Discuss Acts 15


Acts 15 KJV Bible discussions
 
  • Momsage - In Reply - 2 months ago
    Hi Jema: I know I'm a bit late replying to this but I just now read the whole thread of what happened and I am so glad you and GiGi and Giannis are good to go with each other and I'm sorry my reaction was so strong and I caused trouble. I'm trying not to do that again. I am back to discussing the Sabbath with Giannis again, unless he doesn't want to then I won't. The only reason I continue to discuss the Sabbath is because (I'm not insulting Giannis, only stating my perception of these discussions and why I'm hanging on like a Pitbull LOL.) I don't feel like he has responded to my questions about why he believes that the breaking of bread can only mean the weekly service of the Early Church - that there can be no other possible interpretation. All his beliefs in the Early Church abandoning the Sabbath for Sunday worship are based on the breaking of bread premise that it had to only mean that it refers to the weekly meeting of the Early Church. Some scriptures do state that the Church met on the first day of the week, Sunday but that could just simply mean the church met on Sunday at different times other then on the Sabbath just as churches meet on different days today. For example, John 20:19 (the Church gathered together on the first day of the week because they were afraid of the Jews, not because it was time for church.) Giannis also used historical writings to back up his belief that the Early Church stopped worshipping on the Sabbath and I couldn't agree to that. (Giannis if you read this post, please don't think I am talking behind your back. I would never do that I am just trying to explain why I haven't given up on the Sabbath.) He asked me to provide scripture that validated they didn't give up on the Sabbath and I gave him a lot but he just wouldn't accept them with no real response why. All you have to do read these few and you can see that the Early church was keeping the Sabbath holy.. Acts 17:2, Acts 13:14, Acts 15:21, Acts 18:4. God Bless :)
  • Richard H Priday - 2 months ago
    Study on Sabbath day

    Acts 20:7 makes clear that gathering of the saints occurred on the first day of the week to bolster the collection made according to 1 Corinthians 16:2. The prescident is really from the fact that Christ fulfilled Pentacost which was the 8th day of the week (or Sunday) in the O.T. times was celebrated 50 days after the Passover.

    Since we are not to have certain days to be held above others as Romans 14:5-6 indicates; we have no right to dictate either Saturday or Sunday for worship as I see it. Again; the Old Testament command was for Israel specifically as anyone in the land who disrespected the Sabbath was severely punished (see Deuteronomy 5:14). Other laws in the Old Testament such as marriage were clearly upheld even with pagan societies (as we see with the case of John the Baptist when he was imprisoned for contesting with the marriage status of a secular leader married to his brother's wife). Murder was evident with Cain well before the law came out. The fact is that Saturday worship can no longer be as it was without the sacrifices and other ordinances of the O.T. times which have been gone since the temple was destroyed in 70 AD. Christ is our Passover now ( 1 Corinthians 5:7) and the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath ( Matthew 12:8).

    We also need to consider what Paul stated to those who were coming from pagan societies. He said in Acts 15:29 to avoid eating blood; or strangled animals (often done in pagan rituals) as well as sexual immorality. If Saturday worship was required you would expect something would be mentioned as all other things in the Commandments which are throughout the New Testament in the Gospels and Epistles.

    There are further concerns with Adventist doctrines and Ellen White which I am not going to get into detail here; but this often is an added reason for this and other issues of contention. I agree that the edict of Milan enforcing Sunday worship is wrong also.
  • Momsage - In Reply - 2 months ago
    Genesis 2: 2-3 Exodus 30: 8-11 Mark 2:27-28 Mark 4:16 Acts 13: 14-15, 27, 42-44, Acts 15:21

    Acts 16:13, Acts 17:2 Acts 18:4

    "Protestants do not realize that by observing Sunday they accept the authority of the Spokesperson, the Pope." ( Our Sunday Visitor February 5, 1950.)
  • GiGi - In Reply - 4 months ago
    Dear Momsage,

    It was the common practice of the New Testament church to gather on the first day of the week to break bread, bring together the offerings of the people, hear the preaching of the apostles, and worship with songs. ( Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:1-2; Rev. 1:10)

    Pentecost was on a the first day of the week and the disciples from then on continued to meet for worship on the first day to celebrate the day of Resurrection of Jesus. The apostles did go to the synagogues on the seventh say to preach, but this does not mean that they participated in the sacrifices, etc. of the Jewish faith on the seventh day. Historically, since Pentecost, the day of Christian communal worship has been uniformly on the first day of the week. This was not a decision nor a change of the "Catholic" church, rather, in Constantine's day, the Catholic Church, (which is what the new testament church grew into) was affirming as writ what was already standard practice in the church Jesus founded.

