Discuss Acts 2 Page 4

Brother Chris,

I believe your application of the Greek word HOSEI used in Both Acts 2:3 and Matthew 3:16 is correct. There was a point early on in my walk with the Lord where I used to envision a pure white dove descending from heaven upon Jesus at His baptism. It seems so easy to miss some of those little catch phrases in our study of the word.

In Acts 2:3, it's interesting because they could see an appearance of these languages dividing up and it sat upon each one of them. What they actually saw I'm not sure, but I can't help but wonder why it would happen like this for them.

I also find it interesting that both fire and wind to a Jewish person represents the very Spirit and presence of God. We see the wind in Acts 2:2. As you're probably aware, the word wind and the word Spirit, both in Hebrew and in Greek is the same word.

I look back at John Chapter 3, where Jesus told Nicodemus that he needed to be born from above (experience a spiritual birth from heaven). And in John 3:8, Jesus says that it's like the wind, you don't know where it's coming from or where it's going to go afterwards.

It seems to me that He's interchanging wind with spirit, and the sound of the wind was to a Jewish person, the coming of the Holy Spirit. So, in Acts Chapter 2, here are Jewish people, in the upper room, they hear the sound of wind, and they have seen languages sitting upon each one of them (as of) fire sitting upon each one of them. Fascinating!

Blessings to you also!

Thanks again brother Jesse for these ongoing clarifications & teaching of biblical texts; and now looking forward to learning more from the Acts of the Apostles.

I noted your Acts 2:3, "And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them"; where you've explained the "as of" denoting a similarity or appearance of fire, but not actually fire. Also, I found interesting that you have seen 'glossai' as pertaining to languages (i.e. the appearance of divided languages coming upon them, and presumably the apostles then spoke accordingly to those languages). I have always imagined that the 'tongues' here (glossai) spoke of the similarity or appearance to the human tongue, not referring specifically to language(s), but to its appearance as of a flickering flame resembling a tongue. So, your explanation is something quite new to me & worth bearing in mind.

And back to the "as of" fire phrase; as you wrote this was not an actual fire, but resembled it. This could be the same word (hosei) used in Matthew 3:16, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending LIKE (hosei) A dove, and lighting upon him". We see the illustration so often of a dove descending upon the Lord, that many Christians now believe that an actual dove, the shape of which the Holy Spirit assumed to come upon Jesus. Which of course is sacrilege according to the commandment ( Exodus 20:4,5; Deuteronomy 4:16-19). Rather, it seems that 'hosei' is used here as well, to show that the Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus was seen just 'as a dove would flutter & glide towards the ground' and had nothing at all to do with an actual bird. I hope I'm using 'hosei' correctly in both Acts 2:3 & Matthew 3:16. Blessings.

(Acts Part 5):

Acts 2:3 - And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.

And there appeared unto them cloven tongues. The word cloven means divided. And the word tongues, I think it's kind of a bad translation because people use the word "mystically" to talk about speaking in tongues.

GLOSSA is the Greek word, and it is actually the name of the part of the body called the tongue. They didn't have a word for language, so they used the word tongue.

The Greeks translated it as language. Whenever they see GLOSSA, or GLOSSALALIA, they translate it a language, a spoken language of the world.

So, this was languages, plural, and they were divided. And these tongues, (or languages) were like "as of" fire. Did you notice that? It wasn't fire, but "as of" fire!

Acts 2:4 - And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.

In the Greek text, it's not "with" the Holy Spirit. It is always "of" the Holy Spirit. It doesn't sound right, being filled of the Holy Spirit. But from a biblical Greek standpoint, the Genitive Case translated "of" shows possession.

So, what it is saying is, they were all filled and possessed by the Holy Spirit. That's very important! We've heard of demon possession. But when God's Spirit fills a person, and we'll get to filling in a moment, but when God's Spirit fills a person, He possesses them!

Acts 2:6 - Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language.

The were confused, because every man heard them speak in his own dialect. DIALEKTOS is the Greek word. Not just a language, but in your dialect. God's Spirit gave them the ability not only to speak a language, but to speak the dialect of that language of the region where all these people were from, so it matched exactly.

