As believers, we often hear this scripture cited within congregations. There are others as well, wherein two or three are mentioned in the scriptures. Specifically, the word two is mentioned 708 times and three 511 time; albeit not always together within the same verse.
And there is also times wherein particular words are used more than once -- for emphasis. For example, "Holy, holy, holy" (Isaiah 6:3; Revelation 4:8) Or the word verily --"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our witness." (John 3:11) Or the idea of two can be expressed in a much different way -- "And God made two great lights; the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also." (Genesis 1:16) Or when apostle Paul ventured for the third time to the saints in Corinth -- from Macedonia - he reiterates that "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established." (II Corinthians 13:1)
Why is this important to understand? "... that every word is established in the presence of two or three witnesses." Because in western culture, this is the underlying precept and foundation of judicial law (and if it isn't, it should be!).-- in that the 'he said/she said' arguments cannot be validated without the presence and evidence of other witnesses.
Know too that the Lord God has used numbers throughout the scriptures. Much like He uses a different name for varying situations and time frames. But I digress somewhat. The point to remember is the scriptures are full of examples which emphasize the same or similar points. We call these confirming so that we know that everything that is written in the old and new testaments fits together. As in, for example, the Word of God is infallible. Incapable of error, but instead written for our edification and learning.
As well, these scriptures help us to understand more accurately that God is not the author of confusion. (I Corinthians 14:33) Each and every scripture fits together (like a puzzle) so we who believe are never without (never empty or void of) the armour of God.
"Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand." (Ephesians 6:11, 13)
Further, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John are all written by different disciples and yet each one of these four witnesses validate the very same message; the same situations; the same events; the same life lessons; or circumstances. How many parables did Jesus share, that are written in more than one gospel? Or Jesus teachings, which are foundational and by repetition become embedded in our very being - when we read them?
Another example is Peter, when he stood with the eleven apostles in one accord on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-47) If Peter had ventured away from the truth of the good news gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, he would have had to contend with the eleven.
We can see the same with life lessons. Jesus said, "But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." (Matthew 18:16) Apostle Paul further clarifies this same point when he is instructing Timothy -- "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses." (I Timothy 5:19)
Conversely, the authorities "stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and brought him to the council, and set up false witnesses, which said, "This man ceases not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law: for we have heard him say, that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the customs which Moses delivered us." (Acts 6:12-14)
All sorts of examples for us to learn. First, the Word of God is our sword. Second, as Jesus explains, the seed which we plant in people's hearts is the Word.
"For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)
"Now the parable is this: The seed is the Word of God." (Luke 8:11)
"Every word of God is pure: He is a shield unto them that put their trust in Him." (Proverbs 30:5)
And this Word, His Word --"...the Word of our God shall stand for ever." (Ephesians 6:17)
"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." (I Thessalonians 2:13)
Indeed, by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God do we learn to trust and find our purpose. And we know that the scriptures are the Word of God because within them, we find abundant everlasting life. A win-win situation and the Lord's invitation is open to one and all.
It is for this reason that we can have blessed assurance because "the word of our God shall stand for ever." (Isaiah 40:8)
Stand in the offering plate.
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