Humor in the bible?

[Pedrito]

From Post #1, as an example of God’s humour:

Pharaoh: "tell me, who is he who sent you?"

Moses: "I AM!"

That may not quite gel.

Pharaoh spoke Egyptian. God gave His name in Hebrew.

Let’s transfer the scene to say, a French Moses in an English dominated area.

Pharaoh: "tell me, who is he who sent you?"

Moïse (Moses): "Je Suis!"

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Post #7, speaking of Jonah:

Yes and when God just saved his life from the whale...

It wasn’t necessarily a whale. It was a large marine dweller of some kind.

Which simply means that Jonah mightn't have had a whale of a time.

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Post #13:

Not really 'humorous' per se, but it involves Elisha, some kids, and bears.

I guess that means it bears inclusion. (Just kidding.)

 

[Andrew]

From Post #1, as an example of God’s humour:


That may not quite gel.

Pharaoh spoke Egyptian. God gave His name in Hebrew.

Let’s transfer the scene to say, a French Moses in an English dominated area.

Pharaoh: "tell me, who is he who sent you?"

Moïse (Moses): "Je Suis!"

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Post #7, speaking of Jonah:


It wasn’t necessarily a whale. It was a large marine dweller of some kind.

Which simply means that Jonah mightn't have had a whale of a time.

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Post #13:


I guess that means it bears inclusion. (Just kidding.)

Wait wait hold the both there hollywood, did you just say that french Moses basically said "Jesus" sent him? Jumping snakes batman! Thats wild

 

[Pedrito]

Post #22: “Wait wait hold the both there hollywood, did you just say that french Moses basically said "Jesus" sent him? Jumping snakes batman! Thats wild ”

Pharaoh: "tell me, who is he who sent you?"

French Moïse (Moses): "Je Suis!"
Spanish Moisés : “Yo soy!”
German Moses : “Ich bin!”
Chinese 摩西: “我是!”
Indonesian Musa: “Saya!”
Vietnamese Moses: “Tôi là!”

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Pedrito firmly believes that God has placed many pictures/models/types in (especially) the Old Testament, as well as triggers to get our attention and lead us to wonders.

He also firmly believes that much is readily read into Scripture by normal Christendom. The temptation is always there to find (what should be unnecessary) justification for various post-apostolic doctrines and practices.

In this particular instance, Pedrito chose French for the example, probably because he had studied that language in high school. He did not realise that there was a sonic similarity which could lead to a misunderstanding of his purpose.

Actually, it would have been in direct violation of God’s Holy Revelation for Pedrito to suggest, or even hint, that Jesus was the One who had revealed that holy name to Moses.

In Acts 5:30 the Apostle Peter told the Jewish leadership: “The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree.”

Yahweh, the great “I AM” was the God of their fathers. That God raised Jesus from the dead. Therefore Jesus could not have been the Being who revealed that name to Moses.

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As an extension thought, Pedrito is saddened by the way that most of Christendom has been conditioned to gloss over much of Scripture. It means that people miss out on the blessing that comes with uncovering the depths of understanding that God has placed there for them to find.

 

[Pedrito]

Post #16: “Haahaaa, who's peter anyway?”

Post #17: “He's the pope!”


Actually, “pope” in English comes from “papa” in Latin and “pappas” in Greek, meaning “father”.

Jesus commanded quite clearly, “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9)

Peter would never have let himself be called “Father” or Papa or Pope except by any children he might have had. Nor would any of the disciples/apostles/other followers of the Risen Jesus, have ascribed that appellation to him. Nor would they have accepted it.

If Wikipedia can be deemed reliable: “The word pope derives from Greek πάππας meaning "father". In the early centuries of Christianity, this title was applied, especially in the east, to all bishops and other senior clergy, and later became reserved in the west to the Bishop of Rome, a reservation made official only in the 11th century. The earliest record of the use of this title was in regard to the by then deceased Patriarch of Alexandria, Pope Heraclas of Alexandria (232–248).” (Internal references excluded.)

From that we learn two things:
1. Just how early on in church history (but not in apostolic times), specific commands issued by Jesus were overridden by practices contrary to His commands;
2. Just how late in church history the title in question was applied particularly to the Bishop of Rome.

Thus the ascription of the particular title “Pope” to the apostle Peter is shown to be invalid for two unassailable reasons.

