Saint Jason

Saint Jason

St. Jason Basic Facts
DISCIPLE: Considered as one of the 72 Disciples of Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)
PATRON SAINT: St. Jason is the Patron Saint of Converts
BIBLE: Acts 17:5-9, Romans 16:21
HOLY DAY: July 12 (Catholic), April 28 (Eastern Orthodox), also Janurary 4 (Orthodox)
MARTYDOM: Torn apart by wild animals


Bible Passages of Saint Jason

Timothy my fellow worker greets you, and so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.

- Romans 16:21

Now when they had traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And according to Paul's custom, he went to them, and for three Sabbaths reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and giving evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, 'This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.'

And some of them were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, along with a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and a number of the leading women. But the Jews, becoming jealous and taking along some wicked men from the market place, formed a mob and set the city in an uproar and attacked the House of Jason seeking to bring them out to the people. When they did not find them, they began dragging Jason and some brethren before the city authorities, shouting, 'These men who have upset the world have come here also, and Jason has welcomed them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.' They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. And when they had received a pledge from Jason and the others, they released them.

- Acts 17:1-8

Prayer in honor of St. Jason
O heavenly Jason, in whose name I glory,
Pray ever to God for me,
Strengthen me in my faith,
Establish me in virtue.
Guard me in the conflict
That I may vanquish the foe malign and attain to glory everlasting.
Amen.

- An Indulgence of 300 days

Kontakion in the Plagal of the Second Tone
Being illuminated with the teachings of Paul, ye became luminaries unto the whole world, O thrice-blessed ones; for ye ever shine upon the world with miracles, O Jason, thou fountain of healings, and Sosipater, thou glory of the Martyrs of Christ. O God-bearing Apostles, ye protectors of them that be in need, entreat God that our souls be saved.


Notes from other Sources on Saint Jason

Profile
Acts 17:5-9 says that Saint Paul stayed at Jason's home in Thessalonica, and he is mentioned in Romans 16:21. Legend says he was bishop of Tarsus in Cilicia, and evangelized the Greek island of Corfu. While imprisoned for preaching the faith, he helped convert the Martyrs of Corfu.

Jason of Tarsus
Jason of Tarsus is numbered among the Seventy Disciples. Jason appears in the Bible in Acts 17. His house is used as a refuge by Paul, Silas, and Timothy in Thessalonica. Jason was arrested when the authorities could locate neither Paul nor Silas, and was made to post bail. He was not reimbursed.

Jason is also mentioned in Romans 16:21. Jason is venerated as a saint in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. His feast day is July 12 (Catholic) and April 28 (Orthodox). His feast is celebrated on 3 Pashons in the Coptic Orthodox Church and on January 4 among the Seventy.

Life
Born in Tarsus, he was appointed Bishop of Tarsus by the Apostle Paul. With the Apostle Sosipater he traveled to the island of Corfu where they built a church in honor of the Apostle Stephen the Protomartyr and converted many pagans to the Christian faith. Seeing this, the king of Corfu threw them into prison where they converted seven other prisoners to the Christian faith: Saturninus, Jakischolus, Faustianus, Januarius, Marsalius, Euphrasius and Mammius. The king had those seven put to death for their faith in boiling pitch.

The king's daughter, the virgin Cercyra, having watched these holy apostles being tortured and turned to the Christian faith, distributed all her jewels to the poor. The king became angry and put her in prison, yet she would not deny Christ. So he had the prison burned, but she remained unharmed. Many people were baptized upon seeing this miracle. He then had her killed with arrows while tied to a tree.

Many believers fled to a nearby island to get away from the enraged king, but as he chased them his boat sank. The new king embraced the Christian faith and in baptism received the name Sebastian. From then on Sosipater and Jason freely preached the Gospel and built up the Church in Corfu until a very old age, when they gave up their souls to God.

- Wikipedia

Introduction to Saint Jason
While on his second missionary journey, St. Paul stayed at Salonika, in the house of one, Jason. In consequence of Paul's successful preaching, the Jews, "moved with envy and taking unto them some wicked men of the vulgar sort, and making a tumult, set the city in an uproar; and besetting Jason's house, sought to bring them out unto the people. And not finding them, they drew Jason and certain brethren to the rulers of the city, crying, 'They that set the city in an uproar are come hither also, whom Jason hath received. And these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus.' And they stirred up the people and the rulers of the city, hearing these things. And having taken satisfaction of Jason and of the rest, they let them go". This is probably the Jason referred to with Lucius and Sosipater as the kinsmen of St. Paul in his letter to the Romans, and in the Greek legend he is represented as bishop of Tarsus in Silicia, going with St. Sosipater, bishop of Iconium, to Corfu, evangelizing that Island, and dying there. After preaching successfully for some time, the two missionaries were thrown into prison, where they converted seven thieves who afterward achieved martyrdom. The Syrians, however, venerate Jason as the apostle of the district round Apanea and as a martyr who was thrown to the beasts. The Roman Martyrology wrongly identifies him with the Mnason of Acts xxi 16, "an old disciple" with whom St. Paul was to lodge in Jerusalem, and makes Cyprus the place of his death as well as of his birth. His feast day is July 12.

- Saint Jason, Catholic Online

Troparion and Kontakion, Commemorated on January 4
The Apostle Jason was from Tarsus (Asia Minor). He was the first Christian in the city. The Apostle Sosipater was a native of Patra, Achaia. He is thought to be the same Sosipater mentioned in Acts 20:4. They both became disciples of St Paul, who even called them his kinsmen (Rom 16:21). St John Chrysostom (Homily 32 on Romans) says that this is the same Jason who is mentioned in Acts 17:5-9. St Jason was made bishop in his native city of Tarsus, and St Sosipater in Iconium. They traveled west preaching the Gospel, and in 63 they reached the island of Kerkyra [Korfu] in the Ionian Sea near Greece.

