Greater than John the Baptist?

A COMMENT WAS LEFT concerning what Jesus said in Matthew 11:11 :
11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist. Yet he that is but little in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he"
  If I BELIEVE Jesus words more than yours (that John the Baptist is of the anointed), am I wrong ?
Thank you for considering my thoughts.

MY REPLY:
Please consider more of Jesus words, as well as taking a closer look at the verse you reference....

"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist:
yet he that is but little IN THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is greater than he."

Your interpretation exposes that you do not realize that previous to Christ's ascension into heaven, the kingdom of heaven was not opened for Christians including the apostles (John 7:39; Luke16:16; Phil.3:14; John3:13). Once Jesus presented his ransom sacrifice, it's benefits were retroactive (Matt.8:11; Luke13:29; Isa.59:19; Mal.1:11).
At the time that Jesus spoke those words at Matt.11:11; John the Baptist, the apostles, and all those chosen (John13:18), did not yet have their citizenship in the heavens (John7:39; 1Cor.2:12; Phil.3:20; Heb.12:22-24; Rev.5:9-10).
When they do secure it, those representatives of it (while on earth) will indeed be greater prophets than even John the Baptist was as a mere man of flesh/born of woman/born under the Law covenant. No one born under the Law covenant of Moses, was greater than John the Baptist. John died before Christ, and before the New Covenant was established by virtue of Christ's shed blood.
New Jerusalem is God's New City, consisting of those from the New Creation.
Members of that New Covenant, become the dwelling/Temple, of God's spirit (1Cor.3:16)
Do you realize that just as the "Word" became flesh AND DWELT AMONG US (John1:14; Phil.2:7; Rev.22:3) (the meaning of Emmanuel Matt.1:23); so too will New Jerusalem "come down OUT OF HEAVEN" and DWELL AMONG MANKIND (Rev.21:3)?
Then too, "God is with us" will exist through them...the "tent"/"tabernacle/Temple of God (Eph.2:21,22; 1Cor.3:16; 1Pet.2:5,9) that "comes down out of heaven" to be present with mankind.
(Heb.1:6; Acts3:21; 1:11; John1:51; Heb.9:28).
Even after Christ's death, those sealed as slaves of God are members of God's Temple/Holy City (Rev.3:12), and they bring God's reconciliation/New Jerusalem/waters of life/healing "fruit", within the reach of mankind, for those who accept them (2Cor.5:20; Mal.2:7; Col.1:20; Rom.5:10) (Rev.21:3; 22:1-4,14,17; John7:38).
When God's Kingdom arrives through them, these resurrected king/priest representatives of New Jerusalem (Rev.3:12; 20:6) will not only do works superior to John the Baptist, they will even do works **greater**  than Jesus Christ did!!! (John14:12,2,3)
According to your reasoning,
does that mean that Jesus is not an anointed Kingdom Heir either?

Due to sheer timing, is John the Baptist exempt from being a New Covenant vessel of God's spirit, though having been a faithful harbinger of God's spirit while under Law?
The scale of healing which God's future, eternal Kingdom will bring,
has never been seen on earth before, through either John the Baptist or even through the human Jesus.
Christ has now ascended to the Father, and has received all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt.28:18),
to completely neutralize all the works of the devil (Ps.110:1-2; 1Cor.15:25). Those victorious with him, will share in the "joy of their master" (Matt.25:23; Luke19:17), restoring all the new creation, to a fullness of life (Rom.8:19,21).

Remember, those "in the kingdom of heaven" are no longer simply "born of woman"/"Hagar" (Gal.4:24; Heb.8:7) (Job 14:1,2; 1Cor.15:42; Gal.4:24) as John used to be (Matt.11:11).
These in the kingdom to come, are born again, as spirit (1Cor.15:50; John3:3; 1Pet.3:18; Rom.6:5) under the new mother covenant of life (Gal.4:24,26) as John the Baptist himself also is now. He too (as a new creation) will also do works greater than Jesus did, which will certainly exceed what he did as a man of only flesh "born of woman" and born under the Covenant of the Law (Mark1:7; Gal.4:24; Heb.8:7; 7:11; Gal.4:26). John did not become a part of the New Creation in his earthly lifetime, only because of his dying before it's inauguration. This does not exclude or preclude John from being born again/resurrected, under the new mother covenant, afterward (Gal.4:26; Rev.12:1; John5:28-29; 11:25-26). John11:25-26 shows the distinction between those who die before the mother covenant of life exists, and those who live after it's inauguration. Those who die before, will still "live" by means of that same mother covenant (Luke20:38; 13:28).

  Please reason on this point...

