Kingdom Authority In The Great Commission

Kingdom Authority in the GREAT COMMISSION To begin to understand Kingdom Authority, let’s begin with the Great Commission as recorded by Matthew and Mark. I noted some key words in all caps. The Greek translation is in brackets []. Just note the words and where they are in Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20 18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All POWER [exousia] is given

unto me in HEAVEN [ouranos] and in EARTH [ge]. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the WORLD [aion]. Mark 16:15-18 15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the WORLD [kosmos], and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 They shall take up serpents [ophis]; and if they drink [pino] any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

ouranos (oo-ran-os') 1 Translated words: air, heaven, heavenly Definition: 1. the vaulted expanse of the sky with all things visible in it a. the universe, the world b. the aerial heavens or sky, the region where the clouds and the tempests gather, and where thunder and lightning are produced c. the sidereal or starry heavens 2. the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings

1

Source: http://www.studylight.org. Also refer to Strong’s Concordance.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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ge (ghay)2 Translated words: country, earth, earthly, ground, land, world Definition: 1. arable land 2. the ground, the earth as a standing place 3. the main land as opposed to the sea or water 4. the earth as a whole a. the earth as opposed to the heavens b. the inhabited earth, the abode of men and animals 5. a country, land enclosed within fixed boundaries, a tract of land, territory, region

kosmos (kos'-mos)3 Translated words: adorning, world Definition: 1. ornament, decoration, adornment, i.e. the arrangement of the stars, 'the heavenly hosts', as the ornament of the heavens. 2. the world, the universe 3. the circle of the earth, the earth 4. the inhabitants of the earth, men, the human family 5. the ungodly multitude; the whole mass of men alienated from God, and therefore hostile to the cause of Christ aion (ahee-ohn’) Translated words: age, eternal, ever, evermore, world Definition: 1. for ever, an unbroken age, perpetuity of time, eternity 2. the worlds, universe 3. period of time, age Contrary to those who read the Scriptures in the natural (flesh) the account of this event by the two Disciples are not in conflict. Before going further, let me share a pearl of wisdom regarding the Gospels. When referencing Scripture from the Gospels, it is important to cross reference with the other Gospels to get full understanding of what Jesus did and the significance of His teaching. Each DISCIPLE recorded the events in the life of Christ from different perspectives for different audiences. Each Gospel appealed to different classes of people. When Christ was crucified, there was an inscription placed over His head, written in three languages: Greek, Hebrew, and Latin. These were the languages of the people4: 2

Ibid. Ibid. 4 Source: The Principles of Biblical Hermeneutics, by J. Edwin Hartill 3

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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• • •

•

Matthew represented Christ as KING (Messiah). His Sovereignty appealed to the Jews. The Jews did not need proof that the Messiah was to be Deity; they needed proof that Jesus was the Messiah. Mark represented Christ as SERVANT. His Service appealed to the Romans. Rome was not interested in the Jewish King. The focus of their government was service. Luke represented Christ as MAN. His seed appealed to the Greeks. The Greeks were interested in poetry and literature. Their gods were not made in the form of beasts, but in the forms of men. They were interested in the perfect man. Luke referred to Christ as the Son of Man. John represented Christ as GOD. The Son of God appealed to the Church. This Gospel was written to the new Christian.

Matthew, representing Jesus as the Messiah, identified His authority (or dominion) as having no limits in time (aion) and space (ouranos, ge). Mark, representing Jesus as Servant to man, commanded the Disciples to serve man by going into the world (kosmos), meeting their needs spiritually, emotionally and physically (preaching the Gospel, casting out of demons, and healing the sick). Through service to the unbeliever, the Disciples demonstrate Christ’s power over satan. The meaning of the Great Commission makes sense and is complete when you have the foundation regarding the target audience.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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Understanding the KINGDOM We should divide the Word of Truth, making a distinction whether or not God makes a difference. Is there a difference between Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God? The Greek word for kingdom is basileia, which means authority to rule over a kingdom, or dominion. To answer the question, let’s look at the Lord’s prayer: Matthew 6:8-13 Jesus teaches the Disciples how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount 8

"Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven [ouranos], Hallowed be Your name. 10

Your Kingdom [basileia] come. Your will be done On earth[ge] as it is in heaven [ouranos].

