Hebrews 4 ~ Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said

Folio Papyrus 46 the Index of the Chosen Letters of this Individual who compiled Papyrus 46	Contents	Location
1-7	Romans 1:1-5:17	Missing
8	Rom 5:17-6:14	CB
9-10	Rom 6:14-8:15	Missing
11-15	Rom 8:15-11:35	CB
16-17	Rom 11:35-14:8	Mich.
18 (fragment)	Rom 14:9-15:11	CB
19-28	Rom 15:11-Hebrews 8:8	Mich.
29	Heb 8:9-9:10	CB
30	Heb 9:10-26	Mich.
31-39	Heb 9:26-1 Corinthians 2:3	CB
40	1 Cor 2:3-3:5	Mich.
41-69	1 Cor 3:6-2 Corinthians 9:7	CB
70-85	2 Cor 9:7-end, Ephesians, Galatians 1:1-6:10	Mich.
86-94	Gal 6:10-end, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:3	CB
95-96	1 Thess 2:3-5:5	Missing
97 (fragment)	1 Thess 5:5, 23-28	CB
98-104	Thought to be 1 Thess 5:28-2 Thessalonians, and possibly Philemon; 1- 2 Timothy, and Titus were probably not included (see below)			Missing

The Letters of Paul in Chronological Order Written

First Thessalonians	52 AD
Second Thessalonians	52 AD
First Corinthians	57 AD
Second Corinthians	57 AD
Galatians	55-57 AD
Romans	57-58 AD
Ephesians	62 AD
Philippians	62 AD
Colossians	62 AD
Philemon	63 AD
Hebrews	64-65 AD
Titus	64-65 AD
First Timothy	64-65 AD
Second Timothy	66-67 AD

This is the Actual 1st or Second Century Page of Hebrews Chapter 4 written 65 A.D. As you can see, this is AMAZING. Part of Papyrus 46.

Hebrews 4

4 Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it. 2 For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.


3 Now we who have believed enter that rest, just as God has said,

“So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

And yet his works have been finished since the creation of the world.

4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “On the seventh day God rested from all his works.” 5 And again in the passage above he says, “They shall never enter my rest.”

6 Therefore since it still remains for some to enter that rest, and since those who formerly had the good news proclaimed to them did not go in because of their disobedience, 7 God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:

“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, God would not have spoken later about another day. 9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

What if?

What if you had 24 hours to live? You have to love Bible Study with believers - the ideas keep rolling!

For Christians, this isn't an usual thought. We actually believe Father God dwells within us - when we ask earnestly. Then - we provide a place for Him to dwell to delight Him. This call is to believe we have our destination.

What if we believed - Heaven IS at Hand? Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.

The Word of God is active and alive. This Sunday - My son Alexander, Ashley and I had the unique experience traveling to a restaurant. To become amazed and dazzled to discover this restaurant, in Waco, is part of a vast Christian Experience of loving the work God gives us. A return to the way we know our country began.

We got out of the car to find - Cafe Homestead, of course, is never opened on Sundays. We turned to go. To be asked to share breakfast with a Church doing a work project. To sit in the garden. To have the door open and to be Invited to Come In. The place was unique and filled with the goodness of an antique type place and gleams as if new. One man came over to tell us about restoring barns all over the country. Another lady came to tell us about making furniture to endure generations.

We became unable to hold a regular conversation in between the restoration stories. We beamed. Finally at our table in the closed Restaurant filled only with our group of three - overlooking the perfect porch and the perfect garden - Someone said, "This is Sunday."

And of course, what was meant, this unique event to be fed amazing food in a closed restaurant. To have doors and lights flung open - was a lot like a Prodigal Father inviting His Beloved through 12 Open Gates and into His Kingdom.

It was a Glimpse.

