The book of Acts (Originally known as Luke Volume 2)
(Acts Part 1):
Acts 1:1 - The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
He says the former treaty have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach.
A couple of technical points I would like to share. The word former is actually the word first (PROTOS). PROTERA means former and that's not the word that is used in the Greek. This is PROTOS for first.
The word treatise is actually the word account or composition. It's actually an accounting term. It's from LOGOS, LOGIDZO for accounting.
So, the first composition (or record) have I made. And it's actually "have I myself made." It's a Middle Voice in the Greek. I've made it personally, Luke says.
Acts 1:3 - To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
To whom (meaning the apostles) also He shewed Himself "living."
This is a participle in the Greek meaning He presented Himself living after His passion, or suffering, by many infallible proofs.
The term infallible proofs is all one word in Greek, and it means unmistakable. It means convincing proofs. So, he is showing convincing proofs here, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:5 - For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Not many days hence, (or 10 days from now). It does say not many days, but we know it's 10 days that they had to wait for the Holy Spirit to come.
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.
Anyone looking at a fire can see quite clearly that a fir has tongues of flames . The message is simple bough there was but one fire ,the Holy Sprit each one present (500) expended the tongues of fire falling on each of them .
The growing idea and one imbedded. Now Iin many s that to fully understand the scriptures you must go back to the " original texts" to get a right understanding . This idea is quite false for what knoweth the things of man save the spirit of man ,likewise what knoweth the things of God save the Spirit of God."As all scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit for men to so wtite. Then in the same measure the Holy Spirit is needed to understand what is written .
Saul of Tarsus with all his learning and bringing and Hebrew being his mother tongue did not understand th scriptures as. She'd be understood until he was enlightened by the Holy Spirit .
The pharassees and the drs of the law had the same problem.
We have so ny ' versions' of the truth these days all boasting in their " better understanding" But clearly have very little and are leading millions astray .
Thank you for showing concern for Gerald. I have never had any issues with Gerald and in my very few discussions with him, I have always been very respectful. Yes, I understand that we are all allowed to post messages sharing our thoughts and feelings. Gerald was replying to one of my posts and I was not completely understanding what he was getting at. Am I not allowed to ask him what his point was? That's all I was asking and I see no harm in that. If we do not understand the point someone is trying to make, are we not allowed to ask that person to elucidate their message? If you feel it was wrong for me to ask, can you please tell me why?
Brother Jesse , I have tried to apologise to you twice previously but they are not being put on the site . I'm obviously doing something wrong somewhere , I shall try again as simple as I can , I'm sorry .
I thought you were quite polite and sincere towards Gerald. I, too, was wondering what he hoped to get across to us. I hope he feels comfortable in elaborating further or presenting a more precise point. It was fair for you to ask this of him. I just wanted to encourage you tonight. I have known you to be respectful in how your respond to me and others here. Keep up the good work because we are to continue to speak out of the best part of us, which is the place the Spirit brings forth good things and works from us.
Acts 4:20 - For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Literally, in the Greek text it says, "We cannot not speak." Because they know it's not them. And it's what they've seen and heard. We were witnesses of God's Spirit in us.
So, he says whether it's right or wrong to obey you or not obey you, you are going to have to judge. But we cannot but speak in the name of Jesus!
Acts 4:24 - And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
And when they heard what the rulers had said, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God.
The word "Lord" is a different word than what is usually translated Lord (KURIOS). This is the word DESPOT, for master. I kind of like that! Instead of calling Him Lord, calling Him Master. It has kind of a finality to it!
Lord, Master, thou art God! This is from Exodus 20:11, who has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them. You're the creator!
Acts 4:29 - And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
It says grant your servants, and the word servants is the word slaves, DULOS. Grant your slaves, that with all boldness they may speak the word. Now God's servants are threatened, and they call themselves slaves in front of the Master.
Wow! In other words, "I am a slave serving the Master in predetermined circumstances." That's what it is! It is all designed by God. It doesn't require complaining. I am just a slave to serve the Master of the universe in His predetermined plan and council.
Acts 5:40 - And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
They didn't beat them. It is the word DEIRANTES for flogging or whipping. They were skinning them!
This is serious and that's why I bring this up. They actually had a room built for the flogging. They would take the shirts off, and they would shackle your arms up with your back towards the people. And you were actually standing in a trough. And as they were whipped and the blood came out, the blood would run down this trough and outdoors so it wouldn't collect in the room.
It's like a cat-o-nine tails and the whip literally had pieces of stone and glass in it. The term used here for "beating," in the Greek, it's like fileting a fish. It's literally ripping the skin off. What they wanted to do was make sure that these Christians were impressed that even though they couldn't do anything with them, they were going to leave them with this terrible, terrible condition.
I cannot help but be impressed at what they did in Verse 41!
Acts 5:41 - And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
They departed (Imperfect Tense)! They were continuing, and as they were going from the presence of the council, they were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Wow! Can you imagine these disciples carrying their robes, blood dripping down their backs as they're walking away, and they are saying "What an honor to be able to suffer for His namesake."
"Rejoicing" doesn't mean happiness. In the Greek, it has to do with satisfaction, much like an athlete would sense in an athletic contest. Even though physically you might get hurt, there's a certain satisfaction that you have in participating no matter how much it hurts you. That's what they felt. That was their attitude!
