The Holy Bible.

     Pictured at the top left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Pictured below that is a copy of the Koran.  SURA IV ( WOMEN ), verse fifty, reads as follows:

"50 O ye to whom the Scriptures have been given!  believe in what we have sent down confirmatory of the Scripture which is in your hands, ere we efface your features, and twist your head round backward, or curse you as we cursed the sabbath-breakers: and the command of God was carried into effect."

     Jesus ( see Matthew 10:5 ) said in Matthew 10:16, "Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves."  As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will be harmless as doves: we will not threaten unbelievers ( or anyone else ) with physical force, such as twisting their heads round backward ( as we read in the above-given passage from the Koran ).  Force is not to be used with regard to persuasion: "By long forbearing is a prince persuaded, and a soft tongue breaketh the bone" ( see Proverbs 25:15 ).  From this passage in the Holy Bible, we see that much patience, coupled with gentle speech, is a powerful form of persuasion.

     Finally, the Lord Jesus, in flaming fire, will take vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of Him ( see 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 8 ): that is His responsibility, not ours ( see John 5:26, 27, for example ).  The above-given passage from the Koran is further evidence that it is not God's word, and that Islam is false religion.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, Mark 16:20, John 1:1, 14; 2:11; 17:1, 3, 17, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:8, 9, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, Titus 1:1, 2, and 1 John 5:6-8, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by:

     E-mail: <rewillis1_1@juno.com>.

     Google+ Profile Page: <Russell Willis>.

     Skype Name: <r.e.willis1>.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured at the top left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Pictured below that is a copy of the Koran.  SURA IV ( WOMEN ), verse thirty-three, reads as follows:

"33 O believers!  devour not each other's substance in mutual frivolities; unless there be a trafficking among you by your own consent: and commit not suicide:-of a truth God is merciful to you."

     Based on the above-given teaching from the Koran, the question arises as to why there are those who participate in suicide bombings, supposedly for the cause of Islam.  Such individuals are either ignorant of this passage, or they simply choose to ignore it.  Suicide is clearly condemned in the Koran.

     In the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, Mark 16:20, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ), suicide is condemned in both the Old and New Testaments ( see Exodus 20:13 and Romans 13:9, for example ), with exception only under the Old Testament during war ( see 1 Samuel 31:1-5 ( especially verses 4 and 5, for example ), for example ): Judaism became obsolete when Jesus died on the cross of Calvary ( see Matthew 10:32; 11:15, Mark 16:16, Luke 13:3; 23:26-49 ( especially verse 33, for example ), Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example ), Romans 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ); 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), Galatians 3:26, 27, Colossians 2:11-17 ( especially verse 14, for example ), Hebrews, chapter 8 ( especially verse 13, for example ), Hebrews, chapter 9 ( especially verses 12-18, for example ), Hebrews, chapter 10 ( especially verses 1-12, and 22, for example ), 1 Peter 1:1, 2, and Revelation 1:5; 2:10, for example ), though we can still learn from the Old Testament ( see Romans 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), for example ).  In the New Testament, we see that Judas Iscariot ( see Matthew 26:14-16, for example ) hanged himself ( cf. Matthew 27:3-10 ( especially verse 5, for example ) and Acts 1:15-20, for example ): this account occurs in a negative context as a response to him having betrayed Jesus ( see Matthew 27:1 ) and, thus, we can rightly conclude that suicide is condemned under the New Testament without exception.  Under the New Testament, it is always a sin to commit suicide ( see 1 John 3:4, for example ).

     Although suicide is condemned in the Koran, it is a religious counterfeit: the Holy Bible is God's word ( the original ).  We have the Holy Bible, we do not need the Koran ( please read the January 22nd and 24th, 2015 entries, for example, to this weblog to find additional facts regarding why the Koran is not God's word, and why Islam is false religion ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured  at  the  top left is a  copy  of   a  version   of    the   Holy  Bible,  known  as  the King James Version ( KJV ).  Pictured  below  that is a copy of the Koran.  SURA  IV  ( WOMEN ), verses ninety  and ninety-one, read as follows:

"90 Why are ye two parties on the subject of the hypocrites, when God hath cast them off for their doings?  Desire ye to guide those whom God hath led astray?  But for him whom God leadeth astray, thou shalt by no means find a pathway.  91 They desire that ye should be infidels as they are infidels, and that ye should be alike.  Take therefore none of them for friends, till they have fled their homes for the cause of God.  If they turn back, then seize them, and slay them wherever ye find them; but take none of them as friends or helpers."