There they built a church in the name of the Protomartyr Stephen and they baptized many. The governor of the island learned on this and locked them up in prison, where they met seven thieves: Saturninus, Iakischolus, Faustianus, Januarius, Marsalius, Euphrasius and Mammius. The Apostles converted them to Christ. For their confession of Christ, the seven prisoners died as martyrs in a cauldron of molten tar, wax and sulfur.

The prison guard, after witnessing their martyrdom, declared himself a Christian. For this they cut off his left hand, then both feet and finally his head. The governor ordered the Apostles Jason and Sosipater to be whipped and again locked up in prison.

When the daughter of the governor of Kerkyra (Korfu), the maiden Kerkyra, learned how Christians were suffering for Christ, she declared herself a Christian and gave away all her finery to the poor. The infuriated governor attempted to persuade his daughter to deny Christ, but St Kerkyra stood firm against both persuasion and threats. Then the enraged father devised a terrible punishment for his daughter: he gave orders that she be placed in a prison cell with the robber and murderer Murinus, so that he might defile the betrothed of Christ

But when the robber approached the door of the prison cell, a bear attacked him. St Kerkyra heard the noise and she drove off the beast in the name of Christ. Then, by her prayers, she healed the wounds of Murinus. Then St Kerkyra enlightened him with the faith of Christ, and St Murinus declared himself a Christian and was executed.

The governor gave orders to burn down the prison, but the holy virgin remained alive. Then on her enraged father's order, she was suspended upon a tree, choked with bitter smoke and shot with arrows. After her death, the governor decided to execute all the Christians on the island of Kerkyra. The Martyrs Zeno, Eusebius, Neon and Vitalis, after being enlightened by Sts Jason and Sosipater, were burned alive.

The inhabitants of Kerkyra, escaping from the persecution, crossed to an adjoining island. The governor set sail with a detachment of soldiers, but was swallowed up by the waves. The governor succeeding him gave orders to throw the Apostles Jason and Sosipater into a cauldron of boiling tar. When he beheld them unharmed, he cried out with tears, "O God of Jason and Sosipater, have mercy on me!"

Having been set free, the Apostles baptized the governor and gave him the name Sebastian. With his help, the Apostles Jason and Sosipater built several churches on the island, and increased the flock of Christ by their fervent preaching. They lived there until they reached old age.

- Troparion and Kontakion

Jason & Sosipater the Apostles of the 70 & their Companions: Commemorated on April 28
Apostle Jason, of the Seventy and those with him: Commemorated on April 28

Reading
Both of these Saints were disciples of the Apostle Paul, who mentions them in his Epistle to the Romans, saying: "Jason and Sosipater my kinsmen greet you" (16:21). Jason was from Tarsus of Cilicia, and became bishop there. Sosipater was from Patras of Achaia, and became Bishop of Iconium. When they had shepherded their churches well for a long time, they departed west that they might profit others also, and arrived finally at the island of Corfu, where they were the first to preach the Gospel to its people. They suffered many things for Christ's Name, drew many souls to salvation, and finished the course of their life there. In the ancient city of Corfu, a church from the first centuries, built in their honour and bearing inscriptions that mention the Saints by name, verifies the historical account concerning them.

Jason: he that will cure, the host of Paul and Silas in Thessalonica. The Jews assaulted his house in order to seize Paul, but failing to find him, they dragged Jason before the ruler of the city (Acts 17:5-9). He was apparently one of the kinsmen of Paul (Romans 16:21), and accompanied him from Thessalonica to Corinth.

Q: Where in the Bible does the name Jason appear
A: Acts 17:5-9 and Romans 16:21. It appears that both references are to the same man.

- WikiAnswers.com

Ikons of Saint Jason

The Bishop of Tarsus, Saint Jason

A convert to Christianity himself, he continued to preach and convert others as a companion of the apostle
Paul until his unnatural death; martyred by being thrown to "wild beasts."

Saint Jason

Saint Jason, Holy Monastery Dormition of Theotokos, Parnitha

Saint Jason

______________________________________________________

Ikons from the Greco-Roman Pagan Legends of Jason

(Paris, The Louvre) Apulian Krater, 350-340 B.C.

With the golden fleece in hand, Jason returns to Iolkos and is received by Pelias.




Jason and the Centaur Chiron, W. Russell Flint, 1880-1969




Argus building Jason's ship, the Argo




(New York Metropolitan Museum) Pot-painting 5th c. B.C

Jason snatches the Golden Fleece.




(Vatican Museum) Pot-painting 5th c. B.C

Jason coming out of the Dragon's mouth with Athena's protection.

Jason and Medea




Dragon guarding the Golden Fleece and Jason




The hero Jason slaying a dragon




Jason and the Argonauts (Civic Museum, Padua, Italy) Lorenzo Costa




The legendary hero Jason fighting skeletons

(Paris, The Louvre) Apulian Krater, 350-340 B.C.

With the golden fleece in hand, Jason returns to Iolkos and is received by Pelias.




(Naples, Archaeological Museum) 4th c. B.C.

Medea diverts the dragon's attention, offering him a drink to put him to sleep, so that
Jason can remove the golden fleece from a nearby branch.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Jason.

SOURCE(s): - Jason of Tarsus, Wikipedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_of_Tarsus)- Home, Catholic Life, Saints and Angels, St. Jason, Catholic Online (http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=293) WikiAnswers, Where in the Bible does the name Jason appear? (wiki.answers.com/Q/Where_in_the_Bible_does_the_name_Jason_appear) Orthodox Church of America, Apostle Jason of the Seventy, or Apostle Jason, of the Seventy and those with him. (http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSID=100063) Christ Notes > Bible Dictionary > Easton’s Bible Dictionary > Entries Beginning with J > Jason, Easton's Bible Dictionary, Christ Notes. (http://www.christnotes.org/dictionary.php?dict=ebd&id=1980) Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, St. Jason. (http://goarch.org/chapel/saints/35)

