p. 8 | Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Sep 9, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 35.

Question Corner

By Editor

"Enquire, and make search, and ask diligently."

NOTE.—We wish those who ask questions to take particular notice: (1) Only such questions will be answered here as we believe to be of general interest and information. (2) We can not undertake to explain from four to a dozen scriptures, as in one sentence we are often requested to do. (3) Do not ask to "explain" a certain text or passage. State clearly the point in question. (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best. (5) Unsigned communications of any kind find the quickest way to the waste-basket. (6) It is always well to inclose stamp. (7) "Foolish and unlearned questions avoid," also those that minister to mere curiosity. (8) Study the Scriptures yourselves.

No. 627. A Question of Genealogy.

WHY is it that the genealogy, running from David to Christ, as given in the first chapter of Matthew, does not agree with that given in the third chapter of Luke? C. C. B.

For the reason that Matthew traces Christ's lineage from David through Solomon to Joseph, the legal father of Jesus, while Luke traces his lineage from David through Nathan on Mary's side to Mary. Joseph is named because he is the husband. The one line is that of Joseph, the other that of Mary. By study it will be seen that they meet and touch on the stream of time.

No. 628. First-born from the Dead.

WHY is Christ called the "first-begotten from the dead" when many were raised before him? G. J. H.

"First-begotten of the dead" occurs in Rev. 1:5. Better as in the Revised Version, "first-born of the dead." The term "first" is used to indicate pre-eminence rather than priority, because Christ was the First-born, the One by virtue of whose death and resurrection all will be raised. So the Lord calls Israel his first-born (Ex. 4:22), tho in point of time Esau was born first. Ephraim is also so called (Jer. 31:9), tho Manasseh was first in point of time. On account of Christ's character the Lord says, "I will make him my first-born." Ps. 89:27. See Col. 1:18.

No. 629. The Ten Commandments—Sabbath-keeping.

WILL you please inform me in the Question Corner (1) if 1 Cor. 1:9 refers to the Ten Commandments; and (2) would I be breaking the law if I should take my gun and shoot a hawk that is carrying my chickens off? P. B.

1. There is nothing in 1 Cor. 1:9 which particularly refers to the Ten Commandments, other than this, that God called us to obedience, to be in harmony with him, or to the fellowship of his Son. The expression of God's will in letter is the Ten Commandments and in life is Jesus Christ. There may be a mistake in the reference of our querist.

2. If it were the province of men to give a dogmatic answer to the second question, many might answer yes, many no. We should say yes. The Lord says, "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy." This is explained in Isa. 58:13. A good question to ask would be, What would Jesus do? One example in shooting on the Sabbath might lose a soul, worth more than all the chickens in the world. Seek God's Word, pray for his Spirit, and act for his glory. The Lord will guide aright in all details if we are willing to be guided. But let us be sure of this, and not interpret his law to our advantage.

No. 630. Image of Daniel 2.

WHAT nations represent the metallic image of Daniel 2, especially what nations represent the ten toes from their first until now, more especially now? T. L. S.

The head of gold represents Babylon down to B.C. 538; the breast and arms of silver, Medo-Persia to the year B.C. 331; the belly and thighs of brass to the knees represent Grecia to the year B.C. 161; the legs of iron represent Imperial Rome to the time of her breaking up in the fourth century; and the mixture of iron and clay represent the divisions of the Roman Empire ever since. The prophecy does not say that the toes represent any nations; if they do, it is probably the ten horns, not yet fully developed, indicated in Rev. 17:12.