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O Fools and Slow of Heart to Believe All that the Prophets Have Spoken – Part Two

By Minister Christopher Robert Holder

Testimony of God Ministries Inc.

November 12, 2024

Opening Prayer

Saints before we continue, let us pray according to the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 1:17–19:

“Father of Glory, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You for the Spirit of wisdom which
is revelation in the knowledge of who You are. Thank You for continuing to open the eyes of our understanding and being further enlightened, that we may know what is the hope of Your calling, what are the riches of the glory of Your inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of Your power to us who believe, according to the working of Your mighty power,
which is at work in us, the saints. Amen.”

CONTINUATION

The art of teaching by JESUS in Part One, was clearly demonstrated in Luke 24:25–27 (KJV) 25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

25 Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:

26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

At that time, Jesus was not insulting His disciples but describing their slowness of heart in understanding and believing the prophetic Scriptures concerning Him.

A careful study of this passage reveals deeper truth in the Greek word “kai” (and) which may also be translated “or” or “that is.” Thus, the verse may be read as:

  • “O fools, or slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken”; or
  • “O fools, that is, slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken.”

This shows us that unbelief or slow belief in the Word of God is spiritual foolishness.

Question 1: What Did the Prophets Speak Concerning Jesus? does someone interested in reading the Holy Bible and its teachings begin that process?

The answer is found in the very Scriptures Jesus Himself taught.

Luke 24:27 (KJV)

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

Luke 24:44 (KJV)

And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and
in the psalms, concerning me.

The whole of the Old Testament—Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms—pointed directly to Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of “Expounded”

The word expounded in Luke 24:27 comes from the Greek “diermeneuo”, meaning “to interpret thoroughly, to explain, or to clarify.”

Jesus did not give a summary but carefully walked His disciples through the Scriptures, unveiling the hidden meaning, showing the types, shadows, and prophecies fulfilled in Himself.

This was not an intellectual lecture but a revelation by the Spirit, enabling their understanding.

The Road to Emmaus – Cleopas and Companion

Luke 24:18–21 (KJV)

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto him, Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?

19 And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

21 But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and beside all this,
today is the third day since these things were done.

These verses show the disciples’ misunderstanding: they expected a political redeemer to
overthrow Rome, not a suffering Messiah to redeem from sin.

Fulfillment of Prophecies

Jesus connected their hearts back to Moses, the Prophets, and Psalms, pointing out:

  • Hosea 6:2 – “After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and
    we shall live in His sight.”
  • Daniel 9:24 – “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people… to make an end of sins,
    and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness…”

Thus, Jesus revealed Himself as the fulfilment of God’s plan of salvation.

Key Points

a. Jesus trained His Apostles to preach, teach, and make disciples in the same way He taught them.

b. The Scriptures can only be rightly understood with Jesus Christ at the center.

c. Jesus Christ Himself confirmed and fulfilled what the prophets foretold.

d. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation, available through Christ, opens the understanding of believers.

e. The phrase “fools and slow of heart” emphasizes spiritual dullness caused by unbelief.

The answer commenced in the Old Testament Scriptures to which Jesus referred.

1. Hebrew (Old Testament)

בָבֵל / בֵל (lēb / lēbāb)

  • Strong’s H3820 / H3824
  • Occurs over 850 times in the Old Testament.
  • Root meaning: the inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding, inclination.

Usages in Scripture:

  • The seat of thought (Genesis 6:5 – “every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually”).
  • The seat of emotions (1 Samuel 1:8 – “Why is thy heart grieved?”).
  • The center of will and moral choice (Deuteronomy 6:5 – “Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart”).
  • The core of spiritual life (Proverbs 4:23 – “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life”).

In Hebrew thought, the heart is not merely the organ of feeling but also the center of thinking, reasoning, and choosing. It is the whole inner person.

2. Aramaic (Portions of Daniel and Ezra)

בֵל (lēb) (same as Hebrew form)

  • Used in Daniel 2:30, 4:16 etc.
  • Strong’s H3821 / H3820.
  • Carries the same meaning: inner self, mind, intention.

