RIGHTLY DIVIDING GOD'S WORD

We all know that the original manuscripts of the Bible was not divided by chapters and verses, but unfortunately, we frequently forget and miss the connection between two chapters.  A perfect example is found in Matthew 16 and 17.  Jesus tells His disciples that some of those standing there would live to witness Jesus "coming in His kingdom" (Mt. 16:27-28).  We know that Christ's Millennial Kingdom is at least seven years from today (the seven-year Tribulation must occur first before Christ returns to rule for 1000 years - Rev. 20), so how is it possible that some standing there with Him would live to witness the event?  The answer is found in the following chapter.  Jesus' Transfiguration was witnessed by Peter, James, and John (Mt. 17:1-9)! 

The same issue occurs in separating 1 Thessalonians 4 & 5.  The subject of the Rapture of the Church is presented; Paul does not want believers to fear that they, or their dead relatives will miss the removal of the Church prior to the Tribulation!  Some of the persecution the early Church was experiencing had many believing they were already in the Tribulation.  The two chapters should be read together so that the full message can be conveyed:

       "But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.  For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
       But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.  For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.  For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.  But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.  Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.  Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.  For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.  But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.  For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.  Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do" (1 Th. 4:13 - 5:11).

 

Rightly dividing the Word of God does not have to do with chapters and verses.

Rightly dividing the Word has to do with understanding the seven dispensations.