I agree with Giannis that ANOTHEN can mean either "from above" or "from the beginning," so we have to decide which meaning to use in each of the 13 places ANOTHEN is found in the NT.
When I look at Luke 1:3 in a Greek Interlinear Bible, it translates as "from the very first," which can also read from the beginning. I see the same in Acts 26:5. Both places can be translated as "from the beginning."
However, when I take John 3:3, ANOTHEN doesn't translate as the very first or from the beginning, but rather anew (again) and up place (above). So yes, in all 13 places that ANOTHEN is found in the NT, we have to find out if it means "from above" or "from the beginning." In John 3:3, I read it as from above.
In any case, we know that Jesus was not talking about a second physical birth. He was talking about a Spiritual birth from above. A person must experience a spiritual birth to be saved. That's what it means receive Christ.
Thank you pointing out that we must receive (not accept) Christ. We hear a lot today about "accepting" the Lord but there is no place in the bible that tells us that we need to accept the Lord to be saved. To "accept" the Lord means to mentally agree with the truth about Him.
The bible does say receive Christ in John 1:12. To receive Christ means literally to receive His Spirit into our spirit to perform a spiritual birth, and we become a new person.
We become a new creation and God's Spirit is with us from that time throughout eternity. We are motivated by His Spirit, ministered to by His Spirit, protected by His Spirit, guided by His Spirit, and we are provided for by His Spirit. From that time forward, we belong to Christ!
So, being born again, there's a physical birth and then a Spiritual birth. The Spiritual birth is what it means to be born again, and that birth can only come from above!
Let me make a correction. The grk actually says "born from the beginning ". The grk word that either means "from above" or "from the beginning" is the word "anothen". And because this word may have 2 different meanings a misunderstanding may arise.
Let me refer to some verses that this word means "from the beginning".
Luke 1:3, "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first (the very first, in grk anothen) to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,"
Acts 26:5, "Which knew me from the beginning (anothen), if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee."
So how could we know which one of those two meanings this word had in Jesus' replying to Nicodemus?
We know because of what Nicodemus says next. If Jesus meant "from above" then Nicodemus wouldn't ask Him how it is possible to enter his mother's womb so that he would been born again since it would had been obvious that Jesus meant a birth from above that is from God . But what he asked Jesus was how is it possible a man can enter his mother's womb and be born again. Blessings
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
There is too much in these chapters to cover in this study. The rest of Chapter 5 gets into the law and the further extent that is expected in regard to men's minds where man's sin nature imagines all sorts of evil and where only grace will suffice. One Old Testament example of this is David with Bathsheeba. Having her husband deliberately sent to the front lines to die and committing adultery would according to the law warrant the death penalty. Chapter Six and seven get into subjects regarding how we are not to judge others (and also how to help others by having our own lives cleaned up); how to fast and pray and finally it ends with the judgment to come warning of those who don't DO what Christ says to do; reminding us of John 14:15 about loving Christ and following His commandments. In the end it is said Jesus taught with authority ( Matt. 7:29) not like the teachers of the law; which was also said about His synagogue teachings early on in His ministry.
Adhering to the method of God's calling of His chosen sheep; Jesus preached to multiple individuals with a general message; much as John the Baptist did. There were clearly individuals involved throughout His travels that He would challenge but again one basic point I see in scripture is that individuals were never targeted for a challenge to come to Christ or be saved. The closest I can find is with Paul speaks to Agrippa in Acts 26:28. That is the result of one of Paul's courtroom testimonies where scripture is quoted to a great extent to Festus and others. The seeds were cast forth and they would prosper who they would.
In every crowd there are those who would hear the Word and then it would fall to the wayside; or be in shallow soil with no root and a few would have good soil and produce good fruit. One major characteristic of the Lord is He didn't reveal Himself to just anyone and the Parables were designed that way. Likely explains Matthew 7:6.
The Gentiles and a few Jews became Christian first in Antioch. They call Apostle Paul because the Gentiles wanted the gospel of grace and Paul was the man for the Gentiles.
Acts 11:20-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching theLordJesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Apostle Paul share the gospel of grace to Agrippa . Agrippa always believed the gospel.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian.
Peter is writing to his Jewish followers to not be ashamed of being a Christian in believing the gospel of grace.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as aChristian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Peter writes to his Jewish followers and tells them that Apostle Paul has the gospel of grace.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Today we are being attacked by believing the gospel of grace as a Christian.
What is the word of truth and where does it come from ? ?
Apostle Paul almost got Noble Festus to believe the word of truth.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Apostle Paul is telling us by believing the gospel, the word of truth, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
The word of truth is the gospel.
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
We are to separate the kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews from the gospel of grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
This is the gospel of grace in which is the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures
Holiness is something that can only be present in a truly saved individual; of course that means fruits worthy of repentance. ( Matt. 3:8; Acts 26:20). It shows the reflection of the inner man through the authority of Christ; and also the outer actions which also are a reflection of what is truly within. Working on our salvation with fear and trembling ( Philippians 2:12) certainly is a good reference to how our work to grow in maturity corresponds to initial fear of the Lord which should continue as we mature out of our love and reverence to a Holy God. Many tend to seem to be numbed after their original conversion; while those who wish to grow in faith realize more and more their own hopeless state when struggling with the old nature along with Satan's endless accusations of the brethren.
