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By the American Editor
It might naturally be supposed that some one objective would be represented by this oft-recurring and apparently important phrase, and yet there is no expression which the great mass of interpreters regard as having been used in so many varied and mutually exclusive senses. In some instances it is represented as designating something established on earth in New Testament times, either before the Crucifixion, or at the Ascension, or on the day of Pentecost; in others (and by the same interpreter), as something to be established in the future. Where it is regarded as indicating something already established—in some instances it is viewed as representing true religion in the heart; in others, the vital Church; and in others still, the apparent Church. Where viewed as designating something future—sometimes it is held to signify the millenial era on earth; and sometimes the Kingdom of glory in Heaven. Dr. Robinson, who may be regarded as a representative of the most numerous school of evangelical interpreters, and who, through his Greek and Hebrew Dictionaries, exerts a most powerful influence upon the theological thought of the ministry of this country, under the title Âáóéëåßá , thus writes: “We may therefore regard the kingdom of heaven, etc. in the New Testament as designating in its Christian sense, the Christian dispensation, or the community of those who receive Jesus as the Messiah, and who, united by His Spirit under Him as their Head, rejoice in the truth, and live a holy life in love and communion with Him. This spiritual kingdom has both an internal and an external form. As internal, it already exists and rules in the hearts of all Christians (it is then a principle.—E. R. C.) and is therefore present. As external, it is either embodied in the visible church of Christ, and in so far is present and progressive; or it is to be perfected in the coming of the Messiah to judgment and His subsequent spiritual reign in bliss and glory, in which view it is future. But these different aspects are not always distinguished, the expression often embracing both the internal and external sense, and referring both to its commencement in this world and its completion in the world to come.” In his following digest of passages he gives instances of all these alleged uses. Now it is evident that a dispensation, a principle, and a people actuated by that principle, are distinct, mutually exclusive objectives. To suppose that they were designated by one and the same expression, and that expression manifestly one of the most important in the Book of Life, is to attribute to the inspired writers a looseness in the use of language which, to say the least, would be thought strange in an uninspired teacher, and which, in the case of men writing under the influence of the Spirit for the instruction of the Church in all ages, is scarce conceivable. To such a supposition we should be driven only by most urgent considerations. The question naturally arises—Is there not some one objective which the expression may be regarded as indicating in each instance of its occurrence, and which objective shall satisfy all the demands of the expression—grammatical and contextual—in all its occurrences in the word of God? If such an objective can be set forth, it must, manifestly, be regarded as the one contemplated by the Spirit of the Lord. The writer believes that there is such an one—complex indeed, as is the objective of the term Church—but which, in all its fullness, may be regarded as designated by the expression wherever it occurs.—To the exposition of that objective this Excursus is devoted.
As preliminary, however, to this consideration of the nature of the Basileia (which, for the sake of precision, that Kingdom of God heralded by John and preached by Jesus will, in this article, be styled) it will be necessary to discuss another topic, viz.: its futurity. The generally received opinion that the Scriptures teach that it, in some one of its phases, was established in the days of our Lord, or shortly after His Ascension, lies at the basis of the prevalent idea as to its nature; and, consequently, until that opinion is at least shaken, and several of the texts which, almost without question, are assumed so to teach, are shown to have no such force, it cannot be expected that due weight will be given to those expressions which set forth its nature in language inapplicable to aught that now exists, or has ever existed, on earth.
(a). The fact that the natural Kingdom of God includes the earth as a revolted province, affords no proof that the Basileia prophesied by Daniel as future was established by Jesus. That natural Kingdom existed from the beginning.
(b). The mere fact that the existing order of things on earth—an organized Church, grace in the heart—can be spoken of as a Kingdom, does not imply that the Basileia has been established; a similar state of things existed when Daniel prophesied of the establishment of the Basileia as future.
With these remarks we proceed to the argument.
1. Our Lord and His Apostles at every stage of New Testament history referred to its establishment as future:
(1). Indefinitely as to accompanying event (only the leading passages will be cited): Jesus preached that it was at hand (i.e., not then established) Mat_4:17; Mar_1:14 : He taught His disciples to pray “Thy Kingdom come,” Mat_6:10; Luk_11:2 : He sent them forth to preach the coming Kingdom, Mat_10:7; Luk_9:2; Luk_10:9 : near the close of His ministry He spake a parable for the instruction of those who thought it “should immediately appear” ( ìÝëëåé áíáöáßíåóèáé ), Luk_19:11 : in the institution of the Supper He again and again referred to its futurity Mat_26:29; Mar_14:25; Luk_22:16-18; Luk_22:24-30 : it is declared that, after the Resurrection, “He opened their (the Apostles’) understanding, that they might understand the scriptures” (Luk_24:45), and also that “He was seen of them forty days, (and) speaking of the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God,” Act_1:3;—on the last day of His sojourn with them, they, illuminated and instructed, asked a question, “Lord, wilt Thou at this time restore the Kingdom unto Israel,” evidently based upon the belief that it had not already been established, and He gave an answer that implied the correctness of that belief; is it conceivable either that they were mistaken, or that, if they had been, He would have so answered as to confirm them in their mistake? The Apostle James speaks of believers as heirs of a promised Kingdom, Rev_2:5 : Paul, of his being preserved unto God’s heavenly Kingdom, 2Ti_4:18; of inheriting the Kingdom, 1Co_6:9-10; 1Co_15:50; Gal_5:21; Eph_5:5; of his fellow-workers unto ( åἰò ) the Kingdom, Col_4:11 : Peter exhorts believers so to walk that they might enter into the everlasting Kingdom, 2Pe_1:11.