(Acts Part 4):

Acts 1:16 - Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

He says men and brothers, this scripture must needs, and the literal translation: it is necessary for the scripture to be fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost, (or Holy Spirit) by the mouth of David spoke before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.

The scripture he's making reference to is Psalm 41 Verse 9, where David talked about my own familiar friend has lifted up his heel against me.

Acts 1:20 - For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

Peter goes on to say it is written in the book of the Psalms, let his habitation be desolate (quoting from Psalm 69:5). And then he quotes from Psalm 109:8, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick, literally his overseeing in the Greek.

Acts 1:24 - And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,

That phrase "knowest the hearts" in Greek is all one word and it means a heart knower. That's the Lord! Thou heart knower Lord! He knows everybody's hearts. You knowest the hearts of all men. Show whether of these, that is, which of these two you have chosen.

Acts 2:2 - And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

Please notice that right before the phrase "rushing mighty wind," it says "as of" a rushing mighty wind.

There was no wind! The sound was like, and in Greek it's very specific. Through the Greek text, you can pick out the details. It doesn't say it was a mighty rushing wind. It says it was "as of" or like a mighty rushing wind. But you could hear the sound. It was like wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Hi Jackieboy80. I understand what you're writing, as I have heard of an instance (whether actual or not), of a missionary who could only speak in his language (not having grasped his target group's language), but when he spoke, the group heard his words in their own language. So, I can see how this could happen by the Holy Spirit's Power. Yet, when I read Acts 2:4, "And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance", the picture presented to us is that of the disciples gathered together alone on the day of Pentecost at which time the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them. And this first evidence of the Spirit's Presence in them was that they actually spoke in other languages; languages that they did not know, for had they learned them, then nothing miraculous could be said to have taken place. Now if they all spoke in Hebrew, Greek or some dialect, it could not be said that they "began to speak with other tongues", for the new unlearned language had to be spoken for this verse to have a natural meaning.

And while they were still in this intense spiritual state, maybe for several hours, this amazing phenomenon was noised abroad in Jerusalem & those people who came to see & hear these men, were astounded that they could hear their own language spoken. I don't believe this was a case as I related the story above (though this could happen of course), but one where even the disciples would have been wondering about, yet being confirmed that this could only be an Act of God in them now & Who would be with them in their ministry to others.

Hello CBOURNE1516679,

There are many denominations out there and many are filled with the wisdom of man with I am right, and you are wrong, not love. Salvation is in the simplicity that is in Christ that is with faith and prayer and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, in the Bible you will find the truth.

Romans 10:8-11 8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; 9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. 11 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Is being baptized in water in the name of Jesus in the Bible? Acts 2:38 Romans 6:3-4 and more. Is being baptized with the Holy Ghost/Spirit in the Bible? 1 Corinthians 12:13 Titus 3:5 2 Corinthians 1:21-22 and more. Does one come before the other, not necessarily, Acts 10:45-48, but the sealing of the Holy Ghost/Spirit in us is a must, Romans 8:11, read all of 8.

We must work out our salvation, Philippians 2:12, we will stand in judgment accountable for ourselves, what different denominations say will not acquit us. It is a lifetime journey, love and obedience are a must, Romans 6:16.

God bless you and God bless your journey He will always be with you and lift you up, John 16:13 1 Corinthians 16:23-24.

RLW

Hey JimmyJohns629,

I hope you don't mind.

Something you may look into; Jewish days start at sunset. If Jesus was crucified on Wed., there would be about 2-3 hrs. of day on Wed. after they put Him in the tomb because He had to be buried before the sunset. Then there would be Wed. day Thur. night Thur. day Fri. night Fri. day Sat. night Sat. day Sun. night. If Jesus were to be in the tomb for three days and three nights if Jesus was crucified on a Wed. Jesus would be in the tomb longer than 3 and 3. Jesus was resurrected on Sunday before sunrise which was the Feast of Firstfruits which is the first day after the Sabbath after Passover.

Another clue, Jesus was crucified on Passover day, the next day would be the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread which is a Sabbath day. So, if Jesus was crucified on a Wed. Thur. would be a Sabbath as John called it a high day, which would make the next day Fri. just a preparation day for the 7th day Sabbath Sat. The women could have gone to the tomb on Fri.

