Acts 1:8: Thank you for not changing the scriptures. I do not understand why the scriptures are being changed because it says in Acts 1 receive the Holy Ghost not the Holy Spirit and these are different, the Holy Ghost is the power of God which he did give to Jesus but we mustn't confuse the Holy Ghost as the power of God that was given to his disciples on the day of Pentecost. The power of God was given to Jesus and we should understand that the amazing and miraculous power of God was given by God and we'll be given to us when we are born again in the spirit of God and baptized by the spirit of God. Thank you for not changing the scriptures! Lydia
Read Ephesians 2-3 in light of Paul's stewardship. In 2:13-18, the "one new man" is not Israel enlarged but a new creation where Jew/Gentile distinctions are abolished "in his flesh." Thus, "through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father" (2:18). Verse 19 calls Gentiles "fellow-citizens with the saints," yet v.15 has ended the law that fenced Gentiles out (cf. Col 2:14). The change is not Gentiles becoming Israel, but both being created anew in Christ's body ( 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 3:28).
Ephesians 2:20's "foundation of the apostles and prophets" names the foundation's doctrine, not ethnicity or a fixed number of men. Christ is the cornerstone; the foundation is the now-revealed truth preached by Christ's commissioned apostles and prophets for this administration ( 1 Cor 3:10-11; Eph 4:11). In Paul, "prophets" are New-Testament church prophets ( Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28), not Isaiah or Jeremiah. That is confirmed in 3:5: the mystery "in other ages was not made known as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Note the "now." The content was first entrusted to Paul ( Eph 3:2-9; Col 1:25-27), then made known to other apostles and prophets-shared, yet peculiarly "given" to Paul to dispense.
This does not demote the Twelve; it honors their kingdom apostleship to Israel ( Matt 19:28; Acts 1:6; Gal 2:7-9) while acknowledging Paul's distinct apostleship to the Gentiles and the Body's heavenly calling ( Rom 11:13; Eph 1:3; Phil 3:20). Peter recognizes new wisdom given to Paul ( 2 Pet 3:15-16). Calling this "false teaching" collapses texts Scripture keeps distinct. Right division preserves both programs-Israel's earthly covenants and the Body's unprophesied unity-so Christ, not our labels, sets the boundaries ( 2 Tim 2:7, 15). Let's keep the tone charitable and let the plain wording of these verses lead us. Always!!!
Thank you Lbooth1955 for that lengthy discourse on who constitutes the Body of Christ. Rather than deal with each of your points or even to duplicate GiGi's good reply, I will just highlight one of your 'Objections and Reply to it'. And that is:
"Objection: 1 Cor 12:13 says all are baptized into one body-doesn't that include the Twelve?
Reply: It explains the BoC's present-age placement by the Spirit, not a retroactive relocation of Israel's kingdom apostles from their
promised thrones ( Matt 19:28)."
The path my understanding takes on this begins at Luke 24:49, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." The resurrected Jesus speaks to His disciples/apostles (not to any future apostles, only the twelve) to await the promise of His Father.
Then to Acts 1:4,5, Luke reiterates the Lord's message, "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Again, the twelve are spoken about here and that when the promise of the Father would come, they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2 follows.
To 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Paul writes about the same Holy Spirit Who baptizes all (Jew and Gentile) into the one body (the Body of Christ). So we can believe that there are no two Holy Spirits (one for the apostles and one for everyone else); we can also believe that the baptism by the Spirit baptises all into one Body (i.e. the Body of Christ).
If the same Spirit baptized the apostles, the believing Jews & Gentiles in those early days, and us today, aren't we all in ONE Body of Christ?
Thanks for your reply-I think we're circling back to the heart of our earlier discussion.
First, on reigning with Christ: I agree Revelation 2:26-27 promises ruling authority to overcomers at Thyatira, and Revelation 20:4 shows martyrs from "all nations" sharing in Christ's rule. The question is not whether redeemed people reign, but who reigns where within God's revealed programs. Paul discloses a "one new man" ( Eph 2:15) called the Body of Christ, blessed "in heavenly places" and seated there now ( Eph 1:3; 2:6). Israel, by contrast, is promised an earthly kingdom under Messiah ( Isa 2:1-4; Jer 23:5-6; Matt 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:19-21). Both realms are under the same Lord, but the stewardships and destinations differ ( 2 Tim 2:12; 1 Cor 6:2-3).
That leads to the Bride question. Dispensationally, the Body of Christ is not the Bride of Christ. In Scripture, bridal/marriage language is consistently tied to Israel and Zion:
"Thy Maker is thine husband" ( Isa 54:5).
"I will betroth thee unto me for ever" ( Hos 2:19-20).
"As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee" ( Isa 62:4-5).
In Revelation the identification becomes explicit: "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wifeand he shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem" ( Rev 21:9-10). The city bears Israel's fingerprints-twelve tribes on its gates and the twelve apostles on its foundations ( Rev 21:12-14). Moreover, the wife in Revelation 19:7-8 is arrayed in "fine linenthe righteous acts of saints," fitting the works-tested, kingdom saints who endure (cf. Matt 24:13; Rev 14:12), not the grace-standing, already-perfected righteousness imputed to the Body ( Rom 3:21-26; Phil 3:9).
A question worth serious thought is this: if the twelve apostles were preaching the same gospel that Paul proclaimed, why was there a need for Paul at all? The Lord did not raise up Paul by accident or redundancy. Christ specifically chose him as "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), entrusted with "the dispensation of the grace of God" ( Ephesians 3:2), and revealed to him "the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25).
The twelve, under Christ's earthly ministry, were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, calling for repentance and faith in the promised Messiah, with baptism and law-keeping still in view ( Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 2:38). Their focus remained on the restoration of Israel's kingdom, as foretold by the prophets ( Acts 1:6). Paul's commission, however, centered on the Body of Christ, a new creation in which Jew and Gentile are united by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:28).
If their message had been identical, Paul's calling would be unnecessary. Instead, his ministry highlights God's progressive revelation-moving from Israel's prophetic hope to the hidden program of grace now revealed. The need for Paul demonstrates that God was unveiling something new: a gospel not rooted in Israel's covenants, but in Christ's finished work at the cross, freely offered to all.
One must believe in Christ's finished work on the cross alone for salvation-nothing you do, add, or contribute can save you.
Trust only His death, burial, and resurrection for eternal life.
Yes i agree that the rapture itself is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment-before these signs even fully unfold. Unlike the Second Coming, the rapture has no prophesied events that must precede it. Paul calls it our "blessed hope" ( Titus 2:13), meant to encourage and comfort believers rather than create fear. NOT THAT YOU'RE DOING THAT AT ALL!
So, could the rapture be near? Yes-it has always been "at hand" since Paul's day, and the alignment of current events makes many believers sense its nearness even more strongly. But the exact time is God's secret ( Acts 1:7), so our focus should be readiness: living in Christ, walking in grace, and sharing the gospel while there is still time.
The Rapture is not only the catching away of believers but also their transfer to a heavenly destiny. Scripture consistently distinguishes the Body of Christ's hope from Israel's earthly kingdom promises.
Christ's Direct Promise
In John 14:2-3, Jesus declares, "In my Father's house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Since Christ ascended into heaven ( Acts 1:9-11), the "place" prepared is in heaven. At the Rapture, He receives believers to that heavenly home.
