Acts Chapter 19 Discussion Page 2

Thanks Jesse for your comments. Indeed, what a great ministry that would be & for the furtherance of the Gospel if those with the gift of healing would minister to the many with sickness or near death. I wonder why such an opportunity is not seized upon - seems that use of the gift is being confined to the Church generally & not to the masses, as was part of the apostolic ministry.

And true, has the real gift of Tongues ever been used today? As far as I know, those with this gift, still have to learn the language of their target people group when going out to foreign lands to serve; at least I've learnt this from those that I've met - they all had to go for language studies. When one sees all this, I sometimes can't blame the skeptics who say that all of the Holy Spirit's Gifts are now done away with ( 1 Cor 13:8-10). Yet, my sense is that if we make such a determination we may well err greatly & sin, so it's best to know that the Spirit still gives to each one "severally as He will" ( 1 Cor 12:11) & to rejoice when the gift is in operation for the evidential blessing of all.

Albert,

I agree that it is the same Spirit, whether we say Holy Spirit/Holy Ghost, same Spirit. And yes, the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit is the gift. That is the only gift He promises to every believer. Did the Spirit raise Jesus from the dead, or did Jesus raise Himself? Jesus said I will raise up this temple. Acts Chapter 2 is a perfect example of tongues in its proper use. It would be equivalent to going to a foreign country, not knowing the language of that country, and all of a sudden we begin to witness to someone in their native tongue (language), a language that we don't know, but they understand perfectly what we are saying. It's a sign to them that what we are telling them is from God because there's no other way we could know their language so perfectly. It would be an awesome experience to be used the same way God used those in Acts Chapter 2. The problem is that's not what's happening in the church today.

Every believer who receives Christ receives the same Spirit. But not every believer who receives His Spirit automatically starts speaking in tongues as evidence. In Acts 2, there was a reason why God used tongues. We are not to try and emulate that today.

You've witnessed many things. Praise the Lord and all glory to God. He still heals, but not through the hands of men. Yes, God's Spirit is powerful, able to convict even the vilest of sinners and bring them to repentance, but I think we have to be cautious when it comes to "miracles" and "signs." How do we know it's all from God?

Yes, the bible is alive and powerful. And there's nothing wrong with talking about receiving the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, and telling people that receiving His Spirit will change and transform every aspect and thought process in a believer's life. But it would be the same thing as telling someone to receive Christ. Same thing! It's when people are being told that there needs to be evidence of the Holy Ghost by them speaking in tongues. That I can't agree with.

Here's some good scriptures for parents of kids rioting in our streets.

Jesus is Love but I don't think he would approve what is happening in our cities.

These scriptures were canonized into the Bible.

If a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them:

Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place;

And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard.

And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

If they get hit with a rubber bullet... they should have been home (if living in parents basement), keeping it clean.

2 Timothy 3:1-8

This know also, that in the Last Days ( Jude 18) perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un-thankful, unholy!

Please do read the other verses! So should society go soft on these people?

Chris,

Great point! I did a study a few years back on the word "gifts" used in association with gifts of the Spirit. And many of the places in the N.T. that this word gift or gifts are used, the word gifts is in italics. I'm sure you know what the italics are. But I did a Greek study on the word gifts, and there were two different Greek words for our English word gift or gifts. One of those words had to do with an actual gift given to someone. And the other word had to do with expressions of God's Spirit. The only time the word was used as in reference to an actual gift that is given to believers; it was used to show that we are given the Holy Spirit or Holy Ghost. That is the only gift that is actually given to us. The rest of the things mentioned: gifts of prophecy/healing/tongues etc. were simply expressions of God's Spirit.

I do believe God still heals today. Human beings cannot heal anyone. And as far as tongues goes, if God chooses to cause a believer to speak in tongues, I believe He will do so. But like the scripture says, it's not for everyone. I tend to believe that it might even be rare that God causes a believer to speak in tongues. To this day I remain skeptical of those who are telling people that tongues is evidence that you are saved, and that all believers should speak in tongues as evidence that they have the Holy Ghost. I also do not trust these huge faith healing ministries. Some of these people have been exposed as being frauds. I think it would be nice if all these so-called "faith healers" and all those who claim to have the "gift" of healing if they would go to all the hospitals and heal all the sick people there, especially the children who are sick and dying.

