Friendly  Version

An Open Response to Brad Scott 

of 

Wildbranch.org

Part 3: Gematria & the Apostle Paul

B= Brad, and in quotes.

B: "The teaching of gematria and equidistant letter sequencing is taught by Hal Lindsay, Grant Jeffrey, Chuck Missler and a host of other well known, well papered authors. Are they on your hit list? Are they proclaimed to be 'kabbalists'. Are they teaching the occult?"

Well, in a word, yes...they and you are teaching a known to be gnostic and occultic understanding of the Messiah and the Scriptures. Hal Lindsey I haven't written much about, but yes, Grant Jeffrey and Chuck Missler I have. If people are united in beliefs or in organizations, one can assume that if one is discussing that belief or organization, the members or purveyors of the belief will be discussed at some point. Nothing 'hit list' or malicious or slanderous about it. It is merely researching and reporting on particular information.

Gematria is a kabbalist teaching that Christians have no business dabbling in. It is the occult. Anyone who has done in-depth research into the kabbalah and it's origins, knows that Jewish historians record it as a vehicle used to bring gnostic doctrine into Judaism, and historically, most rejected it as the occult. Nothing has changed, except perhaps it's acceptance in varied forms in all religions. See: To Embrace Hebrew Roots; Part V... The Kabbalah; Part VI... Kabbalah Initiation ; Part VII... Kabbalah Connections ; Part VIII... Literal Kabbalah: Gematria & Numerology; Part IX... Practical Kabbalah: Talismans & Masters of the Name

Also: http://www.seekgod.ca/topichr.htm

It's noteworthy that a Jewish missionary to the Jews wrote me and said this about my information:

"Thank you for all the work you have put into this site. I am Jewish by birth having become a believer in Jesus as Messiah twelve years ago. I am a full time missionary to the Jewish people and I use your website as a resource for helpful information. I embrace my Jewishness as my national and cultural identity, but my faith is as a Christian. ... Your work on the Talmud and kabbalah is right on and I am so blessed by all the information you have provided. Thank you for all that you do."

From the article: MJAA Executives & The Hebrew Roots "Fringe":

It needs to be made very clear that the influx of kabbalah is not just a "Messianic" issue. The inroads into Christian forums, teachings and churches is happening daily. 'Christian' icons such as Grant Jeffrey, readily teach it in their writings, in interviews, such as his television interview with Benny Hinn, promotion of kabbalist gematria via 'Bible codes' and so on. Grant's latest promotion of the zohar found on his web site, presents the 'kabbalist trinity. [The Sacred Mystery of the Trinity > http://www.grantjeffrey.com/article/chphnwr.htm.]

From Astrology: The Gospel of Truth??:

Grant Jeffrey, Hal Lindsey and Chuck Missler also promote the popular Bible Codes, the Christianized version of occult numerology, and many are openly involved in the ecumenical movement.  Please read the reports on the Hebrew Roots Movement, specifically Part VIII: Gematria and Numerology, to understand Bible codes.

From the article: Prasch, Hunt & Others . 

In the Question & Answer section of the  September 1996 issue of  THE BEREAN CALL, we read of the full support of the same Bible Codes that Chuck Missler and Grant Jeffrey and many others promote.

"...Based upon that limited knowledge and experience, I see no alternative but to believe God encoded the Torah with these and many other sequences involving modern persons..."

Further, the February 1998 issue of the The Berean Call,  "Back to the Bible 'Code," by Dave Hunt and T.A. McMahon rescind that support and state, "...the primary claim is that God not only communicated through the normal text ...he encoded words, hidden for more than three millenia which could only be deciphered through ...computers. We stated in the past TBC newsletters (10/96; 2/97) that if the claim held up under valid scrutiny, we could see "no alternative but to believe God encoded the Torah...." "Selected words are searched ...the method uses a skip code...ELS....Our earlier willingness to go along with the "code" was based upon the assumption that it was founded upon irrefutable mathematics. That now seems clearly not to be the case, There are enough qualified experts who claim to be able to refute the "code" to cause us to back away from giving it any credence."