Acts 8:39 - And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
In the Greek text, this phrase "caught away" is the word HARPADZO, same word for the rapture. God's Spirit snatched Philip away, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Many believe that this was a miracle where Philip was just there, and he's gone. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the translation as we understand it.
God Spirit just grabbed him by force. This wasn't a casual goodbye. It's one of those "I got to go!" And the eunuch saw him no more: and he (the eunuch) went on his way rejoicing. History tells us that this eunuch was the one who started the church, the body of Christ, in Ethiopia. Interesting when he got home!
Acts 9:2 - And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
So, he went to the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of "the way," and please notice the literal translation.
It is not "of this way." It's actually a title. The Christians were called or said to be of "the way." It is the word for road. It is the word for way of life taken from John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."
So, they did not see it as a religion. They saw it as a way of life, these people who are of "the way." Of what way? Of Jesus. He is their way of life. It's interesting that if he found any of "THE WAY," whether they were men or women, so he didn't care who they were, that he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
The word "bound" is in the Perfect Tense showing condition. He wants to get as many as he can find, both men and women, and bind them, put chains or ropes around them, and bring them into Jerusalem in this condition.
Acts 8:2 - And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Meanwhile back home, devout men, (that would be Jewish religious men), carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
That last little phrase "making great lamentation over him" was actually an expression of rebellion. You were not allowed to weep or make lamentation over criminals. So, they were weeping over him!
Acts 8:3 - As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The word "havock" (or raging) in Greek means destruction. He was destroying the church, literally dismantling the church. And entering into every house, and dragging men and women, he committed them to prison. This is a house-to-house search for Christians throughout the city of Jerusalem. I'd say that he is pretty obsessed with finding Christians!
Acts 8:37 - And 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.
And Philip said, and I'm going to give you a literal translation here because the literal translation brings out so much more than the English does.
The English says, "If thou believest with all thine heart."
The Greek says, "If you are believing from out of your whole heart." Your whole heart! And if you are continuously believing from out of your whole heart, Christ has just taken over your whole heart, you may. And he answered and said, I am believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Again, the term "Son of God" is in reference to Messiah, and the anointing of God Himself. He's making confession!
Acts 7:51 - Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
That's not a great way to start out and win friends. Stiffnecked! All of us have actually experienced waking up some morning with a stiff neck. But that's not what it means. They called a person a "stiffneck person" when they refused to bow. And someone would come over to them and grab them by the back of the neck and try to make them bow and they would stiffen up and refuse to bow. A "stiffnecked" person is a person who refuses to bow to the lordship of Christ.
Acts 8:1 - And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. That is a specific Jewish term making reference to vote. He was consenting. He cast his vote to have Stephen put to death. And at that time, there was a great persecution against the church, which was at, or in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
The apostles didn't travel, at least at the beginning, and they stayed behind. But Paul wasn't finished. He wasn't satisfied with just the death of Stephen. This began a city-wide persecution of rounding up believers. And so, they scattered. And that is their official name, even to this day. They are the DIASPORA. That is the Greek word for scattered. DIASPORA are the scattered ones, the Jews who had been scattered outside their homeland of Israel.
Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
The word miracles is the word signs. They translated it miracles to emphasize the fact that whatever powerful work, whatever moving of God's Spirit, it was a physical sign to draw people to establish it being from God.
Acts 7:1 - Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Literally, the Greek text presents a legal court question. "Do any of these accusations hold these things?" Meaning, are any true? Answer for yourself!
Acts 7:38 - This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
The word church is the word assembly. It is the first word of church, other than the Lord in Matthew Chapter 16 saying, "Upon this rock I will build my church," that there were churches mentioned.
And it literally means an assembly or called out ones! The English word church in the bible is not the same word church that we use in English. It looks the same on paper but it's not. KURIDOMA is the word that we use as church, and it means the house or dome of the Lord, meaning the building. But the biblical church is called EKKLESIA, EK meaning out, and KALEO to call.
These are people who have been called out by the Lord. The church are His people. It's not a building. It's not a system. It's God's people!
So, this is interesting. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him on mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us. Again, he is making emphasis on that leadership that has come.
Acts 6:3 - Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
The literal translation here when it says, "of honest report," this is the word "testimony" and it is in a Present Participial form. Those who are carrying the testimony of two things: number one, being full of the Holy Spirit. And number two, being full of wisdom.
To be filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't have anything to do with the Holy Spirit "leaking out" and you have to go to a meeting or church and get filled up again. The Greek word for "filled" means to have your inner faculties filled and influenced by something.
We always have the Holy Spirit living inside of us no matter what we're doing. Even if we're not doing what He's doing, He's always in us and He's always active. But then there are times when God's Spirit would fill our inner human faculties and use us to either do something or say something.
Acts 6:5 - And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Wow! That's his reputation. By the way, these are all Jews with Greek names from the Hellenist community.
As a side note, Nicolas was a proselyte from Antioch. From the history of this man, he eventually left God's work somewhere down the line and he gathered his own following. Because his name is Nicolas, they were called the Nicolaitans. Beginning at Revelation 2:6, he told the church at Ephesus, "You hate the deeds and the doctrines of the Nicolaitans which I also hate."