Paul's Revelation of Our Heavenly Citizenship
Paul affirms that "our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven" ( Phil. 3:20-21). Believers await Christ from heaven, and He will transform their bodies to share His heavenly glory. In Col. 3:1-4, Paul writes that when Christ appears, we shall appear with Him in glory. Eph. 2:6-7 further shows we are already spiritually seated in heavenly places, confirming our destiny above.
The Rapture Texts Lead Upward
In 1 Thess. 4:16-17, believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, leaving the earth behind. The transformation in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 fits saints for life in glory, not an earthly existence. This upward catching away marks the beginning of our eternal presence with Christ in His realm.
Contrast With Israel's Hope
Israel's prophetic saints are promised an earthly kingdom ( Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 19:28). The Church, the Body of Christ, is promised heavenly blessings ( Eph. 1:3). These two programs remain distinct, preserving the unique hope of the Church.
Conclusion: The saints are not left on earth after the Rapture. Christ Himself promised to receive us into the Father's house. Paul declares our citizenship is in heaven, our blessings are in heavenly places, and the Rapture unites us with Christ above, forever in His presence.
Revelation 1:7 says, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
Behold, he comes with the clouds. I personally don't believe this is making reference to the rapture. I believe Revelation 1:7 is speaking of the Second Coming of Christ, separate from the rapture which would have previously taken place.
Please allow me to share my reasoning. This is how I understand this. It says, "He (Jesus) comes with the clouds. The reference is found in Daniel 7:13.
In Acts Chapter 1, after Jesus ascended up after His resurrection, the disciples were looking up into heaven watching Him disappear in the clouds, and Acts 1:10-11 says, "and while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel. Which also said ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven.
So, Jesus is going to come back the same way. He's going to come back in the clouds. We know that Jesus physically walked this earth some 2,000 plus years ago. We also know that when He ascended, He ascended up on a cloud. When He comes at His Second Coming, He will again come in the clouds and physically step down onto the earth. This will be seen, the same as His ascension was seen. At the rapture, we meet Him in the air. The rapture will happen so fast that it will be impossible for the eye to see.
The dead in Christ will rise from the grave, and we (believers) who are alive will also be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. There is no mention of anyone meeting the Lord in the air at His Second Coming.
The Old Testament repeatedly promised Israel a literal, earthly kingdom ruled by Messiah from Jerusalem. God covenanted to give Abraham's seed the land forever ( Gen. 13:14-15; 17:8) and swore to David an eternal throne ( 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:3-4). Prophets like Isaiah, Daniel, and Zechariah described worldwide peace, justice, and worship centered in Jerusalem ( Isa. 2:2-4; 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44; Zech. 14:9,16-17). The Jewish expectation was simple: Messiah would come once, overthrow Gentile powers, restore Israel, and rule immediately-no concept of a second coming or a rapture.
When Jesus came, this expectation shaped all responses. John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matt. 3:2; 4:17). Crowds hailed "the kingdom of our father David" ( Mark 11:10) and tried to make Him king ( John 6:15). Many "thought that the kingdom should immediately appear" ( Luke 19:11). The disciples expected thrones and rulership ( Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:29-30) and even after the resurrection asked, "Wilt thou restore again the kingdom to Israel?" ( Acts 1:6).
The crucifixion brought deep confusion-"We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel" ( Luke 24:21). Even hearing of His death puzzled them ( John 12:34), since prophecy spoke of Messiah's eternal reign, not His suffering first.
Israel's rejection of Messiah delayed the kingdom. God then revealed through Paul the hidden "mystery" ( Eph. 3:1-9): Jew and Gentile in one Body, a heavenly people awaiting the rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:13-18). The promised earthly kingdom will still come-but only at Christ's second coming ( Rev. 19-20), after the Church is removed and Israel's prophetic program resumes.
This blindness and hardening is temporary until the appointed number of gentiles are saved. After this, God will again return to fulfil His Promises to them as a nation; even as Paul writes, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" ( Romans 11:26,27). Isaiah 59:20,21 and Jeremiah 31:31-37 are further assurances by God that what He has decreed will come to pass upon His Elect (Israel).
Even after Jesus' resurrection, the disciples still wanted to know when the kingdom would be restored to Israel ( Acts 1:6-7). Jesus COULD have told them, 'do you still not understand, God has rejected Israel because of their unbelief & rejection of Me - and only those who believe on Me will be with Me in My Kingdom'. Rather, Jesus said, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." It was not a question of when this would happen but that in God's Time, it would happen when the remnant of Israel would one day see, be convicted and believe, & the kingdom would be restored, with Jesus truly as her King & Savior.
b) RT goes against Old Testament prophecies concerning the nation of Israel.
Consider the prophecies in Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37. In these passages, Ezekiel foresaw the following:
Israel's sinfulness and apostasy (36:16-18); Israel's dispersion amongst the nations (36:19-21); Israel's re-gathering back into the land of Israel (36:22-24); God's blessing of Israel under the new covenant (36:26-27); God would make his name known amongst the nations through His kindness and fulfilled promises to the nation of Israel (36:23,36). Onto Page 4.
All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.
You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.
Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.
There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.
According to dispensationalism, especially Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, Peter and the 11 apostles baptized because they were operating under the prophetic kingdom program meant for the nation of Israel. Water baptism was an essential component of their ministry during the dispensation of law and the offer of the kingdom.
Here's why Peter and the 11 baptized:
1. They Were Continuing Jesus' Earthly Ministry to Israel
Peter and the other apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom ( Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19). Water baptism was part of that message, following the pattern of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
Mark 1:4 - John preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commanded them to "go... baptizing them..."
They were sent specifically to Israel (see Matthew 10:5-6 and Galatians 2:7-9).
2. Baptism Was a Sign of Repentance and Covenant Cleansing
For Israel, water baptism symbolized repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah. It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth.
Acts 2:38 - Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you... for the remission of sins."
This was in direct response to Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
3. They Were Operating Under the Law and Prophecy
Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection. Their ministry was not based on the mystery revealed to Paul but on fulfilling what was already foretold in the Scriptures ( Acts 3:19-21).
The kingdom had been promised to Israel and was still being offered ( Acts 1:6; Acts 3:25-26).
Water baptism was a required sign of repentance and national obedience, there is no evidence of it being required for the body of Christ.
He does the something similar in Acts 1:8"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
When Christ was taken all the disciples turned away. The Holyspirit have not been given yet.
Peter is mostly noted because he said he would never do it!
No one wanted to risk death and witness nor was they equipped to do so.
In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus tells Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus reminds them of what he told them in Luke 24:49.
"But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Afterwards Peter taught and preached boldly the rest of his life while knowing his fate.
Another aspect of God's eternal purpose was to reveal Himself to and in creation. Rom. 1 tells us how mankind can know about God from what He has made which echoes "The heavens declare the glory of God" of Ps. 19:1 showing not only His handiwork but also His majesty and power. Rom. 1:19-20 says that the heavens do reveal God to mankind, saying He showed Himself to mankind in what He has made: namely His eternal power and Godhead and no human is without excuse.
But even more clearly than that, God appeared to the forefathers and prophets: Adam, Eve, Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah and others. These chosen to receive such a close interaction had a first hand testimony of Who God is.
And God not only spoke through the prophets, but moved and inspired them to write the words from Him, most of which has been preserved for all generations. These people were able to do these works by the influence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Person of the Godhead who was sent to these people to inspire, guide, and preach to the people of God.