Clearly we don't want titles that promote some man made heirarchy or even use Biblical terms such as Bishop or Pastor to make ourselves seem superior; ministry of men is to be in authority over women but doesn't make them more important; that is another illustration related to this concept. The best way I see it as I have said before is that someone who is truly shining as someone bringing in 100 fold results or shining like the sun stands out as unnerving; when I'm around people like that I want to run and hide. Again that is the same reaction we will have when being in the Lord's presence. I mentioned Daniel; Isaiah and John the Revelator before; we can't forget Saul of Tarsus and his conversion as well as Job's two rebukes from God after the long section showing "brotherly love" (not) from his so called friends. Job blamed God for what was Satan but we could argue he didn't know better; nonetheless the bargain Satan made in the beginning chapters ended up in a humiliating loss and Job was exalted even more after his trial as a righteous man albeit before the Atoning sacrifice of Christ.
I will pray for your family and friends and for you to do well in business class. God will open your understanding and give you the knowledge, wisdom and understanding . Keep reading and praying .
This is what Apostle Paul said to Noble Festus and Festus almost believed, but the seed of the Word was planted. Keep up the Word to family and friends.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Acts 26:24 - And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
"Beside thyself" is the Greek word maniac! Festus said, "Paul, you are a maniac," right in the middle of his testimony!
Acts 26:28 - Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuades me to be a Christian.
You've probably heard debates about this as to whether it's a question, "Are you trying to make me a Christian?" Or he's stopping him, saying, "You almost got me." Well, the word almost is not even "almost" close. In the Greek, it is literally OLIGOS which means a few or little. And it is associated not with time, but with words. So, Agrippa says to Paul, "With a few words, you are persuading me to be a Christian."
Acts 26:29 - And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
I would to God is an Optative Mood, which means it's a wish. I wish to God that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, that is, a little, and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.
Acts 27:14 - But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
The term "tempestuous" is where we get our word typhoon from. It is equivalent to our hurricane. It's called a typhonic wind. This was 150 to 160 miles an hour. EUROCLYDON actually means a north-easterner, the wind coming through.
They started sailing over and as soon as they got away, all of a sudden, this storm came up and they actually shipwrecked on Malta. And at that time, the storm will have raged for 14 days. So, you can imagine the scene they are up against.
They thought that because there was a soft wind and clear weather, that it was a sign that it was like approval for them. But as soon as they took off, all of a sudden, the winds came up. And the storm came up. A typhoon!
Acts 25:21 - But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, and Augustus is the name for the emperor. In fact, it is the Latin term for emperor.
Augustus, and in fact, the Greek word is SEVO. It means somebody who you show reverence towards. But Augustus is the Latin word for emperor.
I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.
Acts 25:22 - Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
Then king Agrippa said to Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
In the Greek text, it is the Imperfect Tense, and it shows that I have been continuously in the past wanting to hear the same guy. I've heard about him.
Acts 26:2 - I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Paul says, I think myself happy, and right then and there you know that that's not what Paul said. The word happy is the word MAKARIOS. It is the same word used in the Sermon on the Mount for blessed is the one. It's the word for blessed or blessing.
But the Greek word MAKARIOS for blessing has nothing to do with human happiness. It literally means to experience the fullness of something. So, a blessed or happy person is someone who's satisfied. They're filled.
Acts 26:18 - To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
We have one of those little phrases again. It's by faith "into me." That is how it literally reads.
Completing my example 1 of prayer for someone to be saved; as I repeatedly nag it isn't something we find in scripture. Paul when on trial went as close as saying he wished to see someone saved ( Acts 26:28 with Agrippa). Just as we once were before the light broke through we were once blinded to the truth; and therefore shouldn't expect any efforts no matter how sincere or even faith filled will make one iota of difference in bringing someone to salvation. That is a really harsh statement at face value.
We know for a fact it won't work with someone already physically deceased; and of course that would be a sin or necromancy and useless according to Hebrews 9:27. But we were once "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:13). It is easy as a true believer to be perplexed how people can have multiple and long term opportunities to hear the Gospel and still reject it. What is worse is those who go along and perhaps make a confession but are insincere in their hearts; thus never producing "good fruit". We know that if we hear the truth it is of God as our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:16).
The rest of the world is content that Christ is a good teacher or Prophet as that is all they can see; His humanity apart from Divinity as a member of the Godhead.
I will leave this topic with a general statement. We should sow seeds with whoever we can; but not make an undo effort to spend an inordinate amount of time with those not open to the Gospel at the expense of the Great Commission at large.
As Jesus stated in comparison to our service to God we must hate those closest to us; which doesn't mean of course to abandon care as that makes us worse than an infidel. Our motivation for service must be to serve God always; and that has to be despite whether all those we care about come to Christ or not.
Acts 16:30-33 states: And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
This passage shows what appears at first glance to be a statement that supports the idea of infant baptism; or that entire households as a given are saved as a result of one person coming to faith. I would take it more as a word of knowledge on Paul's part. We see in this passage in verse 32 that the Gospel was spoken to the entire household of the jail guard first; and immediately afterwards baptism occurred (although it is not clear where that was done in the middle of the night).