They were followers of Nicolas, and the trail leads back, at least to the historians and the archaeologists, to this Nicolas of Antioch. Just a side note!
Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
The word "obey" in the Greek is the word persuasion. And it is a Present Participle. To everybody who is obeying God, to everybody who is under the influence of the persuasion of God's Spirit, they are the ones who have been given the Holy Spirit.
When you submit to the Lord, He gives you His Spirit, and then you're continually under His influence.
Acts 5:33 - When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Now when they heard that, they were cut to the heart. The term "cut to the heart" is the word for conviction, but it means to take a wooden saw and cut somebody in half. You can imagine what happened in their heart! And they took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:34 - Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Then he stood up, somebody who is in the council, and number one: he's a Pharisee. And number two: he's a doctor of the law. And number three, he had a reputation amongst the people.
The word "reputation" (TIMIOS) means valuable. He was estimated as high as you can go as far as reputation goes. And he commanded that the apostles be put outside so that he could talk to the group.
Acts 5:39 - But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Those last three words, "fight against God" is one Greek word and it's a title. And its definition is God fighter. Do you want the reputation of being a God fighter? Then you better leave them alone.
I'm sorry but the difference been " obeying"and persuading iis so vast I will have to reject that interpretation .
"It as by.one man's disobedience all die" so by " one man's obedience all shall live "
We are called to "obey the gospel " God has not changed . Ephesians about " children of disobedience" not those not Persuded.
God now " commands all men to repent." It's not an option to be persuaded of .
The crossing of the wildersss which did NOT take 40 yea! was in effect 'boot camp' where civilians are turned into soldiers where they learn to obey orders ! That " man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word .".
The Bride of Christ " coming out of the wilderness terrible as an army with banners leaning upon her beloved "
They wandered for 40 years "because of their unbelief " and in consequence disobeyed God.
And by being persuaded by the 10 or majority of the spies l
You are free to disagree, and I truly respect that. However, I stand by what I have shared. If you have a copy of the Greek Text (Textus Receptus), you will see that this word (obey) used in Acts 5:32 is the word PEITHARCHOUSIN.
This Greek word is a compound word which comes from PEITHO which means persuasion, and ARCHO meaning ruler. If you are rejecting the interpretation of the word PEITHARCHOUSIN that I have shared, then I kindly encourage you to search this word out before rejecting its meaning.
I do agree with some of what you are saying. But you say that "God now" commands all men to repent." And then you say that it's not an option to be persuaded of. Are you saying that persuasion to repent is not an option? If that's what you are saying, how would one repent, make a decision to change the direction of their life, and surrender their life to Christ without first being persuaded by the Holy Spirit to do so? A man will not repent unless he/she is being persuaded to do so. John 6:44 says that "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:"
Again, I do agree with some of the things you've said, but I would encourage you to please re-read what I shared about the word "obey," which I have taken from the Greek text. I do thank you very much for taking the time to read my post.
Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Verse 29 is one of the great verses of the bible. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, and notice the other apostles, because it's not just Peter this time.
All of the apostles were there, and all of them were saying the same thing. They said "We ought to obey God rather than men."
The word "ought" is the word necessary. Literally, it is binding. It is necessary, or binding that we obey God rather than man.
What they are saying is that God told us to go out and preach the word. You as the leaders are telling us to not preach anymore. We have to obey God rather than man.
Acts 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand. Whenever you see the term "right hand" in scripture, there is no word hand. It's an English idiom to try to translate the Greek idiom that just means "on his right."
In other words, when you get to heaven, you're not going to see God and then to the right of His throne here's another little figure over there called His Son on His right-hand side. You won't see that!
It's an idiom like we use if we say this person in my "right hand man." It means that this is the person that has authority and power.
So, when he says that Jesus is at the right hand, or at the right of God, what he's telling them is that Jesus Christ has all the authority of God. You can see why they would get angry!
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew. Him hath God exalted with his right to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
What he's saying is that Jesus is the one that has the authority to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to all of Israel, talking to the religious leaders.
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Brother Jesse. Thanks again for this further batch of Scripture clarifications in Acts - very helpful. I understood what you wrote concerning the term "right hand" & certainly agree to it; and in many Scriptures this phrase comes up, having the meaning of 'a position of power & authority', which of course the Lord Jesus had, by virtue of His Divinity & completed work of Salvation for all.
But my thoughts turned to several Scriptures, some of which are Acts 7:55,56; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22, etc., that certainly do imply Jesus' Divine Power & Authority, but I can't help but read of a positional aspect to it. When the words, 'seated or standing' are given, I think most of us would immediately see this aspect of Christ's 'physical' position as well (not to say, that Jesus doesn't move about in Heaven). How would you say that we should view such verses, especially the one where Stephen full of the Holy Spirit, was steadfastly ('atenizo': eyes affixed) on this wonder seeing the Risen Lord at God's right Hand? Even in this verse, & others, do we need to apply the 'right hand' as only to that of 'power & authority' & not of position? Thanks & blessings.