    2nd century church leaders speak of the common custom of meeting on Sunday to worship, especially across the Gentile world.

    At the council in Jerusalem, with Paul and the main apostles, John, James, and Peter, ( Acts 15) Saturday Sabbath worship was not one of the commands affirmed to be effective for Jew and Gentile alike who became believers. Ane Paul in Galatians was very adamant about not being required to keep specific festivals, holy days, or Sabbaths.

    It was not an evil thing to begin worshipping on the first day of the week rather than the seventh day. It was how the Holy Spirit led the church from the beginning as it transitioned from Judaistic practices to Christian practices.
  • Tunney on Luke 16:22 - 4 months ago
    May the LORD give us wisdom in reading, studying and applying HIS word.

    2 Timothy 2:15

    James 2:

    10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

    Romans 4:

    2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

    3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

    4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

    5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

    Ephesians 2:

    8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

    9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

    Titus 3:

    4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

    5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

    6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;

    7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

    May we be intercessors in CHRIST name, Isaiah 59:16, for those who have been blinded by the god of this world, 2 Corinthians 4:3, 4.

    We are called to stand in the gap for others, Ezekiel 22:30, and plant the seed of the word that others may water and that GOD will give the increase.

    Acts 15:

    8 And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us;

    9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

    10 Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

    11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.

    Salvation is by faith in CHRIST alone.

    GOD bless everyone!
  • GiGi - In Reply - 7 months ago
    Hello Jema,

    The reason that I used an historical source is that the church continued after the death of all the apostles and the writing of the NT Scriptures. The first council was the one in Jerusalem, probably about 50 A.D. in Acts 15 where the topic of what of the Mosaic Law the Gentile believers were to follow. Paul and Barnabas attended this council, meeting with Peter, James, and perhaps a few others. The topic of the Trinity or divinity of Jesus was not discussed at this one. You can find out what the early bishops (the first ones appointed by the apostles and subsequent ones by the preceding bishops) spoke about these two topics but you will not find the writings of these bishops in the Bible.

    I adhere to the teaching of the Word. It is my source for God's revelation to man. However, History is source to discover how the early saints believed and how the church functioned over the centuries. learning such history is not contrary to learning the Word nor is it forbidden by the Word.

    I looked up the teachings of Polycarp, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Justin Martyr, for example, to find out what they taught on these topics. They lived in the late first century into the second century. For me, what they taught is important because they were so close in time to the teachings of the apostles and it gives us information about what was passed down to them before the NT was compiled and there were just the letters/writings of the apostles copied and passed to the churches.

    If we look at what is taught in the churches today and compare that to what was taught in the Scriptures and practiced in the early church years we can see that what we do today is very different from then. This does not mean that all of what we do today is wrong. It just contrasts what was practiced early on.

    The early church leaders did need to refute false doctrines as the Scriptures instructed. See Titus 1:10-16; 2 Peter 2; all of Jude; 1 John 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:3. ... cont.
  • Frankie J - In Reply - 7 months ago
    In Truth, the day you are completely free from sin, is the day you meet your Savior ! 1 Pet 1:7-9

    I can't tell you how Dan would answer that question,

    but here's mine

    It's not a work of our self-efforts in our own strengths or our own understanding, it following the Light of Christ in our hearts, the still small Voice of Conscience that convicts us of our wrong doings & directs us to do what is just, good & holy, Titus 2:11

    Micah 6:8 , its the Treasure we have in these earthen vessels, enlightening us in the power of Holy Spirit, picking up the Cross & denying self, & causing us to will & do of His good pleasure, which works were finishes from the foundation of the world, Hebrews 4:3 Acts 15:18 We enter into His works, coming to a place of rest from our own works

    Then there some that are persuaded they don't have to do anything, but believe, without becoming a doer of the Word, thats more like being a demon, for they believes, but they do not obey.