11

Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts [opheilema], As we forgive our debtors [opheiletes]. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. 12

For Yours is the Kingdom [basileia]and the power [dunamis] and the glory forever. Amen. Luke 11:1-4 Jesus had already taught the Disciples how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus addressed this issue again in addressing an inquiry from one of the Disciples. 1

And it came to pass, that, as he was praying in a certain place, when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him, Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples. 2 And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven [ouranos], Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven [ouranos], so in earth [ge]. 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted [opheilo] to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.

Jesus teaches the Diciples how to approach GOD the Father for answer to prayer. (1) Acknowledge GOD the Father for who He is (2) humbly submit your will to God’s will being fulfilled in heaven and earth (territory) (3) daily bread means God’s word. We need His word daily as food to our spirits and soul (4) we ask for forgiveness from GOD the Father, but there is a provision: we must forgive those who offended us. Reading this Scripture from the English only would imply that debts involve money. Note that praying to GOD the Father is a spiritual communication. The Greek words opheiletes, opheileo mean one held by some obligation, bound by some duty. If a man offends someone, he is indebted to him to repay for his offense. This creates a spiritual bound which inhibits answered prayer. As we ask GOD the Father to forgive us for our sins, we must forgive those who sinned or offended us. (5) as we are led by our fleshly desires, we ask GOD the Father to deliver us from the evil one, who is satan, and (6) © 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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acknowledgement of God’s domain in heaven and earth (territory) and His power over that domain. The following table illustrates where the terms Kingdom of Heaven/Kingdom of God are noted in the Gospels. Here Jesus defines His Kingdom as being on earth and in heaven.

Gospel

Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of God

basileia ton ouranon

basileia tou theou

Matthew

Yes

Yes

Mark

No

Yes

Luke

No

Yes

John

No

Yes

Note that Matthew is the only Gospel where Kingdom of Heaven is recorded. The Old Testament refers to the Kingdom of Heaven multiple times. The Kingdom of Heaven spans from heaven and under the heavens upon the earth, and has the Messiah as its King. Matthew, who represents Jesus as the Messiah, uses the term Kingdom of Heaven to appeal to the Jewish people. In teaching the Disciples how to pray, Jesus had to bring these Jews to a reference point in their new relationship to the Father, a common ground so-to-speak, hence the term Kingdom of Heaven. Note the following scriptures, although not an exhaustive study, illustrates how the Kingdom of Heaven is used in Scripture (especially in the Psalms): Psalm 14:1-2 1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

2

The LORD looked down from heaven [ouranos] upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. Psalm 20:5-6 5

We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions. 6 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven [ouranos] with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalm 53:1-2 1

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good. 2 God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, that did seek God.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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Psalm 103:1-19 1

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: 3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; 5 Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. 6 The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed. 7 He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 9 He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. 13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him. 14 For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. 16 For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more. 17 But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children; 18 To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them. 2

19

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens [ouranos]; and his kingdom [basileia] ruleth over all. Psalm 115:13-16 13 14

He will bless them that fear the LORD, both small and great. The LORD shall increase you more and more, you and your children.

15

Ye are blessed of the LORD which made heaven and earth. The heaven, even the heavens, are the LORD'S: but the earth hath he given to the children of men. 16

Psalm 119:89-990 89 90

For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven [ouranos]. Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth [ge], and it abideth.

Psalm 121:1-2 1

I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.

2

My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven [ouranos] and earth [ge]. Psalm 145:11 8

The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. 10 All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. 9

11

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom [basileia], and talk of thy power; 12

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of his kingdom.

13

Thy kingdom [basileia] is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations. 14

The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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Daniel 2:37 Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven [ouranos] hath given thee a kingdom [basileia], power, and strength, and glory.