You can find the truth in the last 5 days of Jesus's ministry in the four gospels.

God bless,

RLW

In actuality, if you look at your Calendar, the seventh day is Saturday, so the Sabbath is Saturday.

Here's an Example of how the World Corrupts everything.

Jesus was said to be Crucified On 'Good Friday' and raised on 'Easter Sunday' but that would mean he would have been in the tomb for only TWO DAYS, and if he WERE in the tomb for three days after being crucified on Friday, he would be resurrected on a MONDAY.

Here's The More Logical Analogy

1. Jesus gets Crucified on Wednesday

2. Jesus spends three days in the tomb (Thursday-Saturday)

3. Jesus is raised on the Sabbath/Easter (Saturday)

1 Corinthians 15:50......Flesh and blood CANNOT inherit the kingdom of God.......

King David was flesh and blood, therefore he is in the grave, dust to dust.

Acts 2:29-34

King David, the NEW CREATION, by the resurrection of Christ, is now in the presence of God, being made ONE FLESH, by the resurrection of Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:53 ... this mortal shall PUT ON IMMORTALITY ......

1 Timothy 6:16 ...... Christ ONLY hath IMMORTALITY, dwelling in the light ......

2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all...... are CHANGED into the same IMAGE .... even so by the Spirit of God.

John 11:25 ..... Christ is the RESURRECTION .......

God Bless You

Hey Richard,

Thank you for your reply, many consider this subject non-discussable.

As for Luke 15 and 16, if one takes this as a real story that would mean when we die, we go to Hades, the saved go to the good side and the lost are in the flames. I am sorry I do not see that in Scripture, this chapter is parables given to the Pharisees and scribes for their murmuring and their unrighteous love of mammon/money and their neglect of the true riches.

I understand you and others do not believe we sleep in death until the resurrection. The Greek philosophy of the meaning of death is the separation of the soul from the body, and our soul is immortal which was introduced into the Roman Church this is not from Scripture our soul can die, Daniel 12:2 1 Thessalonians 4:14, and many more.

The word Godhead is in the KJV 3 times, three different Greek words meaning Divine, Divinity, and Deity changed to Godhead in the 16th Century, which can be misleading. My understanding is Jesus's victory was not won until God raised Jesus from death. "His soul was proclaiming the truth to the lost in hades" I suppose this is from 1 Peter 3:18-20, nowhere does this say Jesus was in Hades, these are people before the flood and it also says it was after He was quickened by the Spirit, so He was not in the grave.

Ephesians 4:8 Jesus led captivity captive that is those in captivity of sin captive to Himself, not OT saints from the grave. If the OT saints were resurrected when He was why would He leave David, Acts 2:29-34 the Firstfruits will not be raised until Jesus returns.

In John 8:28 "When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he" Matthew 27:50-54 is the fulfillment. Jesus was in and out of consciousness on the cross when He cried out the word resurrection is a Greek word meaning waking up, all the things in 51-53 happened when Jesus died, the saints did not go to heaven they went into Jerusalem and appeared to many.

God bless,

RLW

Acts 2:21, Romans 10:9-10

I agree David0921 that "receiving or accepting the gift of salvation is not contributory towards our salvation". What I meant by my comment was that salvation is received with gratitude as a response to what God has done & given to us - and this response is not contributory to our salvation, but a result of it.

However, to the rest of your comment (& we've been down this path before), I don't see eye-to-eye with you on it. I do believe that the Lord knows who will come to Him & He, by His Spirit, will draw that soul. But that soul needs to hear the Gospel, the Spirit will energize him to understand, be convicted, & repent. These aspects are not contributory to one's salvation, but are a result of the Spirit's operation in the life. Without these, then one must come to believe that a person is first saved by God's Work alone, then he will be enlightened & Spirit-charged so that he will repent of his sins. To this I don't agree, as it's 'putting the cart before the horse'.

When I read several Scriptures that confirm this, including Acts 2:21, "whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved" and Acts 2:38, "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", they speak of a soul who repents, calling upon the Lord to save him - and when he is saved/forgiven, the Holy Spirit is given (all simultaneous I'm sure). The sinner's act of repenting & calling upon the Lord for salvation, I don't see as contributing in any way to his salvation, but a response from the heart as he is under the Spirit's convicting Work.