If John the Baptist, who suffered deprivation, was filled with God's spirit, and was beheaded for his faith (Luke7:24,25,26,27,28; Matt.14:11), is greater than any anointed one before they are sealed and become spirit/"angels" (Matt.22:30; Rom.8:9,11; 1Cor.6:17; 1John4:13; 5:13; 2Cor.5:17; John5:24; 6:47,50); why do many of those chosen invited prove to become despicably unfaithful, betray their mother covenant, and fail to receive the promises/born under the mother covenant of life?
 (Matt.24:48,49,50,51; Heb.10:26,27; Matt.22:8; 25:30) How could the unfaithful Chosen, be "greater" than John? They, though proving unfaithful, are still "of the kingdom"/Chosen heirs. To obtain the kingdom, one must be "called, chosen, and faithful" (Rev.17:14) (Luke13:28).
Your point... that John cannot be an heir of the kingdom, simply because he was not chosen after the inauguration of the covenant;
ignores that life can come to those faithful, after their physical deaths...
and death can come to those unfaithful, even after having been chosen.
John the Baptist is greater, than the unfaithful (Matt.5:19)....
not through the life he already had (under the Law Covenant) when Jesus spoke (Matt.11:11);
but through his life that was to come, in the kingdom.
And of all those born of woman/Old Covenant, John was the greatest (Matt.11:11; 5:19).
**What makes one under the kingdom, is which covenant you are under.
Those under the old covenant, can never be greater "in the kingdom", as one under the New covenant. John was still under the Old Covenant, at Matt.11:11. When John is resurrected, he will be under the New Covenant...
and "greater" than those who betrayed it.

"Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women (slaves under the Law/old covenant/ slaves of their sins Gal.4:24; Heb.8:7; 10:1,4; Rom.8:3) there hath not arisen a greater than John the Baptist. Yet he that is but little in the kingdom of heaven (Matt.18:10; 19:14; 1Cor.14:20; Rom.16:19; Gal.4:26,28; 3:26-29; Rom.2:28-29) is greater than he".
Why?
Because those "of the kingdom"/New Covenant/heirs of the promises made to Abraham, are born of a better covenant mother, who is free of sin and death, through the ransom of Christ.
-  -  -  -  -  -  -

Jesus referred to John as "a reed swayed by the wind".
This "wind" is God's spirit (Ec.11:5; Eze.37:9; Acts2:2,4). Those who allow it to move them....
those "swayed" by it are referred to, at John3:8, where Jesus said:
"The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Those born of this wind are directed by it and relay it's sound, though others do not understand how these are directed. John fully fulfilled Christ's description of him, as a reed swayed (and born) by God's spirit (Gal.5:25,16). He referred to him as Elijah the Prophet (Matt.17:12,13; Isa.40:3; Matt.3:3) which figure stands (along with Moses) as a symbol of the greatest anointed prophets in the kingdom (Matt.17:2,3).
This symbol is also for one of the last symbolic "two prophets" sent by God (Matt.17:10,11; (Acts3:21; Rom.8:21; 1Cor.13:10; Matt.25:6; Rev.16:12) Rev.11:3,4; Zech.4:3,4,11,12,14,9; Rev.22:6), as referring to the purpose, responsibility, and role of these last symbolic "two" (John8:17);
along with the meaning of what it means to be "Moses" (sent to set God's people free from captivity).

  Those of "Elijah" (with "Elijah's spirit"), prepare the way just before God's arrival, ...to call God's people to repentance and preparedness (Luke1:17).
(http://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/elijah-turns-hearts.html)
  Those of "Moses" give a witness to the Gentile powers which hold God's people captive. They lead God's people to freedom, and relay God's laws and requirements, previous to their entry into the longed for Home of Paradise.
These symbolic figures that represent the "two" last prophets to God's people (according to God's promise and prophecy) are needed, and present at the end of our age, just as the scroll of Revelation establishes.

Here is a link with more information:
           http://pearl-johnbaptist.blogspot.com/

If you want to know more about how and why these kings and priests are greater than John the Baptist was, while he was still merely "born of woman"/born under law (Gal.4:4) [before the establishment of the New Covenant (Gal.4:24,26), through Christs presentation of his ransom in heaven],
(and why John himself will be greater, once he too is glorified "in the kingdom of heaven" -Rom.8:18,19; Phil.3:21; 1Cor.15:43),
you can consider these links:

jacobsladder-obadiah.blogspot.com
and
pearl-materialize.blogspot.com
and
pearl-holycity.blogspot.com
and
pearl-treesoflife.blogspot.com


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Rev.21:2,3,4,5; 2Pet.3:13

LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES
LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE

" Antipas "

At Rev.2:13 it reads;
"I know where you live (Greek: "katoikeis")—where Satan’s throne is. Yet you are holding on to my name and did not deny your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness who was put to death among you, where Satan lives.("katoikei")"

Firstly, please take note that I have provided the Greek word (kat-oikei) for the place where one "live/lives", a dwelling. 
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?t=kjv&strongs=g2730

That word is made by combining two Greek words..."kata", which means "to settle down" (verb) upon in place and time... 
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G2596&t=KJV

...and "oikeo", which means a dwelling, or residence (noun). It is the place dwelt within.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?Strongs=G3611

As you see from Rev.2:13, "kat-oikei" is used to refer to a residence... firstly, of the person Jesus is speaking to... and secondly, of the place where Satan resides/dwells.

"OikoumenEs" is a related word, which refers to an owned land, upon which one occupies or settles. It is not the verb "living", but is the noun... the place occupied.

The reason why this is relevant, is because this is the word used ("Oikumen") in the Bible to describe places lived in, such as Rev.6:10; 13:8; Rev.12:9 NIV and many other places in Revelation's prophecies. It is commonly translated as "earth" / "inhabited earth" / "world". 
---That is misleading, because these verses are not referring to the planet and all who live on it, nor the structure of society. They are pointing to a particular dwelling... whether it is owned and occupied by a Christian, Satan, (Eph.2:2; 4:18; Acts 5:3), or by God 

(John 14:23;  2Cor.6:16; Eph.2:22; Rev.21:2-3; Rom.8:9; 5:5;  2Cor.1:22). 