    Consider all that Scriptures, beginning with Abraham, Gen 18:19 by his obedience Abraham proved his faith & his love for God

    John 15:10 he abided in God's love & received all that God had promise him, through his obedience to God's commands.

    Today's Christianity says you can be a Christian without keeping His commandments, God loves you & His grace got you covered. This is a changing of the definition of Grace, which is defined in Scripture as Titus 2:12 Grace is the power of God to reveal our sins & to takes us out of them, not to encourage or pamper us in our sins.



    Friends, God salvation is a free gift, but faith without works is dead. James 2:17-26 this is clearly seen & understood in the whole of Scriptures. Jesus Himself learn obedience by the things that He suffer, & became perfect, perfected our salvation, all for our sakes, that we may follow Him. John 14:31

    in love & truth

  • [Comment Removed]
  • Jesse - 8 months ago
    INTRODUCTION TO MARK (Part 3):

    There was a tremendous revival. People are being receptive to Christ all through the island. And as they come out from the west side of the island, they go straight north to the mainland. Actually, it would be the southern coast of Asia Minor. They began traveling inland. Paul got sick. He caught malaria. It wasn't quite the time of revival like they had on the island of Cyprus. It was tough going!

    And so, when they reached a place that is called Perga, John says I'm going home, it is enough for me! Not home to Antioch, but home to Jerusalem. So, he leaves the first missionary journey there in Perga of Pamphylia. And his actual departure from the trip is given to us in Acts 13:13.

    Now from Antioch to Cyprus:

    In the second missionary journey, Paul has apparently rejoined the church from Barnabas' encouragement to "come back up to Antioch." The second missionary journey, as recorded in Acts 15:37-40, shows us that Paul and Barnabas are ready to go on a missionary trip again. And Barnabas says I want to take John Mark. And Paul says no way. He can't make it. He quit. I am not taking him. Barnabas insisted. And so there is a split between Paul and Barnabas.

    So, Paul wound up taking Silas and going back over the territories that they had covered in the first missionary journey, and Barnabas took Mark and went over to the island of Cyprus and came back. So, the two of them traveled around the island while Paul and Silas ministered up in the southern part of Asia Minor.

    Now after this, it becomes even more interesting because after the second missionary journey, we have no record of really what happened to John Mark, like the book of Acts would tell us. We have indications of what has happened to him in the future. There are a lot of historical documents, but apparently after Barnabas and John Mark return from the island of Cyprus, John Mark went with Peter and became a disciple of Peter for the rest of his of life.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 8 months ago
    Hi Carleton.

    Part 1

    We are 100% in agreement that the blood of Christ is by which we are saved throughout eternity.

    Israel, "through the house of Israel" will be saved by the same way they were saved on the OT.

    (But not all.) So, in Romans 11:26 where it says And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, I believe it's those of the house of Israel who will except Christ finished work on the cross. Their blindness will be removed when they call on Christ in the tribulation. You see the church is never called the house of Israel.

    In the OT, before the Church was formed, those who were saved, by faith they looked ahead with those ordinances pointing them to one who would come as their redeemer "Christ"

    We look back at the Cross in faith for our redemption, In the Millennium kingdom those who are saved will do the same.

    Those who are saved will look back at the finish work of Christ on the cross. Everything else is a memorial. sacrifices etc.

    During the tribulation period Israel will be driven to call on their Messiah as prophesied in Hosea 5:15. Also in Matthew 23:39.

    obviously, they seen him again, He's saying you won't behold him again as a Nation. (They will remain blinded) as mentioned in Luke 19:42.

    You also see this mentioned clearly in Zechariah 13:6-9.

    Peter makes mention of a future salvation for the Nation/house of Israel in Acts 15:9-11 when studying it carefully.

    And James follows it up in verses 14-17.

    Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

    And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

    After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

    That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things.

    See part 2.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 8 months ago
    Hi.

    Amos 9:8-9.

    Behold, the eyes of the Lord GOD are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; saving that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the LORD.

    For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.