     Jesus ( see Matthew 4:23 ) said, "And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward" ( see Matthew 6:5 ).     

Again, Jesus said, "Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.  Verily I say unto you, They have their reward" ( see Matthew 6:16 ).

Finally, Jesus said, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" ( see Matthew 5:44 ).

     Jesus never said that we are to slay the hypocrites ( or anyone else - see Matthew 5:20-26 ( especially verses 21 and 22, for example ), Romans 13:9, and Jude, verse 17, for example, and cf. Luke 14:25-35 ( especially verses 31 and 32 ), for example ): He did say that we are not to be like the hypocrites, and that we are to love our enemies.  It is clear, in the above-given passage from the Koran, that Islam is false religion.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, Mark 16:20, John 1:1, 14; 2:1-12 ( especially verse 11, for example ); 17:1, 3, 17, Romans 1:20, Colossians 2:8, 9, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, Titus 1:1, 2, and 1 John 5:6-8, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured at the top left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Pictured below that is a copy of the Koran.  SURA IV ( WOMEN ), verse forty, reads as follows:

"40 Worship God, and join not aught with Him in worship.  Be good to parents, and to kindred, and to orphans, and to the poor, and to a neighbour, whether kinsman or new-comer, and to a fellow traveller, and to the wayfarer, and to the slaves whom your right hands hold; verily, God loveth not the proud, the vain boaster."

     The portion of the above-given teaching from the Koran, regarding being good to parents, etcetera, is similar to what the Holy Bible ( which is God's Word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, Mark 16:20, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ) teaches: Galatians 6:10 reads as follows:  "10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."  God's word was completely revealed to mankind in written form when the apostle John finished writing ( see John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7, 20 and Revelation 1:1, 4, 9; 22:8 ) the book of Revelation "in A.D. 95 or 96" ( see Holy Bible: Containing The Old and New Testaments, The New King James Version: RED LETTER EDITION, THE NEW OPEN BIBLE STUDY EDITION, THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS, Nashville, Copyright 1990, 1985, 1983 by Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. 1514 ).  Thus, there have been no miracles since A.D. 95 or 96 ( cf. 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 ( especially verses 8-10, for example ) and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, for example ).  The conclusion regarding this observation is that the heavenly Father ( see Matthew 5:9, 16; 6:9, 14, for example ) revealed nothing to Mohammed.  Therefore, the Holy Bible ( the original ) is God's word, while the Koran is merely a religious counterfeit: we have the Holy Bible, we do not need the Koran ( as presented in this posting ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured at the top left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Pictured at the bottom left is a copy of the Koran.  SURA IV ( WOMEN ), verse thirty-eight, reads as follows:   "Men are superior to women on account of the qualities with which God hath gifted the one above the other, and on account of the outlay they make from their substance for them.  Virtuous women are obedient, careful, during the husband's absence, because God hath of them been careful.  But chide those for whose refractoriness ye have cause to fear; remove them into beds apart, and scourge them: but if they are obedient to you, then seek not occasion against them: verily, God is High, Great!"
     The word "refractory" is defined as follows:

". . . adj.   1  Not amenable to control; disobedient; unmanageable; obstinate. . . ."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 814.  ]

Thus, according to the above-given passage from the Koran, a disobedient wife is to be placed into a bed and scourged.  To all the wives in the world I ask the following question:  Do you want to be treated this way?

     The Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, Mark 16:20, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ) teaches that men are to "love their wives as their own bodies" ( see Ephesians 5:28 ).  Also, verse twenty-nine reads as follows:  "29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church."  Therefore, a Christian ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) husband will not scourge his wife.  A Christian wife understands that she is not to be refractory: she is to "reverence her husband" ( see verse thirty-three ).  Please read Ephesians 5:25-33 to get the immediate context.

     Jesus ( see Matthew 22:37 ) said, "And the second is like unto it, THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF" ( see Matthew 22:39 ).  The teaching of the Koran ( given above ) is just one more indication that Islam is false religion.  Jesus said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." 

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE: The copy of the Holy Bible pictured above employs a format, whereby capital and small capital letters "in the New Testament indicate a quotation from the Old Testament" ( see The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments, King James Version, THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS, Nashville, Copyright 1989 Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. iii. ).  Thus, the use of all-capital letters in a portion of Matthew 22:39 is explained.    

