• PER188 Peter’s second declaration

    The article deals with Peter’s second declaration, in which he recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. It examines the biblical accounts that place this event at Caesarea Philippi, emphasizing the difficulty for a Jewish audience to accept divine sonship. Jesus asks his disciples not to declare his messiahship openly.

    Matthew 16.13-16 (King James Version) :
    When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER189 Praise of Peter by the Messiah Jesus

    The article emphasizes the importance of Peter's recognition of Jesus as the Messiah, which took place at Caesarea Philippi, and the expression of this divinely inspired truth, rather than a human revelation, based on the text of Matthew 16:17-20.

    Matthew 16.17-20 (King James Version) :
    And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER190 The Messiah Jesus announces his coming sufferings, Peter’s reaction

    Jesus announces his imminent sufferings at Caesarea Philippi. Peter, rejecting this idea, illustrates the disciples’ lack of understanding of the Messiah’s spiritual mission. Jesus’ announcement refocuses the goal on the Kingdom of God, anticipating the crucifixion.

    Matthew 16.21-23 (King James Version) :
    From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER191 The price of dedication

    The article “PER191 - The price of dedication” describes Jesus’ words about true discipleship at Caesarea Philippi. The biblical passages of Matthew, Mark and Luke stress the importance of personal self-denial for eternal salvation. They urge us to take up the cross daily and to remain faithful to the teaching of Christ, offering a radical view of discipleship in contrast with the religious practices of the time.

    Mark 8.34-38 (King James Version) :
    And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER192 A Rather Strange Saying of the Messiah Jesus

    The article analyzes Jesus’ statement about the coming of the Kingdom of God, interpreted by some as the Transfiguration, the resurrection or the growth of the Church. It concludes that Jesus was referring to the Transfiguration, an event that reveals his divine glory.

    Luke 9.27 (King James Version) :
    But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER193 The transfiguration

    The article explores the transfiguration of Jesus, in which he shines with divine light alongside Moses and Elijah on Mount Hermon. Peter, James and John are witnesses of it. This event reveals the divinity of Jesus.

    Luke 9.28-36 (King James Version) :
    And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud.And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him.And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of those things which they had seen.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER194 The Master’s instructions

    The article explores Jesus' command to his disciples to keep his transfiguration secret, highlighting the importance of faith and of preparing the apostles for their future responsibilities.

    Mark 9.9-10 (King James Version) :
    And as they came down from the mountain, he charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen, till the Son of man were risen from the dead.And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning one with another what the rising from the dead should mean.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER195 The disciples’ question about the prophet Elijah

    After the transfiguration, the disciples ask Jesus about the prophecy concerning Elijah. Jesus reveals that John the Baptist fulfills this prophecy, a connection that the Gospels develop progressively.

    Matthew 17.10-13 (King James Version) :
    And his disciples asked him, saying, Why then say the scribes that Elias must first come?And Jesus answered and said unto them, Elias truly shall first come, and restore all things.But I say unto you, That Elias is come already, and they knew him not, but have done unto him whatsoever they listed. Likewise shall also the Son of man suffer of them.Then the disciples understood that he spake unto them of John the Baptist.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER196 A demon difficult to drive out

    The article explores the disciples’ failed attempt to cast a demon out of a young boy, which required Jesus’ intervention after the Transfiguration. The accounts in Matthew, Mark and Luke point to the weakness of their faith as the reason for their failure.

    Mark 9.14-27 (King James Version) :
    And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude about them, and the scribes questioning with them.And straightway all the people, when they beheld him, were greatly amazed, and running to him saluted him.And he asked the scribes, What question ye with them?And one of the multitude answered and said, Master, I have brought unto thee my son, which hath a dumb spirit;And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away: and I spake to thy disciples that they should cast him out; and they could not.He answereth him, and saith, O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him unto me.And they brought him unto him: and when he saw him, straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him, Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge thee, come out of him, and enter no more into him.And the spirit cried, and rent him sore, and came out of him: and he was as one dead; insomuch that many said, He is dead.But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up; and he arose.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER197 The explanation of the disciples’ failure

    The article analyzes the disciples’ failure to exorcise a demon, as emphasized by Jesus. According to Matthew and Mark, spiritual practices such as faith, prayer, and fasting are essential to overcome spiritual obstacles.

    Matthew 17.19-21 (King James Version) :
    Then came the disciples to Jesus apart, and said, Why could not we cast him out?And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate

  • PER205 Jesus the Messiah Continues His Journey in Galilee

    Pericope 205 recounts the extended stay of Jesus the Messiah in Galilee, in the region of Capernaum, for about six months before his final departure for Jerusalem on October 3, AD 32. Only John mentions these journeys and reveals the intention of the religious authorities to put Jesus to death, while his disciples still struggle to understand what awaits him. This passage marks the transition to the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem.

    Mark 9.30 (King James Version) :
    And they departed thence, and passed through Galilee; and he would not that any man should know it.
    King James Version (1769), domaine public — texte : eBible.org
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    Level: Intermediate Level: Intermediate