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I am not completely sure what you are asking, so this response might not mean anything. Anyway, from my understanding, the phrase "right hand of God" is speaking about both Christ's authority and His position. Christ seated at the right hand of God shows Him being in the highest position of authority and power. So, in this sense, I suppose we can say this is His position. I also know there are many verses that mention "right hand of God" or "right hand" in both the OT and NT. Again, the actual Greek text does not show the word hand.
There are several instances in the NT alone that mention Christ at the right of God, either sitting or standing. What is the significance of this? I'm not sure. Why would it say standing in one place and sitting in the next? These are questions I ask myself, but I believe the emphasis should be placed on His power and authority wherever I see this phrase.
Thanks brother, you did understand my query correctly. I have noted that 'hand' in certain verses (as given earlier) in the Greek, is not mentioned (hand = cheira); and 'cheira' is absent, unlike say, Mark 6:10 where the physical 'hand' is spoken of. So, I do see that 'at the right of God' speaks of Christ's "highest position of authority and power".
It was just the positional aspect of Christ's stance that I was querying, when the verses spoke of Jesus seated or standing at God's right... (whether being seated or standing wasn't actually the case, but was only connected to His Authority & Power). So, bringing both thoughts together, I understood these verses showing not only Jesus' Authority & Power but also the vision/understanding given to those who reported it that Jesus was seen there near the Father (both in His Glory & position in Heaven). So my query was essentially, if Jesus' Power & Authority is to be understood in such phrases, why should any mention be made of whether He was seated or standing, if this were not the case? Maybe, we might not know such details this side of Heaven. Blessings & thanks again.
In other words, Christ standing visually expresses in a figurative way his established position of power and his sitting expresses with that authority the work of redemption is complete.
Thanks brother S. Spencer for sharing on this. You wrote, "Christ standing visually expresses in a figurative way his established position of power and his sitting expresses with that authority the work of redemption is complete."
So, do you believe that these expressions of Jesus standing or sitting are simply figurative language of His position of power and completed redemption? That when Stephen spoke, or Paul, Peter, the Hebrews writer, or even the Lord Himself spoke, they didn't mean that they believed or saw Jesus assuming a sitting or standing position, rather the words (sitting & standing) are just metaphors of Who Jesus is in Heaven & of His Work fulfilled? I do understand the meaning that you & Jesse have shared & I agree to that completely, but I'm looking for some clue as to why these men who saw Jesus sitting or standing were not actually seeing Him doing that, but rather chose to speak of Him metaphorically. Sorry to belabor this matter, but it's one of those points in the Bible that I've never considered a mystery but seemed quite plain & straightforward. Thanks again & every blessing.
Thanks brother S. Spencer for the response, to which I agree. I was actually beginning to wonder whether I was misreading these various texts since some pictures given to us of the future or heavenly things can sometimes cause concern as to how we should be reading & interpreting them. Thanks again for the clarification. GBU.
You have put the finger on the spot. Literal text is like the shirt front with seven buttons with accompanying eyes so the button has to go into the right button hole. The Spirit has set the buttons and also holes which when correctly placed it is called, wisdom from heaven. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God./ Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Co.2:12-13) You notice how nations, churches are tying themselves into knots trying to justify Israel, and ludicrousness of it for example is in the manner one button is wrongly placed. It is straightforward and simple. Without setting the everlasting covenant stated in the first chapter of Genesis and Ch.2:1-3 as set by Law of the Spirit, no one can be called to blessed in his Son. He has his volume in which all the blessings of seven days are equally distributed. Eating the angel's food is according to each believer's capacity. No nation no man is exempt from the covenant. He has to be taught by the Spirit. Remember if one button is misplaced it affects the entire.
My opinion about Jesus sitting on a throne next to God.
Firstly in grk we very rarely use the word "hand" when we talk about direction or position. We just say "to the/your right or left". Rarely we may say "to the right hand", more frequently we say "to the right side". Another thing in grk is that we mainly use the noun "to" in all cases where the Egl language uses nouns like on, at, in, to, ..., etc , apart from a few cases. So in grk "to" is a general noun who is often used instead of all those.
The other thing whether all those phrases are litteral or figurative, my opinion is that they are litteral, otherwise why Jesus is either sitting or standing next to God? The position on the right shows a honorable position and a position of authority that is given by the person who sits on the throne. .
Next why in Stephen's stoning Jesus is not sitting but standing? Because His child was going to be stoned and die. How would it appear to Stephen to see Jesus just sit comfortably on His throne at the same time that he wan stoned? Jesus/God participates in our persecutions, He has an agony (although He knows the outcome). God is not an apathetic observer of our lives who just sits comfortably on His throne when all those hard things come to our lives. So in that instance Jesus who was sitting next to God, got up off His throne. So Stephen saw His interest and anguish in him, which Jesus was really having for him.
Christians who consider that all those expressions in the scriptures that talk about God having ears, mouth, hands, legs, thrones, etc, are anthropomorhical expressions always interprete those phrases as being figurative. So for them God as sittiing on a throne can not be a real thing. Anyway, either this or that, Jesus is having authority and is always participating in everything that comes to our lives.
The book of Acts (Originally known as Luke Volume 2)
(Acts Part 1):
Acts 1:1 - The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach,
He says the former treaty have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and to teach.