After discussing the idea that the whole thing was to prove God's Word to be true through scientific means, they then go into the Scriptures. That should have been the guide in the first place as to whether the Codes were a valid belief. 

2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:  That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

We need no proof about the Word of God from science--you believe by faith or you do not. ELS is merely a version of the many methods and computations of,  "Gematria (Heb.). A division of the practical Kabbalah. It shows the numerical value of Hebrew words by summing up the values of the letters composing them; and further, it shows by this means, analogies between words and phrases. [w.w.w.] One of the methods (arithmetical) for extracting the hidden meaning from letters, words and sentences..." 60

Aside from the writings in Literal Kabbalah: Gematria and Numerology, the web site of Theomatics provides these insights into Bible codes and it's various names. Theomatics suggests that ELS is not gematria.

"Presently, there are two types of Bible codes. One is the ELS evidence (Equi-distant Letter Sequences), also known as "Torah Codes."

The other kind of code is "theomatics." The foundational basis for theomatics has been known for thousands of years, ever since the time before Christ. It is commonly referred to by the term gematria. It was in 1975 that this original code in the Bible ~ known for thousands of years but never deciphered ~ began to reveal itself ..." 61 

Isaiah 48:16 "Come ye near unto me, hear ye this; I have not spoken in secret from the beginning..."

It needs to be pointed out that Dave Hunt and Tom McMahon at first embraced the Bible codes and promoted them in their Berean Call, and later rescinded. The equidistant letter sequence that you speak of Brad, is merely a variation of kabbalist gematria and numerology. 

From my CNP or Council for National Policy biography of false prophet Chuck Missler:

Charles W. Missler - CNP Member 1998; Executive Director, Koinonia House 51; author, The Magog Invasion; editor, Personal UPDATE, a monthly news journal; host, a daily news and commentary radio program; website Alien Encounters 52 ; 

Promotes Bible Codes, better known as Gematria, along with Grant Jeffrey and Hal Lindsey; a contributing writer for CITIZENS' INTELLIGENCE DIGEST, which is an official publication of CITIZENS FOR HONEST GOVERNMENT whose President is Pat Matrisciana (CNP);  

Promoter of Gospel 'Zodiac'. See: Astrology: The Gospel of Truth??; Myths and Legends are a Legacy of Truth? > Topic Occult Inroads> Symbolism

Was on a review committee for the International Standard Version. Belongs to the Alexandrian Scholars Union...." 

See also: More Ecumenical "Comrades"; etc.

For the CNP See: The Council for National Policy: What It Is; topiccnp

B: "This is no less 'occultic' than the teachings of Chuck Missler, J.R. Church, E. W. Bullinger, Chuck Swindoll or Henry Soltau. 

You can do a site search on my site and read about these various people. I believe I may have written about all, except perhaps Henry Soltau. And then of course the articles listed above do include those names. 

2 Corinthians 7:14 

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

B: "My purpose in the teaching series you attacked is to use the dynamics of the Hebrew language to inspire God's people to study and research the scriptures to find His wonderful, awesome treasures for themselves. My ultimate purpose is to defend the scriptures and not to defend Christianity."

That is obvious. On your website, you state, "Are you ready to finally give a life changing answer to all of your friends and loved ones who would rather continue to march to Christian theology than even look at the truth?" You have also taught that the Name of Jesus means nothing.

The problem is Brad, that while there are errors, false teaching, heresy and false prophets that fall under the canopy of what is called Christian, and which we are clearly warned about, there is just as much evidence of those same issues under what you call, Hebraic Roots, messianic, and your 'returning to your Jewish roots.' 

I should point out, I did not "attack you" or "your teachings." I was asked a question and asked for an opinion and gave factual information as well as personal evaluation and opinion. I stand by those statements and opinions. Incidentally, in the original email -- you were not the only one discussed regarding the 'pure language' issue. I discussed it and provided an overview of the issue to the recipient of the email. Where you think it was all about you, you are mistaken. 

Anti- Semite?

B: "Are you consistent with these accusations, are do you only use them when something Jewish is involved? Your anti-semitism is not subtle in the least. I suppose you teach that the holocaust never happened." 

