Agape Christian Center

T H E P A R A B L E O F T H E
T E N V I R G I N S E X P L A I N E D

Matthew 25:1 (KJV)
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

1. One of the most often misunderstood and often misplaced parable in the Bible.

2. Most have been taught to believe that it is talking about the rapture of the church.

a. it is not, as we will prove has we move along

3. Our first clue is the word “then”.

a. this shows us that something had to take [lace before this incident

b. so we must find out what happens before “then”

Matthew 24:3 (KJV)
And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

4. Jesus is being asked a question concerning the nation of Israel, not the church.

a. they asked the same question again in...

Acts 1:6 (KJV)
When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?

5. The disciples were thinking of a political Kingdom of uniting the 12 tribes of Israel again.

6. In Matthew chapter 24, from verses 4-31, Jesus is talking about:

a. world events that will lead up to the Second Advent

b. when Jesus returns on a White Horse.

c. these same events can be identified in the Book of Revelation

d. in verses 32-35, Jesus tells the parable of the Fig Tree

- When Israel became a nation on May 14th, 1948

e. in verses 36-39, Jesus compares it to Noah’s time when they were caught unaware

f. from verses 40-44, Jesus talks about being ready at all times for His return

g. from verses 45-51, Jesus talks about serving Him until His return

- And the consequences of those who have stopped for one reason or another

h. verse 51 ends chapter 24 with judgment

7. No part of Matthew chapter 24 deals with the rapture of the church.

a. but...the more signs that we see leading up to the tribulation period, the closer the rapture will be

Matthew 25:1 (KJV)
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

8. “Then” shows us that the time frame is at the second coming

a. at the end of the tribulation when Jesus comes with His saints

b. not at the time of the rapture

9. When is the “then”?

Matthew 24:15-16 (KJV)
15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:) 16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:

10. In verse 15 we have the adverb “when”

a. and in verse 16 we have the adverb “then”.

11. We know that this passage of scripture will take place AFTER the abomination of desolation has been set up.

a. which is in the middle of the tribulation period (Daniel's 70th week)

12. So, that validates that Matt. 25:1 cannot refer to the rapture as many have supposed.

Matthew 25:1 (KJV)
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom.

13. The second thing we need to point out is that the is being compared to 10 virgins.

a. this shows us that this is not a parable about the church making itself ready for Jesus

14. Ten is symbolic of:

a. Ex. 20:1-17 - responsibility towards God (keeping the 10 Commandments)

b. Matt.25:1 - expectation and waiting

c. Dan. 1:12, 18-20 - a time of testing

15. So from these definitions we read that these virgins:

a. “had a responsibility in keeping God’s Word

b. while they were being tested

c. as they were waiting for His return”.

16. Why are they referred to as virgins?

Virgin is symbolic of:

2 Corinthians 11:2 (KJV)
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

17. In this case, a virgin symbolizes ‘someone who has chosen to separate themself from sin”.

Revelation 14:4 (KJV)
These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.

18. In this case, virgin symbolizes “those who have totally committed themselves to God”.

19. So, by these definitions we see a virgin is:

a. “one who has chosen to no longer participate in sin

b. but have decided to be totally committed to God”!

Matthew 25:2 (KJV)
And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

foolish - Gk - moros - stupid meaning lacking knowledge or common sense

- heedless ( they haven’t got a clue)

- unfocused and preoccupied

20. So by interpretation, we can say that:

a. the foolish virgins didn’t take it serious about the Lord’s return.

b. or they thought they had enough time before they got serious

Matthew 25:3 (NLT)
The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps,

21. Here is where most have interpreted the oil as being symbolic of the Holy Spirit.

a. there is a problem with that found in Matt. 25:9

b. they are told to go buy some oil

c. the Holy Spirit cannot be bought...let’s validate

Acts 8:18-20 (KJV)
18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, 19 Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. 20 But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money.

22. Since the words “like” or “as” are not used in this verse:

a. so we must take this to mean literal oil and lamps.

b. this being the case, we can now compare this to a Jewish wedding

Matthew 25:4 (MSG)
The smart virgins took jars of oil to feed their lamps.

23. Again, you can’t have ‘extra” Holy Spirit.

Matthew 25:5 (MSG)
The bridegroom didn't show up when they expected him, and they all fell asleep.

24. This would explain why five of the virgins didn’t take it serious about the bridegrooms return.

Matthew 25:6 (KJV)
And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

25. Again, this cannot be the rapture because:

a. in the rapture, He comes to get us

b. we cannot go out to meet Him

26. This would mean that this is in reference to the Jews:

a. because these are taken from a Jewish wedding feast.

b. Jewish weddings were generally celebrated at night

- starting at the rise of the evening star

c. but in this case there was some extra delay

d. and the bridegroom and his friends arrived at midnight instead

Matthew 25:7 (KJV)
Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

27. It was customary to start from the home of the bridegroom.

a. His friends began shouting all along the way

- So people would take up the joyous cry

- Until it would get near enough to the home of the bride

b. this was also done so it would wake up the sleeping bridal party

Matthew 25:8 (MSG)
The silly virgins said to the smart ones, 'Our lamps are going out; lend us some of your oil.'

