Lee
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Jun 21, 2015 15:09:11 GMT
Post by Lee on Jun 21, 2015 15:09:11 GMT
John 21:11 "Simon Peter twent up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and fifty and three: and for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken."
Any ideas on the meaning?
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Lee
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153
Jun 21, 2015 15:10:10 GMT
Post by Lee on Jun 21, 2015 15:10:10 GMT
Having brought it to land, two other factors became apparent also. When the net was emptied of its catch, and the fish were counted, the extent of the catch could be determined. There were 153 “great fishes . . . yet was not the net broken” (verse 11). Often such great interest is expressed in what the number 153 can possibly signify that its connection with the condition of the net is totally overlooked. Properly to appreciate what the disciples were being taught we, like them, must see these two facts side by side: 153 fish were caught, and yet the net remained intact.
Many suggestions have been made about the symbolic meaning of the number of fish. The most straightforward of these, and the one that makes most sense in connection with the net’s condition, is ultimately the most satisfying. It is said that ancient naturalists recognised 153 as being the total number of different fish in the waters of the seas. The gospel message is universal. Jesus, in one of his parables, likened the kingdom to “a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore” (Matthew 13:47, 48). As the net did not break, we are being shown that none of this great catch for God will be lost. More than this, the work of the Father and His Son has been delegated to faithful disciples: “Go ye into all the world”, Jesus said, “and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
We are therefore being led by the details of the miracle to see in the disciples toiling through the night hours on the sea of Galilee, the members of Christ’s true ecclesia (in one boat), fishing for men. Often they feel dejected, believing that their work is fruitless. Yet, at their hands, a great catch is made which will be fully revealed only when Jesus calls. At this call, heard on the dawning of the new Kingdom day, all who are his will be drawn to him. He meantime has been preparing for their coming. The meal is ready. Fish and bread were used by Jesus during his ministry to feed both Jewish and Gentile multitudes. But the future multitude will be one, not two: for “he hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition” (Ephesians 2:14).
Bro Ashton, central christadelphian
(2001). The Christadelphian, 127(electronic ed.), 127.
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Lee
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Jun 21, 2015 15:10:55 GMT
Post by Lee on Jun 21, 2015 15:10:55 GMT
Dear Brother Ashton,
One is in complete agreement with Brother Tecwyn Morgan’s observation that the number 153 of John 21:11 “must have a particular significance”. It has to correspond to “the believers caught up in the gospel net” of whom none would be lost. In some way 153 is to be related to both Jew and Gentile elect. But how can 153 be seen to symbolise the elect of “all Israel”? I suggest that the number needs to be considered in three sections, a hundred, fifty, and three.
Jesus made frequent use of the number 100, as in Matthew 18:12: “If a man have an hundred sheep”; or Mark 10:29: “No man, having left house or brethren . . . but he shall receive an hundredfold, now in this time”. The ecclesias of Christ are this “hundredfold”.
Then whom does the number 50 represent? It can apply only to Israel in the flesh and still under the Law of Moses. Orthodox Jewry does not acknowledge the Messiahship of Christ. By restricting their teaching to the Old Testament they preach only half of the wholly revealed Word of God. In Leviticus 27:3 Moses is instructed by God to value a male who has made a singular vow unto the Lord under the Law, at fifty shekels of silver.
But the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 appears to be conclusive. Mark 6:39 records that Jesus commanded his disciples to make the multitude sit down by companies, by hundreds and fifties. I suggest that against this background, all the elements of a hundred, and fifty, and three were symbolised. Inevitably there were some present who would accept the gospel of Christ and so become part of the hundredfold. Others rejected his teaching and adhered to their faith under the Law of Moses. These last were symbolised by the groups of fifty.
So in this way we account for 100 and 50 of the 153. But what of the number 3? I suggest it was present as Jesus expounded to them all the true sense of the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets—the threefold cord which cannot be broken; as Jesus said, “Search the scriptures . . . and they speak of me”. This is the net which cannot be broken.
Sincerely your brother in Christ,
TOM CROSSLEY
(2001). The Christadelphian, 128(electronic ed.), 190.
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153
Mar 5, 2022 6:30:06 GMT
Post by loveawake.ru on Mar 5, 2022 6:30:06 GMT
Welcome to the world of adult Dating loveawake.ru
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153
Mar 5, 2022 6:31:05 GMT
Post by loveawake.ru on Mar 5, 2022 6:31:05 GMT
Welcome to the world of adult Dating loveawake.ru
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153
Mar 5, 2022 6:33:10 GMT
Post by loveawake.ru on Mar 5, 2022 6:33:10 GMT
Welcome to the world of adult Dating loveawake.ru
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