A couple of technical points I would like to share. The word former is actually the word first (PROTOS). PROTERA means former and that's not the word that is used in the Greek. This is PROTOS for first.
The word treatise is actually the word account or composition. It's actually an accounting term. It's from LOGOS, LOGIDZO for accounting.
So, the first composition (or record) have I made. And it's actually "have I myself made." It's a Middle Voice in the Greek. I've made it personally, Luke says.
Acts 1:3 - To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
To whom (meaning the apostles) also He shewed Himself "living."
This is a participle in the Greek meaning He presented Himself living after His passion, or suffering, by many infallible proofs.
The term infallible proofs is all one word in Greek, and it means unmistakable. It means convincing proofs. So, he is showing convincing proofs here, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:5 - For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence.
Not many days hence, (or 10 days from now). It does say not many days, but we know it's 10 days that they had to wait for the Holy Spirit to come.
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.
The growing idea and one imbedded. Now Iin many s that to fully understand the scriptures you must go back to the " original texts" to get a right understanding . This idea is quite false for what knoweth the things of man save the spirit of man ,likewise what knoweth the things of God save the Spirit of God."As all scripture was inspired by the Holy Spirit for men to so wtite. Then in the same measure the Holy Spirit is needed to understand what is written .
Saul of Tarsus with all his learning and bringing and Hebrew being his mother tongue did not understand th scriptures as. She'd be understood until he was enlightened by the Holy Spirit .
The pharassees and the drs of the law had the same problem.
We have so ny ' versions' of the truth these days all boasting in their " better understanding" But clearly have very little and are leading millions astray .
If I may kindly ask, what is your point?
Thank you for showing concern for Gerald. I have never had any issues with Gerald and in my very few discussions with him, I have always been very respectful. Yes, I understand that we are all allowed to post messages sharing our thoughts and feelings. Gerald was replying to one of my posts and I was not completely understanding what he was getting at. Am I not allowed to ask him what his point was? That's all I was asking and I see no harm in that. If we do not understand the point someone is trying to make, are we not allowed to ask that person to elucidate their message? If you feel it was wrong for me to ask, can you please tell me why?
Blessings to you in Christ Jesus!
You have always been polite and helpful "and patient."
I thank you for all that you do.
God bless.
Bravo. If you are issuing certificates to Bro. Jesse, add also mine. We are here discussing brothers in Christ. Aren't we? With Joy and peace in him,
I thought you were quite polite and sincere towards Gerald. I, too, was wondering what he hoped to get across to us. I hope he feels comfortable in elaborating further or presenting a more precise point. It was fair for you to ask this of him. I just wanted to encourage you tonight. I have known you to be respectful in how your respond to me and others here. Keep up the good work because we are to continue to speak out of the best part of us, which is the place the Spirit brings forth good things and works from us.
Acts 4:20 - For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.
Literally, in the Greek text it says, "We cannot not speak." Because they know it's not them. And it's what they've seen and heard. We were witnesses of God's Spirit in us.
So, he says whether it's right or wrong to obey you or not obey you, you are going to have to judge. But we cannot but speak in the name of Jesus!
Acts 4:24 - And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
And when they heard what the rulers had said, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God.
The word "Lord" is a different word than what is usually translated Lord (KURIOS). This is the word DESPOT, for master. I kind of like that! Instead of calling Him Lord, calling Him Master. It has kind of a finality to it!
Lord, Master, thou art God! This is from Exodus 20:11, who has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them. You're the creator!
Acts 4:29 - And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word,
It says grant your servants, and the word servants is the word slaves, DULOS. Grant your slaves, that with all boldness they may speak the word. Now God's servants are threatened, and they call themselves slaves in front of the Master.
Wow! In other words, "I am a slave serving the Master in predetermined circumstances." That's what it is! It is all designed by God. It doesn't require complaining. I am just a slave to serve the Master of the universe in His predetermined plan and council.
Acts 5:40 - And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
They didn't beat them. It is the word DEIRANTES for flogging or whipping. They were skinning them!
This is serious and that's why I bring this up. They actually had a room built for the flogging. They would take the shirts off, and they would shackle your arms up with your back towards the people. And you were actually standing in a trough. And as they were whipped and the blood came out, the blood would run down this trough and outdoors so it wouldn't collect in the room.
It's like a cat-o-nine tails and the whip literally had pieces of stone and glass in it. The term used here for "beating," in the Greek, it's like fileting a fish. It's literally ripping the skin off. What they wanted to do was make sure that these Christians were impressed that even though they couldn't do anything with them, they were going to leave them with this terrible, terrible condition.
I cannot help but be impressed at what they did in Verse 41!
Acts 5:41 - And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
They departed (Imperfect Tense)! They were continuing, and as they were going from the presence of the council, they were rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
Wow! Can you imagine these disciples carrying their robes, blood dripping down their backs as they're walking away, and they are saying "What an honor to be able to suffer for His namesake."
"Rejoicing" doesn't mean happiness. In the Greek, it has to do with satisfaction, much like an athlete would sense in an athletic contest. Even though physically you might get hurt, there's a certain satisfaction that you have in participating no matter how much it hurts you. That's what they felt. That was their attitude!