The main concept here is that with the earthquake and releasing of chains at midnight of Paul and all the prisoners brought great fear; and that this shows the Biblical prescident for faith; that is an emphasis on the fear of the Lord and a desire for the individual to come to faith without prodding or compulsion by others as is the style today. When we see other verses such as in Acts when Agrippa almost was convinced to be a Christian ( Acts 26:28) it was through Paul's eloquent appeal. Repent and believe is a general call; but I can't find any specific verses where an individual is called to make a confession of faith such as in modern day "altar calls". This shows that a heart must be ready; and how frequently such commitments are made due to pressure from man; rather than genuine conviction. The appeal in Acts to the Jews was that the one they had crucified was indeed the Christ ( Acts 2:23). Such response brings persecution as all who are giving a genuine convicting message of truth; this is opposed to today's easy believism without counting the cost which happens often.
Rev. 19:13. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.
Rev. 12:9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and the angels were cast out with him.
1 Cor. 2:14,15. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
Acts 26:17. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
2 Peter 1:20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Acts 26:18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them, which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Every 'deception' and 'truth' can be confirmed with the 'Word of God' for the 'Word is God ' ( John 1:1). It is the only Book in the world that is able to do that. The unfortunate part is that mankind in its natural state is not able to understand it ( Cor. 2:14). For that reason every person needs to repent and turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan unto God ( Acts 26:16-18).
There is only one City in the world that is built on seven mountains ( Rev. 17:9) and that is Rome: the Capitoline, the Quirinal, the Viminal, the Esquiline, the Caeline and the Aventine.
I should clarify my understanding of Acts 26:22,23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
The phrase "unto the people, and unto the Gentiles" is, I believe, a phrase used here by God to encompasses all peoples of the World, Jew and Gentile alike, throughout time, to whom God would send the Gospel. Abel, Enoch, Noah, the Ninevites, the Queen of Sheba were not Jews. They were all "Gentiles" and not descendants of Abraham.
I admit to not having a good grasp of your "understanding" of how those living in OT times were "saved", and the "gospel" that was "preached to them". And in particular how God "applied" Salvation to each individual that He saved; from Abel to Enoch to Noah; and then to Abraham and those of Israel and Judah that He saved, all of whom were a tiny remnant of those living during the OT, as in the NT.
I see only one Gospel of Salvation throughout the Whole Bible. And only one process for "applying" that Salvation to ALL of God's elect throughout time. And that was by God's Mercy and God's Grace Alone. Where none of "their works" nor any "inherent faith" contributed in any way to their Salvation. Just like Salvation during the NT.
Now granted that Gospel was not as clearly articulated in the OT as in the NT as God continued to write the Bible throughout history. But Noah "was a preacher of righteousness"; and the Ceremonial Laws; and all the books of the OT, like Isaiah and Jeremiah contained the same Gospel of Judgment and Salvation by Christ's Atonement as is articulated in the NT.
We read this statement by the Apostle Paul in Acts 26:22-23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the PROPHETS and MOSES did say should come:That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people{OT}, and to the Gentiles{NT}.
So the Gospel of Hebrews 4 and Acts 26 and the Whole Bible is the Gospel of the REST of Salvation, God's WORK of Grace Alone apart from any work that man does. And the EFFICACY of that WORK, Christ's Atonement, applied throughout time.
And, I'm sorry to say, that is not the gospel that I see in your comments regarding OT Believers. I see a Works / Grace gospel and a process for applying Salvation to the life of the OT believer, not found anywhere in the Bible.
Luke is written specifically to Theophilus, but in general to all Gentiles. Theophilus means "lover of God," THEOS for God, PHILEO for love. It's either a name or title. It was a common name at the time. Many parents named their children Theophilus hoping their kids would love God. It was also used as a title and may have been used in order to hide his identity.
In Luke, he's not just called Theophilus, but "most excellent Theophilus" which means that he was either in the Roman military or Roman government, and he's getting the gospel about Jesus Christ. So, Theophilus could be a title or a code name for someone so that their real identity is not revealed.
His title "Most excellent" is one Greek word. It's found to be a title of an officer in the Roman military and also found as a title for an official in the Roman government. Both are called "most excellent" or "most honorable." The title is used three times in Acts. In Acts 23:26, we see "most excellent governor Felix."
These are all governors of Rome. Acts 24:3, "most noble Felix," and Acts 26:25 "most noble Festus," same word. They held these titles in the Roman military and in the Roman government. He was either a government official or in the military. Tradition says he was from Antioch of Syria. Apparently, Luke and Theophilus knew each other.
Acts was written to Theophilus. Acts 1:1 says, the former treaties (that would be the gospel of Luke), the former treaties that I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. So, the book of Acts would be to the same person. And what he's saying is that Luke (the first Volume I gave you), was what Jesus began to do and teach. Now here's what He continues to do and teach, and that would be the book of Acts.
It's also interesting that Acts 1:1-11 is a summary statement of Luke Chapter 24. So, they overlap. He goes back and summarizes Luke 24 in Acts Chapter 1:1-11.