When interpreted for it's spiritual meaning, oikumene/"inhabited earth" simply means a settled and occupied land/dwelling 

(Heb.3:6;  1Cor.3:9; Eph.2:20) of spirit. 

[see: world-earth-home.html ]

Just as subjection to God's spirit is from within a person; God's spirit exerts influence in the heart (Jer.31:33; Luke 8:11,15; Luke 17:20-21 NKJV; Rev.22:3); so too, Satan's spirit dwells within and exerts influence within the heart (James 1:14-15; Eph.2:2). The heart is the dwelling of spirit... the home and habitation of those who influence us.

["World" should only be used to translate the Greek word "cosmos". Yet at Rev.12:9, the original word was "oikumen" (inhabited, occupied land/homestead). So we see another, sloppy inconsistency, which creates a challenge for those seeking accurate Bible understanding.
(Note: "Cosmos" also, does not mean the whole planet including it's inhabitants. It simply means, an order/arrangement, and in the teaching of Jesus, is usually referring to a religious system.)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=world+who+hated+Jesus%3F)]

Remember that Revelation is symbolic, so we need to decipher, which spiritual dwelling is being referred to. We should not assume however, that this is referring to the entire physical planet, occupied by the entire world's population, as it is commonly translated and understood. That is not the theme or entities that Revelation is about (Rev.1:1,3,11,20; 2:1; 22:19).

As you may now realize, having an accurate understanding of the dwelling/habitation being referred to in Revelation's prophecies, would be crucial to correctly perceiving the message of Revelation, and who it is that is being depicted in it's unfolding, prophetic scenarios.
For more information about the "earth" of Revelation, please consult this search result: 
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/search?q=symbolic+earth)

Now back to Rev.2:13.

We are told at the end of the verse, that Satan lives (occupies/dwells/inhabits) in the same place as the disciple that Jesus is addressing. That same place is also referred to as "the synagogue of Satan".

Satan's spirit is in the midst of his synagogue> (meaning=place of assembly/congregation), just as Jesus is in the midst of his own congregations (Rev.1:20,13; Matt.28:20; John 17:21-23). Just as Jesus is controlling head, king, and leader over the hearts of his disciples amid that spiritual congregation (Col.1:18; Rev.1:5; 3:21) so too is Satan's synagogue is the place of Satan's throne (Rev.2:13; 13:2).

I felt it important to bring up this verse, because of another common misconception, based upon another less-than-accurate but common mis-translation. That translation gives the impression, that Antipas, IS, the "Faithful Witness".
All of Revelation should be interpreted by means of scripture (Gen.40:8) (John 16:13; 8:47; 7:16-17). Each symbolic reference in Revelation, can and must be deciphered, using God's Word (John 17:17;  2Tim.3:16-17;  2Pet.1:19; Rom.15:4).

So then, do the scriptures have another reference to this "Antipas", so that we can understand who Jesus is referring to?
Normally, we should pull up every occurrence of a Bible term, so that we develop a consistent interpretation that does not conflict with any Bible verse. But in the case of "Antipas", there is only one person having that name. He is referred to, at Luke 13:31; Matt.14:3,5; Mark 6:16-19. The Herod (king of Israel) that became the executioner of John the Baptist, was Herod Antipas.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herod-Antipas

Jesus chose to use the phrase; "In the days of Antipas".
How do these words help to identify who it is that Jesus is pointing to? 
Please consider these scriptures, regarding the use of...

"In the days"

2Kings 15:29;  1Chron.4:41; Esther 1:1; Jer.1:3; 3:6; 26:18;  Amos 1:1; Micah 1:1; Zeph.1:1; Zech.14:5; Dan.2:44; Matt.2:1; Luke 1:5

When the phrase "in the days of" is used; it points to a period of time over which a person holds a capacity of great influence and control over many, such as a ruling position. 

If Antipas were a faithful witness of Jesus, who held significance influence over the Christian congregation for a recognized period of time; Is it not likely that there would have been additional mention of him, by those who wrote the Greek scriptures?

The other alternative, is that the "Days of Antipas", refers to an authority and power, outside the Christian congregation.

Other than Herod Antipas; there is no other Antipas referred to in the scriptures, to assist and guide us in our effort to decipher by scripture, that reference of Jesus at Rev.2:13.

Let's look at the meaning of "Antipas".
It actually means, against ("anti" -G473) the Father ("pas/pata" -G3962).
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G473&t=KJV
https://www.blueletterbible.org/lang/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?strongs=G3962&t=KJV
Consider the reason why this reference to him was adopted by the early Christian writers.