It is also so in the NT. Consider Anna and Simeon at Jesus' circumcision in the temple. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist and John himself. And then think of the 120 gathered in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit come upon them and they preached the gospel from then onward according to Jesus' prophecy in Acts 1:8. And also, Paul, who not only was converted and filled with the Holy Spirit, but also receiving instruction directly from the risen Jesus, just as the apostles had been taught by the risen Lord in His visitations between the resurrection and ascension. Some of these believers were not only sent to preach the gospel, but also to write the words of God by the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit also, most of which have been preserved for all generations.
The agency of the Holy Spirit revealed a great deal of detail about God.
Indeed Lbooth1955, we have very limited biblical records of the apostles' journeyings for the sake of the Gospel. Though I suspect, as was written of Jesus' full Life & ministry, the same could be said in this regard of the extent of the apostolic ministry ( John 21:25).
But as GiGi wrote, we can believe that the Gospel was taken out much further afield than we might think, if not directly by the mouth of the apostles, certainly by those who might have traveled with them & by converts who ventured into their "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria", etc. ( Acts 1:8). We can truly rejoice that the Gospel of Salvation had gone out by the best of the abilities & opportunities of the apostles & continued to go out after them, even as it is today. I pray for the day when every people & tribe will come under the sound of its life-giving/life-changing message, releasing many from the bondage of sin, religion & self.
Do you really think that risen and glorified Jesus would give the apostles before His ascension prophecy about them going to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world ( Acts 1:8) after promising them that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit and was not able to make His prophecy come to past in the lives of the apostles when He said that He possessed ALL power and Authority? I do not doubt for a minute that Jesus' words were not fulfilled in the lives of these apostles which I would include Paul among them. There are several Scripture passages that do say that the gospel was taken throughout the known world (perhaps the reach of the Roman empire or hellenized or civilized or inhabited world is meant) during the time of the apostles ( Romans 10:15-18; 16:26; 1Thess. 1:8; Col. 1:5,6,23).
As to sources outside of Scripture, many of the leaders who came just after the apostles, many being appointed my the apostles tell of where the apostles took the gospel who lived in the 1st and 2nd century. I would believe such historical reports from the decades immediately following the lives of the apostles before I would seek wisdom in someone who lived thousands of years after the apostles lived, which would include you, Lbooth. I don't say this to offend you but to highlight that you who doubt the witness of early church history because it is not recorded in the Bible seem to think that your own extrabiblical opinion is better than that of these men who, in their own time would have been corrected extensively if what they recorded was erroneous.
That being said, I do think that extrabiblical historical records can help us understand what happened in the church from the time of Jesus' ascension up to their own time in the 1st and 2nd centuries because I do believe that Jesus was at work in the early church to build it as He promised and that His command and prophetic words to the apostles in Acts 1:6, Mt. 28:19-20, etc.
I just realized I left out one important Scripture, Acts 1:8 where Jesus tells the apostles that when the Holy Spirit comes they will receive power and that they would be witness unto Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even unto the uttermost parts of the world. Then Jesus ascended up to heaven.
This verse is one that shows that what Jesus commanded in Matt. 28:19-20 would indeed happen in the apostles lives and ministries. This verse is not a command, but a statement of decreed fact according to Jesus' authority that the apostles He was speaking with would indeed take the gospel to all parts of the world (which also included Paul who was saved a few years later.)
I believe in the power and authority of Jesus to carry out every aspect of this decree as He stated it. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and the power they will receive from God, the apostles did exactly what Jesus had said they would do.
If anyone would argue that this did not happen then I would say that they do not believe what Jesus said directly to the apostles and that they disbelieve that Jesus is sovereign and can bring about His will perfectly in this mission He places upon the apostles.
Judas also repented and wants to make amends. Because anyway, someone had to do this task that Judas had to do. Jesus knew that someone had to do it. But Judas was given one task, did it, and then nothing more? If the scripture was to be fulfilled. So here I see a gap in the scripture again. The son of perdition is mentioned, but the grace in the story is gone. Can be explained with the dark ages balance of power in church history and simply changed. Matthew 27:1-10 References:
Acts 1:17-26 Who else would have betrayed Jesus if it had not been given to him? Remember, we can do nothing unless we receive it from the Lord. If there are any human factors that come into play here, it is possible. For all they loved Jesus and could not see beyond the deed Judas had done. This was of course costly. You do not stab the backs of those you love truly. So Judas got a real lying thought that made him do this. And the Apostles could not see beyond and give him mercy, or ask for mercy. Or so hard were the hearts of the scribes. Here they put all the blame on Judas. Take care and try and keep your back free. May God bless us all to partake of all the spiritual gifts to discern between right and wrong. Amen. ps for all other dear ones in the Lord, we have talk about this before. Some words are difficult becouse it is someti n g not right. Love u
Regarding the return of Jesus, I only see in Scripture that He returns once. As seen in 1 Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-28, John 14:3, Acts 1:11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 19:11-21, through Revelation 20:1-6, is the same event when Jesus returns, and it occurs after the tribulation of the beast. My understanding is that there is only one Day of the Lord, and that is when Jesus returns.
Regarding the Messiah, I have never asked a Jew about their understanding of it. What I have previously read about Jewish faith is that one day a charismatic Jewish leader, the anointed of God, a man with the characteristics of God, a direct descendant of the Davidic line, will gather Jews from around the world, and bring them back to the Land of Israel and restore the kingdom ridding them of all oppressors.
That was what they were looking for during the time Jesus was here during His 3.5-year ministry, a human conqueror. The disciples were looking for Him to set up the kingdom; they even asked Him after He was resurrected, Acts 1:6-7. They were looking for what we see will happen in the millennium when Jesus returns to earth.
It was mainly the leaders of Jerusalem who did not see or did not hear, which caused blindness in part to happen to Israel, who rejected Jesus; many accepted Jesus as the Messiah while He was here. The leaders of Jerusalem played a prominent role in turning the crowds against Jesus, and it was the nation of Israel as a whole that rejected Him. And today, most Jews do not believe the Messiah has come.
I know we may not agree, but I hope I answered your question.
Ok Bennymkje, since you've shared again, I respond. You've quoted Exodus 34:28 (Moses' fasting), Matthew 4:2 (Jesus' temptation), Acts 1:3 (Jesus' Resurrection) to show the importance and connection to "40 days". Supposing I also add to those: Genesis 7:12 (Rain on the Earth), Numbers 13:25 (searching out the land), 1 Samuel 17:16 (Goliath's presentation), Jonah 3:4 (Jonah's cry); how would these other 40 mentions of mine figure in your interpretation? No connection at all, yet the number 40 is consistent so it must be important, shouldn't it?
Whereas Matthew 12:40 (Jonah in the fish's belly) does connect with Jonah 1:17. Why? Because the Lord Himself wanted to give the religious leaders the sign they sought. Jonah wasn't stuck in the belly because Jesus much later would be "in the heart of the earth". Jonah happened to be in the fish for that time and Jesus used that event to describe & prophesy to these leaders that He too would spend the same time in the tomb. The connection & understanding is clear, for Jesus had made it. But to maintain consistency with this, if I introduce 1 Samuel 30:12 (the young Egyptian who was starving for 3 days & 3 nights), then I destroy what sense and connection the Matthew & Jonah verses made to each other. I hope you can see why it is difficult for me, and likely others, to really understand your connections and interpretations.