(2). By representing it as synchronous with the second glorious Advent of the Messiah: This intimation was first given by Jesus just before the Transfiguration and after He had begun to show to His disciples that the first Advent was to be one of humiliation, comp. Mat_16:21; Mat_16:27-28; Mar_8:31; Mar_8:38; Mar_9:1; Luk_9:22; Luk_9:26-27. It is evident from a comparison of our Lord’s last discourse (the Greek text) on the Mount of Olives (Matthew 24, 25; Mark 13; Luk_21:5-33), with the LXX. of Daniel (Dan_7:9-17, Dan_9:27, Dan_12:1-13), that He had those prophecies in view throughout; and that He, as did Daniel (Dan_7:13-14), connected the establishment of the Basileia with a future glorious Advent of the “Son of Man;” comp. Mat_24:3; Mat_24:27; Mat_24:30; Mat_24:39; Mat_25:1; Mat_25:31; Mat_25:34; Mar_13:26; Luk_21:27-28 (and note especially) Rev 31: see also 2Th_1:5-10; 2Ti_4:1. (There was probably an allusion to this in the institution of the Supper; comp. Mat_26:29; Mar_14:25; Luk_22:16; Luk_22:18, with 1Co_11:26).
2. Jesus implied that the offer of immediate establishment was withdrawn from the Jewish Church because of its rejection of Him, and that the establishment itself was postponed; comp. Luk_19:41-44 (the weeping over Jerusalem and the accompanying remarks) with the subsequent addresses in the temple, Mat_21:23 to Mat_23:39, especially Mat_21:42-43, Mat_23:37-39. The preceding scriptures do not in themselves imply more than the withdrawal of the offer from the Jewish Church, in order to an immediate establishment amongst Jewish and Gentile converts; but, in connection with the words of Jesus referred to under the preceding head, the implication of an indefinite postponement becomes manifest. This view finds confirmation in the prediction of the humiliation of the Church until the day of Christ’s glorious appearing, 1Pe_4:13; (see also Act_14:22; 2Ti_2:12; 2Ti_3:12, etc.).
3. There is no critically undisputed passage in the Scriptures which declares, or necessarily implies, even a partial establishment in New Testament times (Rev_1:6, is not contemplated in this argument, as the correct reading is uncertain).
The passages which have been referred to as proving the doctrine of a present establishment may be divided into two classes, viz.: those which it is alleged (1) logically imply it, (2) directly declare it. These will be examined in the order indicated. It should be distinctly noted that it is not denied that many of these passages are consistent with the hypothesis of a present establishment. All that is now claimed (save in reference to one or two of them) is that they are also consistent with the hypothesis of an entirely future establishment.
(1). Those passages which, it is alleged, logically imply a present establishment of the Basileia.
a. Those in which our Lord, and others, declare it to be near ( ἐããßæåéí ), as Mat_3:2; Mat_4:17, etc. Admitting that any reference in argument to the distinction between prophetic and historic nearness would, in this connection, be out of place, it is enough to say that the offer of an immediate establishment, an offer subsequently withdrawn because of virtual rejection, fully satisfies all the requirements of the language referred to.
b. Those which declare that Jesus was a King, Mat_2:2; Mat_21:5; Joh_1:49; Joh_18:37, etc. Reference need only be made to the manifest distinction between a King de jure and a King de facto. He was born King of the Jews, and yet confessedly for thirty years He did not establish His Kingdom. A similar explanation may be given to the fact that believers are styled a âáóßëåéïí ἱåñÜôåõìá , 1Pe_2:9. (The fact that He is now exalted to the throne of universal dominion, Eph_1:20-22, no more proves that the Basileia is now established on earth, than did the universal government of God in the days of Daniel prove that the Kingdom of God was then established on earth. We must distinguish between a Kingdom on earth, and a Kingdom over earth—which includes earth as a revolted province.)
