Let'a have a look at one of the most famous verses in the Bible.
Matthew 1:22-23, "22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us"
The above verse is taken from Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
In this verse the KJV does not translate accurately the Masoretic text. The Hebrew word for what is translated as virgin is "Haalmah" which means "a young woman". And that is how the Scriptures for Jewish people have written it . But we see that christian Bibles refer to it as "virgin". Why? Why did Matthew refer to it as "virgin" even though in his language it means "young woman"?
Because Matthew quotes it from the Septuagint which has it as "virgin". It seems that the Septuagint translated a text that is sometimes exactly like the Masoretic, but sometimes is less or more or a lot more different from the Masoretic that we have today. Anyway, all Christian Bibles that translate the Masoretic have standardized this verse according to the Septuagint following Matthew's gospel.
The ancient Greeks also used the word virgin to mean an unmarried person. Example. Acts 21:8-9, " 8And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."
What Luke means is that Philip had four young unmarried daughters, girls actually. Young because at that time people married very young compared to today. He says "who did prophesy." Obviously "did prophesy" cannot mean "preached" as some Christians (like the Evangelicals) claim. For how is it possible for a young girl to preach?
"Ronald, Gigi, and Chris-thank you for your thoughtful replies.
I'm breaking up my thoughts into 4 sections.
Section 1
Thesis & scope (Mid-Acts view): Scripture reveals two parallel programs: Israel's prophetic kingdom administered by the Twelve, and the "mystery" program-today's Body of Christ (BoC)-first revealed to and stewarded by Paul. The question is membership: Are the Twelve in the BoC? This section states the claim; later sections defend it textually, show the Acts transition, and answer objections.
Core distinctions (headlines with texts):
Two commissions/gospels: Paul = "gospel of the uncircumcision," Peter = "gospel of the circumcision" ( Gal 2:7-9; Rom 11:13). Distinct spheres affirmed by the right hand of fellowship.
Prophecy vs. mystery: Peter preaches what was "since the world began" ( Acts 3:19-21); Paul preaches truth "kept secret since the world began" ( Rom 16:25; Eph 3:1-9; Col 1:25-27).
Two hopes: Twelve promised earthly thrones over Israel ( Matt 19:28); BoC enjoys heavenly blessings/citizenship ( Eph 1:3; 2:6; Phil 3:20).
Identity marker: Kingdom = water baptism with repentance ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38); BoC = one Spirit baptism into Christ ( 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5).
Law posture: Jerusalem saints remain law-zealous ( Acts 21:20); BoC is not under law but under grace ( Rom 6:14; Gal 2:19-21; Eph 2:14-16).
Bottom line for this section: the same Christ is preached, yet Scripture assigns different commissions, revelations, and destinies. That textual pattern sets the expectation that the Twelve, as Israel's kingdom apostles, are not counted within the mystery-formed BoC.
When Paul speaks of "my gospel" ( Rom. 2:16; 16:25; 2 Tim. 2:8), he is not merely saying "the good news I happen to carry." He identifies it as a distinct revelation committed to him by the risen Christ. Galatians 1:11-12 makes it clear-he received it not from men but by direct revelation. Acts 21:21 shows the tension: Paul taught Jews among Gentiles not to continue in Moses. That is far different from Peter's Pentecostal preaching which required repentance, baptism, and participation in Israel's covenant program.
Peter's gospel ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-21) looked to the restoration of Israel and the coming kingdom. Baptism was tied to remission of sins and receiving the Spirit. By contrast, Paul preached the cross as the power of God unto salvation for Jew and Gentile alike ( Rom. 1:16). In Paul's message, salvation is by grace through faith alone apart from works or rituals ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). To blend Acts 2:38 with Paul's gospel is to confuse Israel's earthly promises with the Body's heavenly calling.
Regarding Israel, Romans 2:28-29 shows that outward circumcision alone is insufficient, but this does not mean the church has become "the true Israel." In Romans 9-11 Paul insists Israel remains nationally distinct, awaiting future restoration. Today, Jew and Gentile who believe are baptized by the Spirit into one Body, a "new man" ( Eph. 2:15), separate from Israel's covenants.
Finally, it is true that law revealed sin, and without law grace would not be needed. Yet Paul declares we are "not under the law, but under grace" ( Rom. 6:14). Grace does not abolish the law's purpose; it fulfills righteousness apart from the law through Christ's finished work.
Therefore, dispensational truth shows Peter's gospel of the kingdom and Paul's gospel of grace are not the same. Both are of God, but each serves a different purpose in His progressive revelation.
1. Paul is calling the gospel (meaning good news) as "his gospel" should be seen as "the good news he was bringing to gentiles" and not as a different gospel of his.
So lets see what Paul was teaching to the Jews abroad. Acts 21:21, "And they (the Jews in Jerusalem) are informed of thee, that thou (Paul) teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."
2. Lets see what Peter preached on Pentecost. Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
So where do you read about the restoration of Israel? Peter's message is the basis of the christian belief. One has to believe in Christ, then to repent, then to be baptized and finally receive the Holy Spirit. This is how grace is granted to someone.
3. Who is really Israel?
Rom 2:28-29, "28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly(christian); and circumcision is that of the heart(new birth), in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
Rom 4:11-12, "11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised."
So the true Israelite has to walk on the steps of the faith of Abraham. Till Jesus' time it was the small remnant that Paul talks about in Romans. And after Christ the true Israel is the church which includes gentiles and jews.
I realize Lbooth1955 that we have discussed this matter before, but thought to address a few points. Paul was called to share the Gospel with the Gentiles, just as the other apostles to Israel ( Galatians 2:7), but was their Gospel presentation any different where repentance, baptism and faith in Jesus was absolute for all men, without any compromise? I read your distinction between them, particularly that the message to the Jews was based on an earthly kingdom hope and Paul's to the Gentiles was on the revealed mystery of the union of Jew & Gentile in one Body, & Grace through Faith apart from the Law.
We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.
Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU
Hello Shahin. If I might come straight to the point: why do you think that Christ's apostles (and of course, many many others so burdened & called) went out preaching the Gospel to all - to save sinners? As you know, not only the apostles, but also believers since those early days, have suffered much & were killed for the sake of the Gospel. Acts 21:10-13 is a good example by Paul. Why should he, and others, be willing to suffer and die so that others might hear the Good News and be saved?
I have shared Christ many times, both in my country and other lands while in ministry. If all the Bible told me was that unbelievers after death would simply perish in the earth, or even suffer for a time & disappear, then I would have no reason at all to warn others or share the Gospel. Is it because that these unfortunate ones would simply be annihilated and not have a part in Christ's Kingdom that is concerning you, or should it be of concern that the Gospel message is preached to save people from an eternal hell because of their sins?
As well, it would be wrong to think that "the idea of eternal hell fire goes back to paganism and not Christianity". Not at all, or else it could said that Jesus was also influenced by pagan beliefs. Rather, consider Matthew 13:40-42; Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:22-25. These were Jesus' Words and He as the Son of God would not pander to earthly thought or wisdom. If eternal hell is not preached as a necessary part of our Gospel message, we have failed to give out the pure Gospel of Christ. If eternal hell is not a reality, then there is no reason at all to share the message of Love & Hope that can only be found in the Son of God - for if man will simply die and disappear, we may as well stay smug & indifferent in our homes, caring not for the lost; after all they just die & suffer no consequence for their sins.
When we look at the two examples from Agubus' prophecies in Acts; we see in the first case (the Acts 11 one to be chronologically accurate) that wisdom needed to prevail once the warning about famine was given. This would involve material things being prepared for distribution; and more importantly involve the unity of the Body of Christ in meeting needs of their own; first and foremost which no doubt had some further ramifications among those needing help who weren't saved at the time.
The second case in Acts 21:11. This declaration leaves us with more questions than answers; perhaps. There was no clear indication that Paul had to go to Jerusalem; and perhaps another who would receive such a message could legitimately at least postpone such an endeavor. Paul himself didn't resist being taken down in a basket earlier on in the book of Acts shortly after he began his ministry to escape. The overriding theme here is Paul's state of mind and being totally submitted and "sold out" in the Spirit. Perhaps His greatest motivation was love for His fellow countrymen; the Jews which is even more profound considering his temporary "shaking off the dirt" and ministering to the Gentiles after their resistance became a real pain in Acts 18:6.
Perhaps we can look to the gift of wisdom here as to applications related to prophecy; as one example. Just how to store supplies for disaster is something I can only wish the church in this country would consider with the clear indications of supply shortages in the near future because of several factors (war; destruction of the electric grid; insurrections; economic crash; etc).
Worldly wisdom would say to get more guns than butter; for instance. Practical wisdom certainly has taken a back seat today with a society that by and large is dependent on being taken care of; lacking many survival skills and an ethic of hard work in general; not learning how to save money; etc.