Though I do agree with you on this: "If every believer knew truth there would not be so many heresies and so many sects"; and I would add, to "rightly divide the Word", so that Word would become much more precious & rich in every heart who hears it.
The faith Obeys most and is equal Reward Acts 4 e 5trust the above helps in understanding this chapter: that God Who chooses us also promises us an eternity with Him (and of course, His Son Jesus Christ). his demonstrates that faith must continue until the end; We are too timid to exhort one another or rebuke one another? us to examine our hearts; to make sure natural talents or attributes are not what motivates us; but those affections that come from above.
I agree that the Scriptures speak of the Holy Spirit baptizing us with fire, and that should be the usual interpretation of it. I cannot say that I can actually give a definite meaning of this action by the Holy Spirit because the Scriptures do not define it. However, we do know that the Holy Spirit used flames of fire (along with rushing wind) to bring God's power to them for the work of spreading the gospel, building the communion of believers, for performing miracles and signs, and for fighting against the enemy, along with some other purposes for this new power promised by Jesus to the disciples. ( Acts 1:5, 8).
Many people have their interpretation of what this baptism of fire means. I am glad to read their perspectives. I just added the very ancient teaching of the Church Fathers that it refers to martyrdom because it was a how some understood it to mean in the early centuries of the church. I cannot say if this is a correct definition or not because I cannot know whether the Holy Spirit was teaching these believers in this way or not. I just did not think that many people would know what the early Church thought about this phrase.
It is interesting that today in the study of Matthew we happen to get to the Palm Sunday account in Matthew 21. This wasn't planned but interesting nonetheless. As I looked briefly at the passage I suddenly discovered something from verses 9 and 10
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"
11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Wait a minute...many of us are familiar with what happened between this victorious acclamation and celebration and less than one week later when the crowds were shouting "crucify Him". What I never noticed before is that they had His identity only as they could perceive in the flesh; as verse 11 states the prophet; not the Prophet who was also the Son of God. So that's why it became so easy to betray Him. Why do I say this?
First of all; as we know from the expectations of the Apostles themselves they expected Him to bring the Kingdom to an earthly rule sooner rather than later. The Pharisees asked this starting in Luke 17:20; and the Apostles in Acts 1:7 Jesus' presence should have been something the Pharisees would look forward to. John 11:48 shows that they were worried the Romans would somehow take over and ruin their establishment if Jesus continued as He did; after Lazarus was raised from the dead around the same time period weeks before His crucifixion.
Secondly; when they realized that Jesus wasn't going to fight back or use supernatural power to come down from the cross no doubt many mocked Him or were disillusioned after His demonstrations of mass healings and deliverances for several years.
Third; tied in with the second point is that their need to have Jesus as sin bearer was something they were and still are as a nation to this day. Despite the destruction of their old temple for most of the last 2000 years there is still an attempt to build it anew. Rejecting Christ they hae had no means of even covering sin since then.
More specific purposes of Christ during His earthly ministry
4. Calling out of His Disciples. He spent all night in prayer prior to this event. ( Luke 6:12-13). Some may think that He had to decide who to choose; but I doubt it. That was something I would think was foreknown; especially since the son of perdition Judas Iscariot had to be picked as well although I am not sure where in scripture the initial meeting was with him; maybe someone can let me know about that. No doubt He prayed for them to readily accept Him and for obstacles from the enemy not to thwart things to come. Overall this would complicate His mission as times had to be set aside with this "inner circle" for further discussion of matters and discipling through hard sayings. This would be the beginning of the church which He would further develop in the absence after His death and Resurrection when the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost.
5. Warning of destruction to come. The future persecutions of the Disciples and travail of the nation of Israel as a whole eventually were expanded to the birth pangs of the world in general as illustrated in Matthew 24. Everything familiar to the Jewish nation would be shook; with the destruction of the Temple and many Jews during AD 70; largely due to their blindness of Christ and who He was ( Matt. 23:37). He deliberately talked very little about ruling and reigning in the Millennial Kingdom as no doubt that was the expectation and hope even of the Disciples at that time of His soon arrival in that mode. This is mentioned in Acts 1:6 as something alluded to have happened earlier.
6. Always considering others needs above His own. Jesus came to serve and not be served. ( Mark 10:45). This could perhaps be best demonstrated in His statement to John when hanging on the cross ( Luke 19:25-29). It appears Joseph was dead at this time and Jesus knew John would live the longest so he was to take Mary in.
Jesus promised the Twelve Disiples the twelve thrones and Apostle Paul is not included.
Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upontwelvethrones, judging thetwelvetribes of Israel.
Peter remembered what Jesus said about the twelve thrones. Peter was in the hurry to fill the slot for a new Apostle to join.
They made Matthias an Apostle of the Twelve of the kingdom.
Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell uponMatthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Why didn't Apostle Peter wait until Paul came in. Apostle Paul did not qualify to be one of the Jewish Apostle of the Twelve.
Acts 1:12-23
21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
AndJudasIscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
Satan enter in Judas Iscariot.
Luke 22:3
Then entered Satan intoJudassurnamedIscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Because Judas Iscariot hung himself and Satan pushed out his body , there's a possibility that Judas Iscariot went to hell.
Acts 1:17-18
17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
Peter ask Jesus who betray you ? Jesus told Peter not to worry about it, just follow me. I believe by reading this verse, Judas Iscariot will be resurrected in the Antichrist, in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ .
John 21:22
22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Jesus said that Judas Iscariot shouldn't been born .
Mark 14:21
The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man ifhehad never beenborn.
Judas Iscariot went to hell .
Acts 1:25
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his ownplace.
May we all believe the gospel of grace, so we don't have to be in the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
In Acts 1:9-11, when Jesus ascended up into heaven, He disappeared into the clouds, and the angels told the disciples the same way that you have seen the Lord leave is the same way you will see Him come back. We will be caught up together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air. And therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 - For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For you yourselves know perfectly, which is a Greek word that's a mathematical term, AKRIBOS, which means accurately. You yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
The day of the Lord is exactly what it says. It is not a specific day. It is a time period that God has set apart, even in the Old Testament. It will be His day. The Lords Day is coming. It's not a specific day. It's a time period. It's judgment time. But when it does come, it will come like a thief in the night. People will not be expecting it. It's going to come suddenly.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
It says therefore, and I'll share some technical things here about the translation. Instead of let us not sleep, it's literally we should not sleep. It's not a command. It says we should not sleep, as do the others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
The word evil is the word adversity. If people cause you problems, he's saying don't turn around and do the same thing to them. But follow that which is good, and that's the word AGATHOS which is spiritual good, both among yourselves, and to all men. In other words, if people cause adversity for you, pursue the good of God and the influence of His Spirit in the situation, and don't repay evil for evil.
Ephesians 2:20's "foundation of the apostles and prophets" names the foundation's doctrine, not ethnicity or a fixed number of men. Christ is the cornerstone; the foundation is the now-revealed truth preached by Christ's commissioned apostles and prophets for this administration ( 1 Cor 3:10-11; Eph 4:11). In Paul, "prophets" are New-Testament church prophets ( Acts 13:1; 1 Cor 12:28), not Isaiah or Jeremiah. That is confirmed in 3:5: the mystery "in other ages was not made known as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit." Note the "now." The content was first entrusted to Paul ( Eph 3:2-9; Col 1:25-27), then made known to other apostles and prophets-shared, yet peculiarly "given" to Paul to dispense.
