Lord his God. And in every work that he began . . . he did it with all his heart, and prospered” (31:20-21).

At the conclusion of these events Sennacherib, king of Assyria came into Judah and began to destroy the cities of the region. Hezekiah saw that the Assyrians were coming and decided to fight against them, refusing a demand to surrender (2 Kgs.18:17-23). Sennacherib said, “Hezekiah, the Judean, I shut up in Jerusalem, his royal city, like a bird in a cage” (Zondervan V:340). Hezekiah gathered his people together and stopped all the fountains and the brook that ran through that part of the land. He strengthened himself and built up all the wall of Jerusalem that was broken. He armed his people and set captains of war over them. He prepared himself and Jerusalem for battle.

Then he issued a truly remarkable charge to his people. He gathered them to him in the street of the city and “spake comfortably” to them (2 Chron. 32:6). Another translation (NASV) says he “spoke encouragingly to them.” One has to wonder how the people could be encouraged as they were facing the mighty army of the Assyrians. City after city had fallen to that army and now they had laid siege to Jerusalem itself. Still, good king Hezekiah knew there was reason to be encouraged.

He said, “Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: With him is an arm of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles” (2 Chron. 32:7-8). The people gave heed to his exhortation and “rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah” (32:8).

Sennacherib sent servants to Jerusalem. They asked how Hezekiah had persuaded his people to die by famine or thirst, saying that the Lord would deliver them (32:11). The Assyrians told the Jews not to be deceived for “no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people” out of the hands of the Assyrians (32:15). Sennacherib’s servants spoke much against God and Hezekiah and wrote letters “to rail on the Lord God of Israel and to speak against Him” (32:16-17). They tried in every way possible to scare the people.

Hezekiah and the prophet Isaiah prayed to God (32:20). The king had said that the Lord God would help them and fight their battles, and he now called on the Lord to do so. God responded, sending an angel which killed all the mighty men of valor and the leaders and captains in the Assyrian camp (32:21). In defeat Sennacherib returned to his own land with shame. He went to the house of his god and while there, members of his own family slew him with the sword (32:21).

“Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all other, and guided them on every side” (2 Chron. 32:22). The king’s encouraging and comforting words had come true!

This remarkable story illustrates an abiding truth. The same God that was with king Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem is with us also. Jesus promised, “. . . lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world” (Matt. 28:20). And again, God has said, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me” (Heb. 13:5-6).

There is much adversity in serving the Lord. “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:12). When the hardships come, we need to be comforted and encouraged. Like Hezekiah of old, the apostle Paul “spoke encouragingly” unto us saying, “and in nothing terrified by your adversaries” (Phil. 1:28). After all, “there is more with us than with him . . . but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles” (2 Chron. 32:7-8). Let us depend upon the help of the Lord. Let us stand fast before the adversary (Phil. 1:27). Paul charged the Ephesians, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil . . . Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand ” (Eph.6:10-11, 13).

Do we have enough faith and courage to heed these admonitions  to follow the example of Hezekiah and Jerusalem? Will we trust God, and Hezekiah’s comforting words?

Guardian of Truth XLI: 6 p. 14-15
March 20, 1997