    ( They have been scattered amongst all the nations.

    In the latter days God will raise up the tabernacle of David and gather them from all nations.)

    AMOS 9:11.

    In that day will I raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old:

    AMOS 9:14-15.

    And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

    And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God.

    James quotes this in Acts 15:15-16.

    I hope this helps.

    God bless.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Hi Giannis,

    Hey brother, I don't mean to intrude between you Hemorlan, and Texsis on this but my understanding is at this time the apostles had not been told the Gospel will also be given to the Gentiles, the time had not come. There were another 3.5 years after Jesus's ministry before the apostles were told the gospel of Christ will be given to the Greeks/Gentiles, the mystery, Rom. 16:24-25.

    The Apostles stayed in Jerusalem and surrounding Jewish communities until after Stephen's death, and the persecutions. Philip the evangelist was the first to carry the gospel to the Samaritans, Peter had his dream, and Paul's conversion. To me, it is a fulfillment that Jesus had told them but they did not understand, it like they did not understand He was going to die on the cross, Acts 1:8.

    He told them the Comforter would come John 14:25-26 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

    They were learning from the Holy Spirit as we see in Acts 15, a learning curve, not a transition from the old to the new but a fulfillment and teaching of Jesus through the Holy Spirit same as we learn today.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Giannis - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Hi Bro dan

    It is true that Moses' Law asked Hebrews to observe the Sabbath.

    But as Paul says in Galatians 3:24 the Law served as a schoolmaster (although "tutor and guardian for childs" is a more accurate translation of the grk "paidagogos") which leads people to Christ. That means that many things in the Old Law served as a shadow for things to come in the New Covenant, they served as a figure for the real things to come. So circumcision of the flesh is figurative for circumcision of the Heart (new birth), sacrifice of animals were a figure fot Jesus' sacrifice ... and so on.

    Paul in Galatians 8-11 says "8. Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. 9.But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? 10.Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11.I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain."

    And in Collossians 2:16-17 he says, "16. Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days (FOR NOT HOLDING THEM): WHY NOT PAUL? BECAUSE 17.Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ"

    Remenber when the apostles gathered in Jerusalem to discuss about the gentiles following or not the Law. They came up with a conclusion. What was that conclusion? Acts 15:28-29, "28. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29. That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well."

    You see brother nothing to keep from the Old Law but only the above.

    Besides Jesus said in some place that my Father works until now and so am I. God hasn't really gone to rest after the creation but works till now for the salvation of people.

    GBU
  • RgMace65 - In Reply - 9 months ago
    Jeremiah 29:13 And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart. To well do I recall this same despair. I was raised in legalism, much like the Mosaic law Peter speaks of in Acts 15. This form is not large enough that I am able to share how God has carried me even though I neglected Him.The problem with this world is in fact the deception of Satan. He is a higher being than we, if it were not for the fact that the Living God tabernacles inside of me, I would have been devoured by the enemy. When I was a child, often I'd hear how the enemy sat on the front pew in church. I now realize the enemy has graduated himself to the pulpit. he has done this by teaching a different Jesus, manipulating the true word of God and many avenues to deceive humanity. The Lord precisely tells us not to make graven images, to worship Him only. My friend, it sounds like you have not been introduced to the true Saviour Jesus Christ. It is not by works, confessing to man our sin or any other means that we are redeemed. Jesus Christ is the only Way. As certain as I type this small message, I am witness to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Realize, He is a HOLY GOD and no flesh shall boast in His presence. Jesus Christ took on flesh in order to atone for the curse upon all humanity. There is no good in any human being, no matter our works, we can not be saved by anyone or anything but through belief that Jesus Christ poured out His life, set the captives free, (no such thing as purgatory), rose bodily from death (being the first fruits), preached among us, ascended to the Father and sent the Holy Ghost, whereby we are sealed unto that day. One has to realize their sin and one day they will face a Holy God. Will God see a person innocent without having true repentance of their sins and giving themselves completely to Christ? No, He will not. There is absolutely no reason we have to suffer eternal torment. Realize sin, truly repent,accept Jesus Christ.I pray 4U
  • MountHoreb - In Reply - 10 months ago
    Exodus 32:21,22,25,35

    1 Corinthians 15:33,34

    Acts 15:28,29; Exodus 26:1

    POINT: Revelation 22:6-9;

    Revelation 4:11
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 11 months ago
    Part 6.