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 think that King Agrippa, who was a Jew, understood what Paul was speaking to him concerning Israel. But when Paul began to give his conversion testimony ( Acts 26:13 onwards), Paul's words probably were foreign to him, resulting in his exclamation, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." And what Agrippa meant was that, 'with only a few words from you and in so short a time, you expect me to turn to this Christ?' Agrippa may have understood the logic of what Paul was testifying, that it made sense, but he probably still had a long way to go to let that knowledge sink into his heart, convincing him, convicting him, to turn to Christ for salvation. Maybe, at some later date, the Holy Spirit was able to draw him further into the Truth, even bringing him salvation.
Ephesians 1:14. The concept of the Kinsman-Redeemer was in the Book of Ruth; as to Boaz obtaining Ruth as part of his inheritance; or you could say "property". The concept of ownership is foreign in today's culture in terms of slavery; however we should look at verses such as Luke 17:10 on us being "unworthy servants" when we do what we are told. With the story of Ruth she was from a Gentile origin; and her sister Orpha decided to abandon Naomi when she told her to go back to her people (the Moabites). Apparently Ruth's first husband was an Israelite but he had died. Ruth hanging on despite Naomi asking her to go back reminds me somewhat of the tenacity of the Gentile woman asking for healing in Matthew 15:26. The colloquialism Christ used was of the dogs; yet she was commended for her faith.
Obviously; Christ redeemed us as His bride from among all mankind according to the Ephesians quote and this is mentioned in many other verses (Google search is always very helpful). As Boaz brought value to Ruth by marrying her and continuing the lineage of Naomi's family we are adopted as sons ( Romans 8:14-17). God took us; worthless sinners hopelessly lost and His enemies and took on our sin defeating it with His blood sacrifice once and for all at the Cross. He purchased us and it even pleased God to crush Him to accomplish this ( Isaiah 53:10). God's love therefore transcends our own as we would scarcely die for a righteous man let alone a wicked one (according to human standards) according to Romans 5:7.
Now that we are part of His family; we also will recieve crowns as a reward for faithfulness ( James 1:12 etc). We shall rule and reign with Him ( Matthew 19:28-29) but notice the caviat; "if we suffer for Him". We are warned in Revelation 3:11 about losing our reward; that is not a salvation issue. However; we need to make sure that we are producing fruit "meet of repentance" ( Acts 26:20). If He lives within us we are transformed and a new man.
Although Paul was not married at the time he wrote his letters, he more than likely was married at one point. The bible does not mention a wife or what happened to her, whether she died or whatever the case might be, but we do know from Acts 26:10 that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin because only the Sanhedrin were allowed to vote for the death penalty against Christians, and Paul voted (he gave his voice against them). It was also a strict requirement that a man had to be married in order to be a member of the Sanhedrin. So Paul would have had to be married at one time.
Of all of the teachings of Catholicism,Purgatoryis probably the one most often attacked by Catholics themselves. There are at least three reasons why that's so: many Catholics do not understand the need for Purgatory; they do not understand the scriptural basis for Purgatory, and they have been unintentionally misled by priests and catechism teachers who themselves do not understand what the Catholic Church has taught and continues to teach about Purgatory.
And so many Catholics have become convinced that the Church quietly dropped her belief in Purgatory a few decades ago.
So why do so many people think that belief in Purgatory is no longer a doctrine of the Church? Part of the confusion arises because some Catholics conflate Purgatory and Limbo, a supposed place of natural bliss where the souls of children who die without having received Baptism go because they are unable to enter Heaven since Baptism is necessary for salvation. Limbo is a theological speculation, which has been called into question in recent years by no less a figure than Pope Benedict XVI; Purgatory, however, is doctrinal teaching.
The eternal punishment of sin can be removed through the Sacrament of Confession.But the temporal punishment for our sins remains even after we have been forgiven in Confession, which is why the priest gives us a penance to perform.
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
I am not going to accuse or anything like that. Jesus sees us from birth to death. God lives outside of the TIME of earths clock. Come to Jesus. Agree with John 3 in the Bible. Receive Jesus into your heart. Live just for Jesus.
Just as I said, you are ignorant of the Gospel in the King James Bible that is: "Christ Jesus took our place in hell." He said he would be in the heart of the earth ( Matt. 12:40) and greatly feared going there, praying in agony, and sweating blood, not to go there ( Luke 22:42-44). The wicked dead are only in hell. "He made his grave with the wicked" Isaiah 53:9-10 where "his SOUL was made an offering for sin" and Jesus would "be the FIRST that should rise from the DEAD" as Acts 26:23 tells you and "His soul was not left in hell." Acts 2:31 clearly tells you. Jesus did what no man can do; anyone can die on a cross, and anyone can go into hell, but only Jesus came out of hell after 36 hours which no other soul has done. God raise Jesus from the DEAD and unless you believe THAT you cannot be saved. Without someone taking your place in hell you will go there. This is Christianity 101; Why do you not know this? You believe the strong delusional lie that denies that Jesus suffered in hell which saves no one! God made the Gospel so simple; just know that "Christ Jesus took your place in hell" and you HAVE Eternal Life! Where is your brain?
(Part 2):
I agree with Giannis that ANOTHEN can mean either "from above" or "from the beginning," so we have to decide which meaning to use in each of the 13 places ANOTHEN is found in the NT.