Since Jesus came to earth to fulfill the Scriptures, He referenced the Old Testament in teaching and actions, to prove that He is the Messiah (knowledge of the Kingdom of Heaven). From that reference point, He was able to illustrate the Kingdom of God (the Father), which spans from the heavens over the earth, extending to the whole universe. God is King. The Kingdom of God is spiritual in nature. The Kingdom of God is for everyone, Jews and Gentiles. Here is an illustration that I will hope bring more clarity into understanding the Kingdom. Man is a three-part being: Man = Spirit (sub-conscious mind) + Mind (conscious mind) + Body (physical)

Man in communication with the spirit realm is depicted in the following diagrams:

Man who is SAVED (controlled by the Holy Spirit)

Man who is UNSAVED (controlled by fleshly desires and/or satan)

Communication in the spirit realm

The following table is an illustration between Kingdom of Heaven and Kingdom of God in reference to time and space. Jesus being God on earth has no limitations in time and space.

Time Space

Kingdom of Heaven

Kingdom of God

basileia ton ouranon

basileia tou theou

chronos

aion

ouranos ge, oikoumene

kosmos

Difference Kingdom of Heaven is bounded by time. Kingdom of God has no restrictions on time. Kingdom of Heaven is bounded by space (heavens and earth). Kingdom of God has no restrictions (universe).

The following diagram illustrates the distinction between the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God in relation to the Believer (saved man), unbeliever (unsaved man).

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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Did you pick up on a key point in the illustration? Christ is the pathway to the Kingdom of God. You are already connected to GOD the Father through Jesus Christ. Christ is the pathway to the Kingdom of GOD outside of TIME: Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever [aion].

Christ is the pathway to the Kingdom of GOD outside of SPACE: John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life [zoe]: no man cometh

unto the Father, but by Me. Ephesians 2:18 10

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 11 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; 12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. 14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; 15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; 16

And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: © 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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17 18 19

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Satan’s kingdom is a counterfeit version of the Kingdom of GOD. His power is limited in time and space. Note when satan attempted to tempt Christ: Luke 4:5-8 5

And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time [chronos]. 6

And the devil said unto Him, All this power [exousia] will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. 7 If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.

If satan knew or had power of the future, he could have either killed Jesus as a child or allowed Him to die of old age. Either method would deny salvation and healing for mankind. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus defines His relationship to and with GOD the Father. Here are some reference Scriptures to illustrate this point. Matthew 10:32-33 Jesus teaches that we are not to deny Him before the unbelievers, otherwise He will deny us access to GOD the Father. 32

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. .

Matthew 11:27 27

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.

Luke 10:21-22 GOD the Father reveals the revelations of heaven and earth to Jesus. 21

In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.

22

All things are delivered to me of my Father: and no man knoweth who the Son is, but the Father; and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him. John 14:10-17 10 Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me © 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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for the very works' sake. 12 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. 13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in

you. 21

He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.

John 16:23-28 Jesus teaches the Disciples that prayers made in His name will be answered by GOD the Father. 23

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: 27

For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.

In conclusion, the Kingdom of Heaven/Kingdom of God are NOT exclusively synonymous. There is ONE Kingdom—the Kingdom of God. It is my prayer that defining the distinction between the Kingdoms will give you insight to evoking Kingdom Authority over your situation. By commanding authority in the spirit realm through the power of Jesus Christ, you influence the physical realm. This is a key revelation in getting answered prayer. In order to access this power (Greek: exousia, dunamis) there must be a transformation in your mind and spirit.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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REVELATION of the GREAT COMMISSION •

WHO WE ARE and whose authority (SOURCE of AUTHORITY) we can operate. We as DISCIPLES of CHRIST have been given the AUTHORITY (exousia) to conduct Kingdom business on HIS behalf in HIS physical absence (for He ascended into heaven to return to the Father). Note that the Greek word for power in Matthew 28:18 is exousia. The word power also translates to the Greek word, dunamis. A detailed explanation is outlined in the chapter, Dunamis vs. Exousia. What I want to illustrate here is that exousia refers to authority, in particular authority over territories. The Gospel according to John is filled with Christ defining our connection to Him [John 15:1-8] and illustrating the capabilities of our power (dunamis and exousia) through teaching and demonstration. He is the Living Word [John 1:1-14] and that Word flows through us as DISCIPLES.