Neoliteralism, a 21st Century Theology

Neoliteralism, the Cornerstone of Judeo-Christian Theology

Today, there are a countless number of methods along with differing schools of thought when it comes to Bible Studies and Theology. At least some astute observers might say there are already far too many, with each 'method' or 'school' contradicting another so that these traditionally Christian fields of study have become nothing more than a 'Mystery Babylon' intellectual enterprise. Obviously, adding yet another catchy term to the list would seem to be compounding the problem, rather than providing a solution. Nevertheless, the project of Neoliteralism, a new term for a new scholarly outlook, has only one intent and that is simplification. Neoliteralism, as the word implies, presumes to take the Bible literally, but it also includes a basic understanding of what the Bible represents. This understanding is simple, not complex, and general, rather than specific. Thus, a perfect example of Neoliteralism can be seen in the following comments and remarks:

I. The Holy Bible is the most published, read, studied, documented, analyzed, interpreted and discussed book ever known in the history of the world.
II. The Holy Bible is currently available in more alphabets, languages, and versions which are spoken and written by more ethnicities and cultures than any other book on earth today.
III. The Holy Bible is the the single most influential book underlying the development of nearly all the written languages still used on earth today.
IV. The Holy Bible is the official text of Christianity, the largest religion with the most followers in the entire world.
V. The Holy Bible is the cornerstone of monotheism, represented by the three great religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
VI. The Holy Bible is the chronological story of a single family's relationship with a specific supernatural entity that began in 3760 B.C. with Adam and ended with Joshua ben Joseph (Jesus) in 33 A.D.
VII. The Holy Bible is the most powerful piece of literature in the modern world that has inspired, motivated, and influenced more individuals to think and act in more ways than any other written document in the history of the world.

Even if the simple generalizations just mentioned may appear controversial to some readers, each one of them is not only true, but a scientific fact that cannot be denied or dis-proven. In other words, Neoliteralism is willing to make ample use of the Statistical Sciences in order to further its primary agenda, simplicity. Is simplicity an objective goal? Is simplicity biased or politically motivated? The answers to both of those questions depend on the assumptions of what simplicity will do to the fields of Theology and Religious Studies. Put bluntly, there is an infinite number of ways of interpreting Neoliteralism's emphasis on simplicity. The non-believer might suspect that it is simply a code word for fundamentalist Christianity intent on quashing complex, sophisticated dissent of traditional Biblical belief systems. On the other hand, the believer may mistake simplicity as either an attempt to water down or dilute Christian truth or an absurd strategy to tear down the Church which has been built upon a continuing accumulation of scholarship compiled and studied throughout the centuries.

In other words, religious scholars may well be skeptical of this new contraption, this intellectual tool known as Neoliteralism. All things considered, they have every right to be. Indeed, for most readers this is the first mention of the word Neoliteralism. This original piece of jargon could end up being nothing more than another case of self-promotion. Theologians and Religious Scholars, just like nearly everybody in today's world, crave attention. They crave readers, listeners, endowments, large offices, and higher salaries. For some, the spread of Christian intellectual truth is also a strong underlying motivation.

With that in mind, Neoliteralism must be honest with itself and with others about what the term really means. This includes the inventor of the word and author of this essay. In other words, who is the man behind the curtain pulling the strings of Neoliteralism? Well, for starters, Neoliteralism is obviously a self-interested attempt to be different. Are not all 'methods' and 'outlooks' found in Theology the same way? Of course they are. Theologians, like all intellectuals, entered the field out of a desire to have their religious ideas read and listened to by others. Assuming the factor of self-interest remains, here are the basic, and specific, agendas underlying Neoliteralism.

I. Neoliteralism is Catholic: Catholic Christianity is emphasized because it is older and has more adherents than Protestantism. The reason is simple, St. Peter was specifically chosen to be the leader by Joshua (Jesus) (NOTE: the author of this essay is a practicing Roman/Ukrainian Catholic scholar.)
II. Neoliteralism is Judaic: Athens, Greco-Roman Philosophy, and Hellenism are ignored in favor of Jerusalem, Mysticism, and Judaism. The reason is simple, Joshua (Jesus) was and is a Jew.
III. Neoliteralism is Iconoclastic: Extreme anti-Christian sentiments and assumptions found in the visual arts proves their inherently Pagan and demonic tendencies. The reason is simple, God prohibited the graven image as one of the Ten Commandments
IV. Neoliteralism is Scientific: Darwin's Theory of Evolution is losing ground due to scientific dissent among experts. Natural law is concurrent with biological behavior of other mammalian species.
V. Neoliteralism is Evangelical: The continued popularity of the Bible, of Christianity, and their combined historical influence clearly indicates supernatural forces that cannot be explained scientifically. The probability of Christianity's success and the Bible's best-selling status are statistically impossible. Judeo-Christian theology is a statistically significant reality.
VI. Neoliteralism is Judeo-Christian: Numerous sayings and parables found in the Gospels have exact parallels in the Talmud, the Apocrypha, and in modern Orthodox Judaism.

VII. Neoliteralism is Catholic, Judaizing, Iconoclast, Scientist, Evangelist, and Judeo-Christian.

Honesty should not condemn a new idea, theory, or paradigm. In short, these particular aspects of Neoliteralism cannot, and should not, disqualify it from being taken seriously. No type of Theology can ever be objective due to the pre-existing preferences of their creator or inventor. Most importantly, the above statements of subjectivity represent a key component in Neoliteralism. How so? By admitting the simple, unspoken truth of Theology and Biblical Studies. Rather than remain in denial, Neoliteralism simply accepts the reality of dualism embedded in the historical differences of Judeo-Christian thought.

Sometimes, like a coin with only two sides, objective study of these differences is impossible to achieve. Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, even nonbelievers and Pagan, are either Catholic or Protestant because, regardless of their personal faith, they will always prefer one over another. This understanding is also true concerning the traditional Christian stereotypes which have, at times, erupted into violent opposition. Historically speaking, the Glorious Revolution of England and the Iconoclasm Rebellion of the Byzantine Empire are perfect examples of ideas armed with swords. Everyone, including every theologian is, in the end, either a Judaizer or a Hellenizer, an Iconophil or an Iconoclast, an Artist or a Scientist, who is Private or Evangelical about being Christian or Judeo-Christian. To summarize, Neoliteralism is brutally honest about its intentions of being barbarically simple about Theology and Biblical Studies. Complexity and sophistication are both acceptable, but there must be balance instead of a one-sided journey into obscurity and obsolescence.