c. The exhortations of our Lord to “seek the Kingdom of God,” Mat_6:33; Luk_12:31. It is manifest that both these exhortations are consistent with the hypothesis of a future Kingdom—as though He had said, So act, that when the Basileia is established you may enter it. Indeed the contexts of both exhortations require that we should put that interpretation upon them: the one in Matt. follows the direction to pray “Thy Kingdom come” (Rev_1:10), and that in Luke is manifestly parallel with the exhortation to wait for an absent Lord (Luk_1:35-40).
d. The declaration “this generation shall not pass,” etc., Mat_24:34; Mar_13:30; Luk_21:32. The term ãåíåÜ is one of the most indefinite in the Greek language. It is used to represent a race of men, a generation (of which three make a century, an age (see Liddell and Scott). Immediately after the preceding utterance our Lord declared that the time of His second coming was concealed (Mat_24:36); is it not probable that, in using this indefinite term, He did so designedly, that no note of time might be given?
e. The declaration of Jesus, “There be some standing here,” etc., Mat_16:28; Mar_9:1; Luk_9:27. This, according to the opinion of Chrysostom and others (see Lange Comm. on Mat_16:28), may find its fulfillment in the immediately following Transfiguration. In this event the Basileia was not merely symbolized, but in all its glory was for a moment set up on earth (comp. 2Pe_1:16-18).
(2) The passages which, it is alleged, declare a present Basileia.
a. Mat_11:12; Luk_16:16. It is assumed that âéÜæåôáé and ἁñðÜæïõóéí are taken in a good sense, as in the E. V. Against this assumption may be urged—(a) the established usage of the words: âéÜæåéí occurs in the New Testament only in the passages under consideration; in the LXX. it occurs (undisputed) ten times, it represents rape (Deu_22:25; Deu_22:28; Est_7:8), the breaking through the barriers around Sinai (Exo_19:24), simple violence (Sir_4:29; Sir_31:24; 2Ma_14:41), urging (Gen_30:12; Jdg_19:7; 2Ki_5:23); the leading idea of the word when applied to persons is, inimical violence; ἁñðÜæåéí occurs thirty-three times in the LXX., and (with possibly four exceptions) is always used in a bad sense; it represents the violence of the robber, the ravening of the lion and the wolf (Gen_37:33; Lev_6:4, etc.); in the New Testament (besides the instance under consideration) it occurs, Mat_13:19; Joh_10:12; Joh_10:28-29; Joh_6:15; Act_8:39; Act_23:10; 2Co_12:2; 2Co_12:4; in all these instances the idea is that of overmastering force, and in the first four, which (with the one under consideration) are the only instances of its use by our Saviour, it indicates sinful force: (b) The unfitness of the terms, when used in a good sense, to represent the approach of a penitent sinner to Christ: the disciples were captives—not conquerors; (c) Their unfitness in a good sense, and their fitness in a bad sense, to represent the condition of things then existing. It is true that in the beginning of our Lord’s ministry the people crowded around Him; but few, however, in the modern sense of the phrase, “entered the kingdom;” on the occasion indicated by Mat_11:12, the people were deserting Him (Rev_1:12-20), and their leaders were engaged in that system of opposition and persecution that culminated in His crucifixion. Must we not conclude that by these words our Lord intended to indicate that violent opposition to, and ravening upon, the offered kingdom in the person of Him, its representative, which resulted in the withdrawal of the offer (Mat_21:43) and the fearful denunciations of Mat_23:13-39?
b. Mat_12:28; Luk_11:20. The original is both cases is ἔöèáóáí ἐö ’ ὑìᾶò , not ἔñ÷åôáé (Luk_17:20), nor ἀíáöáßíåóèáé (Luk_19:11). “In the New Testament, with the exception of 1Th_4:15, (?) öèÜíåéí occurs only in the later, weakened sense of reaching to” (Lange Com. on 1 Thess., p. 43, E. V.). The phrase is similar to the one in 1Th_2:16, where, manifestly, it was not designed to represent the wrath spoken of as already poured forth upon its objects—they were living men, but as having reached unto, overhanging them, comp. also Rom_9:31; 2Co_10:14; Php_3:16; 1Th_4:15, in all which, however, the prepositions are different. The passages under consideration aptly accord with the idea of a near approach of the Basileia to the Jews in the person of Christ, implying an offer of establishment which might be withdrawn; they are equivalent to the declaration of Luk_10:9; Luk_10:11.