And further down Brad, you said: 

"I would admit that many of them would be well-degreed Jewish scholars. With this in mind I can probably assume that you would not be interested in the opinions of JEWS! I would remind you that our redeemer is a Yehudim, obeyed all the commandments of God and told you and I to take up our cross and FOLLOW HIM."

Now Bradford. This is where I always get taken to, by people like yourself. I must be an anti-semite--even though there is no proof you are Jewish or rather are just one of the many taking on Jewish traditions without the heritage. 

I have to be an anti-semite because.....I challenged your teaching, credibility and knowledge? 

I have to be an anti-semite because.....I have a website with close to 400 articles, that deals with all of the many Christian movements and church leadership, while the rest of the website articles deal with the Hebraic and Messianic movements, the occult or other issues of concern for Believers? Which reminds me Brad. Are you Jewish?

Brad, I always find it interesting when those not born of Jewish heritage such as James Trimm, Tom Mitchell, and now you, accuse me of being an anti semite. As a matter of fact, I have many Jewish believers who write me because they enjoy my articles. One group has invited me to their on line study group to discuss some things. That group consists of a Messianic rabbi, the daughter of a holocaust survivor, and other Jewish believers. I have also had positive correspondence with orthodox Jews, since 1999. Here are examples of quotes from Jewish readers:

"As a Jew, which to me means among other things Not-a-Christian, I salute and praise your diligent scholarship and willingness to maintain the theological dividing line between us that preserves the integrity or each of our religions, while we love each other as humans..."

"...by standing up to your fellow Christians who would adopt the practices and manifestations of Judaism to fraudulent effect in their dealings with the Jews, you are a blessed friend--perhaps unwittingly and notwithstanding your desire to see the Jews accept Christ as the Messiah, which is fundamental to some branches of Christianity and will forever be a source of friction between us real Jews and real Christians."

As Jews, they do not view me as anti semitic, which should be good enough, for those who like to make those foolish and unfounded accusations. I have never been accused of anti-semitism by anyone of real Jewish heritage, only by those who were born Gentile, raised Christian, and now believe that they have some connection to Judaism. 

As a Berean, I do not care if something is Jewish or non-Jewish, Christian or otherwise, but whether it is the truth, and can stand the test of Scripture.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
12 Therefore many of them believed; also of honourable women which were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

While I might not agree with the Hebraic Roots movement, partly due to all that I have written about, it has not stopped people like Jewish believer Steven Avery, moderator of one of the largest and most scholarly Messianic discussion forums, who also moderates many live Messianic talk forums, from utilizing my articles. Particularly the ones about the movement itself, and the writings concerning kabbalah, the various leadership like James Trimm, Michael Rood, Moshe Koniuchowsky and so on. Steven incidentally, is not in agreement with your teaching of the Hebrew NT, and also the use of the name "Yahshua." Steven and I may not be in agreement on some issues, but he has never viewed me as anti semitic. And I suspect if he thought for an instant that I was, he would be very clear on that. Moishe Rosen, founder of Jews for Jesus has also written and thanked me for the information presented in various articles.

So the usual anti-semite rhetoric that invariably comes forth from people being held to the test of Scripture, is as worthless as the many credentials and letters behind the names of people like James Trimm, Don Hargis, David Hargis, Ralph Messer, Michael Rood and many, many more. In the future, you might wish to validate your statements before saying such things. I believe it's statements like what you and others have made, that fall under the heading of "slanderous" and "lashon hara." 

B: "Did you listen to the tape series on the Hebrew language? You could not have listened to it. There is no indication from me that MODERN HEBREW is pure. The language in the state that it is in is not the language that will be restored. I am teaching on a subject that I believe is essential in understanding the text in our modern Bibles. I am not alone in this view. There are myriads of books in the marketplace that teach dozens of biblical subjects that I am sure you do not agree with their position."

Of course Modern Hebrew is not the same as Biblical Hebrew, Brad. Hebrew was one of the languages created at Babel.  And Biblical Hebrew, which is mixed with Aramaic, cannot be considered any more pure than any other language.  That's why Paul wrote not to forbid the use of various languages, and one was not better for declaring the things of God, over another. It was Biblical truth and the Gospel of Jesus Christ that was of importance, and having a right relationship with Christ.