•

Boundaries of our authority (TERRITORY). Our TERRITORY covers PHYSICAL territory on earth and SPIRITUAL territory in the heavens. Note that the Greek word for world in Matthew 28:20 (aion; unlimited time) is different than Mark 16:15 (kosmos; unlimited space). That is why you can’t gain full interpretation from an English translation of the Bible; you must go back to the original Greek or Hebrew to get the actual Word, get the meaning of that word, then bring that meaning into English to get the full context of the Scripture. Identify the TERRITORY WORLD (kosmos) = HEAVEN (ouranos) + EARTH (ge) Therefore, the world encompasses the earth, heaven, and the universe. Jesus defines the boundaries of our authority to include the PHYSICAL and SPIRITUAL territories. In the New Testament, Paul gives us examples that as new converts, our battle is not necessarily in the PHYSICAL realm, but the SPIRITUAL realm. It wasn’t until I re-read Acts, 1st and 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, and Ephesians that I understood what it meant by reading the Scriptures with the mind of the Holy Spirit, not of the flesh. I received revelation regarding the battlefield in the spirit realm. When I looked not the action, but the spirit behind the action, why people do what they did made sense: they are influenced by demonic forces. If you are facing challenges that are beyond your training, abilities, or intellect, step back and take a moment to look in the spirit realm.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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Key words examined Let’s review Luke 10:18-20 where Jesus commanded the DISCIPLES and the seventy on their authority over demons. Luke 10:18-20 18

And he said unto them, I beheld Satan as lightning fall from heaven. Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. 19

The Greek word for tread is pateo (pat-eh’-o) Definition5: 1. To trample, crush with the feet 2. to advance by setting foot upon, tread upon: to encounter successfully the greatest perils from the machinations and persecutions with which Satan would fain thwart the preaching of the gospel

The word pateo in context implies serpents and scorpions were symbolic, not literal. Also, in reviewing the context of this Scripture gives hints that serpents and scorpions were symbolic. How were the words serpents and scorpions used in the Bible?

Serpent is a deceiver The Greek word for serpent is ophis (of'-is) Definition: 1. snake, serpent 2. with the ancients, the serpent was an emblem of cunning and wisdom. The serpent who deceived Eve was regarded by the Jews as the devil. Genesis 3:1-4 1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden: 3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. 4 And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: 5 For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil. 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. 2

5

Source: Strong’s Concordance, also http://www.studylight.org

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Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.

Scorpion is a tormenter The Greek word for scorpion is skorpios (skor-pee'-os) Revelation 9:1-12 1

And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 3

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. 5

And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. 6

And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men. 8 And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. 9 And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. 10

And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. 11

And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. 12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

Now, let’s revisit Mark 16:16-18 Mark 16:16-18 16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. 17 And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; 18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly

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thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

The meaning for take up is airo (ah’-ee-ro) 1. To remove 2. To take off or away what is attached to anything. The Greek word for drink is pino (pee’-no) 1. To drink 2. Figuratively, to receive into the soul what serves to refresh strengthen, nourish it unto life eternal When the Greek words are examined, the context of this Scripture takes on a whole new meaning. To actually take up means to remove or to take away what is attached. To drink is to receive into the soul. Figuratively speaking, if the Believer removes a deceiver that was connected to them, they won’t be hurt. Therefore, the serpent and the scorpion are spiritual characteristics of satan. By exercising authority over them, we have authority over demons.

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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Understanding the GREAT COMMISSION The Great Commission, accounts of Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:15-18, and Luke 10:19 are combined so the DISCIPLE can get a glimpse of Jesus’ entire message. This is the author’s revelation as led by the Holy Spirit. The reader is encouraged to study the Scriptures and seek knowledge from the Holy Spirit regarding your purpose in filling the Great Commission. And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All power [exousia] is given unto me [Jesus is the SOURCE of authority given to Him by God the Father] in heaven and in earth. [Coverage of territory: His Kingdom] Go into all the world [kosmos] and preach the gospel to every creature. [Transfer of authority given to us as DISCIPLES] He who believes and is baptized [in My name] will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. [Salvation from eternal damnation comes from being connected to the SOURCE in Christ Jesus. Eternal damnation comes to those who choose not to be connected to the SOURCE.] And all these signs will follow those who believe; in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; They will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick and they will recover. [Proof of His authority over the territory in heaven and earth] Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you [Our assignment as DISCIPLES]: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world [aion]. [Length of our assignment: to the end of our lifetime]

© 2009 PNEUMA Notes|Martha C. Brown

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