    REVIEWING THE NEW TESTAMENT CONSIDERING PREMILLENNIAL AND AMILLENNIAL VIEW POINTS.

    In the previous section I left off discussing the council in Jerusalem mentioned in Acts 15:13-17 and Paul's writings in Romans 11:25.

    These verses is concerning what become of Israel and the Covenant promises while the Church age has begun.

    This tempts me to revisit the OT and usher in Daniel 9:24-27 at this junction but I will save that for now.

    The focus is on Gods future plans for Israel and the timing and location of the Kingdom reign of Christ.

    Some call it the Millennium reign or Millennium kingdom which can unfortunately confusing.

    Millennium is a Thousand years.

    That's just how long Satan will be chained.

    Christ reign is everlasting. We must no mistake the Millennium for eternity. There's still sin, chastening and death in the Millennium. Christ rule with a rod of iron. Eternity is entirely different.

    The Millennium is a time of testing.

    There's a final rebellion by Man after the Devil is loosed for a season.

    The statement in Acts 15:13-17 is drawn from Amos 9:11-12 which has been debated.

    Amillenarians sought to make this a contradiction of the premillennial point of view.

    It seems that "after these things I will return" refers to the return of Christ after the period of Gentile prominence which began in 606 B.C. and is destined to continue until the second coming. It is "after these things" judgment on Israel, their scattering, and discipline that Christ will return and build again the tabernacle or tent of David. The reference to the tent of David does not concern itself with any building but rather with the political power and sway which David had.

    Amos 9:14-15 debunks that,

    Especially verse 15. "And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God."

    It's bedtime for me.

    I will continue at a later time.

    God bless.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 11 months ago
    COMPARING PREMILLENNIAL AND AMILLENNIAL VIEW POINTS.

    By way of recap we're comparing the way these two groups interpret the scripture surrounding the Abrahamic and Davidic Covenants.

    Part 5.

    In Hosea 3:4-5. before the Babylonian captivity, it was predicted: "For the children of Israel shall abide many days without king or Prince...

    "Afterward SHALL THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days.

    Hosea 3:5

    Also;

    Amos 9:11.

    Zachariah 14:4.

    Zachariah 14:9.

    This of is not a contradiction of the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, but is a part of the same picture.

    and many more OT references.

    LET'S REVIEW THE NEW TESTAMENT.

    According to Luke 1:30-33 the angel Gabriel told Mary that she is to be the mother of Christ and Christ will reign on the throne of His father David over the house of Jacob.

    To Mary "the house of Jacob" could mean only one thing and that is the descendants of Jacob, namely, the twelve tribes of Israel.

    It seems the disciples and others anticipated much the same kind of a literal fulfillment.

    Matthew 19:28.

    Matthew 20:20-21.

    Luke 22:29-30.

    Acts 1:6-7. The disciples were still anticipating an earthly kingdom and hoped for its immediately.

    Christ did not say that their hope was vain and that there was not going to be a literal fulfillment. He replied: "It is not for you to know the times or seasons, which the Father hath set within his own authority."

    But He directs their attention to the immediately task before them, and to the power of the Holyspirit Spirit and proclaim the Gospel to the whole world.

    Now this is where the line is drawn from dealing with Israel until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

    Confirming verses at the council in Jerusalem in Acts 15:13-17.

    More on this later.

    God bless.
  • S Spencer - 11 months ago
    Hi Giannis.

    Part 1

    In part 1 you gave me Luke 1:17 and stated, "This means that another part of John's ministry was to teach Hebrews to clean their heart by preaching them to obey God's commandments. I would have to disagree with you on that.

    No one could keep the law therefore it couldn't make you clean. Acts 15:5-10. Romans 8:3. Galatians 3:10-14.

    You also referred me to Luke 3:7-18. Notice vs 9) "And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire. They couldn't bare fruit! Israel was a degenerate vine.

    Jeremiah 2:20-21. Matthew 21:42-44. In contrast to that Jesus is the genuine vine. John 15:1-2.