As the last post indicates; there can be issues that are not caused by demons for those in particular who are God's children but have endured great emotional harm and the mind has been effected. This can manifest in rage; or great emotional outbreaks.
The discerning individual has empathy and recognizes great grief. We can examine (see 1 Kings 17:17-18) to see an example of this.
We also have illness and demonic strongholds due to unforgiveness towards others; and of course unconfessed sins in our lives.
This will no doubt cause torment by the accuser as oppression for the believer who should know better. The result is chronic problems and physical ailments that should be rare especially with young people. No doubt with others who are older cancer and other manifestations can result at times due to long term unhealthy spiritual lives filled with anger and bitterness.
Moving on to another gift; that of prophecy considered another "sign and wonder" manifestation that some say ended after the completion of the Biblical text. I concur that with any other spiritual manifestation the enemy continues to promulgate that if the minions of the enemy are able to continue as they did with false wonders which no doubt was prophesied by Christ as a sign of the last days certainly God is able to outdo the Devil. That's how I see it anyway; nonetheless there are several important issues here that need to be covered.
First off; there needs to be a differentiation between a personal insight and that for the corporate Body. We see the first with Agabus in Acts 21:11:14; and the latter in Acts 11:28. It is noteworthy that this prophet was used for both purposes; and also that other than this he has passed from the scene without further mention in the N.T. of him. Thus; we observe a difference between him and many today who seek notoriety with websites promoting their ministries. Also in both cases it was conditional upon a recipient's actions
16Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.
17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
This shows that Paul as an elder would receive a specific crown as a reward for service and that their success ensured that his suffering and work wouldn't be in vain. Sacrifice in verse 17 no doubt could refer to martyrdom. In some sense it seems to indicate even his death would be a cause for victory to be celebrated. To rejoice with those who suffer was something Paul would mention elsewhere; but practically speaking it is hard to do with those close to Paul as the Book of Acts suggested when it was prophesied what would happen to him in Jerusalem. ( Acts 21:13).
Verse 19-25
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
This passage shows how those besides Timothy had all abandoned the ministry. Paul himself indicates elsewhere those who abandoned him for the world. After he seems to say TImothy is the only one supporting him he also mentions Epaphroditus.
This reminds us of what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as an afterthought. Nonetheless the rest of this chapter shows the unique effort almost to death of a man.
More on the concept of church as a family of adopted sons ( Ephesians 1:5 and several other N.T. passages)
The illustration has been given of how unseemly it would be to be consuming milk only as an adult; and we see that analogy in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 3:2). We need to back up a bit to be certain that a given individual actually IS in the faith; or their "mature" conduct could simply be conditioning through rote memorization and behavior modification to attempt to "fit in" much as we put on a persona at work and with our friends and family that has certain distinct characteristics.
Once we are fully trained; of course in the natural as well as the spiritual we are expected to go on and make Disciples as the Great Commission states. This has been lacking with the emphasis on spreading the Good News and often guiding people to the nearest church without studying their doctrine or doing follow up. I find it best in my opinion and with some experience street witnessing to recommend a person goes to whatever local church preaches the true Gospel whether it is my own place or not. Obviously having multiple people spreading the Good News from a given local congregation gives more of an impetus to attend; although in the past I was more committed to a "house church" where some people eventually became more invested in given churches.
It is hard for many to envision a scenario like Paul the Apostle at least in our nation who a cording to Acts 21:13 had to rebuke those weeping after hearing the prophetic warning about his impending death. It reads- Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
A lot of churches today send someone out and have a very limited communication sending monthly stipends at least from my experience. That was different with the "house church" who had close ties with a brother witnessing in Uganda.
Just to clarify, Evangelist1. The reference to Joel 2:28 & what the Apostle Peter referenced to in his preaching in Acts 2:18, was Israel-specific. I'm not at all suggesting that the spirit of Prophecy, & other gifts, have not been designated to Christ's Church as well, but those references were (& are) for Israel only (as in "your sons" & "your daughters"). When you read Joel 2:28-32, the message is clearly directed to Israel's future repentance & deliverance before that great & awful Day of the Lord arrives. That is still in the future for them & the world.
So, how does that translate to Pentecost Day & the Church in the NT & present? It is certain that the Holy Spirit has given 'gifts' to the Lord's people, and prophetical utterances are one of them (as we see in Acts 11:28; Acts 13:1; Acts 21:9,10,11; and by John the Revelator). In whatever way & location, today in the Church, there has been given an order to be followed. And we see this in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:11-13. As much as the world might want & demand total equality amongst the sexes, which is not wrong at all for we are all created equal; yet in His Church, Christ has ordained a specific order in leadership & Church operation. And we can't call upon OT examples of women leaders or judges as justification for sisters leading & teaching within the Church; simply because the nation of unsaved Israel does not equate to the saved Body of Christ. We must always be mindful of not letting the teachings of the world & personal inclinations impose on what Christ requires of His people. GBU.
Acts 21:40 - And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
Paul stood there and waved his hand for everyone to be quiet. But there was a great silence, and he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, and the word tongue is the word DIALEKTOS.
So, he spoke in the Hebrew dialect, saying,
How do you like that for an end of a chapter? Saying, to be continued!
Acts 22:1 - Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
Hear ye my defence. That's the Greek word for apology, APOLOGIA, which I make now unto you.
Acts 22:5 - As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
Here is a piece of information that is overlooked a lot, "To bring them who HAD BEEN bound." It is in the Perfect Tense in the Greek. In other words, Christians had already been rounded up and they were already in chains waiting for Paul to come in and pick them up and to lead them back to Jerusalem for them to be punished.
So, Paul was a persecutor. He spent his life trying to catch these Christians who they considered to be a cult and an enemy of Judaism.
Acts 22:13 - Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
Came unto me, and stood, literally in the Greek text, stood over me.
So, Paul obviously was sitting down or lying down. But Ananias came in and stood over him, and said unto me, Brother Saul, and here's a command, receive thy sight. This had nothing to do with Paul and his faith or anything else. He commanded him, receive your sight!
Acts 20:32 - And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God. The word commend is a banking term. It is the word used for when you go make a deposit at the bank. This is a very, very important word. Paul laid down his life for his brothers.
But there came a time when he had to deposit those converts into the hands of God and physically, he would see them no more.
There comes a time that we can no longer be there for one another. And there might be some people that we would have to just pray with them and commend them to God. I'm not going to see you anymore.
Acts 21:1 - And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them. The King James reads "gotten." They are trying to make emphasis. This is a special Greek word emphasizing very difficult to part.
It's almost like they had to be forced apart from these people because of how difficult it was. They did not want to let Paul go. In fact, the Greek word actually means to tear apart.
Acts 21:20 - And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. The word glorified is in the Imperfect Tense which means that they were continually glorifying the Lord in their expressions about what Paul was saying.
In this chapter we see Jesus once again referring to His upcoming death burial and resurrection and the extreme sadness it caused the Disciples. We could see 3 reasons for this sudden interruption in the narrative and story for Jesus to say this:
1) The distraction of the events thus far of what was already most of Jesus' earthly ministry would make the Disciples complacent in thinking this would go on for many more years.
2) The main goal and focus was on His sacrifice for the sins of man to be accomplished on Calvary. Only at that point could men be able to enter heaven immediately upon death; whereas before they would have to be in Sheol (in the pleasant side).
3). In His departure; they would be the ones to continue to carry out the ministry through leadership after the Spirit came down at Pentecost and changed them. They would have to be stripped of all their confidence and all die a martyrs death exept for John. None of them would be ready when Jesus was arrested as they all ran away along with Peter. Only the Lord would get them through that.
In all honesty it is hard here just as it is contemplating what He said in Gethsemane as to the weakness of their flesh and their falling asleep due again to sorrow. God assures us that every tear is known ( Psalm 56:8). No doubt in eternity there will be reward for suffering in faith; we have consolation in what the world can't have. We have to believe that even in our own martryrdom if it comes to that or natural death is to glorify Christ and there are rewards for martyrs ( James 1:12). Paul also was given a reaction of great sorrow when he announced his imprisonment ( Acts 21:10-14). It would appear his death came at a much later date but Paul always focused on ministry and looked forward to being with the Lord; no wonder after the brutality he had to endure on and off for years in various imprisonments beforehand. He knew when his departure was near ( 2 Tim. 4) and Peter as well ( 2 Peter 1:12
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38 Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
True Christ Followers will be obedient to all of God's 10 Commandments as taught by Jesus in the New Testament."
Well, God's 10 Commandments are identical to Christ's Commandments. Christ didn't change, minimize or abbreviate them in any way. Christ is the Creator of all things and He created the Commandments - there would be no reason for Him to change or rescind any of them.
Christ speaks of obeying the Law, the 10 Commandments, just as they are taught by the scribes and Pharisees in Matt. 23:1-3. He says to "do as they say, but not as they do" because the teachers of the Law at that time were all hypocrites. They taught the 10 Commandments, but kept none of them. That passage proves that Jesus taught the literal keeping of the 10 Commandments, not just the essence, or spirit, of them in our hearts, etc.
