Essenes

There was an ancient system known as Essenism – a religion whose origin has never been discovered, though it is known that the Essenes existed in the days of Jonathan Maccabeus, B.C.E. 1, and that they were of Jewish origin, and constituted one of the three Jewish sects (the other two being Pharisees and Sadducees). We have but fragments of their history as furnished by Philo, Josephus, Pliny, and their copyists, Eusebius, Dr. Ginsburg, and others, on whose authority show that Alexandrian and Judean Essenism was identically the same system in spirit and essence as its successor Judean Christianity; in other words, Judean Christianity teaches the same doctrines and moral precepts which had been previously inculcated by the disciples of the Essenian religion .

60 PARALLEL EXHIBITIONS OF THE PRECEPTS AND PRACTICAL LIVES OF CHRIST AND THE ESSENES.

From the writings of Philo, Josephus, and other authors.

1. Philo says, “It is our first duty to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness;” so the Essenes believed and taught.

Scripture parallel.   “Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all else shall be added (Matt. 6:33: Luke 12:31.)

2. Philo says, “They abjured all amusements, all elegancies, and all pleasures of the senses.”

Scripture parallel.   “Forsake the world and the things thereof.”

3. The Essenes say, “Lay up nothing on earth, but fix your mind solely on heaven.”

Scripture parallel.   “Lay not up treasures on earth,” &c.

4. “The Essenes, having laid aside all the anxieties of life,” says Philo, “and leaving society, they make their residence in solitary wilds and in gardens.”

Scripture parallel.   “They wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens, and in Caves of the earth.” (Heb. 11:38.)

5. Josephus says, “They neither buy nor sell among themselves, but give of what they have to him that wanteth.”

Scripture parallel.   “And parted them (their goods) to all men as every man had need.” (Acts 2:45.)

6. Eusebius says, “Even as it is related in the Acts of the Apostles, all (the Essenes) … were wont to sell their possessions and their substance, and divide among all according as any one had need, so that there was not one among them in want.”

Scripture parallel.   “Neither was there any among them that lacked, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the price of the things  that were sold, &c. (Acts 4:34.)

7· Eusebius says, “For whoever, of Christ’s disciples, were owners of estates or houses, sold them, and brought the price thereof, and laid them at the apostles’ feet, and distribution was made as every one had need. So Philo relates things exactly similar of the Essenes.”

Scripture parallel.   (The text above quoted.)

8. “Philo tells us (says Eusebius) that the Essenes forsook father, mother, brothers and sisters, houses and lands, for their religion.”

Scripture parallel.   “Whosoever forsaketh not father and mother, houses and lands, &c. cannot be my disciples.’’

9· “Their being sometimes called monks was owing to their abstraction from the world,” says Eusebius.

Scripture parallel.   “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16.)

10. “And the name Ascetics was applied to them on account of their rigid discipline, their prayers, fasting, self mortification. &c., as they made themselves eunuchs.”

Scripture parallel.   “There be eunuchs which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake.”

11. “They maintained a perfect community of goods, and an equality of external rank.” (Mich. vol. iv. p. 83.)

Scripture parallel.   “Whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.” (Matt. 20:27.)

12. “The Essenes had all things in common, and appointed one of their number to manage the common bag.” (Dr. Ginsburg.)

Scripture parallel.   “And had all things in common.” (Acts 2:44; see also Acts 4:32.)

13. “All ornamental dress they (Essenes) detested.” (Mich. vol. iv. p. 83.)

Scripture parallel.   “Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, and putting on of apparel.” ( 1 Peter 3:3)

14. “They would call no man master.” (Mich.)

Scripture parallel.   “Be not called Rabbi, for one is your Master.” (Matt. 23:8.)

15. “They said the Creator made all mankind equal.” (Mich.)

Scripture parallel.   “God hath made of one blood all them that dwell upon the earth.”

16. “They renounced oaths, saying, He who cannot be believed without swearing is condemned already.” (Mich.)

Scripture parallel.   “Swear not at all.”

17. “They would not eat anything which had blood in it, or meat which had been offered to idols. Their food was hyssop, and bread., and salt ; and water their only drink.” (Mich.)

Scripture parallel.   “That ye abstain from meat offered to idols, and from blood.” (Acts 15:29.)

18. “Take nothing with them, neither meat or drink, nor anything necessary for the wants of the body.”

Scripture parallel.   “Take nothing for your journey; neither staves nor script; neither bread, neither money, neither have two coats apiece.”

19. “They expounded the literal sense of the Holy Scriptures by allegory.” .

Scripture parallel.   “Which things are an allegory.” (Gal. 4:24.)

20. “They abjured the pleasures of the body, not desiring mortal offspring, and they renounced marriage, believing it to be detrimental to a holy life.” (Mich.)

Scripture parallel.   It will be recollected that neither Jesus nor Paul ever married, and that they discouraged the marriage relation.