28. Again, the Holy Spirit cannot be ‘lent out’ or borrowed.

a. so the oil is NOT the holy Ghost in this case

Matthew 25:9 (MSG)
"They answered, 'There might not be enough to go around; go buy your own.'

29. As Christians, we cannot buy the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 25:10 (KJV)
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.

30. Notice that nowhere does it say that a bride was amongst the ten virgins.

a. “they”, the five virgins that were ready went in with him

b. who did the bridegroom come out to get...the virgins

c. so where’s the bride

Matthew 25:10 (NLT)
“But while they were gone to buy oil, the bridegroom came. Then those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was locked.

31. Doors were always locked to uninvited guests and for fear of thieves

a. who would rob the guests

b. or kidnap the bride and hold her for ransom

Matthew 25:11 (NLT)
Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’

32. Obviously, they finally bought some more oil.

33. They called this man “Lord”:

a. not as in the Messiah

b. but like using today equivalent of the word “Sir”


Matthew 25:12 (MSG)
"He answered, 'Do I know you? I don't think I know you.'

34. This was true, because bridesmaids are friends of the bride.

a. that doesn’t mean that the bridegroom knows them

Matthew 25:13 (KJV)
Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

35. Now, many will explain that this parable is about:

a. being watchful and ready for the Lord’s return.

b. yes, that is true

c. but who did the bridegroom come out to get...the virgins

d. so where’s the bride

Revelation 21:2 (KJV)
And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

36. Here we see the New Jerusalem referred to as the bride.

Revelation 21:9 (KJV)
And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife.

37. So now we will discover the truth about the bride.

Revelation 21:10 (KJV)
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

And - a conjunction that finishes verse 10.

a. the rest of chapter 21 tells us what the bride was wearing

38. Who the bridegroom and the church is another teaching within itself.

39. The question is:

a. How has your fire for God been burning lately?

40. But, either way, If He came today, would you be ready?

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Biography: Teaching and Sermon Notes
Dr. John Pelizzari has been serving God since 1982. He is married to Dr. Karen Pelizzari. He is the founder and Senior Pastor of Agape Christian Center in Belton, Texas. He is a Certified Teacher in Theology from Calvary Bible Institute. He has a Bachelors degree from Calvary Theological Seminary and a Doctorate from Southwestern Christian University. In addition, he is a Certified Faith Based Counselor from the Faith Based Counselor Training Institute, a Certified Faith Based Clinical Counselor and a Board Certified Faith Based Clinical Therapist from the International Institute of Faith Based Counseling. He is a Certified Pastoral Member, Teacher and International Representative of the Sarasota Academy of Christian Counseling on Creation Therapy. His memberships include the Full Gospel Fellowship of Churches and Ministries International, the American Association of Christian Counselors, and the International Charismatic Bible Ministries.
His apostolic calling has founded Called and Chosen International: a fellowship of churches and ministries working together for the cause of Christ that spans the globe.
Dr. John has a vast multimedia ministry which includes a library full of sermon notes and life changing messages, along with in-depth study guides ranging from the Book of Revelation to the Hosts of Heaven. He is a teacher of the Word and a trainer of the ministry, desiring to mold disciples after the Kingdom of God and launch ministers into their gifts and calling.
For more information please contact us at:
Agape Christian Center
321 North Penelope Belton, Texas 76513
www.agape-tx.org 254-939-WORD


Bibliography
1. The American College Dictionary. Random House, 1974.
2.The Word–The Bible from 26 Translations. Moss Point, MS: Mathis, 1993
3.Nelson, Thomas. Nelson’s Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1980.
4.Mears, Henrietta. What the Bible is All About. Ventura: Regal, 1999.
5. Halley, Henry H. Haley’s Bible Handbook. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing, 1965.
6.Nelson, Thomas. Nelson’s Three-in-One Bible Reference Companion. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.
7. Young, Robert. Young’s Analytical Concordance to the Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmann’s, 1970.
8.Dake, Finis Jennings. Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible. Lawrenceville, GA: Dake, 1963.
9.Vine, W.E. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1989.
10. Wilson, Walter L. A Dictionary of Bible Types. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1999.
11. Robert T. Boyd, World’s Bible Handbook. Eugene, OR: Harvest House, 1983.
12. Dake, Finis Jennings. God’s Plan for Man. Lawrenceville, GA: Dake, 1949.
13. Flavius Josephus. The Works of Josephus: Complete and Unabridged. Trans. William Whiston. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1987
14. Freeman, James M. Manners and Customs of the Bible. Plainfield, NJ: Logos, 1972.
15. Tenney, Merrill C. The Zondervan Pictorial Bible Dictionary. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1967.
16. The Works of Philo: Complete and Unabridged. Trans. C. D. Yonge. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson, 1993.
17. The Book of Enoch. Public Domain.
18. The Book of Jashir. Public Domain.
19. The Book of Jubilees. Public Domain.
20. The Dead Sea Scrolls. Public Domain
21. Wikipedia

22.
Prayer of Salvation

Dear Lord,
I admit that I am a sinner. I have done many things that don’t please you. I have lived my life for myself. I am sorry and I repent. I ask that you forgive me. I believe that you died on the cross to save me. You did for me what I could not do for myself and I come to you now and ask you to take control of my life. Lord, I love you. Help me to live everyday in a way that pleases you. Thank you that I will spend eternity with you.
Amen