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of the Koran.  The following quotation is taken from it:

"THE Koran admittedly occupies an important position among the great religious books of the world.  Though the youngest of the epoch-making works belonging to this class of literature, it yields to hardly any in the wonderful effect which it has produced on large masses of men.  It has created an all but new phase of human thought and a fresh type of character.  It first transformed a number of heterogeneous desert tribes of the Arabian peninsula into a nation of heroes, and then proceeded to create the vast politico-religious organisations of the Muhammadan world which are one of the great forces with which Europe and the East have to reckon to-day."  [  See THE KORAN: Translated by J.M. RODWELL, DOVER PUBLICATIONS, INC., Mineola, New York, Bibliographical Note: This Dover edition, first published in 2005, is an unabridged republication of the work first published by J.M. Dent & Sons Ltd., London, in 1909, p. vii.  ]

When looking through the index of this book, one will not find any references to the words "miracle," "miracles," "sanctified," or "sanctification," for example.

     The Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ) teaches that the purpose of miracles was to confirm God's word ( cf. Mark 16:20; KJV and NCV, for example ).  Therefore, since the Koran does not make reference to any miracles, it is clear that it is not God's word.  Jesus performed miracles ( see John 2:11, for example ): Mohammed did not.  Jesus was raised from the dead ( see Matthew 27:34-28:10 ( especially Matthew 28:5, 6, for example ), for example ): Mohammed is dead.

     Moreover, the blood of Christ sanctifies us, when we are baptized by immersion in water, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of our past sins ( see Acts 2:38; 8:26-40 ( especially verses 36-39, for example; KJV, for example ), Romans 3:25; 6:1-4 ( especially verses 3 and 4, for example ), Hebrews 9:13, 14; 10:29, and Revelation 1:5, for example ).  The word "sanctification" is defined as follows:

"The process of being made holy resulting in a changed life-style for the believer. . . ."  [  See HOLMAN BIBLE DICTIONARY, BUTLER, TRENT, C., PH.D., HOLMAN BIBLE PUBLISHERS, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, Copyright 1991 Holman Bible Publishers, p. 1230.  ]

There is no means provided in Islam by which we may be sanctified ( or made holy ): this is just one indication that it is false religion.  There is one true religion for the whole world: it is Christianity ( see Matthew 10:32; 11:15, Mark 16:16, Luke 13:3, John 3:16, 17; 14:6, Acts 4:10-12 ( especially verse 12, for example ), Romans 10:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), Colossians 2:11-17 ( especially verse 14, for example ), Hebrews, chapter 8 ( especially verse 13, for example ), Hebrews, chapter 9 ( especially verses 12-18, for example ), Hebrews 10:1-10, and Revelation 2:10, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE: The New Testament church ( the church of Christ - see Matthew 16:18, Romans 16:16, and Ephesians 1:22, 23, for example ) is not a politico-religious organization: it is the body of Christ ( see also Romans 12:1-5 ( especially verse 5, for example ), for example ).  Furthermore, would any sane individual consider terrorist attacks to be a wonderful effect?  As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2; KJV  ).  If the Lord will ( see James 4:15, for example; KJV, for example ), there will be additional postings to this weblog regarding the Koran and the false religion of Islam.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Acts 22:25-23:11 read as follows:

"25 And as they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the centurion that stood by, Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?  26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, Take heed what thou doest: for this man is a Roman.  27 Then the chief captain came, and said unto him, Tell me, art thou a Roman?  He said, Yea.  28 And the chief captain answered, With a great sum obtained I this freedom.  And Paul said, But I was free born.  29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.  30 On the morrow, because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the Jews, he loosed him from his bands, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them.  23 And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.  2 And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by him to smite him on the mouth.  3 Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law?  4 And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest?  5 Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, THOU SHALT NOT SPEAK EVIL OF THE RULER OF THY PEOPLE.  6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.  7 And when he had so said, there arose a dissention between the Pharisees and the Sadducees: and the multitude was divided.  8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both.  9 And there arose a great cry: and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part arose, and strove, saying, We find no evil in this man: but if a spirit or an angel hath spoken to him, let us not fight against God.  10 And when there arose a great dissension, the chief captain, fearing lest Paul should have been pulled in pieces of them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and to take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.  11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome."

Notice that Paul started the dissension referenced in the above-given passage from the Holy Bible ( see verses six through ten ).