c. Luk_17:20-21. This passage, probably, by the advocates of the prevalent theory of the Basileia, is regarded as their most important proof-text, both as to its nature and present establishment. In this portion of the Excursus, only its bearing on the latter of these points is to be considered. In the E. V. there is a difference in tense between the question of the Pharisees and the answer of Jesus—they asking, when the Basileia should come, and He answering, it cometh not with observation, it is within you—which necessarily implies a declaration of then existing establishment. This difference is altogether unauthorized—both the question and the answer are in the present; the question of the Pharisees should be translated “when cometh ( ἕñ÷åôáé ) the kingdom of God?” The question was asked in the vivid, dramatic present; it manifestly had reference to the future; it would be in defiance of every conceivable law of language to suppose that our Lord, in following the lead of His questioners, intended to indicate a different tense. The question and the answer are but illustrations of that law proper to all languages, but pre-eminently to the Greek, by which a certain future may be represented by a verb in the present; illustrations may be found, Mat_26:2 (after two days is the feast of the passover, and the Son of Man is betrayed, etc.); 1Co_15:42-44 (it is sown in corruption, it is [in the future resurrection] raised in incorruption), (see Jelf, Winer, Kühner, and grammarians generally). To the conclusion that the language of our Lord must be understood as having reference to the future, it may also be remarked, we are shut up by the following considerations: The supposition that He indicated an existing Basileia (a) implies that it was set up in (or among) the Pharisees; (b) disconnects His words from the immediately-following address to the disciples, whilst the contrary supposition brings them into manifest and beautiful connection therewith, and with His other utterances.
d. In this connection may be considered that class of passages which are regarded as teaching the doctrine of a present Basileia from their use of present verb when mentioning it. (Reference is not now had to those in which there is aught in the context that apparently requires the hypothesis of a present kingdom—each of these receives an independent consideration). These passages are: all those parables which thus refer to the Basileia, Mat_13:31; Mat_13:38; Mat_13:44-45; Mat_13:47, etc.; also Mat_11:11; Rom_14:17. These, it is admitted, are all consistent with the hypothesis of a present kingdom; but, under the rule set forth under the preceding head, they are all grammatically consistent with that of a certain future establishment. That there is nothing in the nature of the Basileia as set forth in the parables to require the hypothesis of a present kingdom, but the contrary, will appear in the second general division of this Excursus.
e. Act_2:29-36. It is assumed by many that the exaltation of Act_2:33 constitutes the session on the throne of David of Act_2:30. But the assumption is wholly gratuitous. Nowhere in his sermon did the apostle declare the oneness of the two events; and most certainly the exaltation there spoken of does not imply the session as already existing—it may be an exaltation begun, to culminate in a visible occupancy of the throne of David. (The visible establishment by an emperor of the seat of his government in the heart of a once revolted province, does not derogate from his dignity—does not imply an abdication of government in the rest of his empire.) But beyond this, not only is the assumption gratuitous; it is against probabilities that amount to certainty. The apostle, be it remembered, was arguing with Jews, to prove that the absent Jesus was the Messiah (Act_2:36); he was arguing with those, one of whose most cherished beliefs it was that the Messiah should occupy a visible throne. To suppose that, under such circumstances, he should advance a doctrine at war with this belief without a word of explanation or proof, and that too in a sentence capable of an interpretation consistent therewith, is inconceivable. The interpretation suggested by the writer is confirmed not only by its consistency with the previous teachings of our Lord, but by the address delivered by the Apostle Peter shortly after, Act_3:19-20. The literal translation of the passage referred to is as follows (see Lange Com. and Alford): “Repent ye, therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, in order that the times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah Jesus, who was appointed unto you, whom the heavens must receive until the times of the restitution of all things,” etc. It is also confirmed by the subsequent teachings of the apostle in his epistles; comp. 1Pe_1:4-7; 1Pe_1:13; 2Pe_1:11; 2Pe_1:16; the êëçñïíïìßá and ἀðïêÜëõøéò of the I Epistle are manifestly synonymous with the âáóéëåßá and ðáñïõóßá of the II.
1Th_2:12. The preposition in the Greek is åἰò . But since believers on earth are not yet in glory, the whole expression is manifestly proleptical, and the E. V. gives the translation, unto.
Col_1:13. At first glance, the passage apparently teaches that believers are already translated de facto into the Basileia; it may however legitimately be regarded as teaching a de jure translation. Not only does this interpretation bring the passage into harmony with the great mass of Scripture, but it seems to be required by the immediately preceding and succeeding contexts; believers are not yet delivered de facto from the ἐîïõóßá of Satan (Eph_5:12), nor have they yet received de facto, certainly not in completeness, the ἀðïëýôñùóéí (comp. Luk_21:28; Rom_8:23; Eph_1:14; Eph_4:30; see Lange Comm. in loc.).
Heb_12:28. The reception of the Basileia herein spoken of manifestly may be de jure. Believers on earth receive a sure title to their future possession.