    John was preparing the way for someone to do what the Law couldn't do. and that's Christ.

    John's baptism was to turn the Jews "The lost sheep of Israel" to Christ and yet he says there comes one who will give a baptism that exceeds his that brings us to Jesus.

    Now John says he must decrease, and Jesus must Increase. Now we have the beginning of Jesus ministry in which he came for the lost sheep of Israel. Due to blindness, they denied there king so as Paul says salvation has come to the Gentiles. That brings us to Pentecost. Here's a predominantly mostly if not all Jewish beginning of the Church. Here is where baptism of the Holyspirit begins and this is where the Spirit of God baptize Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ and water baptism is a ritual way for you to display what the Spirit of God has already done once you TRULY believed.

    So, the obedience is for you to show by display who and what you believe in. It's the faith of Christ that initiates your belief which leads to Salvation.

    See part 2.
  • Giannis - In Reply - 11 months ago
    Part 6

    Assurance of salvation, cont...

    As I said Paul was very careful and strict when he was selecting his partners in the ministry. He once didn't want with Him Mark(the Evangelist who wrote one of the gospels, he was also apostle Peter's nephew) because Mark left him and Barnabas in a trip to Cyprus. and that was the reason he separated himself from Barnabas ( Acts 15:37-40). So Demas wasn't an ordinary, loose christian. He was one of the best for that ministry. But like Judas, he let his heart deceive him and loved the world more than God. What happened to him? We don't really know but Paul never mentioned Demas in his epistles any more, so he never returned, at least as long as Paul was alive.

    And there are more stories in the Gospel about people who never finished their courses. And they didn't get the prize of the eternal life. Tomorrow I am going to deal with some other people who lost their salvation. Ananias and Sapphira. Also with people in the Old Testament.

    The Bible warns us in 1 Peter 5:8, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:". Devour? The devil? Us, believers? But isn't our salvation secured, as some say?
  • TammyC - In Reply on Leviticus 11 - 1 year ago
    In Acts 15:29 it says that the Gentiles would observe "That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled" concerning food. But Gentiles were not told to observe the other ordinances concerning food. I hope that answered your question. God bless.
  • Free - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Beloved Linda on Genesis 3 all is clean the Lord has cleansed all. Here in Acts 11:1-18

    If we change God's word one small sentence and do not get light on the word with the Holy Spirit. Will everything we create becomes confusion. You see today, many issues come up about food. Which is not Divine at all. The apostles did not understand this either when they made a new rule here: The meeting of the Apostles in Jerusalem Acts 15:6-21

    Stay close to the word og God, Jesus is there, love u in Christ. Merry Christmas eat all food in Jesus holy name, Amen
  • GiGi on Leviticus 17 - 1 year ago
    Leviticus 17 continued.

    The prohibition of consuming blood was reiterated at the council in Jerusalem in Acts 15 for both Jew and Gentile. So, this law is still in effect for believers. To me, I just trust that God's reasons for this commandment are for my benefit, so it is easy to obey this. I choose to eat meat that is medium done with no blood seeping from it.

    Interesting that in John Ch. 6 Jesus says that unless one eats His flesh and drinks His blood one cannot have eternal life. This was greatly disturbing to the religious leaders and most of the Jews that heard these words. Most left off of following Him after this discourse. But the apostles stayed with Him even though this command was quite incredulous for them and the thought of cannibalizing Jesus (as they interpreted His words) was very offensive to them. Yet, they stayed and at a later time grew to understand what Jesus was speaking about here. The Last Supper was the time when Jesus instituted Communion using bread and wine to be as His body and blood of the New Covenant that was cut and sealed by His shed blood and the sacrifice of His body for the sins of the world for the forgiveness of sins.

    The last section of this chapter speaks of regulations concerning eating animals that have died a natural death (not from disease) or torn apart by a beast. They were again prohibited from eating any of it blood and if they did eat the flesh, they would need to bathe themselves and be unclean until the evening.

    God took the shedding of any blood from any creature He had made a serious matter, not so much prohibited, but that since sins must be covered by the shedding of blood, His people should be careful to be respectful of the animals they slaughter for food or for sacrifice.