Part 2

My husband also was baptized as an infant, but his parents did not live their lives as believers. when we met, I shared Scripture with him and he returned to faith in Christ that He had believed and learned of in Sunday School and Confirmation.

When our children were born we opted not to baptize them in infancy because we were confident that they would choose to baptized at some point in their childhood or teen years. But they did not and still are not baptized nor walking in faith with God.

Now that I am in my 60's and my sons are grown, I have studied this topic of infant baptism over the past 3 decades and I have come full circle back to infant baptism as one valid option because I now understand regeneration better am convinced that Scripture says that the promise of salvation and the privilege of baptism is not only for adults, or parents, but for their children as Peter said in Acts 2:38-39 and understanding the covenant nature of God and His people and His consistent unchanging ways across history as Col.2:10-13 connects circumcision as the sign and seal of being brought into the covenant union of Israelites with God with how baptism does the same thing to believers and their children.

If I had to do it over again with my sons, I would have had them baptized as infants because I now understand how God works in the lives and hearts of the elect even in in utero or infancy and can regenerate His elect at any time He chooses. By faith, I believe He does so in children of believers and therefore, these children are holy and are to be brought into the covenant family by baptism as infants.

You may not agree with me on this, but that is fine with me. I have explained my understanding in the posts to Jones and to you and I stand by them s still, but I welcome to read the biblical reasons anabaptists use to see as valid only believer's baptism.

Hello Jonesdm1

I am not going to answer your questiond directly but I will give you some scripture which clarifies, I believe, everything about water baptism.

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."

Acts 8:27-39, "27And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship,

28Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

30And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest?

31And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.

32The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth:

33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.

34And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?

35Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and PREACHED UNTO HIM JESUS.

36And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See,HERE IS WATER; WHAT DOTH HINDER ME TO BE BAPTIZED?

37And Philip said, IF THOU BELIEVEST WITH ALL THINE HEART, THOU MAYEST. And he answered and said,I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD.

38And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.

39And when they were COME UP OUT OF THE WATER the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, ..."

GBU

Hello Jones,

Good question.

My thoughts are that since one must be regenerated by the Hoiy Spirit and given faith to believe by him, the order that I would say is regeneration (born again) as a work of God alone comes first as He has elected one to salvation by His will alone. Then comes faith to believe, then baptism as far as believer's baptism goes.

With infant baptism, the person is baptized first with the parents believing on God being a covenant God who is consistent. In the OT circumcision was the sign of entering into a covenant relationship with God. It included both adults, children and infants. In the NT, God is still covenantal with His chosen people, so whole households are to enter into covenant relationship with God.

As is said in 1 Cor. 7:13-14 Paul says that parent(s) are believers, then the children are holy. And Jesus said not to hinder children from coming to Him, including infants ( Mk. 10:14' Lk. 18:16). We are to our children into the household of God in Christ. Baptism is the ordinance that sets one in the covenant relationship with God, therefore we bring infants tinto the church through baptism.

I think one needs to understand that when the Bible speaks of whole households being baptized it is most likely children and infants were included, just as they were in the OT with circumcision (the sign of being in the covenant people of God). Every OT Israelite was not of true faith as Abraham, but they were included within the members of the congregation anyway. Therefore, in like ways, children and infants are baptized, relying upon the promises of God that salvation and forgiveness of sins is for oneself and for one's children, as Peter said in Acts 2:38-39. We also need to realize that when Peter spoke these words, they were addressed to men who had come to Jerusalem for the Pentecost feast, not to women and children. Does this mean that women are not to be baptized into Christ since this statement was addressed to men? NO!

cont.

Hi Tdianne,

As to your question you have received several answers, my understanding in the Bible baptism is done only by immersion as the word means. As Jesse said sprinkling did not start until the 1300s and it was for the reason it was so inconvenient. So, this was done just because of convenience's sake, nothing Biblical about it. I agree with Giannis, and we must believe as Jesus said in Mark 16:16.