Christ says, “They that shall be counted worthy of that world and the resurrection neither marry nor are given in marriage.” And Paul says, “The unmarried careth for the things of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:32.)

21. “They strove to disengage their minds entirely from the world.”

Scripture parallel.   “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

22. “Devoting themselves to the Lord, they provide not for future subsistence.”

Scripture parallel.   “Take no thought for the morrow what ye shalt eat and drink,” &c.

23. “Regarding the body as a prison, they were ashamed to give it sustenance.” (c. ii. 71.)

Scripture parallel.   “Who shall change our vile bodies?” (Phil. 3:21.)

24. ‘’They spent nearly all their time in silent meditation and inward prayer.” (c. ii. 71.)

Scripture parallel.   “Men ought always to pray.” (Luke 18:1.) “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thess. 5:17.)

25. “Believing the poor were the Lord’s favorites they vowed perpetual chastity and poverty.” (c. ii. 71.)

Scripture parallel.   “Blessed be ye poor.” (Luke 6:20.) “Hath not God chosen the poor?” (James 2:5)

26. “They devoted themselves entirely to contemplation in divine things.” (c. ii. 71.)

Scripture parallel.   “Mediate upon these (divine) things; give thyself wholly to them.” (I Tim. 4:15)

27. ‘’They fasted often, sometimes tasting food but once in three or even six days.”

Scripture parallel.   Christ’s disciples were “in fastings often.” (2 Cor. 11:27; see also 5:34)

28. “They offered no sacrifices, believing that a serious and devout soul was most acceptable.” (c. ii. 71.)

Scripture parallel.   “There is no more offering for sin.” (Heb. 10:18)

29. “They believed in and practiced baptizing the dead.” (c. ii. 7 1.)

Scripture parallel.   “Else what shall they do which are baptized for the dead.” (I Cor. 15:29)

30. “They gave a mystical sense to the Scriptures, disregarding the letter:”

Scripture parallel.   “The letter killeth, but the spirit maketh alive.” (1 Cor. 3:6.).

31. “They taught by metaphors, symbols, and parables.”

Scripture parallel.   “Without a parable spake be not unto them.” (Matt. 13:34.)

32. “They had many mysteries in their religion which they were sworn to keep secret.”

Scripture parallel.   “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom; to them it is not given.” (Matt. 13:11.) “Great is the mystery of godliness.”

33. “They had in their churches, bishops, elders, deacons, and priests.’;

Scripture parallel.   “Ordained elders in every church.” (Acts 14:23.) For ”deacons,” see 1 Tim. 3:1.

34. “When assembled together they would often sing psalms.”

Scripture parallel.   .. Teaching and admonishing one another in psalms.” (Col. 3:16.)

35. “They healed and cured the minds and bodies of those who joined them.”

Scripture parallel.   “Healing· all manner of sickness,” &c. (Matt. 4:23.)

36. “They practiced certain ceremonial purifications by water.”

Scripture parallel.   “The accompishment of the days of purification.” (Acts 21:26.)

37· “They assembled at the Sabbath festivals clothed in white garments.”

Scripture parallel.    “ Shall ‘be clothed in white garments.” (Rev. 3:4.)

38. “They disbelieved in the resurrection of the external body.”

Scripture parallel.   “It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body.” (I Cor. 15:44.)

39. Pliny says,·” They were the only sort of men who lived without money and without women.”

Scripture parallel.   “ The love of money is the root of all evil.” ( 1 Tim. 6:10.)  Christ’s disciples .travelled without money and without scrip, and “eschew the lusts of the flesh.”

40. “They practiced the extremest charity to the poor.” (c. ii. 71,)

Scripture parallel.   “Bestow all thy goods to feed the poor.” · (1 Cor. 13:3)

41. “They were skillful’ in interpreting dreams, and in foretelling future events.”

Scripture parallel.   “Your sons and daughters shall prophesy, and your old men shall dream dreams.” (Acts 2:17.)

42. cc They believed in a paradise, … and in a place of never-ending lamentations.”

Scripture parallel.   “Life everlasting.” (Gal. 8:8.) “Weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.” (Matt. 8:42.)

43. “They affirmed,” says . Josephus, “that God fore· ordained all the events of human life.”

Scripture parallel.   “Foreordained before the foundation of the world.” (1 Peter.)

44. They believed in Mediators between God and the souls of men.”

Scripture parallel.   “ One Mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:5.)

45. “They practiced the pantomimic representation of the death, burial, and resurrection of God “- Christ the Spirit.

Scripture parallel.   With respect to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, see 1 Cor. 15:4·

46. “They inculcated the forgiveness of injuries.”

Scripture parallel.   “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34.)

47· “They totally disapproved of all war.”

Scripture parallel.   “ If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight.” (John 18:36.)

48. “ They inculcated obedience to magistrates, and to the civil authorities.”

Scripture parallel.   “Obey them which have the rule over you.” (Heb. 8:17; 26:65.)