     Moreover, Psalm 142:6 reads as follows:  "Attend unto my cry; for I am brought very low: deliver me from my persecutors; for they are stronger that I."  Thus, the big picture ( so to speak ) regarding this situation is that God, through His providence, delivered Paul from his persecutors ( see Acts 9:10-16 ( especially verses 15 and 16, for example ) and 2 Timothy 3:10, 11, for example ).  As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ) today, God, through His providence, will likewise deliver us from our persecutors.  As Christians, we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2 ).  See also Romans 15:1-4 ( especially verse 4, for example ), for example.  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE: The copy of the Holy Bible pictured above employs a format, whereby capital and small capital letters are used in the New Testament to indicate a quotation from the Old Testament ( see The Holy Bible: containing the Old and New Testaments, King James Version, THOMAS NELSON PUBLISHERS, Nashville, Copyright 1989 Thomas Nelson, Inc., p. iii. ).  Thus, the use of all-capital letters in verse five ( above ) is explained.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Acts 21:40-22:24 read as follows:

"40 And when he had given him license, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people.  And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying, 22 Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.  2 (And when they heard that he spake in the Hebrew tongue to them, they kept the more silence: and he saith,) 3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.  4 And I persecuted this way unto the death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women.  5 As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.  6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.  7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord?  And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.  9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.  10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord?  And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.  11 And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came to Damascus.  12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good report of all the Jews which dwelt there, 13 Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight.  And the same hour I looked up upon him.  14 And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see the Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth.  15 For thou shalt be his witness unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.  16 And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.  17 And it came to pass, that, when I was come again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance; 18 And saw him saying unto me, Make haste, and get thee quickly out of Jerusalem: for they will not receive thy testimony concerning me.  19 And I said, Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue them that believed on thee: 20 And when the blood of thy martyr Stephen was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him.  21 And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.  22 And they gave him audience unto this word, and then lifted up their voices, and said, Away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is not fit that he should live.  23 And as they cried out, and cast off their clothes, and threw dust into the air, 24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and bade that he should be examined by scourging; that he might know wherefore they cried so against him."

We know from chapter twenty-one, verse thirty-one, that Paul was in Jerusalem.

     Moreover, from verse eighteen ( above ), we know that Paul was simply giving testimony concerning Jesus, and it was not received ( see verses twenty-two and twenty-three, above ).  One important lesson, regarding this observation, is that whenever public testimony is given concerning Jesus, there is always the risk that the response to it will be volatile.  Also, there are some similarities between Paul's rejection here at Jerusalem, and Jesus' rejection at Nazareth ( see Luke 4:16-30, for example ).

     The Greek word ( Greek [ 426 ] ) for the word "examined," in verse twenty-four ( above ), is defined as follows:

"to investigate (judicially)."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 12. ).  ]

Additionally, the word "torture" is defined as follows:

". . . n.   1  Infliction of or subjection to extreme physical pain.  2  A former judicial mode of getting evidence by inflicting pain. . . ."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 1020.  ]

The Central Intelligence Agency's practice of waterboarding terrorists to gain intelligence is not a new concept, based on the consideration of verse twenty-four ( and sense two of the definition of the word "torture," above ).  We could well say that Paul was subjected to a judicial mode of torture ( scourging ) in the first century A.D.  However, Paul was not a terrorist: he was a Christian ( see Acts, chapter nine ( especially verse eighteen, for example ), and Galatians 3:26, 27, for example ).  Although we, as Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), have not been subjected to judicial modes of torture to date ( in response to giving public testimony ( see 1 Timothy 2:12, for example ) concerning Jesus ), future generations of Christians here in America may well face such a reality.  As a Christian, I strive to be subject to the "higher powers" ( see Romans 13:1 ), with Acts 5:17-32 ( especially verse 29, for example ), for example, as the exception.  As Christians, we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2 ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Acts 21:27-39 read as follows:

"27 And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him.  28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.  29 (For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)  30 And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.  31 And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.  32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating Paul.  33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.  34 And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.  35 And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.  36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.  37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee?  Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?  38 Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?  39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 4797 ] ) for the word "uproar," in verse thirty-one ( above ), is defined as follows:

"to commingle promiscuously, i.e. (fig.) to throw (an assembly) into disorder, to perplex (the mind)."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 91. ).  ]

     Notice that Paul did not throw all Jerusalem into disorder, the Jews of Asia did ( see verses twenty-seven through thirty-one, above ).  As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will not throw a city, for example, into disorder: we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2 ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE: Paul denied having started the uproar referenced in verse thirty-eight ( above ).  Please read verses thirty-seven through thirty-nine to get the immediate context.