Who is severing the relationship between our heavenly Father, and His priestly sons? Who is, the "Anti-Pas"?
From the scriptures cited above, you may have noticed that it is the "man of lawlessness" found at  2Thess.2:1-2,3-4. That ruling identity over God's Temple, is the "abomination causing desolation" (Matt.24:15; Mark 13:14) to God's Temple (the "holy place" -1Cor. 3:17) and designated habitation of God's spirit (Eze.8:6). 
https://pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com

  - [NOTE: The stated purpose of those with the spirit of Elijah, is to restore that relationship *(Luke 1:16-17)]

That desolating abomination, tramples God's priesthood underfoot, and severs the bond between God and His dwelling/habitation/people (Eze.8:6; 44:6-7,8-9; Mark 13:14; Mal.3:1-2,3). The final Elijah must restore God's covenant with the Temple Priesthood (Deut.10:8; 21:5; Mal.2:8; 3:1-2,3), and the relationships between spiritual fathers and sons 
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/elijah-turns-hearts.html).

Again, back to Rev.2:13
I submit to you, that Rev.2:13 should read;
"I have seen your deeds and that your dwelling is where Satan holds authority and power. You hold to my name, and have not disowned my faith even during the Days of Antipas, in which the faithful witness of me was killed at your side, in that dwelling of Satan."

I suggest an examination of the Greek interlinear for comparison:
(https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/NTpdf/rev2.pdf)

Since this is one of Revelation's prophecies, how does it apply in the time of the end?
Rev.16:13-16; 13:11,14,15,8,1,2,4 depicts for us, were Satan's throne is invested. Sure enough, Rev.13:7 shows us, that Satan's arm of power, does overcome God's anointed elect (Rev.12:17; 13:2,7,10; Luke 21:24; Col.2:8). Rev.11:7, shows us that those representing the faithful "two witnesses", are also killed by that identity, just as John the Baptist was killed by Antipas.

There certainly is an End-time presence of God's faithful, during a Satanic rule by an identity just like Herod Antipas. That identity, does exactly what Herod did, to the last herald(s)... the Elijah to come.
-  "I have seen your deeds and that your dwelling is where Satan holds authority and power (Rev.13:2,7). You hold to my name, and have not disowned my faith (Rev.14:12; 11:3,7; 6:9; 12:11,17; 13:7,2) even during the Days of Antipas, in which the faithful witness of me was killed at your side, in that dwelling of Satan."

***

John the Baptist was a faithful witness of Jesus (Matt.11:11; John 1:34,29).
In a similar position as John the Baptist, there is a final herald to come in the spirit of Elijah (Matt.17:10-13) as John did (Luke 1:13,17). Jesus said that this future Elijah will "restore all things". We gain insight into what "things" which the spirit of Elijah restores, at Luke 1:16,17. 
(see Mal.1:6; 3:1,2,3,4).

The relationship between our Father God and his priestly sons, is severed in the time of the last Elijah 
(1Pet. 2:5;  1Cor.3:16; Dan.8:11,13,17; 9:17,26; 11:31-33; Rev.13:10,7; 11:2; Dan.11:35-37;  2Thess.2:4). 
  - (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/01/who-are-gods.html)
The restoration of that relationship, between spiritual fathers and sons, must be restored by the final herald.
  - (https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/elijah-turns-hearts.html)

So why does Jesus bring up his faithful witness and the days of Antipas within the prophetic book of Revelation? (Rev.2:13)

John the Baptist had already been killed many decades before Revelation was written. The book of Revelation is being written to the seven congregations/towns of spiritual Israel (Rev.1:11; 2:12-13; Matt.10:23; Rom.9:6; Gal.4:28,31,26). Jesus' purpose in bringing up historical identities (Rev.2:14,20,13), is to teach and illuminate his later-day disciples about their similar circumstances 

(Rev.3:3; Matt.24:42; Luke 21:36; Rev.1:3; Matt.13:16,11,13,15).

-  By declaring what happened to John the Baptist at the hand of Antipas; Jesus is declaring what will also happen to the final Elijah in the time of the end (Rev.13:15;** Rev.11:7)

(Deut.21:5;  1Cor.6:1,2,3,4; John 20:21-22,23)
(http://pearl-judgeangels.blogspot.com/)
   (Antithesis of John 20:22 = Rev.13:15,14; 19:20)
   **(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2018/02/who-is-false-prophet-who-gives-breath.html)

Jesus is commending those who stand up to be faithful, even under a powerful demonic climate where death is not only threatened, but has even been demonstrated, by the death of Jesus' final faithful witnesses (Rev.11:7; John 16:2). Yet Jesus says that those faithful, are "at your side". 

The "eagles" who are "taken" (Luke 17:30,31,32,33,34,35,37**; Isa.57:1,2) feast on those slain (Job 39:27-28,29-30; **Luke 17:37 NKJV; Rev.12:14,6; 11:3)
http://eagle-or-vulture-obadiah.blogspot.com/

How?

Like Jesus, the sacrifice of their life for truth involves their providing a testimony of truth, which is a provision of spiritual food (Rom.6:5; John 6:53,54,55; 12:24-26; Eph.5:29; Rev.6:9; 11:7; 12:10-11; John 12:24; Mark 8:35;  1Cor.12:7,27; 10:17).

At Matt.17:3 we learned that when Jesus is glorified on God's holy mountain (Matt.17:1;  2Pet.1:18; Rev.14:1; Isa.2:1-2)...

with him will be those who represent God's holy prophets and law-giving leaders. Moses lead God's people out of captivity in Egypt (Rev.13:10; 11:8) and Elijah stood up against the prolific idolatry that overtook God's people in his day, separating them from God (1Kings 18:21,30; 19:10,14 (Dan.12:11; 8:11-12);  1Kings 18:36,22,40; 19:1; Rev.2:20). 