Jesus stated, as you pointed out, that He kept all of the Father's 10 Commandments physically when He declared it in John 15:10.
We see that 1 John makes clear that we are to live as Jesus lived, obeying what He obeyed, in 1 John 2:6. That does not support the modern popular teaching that we are only to obey them in spirit. And if Jesus had any intention of teaching that Christians did not need to keep them literally, we would not have the record of the disciples keeping the Saturday Sabbath immediately after Christ's death on the Cross in Luke 23:54-56. We also would not see Paul being labeled by the elders as a "Keeper of the Law" in Acts 21:24.
"IF a Christian is filled with God's Holy Spirit they will naturally be following all of God's/Jesus Commandments."
I would agree with this, but that just means that the vast majority of professed Christians today are not filled with the Holy Spirit because most Christians do not obey the 10 Commandments.
Jesus says that it is the keeping of the 10 Commandments that is pre-requisite for receiving 'HIM' as the Holy Spirit in John 14:21.
True Christ Followers will be obedient to all of God's 10 Commandments as taught by Jesus in the New Testament."
Well, God's 10 Commandments are identical to Christ's Commandments. Christ didn't change, minimize or abbreviate them in any way. Christ speaks of obeying the Law, the 10 Commandments, just as they are taught by the scribes and Pharisees in Matt. 23:1-3. He says to "do as they say, but not as they do" because the teachers of the Law at that time were all hypocrites. They taught the 10 Commandments, but kept none of them. That passage proves that Jesus taught the physical keeping of the 10 Commandments, not just the essence, or spirit, of them in our hearts, etc.
Jesus stated, as you pointed out, that He kept all of the Father's 10 Commandments physically when He declared it in John 15:10.
We see that 1 John makes clear that we are to live as Jesus lived, obeying what He obeyed, in 1 John 2:6. That does not support the modern popular teaching that we are only to obey them in spirit. And if Jesus had any intention of teaching that Christians did not need to keep them literally, we would not have the record of the disciples keeping the Saturday Sabbath immediately after Christ's death on the Cross in Luke 23:54-56. We also would not see Paul being labeled by the elders as a "Keeper of the Law" in Acts 21:24.
"IF a Christian is filled with God's Holy Spirit they will naturally be following all of God's/Jesus Commandments."
I would agree with this, but that just means that the vast majority of professed Christians today are not filled with the Holy Spirit because most Christians do not obey the 10 Commandments.
Jesus says that it is the keeping of the 10 Commandments that is pre-requisite for receiving 'HIM' as the Holy Spirit in John 14:21.
You stated, they were debating not opposing it, as we see in Acts 21:18-31 there is still division, the Jews were still in the law,
Let's take this from verse 17, I don't believe it was the Brothern debating Paul. It was the elders of the Jews.
Note: I will pause midway in verse 20 to show where they switch from glorifying God for the news Paul brought them concerning the Gentiles to telling Paul about the Jews that believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
Paul was warned in Acts 21:10-13 not to go to Jerusalem because this group sought to bind him.
Now, Luke says Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. THIS IS THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS! NOT THE APOSTLES, AND IT IS NOT JAMES THAT IS CONTENDING WITH PAUL.
17) And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18) And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19) And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20) And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, (PAUSE)
"Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
(THIS ZEALOUS GROUP IS NOT THE APOSTLES.) It is the Elders that is saying, "Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe."
Continuing with the Elders.
21) And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22) What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
Ronald many of the Jews at that time practiced the rituals of the Law and tried to add that to the cross as we see in Galatians, but Paul refuted this.
Thank you, brother I will make this short I believe we have come to a point to let it rest. This is something better discussed in person, not on paper things get lost. In Acts 15, it was at least 4 years, after Pentecost when Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem because some Gentiles were told they must be circumcised and follow the law.
It is clear they were debating this for a long time it says much disputing before Peter stood up. He said it was a good while ago when God sent the word to the Gentiles. So, this seems quite a few years after Pentecost, and it appears the apostles were still following the law and circumcision.
They were debating not opposing it, as we see in Acts 21:18-31 there is still division, the Jews were still in the law, it says James and the elders were there, these were people who had accepted Jesus, but they were still in the law, (they are all zealous of the law). We also see Peter was an apostle to the circumcision and Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles. When they turned away from Judaism I don't know, in Acts 10:28 they were irate with Peter for his disobedience of the law, and these were apostles.
Our main disagreement is my understanding of Scripture that a person who has accepted Jesus, was baptized, and walking in fellowship with Jesus can intentionally walk away from Jesus and willfully live a life of sin, unless they repent and come back into the light they will perish, will lose the gift of eternal life. For example, the prodigal son Luke 15. Yours is you cannot lose their salvation, it is impossible.
I can give my understanding and you can give yours but not being able to sit down and discuss each verse and flip to others that we cannot do on paper.
Paul suggests that we all have spiritual gifts and serve with them the congregation and God.
The best gift is prophesying. Prophesy is a direct message from God to the church for the "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" of the church. It can be also about future events that are of the interest of the believers as we see in Acts 21:10-11. Prophets can be either men or women as seen in Acts 21:8-9. But women can not be pastors as seen in 1 Cor 14:34-35.
Paul suggests that we all speak in unknown tongues (v5) but preferably prophesying. Because the gift of prophesying is above tongues. Tongues are useful to a believer for their own edification because when speaking in tongues they are filled with God's Spirit which produces His fruit in them. But the rest do not understand what is said, so there is no benefit for the congregation unless there is an interpreter.
Prophesy is for the edification of the whole congregation. So when the church is gathered together to pray to God, and believers are filled with God's Spirit and start speaking in tongues and there isn't an inetrpreter they should keep silent and pray with their spirit. Prophets may say what God puts in their mouth in a proper order, one after the other. Others must judge whether a prophesy is real or not. Everything in the church should serve for the edification of of tbe whole body.
An interpretation of chapter, 1 Corinthians 14 (PT 5).
Verse 26-33. An introduction is needed here.
The ancient church service consisted of 2 parts. Part 1 was when believers were kneeling down praying and singing to and praising God altogether. Part 2 was when they sat on their seats and were hearing the pastor preaching from the Scriptures.
Paul advices christians in Corinth to function their congregation in order. The most important thing is everything in the function of the church should be done for the edification of the congregation. When believers speak in tongues they should do it one after the other. But if there isn't no interpretation then they should keep silent and talk silently in tongues to them and God.
Prophets similarly should prophesy one after the other. It is possible that two of them could have a message from God at the same time. But they should not speak simoultaneously but only after the previous prophet stopped prophesying.
Verse 29, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." Judge what? Judge whether the prophesy is true or not. How is that done? Mainly if the prophesy agrees with the written Word of God. Also other prophets who have the experience of prophesying, they usually can undersand if a prophesy is a real one or not.
Verse 32, "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.".The Spirit of God doesn't force prophets to speak, they can allow or not allow their mouth to say what God puts in their mouth.
All the above take place in the first part of the church service, during the time of praying. Once the pastor is preaching, only him should talk from thereon.
Verse 33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.". Very clear meaning.
Verses 34-40. Women can not be pastors but can serve the congregation as prophets (see Acts 21:8-9)
You said (Hemorian as well) that the Acts is a transitional book between OT and NT. I wouldn't agree on that.
In my opinion the only transitional period between those 2 economies was the 3 and 1/2 years that Jesus ministered on earth. And I wouldn't use the word transitional. I would prefer to say that Jesus ministry worked as a bridge joining the old economy with the new one.
In the book of Acts we see that Jews who became christians were still following the Old Law. But that was permitted by the apostles only to give the necessary time to Jews to adapt themselves to the New Conenant. Paul himself didn't follow John's and James' (who were the heads in Jerusalem at that time) practise. Paul was crystal clear in his teachings and writtings that the Old covenant had to be abandoned.
Please read what John and James said to Paul when he visited Jerusalem,
Acts 21:20-23, "20And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23Do therefore this that we say to thee..." Pay attention to verse 21.
Paul this time followed their advice and found himself in a big trouble, in jail.
After Jesus' resurrection only the New Testament was valid. The Old died together with Jesus on the cross and the New came into life together with Jesus' ressurection. .
Now about that "rightly dividing the Word of God", a grk person understands that phrase as "rightly learning and teaching the Word of God", it has nothing to do with dividing.
In general; there is a set series of events that are going to consume the time period known as "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7).
The incense of the prayers of the saints which encompass the initial scene in Revelation 5:8 prior to the seal judgments; and Revelation 8:3-4 (in that case before the Trumpet Judgments) show a sort of collective mass of prayers; either reflecting directly the persecutions on the earth at the time; or answering Millennia old prayers of saints long since forgotten by man; but held by God. (see Psalm 56:8).