Acts 8:39 - And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.
In the Greek text, this phrase "caught away" is the word HARPADZO, same word for the rapture. God's Spirit snatched Philip away, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. Many believe that this was a miracle where Philip was just there, and he's gone. But that doesn't necessarily have to be the translation as we understand it.
God Spirit just grabbed him by force. This wasn't a casual goodbye. It's one of those "I got to go!" And the eunuch saw him no more: and he (the eunuch) went on his way rejoicing. History tells us that this eunuch was the one who started the church, the body of Christ, in Ethiopia. Interesting when he got home!
Acts 9:2 - And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
So, he went to the high priest and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of "the way," and please notice the literal translation.
It is not "of this way." It's actually a title. The Christians were called or said to be of "the way." It is the word for road. It is the word for way of life taken from John 14:6. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life."
So, they did not see it as a religion. They saw it as a way of life, these people who are of "the way." Of what way? Of Jesus. He is their way of life. It's interesting that if he found any of "THE WAY," whether they were men or women, so he didn't care who they were, that he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem.
The word "bound" is in the Perfect Tense showing condition. He wants to get as many as he can find, both men and women, and bind them, put chains or ropes around them, and bring them into Jerusalem in this condition.
Acts 8:2 - And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
Meanwhile back home, devout men, (that would be Jewish religious men), carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.
That last little phrase "making great lamentation over him" was actually an expression of rebellion. You were not allowed to weep or make lamentation over criminals. So, they were weeping over him!
Acts 8:3 - As for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every house, and haling men and women committed them to prison.
The word "havock" (or raging) in Greek means destruction. He was destroying the church, literally dismantling the church. And entering into every house, and dragging men and women, he committed them to prison. This is a house-to-house search for Christians throughout the city of Jerusalem. I'd say that he is pretty obsessed with finding Christians!
Acts 8:37 - And 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.
And Philip said, and I'm going to give you a literal translation here because the literal translation brings out so much more than the English does.
The English says, "If thou believest with all thine heart."
The Greek says, "If you are believing from out of your whole heart." Your whole heart! And if you are continuously believing from out of your whole heart, Christ has just taken over your whole heart, you may. And he answered and said, I am believing that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
Again, the term "Son of God" is in reference to Messiah, and the anointing of God Himself. He's making confession!
Acts 7:51 - Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye.
That's not a great way to start out and win friends. Stiffnecked! All of us have actually experienced waking up some morning with a stiff neck. But that's not what it means. They called a person a "stiffneck person" when they refused to bow. And someone would come over to them and grab them by the back of the neck and try to make them bow and they would stiffen up and refuse to bow. A "stiffnecked" person is a person who refuses to bow to the lordship of Christ.
Acts 8:1 - And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
And Saul was consenting unto his death. That is a specific Jewish term making reference to vote. He was consenting. He cast his vote to have Stephen put to death. And at that time, there was a great persecution against the church, which was at, or in Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.
The apostles didn't travel, at least at the beginning, and they stayed behind. But Paul wasn't finished. He wasn't satisfied with just the death of Stephen. This began a city-wide persecution of rounding up believers. And so, they scattered. And that is their official name, even to this day. They are the DIASPORA. That is the Greek word for scattered. DIASPORA are the scattered ones, the Jews who had been scattered outside their homeland of Israel.
Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
The word miracles is the word signs. They translated it miracles to emphasize the fact that whatever powerful work, whatever moving of God's Spirit, it was a physical sign to draw people to establish it being from God.
Acts 7:1 - Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Literally, the Greek text presents a legal court question. "Do any of these accusations hold these things?" Meaning, are any true? Answer for yourself!
Acts 7:38 - This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
The word church is the word assembly. It is the first word of church, other than the Lord in Matthew Chapter 16 saying, "Upon this rock I will build my church," that there were churches mentioned.
And it literally means an assembly or called out ones! The English word church in the bible is not the same word church that we use in English. It looks the same on paper but it's not. KURIDOMA is the word that we use as church, and it means the house or dome of the Lord, meaning the building. But the biblical church is called EKKLESIA, EK meaning out, and KALEO to call.
These are people who have been called out by the Lord. The church are His people. It's not a building. It's not a system. It's God's people!
So, this is interesting. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him on mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us. Again, he is making emphasis on that leadership that has come.
Acts 6:3 - Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
The literal translation here when it says, "of honest report," this is the word "testimony" and it is in a Present Participial form. Those who are carrying the testimony of two things: number one, being full of the Holy Spirit. And number two, being full of wisdom.
To be filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't have anything to do with the Holy Spirit "leaking out" and you have to go to a meeting or church and get filled up again. The Greek word for "filled" means to have your inner faculties filled and influenced by something.
We always have the Holy Spirit living inside of us no matter what we're doing. Even if we're not doing what He's doing, He's always in us and He's always active. But then there are times when God's Spirit would fill our inner human faculties and use us to either do something or say something.
Acts 6:5 - And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Wow! That's his reputation. By the way, these are all Jews with Greek names from the Hellenist community.