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.


Jason Nicholas Korning

Saint Judas Maccabaeus Fact Sheet

Judas, the Valiant

Maccabee Facts about St. Judas Maccabaeus

The Life of St. Judas Maccabeus
PLACE OF BIRTH: Modi'in (Modein), Judea
PLACE OF DEATH: Elasa (160 BC), near modern day Ramallah
MILITARY SERVICE: Rebel leader and commander of the Maccabees
YEARS OF SERVICE: 167-160 BC
BATTLES/WARS: Revolt of the Maccabees
LEGACY: Military hero, Defender of Judaism, Founder of Hanukkah
PRESTIGE: One of the Nine Worthies, which include nine of the greatest Judeo-Christian warriors of all time
JUDAISM: Seen as one of greatest Jewish warriors in history, alongside Joshua, Gideon and David
ESTABLISHMENT: Founded the holiday of Hanukkah and the Hasmonean Dynasty of Israel

The Faith of St. Judas Maccabaeus
RELIGION: Orthodox Temple Judaism
FAITH: Devout, traditional
BIBLE: Book of the Maccabees I and II
APOCRYPHA: Book of the Maccabees III, IV, and V
OTHER BOOKS: Book of the Maccabees VI, VII, VIII, and the three Ethiopian books of Meqabyan
TRADITION: One of the most celebrated Judeo-Christian heroes in history
JUDAISM: Founder of the festival of Hanukkah (Dedication), an official holiday of Judaism
CHRISTIANITY: Considered a Saint residing in the Christian Kingdom of Heaven
RECOGNITION: Honored by Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodox, Ethiopian and Coptic Christianity
CHURCHES: I. St. Mary and St. Shmuni Church, in Sinstorf (Hamburg, Germany), II. Chapel of the Maccabees, in Saint-Pierre, (Geneva, Switzerland), III. St. Maccabees Church, in Cologne, (Germany), IV. Church of St. Maccabees Brothers in Lady, (Poland)

Ancestry of St. Judas Maccabaeus
ROYAL LINE: Hasmonean Dynasty
TRIBE OF ISRAEL: Levi
FAMILY HOUSE: House of Asamoneus
PRIESTHOOD: Seven Watchtowers of Joarib
FATHER: Mattathias the Hasmonean
BIRTH ORDER: Third-born son
BROTHERS: Jonathan Apphus, John Gaddis, Simon Thassi, Eleazar Avaran
FAMILY TOMB: Modi'in, Israel

Various Names of St. Judas Maccabaeus
STANDARD: Judas Maccabeus, Judas Maccabaeus
TITLE: The Hammer, the Hammer of God, the Hammerer
JEWISH: Judah Maccabee, Judah the Maccabee
YIDDISH: Yehudah HaMakabi
LITERAL ENGLISH: Judah the Hammer
HEBREW: יהודה המכבי
ORIGIN: From the Aramaic 'maqqabba', or 'makebet' in modern Hebrew
ALTERNATIVE SPELLINGS: Machabeus, Maccabeus,

The Eternal Laws of St. Judas Maccabaeus
GOD: I. You will accept death over idolatry.
LIFE: II. You will accept death over murder.
SEXUALITY: III. You will accept death over sexual perversion.

The Triumph of Judas Maccabaeus

St. Judas Maccabaeus in Literature
Old English Homilies on The Maccabees, by Aelfric (c. 1000) edited by Stuart D. Lee
El Maccabeo, by Miguel de Silveyra. (Naples, 1638)
La chevalerie de Judas Macabe, by Pierre du Ryer (1600-1658)
Judas Machabaeus, (Rome 1695)
Judas Makkabaeus, by Josef Eduard Konrad Bischoff (Germany 1885)
The Hammer, by Alfred J. Church and Richmond Seeley (1890)
Alilot Gibbor ha-Yehudim Yehudah ha-Makkabi le-Veit ha-Hashmona'im, by Jacob Benjamin Katznelson (1922)
Judas Makkabaeus, ein Kleinvolk kaempft um Glaube und Heimat, by Karl Boxler (1943)
My Glorious Brothers, by Howard Fast (1948)
Yehudah ha-Makkabi in A Layter tsu der Zun, by Moses Schulstein (1954)
Yehudah ha-Makkabi in Sippurim le-Mofet, by Jacob Fichmann (1954)

King David with Judas on Right

St. Judas Maccabaeus in Theatre
Judas Maccabeaus, by William Houghton (1601)
Giuda Maccabeo, ossia la morte di Nicanore, an Oratorio adapted by Vallicella (1839)
Judas Maccabaeus, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1872)

St. Judas Maccabaeus in Art
The illustrated manuscript Libri Maccabaeorum (900s AD).
Josephus, illustrations by Jean Fouquet
Chapel of the Dead in Tournai Cathedral, by Rubens
Illustrated English Bible, illustrated by Paul Gustave Dore
Nine Heroes Tapestries at the Metropolitan Museum (South Netherlandish, ca. 1400-1410)
The Triumph of Judas Maccabeus, by Gerrit van Honthorst

St. Judas Maccabaeus in Music
Judas Maccabaeus, an Oratorio, by George Frideric Handel (1746)
Song of Judas Maccabeus Before the Battle of Maspha, by Rebekah Hyneman (1816-1875)
The Battle-Cry of the South, by James R. Randall (1860s)

St. Judas Maccabaeus Briefly Mentioned in...
The Divine Comedy, by Dante
Love's Labour's Lost, by William Shakespeare
The song Hanukkah in Santa Monica, by Tom Lehrer
The song Jerusalem, by Mirah
The book Treatise on Twelve Lights, Ch. 5 (Recourse to the Sword), by Robert Struble (2007-08)

Judas Maccabaeus, the Hammer of God

May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.