1. The apparent characteristics of the Basileia as deduced from a normal interpretation of the prophecies referred to, are as follows:
It was a government to be established.—(1) in a glorious, visible advent of “the Son of man,” Dan_7:13-14; (2) in the óõíôÝëåéá ôïῦ êáéñïῦ , Dan_9:27; Dan_12:4; Dan_12:13; (3) after a period of great èëῖøéò . Dan_12:1; Dan_11:26-27; (4) whose members should be governors (the subject nations were under, not members of the Basileia), Dan_7:18; Dan_7:22; Dan_7:27; (5) as œcumenical, Dan_7:14; Dan_7:27, et pass. the other prophecies; (6) as political, in the proper sense of the term, as indicating an external government exercised, as are now merely human governments, over the persons and property of men, (passim the prophecies; (7) whose members should be the saints (spiritually holy ones) of the covenanted people of the preceding æon or êáéñüò , Dan_7:18; Dan_7:22; Dan_7:27 (comp. 27, Dan_9:27,Dan_12:4; Dan_12:13); (8) in which righteousness (spiritual and external) should prevail, (pass. the prophecies).
Let it be observed concerning these characteristics—a. That no one is exclusive of any other; all may co-exist in one and the same objective. b. That if fairly deduced from the normal sense of the Old Testament Scriptures they are to be regarded as the true characteristics, unless it can be shown that the New Testament teachers declared that the prophecies are not to be normally interpreted, at least in reference to the points specified. c. That whilst the first six accord with those presented in what is universally recognized as the old Jewish scheme, the 7th and 8th are different—for the Saints of the covenanted people, the Jews substituted the natural seed of Abraham, and for spiritual, mere ceremonial righteousness.
2. Jesus and the other inspired New Testament teachers recognized the truth of the foregoing characteristics.
They did so not only by positive affirmation in respect to each one; but also by direct condemnation of the Jews for misinterpreting the Scriptures, where they substituted different doctrines, and by silence at times, as well as occasional affirmation, in respect to all those other points on which the Jewish belief accorded with them. (In the following exhibit, for purposes of compactness and distinctness in argument, the 7th and 8th of the characteristics will be considered first, and in the inverse order—the preceding notation, however, being preserved.)
(8). The Basileia was to be a government in which righteousness (spiritual and external) should prevail.
It is a universally recognized fact that the great mass of the Jews of our Saviour’s day regarded all righteousness as consisting in ceremonial observance. Our Lord in rebuking this opinion, and in declaring to the people, “Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of heaven,” (Mat_5:20), proceeded on the ground, not that the true meaning of the Old Testament had been hidden beneath a mystic veil which He came to remove, but that they had “made the law of God of none effect (i. e. had set aside its normal interpretation) through their (your) traditions” (Mat_15:6). Throughout the whole of His ministry, as lies on the surface of the New Testament, He taught the great doctrine previously taught by the prophets, that into the Basileia nothing impure should enter. (As to the special force, as bearing on this point, of the parables in Matthew 13, 12, 25, see below.)
(7). Whose members should be the saints (spiritually holy ones) of the covenanted people of the preceding æon.
The Jews believed that the members of the Basileia were to be selected from the members of the covenanted people of the preceding æon, and on this point our Lord uttered no denial. He referred not merely to those then living as entering into the future Kingdom, but to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as having a place therein, Luk_13:28. His teachings manifestly accorded with their beliefs. The Apostle Paul declared, “flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God,” and, further, that upon those who remain upon earth until the coming of the Lord a resurrection change should pass (comp. 1Co_15:50-52 with 1Th_4:14-17), implying that those who inherit the Kingdom are the changed Saints of a former dispensation.
For the Saints, however, the Jews substituted the ceremonially righteous, and for the covenanted people, the natural seed of Abraham. Both these substitutions Jesus condemned, and that in accordance with the normal interpretation of the Old Testament. The former condemnation and its ground were virtually considered under the preceding characteristic.
As to the latter, the Baptist declared: “God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham,” Mat_3:9, and our Lord declared to the Chief Priests and Elders, “The Kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation ( ἔèíïò =gentile people) bringing forth the fruits thereof,” Mat_21:43. Now, in making these declarations, Jesus and His forerunner were not uttering new revelations—they were proceeding on the platform of Old Testament Scripture, whose normal sense was ignored by the Jews. It is true that the covenant belonged pre-eminently to the natural seed of Abraham; yet, from the beginning, on the one hand, great branches of that seed had been cast aside; and, on the other, provision had been made for the reception of proselytes, and it had also been prophesied that in process of time Jehovah would call them His people ( öָí = ëáüò ) who had not been His people, Hos_2:23. In that portion of the epistle to the Romans (9–11) in which the Apostle establishes the covenant relations of converted Gentiles, their true engrafting into the covenanted people (Rom_10:17-21), he does not speak of it as a strange thing, but argues it as the fulfillment of prophecy, quoting the prophecy of Hosea above cited (Rom_9:24-26). Manifestly the New Testament teachers not merely approve this characteristic, but the Apostle Paul approves it as in accordance with the Old Testament.
(1). It was to be established in a glorious visible advent of “the Son of Man.”