Example:

  • Daniel 4:16 – “Let his heart be changed from man’s and let a beast’s heart be given unto him.”
  • Here it means mind, nature, or disposition.

3. Greek (New Testament)

καρδία (kardia)

  • Strong’s G2588
  • Occurs over 150 times in the NT.
  • Root of English words cardiac, cardiology.
  • Meaning: the heart, inner life, mind, will, center of emotions and spiritual life.

Usages in Scripture:

  • Seat of thought/intellect (Matthew 9:4 – “Why think ye evil in your hearts?”).
  • Seat of faith (Romans 10:9–10 – “believe in thine heart”).
  • Seat of love/emotion (John 14:1 – “Let not your heart be troubled”).
  • Seat of moral responsibility (Hebrews 3:12 – “an evil heart of unbelief”).

Strong’s Expanded Dictionary Note:

“Kardia” encompasses the entire inner life: thoughts, emotions, will, and spirit. In biblical Greek, the “heart” is the control center of human personality.

Combined Understanding

1. Hebrew (lēb / lēbāb): inner person, mind, will, emotions, spirit.

2. Aramaic (lēb): similar usage, particularly mind/intention.

3. Greek (kardia): the comprehensive control center of human life — thought, feeling, will, and moral character.

Theological Insight

  • In Scripture, the “heart” is not merely emotional (as in modern English), but the entire inner being — intellect, will, emotions, and spirit.
  • Salvation and faith are always tied to the heart (Deut. 6:5; Rom. 10:9–10).
  • The heart is the true measure of a person before God (1 Samuel 16:7 – “man looketh
    on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart    ”).

Key Strong’s References (New Strong’s Expanded Dictionary)

  • H3820 – lēb: “Inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding.” Used throughout the OT.
  • H3824 – lēbāb: Emphasizes the inner depths of one’s motives and thoughts.
  • G2588 – kardia: “The center and seat of spiritual life; the fountain of thoughts, passions,
    desires, appetites, affections, purposes, and endeavors.”

According to biblical teaching, God communicated with Adam directly. In Genesis 2–3, God walked with Adam and Eve, speaking to them, guiding them, and giving them instructions. This shows a direct, spirit-to-spirit interaction between God and humanity.

  • Initial Relationship: God’s communication with Adam and Eve was personal and intimate (Genesis 2:15–25; 3:8–19).
  • Spiritual Connection: This points to an inner connection between God’s Spirit and the
    human heart.

Yes. God’s method of speaking to humanity has always involved His Spirit.

In the original languages of the New Testament Scripture:

  • Timeless Principle: God’s nature never changes (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8).
  • Consistency: From Adam to the prophets, and later to the apostles, God has always interacted with the human heart through His Spirit.

There are two key implications:

  • Innate Awareness: Humanity has an inner awareness of God’s existence and a spiritual capacity to know Him.
  • Ongoing Relationship: God’s communication is not one-time; it is continuous.

Humanity can receive guidance, transformation, and renewal through His Spirit.

Yes. Moses’ writings were divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20–21). The command not to eat was Spirit-to-spirit communication, where God’s Spirit instructed Adam’s inner heart (the seat of decision-making).

  • The Heart as Decision Center/Control Center: In Scripture, the heart is the place of moral choices.
  • Divine Inspiration: Moses recorded God’s communication so later generations could understand His will.

The tree symbolized human free will and moral choice.

  • Free Will: It represents humanity’s ability to choose obedience or disobedience.
  • Inner Heart: Decisions are rooted in the heart, showing humanity’s accountability
    before God.

The word “eat” is not literal in context. It is “a figure of speech.” When Jesus the Incarnate God walked the earth to reveal God by demonstrating “Heaven on Earth”, He taught that “eating food” could never cause man to sin. Sin is what enters the heart of man. It was in response to the Pharisees rebuking his disciples for eating without washing their hands.

