Devotional Reflection Based on the Incident of Peter Cutting Off Malchus's Ear: “Then one of those standing near drew his sword and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear.” ( Mark 14:47, Today's Korean Version ) 1. Identifying the People Involved: The person who stood beside Jesus and drew the sword was Simon Peter . The servant of the high priest was named Malchus . “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.” ( John 18:10 ) 2. Jesus' Response to Peter's Action: (a) Jesus said: “Permit even this.” ( Luke 22:51, KJV: “Suffer ye thus far”; RSV: “No more of this” ) The Greek words clarify this: “ἕως τούτου” (“heōs toutou”) = “up to this point” or “even this” “ἐᾶτε” (“eate”) = “allow it,” “let it be,” “leave it alone” Therefore, Jesus is essentially saying: “Let them do what they are doing. Do not resist any further.” “If ...
Worshipers of the dedication ceremony [Nehemiah 12:27-30, 43] Do you know the origins of the dedication ceremony and the consecration ceremony? The early church didn't have church buildings because whether it was a tent, a palace, or wherever the Lord Jesus was present, it was heaven. The early church congregated freely in homes, in fields, and on mountains. The word "church" comes from 'Ekklesia,' meaning "called-out assembly." The building is never a temple or a cathedral; it is the assembly of redeemed Christians that becomes the temple. After the church began to deviate in the 2nd century, church buildings started to emerge. When Constantine appeared, church buildings became more elaborate, and during the Roman Catholic heyday, so-called cathedrals began to appear. Corruption accelerated even further, culminating in the Dark Ages with the sale of indulgences for St. Peter's Basili...