Jason Nicholas Korning


SOURCE(S): - Judas Maccabaeus, Wikipedia. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judas_Maccabeus), Judas Maccabaeus on the web, by Tim Spalding. (http://www.isidore-of-seville.com/maccabeus/), Books of the Maccabees, Wikipedia.(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Books_of_the_Maccabees), Category: Holy Maccabees Churches, Wikimedia. (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Holy_Maccabees_churches)

The Christian Talmud and the Jewish Gospels

The Word of God

I have been an amateur, Gentile Scholar of the Jewish Talmud for around ten or so years. I do not speak Yiddish, Aramaic, or Hebrew. Even so, and given everything I have learned so far without any Jewish input or instruction, I must conclude that the history of Gentile Christian animosity towards this astounding set of documents should be seen as a superstitious, unreasonable assault on common sense, let alone Biblical scholarship and practical judgment.

In reality, the Talmud is literally 99.999% acceptable to nearly all forms of Christian thought and reflects a sense of ethics and morality that is, in fact, far more strict than any form of Christianity. Those who still object to the .001% of the text which may, or may not, be offensive to Christianity, are lost in the land of irrationality and, God willing, someone will save them from themselves. Anyway, here is ABSOLUTE PROOF of an ancient, very real Judeo-Christian tradition embedded in both the Jewish Talmud and the Christian Gospel of Matthew. For those of you who have ever been mocked or ridiculed by either Jewish or Gentile intellectuals who insist that they has never been a Judeo-Christian tradition, here is your undeniable vindication.

TALMUD: Man has two hands, but he is not to rob with the one and give donations with the other. (Talmud, Midrash Proverbs 11)
GOSPEL: When you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:3-4)

TALMUD: Swear not at all, not even to the truth. (Talmud, Tanchum, Vayikra)
GOSPEL: I tell you, Do not swear at all. (Matthew 5:34)

TALMUD: The pure of heart are God's friends. (Talmud, Genesis Rabba 41)
GOSPEL: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. (Matthew 5:8)

TALMUD: If you intend to put man to rights, put yourself to rights first. (Talmud, Midrash Psalms 53)
GOSPEL: Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?...You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7:3-5)

TALMUD: Have no compunction to chastise where chastisement is called for. It will produce not animosity, but eventually love and peace. (Talmud, Genesis Rabba 54)
GOSPEL: Moreover if your brother should trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he will hear you, you have gained your brother. (Matthew 18:16)

TALMUD: God knows our thoughts before they are formed. (Talmud, Genesis Rabba 9)
GOSPEL: Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. (Matthew 6:8)

TALMUD: The truth of the Torah is a weapon to its possessor. (Talmud, Numbers Rabba 12)
GOSPEL: Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. (Matthew 10:34)

The Judeo-Christian Tradition is real...

TALMUD: One of the characteristics of the righteous is that their yes is yes, and their no is no. (Talmud, Midrash Ruth 7)
GOSPEL: Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No' be 'No', anything beyond this comes from the evil one. (Matthew 5:37)

TALMUD: Man's eyes and his heart prompt him to sin. (Talmud, Numbers Rabba 17)
GOSPEL: I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

TALMUD: Adultery can be committed with the eyes. (Talmud, Leviticus Rabba 23)
GOSPEL: I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart. (Matthew 5:28)

TALMUD: Immediately when a man is born he proceeds into death, when he dies he proceeds into life. (Talmud, Midrash Samuel 23)
GOSPELS: He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it. (Matthew 10:39)

TALMUD: The Guardian Angels are always near God's throne. (Talmud, Tanchum, Sazrea)
GOSPELS: Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say unto you that in Heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in Heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

The Truth of Judeo-Christianity

TALMUD: God lends eloquence to the suppliant. (Talmud, Midrash Proverbs 15)
GOSPEL: Do not worry about how or what you are to say, for it will be given you in that hour what you are to say. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. (Matthew 10:19-20)

TALMUD: No one can imagine the reward of him who accepts all his sorrows and reverses with religious resignation. (Talmud, Tanchum, Kee Saizai)
GOSPEL: Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12)

TALMUD: What Solomon meant to convey by the words, 'What profit has a man of all his labor which he does under the sun?' (Ecclesiaste 1:2) is that whatever a man may possess on earth, under the sun, he must inevitably part with, but it is different if he provides for himself above the sun, in Heaven. (Talmud, Midrash Ecclesiastes 1)
GOSPEL: A man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?'...Jesus answered, 'If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me.' (Matthew 19:16-21)

TALMUD: As the sea throws up its debris upon the shores, so the wicked have filthiness upon their mouths. (Talmud, Midrash Psalms 2)
GOSPELS: Jesus asked them. 'Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man unclean. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.' (Matthew 15:16-19)

TALMUD: When no justice is done here below, it will be accomplished from above. (Talmud, Deuteronomy Rabba 5)
GOSPEL: But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matthew 19:30)

TALMUD: Swear not at all, not even to the truth. (Talmud, Tanchum, Vayikra)
GOSPEL: I tell you, Do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. (Matthew 5:34-36)

TALMUD: To do justice and righteousness is more acceptable to God than sacrifices (Proverbs 21:3)...Sacrifices atoned only for sins committed in error not for presumptuous sin, justice and righteousness atone for all sins. (Talmud, Deuteronmy Rabba 5)
GOSPEL If only you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless. (Matthew 12:7)

TALMUD: Let no man boast of his exalted position. Even so great a man as Samuel received a rebuke for his lack of modesty. (Talmud, Midrash Samuel 12)
GOSPEL: Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4)

TALMUD: God will wipe away tears from off all faces (Isaiah 25:8). This means from the faces of non-Jews as well as Jews. (Talmud, Genesis Rabba 26)
GOSPEL: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen...I will put my Spirit upon him, and he shall declare judgment to the Gentiles....And in his name shall the Gentiles hope. (Matthew 12:18-21)

TALMUD: The leper, the blind, the abject poor, and those who have no children are as though they are dead. (Talmud, Tanchum,Tsav)
GOSPEL: Another of the disciples said to Him, 'Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.' But Jesus said to him, 'Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead.' (Matthew 8:21-22)

