1951 Bible Studies - page 118

116

BIBLE STUDIES

[8] (Kingston-on-Thames). -- This is a profoundly difficult subject. Peter speaks of chains (A. V., R. V. M. ) (or pits, R. V. ) of darkness, and Jude of everlasting chains, A. V. (or bonds, R. V. ). The words in the Greek for chains are not alike.

These fallen angels, though under restraint at present, may have some liberty of movement. If these angels are those of the devil (Revelation 12. 7, 8) which will be cast down from heaven in the middle of the 70th week of Daniel, the question is a difficult one and quite beyond me. -- J. M.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.

Questions from Edinburgh. --(1) Verse 9. Did Michael contend with the devil about the body of Moses, immediately on the death of Moses, or did the contention take place just prior to the Mount of Transfiguration scene ?

(2) Verse 9.  What is the significance of the phrase, " a railing accusation " ?

(3) Verse 13. Are we to understand that those " for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever " were the unsaved in the assemblies ?  If not, we have difficulty in applying this description to backsliders.

A n s w e r s . --(1) When this took place we are not told. The contention of Michael with the devil does not seem to have been limited to Moses’ body; that matter was just one among others which had to do with the nation of Israel.

Daniel 12. 1 tells us that Michael is the great prince that stands for Israel. Verse 9 in Jude reads " But Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses. "--J. M.

(2) Railing here is blasphemy, which means to speak injuriously.  The people and the robbers railed at Christ on the cross.  Even to speak what is true may be railing. They said of the Lord, " He saved others, Himself he cannot save. "

(3) I should say that they were unsaved people. --J. M.

Q u e s t i o n from Melbourne. --Verse 6. When did the angels leave their proper habitation ?

A n s w e r -- " When they sinned " (2 Peter 2. 4).

NOTICE.

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