A Lawyer Look at the Case against Jesus, by Jay Quine

The People v. Jesus of Nazareth - Matthew 26:57-75
We depend on the Bill of Rights to protect us from the enormous power of government. But what if all your rights were ignored, and you were imprisoned anyway? That’s what happened in the case of the People v. Jesus of Nazareth. Like ours, Israel’s laws protected the accused. But the requirement for two or more witnesses, the rule forbidding night court, and their protection against self-incrimination were all ignored. Pontius Pilate himself submitted to mob rule rather than Roman law by hearing the case without a formal indictment, no subpoena or cross examination of witnesses, and ignoring his own verdict of “not guilty” to be overturned. This is Dr. Jay Quine. Remember, the only appeal Jesus made was to God the Father for your salvation.

Jay Qune, attorney at law

• Jay Quine on the Gospel According to Matthew (churchtelevision.wordpress.com)
• Saved from the Ultimate Place of Danger, by Dr. Jay Quine (jayquine.org)

Jay Quine: Comments on the Epistle to the Hebrews

The Epistle to the Hebrews, c. A.D. 64

Facing the prospect of deepening persecution (from Nero?) these Jewish believers were tempted to abandon their day-to-day practice of Christianity and return to Judaism. Just as believers had done in past times (Ch. 11), the writer encourages them to be pleasing to the Father and endure through faith, for their faith rests on a Person and work superior in every aspect to Judaism--Jesus Christ (1:1--10:18).

Chapters 1--4 The Superior Person of Christ

Although Judaism was based on revelation delivered through the agency of angels, Christianity is "better" because of its Revealer. Jesus is superior for He is the heir of all, the Creator, expresses God's glory, provides purification for sins, and is seated in the ultimate place of authority--the right hand of God (Ch.1). Such revelation is not to be ignored (Ch.2), for He is the means to fulfillment of man's role, frees from the fear of death, and understands affliction. Although Moses was great, he is a mere servant of Christ (Ch.3). Thus, one should hold fast to Christ's revelation lest the "rest" of satisfaction through doing the Father's will be missed "today." (Ch.4).

Chapters 5--10 The Superior Priesthood of Christ

Since Christ completely fulfilled the will of the Father, the Christian should persevere unto maturity by continuing to practice the application of God's word (Ch.5). If they refuse to be pleasing to God they can expect severe discipline (Ch.6). The severity is due to the greatness of Christ's priesthood, which is superior to the Levitical priesthood. The priesthood under Melchizedek is superior to that under Aaron because its focus is upon blessing rather than a continual reminder of sin and guilt (Ch.7). It is based on a superior covenant (Ch.8) in accordance with Christ who serves in a superior Tabernacle (Ch.9). To forsake the practice of Christianity is abandoning the greatest thing God could provide. Therefore, endure (Ch.10).

Chapters 11--13 The Believer's Response in Faith

Given the many examples of those who patiently endured through faith in God's promises, the Christian should likewise please the Father through faith (Ch.11). If they rebel then God will discipline them as a human father disciplines his son (Ch.12). Instead, Christians should practice their faith without fear of helping others in need (Ch.13).

Quine's View of the Key Verse: Hebrews 12:1-3

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you may not grow weary and lost heart.”

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A Look at Paul's Note to Friend Philemon, By Jay Quine

The Epistle of Paul to Philemon

Written from Rome, c. AD 62

Returning back to the city of Colosse, Onesimus, the runaway slave, carried this letter from Paul to his master Philemon, encouraging him to adopt a forgiving attitude and restore Onesimus now as a fellow brother in the Lord.

Verses 1-7 Prayer for Philemon

Since the church met in Philemon’s house (verse 2) it is likely everyone knew about the situation with Onesimus. Although this is a personal letter to Philemon, Paul greets members of this church to bring them into the suggestions he is going to make. Paul first acknowledges Philemon’s love and faith toward Christ and his fellow believers. He thus prays that Philemon will do the right thing according to his faith with respect to the returning Onesimus.

Verses 8-17 Plea for Onesimus

In love, as a fellow believer, Paul asks Philemon do the right thing. Paul explains that Onesimus is like a child to him, having become a Christian while Paul was under house arrest. He reminds Philemon his relationship to Onesimus in eternity will not be one of master / slave, but one of brother / brother.

Verses 18-21 Pledge of Paul

Since Onesimus ran away, Philemon lost some money (perhaps Onesimus even stole some). Paul makes a promise to personally pay any amount Onesimus owed.

Verses 22-25 Personal Matters of Paul

Paul anticipates being released from his house arrest and to visit the city of Colosse soon. He asks the church there to pray that the Lord grant this desire, closing with his usual benediction of grace in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Dr. Quine's View of the Key Verse: Philemon 8

“Therefore, through I have enough confidence in Christ to order you to do that which is proper, yet for love’s sake I rather appeal to you--since I am such a person as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus.”