Both roles are required just previous to the return of Christ (Mal.3:1-2,3-4,16; Rev.3:5; Mal.3:17-18) 

  - (https://two-witnesses-elijah-and-moses.html).

    - (https://the-constant-feature.html)

      - **(https://abomination-of-desolation-toward-feature.html)

How do we know that the spirit of Elijah is given to more than just Elijah and John the Baptist?

Because if we look again at what Jesus said (after the death of John the Baptist) and while the 3 apostles were looking at Moses and Elijah, he declared; "‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things."

If we consult Mal.3:1-2,3, we see that this restoration, is of the priesthood of God's Temple.

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mal.3%3A1-3&version=NIVUK)

John the Baptist did not accomplish that, but the messenger of the covenant at Mal.3:1-2,3 does. That messenger is also sent, to make preparations "before the Day of the Lord" (Luke 1:17; Mal.3:1).

We know that Jesus promised to return again (John 14:3; Matt.24:3; Rev.2:23; 22:12). He will again have a prophet arrive in the spirit of Elijah, and that one will, restore the force of the priesthood covenant (Rev.10:1; Gen.9:13; Num.25:13; Heb.8:1; Rev.5:9-10).

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev10%3A1%3B+Gen.9%3A13%3B+Num.25%3A13%3B+Heb.8%3A1%3B+Rev.5%3A9-10&version=NIVUK)

Malachi tells us how... through discipline and refinement. Elijah (the messenger of the covenant) will chastise them, to purify them of their error and sin (Dan.11:35; 12:10; Mal.3:1-2,3-4; Rev.3:3,17-19; Heb.12:11). He will prepare them for the arrival of their high priest, so that the intended eternal service of that heavenly Temple in the Kingdom of their Father, can be inaugurated (Heb.8:1,3,5-6; Rev.5:9-10;  1Pet.2:5,9; Rev.15:8; 21:1-3).

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.8%3A1%2C3%2C5-6%3B+Rev.5%3A9-10%3B+1Pet.2%3A5%2C9%3B+Rev.15%3A8%3B+21%3A1-3&version=NIVUK)

Before that can happen, the last of those priests, must be cleansed of their captive subjection to the abomination that tramples them.

(Rev.11:2; Dan.8:11;  2Thess.2:4; Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8; Luke 21:24; Mark 13:14) 

  - (https://the-greatest-tribulation-why.html)

    - ( https://trample--How-does-it-happen?)

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.11%3A2%3B+Dan.8%3A11%3B+2Thess.2%3A4%3B+Rev.13%3A7%2C10%3B+Col.2%3A8%3B+Luke21%3A24%3B+Mark13%3A14&version=NIVUK)

************

More about Rev.2:13...

Herod Antipas was king of the Jews. Yet just as John the Baptist publicly exposed, Antipas was unfaithful to the laws of God. John paid for that exposure with his life (Matt.14:3-4,10). Antipas was an unfaithful king and leader over God's nation. He was deeply involved in Roman politics and had an alliance with Rome. His father was Herod the Great who is responsible for the slaughter of the innocents, in his attempt to destroy young Jesus Christ (Matt.2:13,16).

The spirit within these unfaithful leaders, is that of the Devil (Rev.16:13-14,15;  1Tim.4:1;  2Cor.11:13-15; Rev.2:9; 3:9; Matt.24:24-25;  2Thess.2:1-2). The wicked leaders of God's people have Satan's spirit residing and operating within them.

The circumstances being pointed to within Jesus' warning at Rev.2:13, is relevant in the time of the scroll's fulfillment.

  - (future link to "Where is Satan's throne?")

Many related topics have been touched upon in this post. I do hope that if you desire deeper understanding of them, you will read the links offered within this post, use the search box, or use the contact box to send me your questions.

Love in Christ,
Pearl

LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES

LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM

Discerning the Body / Messenger of the Covenant

A question I was sent, as follows:
"Dear Pearl,   The only people who I can find in the bible who definately  
went house to house were Herod's soldiers looking for Jesus as a child, and  
Saul (before he became Paul), in order to kill Christians. Jesus said in  
Luke 10:7 to his disciples not to be transferring from house to house,  
though Jw's hardly ever cite this scripture when justifying the preaching  
work, but use scriptures in Acts which according to a footnote in one of  
their translations, where they translate "house to house" the original  
Greek is properly translated “in every house”, “at home” or “in their  
homes”. Some authorities believe Paul is talking about preaching to those  
who were already Christians, not unbelievers . Would not  Satan  use an  
organisation that really is indistinguishable from the real truth? What  
better way to trap true Christians than to get them into the "JWorg" and then  
tell them they are not Christians. (no mediator, bible not meant for them,  
must be emotionally unbalanced if partaking of the emblems). Pearl, do you  
think when one has been indoctrinated by Watchtower Real Estate Inc, it's  
hard to get it out of your sytem entirely?"