This does not demote the Twelve; it honors their kingdom apostleship to Israel ( Matt 19:28; Acts 1:6; Gal 2:7-9) while acknowledging Paul's distinct apostleship to the Gentiles and the Body's heavenly calling ( Rom 11:13; Eph 1:3; Phil 3:20). Peter recognizes new wisdom given to Paul ( 2 Pet 3:15-16). Calling this "false teaching" collapses texts Scripture keeps distinct. Right division preserves both programs-Israel's earthly covenants and the Body's unprophesied unity-so Christ, not our labels, sets the boundaries ( 2 Tim 2:7, 15). Let's keep the tone charitable and let the plain wording of these verses lead us. Always!!!
"Objection: 1 Cor 12:13 says all are baptized into one body-doesn't that include the Twelve?
Reply: It explains the BoC's present-age placement by the Spirit, not a retroactive relocation of Israel's kingdom apostles from their
promised thrones ( Matt 19:28)."
The path my understanding takes on this begins at Luke 24:49, "And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high." The resurrected Jesus speaks to His disciples/apostles (not to any future apostles, only the twelve) to await the promise of His Father.
Then to Acts 1:4,5, Luke reiterates the Lord's message, "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." Again, the twelve are spoken about here and that when the promise of the Father would come, they would be baptized with the Holy Ghost. Acts 2 follows.
To 1 Corinthians 12:13, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." Paul writes about the same Holy Spirit Who baptizes all (Jew and Gentile) into the one body (the Body of Christ). So we can believe that there are no two Holy Spirits (one for the apostles and one for everyone else); we can also believe that the baptism by the Spirit baptises all into one Body (i.e. the Body of Christ).
If the same Spirit baptized the apostles, the believing Jews & Gentiles in those early days, and us today, aren't we all in ONE Body of Christ?
First, on reigning with Christ: I agree Revelation 2:26-27 promises ruling authority to overcomers at Thyatira, and Revelation 20:4 shows martyrs from "all nations" sharing in Christ's rule. The question is not whether redeemed people reign, but who reigns where within God's revealed programs. Paul discloses a "one new man" ( Eph 2:15) called the Body of Christ, blessed "in heavenly places" and seated there now ( Eph 1:3; 2:6). Israel, by contrast, is promised an earthly kingdom under Messiah ( Isa 2:1-4; Jer 23:5-6; Matt 19:28; Acts 1:6; 3:19-21). Both realms are under the same Lord, but the stewardships and destinations differ ( 2 Tim 2:12; 1 Cor 6:2-3).
That leads to the Bride question. Dispensationally, the Body of Christ is not the Bride of Christ. In Scripture, bridal/marriage language is consistently tied to Israel and Zion:
"Thy Maker is thine husband" ( Isa 54:5).
"I will betroth thee unto me for ever" ( Hos 2:19-20).
"As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee" ( Isa 62:4-5).
In Revelation the identification becomes explicit: "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wifeand he shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem" ( Rev 21:9-10). The city bears Israel's fingerprints-twelve tribes on its gates and the twelve apostles on its foundations ( Rev 21:12-14). Moreover, the wife in Revelation 19:7-8 is arrayed in "fine linenthe righteous acts of saints," fitting the works-tested, kingdom saints who endure (cf. Matt 24:13; Rev 14:12), not the grace-standing, already-perfected righteousness imputed to the Body ( Rom 3:21-26; Phil 3:9).
see pg2
A question worth serious thought is this: if the twelve apostles were preaching the same gospel that Paul proclaimed, why was there a need for Paul at all? The Lord did not raise up Paul by accident or redundancy. Christ specifically chose him as "the apostle of the Gentiles" ( Romans 11:13), entrusted with "the dispensation of the grace of God" ( Ephesians 3:2), and revealed to him "the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began" ( Romans 16:25).
The twelve, under Christ's earthly ministry, were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom to Israel, calling for repentance and faith in the promised Messiah, with baptism and law-keeping still in view ( Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 2:38). Their focus remained on the restoration of Israel's kingdom, as foretold by the prophets ( Acts 1:6). Paul's commission, however, centered on the Body of Christ, a new creation in which Jew and Gentile are united by grace through faith alone, apart from works of the law ( Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 3:28).
If their message had been identical, Paul's calling would be unnecessary. Instead, his ministry highlights God's progressive revelation-moving from Israel's prophetic hope to the hidden program of grace now revealed. The need for Paul demonstrates that God was unveiling something new: a gospel not rooted in Israel's covenants, but in Christ's finished work at the cross, freely offered to all.
One must believe in Christ's finished work on the cross alone for salvation-nothing you do, add, or contribute can save you.
Trust only His death, burial, and resurrection for eternal life.
G&P
Yes i agree that the rapture itself is imminent, meaning it could happen at any moment-before these signs even fully unfold. Unlike the Second Coming, the rapture has no prophesied events that must precede it. Paul calls it our "blessed hope" ( Titus 2:13), meant to encourage and comfort believers rather than create fear. NOT THAT YOU'RE DOING THAT AT ALL!
So, could the rapture be near? Yes-it has always been "at hand" since Paul's day, and the alignment of current events makes many believers sense its nearness even more strongly. But the exact time is God's secret ( Acts 1:7), so our focus should be readiness: living in Christ, walking in grace, and sharing the gospel while there is still time.
Grace and Peace
"And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power."
Matthew 24:36
"But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only."
Blessings
The Rapture is not only the catching away of believers but also their transfer to a heavenly destiny. Scripture consistently distinguishes the Body of Christ's hope from Israel's earthly kingdom promises.
Christ's Direct Promise
In John 14:2-3, Jesus declares, "In my Father's house are many mansions I go to prepare a place for you I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." Since Christ ascended into heaven ( Acts 1:9-11), the "place" prepared is in heaven. At the Rapture, He receives believers to that heavenly home.
Paul's Revelation of Our Heavenly Citizenship
Paul affirms that "our conversation [citizenship] is in heaven" ( Phil. 3:20-21). Believers await Christ from heaven, and He will transform their bodies to share His heavenly glory. In Col. 3:1-4, Paul writes that when Christ appears, we shall appear with Him in glory. Eph. 2:6-7 further shows we are already spiritually seated in heavenly places, confirming our destiny above.
The Rapture Texts Lead Upward
In 1 Thess. 4:16-17, believers are caught up to meet the Lord in the air, leaving the earth behind. The transformation in 1 Cor. 15:51-52 fits saints for life in glory, not an earthly existence. This upward catching away marks the beginning of our eternal presence with Christ in His realm.
Contrast With Israel's Hope
Israel's prophetic saints are promised an earthly kingdom ( Jer. 23:5-6; Matt. 19:28). The Church, the Body of Christ, is promised heavenly blessings ( Eph. 1:3). These two programs remain distinct, preserving the unique hope of the Church.
Conclusion: The saints are not left on earth after the Rapture. Christ Himself promised to receive us into the Father's house. Paul declares our citizenship is in heaven, our blessings are in heavenly places, and the Rapture unites us with Christ above, forever in His presence.
Grace and Peace.
(Part 3):
Revelation 1:7 says, "Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen."
Behold, he comes with the clouds. I personally don't believe this is making reference to the rapture. I believe Revelation 1:7 is speaking of the Second Coming of Christ, separate from the rapture which would have previously taken place.