    In 1 Cor. 11:17-34 Paul gives instructions on partaking in Communion in church worship. His words emphasize the respect and honor we are to give to this ordinance as in we are partaking of the body and blood of Jesus in fellowship
  • S Spencer - 1 year ago
    Who ARE YOU? 2 Corinthians 5:17!

    You cannot approach God in your natural birth! You are still in Adam and all ethnic groups have to come to God by the blood of the cross. John 14:6.

    Salvation didn't come by genealogy religion or ethnic group Salvation didn't come by anything Adam had to offer. Salvation came by the seed of the woman that's Christ.

    There's your new birth.

    If you belong to any ethnic group, religion, church or political party, without Christ you will be told I never knew you.

    Matthew 7:21-23.

    Abraham was asked to leave his father's pagan land and was promise a land flowing with milk and honey. In Hebrews it says this is the new Jerusalem. Hebrews 11:8-10.

    God said he will make a nation out of Abraham. (There is no value in the pagan land in which he came and there was no value in him when he came) He had to come to God by instrument of faith to receive grace, "as do we".

    We are the seed of Abraham and sons of God through faith.

    Salvation didn't come by the nation of Israel. The nation of Israel demonstrated there is no good thing in the flesh.

    God will put his spirit in Israel and Israel as a nation will be saved as we. Acts 15:8-11.

    There will be a new fold and One shepherd. John 10:16.

    God bless and good night.
  • Giannis - In Reply - 1 year ago
    No dear Baker, prophesing is not teaching. There are two types of prophets in New Testament.

    1. The gift of prophesing ( 1 Cor 12:7-11). A woman can have that gift and prophesy ( Acts 21:8-9). The gifts are given by the Holly Spirit. This gift has nothing to do with teaching, that is why in the next chapter ( 1 Cor 14:34) where Paul keeps talking about gifts, especially about speaking in tongues and prophesing, he forbids women to teach in the church. So prophesing has nothing to do with teaching (some churches have this specific belief).

    2. The ministry of prophet ( Ephesians 4:11), which is something different from the gift of prophesing described in Corinthians. In Acts 13:1-3 in the church there are both prophets and teachers, which means they are different ministries. All ministers, Apostles, Pastors, Evangelists, Teachers, Prophets(once more teachers and prophets are separate ministries) are males, we don't see any woman in that position in the Gospels. As written it is Jesus who appoints ministers in the church (not the Holly Spirit who gives the gifts). All ministers can teach in the church, as well. ( Acts 15:32).

    GBU
  • Richard H Priday - In Reply on Acts 1 - 1 year ago
    There is a scripture on not eating the blood ( Acts 15:20). That fits into the lifeblood concept from the O.T. It also discusses animals that are strangled. Therefore; we should not seek to eat meat that is "Hallal" meat in my estimation as it is done purposely by slowly killing an animal. I would say in principle that due to conscience there are certain food establishments that are notoriously cruel to animals and for a good testimony and witness it is good not to consume those meats. These things have changed over the years. The main thing; of course is not to eat anything around people who are having some sort of sacrificial idol worship by killing animals (again usually in a very brutal tortuous way as is the case with certain cults).

    Other than this; the verses describing Peter's experience with the sheet being laid down from heaven with all sort sof unclean beasts has the bigger purpose involving the Gentiles being now the recievers of God's blessings (specifically starting with Cornelious and his household). These O.T. laws involved ceremonial law which the new covenant changed. Nonetheless it appears that in the Millennium there will be certain things once again in that arena; I would say because it is the only way mortal men will be able to live in the direct presence of Christ and US; the glorified saints who rule and reign with him at that time. That would explain reinstituting in that time the sacrifices as a reminder of what Christ did. I would tend to think in eternity with all death (the enemy) gone that will not continue.

    The last thought of course is Corinthians where Paul tells us not to do anything to offend a weaker brother. That would also of course involve those who find in their belief certain things offensive (such as beef in a Hindu culture; pork among Jews and Muslims). FYI my aunt is vegetarian but doesn't have any apparent problem with those in the family ordering meat as long as it isn't in HER food. So exceptions occur.
  • S Spencer - In Reply - 1 year ago
    Hi Sinrpaul.