MY REPLY:

Since you list a number of perspectives, just as I have written about them,

     (-house to house is a prophetic and thorough search for the "firstborn" 

        (Rev.12:17; Matt.2:18; Rev.13:7; 11:7; 6:9-11), 

      which God allows -Luke 22:31; Prov.27:11; Rev.12:10-11; John 16:2; Mark 8:35... 

      especially if and when His people are sinning and require discipline --

      (Isa.51:23; Rev.11:2; Luke 21:22,24; Rev.13:10,7; Amos 9:9; Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10; Rev.3:18; Mal.3:1-3)

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-greatest-tribulation-why.html)
(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/09/trample-how-does-it-happen.html)

I will assume that you have repeated my written assertions, in order to lay them as a groundwork for your questions.

I do not however, follow your reasoning that follows, and will explain, why.

You state;

"What better way to trap true Christians than to get them into the "JWorg" and then  
tell them they are not Christians. (no mediator, bible not meant for them,  
must be emotionally unbalanced if partaking of the emblems). Pearl, do you  
think when one has been indoctrinated by Watchtower Real Estate Inc, it's  hard to get it out of your system entirely?"

I would think it's obvious, that "true Christians" would not be drawn into an organization which required it's members to accept the overt doctrine, that they were not Christians, have no mediator, are not the recipients of God's Word, and are not the ones God intended to become one spirit in marriage covenant with Christ (1Cor.10:16; Matt.20:23; Rom.8:36; 6:5; Mark 8:35).

As we both know; a more accurate description of what "JW's" are taught, 

is:

Regarding -- "NOT CHRISTIANS":

-Is it really taught to "JW's" that they are not Christians? Or rather, is it taught that there are Christian disciples of two sorts? There is a difference between spiritual Jews and spiritual Gentiles (Rom.2:28-29; Rev.2:9; 3:9) (Link - "Jew/Gentile"), just as there is a difference between those of the "earth" (Rev.13:11), the "heavens" (Eph.2:6; Luke 10:20; Rev.12:12), and of the "sea" (Rev.13:1; Isa.57:20), through which creatures, the truth may come to "feed" others 

(Mark 6:41; Matt.22:8-10; Rev.22:17) (Isa.66:20-21). 

"All sorts" can be disciples of Christ (1Tim.2:4; John 8:31)

    As you can see from the cited scriptures above, that spiritual distinction, is true. 
    Yet both spiritual Jew and spiritual Gentile, can both be disciples of Christ,

            (Gal.3:28, is speaking of nationality according to the flesh)

Regarding -- "NO MEDIATOR":

-As we know, there is "one mediator between God and man, Jesus Christ" (1Tim.2:5). 

    Do you assume that all human beings, are considered by God, to be His definition of "men"?

   (Gen.1:26; Luke 3:38; Eph.5:1;  2Cor.6:18; Rom.8:14) --    

   (Hosea 1:9; John 8:41-44; Matt.23:33; Eze.2:6; Rev.9:3;  2Pet.2:12; Jude 1:10; Rev.13:1,11).

Even without a consideration of God's Words cited above,

surely you know that Christ is not a mediator for the unrepentant and defiant wicked?

Who is to set the standard, of wickedness? Is it not God?

Men may be deemed by God as among those deserving of death, and not even know it (Hosea 4:6; John 12:35).

Many who believe themselves to be slaves of God, are mistaken, and will be condemned by Christ (Matt.7:21,23).

Why? 

Because just as Jesus said... they refuse to accept and perform "the will of God", stubbornly imagining, 

that their own desires, will, and deduced convictions, are a sufficient substitute. 

  They do not know God, His truth, and His purposes, as well as they assume they do (1Tim.1:7). 

That scourge is not unique to "JW's".

--- It is a fact purported by Jesus Christ himself, 

that he has appointed angelic priests and kings to serve under him. Their service is defined in scripture as serving and healing God's nation 

(John 1:51; Col.3:23-24; Eph.2:6; Heb.12:22-23; John 15:8; Rev.22:2),  which healing only comes to disciples who obey Christ by fleeing the corruption (Matt.24:16; Eze.36:8).

It is the foremost service of Zion, to "feed my sheep" (John 21:17). It is a fact, that Christ appoints (anoints for a purpose -John 15:16; Rev.11:3-4; Zech.4:14) 

those whom he chooses and appoints to accept that task (Luke 12:42-43; Heb.13:17). 

They may prove faithful, or not. Those "mountains" which provide "fruit", are not the obedient of the nations, which eat it and are healed.

Paul described his apostolic and prophetic appointment (the foundation of God's "Temple" (Eph.2:20;  1Cor.3:10), as being 

"ambassadors, substituting for Christ" as pillars among messengers of God (2Cor.5:20; Matt.10:20; Jer.23:29; Rev.11:5). Paul spoke of himself as being in the role of spiritual "mother" to other Christians (1Thess.2:7; Gal.4:19;  1Pet.2:2). Do you know why? (Gal.4:26; Rev.12:2; John 16:20-21). 

Do you assume that mother and child, are the same identity? Not all Christians become Christ's bride, and mother to the new creation. Some Christians, are the result of that union.

Regarding -- "BIBLE NOT MEANT FOR THEM":

Do you really think this is the impression "JW's" are given?

I was one for 35 years, while intimidated into dismissing my miraculous anointing. As a "rank and file", there was constant pressure to conform one's life to their interpretation of scripture.

I assume you speak of the idea, that there is a group, chosen by God to "receive"/"hear"/understand as an opened book... the Word of God. 