Because of this; we see a difference in prophetic utterances such as Acts 21:10; and Acts 11:27-28. Such utterances indicate that the choices made (i.e. Paul heading straight to Jerusalem; preparing for a famine) certainly make these things conditional.
In Revelation it is generally structured indicating great events with associated signs and wonders that are already designed and predicted in detail. However; as with anything else there is latitude apparently for the two prophets to cause things as they wish in regard to droughts; etc. ( Rev. 11:6). Undoubtably some details are not straightforward (such as which part of the world the 1/4 die in the seal judgments). Safe to say it ain't going to be a fun time here on planet earth; that's for sure.
Looking at the Second Coming of Christ; no doubt great deception will occur with multitudes of false prophets at the time of the end. Antichrist Himself will basically act as a substitute for Christ; and will be the only man other than Judas Iscariot to be doomed to perdition. ( John 17:12; 2 Thess. 2:3). God will use him to make rulers agree to submit to his authority; as well as destroying the false "Mystery Babylon" which encompasses all the world's false religions sort of rolled into one. ( Revelation 18:17).
There are suspect individuals that certainly match many characteristics of such an individual. More in next post.
Sorry brother did not see your last post. I know we differ on this, as long as we inspire each other to study both sides we are doing ok. I feel the word antichrist has been used so many times having people looking for the wrong thing. This beast will ascend out of the bottomless pit, Rev. 17:8 we don't know what he will look like, the man of sin.
The word antichrist is not in Revelation, and where we see it in 1 John 2:18,221 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 all are describing people or the spirit of antichrist, deceivers not a beast. There has been people from the time Jesus ascended claiming to be the Messiah and will deliver them from Roman oppression up to revolts before 70 AD. There was one in Acts 21:38 and some others and probably some today.
2 Thessalonians 2:4, which says this beast will exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Above God, or whatever people all over this world worship, this will be a world event for people of all religions. I agree the deception will be great and he may appear to many as Christ or what or who other people worship. I am sure many will accept him as the Christ.
In Revelation, we have Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and fallen angels on this earth, all working against God, Jesus, and all who have faith in them, it will not be a pleasant time. From the time Satan and his angels are cast down to earth and Satan gives his power, seat, and authority to the beast I only see 3.5 years not 7. And I do not see anyone taken out only the second coming of Jesus. 7 years only comes from Daniel 9 whether that turns out to be true or false. Hope this makes some sense.
The Bible has many texts on the idea of self control; including it being one of the fruits of the Spirit. Much can be said of this and wisdom as well. We have with this concept the dual realities of the Spirit being the only thing capable of producing such actions in the truest sense; as well as maturity in practice of such things in submission to the Spirit.
When we examine ourselves; it is likely that many times we try to anticipate what we are about to face and control the circumstances to make the outcome fit in to our expectations. Preparation is something we should maintain before taking any actions; but we cannot always envision the circumstances with clarity. In other words; there is a need to trust God to give us the words and actions as well as prayers on an as need basis. One example would be when Agabus in Acts 21:10-11. Paul apparently was wise enough to realize that death was very much a risk with such an action; but He was already "sold out" as it were to that reality. As with all the Apostles except for John who apparently they attempted to kill and failed according to tradition death was the end result; Peter also had a prophecy directly from Christ referring to that reality.
Often from my limited experience I have found that I am sort of going with "auto pilot" in new and confusing situations; the Lord gives me the strength and words at the right moment; not before. We need to learn to appreciate and be made aware of the "God" moments as they happen; His ways our not our ways and I have found that there is little thought necessary when the Spirit gives us utterance. This should be the process in which we live our whole lives; whether preparing for martyrdom or living in ordinary work; family and other situations. If anything; we should see opportunities for witnessing; and spreading the Great Commission whenever we are able. This involves our words and actions as well as motives.
Jesus knew what was going to happen and much of what He told the disciples was what was going to happen to them, to prepare them for what He just told them when the temple would be destroyed. Does part of this discourse apply to the future? Yes
Matt. 24:5-13 History and the Bible document that there were several men as false Messiahs, false prophets that deceived many and which convinced many and led them to revolt to liberate Jerusalem from Roman occupation. Josephus tells us that impostors drew great multitudes after them into the wilderness, and he mentions an Egyptian prophet. We see this in Acts 21:36-38.
We have Theudas in Acts 5:36 and Judas of Galilee in Acts 5:37-8 and Simon in Acts 8:9-11, and there was more. For us today many come in the name of Jesus saying, Jesus is Christ, but they deceive and make merchandise of people. We must not ignore the first thing He said after they asked Him "Take heed that no man deceive you."
There were many conflicts between the nations around Jerusalem and Rome was having wars that caused famine. Claudius invaded Britain in 46AD, there was a great famine in Syria. Rome took control over the temple along with the sacred treasury and there was a great famine in Jerusalem.
The Jews were having small scrimmages that led to the revolt in 66 AD. We see in the bible a famine was going on, in Acts 11:27-29 in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 Where Paul was collecting things for those in Jerusalem because they were starving. There were earthquakes in Rome, Pergamum, Laodicea, and Judea in the 50s and 60s.
We see what the Jews did to Peter and John and the first they killed was Steven and then most of them. and what Paul says about what they did in all the synagogues Acts 26:10-11. But enduring to the end the same shall be saved does not mean their flesh life would be saved.
I'd like to add, because I see your title as "Evangelist" If you didn't know you can use this site for much study in the Scriptures. There is a word, phrase search bar even partial word can be searched such at "prop" for all words regarding Prophecy, Prophets, Prophetess, Prophetic, under "Modify Search" tab. The search bar will show up when you tap on the version KJV Standard or KJV 1611.
For deeper word translation meanings for study there is also Strongs Exhaustive Concordance within the site. Prophetess Hebrew word "nbiy'ah" in Old Testament & greek word "prophetis" in New Testament
Acts 21:9, doesn't give the females the title "Prophetess" but states the "four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy"
No dear Baker, prophesing is not teaching. There are two types of prophets in New Testament.
1. The gift of prophesing ( 1 Cor 12:7-11). A woman can have that gift and prophesy ( Acts 21:8-9). The gifts are given by the Holly Spirit. This gift has nothing to do with teaching, that is why in the next chapter ( 1 Cor 14:34) where Paul keeps talking about gifts, especially about speaking in tongues and prophesing, he forbids women to teach in the church. So prophesing has nothing to do with teaching (some churches have this specific belief).
2. The ministry of prophet ( Ephesians 4:11), which is something different from the gift of prophesing described in Corinthians. In Acts 13:1-3 in the church there are both prophets and teachers, which means they are different ministries. All ministers, Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, Prophets(once more teachers and prophets are separate ministries) are males, we don't see any woman in that position in the Gospels. As written it is Jesus who appoints ministers in the church (not the Holly Spirit who gives the gifts). All ministers can teach in the church, as well. ( Acts 15:32).
I am not wishing to debate either. Thank you for your input.
I read last night in Acts 15:6-11. Peter says that God had chosen him to preach to the Gospel to the Gentiles so that they would believe. He went on to say that God gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit just as He had done for them in Jerusalem. So, apparently, Peter was preaching the Gospel to Gentiles before he knew Paul.
My point is that it is wise to avoid hard and fast views concerning how the Gospel spread nor when the church began because I think that God is the only One who truly knows what He did in those days, as He builds the church and chosen whom will preach the Gospel and where.
We have the book of Acts an the writings of Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude to reveal some information about the church in the 1st century A.D. But this is not a running history that includes the work of all the other apostles, nor the others of the 120 who were in the room at Pentecost. if we did, we would know better how things transpired. Since Scripture does not include a full account of the workings of the church at this time, perhaps we can be satisfied that the Word of God concerning the Gospel of Jesus was spread throughout the known world during that century by Jesus' apostles and disciples as well as from Believer to those in their sphere of influence. That is the important matter, in my opinion. When the apostles became apostles or began their work or when the church truly began are somewhat peripheral matters to me. But since there is this discussion on these topics, we can share what the Scriptures say about this to one another and share what we learned from them.
Let'a have a look at one of the most famous verses in the Bible.
Matthew 1:22-23, "22Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us"
The above verse is taken from Isaiah 7:14, "Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
In this verse the KJV does not translate accurately the Masoretic text. The Hebrew word for what is translated as virgin is "Haalmah" which means "a young woman". And that is how the Scriptures for Jewish people have written it . But we see that christian Bibles refer to it as "virgin". Why? Why did Matthew refer to it as "virgin" even though in his language it means "young woman"?
Because Matthew quotes it from the Septuagint which has it as "virgin". It seems that the Septuagint translated a text that is sometimes exactly like the Masoretic, but sometimes is less or more or a lot more different from the Masoretic that we have today. Anyway, all Christian Bibles that translate the Masoretic have standardized this verse according to the Septuagint following Matthew's gospel.