Let me add to this, and this is the Bible Study of Today's Scripture:

If you put Christ followers in a room of twelve, you are going to hear from at least a quarter of them - they have had that Visitation Dream. And then you are going to see in that Visitation Dream Jesus gifts us - Fruit happens. Truths are established. This becomes the mustard seed turning into a Tree of such magnitude - hope, faith and love nestle in the branches.

For decades, I've met Jesus in Heaven, sitting near Jesus in Beauty. The Earth glorified in His Kingdom. And peace of Psalm 131 - I have calmed and quieted myself, I am like a weaned child with its mother; like a weaned child I am content. Put your hope in the Lord both now and forevermore.

And then I had a dream that was a Vision God gave me. Paul tells us Heaven has levels. This upsets people, yet if God says so, then, this is His Plan.

2 Corinthians 12:2
caught up to the third heaven

Deuteronomy 10:14
To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it.

I had no idea the Vatican was large like this. I came to a place that was the Father's House with many, many rooms. And it was very quiet in my dream. Father God was not seen, I'm quite sure I'm not that worth! And I am quite sure this was were we will all visit in Joel 3. This is not the level where my soul will stay for Eternity.

I felt distinctly past any experience I'd ever had. And people came to me and understood. I was asked if I would begin to furnish my rooms. I was shown that because Heaven is eternal, these things would be with me a long time. And these things would blend in with what you read in Revelation. I was told if I developed a skill at this, like making a chair, an astonishing chair -  I might want to make this and share with others. This would be giving, sharing and enjoyable. I was astonished.


Here is our Bible Study:

The Bible does not contradict itself. Scripture supports Scripture. Jesus told us to turn the other cheek. He said forgive seven times seventy times. And Jesus said - in Proverbs - find Wisdom. Jesus said 2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage--with great patience and careful instruction.

Jesus tells us in the passage - Heaven is Holy Rest. And He tells us we share in God's Rest in Jesus the Lord.

Life is tiring.

Matthew 11
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

Jesus is teaching us wisdom in the balance of not to the right, not to the left. Just as Jesus told us to turn the other cheek, He also said that sometimes we will rebuke and correct. This is a vast Truth.

Let's Look At This Great Adventure Jesus Speaks of!!!

John 9:4
As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work.

Heaven is ...

Revelation 22:5
There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.


Jesus tells us emphatically He will Dwell with Us. God is Love and God - - -


John 5:17
In his defense Jesus said to them, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working."

2 Corinthians 5
We will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. 2 We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. 3 For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies.

Jesus told us this!

John 21
11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn. 12 “Now come and have some breakfast!” Jesus said.


Heaven?

Luke 3:11a
The man who has two tunics is to share with

Heaven!

In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth,

 the gospel of your salvation--

 having also believed, 

you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, 

with a view to the redemption of God's own possession,

to the praise of His glory.

JESUS THE LORD!

Father God, Heaven is at hand. Help my soul be an oasis to you. Let me push aside the status quo. Let my prayers reach into Your Heart and let Love guide us each day in Jesus Christ the Lord. Amen !

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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Philemon ~ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit

This is Papyrus 87, a fragment of Philemon from the Second Century A.D. housed at the University of Cologne. However the index of Papyrus 46, perhaps 1st Century, lists Philemon - now missing - as part of Papyrus 46's collection. Seems that Philemon was widely read.

Philemon 1

1 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— 2 also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home:

3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, 5 because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. 7 Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

8 Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, 9 yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love. It is as none other than Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus— 10 that I appeal to you for my son Onesimus,[b] who became my son while I was in chains. 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.

12 I am sending him—who is my very heart—back to you. 13 I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel. 14 But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do would not seem forced but would be voluntary. 15 Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back forever— 16 no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a fellow man and as a brother in the Lord.

17 So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me. 18 If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I, Paul, am writing this with my own hand. I will pay it back—not to mention that you owe me your very self. 20 I do wish, brother, that I may have some benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ. 21 Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.