(Luke 8:10; 24:32,45; Rev.3:8; 4:1; 5:2-3,6-7; John 16:15.13,8; 15:15).

The faithful who have God's approval (1Cor.11:19; 1:10; Eph.4:15-16), are free of the confusion, which is rife among religions, groups, and individuals which claim to accurately interpret the Bible, and consider themselves, Christians.

Well... what Did Jesus say about those for whom the Word of God was primarily intended?
He quoted Psalm 82:6, at John 10:35. Let's learn what those two scriptures teach us...

"I said, 'You are "gods"; you are all sons of the Most High.' " (Ps.82:6) (gods/spirit sons/men, in God's image)

"If he called them 'gods,' to whom the word of God came--

 and Scripture cannot be set aside" (John 10:35) (spirit beings born of God, who are sent God's Word)

(Rom.8:9;  1Pet.1:23; Eph.2:6; Rev.12:1; Gal.4:26)

Do you discern that there are "gods" whom God considers His sons, who are sent the Word of God?

Are all, "sons of God"? (Gal.3:29,26; Rev.21:7) (John 10:34-35; Ps.82:6) 

(Isa.30:9; 63:10; Hosea 1:9) 

Do all, walk by spirit? (Rom.8:14) (Acts 7:51-52)
(who-are-gods)

There are four baptisms into Christ, are there not?

There is literal water, there is spirit, there is fire, and there is death.

Do you know why?... and who each baptism, is for?

Not all God's Words, are regarding any of those baptisms.

I hope you are open-minded enough, to keep learning.

Regarding -- "PARTAKERS ARE EMOTIONALLY UNBALANCED":

No blanket statement about those who choose to partake, can possibly be accurate to describe all those who do... either by positive or negative description.

The only positive reason to partake, 

is that one discerns 

--the identity of the body of Christ/God's Temple/God's handiwork

--the purpose and individual members of that body (apostles, prophets, etc.)

--the reality that one has been chosen by God, to be a member of that body

If one does not discern that body (and their exclusion or inclusion regarding it),

then they partake unworthily, and come under the condemnation which results. (1Cor.11:27-29,30-31)
(discerning-body)
(discerning-body-god-of-order)
(Who should partake?)

Why is condemnation the result of not discerning the relationship between the body and ones self?

If the emblems represent a joining to Christ as those in a marriage covenant with him (Matt.26:28;  1Cor.10:16;  Eph.5:25)...

and others assume they too have been chosen to join with Christ;

that is equivalent to committing spiritual adultery with someone else's husband.

It  is  wrong  to assume that you are the wife of someone else's husband, and so, proceed to become one with him --- simply because you do not discern the difference between the genuine wife (body of Christ -Mark 10:7-9;  1Cor.6:17; Eph.4:4; 1:18; 2:18), and yourself (1Cor.11:28-29). 
We may be invited to a marriage feast because of our relationship with the Bride and Groom, but we should not  then expect, to go on the honeymoon.

And finally you ask;

"Pearl, do you  think when one has been indoctrinated by Watchtower Real Estate Inc, it's  hard to get it out of your system entirely?"

The prophecy at Mal.3:1-2,3 addresses the spiritual and doctrinal corruption which has resulted to God's priesthood during our current, "time of the end". 
Please consider what it's content, teaches us...

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come,” says the Lord Almighty. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the Lord will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness".

Have you derived from those verses, that 

1. a "messenger"/Greek:"angel"/a herald, "of the covenant" 

(Deut.10:8; 18:5; 21:5;  1Cor.6:2; Heb.8:5; Rev.5:10;   1Pet.2:5,9; Mal.2:7) 

(the covenant which binds God's chosen priests into serving God's people) 

2. will arrive prior to both of Christ's arrivals (Matt.11:10,14; Luke 1:17; Matt.17:11; Acts 3:21; Eph.1:9-11; Matt.25:6; Rev.11:3-4; Zech.4:9,11-14; Matt.17:3,11)?

Can you derive that when the final herald arrives (Rev.22:6-7), it is unlikely that anyone is found, "standing" (Matt.5:13; Luke 21:24,36; Dan.8:13; Rev.13:7)?

Do you discern that God's priesthood must be cleansed, as if by fire and soap? 

(Rev.11:5; 22:14; 6:9-11; Mark 8:35; Rev.19:8)

Do you discern that God's messenger will "sit"/preside, as a refiner, so that the repentant priests may once again, serve God in holiness? 

(Zech.3:3-4,8-9; Rev.3:18; 19:8). 

Yes, we are in the day of fire... the great tribulation (Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10; Luke 21:24,22).

"Fire" and "lye" are needed to remove the wormwood of the "WT". But as you can see from God's prophetic Words, the "messenger of the covenant" will come to God's Temple (1Cor.3:16; Rev.10:1; Gen.9:13), and cleanse it of such defilement (Mal.3:3). That one will insist on the distinction between Jew/"earth"/God's dwelling... and Gentile/those of the "sea" (Rev.10:2-3). 
("Teach the Distinction") Mark 13:14 ("disgusting-thing")

So the question is,

who will accept that refinement? (Isa.59:15-16; 53:1; Rom.10:16; Rev.16:15) 

(Isa.42:16; Luke 1:17,76-79; Rev.22:16; Isa.60:1-3; 52:1-2,10; Mal.3:1). 