All we do is to be done in our Lord Jesus's name, Colossians 3:16-17. Many use Matthew 28:19 but we also see in the rest of Scripture that a person who is baptized in Jesus' name is someone who believes in Jesus as Savior, the Messiah, the Son of God who for us died, was buried, and was resurrected we acknowledge this by being baptized in His name, Acts 2:38 Acts 8:12 Acts 8:16 Acts 10:48 Acts 19:5 Acts 22:16 Romans 6:3 Galatians 3:27 Colossians 2:12 Ephesians 4:5.

Paul shows the importance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, Acts 19:1-6. God has placed Jesus and His name above all that is in heaven and earth, Matthew 28:18 Philippians 2:9-11. Salvation only comes in His name Acts 4:12 Romans 10:13. The name of Jesus is the source of power and authority for healing, miracles, and deliverance, Mark 16:17 Luke 10:17 Acts 4:7 Acts 4:30 Acts 16:18.

We are to give thanks in Jesus's name, Ephesians 5:20. Our faith is through Him and in His name, Acts 3:16. We must believe in Jesus, John 3:16 John 6:47 Acts 16:31 1 John 3:23 1 John 5:13. Whatever we ask for we are to ask in His name, John 14:13-14. We are to pray to the Father in His name, James 5:14. Jesus is our priest and the only mediator between God and men, 1 Timothy 2:5.

God bless,

RLW

The Holy Spirit is God, a divine Person, not a force or power from God.

He is eternal as God is: Heb. 9:14. He gives eternal life: John 6:63, 2 Cor. 3:6 ( Rom. 6:23 says that God gives eternal life and Jn. 10:28 Jesus says He gives eternal life) Only God can give eternal life.

He was with the Father and the Son "in the beginning" and created all things with them ( Gen. 1:3; Ps. 104:30)

He knows all things: 1 Cor. 2:20. Therefore, he is omniscient and has an intellect (mind). He is able to control a believer's mind ( Rom. 8:6).

He sent the Son into the world with the Father (Is. 48:16)

He regenerates sinners to come to faith and be saved ( Jn. 3:3,8). He baptizes believers ( 1Cor. 12:13, Acts 11:16).

He can be blasphemed ( Mt. 12:31, Mk. 3:29) Only God can be blasphemed.

He vindicated Jesus in raising Him from the dead ( 1Tim 3:16). The Scriptures teach that God raised Jesus from the dead ( Acts 2:24; 10:40; that Jesus raised Himself from the dead ( Jn. 2:19), and that the Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (2Cr. 4:14).

He is a person just as the Father and the Son are Persons. Not as we think of person in that each human is an individual being, but that He is a divine person unified in the One God.

As a person, He has emotions. He can be resisted ( Acts 7:51), can be pleased ( Gal. 6:8), quenched, grieved ( Eph. 4:30; Is 63:10), insulted ( Heb. 10:29).

As a person, He acts. He speaks ( Rev. 2:7; Acts. 13:2). He inspired Scriptures to be written ( 2Pet. 1:21). He teaches ( Jn. 14:26). He guides ( Jn. 16:13). He convicts of sin ( Jn. 16:8). He contends with man (Gen, 6:3).

In Acts 5 he is called God in the account of Ananias and Sephora, saying they lied to the Holy Spirit in vs. 3 and then reframes the statement by declaring that they have lied to God in vs. 4. Here the Holy Spirit is called God by God's inspiration to Luke.

The Holy Spirit is not a force, nor an emanation from God, not something God created-but a divine Person who united in the Being of God.

Hello EPAB. In this chapter of giving wise counsel in view of life's uncertainties, we see in Ecclesiastes 10:2, that the "right hand" is equated to 'wisdom', as the "left (hand)" to foolishness. When we look at the Scriptures, we often see the emphasis of the 'right hand' as it applies to action taken as a result of one's decision ( Matthew 5:30, Matthew 6:3); of being in the place of God's Approval ( Matthew 25:33,34); and of Power & Authority ( Matthew 26:64, Acts 2:33; Revelation 1:16).

So here in Ecclesiastes, to say that "a wise man's heart is at his right hand", implies that a wise, prudent person will always have his heart direct his thoughts, & then his actions towards his 'right hand' (and this is seen as the place of wise & correct action based on sound knowledge & judgement). Are there any then wise in their actions (i.e. always towards the right), or having hearts that are foolish, going to the opposite place (the left) of risk, speculation, with error & regret following?