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Acts 19:23-41 read as follows:

"23 And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.  24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen; 25 Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.  26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands: 27 So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.  28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.  29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.  30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.  31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.  32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.  33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward.  And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.  34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.  35 And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?  36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.  37 For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.  38 Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.  39 But if ye enquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.  40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.  41 And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 4714 ] ) for the word "uproar," in verse forty ( above ), is defined as follows:

"a standing (prop. the act), i.e. (by anal.) position (existence); by impl. a popular uprising; fig. controversy."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 89. ).  ]

     The word "uprising," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows:

". . . n.  1 The act of rising.  2 Revolt; insurrection.  3 An ascent; a slope; acclivity."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 1063.  ]

By virtue of sense two of the definition of the word "uprising," we see the concept of a revolt or insurrection associated with the word "uproar."  Notice that Paul did not start this revolt or insurrection: a silversmith named Demetrius did ( see verses twenty-four through twenty-nine, above ).
     Moreover, Gaius and Aristarchus were caught ( see verse twenty-nine, above ), which implies that they were not willing participants in this revolt or insurrection.  Furthermore, although Paul wanted to go "in unto the people," he was not allowed to do so ( see verse thirty, above ): "certain of the chief of Asia" also discouraged him ( see verse thirty-one, above ).    As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will not participate in revolts or insurrections: we will lead quiet and peaceable lives "in all godliness and honesty" ( see 1 Timothy 2:2 ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see Psalm 119:65-73, 142, 151, John 17:1, 3, 17, 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, and Titus 1:1, 2, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

The Holy Bible.

     Pictured to the left is a copy of a version of the Holy Bible, known as the King James Version ( KJV ).  Acts 17:1-9 read as follows:

"Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.  4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.  5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.  6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.  8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.  9 And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go."

The Greek word ( Greek [ 2350 ] ) for the word "uproar," in verse five ( above ), is defined as follows:

"to be in tumult, i.e. disturb, clamor."  [  See ABINGDON'S STRONG'S EXHAUSTIVE CONCORDANCE OF THE BIBLE, STRONG, JAMES, S.T.D., LL.D., ABINGDON PRESS, NASHVILLE, Copyright, 1890, by JAMES STRONG, MADISON, N.J., ( A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek/New Testament with their Renderings in the King James Version, p. 47. ).  ]

     Moreover, the word "tumult," in the above-given definition, is defined as follows:

". . . n.  1  The commotion, disturbance, or agitation of a multitude; an uproar; turbulence; hubbub.  2  Any violent commotion or agitation, as of the mind. . . .  Synonyms: agitation, bluster, bustle, commotion, confusion, disorder, disturbance, ferment, flurry, hubbub, hurly-burly, noise, outbreak, racket, riot, turbulence, turmoil, uproar.  See NOISE, QUARREL1 [ Homograph #1 ], REVOLUTION. . . ."  [  See NEW ILLUSTRATED WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY Including THESAURUS of SYNONYMS & ANTONYMS, PMC Publishing Company, Inc., 118 EAST 28th STREET, NEW YORK, NY  10016, dictionary portion: pages 1-1150, Copyright 1992, by J.G. Ferguson Publishing Company, Chicago, Illinois, p. 1040.  ]

By virtue of the synonyms for the word "tumult," as provided in this word's definition, the word "uproar" ( mentioned above ) implies the concept of a riot.  Notice that Paul did not start this riot: the unbelieving Jews did ( as we read in verse five, above ).

     Furthermore, "certain brethren" were drawn ( dragged - RSV, for example ) "unto the rulers of the city" ( see verse six, above ).  Thus, these brethren were not willing participants in this riot.  The apostle Paul ( see 1 Timothy 1:1 ) recorded the following in 1 Timothy 2:1, 2:  "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty."  As Christians ( see Acts 11:26, for example ), we will not participate in riots, for example: we will lead quiet and peaceable lives based on godliness and honesty ( reverence - see 1 Timothy 2:2; KJV, for example; with center-column references, for example, to get the equivalent translations for the words "honesty" and "reverence" ).  Please study the Holy Bible ( which is God's word - see 2 Timothy 2:15; 3:16, 17, for example ).

If you have any questions about the Holy Bible, you can contact me by e-mail at:

<rewillis1_1@juno.com>

<Russell E. Willis>

NOTE: There will be additional weblog postings regarding this subject in the future.