To receive Christ is to receive His Spirit. One cannot receive Christ without receiving the gift of the HolyGhost. If we do not receive Christ, we are none of His ( Romans 8:9). There are two different Spirits. This same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is the same Spirit that was poured out on Pentecost(Acts2:1-4). I have received of the same Spirit, the HolySpirit. I have witnessed countless others receive the Same Spirit that fell on the Day of Pentecost. Jesus spoke of another Comforter ( John 14:16-18; Acts 1:8) that was available to all who would receive it. He said repentance and remissions of sins would be preached in His name ( Luke 24:47) beginning at Jerusalem. This gospel has been preached for over two thousand years. I have witnessed people being healed from all forms of disease: cancer, aids, Lukemia, etc. I witnessed demons cast out of people who were possessed with them. I have witnessed the amazing power of the HolyGhost transform gang members into preachers; prostitutes into missionaries; drunkards into deacons; lost souls mixed up in Islam, New Age, Buddhism, and other false doctrines in born again believers. The same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead; is raising believers in the newness of life. I seen miracles wrought right before my eyes: I have seen the blind( literally blind, a man that has a glass eye and his other eye totally blind) see out of both, legally blind eyes. I have a man's leg grow to meet the length of his good leg. I have witnessed barren women give birth to not one, but three children. I have seen God raise people from Comas, from literally death( one woman was dead for 12 minutes resuscitate to life after I prayed for her in the name of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ. He said greater works would we do. The Bible is a living, God-breathed book; it is not like Shakespeare, Milton, Steinbeck, or Melville. It is the power of God. This is why I talk about receiving the HolyGhost-it is the life changing power of God.

Jesse, if I could add one more to your list in an otherwise great response:

Number four: it is not a necessity to have that gift ( 1 Cor 12:30). Albert quoted verse 29 correctly, but should have also included verse 30.

Though having said that, a Pentecostal acquaintance actually interpreted v 30 this way in support of the gift: "do all speak with tongues?', should be read, "do (a command, a must) all (believers) speak with tongues". Needless to say, I was rendered speechless & floundering.

There is only one place in the bible that specifically gives us the purpose for tongues, and that is 1 Corinthians 14:22. Acts Chapter 2 is a perfect example of the proper use of "tongues." Unfortunately, the church today does not conform to the biblical use of speaking in tongues. Many today are in total violation of 1 Cor. 14:22. The tongues that are being taught today are not the tongues of the bible. The verses you have shared make no mention at all about tongues being the evidence that a believer has received the Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit.

When a person receives Christ, they receive His Spirit. If we are trusting God's promise to give us His Spirit when we call out to Him to save us, why would we need evidence? Wouldn't seeking for evidence be the same as not trusting God to fulfill His promise to give us His Spirit? If we require evidence of our salvation, then how can we say we have faith? God's promise in Romans 10:13 is that all who call upon Him shall be saved. That is His promise. He gives us His Spirit. Without His Spirit, there is no salvation, and we are given that in Romans 8:9. You mentioned Acts 2:38 which is a great verse to show that those who repent are promised God's Spirit. That is all we are promised to receive. Many people today are being deceived by the teachings on "tongues" which is causing them to doubt their salvation because they are being told that tongues is the evidence of their salvation. There are three point-blank facts about speaking in tongues that the bible gives us.

Number one: It is a known language. Not necessarily known to the person speaking, but it is a human language.

Number two: It is a sign.

Number three: It is to unbelievers, not believers.

I still all believers to experience the infilling of the HolyGhost by the evidence of speaking with other tongues Tongues are your evidence that God has put His Spirit within you ( Acts 2:4; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:17; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:6) I am referring to the outpouring of the HolyGhost that happened in the book of Acts and was prophesied in Joel 2:28. I am not referring to the gift of tongues, one of the nine gifts that Apostle Paul was teaching the Corinthians. I have experienced the infilling of the HolyGhost by the evidence of speaking with other tongues. The church at Corinth were out of order and Paul wrote them to establish order in the church because they were misusing this particular gift. He taught in I Corinthians not only about tongues but communion, the order of creation, etc. Paul did not forbid them from speaking in tongues,but rather that ye prophesy. Tongues edifies the believer, unless he can interpret so that the church can be edified. Prophesy edifies the body of Christ. I certainly agree with you as it relates to the edifying of the church. I have experienced both in my lifetime. The gifts of the Spirit are in the church today and they operate through people. Paul taught on the correct use of them in the church. No, all are not apostles, nor prophets, nor teachers or workers of miracles. But all can receive the gift of the HolyGhost. The HolyGhost allows believers to operate in the capacity that you are referencing. I do not know what churches you visited where people are out of order. But when God is in control, people will be in order. The initial infilling of the HolyGhost was what I was talking about, not necessarily the gift of tongues. Without the gift of the HolyGhost, you won't be using the utilizing the gift of tongues.