When I look at Luke 1:3 in a Greek Interlinear Bible, it translates as "from the very first," which can also read from the beginning. I see the same in Acts 26:5. Both places can be translated as "from the beginning."
However, when I take John 3:3, ANOTHEN doesn't translate as the very first or from the beginning, but rather anew (again) and up place (above). So yes, in all 13 places that ANOTHEN is found in the NT, we have to find out if it means "from above" or "from the beginning." In John 3:3, I read it as from above.
In any case, we know that Jesus was not talking about a second physical birth. He was talking about a Spiritual birth from above. A person must experience a spiritual birth to be saved. That's what it means receive Christ.
Thank you pointing out that we must receive (not accept) Christ. We hear a lot today about "accepting" the Lord but there is no place in the bible that tells us that we need to accept the Lord to be saved. To "accept" the Lord means to mentally agree with the truth about Him.
The bible does say receive Christ in John 1:12. To receive Christ means literally to receive His Spirit into our spirit to perform a spiritual birth, and we become a new person.
We become a new creation and God's Spirit is with us from that time throughout eternity. We are motivated by His Spirit, ministered to by His Spirit, protected by His Spirit, guided by His Spirit, and we are provided for by His Spirit. From that time forward, we belong to Christ!
So, being born again, there's a physical birth and then a Spiritual birth. The Spiritual birth is what it means to be born again, and that birth can only come from above!
Blessings!
Let me make a correction. The grk actually says "born from the beginning ". The grk word that either means "from above" or "from the beginning" is the word "anothen". And because this word may have 2 different meanings a misunderstanding may arise.
Let me refer to some verses that this word means "from the beginning".
Luke 1:3, "It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first (the very first, in grk anothen) to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus,"
Acts 26:5, "Which knew me from the beginning (anothen), if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee."
So how could we know which one of those two meanings this word had in Jesus' replying to Nicodemus?
We know because of what Nicodemus says next. If Jesus meant "from above" then Nicodemus wouldn't ask Him how it is possible to enter his mother's womb so that he would been born again since it would had been obvious that Jesus meant a birth from above that is from God . But what he asked Jesus was how is it possible a man can enter his mother's womb and be born again. Blessings
Thanks again for your feedback, however I must address the thought that Peter and Paul preached the same message.
That would be like trying to mix oil and water.
PETER'S MESSAGE: FAITH + WORKS UNDER THE LAW
Primarily to Israel ( Matthew 10:5-6; Galatians 2:7-9)
Before and during early Acts (esp. Acts 2-3)
Grounded in prophecy and covenant promises
Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 2:38 - "Repent, and be baptizedfor the remission of sins"
Acts 3:19 - "Repentthat your sins may be blotted outwhen the times of refreshing shall come"
Matthew 19:17 - "If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."
James 2:24 - "By works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (Written to the twelve tribes, James 1:1)
PAUL'S MESSAGE: SALVATION BY GRACE ALONE, WITHOUT WORKS
Sent to the Gentiles and all men ( Romans 11:13; Acts 26:17-18)
Begins mid-Acts ( Acts 9 conversion; commission in Acts 13)
Based on the revelation of the mystery ( Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:1-9)
Supporting Scriptures:
Ephesians 2:8-9 - "By grace are ye saved through faithnot of works"
Titus 3:5 - "Not by works of righteousness which we have done"
Romans 3:28 - "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law."
Galatians 2:16 - "A man is not justified by the works of the law"
Final Note (Rightly Dividing View):
Peter preached what God had revealed since the world began ( Acts 3:21), rooted in prophecy.
Paul preached what was kept secret since the world began ( Romans 16:25), revealed through the mystery.
Transition period in Acts explains overlapping elements, but Paul's gospel of grace fully replaces works-based requirements for salvation in the present dispensation.
thanks again, God Bless!
There is too much in these chapters to cover in this study. The rest of Chapter 5 gets into the law and the further extent that is expected in regard to men's minds where man's sin nature imagines all sorts of evil and where only grace will suffice. One Old Testament example of this is David with Bathsheeba. Having her husband deliberately sent to the front lines to die and committing adultery would according to the law warrant the death penalty. Chapter Six and seven get into subjects regarding how we are not to judge others (and also how to help others by having our own lives cleaned up); how to fast and pray and finally it ends with the judgment to come warning of those who don't DO what Christ says to do; reminding us of John 14:15 about loving Christ and following His commandments. In the end it is said Jesus taught with authority ( Matt. 7:29) not like the teachers of the law; which was also said about His synagogue teachings early on in His ministry.
Adhering to the method of God's calling of His chosen sheep; Jesus preached to multiple individuals with a general message; much as John the Baptist did. There were clearly individuals involved throughout His travels that He would challenge but again one basic point I see in scripture is that individuals were never targeted for a challenge to come to Christ or be saved. The closest I can find is with Paul speaks to Agrippa in Acts 26:28. That is the result of one of Paul's courtroom testimonies where scripture is quoted to a great extent to Festus and others. The seeds were cast forth and they would prosper who they would.
In every crowd there are those who would hear the Word and then it would fall to the wayside; or be in shallow soil with no root and a few would have good soil and produce good fruit. One major characteristic of the Lord is He didn't reveal Himself to just anyone and the Parables were designed that way. Likely explains Matthew 7:6.