The ancient Greeks also used the word virgin to mean an unmarried person. Example. Acts 21:8-9, " 8And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him. 9And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy."
What Luke means is that Philip had four young unmarried daughters, girls actually. Young because at that time people married very young compared to today. He says "who did prophesy." Obviously "did prophesy" cannot mean "preached" as some Christians (like the Evangelicals) claim. For how is it possible for a young girl to preach?
GBU
I'm breaking up my thoughts into 4 sections.
Section 1
Thesis & scope (Mid-Acts view): Scripture reveals two parallel programs: Israel's prophetic kingdom administered by the Twelve, and the "mystery" program-today's Body of Christ (BoC)-first revealed to and stewarded by Paul. The question is membership: Are the Twelve in the BoC? This section states the claim; later sections defend it textually, show the Acts transition, and answer objections.
Core distinctions (headlines with texts):
Two commissions/gospels: Paul = "gospel of the uncircumcision," Peter = "gospel of the circumcision" ( Gal 2:7-9; Rom 11:13). Distinct spheres affirmed by the right hand of fellowship.
Prophecy vs. mystery: Peter preaches what was "since the world began" ( Acts 3:19-21); Paul preaches truth "kept secret since the world began" ( Rom 16:25; Eph 3:1-9; Col 1:25-27).
Two hopes: Twelve promised earthly thrones over Israel ( Matt 19:28); BoC enjoys heavenly blessings/citizenship ( Eph 1:3; 2:6; Phil 3:20).
Identity marker: Kingdom = water baptism with repentance ( Matt 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38); BoC = one Spirit baptism into Christ ( 1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5).
Law posture: Jerusalem saints remain law-zealous ( Acts 21:20); BoC is not under law but under grace ( Rom 6:14; Gal 2:19-21; Eph 2:14-16).
Bottom line for this section: the same Christ is preached, yet Scripture assigns different commissions, revelations, and destinies. That textual pattern sets the expectation that the Twelve, as Israel's kingdom apostles, are not counted within the mystery-formed BoC.
Please see section 2
Peter's gospel ( Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-21) looked to the restoration of Israel and the coming kingdom. Baptism was tied to remission of sins and receiving the Spirit. By contrast, Paul preached the cross as the power of God unto salvation for Jew and Gentile alike ( Rom. 1:16). In Paul's message, salvation is by grace through faith alone apart from works or rituals ( Rom. 3:28; Eph. 2:8-9). To blend Acts 2:38 with Paul's gospel is to confuse Israel's earthly promises with the Body's heavenly calling.
Regarding Israel, Romans 2:28-29 shows that outward circumcision alone is insufficient, but this does not mean the church has become "the true Israel." In Romans 9-11 Paul insists Israel remains nationally distinct, awaiting future restoration. Today, Jew and Gentile who believe are baptized by the Spirit into one Body, a "new man" ( Eph. 2:15), separate from Israel's covenants.
Finally, it is true that law revealed sin, and without law grace would not be needed. Yet Paul declares we are "not under the law, but under grace" ( Rom. 6:14). Grace does not abolish the law's purpose; it fulfills righteousness apart from the law through Christ's finished work.
Therefore, dispensational truth shows Peter's gospel of the kingdom and Paul's gospel of grace are not the same. Both are of God, but each serves a different purpose in His progressive revelation.
G&P
1. Paul is calling the gospel (meaning good news) as "his gospel" should be seen as "the good news he was bringing to gentiles" and not as a different gospel of his.
So lets see what Paul was teaching to the Jews abroad. Acts 21:21, "And they (the Jews in Jerusalem) are informed of thee, that thou (Paul) teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs."
2. Lets see what Peter preached on Pentecost. Acts 2:38, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."
So where do you read about the restoration of Israel? Peter's message is the basis of the christian belief. One has to believe in Christ, then to repent, then to be baptized and finally receive the Holy Spirit. This is how grace is granted to someone.
3. Who is really Israel?
Rom 2:28-29, "28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly(christian); and circumcision is that of the heart(new birth), in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."
Rom 4:11-12, "11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised."
So the true Israelite has to walk on the steps of the faith of Abraham. Till Jesus' time it was the small remnant that Paul talks about in Romans. And after Christ the true Israel is the church which includes gentiles and jews.
See pt 2
We aren't given much details of the apostles' ministries, but at least with Peter (that I can think of), if he hadn't realized it before, he certainly did in his encounter with Cornelius (Acts chap 10). The vision he received truly opened his eyes to the fact that not only the Jews, but that God had called Gentiles to be saved and become one together in Christ. At first Peter doubted the vision ( Acts 10:17); then he understood from it that Gentiles were not to be considered unclean (therefore, being prevented from hearing & receiving the Gospel) ( Acts 10:28,34,35); and finally, he saw the evidence of God's working, His outpouring of His Spirit on Gentiles ( Acts 10:44-46; Acts 11:15-18). This is the first instance as we read, that Peter understood that the Gentiles would also be saved, along with the Jews, incorporated in the one Body.
Regarding salvation by Grace alone, without the observance of the Law, I agree, that this was a problem. The Gentiles, it was decided, would be exempt ( Acts 15:5-20), though it seems ( Acts 21:18-21) that Jewish converts were still embracing the Law. When they matured in faith & knowledge I can't tell, as even today, some still believe in the keeping of the Law. But in the matter of James, in his epistle, I see no problem, as James speaks about 'works' that result from faith ( James 2:14-18), and not faith plus the works of the Law. GBU
I have shared Christ many times, both in my country and other lands while in ministry. If all the Bible told me was that unbelievers after death would simply perish in the earth, or even suffer for a time & disappear, then I would have no reason at all to warn others or share the Gospel. Is it because that these unfortunate ones would simply be annihilated and not have a part in Christ's Kingdom that is concerning you, or should it be of concern that the Gospel message is preached to save people from an eternal hell because of their sins?
As well, it would be wrong to think that "the idea of eternal hell fire goes back to paganism and not Christianity". Not at all, or else it could said that Jesus was also influenced by pagan beliefs. Rather, consider Matthew 13:40-42; Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:43; Luke 16:22-25. These were Jesus' Words and He as the Son of God would not pander to earthly thought or wisdom. If eternal hell is not preached as a necessary part of our Gospel message, we have failed to give out the pure Gospel of Christ. If eternal hell is not a reality, then there is no reason at all to share the message of Love & Hope that can only be found in the Son of God - for if man will simply die and disappear, we may as well stay smug & indifferent in our homes, caring not for the lost; after all they just die & suffer no consequence for their sins.
When we look at the two examples from Agubus' prophecies in Acts; we see in the first case (the Acts 11 one to be chronologically accurate) that wisdom needed to prevail once the warning about famine was given. This would involve material things being prepared for distribution; and more importantly involve the unity of the Body of Christ in meeting needs of their own; first and foremost which no doubt had some further ramifications among those needing help who weren't saved at the time.
The second case in Acts 21:11. This declaration leaves us with more questions than answers; perhaps. There was no clear indication that Paul had to go to Jerusalem; and perhaps another who would receive such a message could legitimately at least postpone such an endeavor. Paul himself didn't resist being taken down in a basket earlier on in the book of Acts shortly after he began his ministry to escape. The overriding theme here is Paul's state of mind and being totally submitted and "sold out" in the Spirit. Perhaps His greatest motivation was love for His fellow countrymen; the Jews which is even more profound considering his temporary "shaking off the dirt" and ministering to the Gentiles after their resistance became a real pain in Acts 18:6.
Perhaps we can look to the gift of wisdom here as to applications related to prophecy; as one example. Just how to store supplies for disaster is something I can only wish the church in this country would consider with the clear indications of supply shortages in the near future because of several factors (war; destruction of the electric grid; insurrections; economic crash; etc).
Worldly wisdom would say to get more guns than butter; for instance. Practical wisdom certainly has taken a back seat today with a society that by and large is dependent on being taken care of; lacking many survival skills and an ethic of hard work in general; not learning how to save money; etc.
As the last post indicates; there can be issues that are not caused by demons for those in particular who are God's children but have endured great emotional harm and the mind has been effected. This can manifest in rage; or great emotional outbreaks.
The discerning individual has empathy and recognizes great grief. We can examine (see 1 Kings 17:17-18) to see an example of this.
We also have illness and demonic strongholds due to unforgiveness towards others; and of course unconfessed sins in our lives.
This will no doubt cause torment by the accuser as oppression for the believer who should know better. The result is chronic problems and physical ailments that should be rare especially with young people. No doubt with others who are older cancer and other manifestations can result at times due to long term unhealthy spiritual lives filled with anger and bitterness.
Moving on to another gift; that of prophecy considered another "sign and wonder" manifestation that some say ended after the completion of the Biblical text. I concur that with any other spiritual manifestation the enemy continues to promulgate that if the minions of the enemy are able to continue as they did with false wonders which no doubt was prophesied by Christ as a sign of the last days certainly God is able to outdo the Devil. That's how I see it anyway; nonetheless there are several important issues here that need to be covered.