TALMUD: When no justice is done here below, it will be accomplished from above. (Talmud, Deuteronomy Rabba 5)
GOSPEL: Many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first. (Matthew 19:30)

TALMUD: He who hears himself abused (or cursed) and does not retaliate may be called a saintly man. (Talmud, Midrash Psalms 16)
GOSPEL: I tell you do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. (Matthew 5:38)

TALMUD: The proverb says, 'If you give out your money in usury you will lose what you gain as well as your original capital.' (Talmud, Leviticus Rabba 3)
GOSPEL: For whoever has, to him shall be given and he shall have abundance: but whoever has not, from him shall be taken away even that which he has. (Matthew 13:12)

The Judeo-Christian Wisdom of the Prophets

TALMUD: The righteous are put to more and severer trials than the unrighteous. (Talmud, Tanchum,Vaayro)
GOSPEL: Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

TALMUD: When the prophets went forth on their mission the Holy Spirit rested upon them, awed and surprised their audience, and inspired them with respect for the prophets. (Talmud, Numbers Rabba 10)
GOSPEL: Jesus summoned His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and every kind of sickness...These twelve Jesus sent out after instructing them: 'Do not go in the way of the Gentiles...but rather go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel...Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you received, freely give.' (Matthew 10:1-8)

These passages are proof positive that the Christian Gospels were definitively Jewish in origin, reflecting mainstream Jewish thought and sentiment as seen during the lifetime of Joshua (Jesus Christ) that has continued, parallel with Christianity for thousands of years since that time. May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.

The Number Seven and Maccabee Christianity

The Seven Mysteries of Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)

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The Number Seven & God the Father

The Seven Days of Creation
I. God creates Light and separates the Light from the Darkness (Genesis 1:1-5)
II. God separates the Waters Above from the Waters Below and creates Heaven (Genesis 1:6-8)
III. God creates the Land, the Seas, and all the Plants (Genesis 1:9-13
IV. God creates the Sun (Day), the Moon (Night), and the Stars. (Genesis 1:14-19)
V. God creates all the Fish and the Birds (Genesis 1:20-23)
VI. God creates all the Animals, Insects, and then Mankind. (Genesis 1:24:31)
VII. God Rests (Genesis 2:1-4)

The Seven Noahide Laws
I. You will not commit idolatry.
II. You will not murder.
III. You will not steal.
IV. You will not commit sexual perversion.
V. You will not commit blasphemy.
VI. You will not eat the flesh of a living animal.
VII. You will establish courts to enforce these laws.

The Seven Colors of the Rainbow
I. Red
II. Orange
III. Yellow
IV. Green
V, Blue
VI. Indigo
VII. Purple

The Seven Archangels of God
I. Uriel
II. Raphael
III. Raguel
IV. Michael
V. Saraqael
VI. Gabriel
VII. Remiel (Book of Enoch 20:1-8)

The Seven Duties of the Archangels
I. Uriel: Rules over the world and over Tartarus.
II. Raphael: Rules over the souls of men.
III. Raguel: Takes vengeance on the world of the luminaries.
IV. Michael: Rules over the best part of mankind and over chaos.
V. Saraqael: Rules over the ghost, who sin in the spirit.
VI. Gabriel: Rules over Paradise and the serpents and the Cherubim.
VII. Remiel: Rules over those who rise from the Dead. (Book of Enoch 20:1-8)

The Seven Evils God Hates
I. The haughty eyes
II. The lying tongue
III. The hands that shed innocent blood
IV. The heart that devises wicked plans
V. The feet that run rapidly to evil
VI. The false witness who utters lies
VII. The one who spreads strife among brothers. (Proverbs 6:16-19)

The Seven Holy Maccabee Martyrs
I. St. Abim
II. St. Antonius
III. St. Guriah
IV. St. Eleazar
V. St. Eusebon
VI. St. Alimus
VII. St. Marcellus

Their Mother: St. Solomonia
Their Teacher: St. Eleazar

The Seven Catholic Books of the Bible
I. Sirach
II. Tobit
III. Wisdom
IV. Judith
V. First Maccabees
VI. Second Maccabees
VII. Baruch

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Seven & God's Only Son, Joshua (Jesus)

The Seven Sacraments of Maccabee Christianity
I. Baptism
II. Communion
III. Confession
IV. Confirmation
V. Matrimony
VI. Ordination
VII. Anointing

The Seven Sacraments of Maccabee Christianity

The Seven Essential Beliefs of the Apostles' Creed
I. God, the Father
II. Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ), His only Son
III. The Holy Ghost
IV. The Holy Catholic Church
V. The Communion of Saints
VI. The forgiveness of sins,
VII. The resurrection of the body and life everlasting.

The Seven Catholic Letters of the Bible
I. James
II. Jude
III. First Peter
IV. Second Peter
V. First John
VI. Second John
VII. Third John

The Seven Joys of St. Mary
I. The Annunciation of Joshua
II. The Nativity of Joshua
III. The Gifts of the Three Wise Men
IV. The Resurrection of Joshua
V. The Ascension of Joshua
VI. The Pentecost, or Descent, of the Holy Ghost
VII. The Heavenly Coronation of Mary

The Seven Sorrows of St. Mary
I. The Prophecy about Joshua
II. The Exile of Joshua
III. The Disappearance of Joshua
IV. The Cross-bearing of Joshua
V. The Crucifixion of Joshua
VI. The Dead Body of Joshua
VII. The Burial of Joshua

The Seven Joys of St. Joseph
I. The Message of the Angel (Matthew 1:20)
II. Jesus' Birth itself (Luke 2:7)
III. The Holy Name of Jesus (Matthew 1:25)
IV. Simeon's prophecy that many would rise (Luke 2:34)
V. The Overthrow of Idols (Isaiah 19:1)
VI. Life with Mary and Jesus (Luke 2:39)
VII. The Finding of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:46)