Mark 7:18-20 – 18 And he saith unto them, Are ye so without understanding also? Do ye not perceive, that whatsoever thing from without entereth into the man, it cannot defile him;

19 Because it entereth not into his “heart”, but into the belly, and goeth out into the draught, purging all meats?

20 And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.

Jesus revealed the “mystery” written by Moses in Genesis..In Greek “musterion” which is mystery meaning that which is to be known by divine revelation. It denotes (not the English meaning mysterious) but that which is outside the range of  unassisted natural apprehension, can be made known only by divine revelation, and is made known in a manner and at a time appointed by God, and to those only who are illuminated by His Spirit.

Yes. James teaches that temptation arises from within—from human desire—not from God.

This matches Genesis 3: Eve was drawn by desire for the fruit.

  • Inner Heart’s Role: Both Genesis and James highlight the heart’s role in temptation.
  • Consequence: Desire leads to sin, and sin leads to death.

Yes. In Genesis 4:6–7, God warned Cain: “Sin lieth at the door… but you must master it.”

  • Choice and Responsibility: Cain had the free will to resist sin, but chose not to.
  • Thematic Consistency: Just like Adam and Eve, Cain’s struggle centered in the inner heart.

Yes. Paul connects sin, desire, and the heart in Romans 1 and 7.

  • Romans 1:18–32: Humanity suppresses truth and follows sinful desires.
  • Romans 7:7–25: Paul describes the inner struggle — wanting to do good but pulled by sin.
  • Lesson: The heart needs God’s Spirit to overcome sin.

Conscience is an inner witness. Paul says (Romans 2:14–15):

  • Universal Moral Awareness: Even Gentiles who lack the Law show the law written in their hearts.
  • Conscience as Witness: It accuses or defends, holding us accountable.
  • Clear Conscience: Paul emphasizes living with integrity (Acts 24:16; 1 Timothy 1:5).

Paul distinguishes between them:

  • Ten Commandments = Law of Life
    • Direct revelation from God.
    • A path of righteousness and love.
  • Law of Moses = Law of Sin and Death
    • Added because of hardened hearts (Matthew 19:8).
    • It revealed sin and pointed to the need for Christ (Galatians 3:24–25).

Summary: The Ten Commandments show God’s ideal (life), while the Mosaic law exposed human sinfulness and led to Christ.

Proper/accurate interpretation includes understanding figures of speech/figurative language.
Examples of Figures of Speech in the Bible (Non-Literal Language) are:

1. Metaphor

  • Definition: A comparison without using “like” or “as.”
  • Example: Jesus said, “I am the door” (John 10:9). He is not a literal wooden door, but
    the way of access to salvation.

2. Simile

  • Definition: A comparison using “like” or “as.”
  • Example: “He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water” (Psalm 1:3). The righteous person is compared to a fruitful tree.

3. Hyperbole (Exaggeration for Effect)

  • Definition: Intentional exaggeration to emphasize truth.
  • Example: “If thy right hand offend thee, cut it off” (Matthew 5:30). Jesus was not calling for literal amputation but stressing the seriousness of sin.

4. Personification

  • Definition: Giving human traits to non-human things.
  • Example: “Let the rivers clap their hands” (Psalm 98:8). Rivers cannot clap literally — this is a poetic way of saying creation rejoices.

5. Anthropomorphism

  • Definition: Attributing human body parts or actions to God (who is Spirit).
  • Example: “The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous” (Psalm 34:15). God does not
    literally have human eyes, but this communicates His watchful care.

6. Irony / Sarcasm

  • Definition: Saying the opposite of what is meant for emphasis.
  • Example: Elijah mocking the prophets of Baal: “Cry aloud: for he is a god; either he is
    talking, or he is pursuing…” (1 Kings 18:27).

7. Parable

  • Definition: A short story using everyday life to illustrate spiritual truth.
  • Example: The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:3–9). Seeds and soils represent people’s responses to God’s Word.

8. Allegory

  • Definition: Extended metaphor where multiple details carry symbolic meaning.
  • Example: Galatians 4:22–31 – Paul interprets the story of Hagar and Sarah as an allegory
    of the two covenants.