Quite frankly, Brad, unless I decide to do an in-depth study on your complete teachings, I would not take the time to listen to your tapes. Believe me when I say, I have read your website and have done other research on you. That is enough information for me. You use kabbalist gematria for teaching doctrine, hence you are a kabbalist and that is of the occult. You also teach from the Talmud, for example, as is found in your article, Wildbranch Teaching of the Week: The Design of Scripture 70, 100, 120:

"....In Zohar B'reshith 36, [kabbalah] it is taught that there are 70 facets to the Torah. In Talmud Sotah 32a,....Midrash..." http://www.wildbranch.org/Archive/main.htm

The writers of the Zohar [kabbalah] and Talmud rejected Jesus Christ. That means interpretation on Scripture is different than with those who Believe Christ is Messiah. That means that the very things that I write against, is what you teach and are asking me and others to be interested in and even embrace. A little leaven, Brad. 

Further, I am simply not interested in endless speculation on things that cannot and will not be known until after all is complete according to God's purposes. While I am sure your deviation into these things is also done by many others, it is not substantiated to Biblical truth, and in my honest opinion, appears to merely provide those so inclined with a job and very often leads to a donation based income. 

Paul warned about foolish questions and contentions, and things not rooted in sound doctrine. 

Titus 3:9 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; 11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

That said, on some of the things that you are inaccurate on, that can be proven, they have been and will be addressed. 

B: "In the teaching series I do not denegrate the Greek. God knew that the Hebrew would be translated into the common tongues. But any linguist will tell you that anytime you translate from one language to another, you lose, to a greater or lesser degree, some of the needed background and force of the original words."

You have no proof that the New Testament was originally written in Hebrew or Aramaic for that matter. This is entirely an assumption, is extra biblical and cannot be proven. Therefore not valid for basing sound doctrine on. Greek in fact is being translated into other tongues including Hebrew, as that is the basis of the New Testament. Therefore, using your logic, one could then speculate that Greek could be the pure or heavenly language, since it is being used to proclaim the "Good News of Jesus Christ."

B: "I would like to know what your credentials are in evaluating languages and tearing down other ministries? Are all those who disagree with your cookie-cutter theology told that they lack the knowledge of the scriptures? At least give me one well thought out rebuttal to anything I  have taught. I will be more than happy to produce excerpts from the opinions of many gifted language teachers concerning the source of the Mother Tongue."

Mother tongue...interesting choice of words to describe a language created by One who is known as "He." I have heard the term "mother" used also by some of your associates, when they are discussing their kabbalist views of the Holy Spirit as being female, referring to the Holy Spirit as "the mother spirit." Since you embrace and teach kabbalist doctrine, are we to assume that you also agree with these teachings? 

My credentials are not an issue, as I haven't claimed to have any. Isn't the issue really, what are your credentials? Because quite frankly, you are the one who claims to have them, and the special knowledge and special teaching that only you can give.

I smiled over the issue of the credentials, Brad.  That is precisely why I have the website. To be a Berean and check the credentials and legitimacy of people who set themselves up as leadership. I am merely a servant of Jesus Christ, who researches and tries to find the facts based on what people say, teach and do. I weigh those things to the Word of God--as all are called to do. I share what I find. I claim no other credentials.

1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 6 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: 7 So that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ:

My credentials as a Berean are God given. Just as every Believer is called to that calling. That is to try the spirits, test what people, particularly in leadership teach to be Biblical truth--and see if the Scriptures actually say that, and discern between good and evil. 

1 Corinthians 1:26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence. 30 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: 31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

What people like yourself do when they say, "How dare you?!!"--they have put men on a pedestal. I say, how dare we not put all that we embrace or listen to, to the test of sound doctrine found in the Word of God. If we err or others err, we need to be shown so as not to cause others to fall. A man of God welcomes that. 

