QUESTION CORNER by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, Cal. · Jul 18, 1900

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 26, No. 29.

QUESTION CORNER

By Editor

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 (4) Give full name and address, not for publication unless desired, but as evidence of good faith, and to give us the privilege of replying by letter if deemed best.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.

1058. G. W. L. and Others.—There is no truth whatever in the story printed in Eastern papers that the Rev. Mr. Gibson had confessed to the murders of which Theodore Durrant was adjudged and charged. There is no reason to believe, so far as we know, that Mr. Gibson was any way involved; and he has made no such confession.

1059. I. C. Mark 14:51, 52.—It is thought that the young man who fled, leaving the linen cloth in the hands of those who tried to seize him, was Mark, who lived in Jerusalem. The ground for this belief is that he is the only evangelist who mentions it. Those who attempted his capture were the young men who were concerned in the arrest of Jesus. But what difference does it make?

1060. Mrs. S. D. McM. Melchisedec. Jerusalem.—Melchisedec comes from two words meaning “king of righteousness.” Salem means “peace.” Peace comes from righteousness. Salem was the old name of Jerusalem, of which Melchisedec was king. He was a real man, and is so treated in the Bible. The facts of his name, and its meaning, his character, his having no given priestly pedigree, his being both king and priest, and his ruling over the city Salem, made him a fitting type of Christ in His kingly priesthood. The word “Jerusalem,” according to Strong, comes from two words signifying “founded peaceful.”

1061. F. M. First-Begotten.—The terms “first-begotten” and “first-born” do not always mean priority of time, but pre-eminence. In God’s purpose Christ was first. He was in purpose and gift the first lamb slain, even before the foundation of the world. He was in purpose the first-born from the dead, because by virtue of Him all live. Israel and Ephraim were counted the first-born, tho Esau and Manasseh were first in point of time. Compare Gen. 27:19 with Ex. 4:22, and Gen. 48:14 with Jer. 31:9. But God made them the first-born in pre-eminence. See Ps. 89:27.

1062. J. J. W. End of World.—Matt. 24:14 refers to the end of the world, or the end of the Gospel age, when Christ leaves His mediatorial seat as priest. Then it is that the great day of God’s wrath begins, to which Acts 2:20 refers.

1063. S. B. T. Death of Children.—God left the people of Palestine in the land as long as there was any hope for them. He would not let His people go there till the Canaanites had filled up their cup of iniquity. Gen. 15:16. They finally became so corrupt that their very children were born so depraved that Infinite Wisdom saw no hope for them. It was a mercy to destroy a race that perpetuated only evil. Read the account of the Midianites in the light of the above.