9. Symbolism

  • Definition: Using objects, colors, numbers, or images to signify deeper realities.
  • Example: Bread and wine at the Lord’s Supper symbolize Christ’s body and blood (Luke
    22:19–20).

10. Typology

  • Definition: Old Testament persons/events foreshadowing New Testament realities.
  • Example: The Passover lamb (Exodus 12) is a type of Christ, the “Lamb of God” (John 1:29).

11. Euphemism

  • Definition: A mild expression used instead of a harsher one.
  • Example: “David slept with his fathers” (1 Kings 2:10) means David died.

12. Metonymy

  • Definition: Substituting one word for another closely related.
  • Example: “Moses and the prophets” (Luke 16:29) means the Old Testament Scriptures, not the people themselves.

Why This Matters

  • Reading figures of speech literally can lead to error.
  • The Bible itself uses poetry, prophecy, narrative, and teaching—each with different figures of speech.
  • Recognizing them helps readers understand what God meant, not just what the words say on the surface.

Another factor in the interpretation of the scriptures is the use of the Aorist Tense in the Bible.

1. What It Means

  • The aorist tense in Greek usually expresses an action as a whole, without focusing on
    whether it is ongoing, repeated, or completed.
  • Think of it as looking at an event like a snapshot rather than a movie.
  • It often gets translated into English as past tense, but its real force is about aspect (the way action is viewed), not just time.

2. Why It Feels Figurative

  • In some contexts, the aorist tense makes a statement absolute, emphatic, or timeless, which can seem like figurative speech when compared to English.
  • For example, it might describe something already done in God’s eternal plan, even though believers still experience it in daily life.

3. Examples from Scripture

a) Romans 6:2

“How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?”

  • “Dead” is in the aorist tense → meaning not an ongoing process, but a decisive, once for-all event.
  • Figurative in the sense that believers didn’t physically die, but spiritually they did in union with Christ.

b) Ephesians 2:5–6

“…even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ…”

  • “Quickened” (synezōopoiēsen) is aorist → a completed action in God’s plan, even though believers are still walking it out.

c) John 19:30

“It is finished.”

  • “Finished” (tetelestai) is actually perfect tense, but John 19:28 uses aorist for “Jesus knew” (eidōs) showing action seen as a completed whole.

d) Hebrews 10:10

“…we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”

  • “Sanctified” (hēgiasmenoi) is perfect, but the verb prosēnenken (“offered”) is aorist → Christ’s sacrifice was once-for-all, decisive, never repeated.

4. Summary

  • The aorist tense is not a figure of speech, but it often has a figurative impact in
    English because it compresses action into a single, powerful statement.
  • It highlights decisive, once-for-all truths of the Christian life (e.g., “died with Christ,” “raised with Him,” “saved by grace”).
  • For teaching, it shows that salvation and God’s acts are not ongoing struggles but
    completed realities in Christ.

The answer is yes.

Gospel of Mark

  • Mark 16:14 – “Afterward He appeared unto the eleven… and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart.”
  • Mark 16:15 – “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”
  • Mark 16:16 – “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned”.
  • Mark 16:17 – “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues”

Though Mark’s account is shorter, it aligns with Luke: the disciples were rebuked for unbelief, corrected by Jesus’s teaching 40 days and forty nights and then commissioned to preach.

Gospel of Matthew

  • Matthew 28:18 – “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.”
  • Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

Here Jesus references Daniel 7:13–14 and Psalm 2:6–8, confirming the prophetic witness.

Daniel 7:13–14 (KJV)

13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him.

14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Psalm 2:6–8 (KJV)

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Conclusion

Jesus revealed that the Old Testament scriptures (Law and Prophets) were about His death, resurrection, and glory.

The message of Jesus in Luke 24:25-27 is a timeless reminder:

To doubt or delay belief in the Scriptures concerning Christ is spiritual foolishness.

Jesus confirmed that all Scripture was fulfilled in Him, gave the Apostles understanding of revelation knowledge, and commissioned them to preach the Gospel with the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostles were trained by the Master Teacher to rightly interpret and proclaim the Scriptures.

