Outer Darkness: 70 Ad - End Of The Jewish World by Jerry Greene
Category: Religion & Spirituality/Bible
Paperback: 76 pages
Language: English
ISBN: 1598244698

"This term "outer darkness" is only found three times in the New Testament. It is only found in the gospel of Matthew. The gospel of Matthew was written for the Hebrews to show that Jesus was the Messiah. There are more Old Testament prophecies contained in the gospel of Matthew than any other gospel. And as we continue our study, we will discover this statement of Jesus, is also a prophecy, foretold by Moses.

This term "outer darkness" has perplexed many a Christian over the years. I know this to be true because I have had discussions about it with other Christians. Of course, our mindset was this; it must be a part of hell somewhere. If that were true, then we must believe there are some places in hell that are dark and other places where one can see, as the rich man did in (Luke 16:23).

I have heard it suggested, in order to balance - out this apparent contradiction, there must be "black – fire" in hell. I would like to make it very clear as we enter into this study concerning the three statements containing this term "outer darkness;" We never find the words "fire" or "hell" connected with it.

Hades - Hell

The word "hell" in the Greek is "hades." This Greek word means "unseen."

It may shock some people to discover the Greek word "hades" is only found eleven times in the New Testament. It may also come as a surprise to find, the Lord Jesus only mentioned the word "hades - hell" - three times in the gospels. The gospels record three and a half years of the preaching and teaching of Jesus and the word "hades - hell" does not seem to be high on his list of priorities.

Now, let us look at the scriptures which contain the word "hades" (hell) and see if the word "hades" is ever connected to the words - "outer darkness."

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell (hades): for if the mighty works which had been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained unto this day.

Matthew 11:23

And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell (hades) shall not prevail against it.

Matthew 16:18"