    Preachers are to preach the gospel.

    Preaching the rapture doesn't bring salvation. The Good news is the message of the cross.

    We should be Preaching consequences of sin if we don't accept Christ as Lord and savior.

    I engage in discussions on eschatology to show the Lord is going to make good on his promises to Israel. And those unfulfilled promises will be fulfilled in the Millennium. Also the Church and Israel are distinctive.

    Acts 15:14-16. Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

    And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written,

    "AFTER THIS" I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up:

    Romans 11:25. For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

    Revelation is a climax of what you studied in the 65 other books.

    If you don't have some understanding on those books you won't have much understanding on eschatology.

    Gid bless.
  • GiGi again - In Reply on Acts 21 - 1 year ago
    Hello Ronald,

    I am not wishing to debate either. Thank you for your input.

    I read last night in Acts 15:6-11. Peter says that God had chosen him to preach to the Gospel to the Gentiles so that they would believe. He went on to say that God gave the Gentiles the Holy Spirit just as He had done for them in Jerusalem. So, apparently, Peter was preaching the Gospel to Gentiles before he knew Paul.

    My point is that it is wise to avoid hard and fast views concerning how the Gospel spread nor when the church began because I think that God is the only One who truly knows what He did in those days, as He builds the church and chosen whom will preach the Gospel and where.

    We have the book of Acts an the writings of Paul, Peter, John, James, and Jude to reveal some information about the church in the 1st century A.D. But this is not a running history that includes the work of all the other apostles, nor the others of the 120 who were in the room at Pentecost. if we did, we would know better how things transpired. Since Scripture does not include a full account of the workings of the church at this time, perhaps we can be satisfied that the Word of God concerning the Gospel of Jesus was spread throughout the known world during that century by Jesus' apostles and disciples as well as from Believer to those in their sphere of influence. That is the important matter, in my opinion. When the apostles became apostles or began their work or when the church truly began are somewhat peripheral matters to me. But since there is this discussion on these topics, we can share what the Scriptures say about this to one another and share what we learned from them.

    I appreciate your instruction to me. It helps me.
  • Ronald Whittemore - In Reply on Acts 21 - 1 year ago
    Hey GiGi,

    I agree the gospel that the apostles taught was the same as did Paul. What Peter stood up and said in Acts 2 is the same with one difference, they had not yet been told to carry it to the Gentiles. They were still under the command to go only to the lost sheep of Israel, Matt. 10:5-7.

    My understanding, you may disagree with but may want to check out, that there was a prophecy that was not fulfilled. The saying to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. The time had not come to cut off the branch. The Church started all Jews/house of Israel.

    Many places this prophecy at the end time but my studies show me it has been fulfilled, Jesus during the first 3.5 years and Jesus through His apostles during the last 3.5 years. It is Daniel 9:27, the apostles could not go to the Gentiles until the last 3.5 years of the 70th week of the prophecy was fulfilled, confirming the covenant to Daniel's people, (the house of Israel). I know you may say you don't agree but check it out.

    Stephen was killed and when he was killed Acts 7:54-60, in vs 57 they stopped their ears (total rejection of Jesus) and drove out of Jerusalem all the believers in Jesus except the apostles. Saul/Paul was instructed by Jesus to go to the Gentiles, in Acts 9, Peter had his dream, in Acts 10, and the confirming the covenant with the house of Israel was fulfilled.

    We see in Acts the transition that the apostles went through, like Acts 15. The gospel was the same, but the apostles had not been told it is for the Gentiles also, it took time to accept Jew and Gentile has been made in Jesus one new man, Eph. 2:15.

    I hope this makes sense, love you.

    God bless,

    RLW
  • Frank Bush on Acts 21 - 1 year ago
    I would be interested in you opinion concerning verses 17-25.This was well after the Jerusalem council Acts 15 and Galations 2 when the Jewish Council gave Paul and Barnabas their blessing to continue to preach the Gospel of Grace to the Gentiles (with some Jewish exceptions.) With this uproar while Paul was explaining to James how his Gospel of Grace was succeeding in Gentiles being saved, it seems that many Jews were not convinced that he was preaching their Gospel of believing and keeping the Law of Moses.

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