Please allow me to share my reasoning. This is how I understand this. It says, "He (Jesus) comes with the clouds. The reference is found in Daniel 7:13.
In Acts Chapter 1, after Jesus ascended up after His resurrection, the disciples were looking up into heaven watching Him disappear in the clouds, and Acts 1:10-11 says, "and while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel. Which also said ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as you have seen Him go into heaven.
So, Jesus is going to come back the same way. He's going to come back in the clouds. We know that Jesus physically walked this earth some 2,000 plus years ago. We also know that when He ascended, He ascended up on a cloud. When He comes at His Second Coming, He will again come in the clouds and physically step down onto the earth. This will be seen, the same as His ascension was seen. At the rapture, we meet Him in the air. The rapture will happen so fast that it will be impossible for the eye to see.
The dead in Christ will rise from the grave, and we (believers) who are alive will also be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air. There is no mention of anyone meeting the Lord in the air at His Second Coming.
This is my understanding on the matter.
The Old Testament repeatedly promised Israel a literal, earthly kingdom ruled by Messiah from Jerusalem. God covenanted to give Abraham's seed the land forever ( Gen. 13:14-15; 17:8) and swore to David an eternal throne ( 2 Sam. 7:12-16; Ps. 89:3-4). Prophets like Isaiah, Daniel, and Zechariah described worldwide peace, justice, and worship centered in Jerusalem ( Isa. 2:2-4; 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44; Zech. 14:9,16-17). The Jewish expectation was simple: Messiah would come once, overthrow Gentile powers, restore Israel, and rule immediately-no concept of a second coming or a rapture.
When Jesus came, this expectation shaped all responses. John the Baptist and Jesus proclaimed, "The kingdom of heaven is at hand" ( Matt. 3:2; 4:17). Crowds hailed "the kingdom of our father David" ( Mark 11:10) and tried to make Him king ( John 6:15). Many "thought that the kingdom should immediately appear" ( Luke 19:11). The disciples expected thrones and rulership ( Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:29-30) and even after the resurrection asked, "Wilt thou restore again the kingdom to Israel?" ( Acts 1:6).
The crucifixion brought deep confusion-"We trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel" ( Luke 24:21). Even hearing of His death puzzled them ( John 12:34), since prophecy spoke of Messiah's eternal reign, not His suffering first.
Israel's rejection of Messiah delayed the kingdom. God then revealed through Paul the hidden "mystery" ( Eph. 3:1-9): Jew and Gentile in one Body, a heavenly people awaiting the rapture ( 1 Thess. 4:13-18). The promised earthly kingdom will still come-but only at Christ's second coming ( Rev. 19-20), after the Church is removed and Israel's prophetic program resumes.
Blessings to all.
This blindness and hardening is temporary until the appointed number of gentiles are saved. After this, God will again return to fulfil His Promises to them as a nation; even as Paul writes, "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins" ( Romans 11:26,27). Isaiah 59:20,21 and Jeremiah 31:31-37 are further assurances by God that what He has decreed will come to pass upon His Elect (Israel).
Even after Jesus' resurrection, the disciples still wanted to know when the kingdom would be restored to Israel ( Acts 1:6-7). Jesus COULD have told them, 'do you still not understand, God has rejected Israel because of their unbelief & rejection of Me - and only those who believe on Me will be with Me in My Kingdom'. Rather, Jesus said, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power." It was not a question of when this would happen but that in God's Time, it would happen when the remnant of Israel would one day see, be convicted and believe, & the kingdom would be restored, with Jesus truly as her King & Savior.
b) RT goes against Old Testament prophecies concerning the nation of Israel.
Consider the prophecies in Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37. In these passages, Ezekiel foresaw the following:
Israel's sinfulness and apostasy (36:16-18); Israel's dispersion amongst the nations (36:19-21); Israel's re-gathering back into the land of Israel (36:22-24); God's blessing of Israel under the new covenant (36:26-27); God would make his name known amongst the nations through His kindness and fulfilled promises to the nation of Israel (36:23,36). Onto Page 4.
All of Jesus's life was about fulfilling the law and prophecy; it is to the Jew first and then the rest of the world, Romans 1:16, Romans 2:9-10. Jesus clearly said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel, and He instructed His disciples to do the same, Matthew 10:6, Matthew 15:24. Jesus spoke to them in parables so they would not understand and hear, and be healed, Matthew 13:13-15.
You are correct that, as a nation, they would have been able to receive Jesus as the Messiah if they had repented, and then the kingdom could have been established at that time. However, God knew their hearts. They were expecting Jesus to set up the kingdom at that time, including the apostles. They asked Jesus if He was going to establish it then, Acts 1:6.
Their final rejection is shown when they cried out loudly and covered their ears, Acts 7:57. Though many disagree, this also fulfills the last seven years in the prophecy of Daniel 9, which many associate with the end times and the doctrine of the Rapture of the Church. This gospel of grace is offered to Jew or Greek, and unto the whole world.
There is no difference between the Jew and any other person of any nation, Romans 10:12. It took the apostles some time to understand this, as shown by Peter's reluctance and his dream. It may not be in our Bible, but I believe they all understood God's plan. This Kingdom will be established when Jesus returns, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in, Romans 11:25.
God bless,
RLW
According to dispensationalism, especially Mid-Acts Dispensationalism, Peter and the 11 apostles baptized because they were operating under the prophetic kingdom program meant for the nation of Israel. Water baptism was an essential component of their ministry during the dispensation of law and the offer of the kingdom.
Here's why Peter and the 11 baptized:
1. They Were Continuing Jesus' Earthly Ministry to Israel
Peter and the other apostles were commissioned to preach the gospel of the kingdom ( Matthew 10:5-7; Matthew 28:19). Water baptism was part of that message, following the pattern of John the Baptist and Jesus Himself.
Mark 1:4 - John preached "the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins."
Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commanded them to "go... baptizing them..."
They were sent specifically to Israel (see Matthew 10:5-6 and Galatians 2:7-9).
2. Baptism Was a Sign of Repentance and Covenant Cleansing
For Israel, water baptism symbolized repentance, cleansing, and identification with the coming kingdom and Messiah. It was a requirement for entering the prophesied kingdom on earth.
Acts 2:38 - Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you... for the remission of sins."
This was in direct response to Israel's rejection and crucifixion of Jesus.
3. They Were Operating Under the Law and Prophecy
Peter and the 11 were still under the Old Covenant framework, even after Jesus' resurrection. Their ministry was not based on the mystery revealed to Paul but on fulfilling what was already foretold in the Scriptures ( Acts 3:19-21).
The kingdom had been promised to Israel and was still being offered ( Acts 1:6; Acts 3:25-26).
Water baptism was a required sign of repentance and national obedience, there is no evidence of it being required for the body of Christ.
page 2
Jesus said "when thou art converted!
There's no if there.
I've noticed that as well!
He does the something similar in Acts 1:8"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
And ye SHALL BE WITNESSES unto me.
I believe you shared this before.
The Lord done it all!
Blessings.
When Christ was taken all the disciples turned away. The Holyspirit have not been given yet.
Peter is mostly noted because he said he would never do it!
No one wanted to risk death and witness nor was they equipped to do so.
In Luke 22:31-32 Jesus tells Peter, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
In Acts 1:8 Jesus reminds them of what he told them in Luke 24:49.