First off; there needs to be a differentiation between a personal insight and that for the corporate Body. We see the first with Agabus in Acts 21:11:14; and the latter in Acts 11:28. It is noteworthy that this prophet was used for both purposes; and also that other than this he has passed from the scene without further mention in the N.T. of him. Thus; we observe a difference between him and many today who seek notoriety with websites promoting their ministries. Also in both cases it was conditional upon a recipient's actions
17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
18For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.
This shows that Paul as an elder would receive a specific crown as a reward for service and that their success ensured that his suffering and work wouldn't be in vain. Sacrifice in verse 17 no doubt could refer to martyrdom. In some sense it seems to indicate even his death would be a cause for victory to be celebrated. To rejoice with those who suffer was something Paul would mention elsewhere; but practically speaking it is hard to do with those close to Paul as the Book of Acts suggested when it was prophesied what would happen to him in Jerusalem. ( Acts 21:13).
Verse 19-25
But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.
20For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
21For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
22But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.
23Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.
24But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
25Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
This passage shows how those besides Timothy had all abandoned the ministry. Paul himself indicates elsewhere those who abandoned him for the world. After he seems to say TImothy is the only one supporting him he also mentions Epaphroditus.
This reminds us of what he said in 1 Corinthians 1:14-16 as an afterthought. Nonetheless the rest of this chapter shows the unique effort almost to death of a man.
The illustration has been given of how unseemly it would be to be consuming milk only as an adult; and we see that analogy in the book of Corinthians ( 1 Corinthians 3:2). We need to back up a bit to be certain that a given individual actually IS in the faith; or their "mature" conduct could simply be conditioning through rote memorization and behavior modification to attempt to "fit in" much as we put on a persona at work and with our friends and family that has certain distinct characteristics.
Once we are fully trained; of course in the natural as well as the spiritual we are expected to go on and make Disciples as the Great Commission states. This has been lacking with the emphasis on spreading the Good News and often guiding people to the nearest church without studying their doctrine or doing follow up. I find it best in my opinion and with some experience street witnessing to recommend a person goes to whatever local church preaches the true Gospel whether it is my own place or not. Obviously having multiple people spreading the Good News from a given local congregation gives more of an impetus to attend; although in the past I was more committed to a "house church" where some people eventually became more invested in given churches.
It is hard for many to envision a scenario like Paul the Apostle at least in our nation who a cording to Acts 21:13 had to rebuke those weeping after hearing the prophetic warning about his impending death. It reads- Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
A lot of churches today send someone out and have a very limited communication sending monthly stipends at least from my experience. That was different with the "house church" who had close ties with a brother witnessing in Uganda.
So, how does that translate to Pentecost Day & the Church in the NT & present? It is certain that the Holy Spirit has given 'gifts' to the Lord's people, and prophetical utterances are one of them (as we see in Acts 11:28; Acts 13:1; Acts 21:9,10,11; and by John the Revelator). In whatever way & location, today in the Church, there has been given an order to be followed. And we see this in 1 Corinthians 11:3 and 1 Timothy 2:11-13. As much as the world might want & demand total equality amongst the sexes, which is not wrong at all for we are all created equal; yet in His Church, Christ has ordained a specific order in leadership & Church operation. And we can't call upon OT examples of women leaders or judges as justification for sisters leading & teaching within the Church; simply because the nation of unsaved Israel does not equate to the saved Body of Christ. We must always be mindful of not letting the teachings of the world & personal inclinations impose on what Christ requires of His people. GBU.
Acts 21:40 - And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,
Paul stood there and waved his hand for everyone to be quiet. But there was a great silence, and he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue, and the word tongue is the word DIALEKTOS.
So, he spoke in the Hebrew dialect, saying,
How do you like that for an end of a chapter? Saying, to be continued!
Acts 22:1 - Men, brethren, and fathers, hear ye my defence which I make now unto you.
Hear ye my defence. That's the Greek word for apology, APOLOGIA, which I make now unto you.
Acts 22:5 - As also the high priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: from whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus, to bring them which were there bound unto Jerusalem, for to be punished.
Here is a piece of information that is overlooked a lot, "To bring them who HAD BEEN bound." It is in the Perfect Tense in the Greek. In other words, Christians had already been rounded up and they were already in chains waiting for Paul to come in and pick them up and to lead them back to Jerusalem for them to be punished.
So, Paul was a persecutor. He spent his life trying to catch these Christians who they considered to be a cult and an enemy of Judaism.
Acts 22:13 - Came unto me, and stood, and said unto me, Brother Saul, receive thy sight. And the same hour I looked up upon him.
Came unto me, and stood, literally in the Greek text, stood over me.
So, Paul obviously was sitting down or lying down. But Ananias came in and stood over him, and said unto me, Brother Saul, and here's a command, receive thy sight. This had nothing to do with Paul and his faith or anything else. He commanded him, receive your sight!
Acts 20:32 - And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
And now, brethren, I commend you to God. The word commend is a banking term. It is the word used for when you go make a deposit at the bank. This is a very, very important word. Paul laid down his life for his brothers.
But there came a time when he had to deposit those converts into the hands of God and physically, he would see them no more.
There comes a time that we can no longer be there for one another. And there might be some people that we would have to just pray with them and commend them to God. I'm not going to see you anymore.
Acts 21:1 - And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them. The King James reads "gotten." They are trying to make emphasis. This is a special Greek word emphasizing very difficult to part.
It's almost like they had to be forced apart from these people because of how difficult it was. They did not want to let Paul go. In fact, the Greek word actually means to tear apart.
Acts 21:20 - And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord. The word glorified is in the Imperfect Tense which means that they were continually glorifying the Lord in their expressions about what Paul was saying.
1) The distraction of the events thus far of what was already most of Jesus' earthly ministry would make the Disciples complacent in thinking this would go on for many more years.
2) The main goal and focus was on His sacrifice for the sins of man to be accomplished on Calvary. Only at that point could men be able to enter heaven immediately upon death; whereas before they would have to be in Sheol (in the pleasant side).
3). In His departure; they would be the ones to continue to carry out the ministry through leadership after the Spirit came down at Pentecost and changed them. They would have to be stripped of all their confidence and all die a martyrs death exept for John. None of them would be ready when Jesus was arrested as they all ran away along with Peter. Only the Lord would get them through that.
In all honesty it is hard here just as it is contemplating what He said in Gethsemane as to the weakness of their flesh and their falling asleep due again to sorrow. God assures us that every tear is known ( Psalm 56:8). No doubt in eternity there will be reward for suffering in faith; we have consolation in what the world can't have. We have to believe that even in our own martryrdom if it comes to that or natural death is to glorify Christ and there are rewards for martyrs ( James 1:12). Paul also was given a reaction of great sorrow when he announced his imprisonment ( Acts 21:10-14). It would appear his death came at a much later date but Paul always focused on ministry and looked forward to being with the Lord; no wonder after the brutality he had to endure on and off for years in various imprisonments beforehand. He knew when his departure was near ( 2 Tim. 4) and Peter as well ( 2 Peter 1:12
Just a few things, I am sorry you feel you have been lied to, there are different interpretations out there. If we study Matt. 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 together it helps.
I have found when studying the Bible, we should not start with a preconceived idea, it is easy to see Scriptures that fit a picture we have painted in our mind rather than letting the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit reveal the true meaning.
First, Jesus's death and resurrection were hidden from them, Luke 18:31-34. Even after he was crucified, they were distraught and did not understand the fact that he was killed. John 16:16-20 and we have Luke 24:4-6. Not knowing Jesus was going to die would they be asking Jesus about His second coming?
Is all of Matthew 24 about the end time, many combined it with other prophecies to create a picture of the end time. Some of it is obviously about Jesus's second coming but much of it was to prepare them for what they were to endure up to the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. False prophets we see there were many before 70 AD, Acts 21:36-38 Acts 8:9 and others. If we look at history there were wars, earthquakes, and famine, Acts 7:11 and Acts 11:28.
Many put Matt. 24:15 and Mark 13:14 at the end time with an antichrist, should we not consider what Luke wrote about the same thing, Luke 21:20 that history has recorded?
One other thing why would Jesus say to pray their flee would not be on a Sabbath day? Today would not be a problem with the transportation we have. Back then the gates of Jerusalem would be locked and would be hard to get out and it would take days to get clear, with a pace of 2.5 mph.
I am with you, we sleep in the grave until resurrection the first of those who are chosen and faithful, Rev. 17:14 at Jesus's second coming and the second, the rest of the dead at the white throne judgment/the sheep and the goats and those whose names are not in the book of life is cast into the lake of fire, Rev. 20:15.
God bless,
RLW
SolaScrip,
True Christ Followers will be obedient to all of God's 10 Commandments as taught by Jesus in the New Testament."