49. ”They retired within themselves to receive interior revelations of divine truth.” (c. ii. 71.)

Scripture parallel.    “Every one of you hath a revelation.” (1 Cor. 14:26.)

50. “They were scrupulous in speaking the truth.”

Scripture parallel.   “Speaking all things in truth.” (2 Cor. 7: 14.)

51. “They perform many wonderful miracles.”

Scripture parallel.   Many texts teach us that Christ and his apostles did the same.

52. “Essenism put all its members upon the same level, forbidding the exercise of authority of one over another.” (Dr. Ginsburg.)

Scripture parallel.    Christ did the same. For proof, see Matt. 20:2s; Mark 9:35·

53. “ Essenism laid the greatest stress on being meek and lowly in spirit.” (Dr. Ginsburg.)

Scripture parallel.    See Matt. 5:5; 9:28.

54. “The Essenes commended the poor in spirit,· those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, and the merciful, and the pure in heart.” (Dr Ginsburg.)

Scripture parallel.    For proof that Christ did the same, see Matt.

55· 11 The Essenes commended the peacemakers.” (Dr. Ginsburg.)

Scripture parallel.    “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

56. “The Essenes declared their disciples must cast out evil spirits, and perform miraculous cures, as signs and proof of their faith.” (Dr. Ginsburg.)

Scripture parallel.    Christ’s disciples were to cast out devils, heal the sick, and raise the dead, &c., as signs and proof of their faith. (Mark 16:17.)

57. “They sacrificed the lusts of the flesh to gain spiritual happiness.”

Scripture parallel.    “You abstain from fleshly lusts.” (1 Peter 2:11.)

58. “The breaking of bread was a veritable ordinance among the Essenes.”

Scripture parallel.    “He (Jesus) took bread, .and gave thanks, and brake it.” (Luke 22:19.)

59. 11 The Essenes enjoined the loving of enemies.’’ (Philo.)

Scripture parallel.    So did Christ say, “Love your enemies,” &c.

60. The Essenes enjoined, “Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Scripture parallel.    So did Christ say,

Pentecost

When was the Holy Ghost given?

After the Pentecost of Jesus

The Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.     John 7:39

 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost.     John 20:22

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.     Acts 2:1-4

Before resurrection of Jesus

For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, The LORD said to my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool.      Mark 12:36

He [John the Baptist] shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.     Luke 1:15

Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.      Luke 1:41

Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost.      Luke 1:67

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.      Luke 2:25

... which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake....      Acts 1:16

Where did Jesus first appear to the eleven disciples after the resurrection?

On a mountain top in Galilee.

Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.        Matthew 28:16-17

In a room in Jerusalem.

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.      Mark 16:14

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, and how he was known of them in breaking of bread. And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.      Luke 24:33-37

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.      John 20:19

Were the disciples frightened or glad when they saw Jesus?

 They were frightened when they saw him.

But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. Luke 24:37

They were gladdened.

Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the LORD. John 20:20

Did the eleven disciples believe the two men who claimed to see Jesus?

Yes, since he had already appeared to Simon.

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, Saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. Luke 24:33-34

No.

After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country. And they went and told it unto the residue: neither believed they them. Mark 16:12-13

The “Word of God” is uncertain as to when the apostles received the “holy spirit.”

A  on Easter Sunday

And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.     John 20:22

B  On Pentecost, fifty days later.

For John baptized with[a] water, but in a few days you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.”     Acts 1:5

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”     Acts 1:8

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.2 Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues[a] as the Spirit enabled them.     Acts 2:1-4

Christ ascended from Mount Olives or from Bethany???

Mount Olivet

And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. . . . Then returned they unto Jerusalem, from the mount called Olivet. (Acts 1:9, 12.)

Bethany

And he led them out as far as to Bethany; and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass that while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. (Luke 24:50, 51.)

How many believers were there at the time of the ascension?

There were 120 believers after the ascension.

The number of names together were about an hundred and twenty.       Acts 1:15

There were more than 500 believers before the ascension.

He was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.        1 Corinthians 15:6

When did Jesus ascend into heaven?

On the day of his resurrection.

Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
...
And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest. ...
And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus....
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And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together....
...
And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
...
And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.      Luke 24:1-51Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.
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After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
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Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
...
So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.      Mark 16:9-19

At least eight days after his resurrection.

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.       John 20:26

Many days after his resurrection.

And he was seen many days of them which came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses unto the people.       Acts 13:31

Forty days after his resurrection.

Until the day in which he was taken up ... he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
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And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.       Acts 1:2-3, 9

Will Jesus's second coming be visible to all?

Yes.

Every eye wll seem him coming in the clouds in all his glory.

And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.      Matthew 24:30

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.      Mark 13:26

And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.      Luke 21:27

Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him.      Revelation 1:7

No.

Nonbelievers will ever see him again.

Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.      John 14:19