Albert, Really? tongues was the least gift of them all per Paul.

1 Corinthians 12:28 - And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. (Tongues the last least gift.)

1 Corinthians 12:29 - Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?

1 Cor 12:30 - Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? (the answer is NO)

1 Cor 12:31 - But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 14:5 I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues. (GREATER IS HE THAT PROPHESY THAN TONGUES)

Why would anyone want the least gift?

1 Corinthians Chapter 14: 26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret.

28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

....But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church....

not one Pentecostal church I have ever been to have ever followed this in scripture.

I encourage all believers to receive the gift of the HolyGhost by the evidence of speaking with the other tongues. I ask everybody, "Have you received the HolyGhost since you believed? God is still pouring out the HolyGhost upon all those who believe. The HolyGhost is for everybody. From the WhiteHouse to the Outhouse. God will pour it out on all who receive him.

Cheryl there is a lot of Contradiction on the Internet especially with seeking knowlage about God related Realities. The best way to get answers is His way and He tells us we need His Wisdom Prov4:7 none of us were Born with it so we all lack it James 1:5-8 Jesus tells us in Luke 11:9-13 Ask Seek and Knock and we will Receive and than know God's Truth and His Good will for us in All things 1Cor2.

Cheryl, I offer this out of concern and hope for others to do it as well. If, I don't know a word in reading I immediately google it, to help me understand. If, i don't know a concept I google it and look at a few answers so as to have understanding. If someone has a sincere question posting where it takes weeks or months for answers is not best. Also, the answers given may not be best.

Asia is in reference to what we know now as modern Turkey. Ephesus was on the Mediterranean sea.

Cheryl, It may be a meteorite.

Asia Minor is not the same thing as what we know NOW Asia

I served in Asia, been in Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong- I see no references to Asian countries?

read 1Tim 1:1-3 and 2Tim 4:20

What is meant by the image that fell down from jupiter ?

Wells: Immediately after The Tribulation of those days---He shall send His Angeles with a great sound of a Trumpet, They shall gather together His Elect---Matthew24:29-33 /when affliction or persecution ariseth for The Word's sake, immediately they are offended. Mark 4:17. All True Believers will be Troubled, Persecuted, Afflicted, Suffer Tribulation: all from the same Greek word. Mark 13:13

There will another uproar before Jesus Christ take. His people come off this earth before the, the seven years of trouble

Asia, as it was then called during the days of the Apostles, was what is now Southwestern to Central Turkey. Many Bibles have maps of the Missionary Journeys of Paul, and there you can see what all those places were once called. If you like to do some digging and research History, there's really a lot of information you can get on the Internet. Have fun!

What current Asian countries are referred to as Asia in verse 22?

The Ephesians were initially blind to the gospel, preferring instead, their goddess Diana. God used the town clerk to appease the crowd in the concourse spoiling for a fight. At the end of the day, hearts were won for Christ in Ephesus. We need to stand firm in our faith and keep spreading God's Word regardless of inclement circumstances. God is there to protect. Holy Spirit is there to guide.

Acts 19:6 6 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Apollo and some of the Disciples could not get the Holy Spirit to come about them, so Paul made it happen with his strong Faith. Paul was getting stronger in the Lord. The Chosen one from Jesus.

It has impressed me. Praise the Lord

Demetrius didn't care about true worship, he was concerned with how the Christian teaching would affect his money.

Similarly people serve goddess for either for politics or financial gain

test the spirits whether they are from GOD

Amen. Do you have any thoughts or insight concerning the book of Job?

The devil knows Jesus and Paul because Jesus and Paul put him on the run : cast him out : Who are you speaks of those who try to mimmick those that have excerised power over the devil and could not , because they were not close to Jesus.