Yet, as Christians, we are blessed above all, not relying (or, leaning) only on our own understanding as we fully trust in the LORD, only acknowledging Him in all that we do, and we will know how perfectly He directs our paths ( Proverbs 3:5,6).

Job 5:20 KJV

"In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword."

Answer:

Acts 2:24 KJV

Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.

Jesus Christ is God.

Murderers: Further insight on Revelation 21:8

1 John 4:20 is a stern admonition to those who would claim to love God that hates His brother. Other verses in 1 John show as with the Gospel of John the necessary commands for a believer to love one another. We need to look as well at verses in James which discuss the taming of the tongue. ( James 3:5-6) Gossip and slander are things that can destroy a person; hence the admonition about the fires of hell. You can bet that there will be plenty of cursing in hell for the state of misery against God and probably against others as well. Hating a brother without cause ( Matt. 5:22) is in degrees; but unforgiveness results in holding on to our own sins and is not beneficial for us even in this life. Holding onto grudges; for example is another example of a lifestyle of sin; there are people who may have already passed away who we still have bitterness about in our souls resulting in caustic behavior toward others including unforgiveness. Man cannot have unconditional love for their enemies apart from His grace. This of course doesn't validate the "political correctness" today coddling criminal behavior. Acts 2:23 is only one of several passages in the book clearly stating that the Jews killed Christ; and or complicit in His murder. Jesus didn't mince words either with this subject ( Matthew 5:21-22).

We cannot ignore the act of murder which includes abortions in this study either. Again; we dare not cede to the culture of today which doesn't want to follow Biblical precedent for a death penalty for such an act to vindicate an innocent party and to have some cohesiveness in society. We can complain all we want about dictatorships in the world; but many of them see much lower crime rates because no government can survive in anarchy. We also are foolish in trying to support ideologies that are antithetical toward the value of life because of some misguided notion that everyone wants a "democracy".

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.

Acts 2:1-4 is next

1 Corinthians 3: 16-17

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are."

Ephesians 4:23

If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

Colossians 3:9

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: "

2 Corinthians: 517

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."

Colossians 3:9-10

"Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him."

Romans 12:2

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."

God Bless :)

Acts 2: 1-4

"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (This blessing was meant for the church, then and always.)

Acts 19: 1-7

"And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain DISCIPLES. He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve." These men weren't part of the upper room gathering or they would already been filled with the Holy Ghost.

John 8:11b

"And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and SIN NO MORE and:

John 5:14, "Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: SIN NO MORE, lest a worse thing come unto thee."

So what do the scriptures tell us that sin is?

1 John 3:4

"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."

Well Oseas, from reading of your beliefs, I'm unable to place where you exactly are with this. You were first dealing with the Name of God in Isaiah. You've now quoted Acts 7:53-58, particularly verse 55, "But he (Stephen), being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God". In the NT, Koine Greek is the language used. If you believe that the Hebrew 'Yahweh' written of God in the OT is a devilish name, does this also apply to the Greek word for God: 'Theos'?

You asked, "what GOD's NAME was manifested by my Lord JESUS?" Yet, reading the rest of your comments, it appears to me that you hold to an "only Jesus is in Heaven" position, that when Jesus was made flesh, "GOD called Himself Jesus.." Really!!! So, as not to be mistaken, are you in that camp, that says 'that since God is in Christ that only Jesus is now in Heaven'? I'm hoping that I've misunderstood you, as we know most assuredly that when Jesus ascended into Heaven, He went back to the Father & is seated at His right Hand ( John 20:17, Acts 2:32,33, Romans 8:34, Hebrews 1:3, 1 Peter 3:22, etc.). So, NOT two Gods, but the One God, with Jesus His Son Who came forth out of God now distinct from Him through the incarnation. Thus He rightly fully claims the eternity of the Godhead (the Alpha & Omega), & also receives the worship of all. So your comments are troubling, if that is your position.

