Question Corner by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · MOUNTAIN VIEW, CALIFORNIA · Sep 27, 1905

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 31, No. 39.

Question Corner

By Editor

1721.—When Did the Feet-Washing Occur? John 13:2.

Does not John 13:2 show that the feet-washing was after the supper? . . . If Jesus had washed Judas’ feet, Judas would have part with Jesus; for he said to Peter, “If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with Me?”

We have not space to quote all our correspondent’s letter. But he will receive help if he will remember that there were two suppers mentioned, the Passover and the Lord’s Supper. It was after the disciples were seated at the Passover table, evidently, that the strife arose as to which should be greatest. Then came the lesson taught. The better translation of John 13:2-4 is, “And during supper . . . Jesus . . . riseth,” etc., A. R. V. Having “part with Jesus” depended on more than a hypocritical, formal ceremony. See what Jesus said in John 13:10, 11: “Ye are clean, but not all. For He knew who should [not had or had gone to] betray Him.” Surely, Judas was then present.

1722.—A Question of Judging. Rom. 14:5, 6.

Kindly explain Rom. 14:5, 6.

One great lesson of Romans 14 is judge not. The apostle is speaking of those within the church. There are some who were weak as to diet, some as to days. Some of the converted Jews still felt that they must eat the bitter “herbs” of the Passover, and also keep its days. Others saw more clearly and esteemed the appointed days of the typical feasts the same as other days. But neither must judge his brother; each must stand for himself before God’s throne. Verses 10-12. Another lesson: Let each one take especial care that he place no stumbling-block in his brother’s way. The passage has no reference to God’s moral requirements; for that righteousness He requires. Verse 17; Rom. 2:12.

1723.—Soul in Hell. Acts 2:27.

Please explain Acts 2:27.

The passage is a quotation from Psalm 16, prophetic of Christ in His death. He was cheered as into the Father’s hand He committed His spirit, or life, resting upon the promise in scripture: “Because Thou wilt not leave My soul in hell [the grave]; neither wilt Thou suffer Thy Holy One to see corruption.” The word rendered “hell” is Hades, Greek; Sheol, Hebrew, meaning the grave, or the common abode of the dead. The grave could not hold Christ, because He was righteous. Acts 2:24; Rom. 1:4. God could not leave His righteous Son in the power of the grave.