"But YE SHALL RECEIVE POWER, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: AND YE SHALL BE WITNESSES UNTO ME both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.
Afterwards Peter taught and preached boldly the rest of his life while knowing his fate.
John 21:18-19.
Blessings!
Another aspect of God's eternal purpose was to reveal Himself to and in creation. Rom. 1 tells us how mankind can know about God from what He has made which echoes "The heavens declare the glory of God" of Ps. 19:1 showing not only His handiwork but also His majesty and power. Rom. 1:19-20 says that the heavens do reveal God to mankind, saying He showed Himself to mankind in what He has made: namely His eternal power and Godhead and no human is without excuse.
But even more clearly than that, God appeared to the forefathers and prophets: Adam, Eve, Noah, Job, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Daniel, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah and others. These chosen to receive such a close interaction had a first hand testimony of Who God is.
And God not only spoke through the prophets, but moved and inspired them to write the words from Him, most of which has been preserved for all generations. These people were able to do these works by the influence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Person of the Godhead who was sent to these people to inspire, guide, and preach to the people of God.
It is also so in the NT. Consider Anna and Simeon at Jesus' circumcision in the temple. Zechariah, father of John the Baptist and John himself. And then think of the 120 gathered in the Upper Room when the Holy Spirit come upon them and they preached the gospel from then onward according to Jesus' prophecy in Acts 1:8. And also, Paul, who not only was converted and filled with the Holy Spirit, but also receiving instruction directly from the risen Jesus, just as the apostles had been taught by the risen Lord in His visitations between the resurrection and ascension. Some of these believers were not only sent to preach the gospel, but also to write the words of God by the inspiration and power of the Holy Spirit also, most of which have been preserved for all generations.
The agency of the Holy Spirit revealed a great deal of detail about God.
See Pt. 8
But as GiGi wrote, we can believe that the Gospel was taken out much further afield than we might think, if not directly by the mouth of the apostles, certainly by those who might have traveled with them & by converts who ventured into their "Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria", etc. ( Acts 1:8). We can truly rejoice that the Gospel of Salvation had gone out by the best of the abilities & opportunities of the apostles & continued to go out after them, even as it is today. I pray for the day when every people & tribe will come under the sound of its life-giving/life-changing message, releasing many from the bondage of sin, religion & self.
Do you really think that risen and glorified Jesus would give the apostles before His ascension prophecy about them going to Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the world ( Acts 1:8) after promising them that they would receive power from the Holy Spirit and was not able to make His prophecy come to past in the lives of the apostles when He said that He possessed ALL power and Authority? I do not doubt for a minute that Jesus' words were not fulfilled in the lives of these apostles which I would include Paul among them. There are several Scripture passages that do say that the gospel was taken throughout the known world (perhaps the reach of the Roman empire or hellenized or civilized or inhabited world is meant) during the time of the apostles ( Romans 10:15-18; 16:26; 1Thess. 1:8; Col. 1:5,6,23).
As to sources outside of Scripture, many of the leaders who came just after the apostles, many being appointed my the apostles tell of where the apostles took the gospel who lived in the 1st and 2nd century. I would believe such historical reports from the decades immediately following the lives of the apostles before I would seek wisdom in someone who lived thousands of years after the apostles lived, which would include you, Lbooth. I don't say this to offend you but to highlight that you who doubt the witness of early church history because it is not recorded in the Bible seem to think that your own extrabiblical opinion is better than that of these men who, in their own time would have been corrected extensively if what they recorded was erroneous.
That being said, I do think that extrabiblical historical records can help us understand what happened in the church from the time of Jesus' ascension up to their own time in the 1st and 2nd centuries because I do believe that Jesus was at work in the early church to build it as He promised and that His command and prophetic words to the apostles in Acts 1:6, Mt. 28:19-20, etc.
I just realized I left out one important Scripture, Acts 1:8 where Jesus tells the apostles that when the Holy Spirit comes they will receive power and that they would be witness unto Jesus in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and even unto the uttermost parts of the world. Then Jesus ascended up to heaven.
This verse is one that shows that what Jesus commanded in Matt. 28:19-20 would indeed happen in the apostles lives and ministries. This verse is not a command, but a statement of decreed fact according to Jesus' authority that the apostles He was speaking with would indeed take the gospel to all parts of the world (which also included Paul who was saved a few years later.)
I believe in the power and authority of Jesus to carry out every aspect of this decree as He stated it. Through the working of the Holy Spirit and the power they will receive from God, the apostles did exactly what Jesus had said they would do.
If anyone would argue that this did not happen then I would say that they do not believe what Jesus said directly to the apostles and that they disbelieve that Jesus is sovereign and can bring about His will perfectly in this mission He places upon the apostles.
Judas also repented and wants to make amends. Because anyway, someone had to do this task that Judas had to do. Jesus knew that someone had to do it. But Judas was given one task, did it, and then nothing more? If the scripture was to be fulfilled. So here I see a gap in the scripture again. The son of perdition is mentioned, but the grace in the story is gone. Can be explained with the dark ages balance of power in church history and simply changed. Matthew 27:1-10 References:
Acts 1:17-26 Who else would have betrayed Jesus if it had not been given to him? Remember, we can do nothing unless we receive it from the Lord. If there are any human factors that come into play here, it is possible. For all they loved Jesus and could not see beyond the deed Judas had done. This was of course costly. You do not stab the backs of those you love truly. So Judas got a real lying thought that made him do this. And the Apostles could not see beyond and give him mercy, or ask for mercy. Or so hard were the hearts of the scribes. Here they put all the blame on Judas. Take care and try and keep your back free. May God bless us all to partake of all the spiritual gifts to discern between right and wrong. Amen. ps for all other dear ones in the Lord, we have talk about this before. Some words are difficult becouse it is someti n g not right. Love u
Regarding the return of Jesus, I only see in Scripture that He returns once. As seen in 1 Matthew 24:29-31, Mark 13:24-27, Luke 21:25-28, John 14:3, Acts 1:11, 1 Corinthians 15:51-55, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4, Hebrews 9:28, Revelation 1:7, Revelation 6:12-17, Revelation 19:11-21, through Revelation 20:1-6, is the same event when Jesus returns, and it occurs after the tribulation of the beast. My understanding is that there is only one Day of the Lord, and that is when Jesus returns.
Regarding the Messiah, I have never asked a Jew about their understanding of it. What I have previously read about Jewish faith is that one day a charismatic Jewish leader, the anointed of God, a man with the characteristics of God, a direct descendant of the Davidic line, will gather Jews from around the world, and bring them back to the Land of Israel and restore the kingdom ridding them of all oppressors.
That was what they were looking for during the time Jesus was here during His 3.5-year ministry, a human conqueror. The disciples were looking for Him to set up the kingdom; they even asked Him after He was resurrected, Acts 1:6-7. They were looking for what we see will happen in the millennium when Jesus returns to earth.
It was mainly the leaders of Jerusalem who did not see or did not hear, which caused blindness in part to happen to Israel, who rejected Jesus; many accepted Jesus as the Messiah while He was here. The leaders of Jerusalem played a prominent role in turning the crowds against Jesus, and it was the nation of Israel as a whole that rejected Him. And today, most Jews do not believe the Messiah has come.
I know we may not agree, but I hope I answered your question.