22 And one thing more: Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. 24 And so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas and Luke, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Dear Philemon,

This man was well known to Paul. Philemon, like Peter and Paul, is not like the followers of David. David attracted the rabble and the malcontents who very much wanted to overthrow King Saul. Even David's prized friend, Jonathon, stayed to die with his father, Saul. David was left with the men willing to live in ditches.

It's different with the followers of Jesus. They are all arriving from different perspectives - the Stewart's wife of Herod's Palace, the Temple lawyer - trained by Gamaliel. The Roman's prized tax collector. Simon - a zealot - intent on overthrow.

Philemon is the Bishop of Gaza, like Peter, he is a wealthy business man who has a house Church in a house large enough to hold a large number of people. Philemon is married to Apphia. Emperor Nero is going to get so freaked out by the name of Jesus, he kills Philemon and Apphia sometime in 50 A.D.

About twenty years after the death of an obscure man in a suburban province of Syria called Judea - a man the Jews call Son of God, Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, the Christ. The Sadducean Council records are available and tell us the blind see, the deaf hear and the lame walk because of Jesus. Scary news indeed.

We find in the Menai records - Onesimus is with Philemon and Apphia  and dies with them. In the list of the Seventy Apostles, attributed to Dorotheus of Tyre - Philemon is one of the 70 disciples  Jesus sent forth and later as bishop of Gaza.

Dorotheus Bishop of Tyre 255–362 A.D. looks at records Bishop Papias of Hierapolis wrote and interviewed the Disciple John on Patmos as well as every presbyter he could find witnessing Jesus. And AD 110 to 140 - Polycarp, a disciple of the beloved disciple John on Patmos, also leaves Christian community records of conversations.  Bishop Dorotheus tells us Philemon was probably one of the 70 Disciples in the Menai records.

Dorotheus lives to be 107, very old, like the Disciple John.

Colossae in Greece was an ancient city of Phrygia, and near the great road from Ephesus to the Euphrates. It has never been excavated until 2013. (Wikipedia meet UK's Daily Mail star date 3 April 2013)

It's a strange place.

Recreation of the Hades Temple

It sounds like the plot for a new Indiana Jones film. Archaeologists say they have discovered the 'Gates of Hell', the mythical portal to the underworld in Greek and Roman legend.The site, in the ancient Phrygian city of Hierapolis, now Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey, is said to closely match historical descriptions of what was known as Ploutonion in Greek and Plutonium in Latin.

In its heyday, a small temple with traditional Greco-Roman pillars was said to have stood next to wall with steps leading down to a cave doorway filled with foul and noxious gasses. Describing the site, the Greek geographer Strabo (64/63 BC -- about 24 A.D.) said: 'This space is full of a vapor so misty and dense that one can scarcely see the ground. 'Any animal that passes inside meets instant death. I threw in sparrows and they immediately breathed their last and fell.'

We talk today about the world being a sad place. And we have opportunities for solutions.

However, few of our friends and acquaintances have so given up on the world they sacrifice animals to the god Hades. Seen in a local statue outside the Temple. Pretty ugly statue.

So we can be reasonably assured - this city lived in fear of crime. Of robbery. The city area records indicate fear of invasion, war and crime - famous for this trouble. You really don't want Onesimus, who has a name which means useful, running off to Paul.

And Onesimus, would want to point fingers and escape a bitter master - not dying with Philemon and Apphia. Instead they did.

Let the record clearly show:

Onesimus, Philemon and Apphia lived the church that met in their home.

Grace and peace came to dwell in a city sacrificing to a god of death.

Paul's prayers were remembered.

Love for all his holy people and their faith in the Lord Jesus had Victory.

Their partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening our understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Their love has given us great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.

The appeal on the basis of love was lived to the end.

Separated from them in death, as a dear brother. A partner to share their fate.

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with our spirit to find this participation and encouragement in the Body of Christ.

Psalm 29:11
The LORD gives strength to his people; the LORD blesses his people with peace.

Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.

Psalm 37:37
Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.