As a side note, Nicolas was a proselyte from Antioch. From the history of this man, he eventually left God's work somewhere down the line and he gathered his own following. Because his name is Nicolas, they were called the Nicolaitans. Beginning at Revelation 2:6, he told the church at Ephesus, "You hate the deeds and the doctrines of the Nicolaitans which I also hate."
They were followers of Nicolas, and the trail leads back, at least to the historians and the archaeologists, to this Nicolas of Antioch. Just a side note!
Acts 5:32 - And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him.
The word "obey" in the Greek is the word persuasion. And it is a Present Participle. To everybody who is obeying God, to everybody who is under the influence of the persuasion of God's Spirit, they are the ones who have been given the Holy Spirit.
When you submit to the Lord, He gives you His Spirit, and then you're continually under His influence.
Acts 5:33 - When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them.
Now when they heard that, they were cut to the heart. The term "cut to the heart" is the word for conviction, but it means to take a wooden saw and cut somebody in half. You can imagine what happened in their heart! And they took counsel to slay them.
Acts 5:34 - Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, named Gamaliel, a doctor of the law, had in reputation among all the people, and commanded to put the apostles forth a little space;
Then he stood up, somebody who is in the council, and number one: he's a Pharisee. And number two: he's a doctor of the law. And number three, he had a reputation amongst the people.
The word "reputation" (TIMIOS) means valuable. He was estimated as high as you can go as far as reputation goes. And he commanded that the apostles be put outside so that he could talk to the group.
Acts 5:39 - But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.
Those last three words, "fight against God" is one Greek word and it's a title. And its definition is God fighter. Do you want the reputation of being a God fighter? Then you better leave them alone.
"It as by.one man's disobedience all die" so by " one man's obedience all shall live "
We are called to "obey the gospel " God has not changed . Ephesians about " children of disobedience" not those not Persuded.
God now " commands all men to repent." It's not an option to be persuaded of .
The crossing of the wildersss which did NOT take 40 yea! was in effect 'boot camp' where civilians are turned into soldiers where they learn to obey orders ! That " man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word .".
The Bride of Christ " coming out of the wilderness terrible as an army with banners leaning upon her beloved "
They wandered for 40 years "because of their unbelief " and in consequence disobeyed God.
And by being persuaded by the 10 or majority of the spies l
You are free to disagree, and I truly respect that. However, I stand by what I have shared. If you have a copy of the Greek Text (Textus Receptus), you will see that this word (obey) used in Acts 5:32 is the word PEITHARCHOUSIN.
This Greek word is a compound word which comes from PEITHO which means persuasion, and ARCHO meaning ruler. If you are rejecting the interpretation of the word PEITHARCHOUSIN that I have shared, then I kindly encourage you to search this word out before rejecting its meaning.
I do agree with some of what you are saying. But you say that "God now" commands all men to repent." And then you say that it's not an option to be persuaded of. Are you saying that persuasion to repent is not an option? If that's what you are saying, how would one repent, make a decision to change the direction of their life, and surrender their life to Christ without first being persuaded by the Holy Spirit to do so? A man will not repent unless he/she is being persuaded to do so. John 6:44 says that "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him:"
Again, I do agree with some of the things you've said, but I would encourage you to please re-read what I shared about the word "obey," which I have taken from the Greek text. I do thank you very much for taking the time to read my post.
God Bless!!!
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Acts 5:29 - Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.
Verse 29 is one of the great verses of the bible. Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, and notice the other apostles, because it's not just Peter this time.
All of the apostles were there, and all of them were saying the same thing. They said "We ought to obey God rather than men."
The word "ought" is the word necessary. Literally, it is binding. It is necessary, or binding that we obey God rather than man.
What they are saying is that God told us to go out and preach the word. You as the leaders are telling us to not preach anymore. We have to obey God rather than man.
Acts 5:31 - Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand. Whenever you see the term "right hand" in scripture, there is no word hand. It's an English idiom to try to translate the Greek idiom that just means "on his right."
In other words, when you get to heaven, you're not going to see God and then to the right of His throne here's another little figure over there called His Son on His right-hand side. You won't see that!
It's an idiom like we use if we say this person in my "right hand man." It means that this is the person that has authority and power.
So, when he says that Jesus is at the right hand, or at the right of God, what he's telling them is that Jesus Christ has all the authority of God. You can see why they would get angry!
The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew. Him hath God exalted with his right to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
What he's saying is that Jesus is the one that has the authority to give repentance and forgiveness of sins to all of Israel, talking to the religious leaders.
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6 Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Thank you and God bless,
RLW
I do not mind at all, my brother. And thank you so much for sharing your understanding. Blessings to you also in Christ!
Eyes to see and ears to hear , yet.......
But my thoughts turned to several Scriptures, some of which are Acts 7:55,56; Romans 8:34; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 1:3; 1 Peter 3:22, etc., that certainly do imply Jesus' Divine Power & Authority, but I can't help but read of a positional aspect to it. When the words, 'seated or standing' are given, I think most of us would immediately see this aspect of Christ's 'physical' position as well (not to say, that Jesus doesn't move about in Heaven). How would you say that we should view such verses, especially the one where Stephen full of the Holy Spirit, was steadfastly ('atenizo': eyes affixed) on this wonder seeing the Risen Lord at God's right Hand? Even in this verse, & others, do we need to apply the 'right hand' as only to that of 'power & authority' & not of position? Thanks & blessings.