Likewise, every believer today must:

  • Look to Jesus Christ as the center of all Scripture.
  • Rely on the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
  • Preach repentance and remission of sins in His Name.

Appendix 2

SThe Meaning of “Heart” in the Bible

1. Hebrew (Old Testament)

  • Word: בֵל (lēb) / בָבֵל (lēbāb) – Strong’s H3820 / H3824
  • Meaning: the inner man, mind, will, emotions, conscience.
  • Key Scriptures:
    • Genesis 6:5 – thoughts of the heart.
    • Deuteronomy 6:5 – love God with all your heart.
    • Proverbs 4:23 – keep your heart with all diligence.
    • 1 Samuel 16:7 – God looks at the heart.

2. Aramaic (Daniel, Ezra)

  • Word: בֵל (lēb) – Strong’s H3821
  • Meaning: mind, intention, inner disposition.
  • Key Scriptures:
    • Daniel 4:16 – beast’s heart given in judgment.

3. Greek (New Testament)

  • Word: καρδία (kardia) – Strong’s G2588
  • Meaning: the control center of life — thoughts, feelings, will, spiritual understanding.
  • Key Scriptures:
    • Matthew 9:4 – thinking in the heart.
    • John 14:1 – let not your heart be troubled.
    • Romans 10:9–10 – belief in the heart leads to salvation.
    • Hebrews 3:12 – an evil heart of unbelief.

4. Strong’s Expanded Dictionary Insights

  • H3820 (lēb): whole inner person — mind, will, emotions.
  • H3824 (lēbāb): inner depths, motives.
  • H3821 (Aramaic lēb): heart, intention, mind.
  • G2588 (kardia): the inner life, the fountain of thoughts, passions, desires, will, and decisions.

5. Theological Summary

  • The “heart” in the Bible is not just emotions — it is the entire inner self.
  • It is where thoughts are formed, choices are made, and God’s word is received.
  • The heart is the true measure of man before God (1 Sam. 16:7).
  • Salvation itself is tied to the heart (Rom. 10:9–10).

Mark 16:15–20 Teaching Outline

14 Verse 15 – The Great Commission

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

  • Command: Global mission — take the gospel everywhere.
  • Figure of Speech: Synecdoche → “creature” = humanity, not literally animals.
  • Greek Verb: Eipen (“he said”) = aorist → a decisive, once-for-all command.

“Lesson: The commission is not optional; it is a completed, binding command for all disciples.

Verse 16 – Response & Consequence

“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”

  • Promise: Belief + baptism → salvation.
  • Warning: Unbelief → condemnation.
  • Greek: Pisteusas (“believeth”) = aorist participle → stresses decisive act of faith, not repeated belief.
  • Figure of Speech: Ellipsis (shortened form) → “He that believeth not” leaves out baptism, showing unbelief alone condemns.

Lesson: Faith is the decisive condition; baptism follows as outward confirmation.

Verse 17 – Signs of Believers

“And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;”

  • Promise: Supernatural signs validate the gospel.
  • Figure of Speech: Metaphor → “follow” = accompany their ministry, not literally trail behind.
  • Greek: Pisteusasin (“those who believe”) = aorist participle → marks belief as a decisive event.

Lesson: Miracles are signs pointing to Christ’s authority, not ends in themselves.

Verse 18 – Divine Protection & Healing

“They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

  • Promise: God’s protection and healing through believers.
  • Figures of Speech:
    • Metaphor → “take up serpents” = protection from danger (cf. Acts 28:3–6, Paul and the viper).
    • Conditional Hyperbole → “drink deadly thing” stresses protection, not a command to test God.
  • Greek: Verbs are future tense (arousin, “shall take up”; blapsei, “shall not hurt”) = promise, not command.

Lesson: God empowers and protects His people as they advance His mission.

Verse 19 – Christ’s Ascension

“So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven and sat on the right hand of God.”

  • Fulfillment: Jesus ascended and enthroned.
  • Greek: Anelēmphthē (“was received up”) = aorist passive → decisive, once-for-all historical event.
  • Figure of Speech: Anthropomorphism → “sat on the right hand of God” = figure of rank and authority, not physical posture.