Acts 11:20-26
20And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching theLordJesus.
21And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch.
23Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
24For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord.
25Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul:
26And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Apostle Paul share the gospel of grace to Agrippa . Agrippa always believed the gospel.
Acts 26:28
Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be aChristian.
Peter is writing to his Jewish followers to not be ashamed of being a Christian in believing the gospel of grace.
1 Peter 4:16
Yet if any man suffer as aChristian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Peter writes to his Jewish followers and tells them that Apostle Paul has the gospel of grace.
2 Peter 3:15
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our belovedbrotherPaulalso according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
Today we are being attacked by believing the gospel of grace as a Christian.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Christian believe the gospel of grace
Apostle Paul almost got Noble Festus to believe the word of truth.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Apostle Paul is telling us by believing the gospel, the word of truth, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
The word of truth is the gospel.
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
We are to separate the kingdom of heaven on earth for the Jews from the gospel of grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
This is the gospel of grace in which is the word of truth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures
May we all understand the word of truth.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
The word of truth is the gospel of grace.
Holiness Part 2
Ok it is late; I will make this an outline.
Holiness is something that can only be present in a truly saved individual; of course that means fruits worthy of repentance. ( Matt. 3:8; Acts 26:20). It shows the reflection of the inner man through the authority of Christ; and also the outer actions which also are a reflection of what is truly within. Working on our salvation with fear and trembling ( Philippians 2:12) certainly is a good reference to how our work to grow in maturity corresponds to initial fear of the Lord which should continue as we mature out of our love and reverence to a Holy God. Many tend to seem to be numbed after their original conversion; while those who wish to grow in faith realize more and more their own hopeless state when struggling with the old nature along with Satan's endless accusations of the brethren.
Clearly we don't want titles that promote some man made heirarchy or even use Biblical terms such as Bishop or Pastor to make ourselves seem superior; ministry of men is to be in authority over women but doesn't make them more important; that is another illustration related to this concept. The best way I see it as I have said before is that someone who is truly shining as someone bringing in 100 fold results or shining like the sun stands out as unnerving; when I'm around people like that I want to run and hide. Again that is the same reaction we will have when being in the Lord's presence. I mentioned Daniel; Isaiah and John the Revelator before; we can't forget Saul of Tarsus and his conversion as well as Job's two rebukes from God after the long section showing "brotherly love" (not) from his so called friends. Job blamed God for what was Satan but we could argue he didn't know better; nonetheless the bargain Satan made in the beginning chapters ended up in a humiliating loss and Job was exalted even more after his trial as a righteous man albeit before the Atoning sacrifice of Christ.
This is what Apostle Paul said to Noble Festus and Festus almost believed, but the seed of the Word was planted. Keep up the Word to family and friends.
Acts 26:25
But he said, I am not mad, most noble Festus; but speak forth thewordsoftruthand soberness.
Ephesians 1:13
In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard thewordoftruth, the gospelofyour salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spiritofpromise,
Colossians 1:5
For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in thewordofthetruthofthe gospel;
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Acts 26:24 - And as he thus spake for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, Paul, thou art beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad.
"Beside thyself" is the Greek word maniac! Festus said, "Paul, you are a maniac," right in the middle of his testimony!
Acts 26:28 - Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuades me to be a Christian.
You've probably heard debates about this as to whether it's a question, "Are you trying to make me a Christian?" Or he's stopping him, saying, "You almost got me." Well, the word almost is not even "almost" close. In the Greek, it is literally OLIGOS which means a few or little. And it is associated not with time, but with words. So, Agrippa says to Paul, "With a few words, you are persuading me to be a Christian."
Acts 26:29 - And Paul said, I would to God, that not only thou, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, and altogether such as I am, except these bonds.
I would to God is an Optative Mood, which means it's a wish. I wish to God that not only you, but also all that hear me this day, were both almost, that is, a little, and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.
Acts 27:14 - But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon.
The term "tempestuous" is where we get our word typhoon from. It is equivalent to our hurricane. It's called a typhonic wind. This was 150 to 160 miles an hour. EUROCLYDON actually means a north-easterner, the wind coming through.
They started sailing over and as soon as they got away, all of a sudden, this storm came up and they actually shipwrecked on Malta. And at that time, the storm will have raged for 14 days. So, you can imagine the scene they are up against.
They thought that because there was a soft wind and clear weather, that it was a sign that it was like approval for them. But as soon as they took off, all of a sudden, the winds came up. And the storm came up. A typhoon!
(Acts Part 56):
Acts 25:21 - But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept till I might send him to Caesar.
But when Paul had appealed to be reserved unto the hearing of Augustus, and Augustus is the name for the emperor. In fact, it is the Latin term for emperor.
Augustus, and in fact, the Greek word is SEVO. It means somebody who you show reverence towards. But Augustus is the Latin word for emperor.
I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.
Acts 25:22 - Then Agrippa said unto Festus, I would also hear the man myself. To morrow, said he, thou shalt hear him.
Then king Agrippa said to Festus, I would also hear the man myself.
In the Greek text, it is the Imperfect Tense, and it shows that I have been continuously in the past wanting to hear the same guy. I've heard about him.