Hebrews 5:13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. 14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

 

The Apostle Paul

B: "Lastly, I also take issue with your evaluation of my presentation of Rav Sha'ul. I have done my homework when it comes to my favorite biblical writer, Paul. I suggest that you do the same. I combine serious teaching concerning God's instructions (Torah) along with the typical light-hearted view of the world that the Yehudim have had from the [b]eginning. This presentation is done in the same manner that Dean Jones did with John the Apostle some 20 or more years ago. Ask those who have seen the presentation. Those who have seen Paul live are moved by his dedication to the Messiah and his resurrection. They see the human compassionate side of Paul and his love for the Word of God. "

As shown in your promotion of the Apostle Paul show: [bolding and red added]

"In 1993, after spending several years heading back to my Hebrew roots, I began to pray about a method in which I could express this fundamental theological shift to those whom I had been teaching for many years. ...about all the misconceptions and erroneous teachings concerning the most prolific writer of the New Covenant. It was the result of those short conversations that the idea of becoming Rav Sha'ul himself was conceived. To help reverse the modern Christian view of Paul, I would have Paul defend himself, and so Paul the Apostle was brought back into history. It was also a convenient alter ego to teach the truth of our heritage and blame the fallout on someone else!

....Rav Sha'ul is a dramatic presentation of Paul the Apostle as if he were alive today. ...He uses his natural Jewish humor and world view to explain to all who will listen what he did say and what he did not say. Paul combines his own writings, song, and humor to validate his reputation..." About Paul the Apostle http://www.wildbranch.org/About/ravsha'ul.htm

Lets take this one step at a time. You don't like what I said about you and the Apostle Paul show. This is what I said in the correspondence:

"Brad Scott dresses up on costume and pretends to be the Apostle Paul and in essence, rewrites Scripture by putting his meaning and words forward as what Paul said and meant. Reading comments and reviews of his presentation, brings to mind that a mockery is being made of a man who God called to such a specific task as to be one of the people we are told is to be an example to follow in living for Christ. He suffered, was mocked, ridiculed and martyred by those who hated Christ. God says we are to give those who labor among us double honor. Making a mockery of a man who wrote 14 books of the New Testament is not my idea of obedience nor understanding the Scriptures. Nor do I believe that Brad Scott can rightly divide the Word of God with his involvement in the things he is involved in, especially with his lack of knowledge of language of the Scriptures."

You said in the Apostle Paul page, "so Paul the Apostle was brought back into history. It was also a convenient alter ego to teach the truth of our heritage and blame the fallout on someone else!..." 

You also said, "He uses his natural Jewish humor and world view to explain to all who will listen what he did say and what he did not say." and "typical light-hearted view of the world that the Yehudim have had from the [b]eginning."

"Natural Jewish humor" "typical light-hearted view", Brad?  What ridiculous and racist statements to make about Jews. That's like saying all black people have rhythm, or all latin people are excellent dancers.

Perhaps that 'natural Jewish humor' and  'natural light hearted view of the world' could be shown in a "Paul" talk about the horrors of the holocaust. 

Personally, I've never seen a Jewish person or any other in that wickedness, speak of it in a light-hearted manner. Certainly listening to Prisoner 88, Sygmund Sobolewski, at a banquet for him, there was no 'light-hearted" view of that whatsoever. Not with him or the audience. 

In case you are wondering, Brad, he was in Auschwitz four and a half years. No, he wasn't Jewish, he was Polish, but spent the time watching Jewish people go to their death or torture. And my husband and I and many in the crowd wept through the presentation. He speaks on behalf of the Jews that died, because he was forced to "work" in the crematorium, in between enduring torture and abuse himself. He carries guilt about not being of the race and religion the Nazi's chose to try to annihilate. The heart rending finale of that night was when another 'survivor' got up with him, and they shared a song they used to sing while in that horror, the Polish national anthem. Quite frankly, it didn't matter that we could not understand the words. The tears streaming down their faces was enough. 

Or perhaps you'd like to hear the 'light- hearted' and 'natural Jewish humor' of another Jewish survivor, who with his entire family and many other Jews, were marched to a mass grave, and for the grace of God, when the rest of his family and many others were shot, he and his brother fell under some bodies. He escaped and with his brother, evaded capture. That was recounted to us and our daughter in our local restaurant, as we had coffee with him and his wife. And you know, the understandable hurt, anger and bitterness of this man, seemed to skew his 'natural Jewish humor' in the retelling of his 'light-hearted world view.'