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I am not completely sure what you are asking, so this response might not mean anything. Anyway, from my understanding, the phrase "right hand of God" is speaking about both Christ's authority and His position. Christ seated at the right hand of God shows Him being in the highest position of authority and power. So, in this sense, I suppose we can say this is His position. I also know there are many verses that mention "right hand of God" or "right hand" in both the OT and NT. Again, the actual Greek text does not show the word hand.
There are several instances in the NT alone that mention Christ at the right of God, either sitting or standing. What is the significance of this? I'm not sure. Why would it say standing in one place and sitting in the next? These are questions I ask myself, but I believe the emphasis should be placed on His power and authority wherever I see this phrase.
God Bless!!!
It was just the positional aspect of Christ's stance that I was querying, when the verses spoke of Jesus seated or standing at God's right... (whether being seated or standing wasn't actually the case, but was only connected to His Authority & Power). So, bringing both thoughts together, I understood these verses showing not only Jesus' Authority & Power but also the vision/understanding given to those who reported it that Jesus was seen there near the Father (both in His Glory & position in Heaven). So my query was essentially, if Jesus' Power & Authority is to be understood in such phrases, why should any mention be made of whether He was seated or standing, if this were not the case? Maybe, we might not know such details this side of Heaven. Blessings & thanks again.
In other words, Christ standing visually expresses in a figurative way his established position of power and his sitting expresses with that authority the work of redemption is complete.
God bless.
So, do you believe that these expressions of Jesus standing or sitting are simply figurative language of His position of power and completed redemption? That when Stephen spoke, or Paul, Peter, the Hebrews writer, or even the Lord Himself spoke, they didn't mean that they believed or saw Jesus assuming a sitting or standing position, rather the words (sitting & standing) are just metaphors of Who Jesus is in Heaven & of His Work fulfilled? I do understand the meaning that you & Jesse have shared & I agree to that completely, but I'm looking for some clue as to why these men who saw Jesus sitting or standing were not actually seeing Him doing that, but rather chose to speak of Him metaphorically. Sorry to belabor this matter, but it's one of those points in the Bible that I've never considered a mystery but seemed quite plain & straightforward. Thanks again & every blessing.
I may have slightly taken it off subject a bit.
I was putting emphasis on what may be the reason sometimes Christ is sitting and sometimes standing.
I believe Jesus was standing when it says standing and sitting when it says so.
I believe these visual descriptions of Christ
standing and sitting "also" strongly expresses a position or act.
Standing. Perhaps an expression of power!
Sitting. Perhaps completion of work and ready to pass Judgment.
Thanks for furthering the study!
God bless.
With God being a spirit how do we sketch that?
Do we draw two beings or one?
What does the right of a spirit looks like? Or the right hand of power?
God bless.
God the Father
God the son
God the Holy Sprite
All three make one, and One makes all three.
COME LORD JESUS
God bless.
You have put the finger on the spot. Literal text is like the shirt front with seven buttons with accompanying eyes so the button has to go into the right button hole. The Spirit has set the buttons and also holes which when correctly placed it is called, wisdom from heaven. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God./ Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual." (1 Co.2:12-13) You notice how nations, churches are tying themselves into knots trying to justify Israel, and ludicrousness of it for example is in the manner one button is wrongly placed. It is straightforward and simple. Without setting the everlasting covenant stated in the first chapter of Genesis and Ch.2:1-3 as set by Law of the Spirit, no one can be called to blessed in his Son. He has his volume in which all the blessings of seven days are equally distributed. Eating the angel's food is according to each believer's capacity. No nation no man is exempt from the covenant. He has to be taught by the Spirit. Remember if one button is misplaced it affects the entire.
God bless
My opinion about Jesus sitting on a throne next to God.
Firstly in grk we very rarely use the word "hand" when we talk about direction or position. We just say "to the/your right or left". Rarely we may say "to the right hand", more frequently we say "to the right side". Another thing in grk is that we mainly use the noun "to" in all cases where the Egl language uses nouns like on, at, in, to, ..., etc , apart from a few cases. So in grk "to" is a general noun who is often used instead of all those.
The other thing whether all those phrases are litteral or figurative, my opinion is that they are litteral, otherwise why Jesus is either sitting or standing next to God? The position on the right shows a honorable position and a position of authority that is given by the person who sits on the throne. .
Next why in Stephen's stoning Jesus is not sitting but standing? Because His child was going to be stoned and die. How would it appear to Stephen to see Jesus just sit comfortably on His throne at the same time that he wan stoned? Jesus/God participates in our persecutions, He has an agony (although He knows the outcome). God is not an apathetic observer of our lives who just sits comfortably on His throne when all those hard things come to our lives. So in that instance Jesus who was sitting next to God, got up off His throne. So Stephen saw His interest and anguish in him, which Jesus was really having for him.
Christians who consider that all those expressions in the scriptures that talk about God having ears, mouth, hands, legs, thrones, etc, are anthropomorhical expressions always interprete those phrases as being figurative. So for them God as sittiing on a throne can not be a real thing. Anyway, either this or that, Jesus is having authority and is always participating in everything that comes to our lives.
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