Lesson: The ascended Christ rules with authority, interceding for His people.

Verse 20 – Apostolic Obedience & God’s Confirmation

“And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.”

  • Fulfillment: Apostles obeyed and preached widely.
  • Greek:
    • Exelthontes (“they went forth”) = aorist participle → summary statement of obedience.
    • Ekēryxan (“they preached”) = aorist → viewed as complete fact.
  • Figures of Speech:
    • Metonymy (“they went forth”) → “the Lord working with them” = Christ by His Spirit.
    • Metaphor (“they preached”) → “confirming the word” = strengthening their message with signs.

Lesson: TChrist continues His work through His people by Word and Spirit.

Summary

  • Commands (vv. 15–16): Preach, believe, be baptized.
  • Promises (vv. 17–18): Signs will follow, protection granted, healing given.
  • Fulfillment (vv. 19–20): Christ enthroned; apostles preached; the Lord confirmed with power.
  • Figures of Speech: Synecdoche, metaphor, ellipsis, hyperbole, anthropomorphism, metonymy.
  • Aorist Tense: Highlights once-for-all events (command, belief, preaching, ascension).

What Did the Prophets Speak Concerning Jesus?

The answer is found in the very Scriptures Jesus Himself taught.

Luke 24:27

“And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”

Luke 24:44

“And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me.”

The whole of the Old Testament—Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms—pointed to Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of “Expounded”

The word expounded in Luke 24:27 comes from the Greek “diermeneuo”, meaning “to interpret thoroughly, to explain, or to clarify.”

Jesus did not give a brief summary but carefully walked His disciples through the Scriptures, unveiling the hidden meaning, showing the types, shadows, and prophecies fulfilled in Himself.

This was not an intellectual lecture but a revelation by the Spirit, enabling their understanding.

The Road to Emmaus – Cleopas and Companion

In Luke 24:18–21 we read:

18 “And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering said unto Him, Art Thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days?”

19 “And He said unto them, What things? And they said unto Him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people:”

20 “And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him.”

21 “But we trusted that it had been He which should have redeemed Israel…”

These verses show the disciples’ misunderstanding: they expected a political redeemer to overthrow Rome, not a suffering Messiah to redeem from sin.

Fulfillment of Prophecies

Jesus connected their hearts back to Moses, the Prophets, and Psalms, pointing out:

  • Hosea 6:2 – “After two days will He revive us: in the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight.”
  • Daniel 9:24 – “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people… to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness…”

Thus, Jesus revealed Himself as the fulfilment of God’s plan of salvation.

Key Points

  1. a. Jesus trained His Apostles to preach, teach, and make disciples in the same way He taught them.
  2. b. The Scriptures can only be rightly understood with Jesus Christ at the center.
  3. c. Jesus Christ Himself confirmed and fulfilled what the prophets foretold.
  4. d. The Spirit of wisdom and revelation, available through Christ, opens the understanding of believers.
  5. e. The phrase “fools and slow of heart” emphasizes spiritual dullness caused by unbelief.

Confirmation in the Other Gospels

Gospel of Mark

  • Mark 16:14 – “Afterward He appeared unto the eleven… and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart.”
  • Mark 16:15 – “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

Though Mark’s account is shorter, it aligns with Luke: the disciples were rebuked for unbelief and then commissioned to preach.

Gospel of Matthew

  • Matthew 28:18 – “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.”
  • Matthew 28:19–20 – “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

Here Jesus references Daniel 7:13–14 and Psalm 2:6–8, confirming the prophetic witness.

Conclusion

The message of Jesus in Luke 24:25 is a timeless reminder:

To doubt or delay belief in the Scriptures concerning Christ is spiritual foolishness.

The Apostles were trained by the Master Teacher to rightly interpret and proclaim the Scriptures. Likewise, every believer today must:

  • Look to Jesus Christ as the center of all Scripture.
  • Rely on the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.
  • Preach repentance and remission of sins in His Name.
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