Well, God's 10 Commandments are identical to Christ's Commandments. Christ didn't change, minimize or abbreviate them in any way. Christ is the Creator of all things and He created the Commandments - there would be no reason for Him to change or rescind any of them.
Christ speaks of obeying the Law, the 10 Commandments, just as they are taught by the scribes and Pharisees in Matt. 23:1-3. He says to "do as they say, but not as they do" because the teachers of the Law at that time were all hypocrites. They taught the 10 Commandments, but kept none of them. That passage proves that Jesus taught the literal keeping of the 10 Commandments, not just the essence, or spirit, of them in our hearts, etc.
Jesus stated, as you pointed out, that He kept all of the Father's 10 Commandments physically when He declared it in John 15:10.
We see that 1 John makes clear that we are to live as Jesus lived, obeying what He obeyed, in 1 John 2:6. That does not support the modern popular teaching that we are only to obey them in spirit. And if Jesus had any intention of teaching that Christians did not need to keep them literally, we would not have the record of the disciples keeping the Saturday Sabbath immediately after Christ's death on the Cross in Luke 23:54-56. We also would not see Paul being labeled by the elders as a "Keeper of the Law" in Acts 21:24.
"IF a Christian is filled with God's Holy Spirit they will naturally be following all of God's/Jesus Commandments."
I would agree with this, but that just means that the vast majority of professed Christians today are not filled with the Holy Spirit because most Christians do not obey the 10 Commandments.
Jesus says that it is the keeping of the 10 Commandments that is pre-requisite for receiving 'HIM' as the Holy Spirit in John 14:21.
SolaScrip,
True Christ Followers will be obedient to all of God's 10 Commandments as taught by Jesus in the New Testament."
Well, God's 10 Commandments are identical to Christ's Commandments. Christ didn't change, minimize or abbreviate them in any way. Christ speaks of obeying the Law, the 10 Commandments, just as they are taught by the scribes and Pharisees in Matt. 23:1-3. He says to "do as they say, but not as they do" because the teachers of the Law at that time were all hypocrites. They taught the 10 Commandments, but kept none of them. That passage proves that Jesus taught the physical keeping of the 10 Commandments, not just the essence, or spirit, of them in our hearts, etc.
Jesus stated, as you pointed out, that He kept all of the Father's 10 Commandments physically when He declared it in John 15:10.
We see that 1 John makes clear that we are to live as Jesus lived, obeying what He obeyed, in 1 John 2:6. That does not support the modern popular teaching that we are only to obey them in spirit. And if Jesus had any intention of teaching that Christians did not need to keep them literally, we would not have the record of the disciples keeping the Saturday Sabbath immediately after Christ's death on the Cross in Luke 23:54-56. We also would not see Paul being labeled by the elders as a "Keeper of the Law" in Acts 21:24.
"IF a Christian is filled with God's Holy Spirit they will naturally be following all of God's/Jesus Commandments."
I would agree with this, but that just means that the vast majority of professed Christians today are not filled with the Holy Spirit because most Christians do not obey the 10 Commandments.
Jesus says that it is the keeping of the 10 Commandments that is pre-requisite for receiving 'HIM' as the Holy Spirit in John 14:21.
Part 2. "Last reply"
Acts 21:18-31.
You stated, they were debating not opposing it, as we see in Acts 21:18-31 there is still division, the Jews were still in the law,
Let's take this from verse 17, I don't believe it was the Brothern debating Paul. It was the elders of the Jews.
Note: I will pause midway in verse 20 to show where they switch from glorifying God for the news Paul brought them concerning the Gentiles to telling Paul about the Jews that believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
Paul was warned in Acts 21:10-13 not to go to Jerusalem because this group sought to bind him.
Now, Luke says Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present. THIS IS THE ELDERS OF THE JEWS! NOT THE APOSTLES, AND IT IS NOT JAMES THAT IS CONTENDING WITH PAUL.
17) And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.
18) And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.
19) And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.
20) And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, (PAUSE)
"Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:
(THIS ZEALOUS GROUP IS NOT THE APOSTLES.) It is the Elders that is saying, "Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe."
Continuing with the Elders.
21) And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.
22) What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.
Ronald many of the Jews at that time practiced the rituals of the Law and tried to add that to the cross as we see in Galatians, but Paul refuted this.
Thanks for your time and have a good week Ronald.
God bless.
Thank you, brother I will make this short I believe we have come to a point to let it rest. This is something better discussed in person, not on paper things get lost. In Acts 15, it was at least 4 years, after Pentecost when Paul and Barnabas went to Jerusalem because some Gentiles were told they must be circumcised and follow the law.
It is clear they were debating this for a long time it says much disputing before Peter stood up. He said it was a good while ago when God sent the word to the Gentiles. So, this seems quite a few years after Pentecost, and it appears the apostles were still following the law and circumcision.
They were debating not opposing it, as we see in Acts 21:18-31 there is still division, the Jews were still in the law, it says James and the elders were there, these were people who had accepted Jesus, but they were still in the law, (they are all zealous of the law). We also see Peter was an apostle to the circumcision and Paul was an apostle to the Gentiles. When they turned away from Judaism I don't know, in Acts 10:28 they were irate with Peter for his disobedience of the law, and these were apostles.
Our main disagreement is my understanding of Scripture that a person who has accepted Jesus, was baptized, and walking in fellowship with Jesus can intentionally walk away from Jesus and willfully live a life of sin, unless they repent and come back into the light they will perish, will lose the gift of eternal life. For example, the prodigal son Luke 15. Yours is you cannot lose their salvation, it is impossible.
I can give my understanding and you can give yours but not being able to sit down and discuss each verse and flip to others that we cannot do on paper.
Have a wonderful evening and a great week.
God bless,
RLW
Paul suggests that we all have spiritual gifts and serve with them the congregation and God.
The best gift is prophesying. Prophesy is a direct message from God to the church for the "edification, and exhortation, and comfort" of the church. It can be also about future events that are of the interest of the believers as we see in Acts 21:10-11. Prophets can be either men or women as seen in Acts 21:8-9. But women can not be pastors as seen in 1 Cor 14:34-35.
Paul suggests that we all speak in unknown tongues (v5) but preferably prophesying. Because the gift of prophesying is above tongues. Tongues are useful to a believer for their own edification because when speaking in tongues they are filled with God's Spirit which produces His fruit in them. But the rest do not understand what is said, so there is no benefit for the congregation unless there is an interpreter.
Prophesy is for the edification of the whole congregation. So when the church is gathered together to pray to God, and believers are filled with God's Spirit and start speaking in tongues and there isn't an inetrpreter they should keep silent and pray with their spirit. Prophets may say what God puts in their mouth in a proper order, one after the other. Others must judge whether a prophesy is real or not. Everything in the church should serve for the edification of of tbe whole body.
God Bless You All.
Verse 26-33. An introduction is needed here.
The ancient church service consisted of 2 parts. Part 1 was when believers were kneeling down praying and singing to and praising God altogether. Part 2 was when they sat on their seats and were hearing the pastor preaching from the Scriptures.
Paul advices christians in Corinth to function their congregation in order. The most important thing is everything in the function of the church should be done for the edification of the congregation. When believers speak in tongues they should do it one after the other. But if there isn't no interpretation then they should keep silent and talk silently in tongues to them and God.
Prophets similarly should prophesy one after the other. It is possible that two of them could have a message from God at the same time. But they should not speak simoultaneously but only after the previous prophet stopped prophesying.
Verse 29, "Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." Judge what? Judge whether the prophesy is true or not. How is that done? Mainly if the prophesy agrees with the written Word of God. Also other prophets who have the experience of prophesying, they usually can undersand if a prophesy is a real one or not.
Verse 32, "And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.".The Spirit of God doesn't force prophets to speak, they can allow or not allow their mouth to say what God puts in their mouth.
All the above take place in the first part of the church service, during the time of praying. Once the pastor is preaching, only him should talk from thereon.
Verse 33, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.". Very clear meaning.
Verses 34-40. Women can not be pastors but can serve the congregation as prophets (see Acts 21:8-9)
You said (Hemorian as well) that the Acts is a transitional book between OT and NT. I wouldn't agree on that.
In my opinion the only transitional period between those 2 economies was the 3 and 1/2 years that Jesus ministered on earth. And I wouldn't use the word transitional. I would prefer to say that Jesus ministry worked as a bridge joining the old economy with the new one.
In the book of Acts we see that Jews who became christians were still following the Old Law. But that was permitted by the apostles only to give the necessary time to Jews to adapt themselves to the New Conenant. Paul himself didn't follow John's and James' (who were the heads in Jerusalem at that time) practise. Paul was crystal clear in his teachings and writtings that the Old covenant had to be abandoned.
Please read what John and James said to Paul when he visited Jerusalem,
Acts 21:20-23, "20And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: 21And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. 22What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come. 23Do therefore this that we say to thee..." Pay attention to verse 21.