And once again Pedrito asks what importance has honesty in God’s eyes? Where does truth sit on His rating scales? How does God view religious organisations that fly in the face of His clearly revealed wishes?

Is this not in reality another poignant example of loyalty to an earthly organisation taking precedence over loyalty to God?

 

[MoreCoffee]

Post #16: “Haahaaa, who's peter anyway?”

Post #17: “He's the pope!”


Actually, “pope” in English comes from “papa” in Latin and “pappas” in Greek, meaning “father”.

Jesus commanded quite clearly, “call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.” (Matthew 23:9)

Peter would never have let himself be called “Father” or Papa or Pope except by any children he might have had. Nor would any of the disciples/apostles/other followers of the Risen Jesus, have ascribed that appellation to him. Nor would they have accepted it.

Strange you say that Peter would never let himself be called father when Paul calls himself father to the Christians in Corinth. Maybe Paul was a bit rebellious and disobeyed Jesus' command?

I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. 1 Corinthians 4:14-15​

And I suppose it would be disobedient to refer to your ancestors as "fathers" yet whoever wrote Hebrews does it

In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; Hebrews 1:1​

And Jesus himself refers to "the fathers" when speaking of Israelite ancestors so maybe you're misreading what Jesus commanded, right? You wouldn't be accusing Jesus of being a hypocrite, right?

Matthew 23:30 saying, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.'

Matthew 23:32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers.

Luke 1:17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Eli'jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."

Luke 1:55 as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his posterity for ever."

Luke 1:72 to perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant,

Luke 6:23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

Luke 6:26 "Woe to you, when all men speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

Luke 11:47 Woe to you! for you build the tombs of the prophets whom your fathers killed.

Luke 11:48 So you are witnesses and consent to the deeds of your fathers; for they killed them, and you build their tombs.

John 4:20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain; and you say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

John 6:31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

John 6:49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

John 6:58 This is the bread which came down from heaven, not such as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live for ever."

John 7:22 Moses gave you circumcision (not that it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man upon the sabbath.
​

And all the others places where Luke and Peter and John refer to "fathers" cannot be acts of disobedient rebellion against the command of Christ. So either your interpretation is quite incorrect or the new testament is a work of wicked rebellious commandment breaking writings. That would be right, yes?

Acts 3:13 The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.

Acts 3:25 You are the sons of the prophets and of the covenant which God gave to your fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your posterity shall all the families of the earth be blessed.'

Acts 5:30 The God of our fathers raised Jesus whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.

Acts 7:2 And Stephen said: "Brethren and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopota'mia, before he lived in Haran,

Acts 7:11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.

Acts 7:12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent forth our fathers the first time.

Acts 7:15 and Jacob went down into Egypt. And he died, himself and our fathers,

Acts 7:19 He dealt craftily with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, that they might not be kept alive.

Acts 7:32 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.' And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.

Acts 7:38 This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living oracles to give to us.

Acts 7:39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt,

Acts 7:44 "Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, even as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.

Acts 7:45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations which God thrust out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David,

Acts 7:51 "You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.

Acts 7:52 Which of the prophets did not your fathers persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,

Acts 13:17 The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people great during their stay in the land of Egypt, and with uplifted arm he led them out of it.

Acts 13:32 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers,

1 Peter 1:18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

2 Peter 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation."

1 John 2:13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

1 John 2:14 I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.
​

If Wikipedia can be deemed reliable: “The word pope derives from Greek πάππας meaning "father". In the early centuries of Christianity, this title was applied, especially in the east, to all bishops and other senior clergy, and later became reserved in the west to the Bishop of Rome, a reservation made official only in the 11th century. The earliest record of the use of this title was in regard to the by then deceased Patriarch of Alexandria, Pope Heraclas of Alexandria (232–248).” (Internal references excluded.)

From that we learn two things:
1. Just how early on in church history (but not in apostolic times), specific commands issued by Jesus were overridden by practices contrary to His commands;
2. Just how late in church history the title in question was applied particularly to the Bishop of Rome.

Thus the ascription of the particular title “Pope” to the apostle Peter is shown to be invalid for two unassailable reasons.

And once again Pedrito asks what importance has honesty in God’s eyes? Where does truth sit on His rating scales? How does God view religious organisations that fly in the face of His clearly revealed wishes?