(https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2016/01/elijah-turns-hearts.html)

ADDITION:

Mal.3: "“Behold, I send My messenger,

And he will prepare the way before Me.

And the Lord, whom you seek,

Will suddenly come to His temple,

Even **the Messenger of the covenant,**

In whom you delight.

Behold, He is coming,”

Says the Lord of hosts.

2 “But who can endure the day of His coming?

And who can stand when He appears?

For He is like a refiner’s fire

And like launderers’ soap.

3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver;

**He will purify the sons of Levi,**

And purge them as gold and silver,

That they may offer to the Lord

An offering in righteousness."

---The messenger angel to come, would rid God's Temple priesthood/Levi (1Cor.3:16;  1Pet.2:5; Eph.2:20-22) of its corruption, so that it's service is restored in holiness. John the Baptist did not accomplish this.

--We receive a key, when we are told that the messenger to come, is the messenger of the priestly covenant (Mal.2:4,8; 3:1). That seventh angel is depicted at Rev.10:1 as having a rainbow 

>(sign of covenant -Gen.9:13; Isa.60:1-2;  2Cor.3:6-8,9-11; Rom.9:4) above his head.

Jesus referenced the arrival of this one he sends, as being a representative of God's spirit (Matt.10:20; John 16:13; 15:26)... who would declare to the priests of Christ (Rev.5:9-10),

 the distinction between sin and righteousness, the righteous basis for judgment, and the events to come.

John 16: "8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will **tell you things to come."**

--The angel/messenger Jesus sends, who will tell of things to come, is the same one he mentions at Rev.1:1 and Rev.22:6....

"1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to **show His servants—things which must shortly take place.** And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John

"6 Then he said to me, “These words are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets **sent His angel to show His servants the things which must shortly take place."**

--As verse 6 stated, that messenger is one of the prophets, sent to the last of the symbolic 7 congregations (Rev.1:20; 10:7; Amos 3:7; Rev.22:16; John 13:20; 16:7).

That prophet contains the "spirit of Elijah" (as John the Baptist also had -Luke 1:17), who comes to "restore all things" by restoring God's Temple priesthood (Matt.17:11,3).

ADDITION:

Matt.17: 1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus. 11 Jesus replied, ‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things. 12 But I tell you, Elijah has already come, and they did not recognise him, but have done to him everything they wished. In the same way the Son of Man is going to suffer at their hands.’"

-

Jesus said; "Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but have done to him everything they wished."

How do we know that this is John the Baptist?

Of him, God decreed;

"13 But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, **in the spirit and power of Elijah**, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous – to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.’"

So John was not Elijah... but he came with the same spirit, of Elijah... the spirit of a great and powerful prophet, which is what that spirit, represents.

At Matt.17:3 above, we learned that when Jesus is glorified on God's holy mountain (Matt.17:1;  2Pet.1:18; Rev.14:1; Isa.2:1-2)...

with him will be those who represent God's holy prophets and law-giving leaders (Moses).

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt.17%3A1%3B+2Pet.1%3A18%3B+Rev.14%3A1%3B+Isa.2%3A1-2&version=NIVUK

How do we know that the spirit of Elijah is given to more than just Elijah and John the Baptist?

Because if we look again at what Jesus said (after the death of John the Baptist) and while the 3 men were looking at Moses and Elijah, he declared; "‘To be sure, Elijah comes and will restore all things."

If we consult Mal.3:1-3, we see that this restoration, is of the priesthood of God's Temple.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mal.3%3A1-3&version=NIVUK

John the Baptist did not accomplish that, but the messenger of the covenant at Mal.3:1-3, does. That messenger is also sent, to make preparations "before the Day of the Lord" (Luke 1:17; Mal.3:1).

We know that Jesus promised to return again. He will again have a prophet arrive in the spirit of Elijah, and that one will, restore the force of the priesthood covenant (Rev.10:1; Gen.9:13; Num.25:13; Heb.8:1; Rev.5:9-10)

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev10%3A1%3B+Gen.9%3A13%3B+Num.25%3A13%3B+Heb.8%3A1%3B+Rev.5%3A9-10&version=NIVUK

Malachi tells us how... through discipline and refinement. He will purify them of their error and sin. He will prepare them for the arrival of their high priest, so that the intended eternal service of that heavenly Temple in the Kingdom of their Father, can be inaugurated (Heb.8:1,3,5-6; Rev.5:9-10;  1Pet.2:5,9; Rev.15:8; 21:1-3).

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb.8%3A1%2C3%2C5-6%3B+Rev.5%3A9-10%3B+1Pet.2%3A5%2C9%3B+Rev.15%3A8%3B+21%3A1-3&version=NIVUK

Before that can happen, the last of those priests, must be cleansed 

(Rev.11:2; Dan.8:11;  2Thess.2:4; Rev.13:7,10; Col.2:8; Luke 21:24; Mark 13:14).

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev.11%3A2%3B+Dan.8%3A11%3B+2Thess.2%3A4%3B+Rev.13%3A7%2C10%3B+Col.2%3A8%3B+Luke21%3A24%3B+Mark13%3A14&version=NIVUK

LINK TO DIRECTORY OF BLOGS
LINK TO MAIN HOME-PAGE
LINK TO FORUM