I struggle with my salvation. I see scriptures saying we have passed from death unto life. Do we stay saved? We aren't saved by works but by grace. We are to strive to live a holy life. But in Timothy Paul tells Timothy not to strive but to be gentle among all men. And it tells us in Romans 13:2 to obey the laws which God ordained. But those who break them without true repentance and confession will be damned.? Why is this? If we are Christian s why will we be damned? I'm not understanding this. It's scary to me. I can't rest. I deal with a fear of sinning? I know we are to walk out our salvation with fear and trembling. But Timothy 2:17 says For God has not given us a spirit of fear...... But of power and of love and of a sound mind. So why does one part of scripture tell you to fear and one doesn't? God is not confusion. Also I ask for prayers for my two Sons and grandchildren. Paul and Joshua. Needs out of sinfulness. Paul has acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and savior was baptized but fell back into a sinful life style. He's questioning if Jesus is really God. He wasn't holy ghost filled I don't believe. He was baptized in the father ,the Son and the holy Spirit. But others say acts 2:38 we should be baptized in Jesus name. Joshua is in a relationship with an girl who's not saved,she brought in tarot cards. Iv warned my son to get her out. He's slowly fighting this battle. He knows it's wrong. He wants what's right. He's confessed Jesus Christ as his Lord and ask to be saved ,but hasn't been baptized yet. I've ask God to move this girl out of his life. I've heard in my prayers " judgement is coming to your family." Why? God is full of mercy.ive pleaded with God to let us live. I'm trying to discern if it's God or Satan. I've lost my first Born two years ago to fentynal. And I heard this before she died. Why is God wanting to let us die in our sins.? Please help us. Kaddan, Tito, grandsons also needs saved. I have others too.

Hey S Spencer,

Thank you for your reply, yes, Genesis 3:15 tells us He will come by the seed of a woman, and that is exactly what we see happen in Mary. My understanding of John 1:1-5 is John's prolog at the start of his gospel like Genesis 1:1 is a prolog to the rest of Genesis 1. John starts with, In the beginning.

I see this beginning as the coming of the Messiah/Christ the beginning of Jesus's ministry because in John 1:6, John goes to John the Baptist as the witness of the one who was to come, the Light that darkness did not comprehend. This is the start of Jesus's ministry when Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost/Spirit and God made Him the Messiah/Christ, Acts 2:36.

Jesus was sent for the lost sheep of Israel, Matthew 15:24, His role or ministry was to fulfill the law and the prophets in confirming the new covenant by His death and resurrection from the dead to pay the price for our sins. Daniel 9:27 is also about the 3.5 years of Jesus ministry but that is another topic. Jesus was the Messiah that was prophesied to come in Daniel. As I have discussed with Chris my understanding is Jesus was the beginning of the plan of God and like John 1:10 it is through Him not by Him.

Jesus, God' Son is first in God's plan of creation, and everything was created in and through Him and Jesus was begotten in the fullness of time. Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: Colossians 1:20. I know you may also not agree with that but that is how I understand, it is God the Father who is the creator.

The light was the word of God that dwelt in Jesus, the glory of the Father that dwelt in Jesus, 2 Corinthians 4:6.

God bless,

RLW

Hey Chris.

Part one,

As I said I am not the best in explaining my understanding and I will try, I feel you deserve it, for you have been gracious to even discuss this with me.

1 Corinthians 15:47 This is after Jesus was raised from the dead and Paul is saying our Lord. First the earthy the first Adam then the spiritual the last Adam Jesus who did come from heaven when Jesus, God's Son was conceived in Mary's womb.

We see in Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made the same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. Jesus defeated death because He was without sin the firstborn from the dead the only man who lived a perfect life. After He was baptized and anointed God gave Him authority John 5:26-27.

Matthew 1:20 Acts 17:31 Rev. 12:5 My understanding is the preexistence of Jesus was in God's plan before anything was created. A man caused sin to enter mankind and it had to be a man to live a perfect life to fulfill and make void the law, God could not do that.

Hebrews 1:5 Jesus is not a God there is only one true God, Jesus is the only begotten Son of God. a man who is God's Son conceived in Mary, who God raised in a glorified body and placed Him on His right side on His throne above all that is in heaven and earth and under the earth.

See part two.

Chris,

Part 2

God made Jesus Lord, Acts 2:36, made is thee Greek word ginomai that means to come into being, to happen, to become. This was foreordained before the foundation of the world and this Lamb was slain before the foundation of the world, 1 Peter 1:19-20 Revelation 13:8, foreordained the Greek word proginosko means to know beforehand to appoint or decree beforehand.