Paul this time followed their advice and found himself in a big trouble, in jail.
After Jesus' resurrection only the New Testament was valid. The Old died together with Jesus on the cross and the New came into life together with Jesus' ressurection. .
Now about that "rightly dividing the Word of God", a grk person understands that phrase as "rightly learning and teaching the Word of God", it has nothing to do with dividing.
GBU
In general; there is a set series of events that are going to consume the time period known as "Jacob's trouble" ( Jeremiah 30:7).
The incense of the prayers of the saints which encompass the initial scene in Revelation 5:8 prior to the seal judgments; and Revelation 8:3-4 (in that case before the Trumpet Judgments) show a sort of collective mass of prayers; either reflecting directly the persecutions on the earth at the time; or answering Millennia old prayers of saints long since forgotten by man; but held by God. (see Psalm 56:8).
Because of this; we see a difference in prophetic utterances such as Acts 21:10; and Acts 11:27-28. Such utterances indicate that the choices made (i.e. Paul heading straight to Jerusalem; preparing for a famine) certainly make these things conditional.
In Revelation it is generally structured indicating great events with associated signs and wonders that are already designed and predicted in detail. However; as with anything else there is latitude apparently for the two prophets to cause things as they wish in regard to droughts; etc. ( Rev. 11:6). Undoubtably some details are not straightforward (such as which part of the world the 1/4 die in the seal judgments). Safe to say it ain't going to be a fun time here on planet earth; that's for sure.
Looking at the Second Coming of Christ; no doubt great deception will occur with multitudes of false prophets at the time of the end. Antichrist Himself will basically act as a substitute for Christ; and will be the only man other than Judas Iscariot to be doomed to perdition. ( John 17:12; 2 Thess. 2:3). God will use him to make rulers agree to submit to his authority; as well as destroying the false "Mystery Babylon" which encompasses all the world's false religions sort of rolled into one. ( Revelation 18:17).
There are suspect individuals that certainly match many characteristics of such an individual. More in next post.
Sorry brother did not see your last post. I know we differ on this, as long as we inspire each other to study both sides we are doing ok. I feel the word antichrist has been used so many times having people looking for the wrong thing. This beast will ascend out of the bottomless pit, Rev. 17:8 we don't know what he will look like, the man of sin.
The word antichrist is not in Revelation, and where we see it in 1 John 2:18,22 1 John 4:3 and 2 John 1:7 all are describing people or the spirit of antichrist, deceivers not a beast. There has been people from the time Jesus ascended claiming to be the Messiah and will deliver them from Roman oppression up to revolts before 70 AD. There was one in Acts 21:38 and some others and probably some today.
2 Thessalonians 2:4, which says this beast will exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped. Above God, or whatever people all over this world worship, this will be a world event for people of all religions. I agree the deception will be great and he may appear to many as Christ or what or who other people worship. I am sure many will accept him as the Christ.
In Revelation, we have Satan, the beast, the false prophet, and fallen angels on this earth, all working against God, Jesus, and all who have faith in them, it will not be a pleasant time. From the time Satan and his angels are cast down to earth and Satan gives his power, seat, and authority to the beast I only see 3.5 years not 7. And I do not see anyone taken out only the second coming of Jesus. 7 years only comes from Daniel 9 whether that turns out to be true or false. Hope this makes some sense.
God bless
RLW
The Bible has many texts on the idea of self control; including it being one of the fruits of the Spirit. Much can be said of this and wisdom as well. We have with this concept the dual realities of the Spirit being the only thing capable of producing such actions in the truest sense; as well as maturity in practice of such things in submission to the Spirit.
When we examine ourselves; it is likely that many times we try to anticipate what we are about to face and control the circumstances to make the outcome fit in to our expectations. Preparation is something we should maintain before taking any actions; but we cannot always envision the circumstances with clarity. In other words; there is a need to trust God to give us the words and actions as well as prayers on an as need basis. One example would be when Agabus in Acts 21:10-11. Paul apparently was wise enough to realize that death was very much a risk with such an action; but He was already "sold out" as it were to that reality. As with all the Apostles except for John who apparently they attempted to kill and failed according to tradition death was the end result; Peter also had a prophecy directly from Christ referring to that reality.
Often from my limited experience I have found that I am sort of going with "auto pilot" in new and confusing situations; the Lord gives me the strength and words at the right moment; not before. We need to learn to appreciate and be made aware of the "God" moments as they happen; His ways our not our ways and I have found that there is little thought necessary when the Spirit gives us utterance. This should be the process in which we live our whole lives; whether preparing for martyrdom or living in ordinary work; family and other situations. If anything; we should see opportunities for witnessing; and spreading the Great Commission whenever we are able. This involves our words and actions as well as motives.
On part 1
Jesus knew what was going to happen and much of what He told the disciples was what was going to happen to them, to prepare them for what He just told them when the temple would be destroyed. Does part of this discourse apply to the future? Yes
Matt. 24:5-13 History and the Bible document that there were several men as false Messiahs, false prophets that deceived many and which convinced many and led them to revolt to liberate Jerusalem from Roman occupation. Josephus tells us that impostors drew great multitudes after them into the wilderness, and he mentions an Egyptian prophet. We see this in Acts 21:36-38.
We have Theudas in Acts 5:36 and Judas of Galilee in Acts 5:37-8 and Simon in Acts 8:9-11, and there was more. For us today many come in the name of Jesus saying, Jesus is Christ, but they deceive and make merchandise of people. We must not ignore the first thing He said after they asked Him "Take heed that no man deceive you."
There were many conflicts between the nations around Jerusalem and Rome was having wars that caused famine. Claudius invaded Britain in 46AD, there was a great famine in Syria. Rome took control over the temple along with the sacred treasury and there was a great famine in Jerusalem.
The Jews were having small scrimmages that led to the revolt in 66 AD. We see in the bible a famine was going on, in Acts 11:27-29 in 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 Where Paul was collecting things for those in Jerusalem because they were starving. There were earthquakes in Rome, Pergamum, Laodicea, and Judea in the 50s and 60s.
We see what the Jews did to Peter and John and the first they killed was Steven and then most of them. and what Paul says about what they did in all the synagogues Acts 26:10-11. But enduring to the end the same shall be saved does not mean their flesh life would be saved.
Will cover more, hope I am making sense.
God bless,
RLW
For deeper word translation meanings for study there is also Strongs Exhaustive Concordance within the site. Prophetess Hebrew word "nbiy'ah" in Old Testament & greek word "prophetis" in New Testament
Acts 21:9, doesn't give the females the title "Prophetess" but states the "four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy"
Hopefully this is helpful
1. The gift of prophesing ( 1 Cor 12:7-11). A woman can have that gift and prophesy ( Acts 21:8-9). The gifts are given by the Holly Spirit. This gift has nothing to do with teaching, that is why in the next chapter ( 1 Cor 14:34) where Paul keeps talking about gifts, especially about speaking in tongues and prophesing, he forbids women to teach in the church. So prophesing has nothing to do with teaching (some churches have this specific belief).
2. The ministry of prophet ( Ephesians 4:11), which is something different from the gift of prophesing described in Corinthians. In Acts 13:1-3 in the church there are both prophets and teachers, which means they are different ministries. All ministers, Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, Prophets(once more teachers and prophets are separate ministries) are males, we don't see any woman in that position in the Gospels. As written it is Jesus who appoints ministers in the church (not the Holly Spirit who gives the gifts). All ministers can teach in the church, as well. ( Acts 15:32).
GBU
Deuteronomy 13:1-5,
Acts 21:10, yes Acts 2:18, Joel 2:27,28,29
Hopefully these are helpful
I am not wishing to debate either. Thank you for your input.
I read last night in Acts 15:6-11. Peter says that God had chosen him to preach to the Gospel to the Gentiles so that they would believe. He went on to say that God gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit just as He had done for them in Jerusalem. So, apparently, Peter was preaching the Gospel to Gentiles before he knew Paul.
My point is that it is wise to avoid hard and fast views concerning how the Gospel spread nor when the church began because I think that God is the only One who truly knows what He did in those days, as He builds the church and chosen whom will preach the Gospel and where.
We have the book of Acts an the writings of Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude to reveal some information about the church in the 1st century A.D. But this is not a running history that includes the work of all the other apostles, nor the others of the 120 who were in the room at Pentecost. if we did, we would know better how things transpired. Since Scripture does not include a full account of the workings of the church at this time, perhaps we can be satisfied that the Word of God concerning the Gospel of Jesus was spread throughout the known world during that century by Jesus' apostles and disciples as well as from Believer to those in their sphere of influence. That is the important matter, in my opinion. When the apostles became apostles or began their work or when the church truly began are somewhat peripheral matters to me. But since there is this discussion on these topics, we can share what the Scriptures say about this to one another and share what we learned from them.
I appreciate your instruction to me. It helps me.