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S.D.A. Bible Commentary Vol. 5
the gospel was boldly proclaimed by His disciples. The shaking
earth, the piercing cry, the sudden death which called forth in no
whispered tones the cry, “It is finished,” forced from many the words,
“Assuredly this man was righteous”; “Truly this was the Son of God.”
Many who had scoffed and jeered at, and taunted the Son of God
were terribly afraid that the shaking earth, the rent and trembling
rocks would put an end to their own lives. They hastened away from
the scene, beating upon their breasts, stumbling, falling, in awful
terror lest the earth should open and swallow them up. The veil of
the temple rent so mysteriously, changed the religious ideas of many
of the Jewish priests, and a large company changed their faith. After
the day of Pentecost, we read that “the word of God increased; and
the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a
great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen,
full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the
people (
Manuscript 91, 1897
).
Father Suffered With Son
—In the scenes that transpired in
the judgment hall and at Calvary, we see what the human heart is
capable of when under the influence of Satan. Christ submitted to
crucifixion, although the heavenly host could have delivered Him.
The angels suffered with Christ. God Himself was crucified with
Christ; for Christ was one with the Father. Those who reject Christ,
those who will not have this man to rule over them, choose to place
themselves under the rule of Satan, to do his work as his bondslaves.
Yet for them Christ yielded up His life on Calvary (BE August 6,
1894).
50 (
Mark 15:37
;
Luke 23:46
;
John 19:30
;
Hebrews 2:14
).
Satan Overcome by Christ’s Human Nature
—When Christ
bowed His head and died, He bore the pillars of Satan’s kingdom
with Him to the earth. He vanquished Satan in the same nature over
which in Eden Satan obtained the victory. The enemy was overcome
by Christ in His human nature. The power of the Saviour’s Godhead
was hidden. He overcame in human nature, relying upon God for
power. This is the privilege of all. In proportion to our faith will be
our victory (
The Youth’s Instructor, April 25, 1901
).
51 (
Mark 15:38
;
Luke 23:45
;
Ephesians 2:14, 15
;
Colossians
2:14
;
Hebrews 10:19, 20
; See
EGW comment on John 19:30
).
The Mercy Seat Opened to All
—Christ was nailed to the cross