The Seven Sorrows of St. Joseph
I. The Doubt of Saint Joseph (Matthew 1:19)
II. The Poverty of Jesus' birth (Luke 2:7)
III. The Circumcision (Luke 2:21)
IV. Simeon's Prophecy that many would be lost (Luke 2:34)
V. The Flight into Egypt (Matthew 2:13-14)
VI. The Return from Egypt (Matthew 2:22)
VII. The Loss of the Child Jesus (Luke 2:45)

The Seven Material Deeds of Mercy
I. Feed the Hungry
II. Quench the Thirsty.
III. Clothe the Naked.
IV. Shelter the Homeless
V. Visit the Imprisoned
VI. Comfort the Sick
VII. Bury the Dead

The Seven Spiritual Deeds of Mercy
I. Instruct Ignorance
II. Counsel Doubt
III. Rebuke Sinners
IV. Endure Others Patiently
V. Forgive Others Willingly
VI. Comfort Affliction
VII. Pray for the the Living and the Dead

The Seven Churches of Revelation
I. Ephesus
II. Smyrna
III. Pergamum
IV. Thyatira
V. Sardis
VI. Philadelphia
VII. Laodicea

The Seven Last Words of Christ
I. Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Luke 23:34)
II. Amen I say to you: 'This day you shall be with me in Paradise.' (Luke 23:43)
III. Woman, behold your son. . . .Behold your mother. (John 19:26-27)
IV. Eli, Eli, lamma sabacthani? (My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken me?) (Matthew 27:46)
V. I thirst. (John 19:28)
VI. It is consummated. (John 19:30)
VII. Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit. (Luke 23:46, or Psalm 30:6)

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The Number Seven and the Holy Ghost

The Seven Gifts of the Holy Ghost
I Wisdom
II. Understanding
III. Counsel
IV. Courage
V. Knowledge
VI. Devotion
VII. Fear of the LORD

The Seven Manifestations of the Holy Ghost
I. Love
II. Joy
III. Peace
IV. Long-Suffering
V. Gentleness
VI. Goodness
VII. Faith

The Seven Expressions (or Lamps) of the Holy Ghost
I. Grace
II. Life
III. Adoption
IV. Holiness
V. Supplications
VI. Truth
VII. Glory

The Seven Mysteries of the Holy Ghost
I. The Annunciation (Luke 1:35)
II. The Visitation (Luke 1:42)
III. The Baptism (Luke 3:22)
IV. The Wedding (John 2:1-11)
V.. The Crucifixion (John 19:30)
VI. The Resurrection (John 20:19, 22)
VII. The Pentecost (Acts 2:1)

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The Number Seven, Good and Evil

The Seven Ancient Virtues of God
I. Prudence
II. Justice
III. Temperance
IV. Fortitude
V. Faith
VI. Hope
VII. Love

The Seven Holy Virtues
I. Valour: Pursuit of Courage and Knowledge
II. Generosity: Pursuit of Giving
III. Liberality: Pursuit of Will
IV. Diligence: Pursuit of Ethics
V. Patience: Pursuit of Peace
VI. Kindness: Pursuit of Charity
VII. Humility: Pursuit of Modesty

The Seven Heavenly (Contrary) Virtues
I. Chastity
II. Temperance
III. Charity
IV. Diligence
V. Patience
VI. Kindness
VII. Humility

The Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lust
II. Gluttony
III. Greed
IV. Sloth
V. Wrath
VI. Envy
VII. Pride

The Seven Demons of the Seven Deadly Sins
I. Lucifer = Pride
II. Mammon = Greed
III. Asmodeus = Lust
IV. Leviathan = Envy
V. Beelzebub = Gluttony
VI. Satan/Amon = Wrath
VII. Belphegor = Sloth (Peter Binsfeld, 1589)

The New, Seven Deadly 'Social' Sins
I. Human Experimentation
II. Genetic Manipulation
III. Environmental Pollution
IV. Social Injustice
V. Poverty Causation
VI. Excessive Wealth
VII. Drug Abuse

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The Gospels of Seven

Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) Appears to Seven Disciples
Jesus manifested Himself again to (seven of) the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He manifested Himself in this way. Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together. (John 21:1-2)

The Seven Woes of Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ) from Matthew 23
I. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men's faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let those enter who are trying to. (Matthew 23:13-14)
II. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are. (Matthew 23:15)
III. Woe to you, blind guides! You say, 'If anyone swears by the temple, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gold of the temple, he is bound by his oath.' You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred? You also say, 'If anyone swears by the altar, it means nothing; but if anyone swears by the gift on it, he is bound by his oath.' You blind men! Which is greater: the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred? Therefore, he who swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. And he who swears by the temple swears by it and by the one who dwells in it. And he who swears by heaven swears by God's throne and by the one who sits on it. (Matthew 23:16-22)
IV. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices-mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former. You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel. (Matthew 23:23-24)
V. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean. (Matthew 23:25-26)
VI. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. (Matthew 23:27-28)
VII. Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You build tombs for the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous. And you say, 'If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.' So you testify against yourselves that you are the descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of the sin of your forefathers! (Matthew 23:29-31)

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The Other Sevens

The Seventh Hour Miracle
As he was now going down, his slaves met him, saying that his son was living. So he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. Then they said to him, 'Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.' So the father knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to him, 'Your son lives' and he himself believed and his whole household. (John 4:51-53)

The Village Seven Miles from Jerusalem
Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the linen wrappings only and he went away to his home, marveling at what had happened. And behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. And they were talking with each other about all these things which had taken place. (Luke 24:12-14)

The Old Prophetess Married for Seven Years
And there was a prophetess, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years and had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then as a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, serving night and day with fastings and prayers. At that very moment she came up and began giving thanks to God, and continued to speak of Him to all those who were looking for the redemption of Jerusalem. (Luke 2:36-38)

Seven, the Number of Forgiveness

Seven Times of Forgiveness
"Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him." The apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith!' (Luke 17:3-5)

Seven-Seven Times of Forgiveness
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' (Matthew 18:21-22)