This is universally recognized as one of the most prominent doctrines of the Jews. If it had been an error, it is inconceivable that our Lord would not have rebuked it in terms as decided as those employed in reference to other errors. But on the contrary He affirmed it, and affirmed it, manifestly, as the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel (see under section 1, (2), of the I. division). The only instances in which it is claimed that He denied it (or spoke of a Basileia as coming in any other mode) are Luk_17:21-22, and those few passages in which He referred to the Kingdom in the use of a present verb. The passage in Luke is best explained as being in harmony with His other teachings (see above), and the other passages, as we have seen, are grammatically consistent therewith.
(2). In the óõíôÝëåéá ôïῦ êáéñïῦ (Dan_9:27; Dan_12:4; Dan_12:13). This was directly taught and in manifest reference to the prophecy of Daniel, comp. Mat_24:3; Mat_24:6; Mat_24:13; Mat_24:34; Mar_13:7; Luk_21:9; Luk_21:31; see also Mat_13:39-40; Mat_13:49, with context.
(3). After a period of great èëῖøéò (Dan_12:1; Dan_7:26-27). Confirmed in the New Testament, Mat_24:21; Mat_24:29; Mar_13:19; Mar_13:24; 1Pe_4:12-13; 2Th_1:4-7.
(4). The members to be governors (Dan_7:18; Dan_7:22; Dan_7:27). This was a doctrine never controverted by our Lord; but, on the contrary, He again and again so spake as to manifest that He took its truth for granted. See Mat_19:28; Mat_24:47; Mat_25:21; Mat_25:23; Luk_12:44; Luk_19:17; Luk_19:19; Luk_22:29-30. The counsel that He gave His disciples on the occasion of the ambitious request of the Sons of Zebedee, Mat_20:25-28, and the rebuke He administered at the Last Supper, Luk_22:24-27, cannot be understood as negativing that doctrine. His design on both these occasions was, not to teach that there should be no ruling in the Basileia, but to rebuke the ambitious spirit that seeks after authority for the sake of self, and to teach that the true idea of ruling is that of rendering service. This is evident from the fact that He presented Himself, the acknowledged Master, as their model; and from the further facts that, on the first of the mentioned occasions, He implied that one was to sit on His right hand and another on His left (to share in superior authority), Mat_20:23, and that, in the latter, immediately after the rebuke, He declared to His Apostles that they should sit on thrones, Luk_22:29-30. (See also 1Co_6:2-3; Judges 14, 15; Rev_3:21; Rev_5:10; Rev_20:6; Rev_22:5.)
(5). As œcumenical. No one affirms that this characteristic was ever denied by our Lord. It was not, indeed, directly declared by Him that the saints should be associated with Him in the rule of all the earth; it was manifestly implied, however, in His evident reference to the prophecies of Daniel as of normal interpretation without any qualification, and in His association of His disciples with Himself in government, in connection with the known belief of the Jews. It seems to be directly affirmed, 1Co_6:2-3; Judges 14, 15; Rev_20:6.
(6). As political, (i. e., an external government exercised over the persons and property of men).
There can be no question as to the apparent teaching of the Old Testament on this point; all the prophecies bearing on the Basileia present the idea of an external, political government. And it is also universally admitted that the Jews were expecting such a kingdom of the Messiah, an expectation which was shared by the Apostles. It is utterly inconceivable that if they had been mistaken on this point, especially as their mistake was confirmed by the apparent teaching of the prophecies, the Great Teacher would not have distinctly undeceived them. And yet throughout His whole ministry He continually so spake as to leave them in error if they were in error. On the occasion of the Last Supper, He employed language which must have confirmed them in their belief on this point, Luk_22:29-30,—a belief not shaken by His forty days teaching on the subject of the Basileia after His resurrection, as is evident from their last question, and in which He must have still further confirmed them by His answer, Act_1:3-7. The alleged instances of His teaching a contrary doctrine will be considered in the following division.
III. Our Lord and His disciples taught no doctrine of the (or a) Basileia (either complete or inchoate) as lacking any one of the preceding characteristics.
It is alleged that this was done in those utterances in which the Basileia is spoken of in the use of a present verb, and also in Luk_12:14; Luk_17:20-21; Mat_13:31-52; Joh_18:36; Rom_14:17. All these passages, it is contended, set forth a Basileia having a merely internal character. As to those texts whose force in this direction is derived merely from their grammatical form, we have seen that they are consistent with the idea of a future Basileia. We have also seen that Luk_17:20-21, is consistent with the theory maintained in this excursus. The other passages will be considered in their order.
Luk_12:14. “Who made Me a judge or a divider over you?” The kingdom had not then been established; our Lord at that time occupied simply the position of a teacher.