Acts 26:2 - I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
Paul says, I think myself happy, and right then and there you know that that's not what Paul said. The word happy is the word MAKARIOS. It is the same word used in the Sermon on the Mount for blessed is the one. It's the word for blessed or blessing.
But the Greek word MAKARIOS for blessing has nothing to do with human happiness. It literally means to experience the fullness of something. So, a blessed or happy person is someone who's satisfied. They're filled.
Acts 26:18 - To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
We have one of those little phrases again. It's by faith "into me." That is how it literally reads.
Completing my example 1 of prayer for someone to be saved; as I repeatedly nag it isn't something we find in scripture. Paul when on trial went as close as saying he wished to see someone saved ( Acts 26:28 with Agrippa). Just as we once were before the light broke through we were once blinded to the truth; and therefore shouldn't expect any efforts no matter how sincere or even faith filled will make one iota of difference in bringing someone to salvation. That is a really harsh statement at face value.
We know for a fact it won't work with someone already physically deceased; and of course that would be a sin or necromancy and useless according to Hebrews 9:27. But we were once "dead in sin" ( Ephesians 2:13). It is easy as a true believer to be perplexed how people can have multiple and long term opportunities to hear the Gospel and still reject it. What is worse is those who go along and perhaps make a confession but are insincere in their hearts; thus never producing "good fruit". We know that if we hear the truth it is of God as our spirit testifies with His Spirit that we are children of God. ( Romans 8:16).
The rest of the world is content that Christ is a good teacher or Prophet as that is all they can see; His humanity apart from Divinity as a member of the Godhead.
I will leave this topic with a general statement. We should sow seeds with whoever we can; but not make an undo effort to spend an inordinate amount of time with those not open to the Gospel at the expense of the Great Commission at large.
As Jesus stated in comparison to our service to God we must hate those closest to us; which doesn't mean of course to abandon care as that makes us worse than an infidel. Our motivation for service must be to serve God always; and that has to be despite whether all those we care about come to Christ or not.
31 And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
32 And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.
33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
This passage shows what appears at first glance to be a statement that supports the idea of infant baptism; or that entire households as a given are saved as a result of one person coming to faith. I would take it more as a word of knowledge on Paul's part. We see in this passage in verse 32 that the Gospel was spoken to the entire household of the jail guard first; and immediately afterwards baptism occurred (although it is not clear where that was done in the middle of the night).
The main concept here is that with the earthquake and releasing of chains at midnight of Paul and all the prisoners brought great fear; and that this shows the Biblical prescident for faith; that is an emphasis on the fear of the Lord and a desire for the individual to come to faith without prodding or compulsion by others as is the style today. When we see other verses such as in Acts when Agrippa almost was convinced to be a Christian ( Acts 26:28) it was through Paul's eloquent appeal. Repent and believe is a general call; but I can't find any specific verses where an individual is called to make a confession of faith such as in modern day "altar calls". This shows that a heart must be ready; and how frequently such commitments are made due to pressure from man; rather than genuine conviction. The appeal in Acts to the Jews was that the one they had crucified was indeed the Christ ( Acts 2:23). Such response brings persecution as all who are giving a genuine convicting message of truth; this is opposed to today's easy believism without counting the cost which happens often.
Rev. 12:9. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and the angels were cast out with him.
1 Cor. 2:14,15. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
Acts 26:17. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Matthew 7:7. Seek, and ye shall find.
2 Peter 1:20. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
Acts 26:18. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them, which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
There is only one City in the world that is built on seven mountains ( Rev. 17:9) and that is Rome: the Capitoline, the Quirinal, the Viminal, the Esquiline, the Caeline and the Aventine.
Seek, and ye shall find ( Matthew 7:7).
I should clarify my understanding of Acts 26:22,23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.
The phrase "unto the people, and unto the Gentiles" is, I believe, a phrase used here by God to encompasses all peoples of the World, Jew and Gentile alike, throughout time, to whom God would send the Gospel. Abel, Enoch, Noah, the Ninevites, the Queen of Sheba were not Jews. They were all "Gentiles" and not descendants of Abraham.
I admit to not having a good grasp of your "understanding" of how those living in OT times were "saved", and the "gospel" that was "preached to them". And in particular how God "applied" Salvation to each individual that He saved; from Abel to Enoch to Noah; and then to Abraham and those of Israel and Judah that He saved, all of whom were a tiny remnant of those living during the OT, as in the NT.
I see only one Gospel of Salvation throughout the Whole Bible. And only one process for "applying" that Salvation to ALL of God's elect throughout time. And that was by God's Mercy and God's Grace Alone. Where none of "their works" nor any "inherent faith" contributed in any way to their Salvation. Just like Salvation during the NT.
Now granted that Gospel was not as clearly articulated in the OT as in the NT as God continued to write the Bible throughout history. But Noah "was a preacher of righteousness"; and the Ceremonial Laws; and all the books of the OT, like Isaiah and Jeremiah contained the same Gospel of Judgment and Salvation by Christ's Atonement as is articulated in the NT.
We read this statement by the Apostle Paul in Acts 26:22-23 Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the PROPHETS and MOSES did say should come:That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people{OT}, and to the Gentiles{NT}.