Mary, the Woman with Seven Demons

The Woman Cured of Seven Demons Supports Joshua the Messiah (Jesus Christ)
Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who were contributing to their support out of their private means. (Luke 8:1-3)

The Woman Cured of Seven Demons Encounters the Resurrected Joshua (Jesus)
They went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had gripped them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons. She went and reported to those who had been with Him, while they were mourning and weeping. (Mark 16:8-10)

The Miracle of Seven Loaves

Seven Loaves of Bread Feeds Four Thousand with Seven Baskets Left Over
His disciples answered Him, 'Where will anyone be able to find enough bread here in this desolate place to satisfy these people?' And He was asking them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven.' And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. They also had a few small fish; and after He had blessed them, He ordered these to be served as well. And they ate and were satisfied; and they picked up seven large baskets full of what was left over of the broken pieces.About four thousand were there; and He sent them away. (Mark 8:4-9)

Joshua (Jesus) Questions the Apostles about the Seven Loaves
'When I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of broken pieces did you pick up?' And they said to Him, 'Seven.' And He was saying to them, 'Do you not yet understand?' (Mark 8:20-21)

Seven Loaves of Bread Feeds Four Thousand Followers (Matthew)
Jesus called His disciples to Him, and said, 'I feel compassion for the people, because they have remained with Me now three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.' The disciples said to Him, 'Where would we get so many loaves in this desolate place to satisfy such a large crowd?' And Jesus said to them, 'How many loaves do you have?' And they said, 'Seven, and a few small fish.' And He directed the people to sit down on the ground and He took the seven loaves and the fish; and giving thanks, He broke them and started giving them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. And they all ate and were satisfied, and they picked up what was left over of the broken pieces, seven large baskets full. And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. (Matthew 15:32-38)

Joshua (Jesus) Questions the Apostles about the Seven Loaves
'Or the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many large baskets full you picked up?' (Matthew 16:10)

The Seven Demons of Lust

The Seven Demons of Nocturnal Emissions (Matthew)
Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it. Then it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came,' and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order. Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation. (Matthew 12:43-45)

The Seven Demons of Nocturnal Emissions (Luke)
When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, 'I will return to my house from which I came.' And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order.Then it goes and takes along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.' (Luke 11:24-26)

The Question of Seven Husbands

The Wife of Seven Husbands (Mark)
Some Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to Jesus, and began questioning Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES and leaves behind a wife AND LEAVES NO CHILD, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. There were seven brothers; and the first took a wife, and died leaving no children. The second one married her, and died leaving behind no children; and the third likewise and so all seven left no children. Last of all the woman died also. In the resurrection, when they rise again, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures or the power of God? For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like Angels in Heaven. But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob?' He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken." (Mark 12:18-27)

The Wife of Seven Husbands (Luke)
Now there came to Him some of the Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection), and they questioned Him, saying, 'Teacher, Moses wrote for us that IF A MAN'S BROTHER DIES, having a wife, AND HE IS CHILDLESS, HIS BROTHER SHOULD MARRY THE WIFE AND RAISE UP CHILDREN TO HIS BROTHER. Now there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife and died childless, and the second and the third married her; and in the same way all seven died, leaving no children. Finally the woman died also. In the resurrection therefore, which one's wife will she be? For all seven had married her.' Jesus said to them, 'The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage, for they cannot even die anymore, because they are like angels, and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the burning bush, where he calls the Lord THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB. Now He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him.' Some of the scribes answered and said, "'Teacher, You have spoken well.' (Luke 20:27-39)

The Wife of Seven Husbands (Matthew)
On that day some Sadducees (who say there is no resurrection) came to Jesus and questioned Him, asking, "Teacher, Moses said, 'IF A MAN DIES HAVING NO CHILDREN, HIS BROTHER AS NEXT OF KIN SHALL MARRY HIS WIFE, AND RAISE UP CHILDREN FOR HIS BROTHER. Now there were seven brothers with us; and the first married and died, and having no children left his wife to his brother; so also the second, and the third, down to the seventh. Last of all, the woman died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife of the seven will she be? For they all had married her.' But Jesus answered and said to them, "You are mistaken, not understanding the Scriptures nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven. But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, AND THE GOD OF JACOB'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living." When the crowds heard this, they were astonished at His teaching. (Matthew 22:23-33)

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The Number Seven and the Apocrypha

The LORD God Choose the Number Seven
The LORD...created all His creatures, and divided time, from time he fixed the years, and from the years..the months, and from the months he appointed the days, and of days he appointed seven. (II Enoch 65:3)

The Seven Original and Final Elements of Man
I. Man's flesh from the Earth
II. His Blood from the Dew
III. His Eyes from the Sun
IV. His Bones from Stone
V. His Intelligence from the swiftness of the angels and from Clouds
VI. His Veins and his Hair from the Grass of the earth
VII. His Soul from the Wind. (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Original Elements of Man's Creation
1. Earth
2. Morning Dew
3. Sun
4. Stone
5. Clouds
6. Grass
7. Wind (II Enoch 30:10)

The Seven Organs and Sensations of Man
I. The flesh for hearing
II. the eyes for sight
III. The soul for smelling,
IV. the veins for touching
V. the blood for taste
VI. the bones for endurance
VII. The intelligence for enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

The Seven Natures of Man
I. Listening
II. Seeing
III. Smelling
IV. Touching
V. Tasting
VI. Enduring
VII. Enjoying (II Enoch 30:11)

The Seven Elements and Natures of Mankind
On the sixth day I commanded my wisdom to create man from seven consistencies: one, his flesh from the earth; two, his blood from the dew; three, his eyes from the sun; four, his bones from stone; five, his intelligence from the swiftness of the angels and from cloud; six, his veins and his hair from the grass of the earth; seven, his soul from my breath and from the wind. And I gave him seven natures: to the flesh hearing, the eyes for sight, to the soul smell, the veins for touch, the blood for taste, the bones for endurance, to the intelligence sweetness [enjoyment]. (II Enoch 30:10-11)

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May the LORD God bless you in the name of St. Judas Maccabaeus.



Jason Nicholas Korning

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