Mat_13:31-52. It is contended that in the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven especially, Jesus taught concerning the Basileia, that it begins silently and imperceptibly in the heart and in the community, and gradually increases. The force of the argument is derived from the assumption that in these parables the thing next to the verb of comparison is that to which the Basileia is compared—that in one case it is compared to the mustard seed, and in the other to the little leaven which the woman hid. But if this rule hold good in one case, it must in all others; and under its operation we have the kingdom likened (Mat_1:24) to the sower, (Mat_13:45) to the merchant-man, (Mat_20:1) to the householder. (Mat_22:2) to the king, etc. Manifestly, in all these instances, we must pass over the next thing to the verb of comparison, to seek for the object of comparison. Doubtless the true explanation of the phrase “the kingdom is likened, etc.,” is the one given by Alford on Mat_13:24, “is like the whole circumstances about to be detailed,” i. e., the entire parable presents a truth concerning the kingdom. With this explanation, unity as to the nature of the Basileia (which on the current interpretation is lacking) is brought into this whole series of parables, and these and all the other parables are brought into beautiful consistency with all the other teachings of our Lord. The series in Matt. may be regarded as setting forth that nothing impure, imperfect, or immature, can have place in the Basileia—in such case the good grain, the mighty tree, the thoroughly leavened lump, the treasure separated from the field, the pearl, the good fish, will represent it.
Joh_18:36. In this utterance, it is contended that our Lord intended to declare to Pilate that the kingdom He came to establish was not after the manner of the kingdoms of this world, i. e., not external, political. It is admitted that the utterance considered in itself will bear this interpretation; but it will also bear one consistent with the theory herein advocated, especially in view of the introduction of íῦí in the last clause of the verse, which may be regarded as a particle of time—My kingdom is not now established. Which of these interpretations are we to adopt? The one supposes that our Lord whispered into the ear of a heathen (neither the disciples nor the Jews were in the Pretorium, Joh_1:28), the great truth concerning His kingdom, which he had not only concealed from His disciples (hid from them in a bewildering enigma) but a few hours before on the solemn occasion of the institution of the Supper, Luk_22:29-30; but which, also, He continued to conceal throughout the forty days of His subsequent continuance with them, during which time He is represented as “speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God,” Act_1:3, and as opening “their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures,” Luk_24:45! The other interpretation supposes that He spake in consistency with His previous and subsequent teaching.
Rom_14:17. This passage is perfectly consistent with the hypothesis of a merely internal Basileia, but manifestly it is also consistent with the hypothesis of a perfectly holy external government. “Meat and drink” do not necessarily infer externality, they may refer to mere fleshly enjoyment which has no place in the Basileia as set forth in this excursus.
In conclusion of the whole subject it may be remarked:
(1). If it has been fairly shown that the great mass of Scriptures in which the term Basileia occurs, require as the objective thereof the one set forth in this excursus, then is it utterly illogical, from the possible force of a few scattered passages, which may, without straining, be interpreted in consistency with the others; either, on the one hand, to deny the validity of the objective established, or, on the other hand, to hypothesize a second and variant objective—to conclude that the term was used ambiguously.
(2). The theory herein defended is not liable to the objection that it presents a “carnal” or “material” doctrine concerning the nature of the Basileia. Most certainly the doctrine is not “carnal” in the bad sense of that term, nor as teaching that gross flesh and blood shall inherit the kingdom; nor is it “material” save so far as the doctrine of the resurrection of the body is so. It agrees with this latter doctrine in implying that the redemption of Christ respects the body as well as the soul, and also with the doctrine set forth in Rom_8:18-23.
(3). Much important matter bearing on this subject, connected with the scriptural use of the terms óõíôÝëåéá , ðáñïõóßá , ἐðéöÜíåéá , ἀíÜóôáóéò , ðáëéããåíåóßá , ἀðïêáôÜóôáóéò , êëçñïíïìßá , æùὴ áἰþíéïò , has necessarily been passed over. Fully to discuss the subject in connection with all these terms would require a volume.
(4). If the foregoing reasoning be valid, increased doubt is thrown upon the reading ἡìᾶò âáóéëåßáí , Rev_1:6, of this chapter. Should, however, the now generally accepted reading be sustained, the passage may be rendered consistent with the theory herein supported by attributing to ἐðïßçóåí a proleptical, or rather de jure, force.
And, lastly, this excursus has been written in a spirit of deep conviction, but not, it is trusted, in one of dogmatism. The writer feels that any man should study so vast and important a subject with the deepest humility and self-distrust, and express his conclusions with the utmost modesty; and he more keenly feels, as he finishes his work, than in the beginning, how unfit he is to grapple with it. If aught of dogmatism should have appeared in the expression of his views, he trusts that it will be attributed to the necessity of his situation, where brevity in expression is of prime importance.—E. R. C.]