So the Gospel of Hebrews 4 and Acts 26 and the Whole Bible is the Gospel of the REST of Salvation, God's WORK of Grace Alone apart from any work that man does. And the EFFICACY of that WORK, Christ's Atonement, applied throughout time.
And, I'm sorry to say, that is not the gospel that I see in your comments regarding OT Believers. I see a Works / Grace gospel and a process for applying Salvation to the life of the OT believer, not found anywhere in the Bible.
II. ABOUT THE RECIPIENT:
Luke is written specifically to Theophilus, but in general to all Gentiles. Theophilus means "lover of God," THEOS for God, PHILEO for love. It's either a name or title. It was a common name at the time. Many parents named their children Theophilus hoping their kids would love God. It was also used as a title and may have been used in order to hide his identity.
In Luke, he's not just called Theophilus, but "most excellent Theophilus" which means that he was either in the Roman military or Roman government, and he's getting the gospel about Jesus Christ. So, Theophilus could be a title or a code name for someone so that their real identity is not revealed.
His title "Most excellent" is one Greek word. It's found to be a title of an officer in the Roman military and also found as a title for an official in the Roman government. Both are called "most excellent" or "most honorable." The title is used three times in Acts. In Acts 23:26, we see "most excellent governor Felix."
These are all governors of Rome. Acts 24:3, "most noble Felix," and Acts 26:25 "most noble Festus," same word. They held these titles in the Roman military and in the Roman government. He was either a government official or in the military. Tradition says he was from Antioch of Syria. Apparently, Luke and Theophilus knew each other.
Acts was written to Theophilus. Acts 1:1 says, the former treaties (that would be the gospel of Luke), the former treaties that I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. So, the book of Acts would be to the same person. And what he's saying is that Luke (the first Volume I gave you), was what Jesus began to do and teach. Now here's what He continues to do and teach, and that would be the book of Acts.
It's also interesting that Acts 1:1-11 is a summary statement of Luke Chapter 24. So, they overlap. He goes back and summarizes Luke 24 in Acts Chapter 1:1-11.
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
Romans 14:12, 1Peter 4, Jude 1, Zechariah 3, 1Chronicles 21:1, Job 1, Job 2, Matthew 4:10, Mark 1:13, Luke 4, Luke 22, John 13,
Mark 4:15, Luke 13:16, Acts 5, notice Acts 4:32-37, continued into Acts 5, - Acts 5:13, 1Corinthians 7:5, 2Corinthians 11:13,14, 2Thessalonians 2:9, John 7:24, Romans 14:13,
Acts 26:18, Romans 16:20, Revelation 12:9, Revelation 20, Psalms 98:9,
James 1:5,
Hopefully these give you wisdom
Obviously; Christ redeemed us as His bride from among all mankind according to the Ephesians quote and this is mentioned in many other verses (Google search is always very helpful). As Boaz brought value to Ruth by marrying her and continuing the lineage of Naomi's family we are adopted as sons ( Romans 8:14-17). God took us; worthless sinners hopelessly lost and His enemies and took on our sin defeating it with His blood sacrifice once and for all at the Cross. He purchased us and it even pleased God to crush Him to accomplish this ( Isaiah 53:10). God's love therefore transcends our own as we would scarcely die for a righteous man let alone a wicked one (according to human standards) according to Romans 5:7.
Now that we are part of His family; we also will recieve crowns as a reward for faithfulness ( James 1:12 etc). We shall rule and reign with Him ( Matthew 19:28-29) but notice the caviat; "if we suffer for Him". We are warned in Revelation 3:11 about losing our reward; that is not a salvation issue. However; we need to make sure that we are producing fruit "meet of repentance" ( Acts 26:20). If He lives within us we are transformed and a new man.
Matthew 9:38; John 17:20,21; Acts 26:18; Romans 10:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-4.
Acts 26:12-18
Although Paul was not married at the time he wrote his letters, he more than likely was married at one point. The bible does not mention a wife or what happened to her, whether she died or whatever the case might be, but we do know from Acts 26:10 that Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin because only the Sanhedrin were allowed to vote for the death penalty against Christians, and Paul voted (he gave his voice against them). It was also a strict requirement that a man had to be married in order to be a member of the Sanhedrin. So Paul would have had to be married at one time.
And so many Catholics have become convinced that the Church quietly dropped her belief in Purgatory a few decades ago.
So why do so many people think that belief in Purgatory is no longer a doctrine of the Church? Part of the confusion arises because some Catholics conflate Purgatory and Limbo, a supposed place of natural bliss where the souls of children who die without having received Baptism go because they are unable to enter Heaven since Baptism is necessary for salvation. Limbo is a theological speculation, which has been called into question in recent years by no less a figure than Pope Benedict XVI; Purgatory, however, is doctrinal teaching.
The eternal punishment of sin can be removed through the Sacrament of Confession.But the temporal punishment for our sins remains even after we have been forgiven in Confession, which is why the priest gives us a penance to perform.
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.
I am not going to accuse or anything like that. Jesus sees us from birth to death. God lives outside of the TIME of earths clock. Come to Jesus. Agree with John 3 in the Bible. Receive Jesus into your heart. Live just for Jesus.