p. 5 | Question Corner

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Mar 31, 1898

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 24, No. 13.

Question Corner

“Enquire and make search and ask diligently.”

739. 2 Corinthians 3.

WILL you please explain 2 Cor. 3:7-12? G. W.

For this and many other inquiries of like nature we recommend Bible Students’ Library No. 149, entitled, “From Glory to Glory;” price, one and one-half cents. Address, Pacific Press, Oakland, Cal.

740. Apocrypha.

IS IT right that the books of the Apocrypha are left out in our new Bible and the historical writings of man are put in front of the inspired Word of God? A. F.

It is certainly right that the Apocrypha should not appear as a part of the Inspired Word. If it went into the Bible as the other books, it would carry that impression. The historical writing which appears in our Bibles is not presented as a part of the Word of God. The idolatrous address to King James could well be dispensed with in our common version. The matter in the Revised Version is valuable in explaining the methods of the translators.

741. The Foolish Virgins.

DO the foolish virgins of Matt. 25:8-14 represent lukewarm Christians who are eternally lost? E. H. J.

They are at least lukewarm professors. They were once converted, tho they could hardly be called Christians in their backsliding and sleeping. The time of the special application of the parable is in the last days.

742. The Talents. Matt. 25:14-30.

KINDLY explain the parable of the talents. Was the servant with the one talent a true disciple? Was he eternally lost?

He was doubtless once reckoned among the Lord’s “own servants.” Matt. 25:14. But when the test of service came, he failed. Verse 30 would show he was lost. For a fuller explanation of the parable, see No. 77 Bible Students’ Library, “The Talents;” price, one cent.

743. “Replenish.” Gen. 1:28.

WHAT does “replenish the earth” mean in Gen. 1:28? M. J. W.

To completely fill it. Strong defines the Hebrew word (maw-law’) to fill, be full of. It is translated “fill” in Ps. 110:6; Prov. 1:13; Gen. 6:11, and many other places.

744. Taking Life.

CAN a man be a Christian and take the life of his fellow-man for any perishable thing, according to the Gospel plan of salvation by Jesus Christ? W. McB.

We do not know just what our querist means by “perishable thing.” Would it be right to kill him for an imperishable thing? The Word of God is: “Thou shalt not kill;” “Avenge not yourselves; . . . vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him.” Read also I Peter 2:19-23.