God bless,
RLW
Whereas Matthew 12:40 (Jonah in the fish's belly) does connect with Jonah 1:17. Why? Because the Lord Himself wanted to give the religious leaders the sign they sought. Jonah wasn't stuck in the belly because Jesus much later would be "in the heart of the earth". Jonah happened to be in the fish for that time and Jesus used that event to describe & prophesy to these leaders that He too would spend the same time in the tomb. The connection & understanding is clear, for Jesus had made it. But to maintain consistency with this, if I introduce 1 Samuel 30:12 (the young Egyptian who was starving for 3 days & 3 nights), then I destroy what sense and connection the Matthew & Jonah verses made to each other. I hope you can see why it is difficult for me, and likely others, to really understand your connections and interpretations.
Though I do agree with you on this: "If every believer knew truth there would not be so many heresies and so many sects"; and I would add, to "rightly divide the Word", so that Word would become much more precious & rich in every heart who hears it.
I agree that the Scriptures speak of the Holy Spirit baptizing us with fire, and that should be the usual interpretation of it. I cannot say that I can actually give a definite meaning of this action by the Holy Spirit because the Scriptures do not define it. However, we do know that the Holy Spirit used flames of fire (along with rushing wind) to bring God's power to them for the work of spreading the gospel, building the communion of believers, for performing miracles and signs, and for fighting against the enemy, along with some other purposes for this new power promised by Jesus to the disciples. ( Acts 1:5, 8).
Many people have their interpretation of what this baptism of fire means. I am glad to read their perspectives. I just added the very ancient teaching of the Church Fathers that it refers to martyrdom because it was a how some understood it to mean in the early centuries of the church. I cannot say if this is a correct definition or not because I cannot know whether the Holy Spirit was teaching these believers in this way or not. I just did not think that many people would know what the early Church thought about this phrase.
That is all I can really say on this topic.
10 When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, "Who is this?"
11 The crowds answered, "This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee."
Wait a minute...many of us are familiar with what happened between this victorious acclamation and celebration and less than one week later when the crowds were shouting "crucify Him". What I never noticed before is that they had His identity only as they could perceive in the flesh; as verse 11 states the prophet; not the Prophet who was also the Son of God. So that's why it became so easy to betray Him. Why do I say this?
First of all; as we know from the expectations of the Apostles themselves they expected Him to bring the Kingdom to an earthly rule sooner rather than later. The Pharisees asked this starting in Luke 17:20; and the Apostles in Acts 1:7 Jesus' presence should have been something the Pharisees would look forward to. John 11:48 shows that they were worried the Romans would somehow take over and ruin their establishment if Jesus continued as He did; after Lazarus was raised from the dead around the same time period weeks before His crucifixion.
Secondly; when they realized that Jesus wasn't going to fight back or use supernatural power to come down from the cross no doubt many mocked Him or were disillusioned after His demonstrations of mass healings and deliverances for several years.
Third; tied in with the second point is that their need to have Jesus as sin bearer was something they were and still are as a nation to this day. Despite the destruction of their old temple for most of the last 2000 years there is still an attempt to build it anew. Rejecting Christ they hae had no means of even covering sin since then.
More specific purposes of Christ during His earthly ministry
4. Calling out of His Disciples. He spent all night in prayer prior to this event. ( Luke 6:12-13). Some may think that He had to decide who to choose; but I doubt it. That was something I would think was foreknown; especially since the son of perdition Judas Iscariot had to be picked as well although I am not sure where in scripture the initial meeting was with him; maybe someone can let me know about that. No doubt He prayed for them to readily accept Him and for obstacles from the enemy not to thwart things to come. Overall this would complicate His mission as times had to be set aside with this "inner circle" for further discussion of matters and discipling through hard sayings. This would be the beginning of the church which He would further develop in the absence after His death and Resurrection when the Holy Spirit fell at Pentecost.
5. Warning of destruction to come. The future persecutions of the Disciples and travail of the nation of Israel as a whole eventually were expanded to the birth pangs of the world in general as illustrated in Matthew 24. Everything familiar to the Jewish nation would be shook; with the destruction of the Temple and many Jews during AD 70; largely due to their blindness of Christ and who He was ( Matt. 23:37). He deliberately talked very little about ruling and reigning in the Millennial Kingdom as no doubt that was the expectation and hope even of the Disciples at that time of His soon arrival in that mode. This is mentioned in Acts 1:6 as something alluded to have happened earlier.
6. Always considering others needs above His own. Jesus came to serve and not be served. ( Mark 10:45). This could perhaps be best demonstrated in His statement to John when hanging on the cross ( Luke 19:25-29). It appears Joseph was dead at this time and Jesus knew John would live the longest so he was to take Mary in.
Why wasn't Apostle Paul part of the Twelve ? ?
Jesus promised the Twelve Disiples the twelve thrones and Apostle Paul is not included.
Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upontwelvethrones, judging thetwelvetribes of Israel.
Peter remembered what Jesus said about the twelve thrones. Peter was in the hurry to fill the slot for a new Apostle to join.
They made Matthias an Apostle of the Twelve of the kingdom.
Acts 1:26
And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell uponMatthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.
Why didn't Apostle Peter wait until Paul came in. Apostle Paul did not qualify to be one of the Jewish Apostle of the Twelve.
Acts 1:12-23
21Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.
23And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Judas Iscariot met with the chief priests.
Mark 14:10
AndJudasIscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them.
Satan enter in Judas Iscariot.
Luke 22:3
Then entered Satan intoJudassurnamedIscariot, being of the number of the twelve.
Because Judas Iscariot hung himself and Satan pushed out his body , there's a possibility that Judas Iscariot went to hell.
Acts 1:17-18
17For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry.
18Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out.
Peter ask Jesus who betray you ? Jesus told Peter not to worry about it, just follow me. I believe by reading this verse, Judas Iscariot will be resurrected in the Antichrist, in the Second Coming of Jesus Christ .
John 21:22
22Jesus saith unto him, If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? follow thou me.
Jesus said that Judas Iscariot shouldn't been born .
Mark 14:21
The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man ifhehad never beenborn.
Judas Iscariot went to hell .
Acts 1:25
That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his ownplace.
May we all believe the gospel of grace, so we don't have to be in the Tribulation, the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
In Acts 1:9-11, when Jesus ascended up into heaven, He disappeared into the clouds, and the angels told the disciples the same way that you have seen the Lord leave is the same way you will see Him come back. We will be caught up together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air. And therefore comfort one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 5:2 - For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
For you yourselves know perfectly, which is a Greek word that's a mathematical term, AKRIBOS, which means accurately. You yourselves know accurately that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.
The day of the Lord is exactly what it says. It is not a specific day. It is a time period that God has set apart, even in the Old Testament. It will be His day. The Lords Day is coming. It's not a specific day. It's a time period. It's judgment time. But when it does come, it will come like a thief in the night. People will not be expecting it. It's going to come suddenly.
1 Thessalonians 5:6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.
It says therefore, and I'll share some technical things here about the translation. Instead of let us not sleep, it's literally we should not sleep. It's not a command. It says we should not sleep, as do the others; but let us watch and be sober.
1 Thessalonians 5:15 - See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
The word evil is the word adversity. If people cause you problems, he's saying don't turn around and do the same thing to them. But follow that which is good, and that's the word AGATHOS which is spiritual good, both among yourselves, and to all men. In other words, if people cause adversity for you, pursue the good of God and the influence of His Spirit in the situation, and don't repay evil for evil.