After reading how people laugh until they cry over your presentation, I find those statements above, not only offensive but contrary to what we do actually know about Paul.  You have put your words, your interpretation of who you believe Paul was, into your teachings and call it words he spoke. He was not a comedian. He was endowed with great power and giftings of the Holy Spirit and did miracles far above what the other Apostles were known for. He wasn't preaching and teaching for the entertainment value. 

Acts 20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
23 Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.
24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

Nowhere, in any of his letters, do we see a comedian or someone less than focused on his God-given mission. He took it very seriously. 

Titus 1:7 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; 8 But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; 9 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Titus 2:1 But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
2 That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience...6 Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. 7 In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

Ephesians 5:4 Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.

4 Neither <kai> filthiness <aischrotes>, nor <kai> foolish talking <morologia>, nor <e> jesting <eutrapelia>, which <ho> are <aneko> not <ou> convenient <aneko>: but <alla> rather <mallon> giving of thanks <eucharistia>.

foolish talking <morologia>3473. mwrologia morologia, mo-rol-og-ee'-ah 
from a compound of 3474 and 3004; silly talk, i.e. buffoonery:--foolish talking. [Strong's]

jesting <eutrapelia>, 2160. eutrapelia eutrapelia, yoo-trap-el-ee'-ah 
from a compound of 2095 and a derivative of the base of 5157 (meaning well-turned, i.e. ready at repartee, jocose); witticism, i.e. (in a vulgar sense) ribaldry:--jesting. [Strong's]

No, this does not mean one cannot have fun and a merry heart. But when dealing with the Word of God and the example put of these men, which were made examples to follow in living for Jesus Christ, you have no authority or right to change what comes through the Scriptures as to who they are and what they were like. 

You said, "so Paul the Apostle was brought back into history. " 

Paul wasn't missing Brad. Nor was his character that we need to be aware of. It is shown by the Word of God what he and the apostles were like. Not by you claiming to be the Apostle Paul. 

2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.
9 But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.
10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

The Apostle Peter was no less serious when he warned:

1Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:
9 Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

What is amusing about his persecutions, stonings, beatings, torture and eventual martyrdom? Those are all part of who Paul was. I see no evidence of his "natural Jewish humor" in the writings in the New Testament. Rather, I see a man called by God, fully and completely focused on obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, on winning the lost to Jesus Christ and edifying the brethren. 

Acts 20:35 I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,
38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

Brad you are not the Apostle Paul, nor do you know him above what is shown in the Word of God. To say otherwise is presumptuous and ego driven. May I ask, in your humorous presentation of say, 2 Timothy, do you bring in the humor of Paul's conditions as shown in  4:14 "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil"?

I can't help but wonder, Brad, when you clown your way through your, what some describe as a hilarious presentation, and what is called on your own website, "this humorous and heartfelt teaching from the Apostle himself," how you justify those aspects of the Scriptures. 

Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.

Do you work humor into Paul's teachings, via the various letters, while he is under house arrest? in chains? in prison? Because that's when many of the Letters and teachings were written. 

Do you suppose he clowned around about the very things he was called to proclaim, not knowing for sure if that day would be his last? As shown, he said, "not knowing the things that shall befall me ....the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me."

He endured hardship, famine, cold and great physical duress and you are concerned about showing him as a quaint Jewish rabbi who had a great sense of humor? 

I stand by my statements in the letter. You want to "blame the fallout" of your teachings about the Apostle Paul and the Word of God on "Paul"?

Isn't that rather convenient, with one who is redefining Scripture with extra-Biblical and Christ rejecting resources. If you change the words and meaning to be what gematria and the occult would have us believe, or based on your belief bias, they are no longer what we are to remember or learn from. Have you forgotten that the Scriptures say this about the Apostles?

Ephesians 2:20 And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Ephesians 3:5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 

2 Peter 3:1 This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:

Jude 1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

 

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Brad Scott-Part 4 : Torah Observant Gentile & Under the Law

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Brad Scott-Part 2: Pure Language & Sacred Name

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