I see too many Scriptures that do not agree with the doctrine. I hope this makes sense. This is Scripture without man's knowledge or wisdom 1 Corinthians 1:22 Jeremiah 10:10 10 Malachi 2:10 Mark 12:32

Paul wrote these; Romans 3:30 Romans 15:6 1 Corinthians 8:6 2 Corinthians 1:3 2 Corinthians 11:31 Ephesians 1:3 Ephesians 1:17 Ephesians 3:14 Ephesians 4:6 Colossians 1:3 1 Timothy 2:5

Peter wrote this; 1 Peter 1:3

These are Jesus's words Himself; Matthew 27:46 Same in Mark 15:34 John 14:28 John 17:3 John 20:17 Revelation 3:12

What this says to me, there is only one true God who is the God and Father of Jesus,

These Scriptures are clear without our wisdom or knowledge do not agree with the doctrine of the Trinity. I do thank you and again I hope you do not consider me a Gnostic that would be sad, they are more of a philosophical like the immortal soul came from Greek philosophy, I am believer and follower of Jesus our Lord and savior.

God bless,

RLW

Chris,

Part 3

I hope even though you may not agree, you can make sense of my replies. I would like to tell you I do not Have anything in common with JW or their translation of the bible.

My understanding we are mortal beings and no part of us is immortal. I see the spirit as our breath/life that goes back to God when we die, Ecclesiastes 11:7 and Scripture tell us the soul can die, Ezekiel 18:4 Matthew 10:28 Hebrew 9:27. Like Paul said of David being dead in the tomb and has not ascended to heaven, Acts 2:34. We do not put on immortality until the resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:53-54.

Bear with me my Greek is kindergarten level, arche the beginning or origin I see it maybe a little differently I understand God the Father as the Creator as in Genesis 1:1 and Psalm 19:1. I believe in the plan of God Jesus was first and as in Romans 4:17 Jesus was in Gods eyes in the womb of Mary and then the angels and all the counsel of heaven then the earth and all that was to be.

In Genesis 17:5 when God renamed Abram to Abraham God said, "for the father of many nations I have made thee". It was not Abraham will become a father of many nations it was already done in the plan of God.

"Firstborn of every creature and the firstborn from the dead" Jesus was the firstborn, Jesus being the first in God's plan would make Him the firstborn, and Jesus is the firstborn of the dead. There were people brought back from the dead like in 2 Kings 13:21 the guy was thrown into Elisha's tomb and when his body touched Elisha's bone he came back to life and stood up, and we see the ones in the New Testament. No one who died before Jesus who came back to life died again Jesus was the first to overcome death.

Jesus is the firstborn of the dead because He had no sin and death could not hold Him and when Jesus rose He rose in a glorified body never to die again, Revelation 1:18. That is what we look forward to when we are resurrected.

See part 4 sorry I am slow.

Hey S Spencer,

I will send this to you as I feel we consider each other as brothers. I thought I was clear when I ended my conversation about the Trinity, but it does not sound like that is not understood with the comments I have read.

I will ask this question not to stump anyone, but it is one I have not ever answered.

First, I would like to say Jesus was before any creation, He is the beginning of creation, and all was created after Him and through Him, but it was in God's plan of creation that Jesus being appointed heir to, Heb 1:1-4. Jesus was the beginning of creation Rev. 3:14 and in the fullness of time He was conceived, Ephesians 1:9-10. There were two Adams and Jesus is the last Adam both Adams who were men who came into this world without sin. The first sinned and the last lived perfect totally obedient to the Father.

Question, Jesus was conceived and brought forth the only begotten Son of God to die for the sins of mankind. If Jesus was preexisting, an immortal being, God the son. How can an immortal being die? How can God be tempted, James 1:13, but it is clear Jesus was tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15 and He died shedding His blood to cover our sins.

Can God die? If not, how are our sins covered? Could the works of the devil be undone if God fulfilled the law that was made for man? The law was made for man and a man had to live without sin to fulfill it. What is the meaning of Acts 2:24 if Jesus was not a man?

Sorry to send this to you but anyone can answer, Love you brother.

God bless,

RLW