Is this not in reality another poignant example of loyalty to an earthly organisation taking precedence over loyalty to God?

 

[YESLORDIWILL]

Hey, wait! I thought this was supposed to be funny.

Strange you say that Peter would never let himself be called father when Paul calls himself father to the Christians in Corinth. Maybe Paul was a bit rebellious and disobeyed Jesus' command?

So Paul called himself father, did pope peter ever do that? Do you think maybe Paul is the Pope and not peter, lol?

I mean I believe it, Paul had no problem telling peter off, surely he must have been the Pope!

 

[Pedrito]

A little imprecision goes a long way.

But fortunately, so does a modicum of precision.

In Post #25, much Scripture containing the word “father” or “fathers” was presented in an attempt to negate the points made in Post #24 which demonstrated that the title “pope” (meaning “father”) was neither assumed by the apostle Peter, nor applied to him until hundreds of years after his death; nor was the title “father” applied to church ministers during apostolic times.

However, when those Scriptures are looked at with a little care, the imprecision with which they have been tendered becomes obvious.

But Pedrito cannot help but wonder how many people would actually be taken in by that imprecision.

When tactics like that are employed in any situation, it reveals what the employer of those tactics actually believes – the employer believes that most of the people exposed to those tactics will be fooled by them.

Pedrito hopes that he (Pedrito) has never ever employed questionable tactics accidentally. (He has never done so deliberately.)

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Reviewing those Scriptures with a modicum of precision shows that they can be grouped into four broad categories. An example from each category is given.

Category 1 – Normal (Paternal) Fathers

Luke 1:17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Eli'jah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

Category 2 – Ancestors

Acts 3:13: The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified his servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release him.

Category 3 – A Level of Spiritual Maturity

1 John 2:13: I am writing to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, children, because you know the Father.

Category 4 – Fathers In A Spiritual Sense

1 Corinthians 4:14-15: I do not write this to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children. For though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers. For I became your father in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (RSV, ESV)

The Greek actually does not say “I became your father,” but more accurately “I have begotten you” (KJV, DRB, DRC, for instance) and actually “I begot you”.

The idea is that because his readers had become believers through Paul’s personal ministry to them, he alone had that special father-child relationship with them.

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What is missing?

The author of Post #25 has (possibly unwittingly) proven for us that titles such as “father” and “pope” did not exist, and therefore were never assumed or applied, in apostolic times.

And for the author of Post #26: Were the situation not so serious, it would indeed be humorous.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Hey, wait! I thought this was supposed to be funny.

So Paul called himself father, did pope peter ever do that? Do you think maybe Paul is the Pope and not peter, lol?

I mean I believe it, Paul had no problem telling peter off, surely he must have been the Pope!

Pope Peter (the first and only Pope of that name) wrote

1 Peter 1:18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your fathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold,

2 Peter 3:4 and saying, "Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning of creation."

Evidently Pope Peter did not think there was a commandment against using the word "father" to refer to human beings.

 

[YESLORDIWILL]

Pope Peter (the first and only Pope of that name) wrote

1 Peter 1:18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways

Is that a rebuke for finding humor in the bible, lol ...sorry, I didn't mean to laugh. shame, shame

 

[Andrew]

Peter never sanctified a papacy, the pope is just a person like you and I. There is only one Father in Heaven. Let no man deceive you, repent, be baptized in the name of Jesus and of the Spirit all of you for the remission of your sins or you cannot enter the Kingdom of God, this is fact in the Bible. We are called to be Sons of God, to be perfect in Christ and and to faithfully follow in his example in everything you do, no buts ands or ifs about it.
People today believe are "saved" by watching a tv program, by vain man made traditions and philosophy, by believing "once saved always saved", by sinning and walking in and out of church to continue sinning again in vain, that confessing your sins to each other is the same as repenting, these are straight up contradictions to the word of God if you forsake him he will forsake you.

Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
Mark 7:7-9

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Colossians 2:8-9

And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.
2 Chronicles 15:2

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
John 6:66

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this will we do, if God permit. For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
Hebrews 6:1-6

But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Matthew 23:8-9


Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
1 John 3:2

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1 Corinthians 3:16

I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
Matthew 3:11

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 2:38

And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord:
Mark 12:29

Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;
Isaiah 44:24

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
Colossians 1:15-16