I have always found it curious as to why the scriptures felt the need to record the number of fish caught in the nets on that particular day?! The fact that a specific number was given and that number was an allusion to the Church as a whole. Not 151 or 154, but 153. As such with that number being as specific as it was, is it for this reason that many believe the Rapture will only occur when the full compliment of believers is achieved? Whatever that number might be? Or can there be some other prophetic reason why 153 was given. Does that specific number hold any significance of it's own?! Could it be assigned to 153 years, or the number of days we struggle with a new virus?! Any thoughts here on this matter? TR 153 helps me to solve the puzzle of real Shavuot/Pentecost. It consists of three numbers, 3, 50, 100. When we apply these numbers to Leviticus 23:15-16, it gives us Tammuz 26 as the real Shavuot. There is another interesting fact about this number. 69 weeks ended on Nisan 10. When we add 153 days to Nisan 10, we come to Elul 15. I have rapture on Elul 15/Sept 4 this year. It may indicate when the 70th week resume. https://povcrystal.blogspot.com/2007/04/153-fish.html The precision of the number of fish has long been considered peculiar, and many scholars, throughout history, have argued that 153 has some deeper significance. Jerome, for example, claimed that the Greeks had identified that there were exactly 153 species of fish in the sea (modern marine biology puts the figure as something over 29,000). I think it is most likely a symbolic way of saying that the gospel will bring in all types of "fish" or men from all over the world. Well ... I have to admit I never studied the 153 fish story because me and fish are like this :negative: Per Biblestudy.org here are 2 interesting theories to ponder ... Its very difficult for me to fathomed but there happens to be ... 153 species of “fish” in this world :wacko: Jerome, the fourth century A.D. Catholic priest and theologian, theorized 153 fishes caught by the disciples represented all the species of fish. He then stated its meaning is that there was enough room within the church for all the "races" of man (Biblical Numerology, chapter 6). Augustine also believed that this fish miracle represented all kinds of men being saved by the gospel "net." 153 personal blessings We discover something quite interesting about this number when we look at how many people, in the Gospel accounts, Jesus personally blessed. The book of Mark records Christ, on three occasions, personally blessed 3 people. These events were the healing of a man with an unclean spirit (Mark 1:23), healing a man who was deaf (Mark 7:32) and making whole another who was blind (Mark 8:22). Matthew, however, writes that on 23 occasions Jesus blessed a total of 47 people. Some of those whom he blessed included a leper (Matthew 8:2), a non-Israelite woman and her daughter (Matthew 15:22), Mary Magdalene (Matthew 27:56) and Joseph of Arimathaea (Matthew 27:57). Luke writes that on 14 occasions 94 people were blessed. They include the seventy disciples sent out to preach and heal Luke 10:1), ten lepers cleansed at the same time (Luke 17:12) and Zaccheus (Luke 19:2). Lastly, the apostle John bears record of eight incidents where nine people were helped by Jesus. Nicodemus (John 3:1), the woman accused of adultery (John 8:11) and Lazarus (John 11) are among those personally touched by the Savior of mankind. All told, the Lord directly blessed 153 people in 48 separate incidents! 3 healed in the Book of Mark 47 healed in Matthew 94 healed in Luke 9 healed in John 153 - Fair Use - David I was still typing when you posted about Jerome’s theory! LOL Interesting enough is the fact that in 1980, per the UN, there were 153 nations. Shifts in the political poll have divided out more, 191. It has long been held the net is the gathering of nations at the end of the age. No we’re in scripture, except here are fish counted. I find the Hebrew Gematria reference to confirming Jesus as the Son of God via the number of fish counted in the net. IXO http://prophecynotes.blogspot.com/2006/05/prophecy-of-153-fish.html Time will certainly tell. :prayer-hands: Gospel is spread by twelve apostles since 32 AD. When we add Paul to them, there are total 13 apostles spreading gospel since 32 AD. 13 x 153 = 1989 Add 1989 years to 32 AD, with 32 AD being the 1st year, 33 AD the 2nd year,..... we come to 2020 AD as 1989th year. Is 2020 the year gospel has reached four corners of world, and rapture to take place? All interesting indeed. I do wan't to believe that this single occurrence of the counting of fish and giving a specific number might be saying a number of things simultaneously. But am hoping that it indeed is a veiled clue to the age of the Church. TR When certain details are included, you have to wonder whether they are meant to be significant. At times you might ask, "Am I missing something here?" It's like an inside remark between family members or friends that seems to allude to some special information. And what prompted the counting of the fish anyway? Was this standard procedure after a catch, or were the Disciples instructed to note the detail? We can't be sure. With the feeding of the 5,000 twelve baskets were left over; from the feeding of the 4,000 seven baskets were left over. It sounds as if we are supposed to take some hint from that, which is not spelled out for the reader. I think I read years ago that 153 is the number of languages in the world. Exactly so. Truly these were all mentioned for a purpose. If not just to brag on God's abundance. But given the counting of the fish catch was only mentioned once, it does isolate itself for being noteworthy! I am told that old Jewish Rabbi's played with the calendar count and they lost about 150 yrs in their calendar. If we were to add 153 yrs to their calendar count the year designation would be changed. Just spit balling here! TR