Footnotes:
[The phrase Kingdom of Heaven occurs only in the Gospel of Matthew. That it is strictly synonymous with Kingdom of God is manifest from the following comparisons—Mat_4:17 with Mar_1:14-15; Mat_5:3 with Luk_6:20; Mat_13:11 with Mar_4:11, Luk_8:10; Mat_13:31 with Mar_4:30-31; Mat_19:14 with Mar_10:14, Luk_18:16; Mat_19:23 with Mar_10:23, Luk_18:24. Matthew himself uses Kingdom of God five times (Mat_6:33, Mat_12:28, Mat_19:24, Mat_21:31; Mat_21:43). It needs but a glance at these passages to perceive that he uses the phrase as synonymous with the one more frequently employed by him.—E. R. C.]
[Fully to appreciate this remark, we must appreciate the force of the terms ðáñáôçñÞóéò and ἐíôüò . The former of these occurs nowhere else in the New Testament, and only in one disputed passage in the LXX. Its verbal root, however, occurs several times, and always has the force of close watching or observation (Mar_3:2; Luk_6:7; Luk_14:1; Luk_20:20; Act_9:24; Gal_4:10). In accordance with the meaning of the verb, the Lange Com. (Van Oosterzee) translates ìåôá ðáñáôçñÞóåùò : “with or under observation,” remarking “so that it can be recognized and observed by outward tokens, and that one could exclaim with assurance, Lo here! lo there!” The translation doubtless is correct, and also, in the main, the accompanying remark. The latter, however, might be so modified as to distinctly set forth the twofold idea of observation—(1) as to essence (as that which in itself is visible), and (2) as to manifestation or approach (as the dawn, whose approach is with or under observation). With this modification; not under observation, would mean either without visibility (as the wind), or without the signs of gradual approach (as the lightning). The strict meaning of ἐíôüò is within, in the midst of, as in Mat_23:36; that which is ἐíôüò men individually, is that which is internal to them individually; that which is ἐíôüò them collectively (viewed as one whole), is that which is internal to them as a whole—in the midst of them—among them individually. This latter use of the term occurs Xenophon Anab. i. 10, 3— ἀëëὰ êáὶ ôáýôçí ἔóùóáí ( ïἰ Ἒëëçíåò ) êáὶ ἄëëá ὁðüóá ἐ í ô ὸ ò á ὐ ô ῶ í , etc.. (see Alford in loc.) Now. remembering the close connection in the Jewish mind between the establishment of the Basileia, and the glorious coming of the Son of Man—a connection established by the prophecy of Daniel (Rev_7:13-14), and not previously rebuked but approved by Jesus (Luk_9:26-27)—let any one hypothesize as the meaning of ìåôὰ ðáñáôçñÞóåùò with the signs of a gradual approach, and of åíôὸò in the midst of, and read the entire passage, Rev_1:20-20. The Pharisees ask our Lord “when cometh the Kingdom of God?” He answers, “It cometh not with the signs of a gradual approach; neither shall they say, Lo here, or lo there, for lo the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Then turning to His disciples He says: “The days will come when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, Lo here, lo there; go not after nor follow. For as the lightning that lighteneth (flashing) from one part under heaven shineth to the other part under heaven (comes not with the signs of a gradual approach), so also shall the Son of Man be in his day,” etc. Does not the very unity perceptible in the entire address—the vividness of the scene it presents—the manifest oneness of the doctrine with that elsewhere taught by our Lord, especially on the Mount of Olives—place the stamp of truth on the hypothesis? Does it not become manifest that this passage, so far from teaching the doctrine of a present establishment of the Basileia, must be numbered amongst those that connect the establishment with the Second Advent?—E. R. C.]
[Normal is used instead of literal (the term generally employed in this connection) as more expressive of the correct idea. No terms could have been chosen more unfit to designate the two great schools of prophetical exegetes than literal and spiritual. These terms are not antithetical, nor are they in any proper sense significant of the peculiarities of the respective systems they are employed to characterize. They are positively misleading and confusing. Literal is opposed not to spiritual but to figurative; spiritual is in antithesis on the one hand to material, on the other to carnal (in a bad sense). The Literalist (so called) is not one who denies that figurative language, that symbols, are used in prophecy, nor does he deny that great spiritual truths are set forth therein; his position is, simply, that the prophecies are to be normally interpreted (i. e. according to the received laws of language) as any other utterances are interpreted—that which is manifestly literal being regarded as literal, that which is manifestly figurative being so regarded. The position of the Spiritualist (so called) is not that which is properly indicated by the term. He is one who holds that whilst certain portions of the prophecies are to be normally interpreted, other portions are to be regarded as having a mystical (i. e. involving some secret meaning) sense. Thus, for instance, Spiritualists (so called) do not deny that when the Messiah is spoken of as “a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief,” the prophecy is to be normally interpreted; they affirm, however, that when He is spoken of as coming “in the clouds of heaven” the language is to be “spiritually” (mystically) interpreted (see the quotation from Robinson in the introduction to the Excursus). The terms properly expressive of the schools are normal and mystical.—E. R. C.]