Psalm 85:8
I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints-- but let them not return to folly.


Father God let us remember You are the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. You love Your Creation and want to save the world. Relationships tangle, the people of God press on to Peace, Faith, Hope, Love and Jesus. Let us ask You for Your mercy, leadership, guidance and joy to be centered in You and Your Path. We have the highest privilege to ask in the Name of Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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1 Corinthians 4:14-21 ~ That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

Papyrus 46 First Letter to the Corinthians, a page of Papyrus 46

Greek text on Papyrus c.AD First or Second Century

1 Corinthians 4:14-21

14 I do not write these things to make you ashamed, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

15 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. 16 I urge you, then, be imitators of me. 17 That is why I sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, to remind you of my ways in Christ, as I teach them everywhere in every church.

18 Some are arrogant, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.

20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power.

21 What do you wish? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love in a spirit of gentleness?

Eternal. The Word of God and the Promises of God,

Shame is not of God. Repentance with forgiveness is of God.

Good parenting is Father God. The love found in a Beloved Parent. A glimpse of God Himself.

Good Christian friends - beloved and faithful in the Lord.

God sustains us when we encounter the arrogant involved in power.

The Kindness of God is powerful, not just talk. Know these Scriptures, know the power of God.


What do we expect from God? I expect good from God, love and gentleness.


Father God support us when we are weak and tired. Renew us in Jesus. Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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1 Thessalonians 5 ~ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Papyrus 46 has only fragments of 1 Thessalonians 5. And the photos are not found this is 1 Thessalonians somewhere, but you get the general idea.(Biblical Scholars everywhere publish your Google photos even of fragments - thanks!)

1 Thessalonians 5

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.


12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus or Gallio was a Roman senator and brother of famous writer Seneca. He is best known for impartial judging a case involving Apostle Paul in Corinth. Gallio, Proconsul of Achaia, was appointed and  records are found during the reign of Emperor Claudius in the June of 51 A.D to 52 A.D. We know Paul wrote Thessalonians 1 and 2 during this year. No guess work is needed.

Being the descendant of a Richardson, Louisiana dry goods merchant - where all 6 daughters and sons sewed Easter clothes and Christmas clothes as a family project (6 were Baptist, 6 were Christian - we leave Great Uncle Frank and Great Aunt Clarice to continue to fight this out in Heaven with wry looks) - we know clothing.

So - therefore - when Paul mentions the Armor of God - I'm going to notice - he has not prevaricated on the details.

Ephesians 6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel



Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.


And in Ephesians, Paul writes
Breastplate of Righteousness
Helmet of salvation


1 Thessalonians 5
Faith and Love as a breastplate
Hope of Salvation as a Helmet


Did Paul err and forget in the Holy Spirit's details? No. Abraham had the faith in His loving Father and that is credited to him as righteousness. The Holy Spirit has supported Scripture again. God's message is fully communicated.

We started off the study of Papyrus 46 with Philemon. Rejoice always - what does this mean? When given the choice to be hopeful and upbeat - strive in this direction. Jesus calls us to be Salt and Light. Jesus tailors Rejoice with an honest flavor, which we can appreciate.



1 Peter 1:25
But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Armor tends to last centuries, if you see the museums this is so. And yet to place the armor of God on - is to have the protection of God forever.

Isaiah and Jesus finish the thought.


Isaiah 59
“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 92:4
For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.


What are the Scriptures telling us of the Strength God gives us?

~ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus

~ His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

~Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus

~Strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

~Strong, and the Word of God lives in you

~Strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being

~Full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ

~ Riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

~ Redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

The armor of God arrives complete. Filled with the Blessings of God.

Father God, We only look to You. You have clothed me and my loved ones with Your Armor. Thank You, Your Strength and Blessings Continue. In the Name of Jesus.

Your very Word has brought forth fruit on fragile Papyrus - how much more You will do with the soul and heart of Your Beloved Children. In You, we put our Hope.  Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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