Acts Chapter 1 Discussion Page 3

I like hearing it read to me

It really does not matter it was a way of choosing number 12 . thanks for the info. .

Joseph,

It would be similar to drawing straws. Acts 1:26 says that they put forth lots. They cast lots. Casting lots was a very popular method used in those days. There are two ways. One way is you put a bunch of marbles in a bag, especially black marbles, and you put one white marble in and whoever pulls the white marble out, that's the one that's chosen for whatever activity you're doing.

Another one is to put names on rocks and put them in a basket and somebody reaches in and pulls a rock out with somebody's name on it. This is called the casting of lots. It's kind of like our drawing straws.

And they cast lots and the lot fell upon Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

This is how they made decisions in those days to find out what the Lord wanted. Remember the priest? In the Old Testament, he had that pocket and there were two stones. One stone meant yes and one stone meant no. Whenever a question came up, he pulled the stone out and whatever was written on the stone would be the answer. That's the only way they could know!

And then you have Luke Chapter 1 with Zacharias? When all the priests gathered together for their function for that week, all the priests would pull marbles out of this bag and the one that drew the white marble gets to burn incense in the Holy of holies.

They drew lots ? What are drawing lots ? Like drawing straws ?

Revelation 2:4

Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love (Jesus).

It means return to your first love when you First met Jesus. Tell him you've grown cold. Tell him you've entertained other loves. Repent to your God for not loving him as he deserves. He stands ready to forgive and restore. Your High Priest will sympathize with you, therefore, "Let us come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" ( Hebrews 4:16, KJV).

Amazingly, God calls us to return to where we once fell. He does not call us to make up for lost time and be a mile ahead of where we used to be. He calls us back to that fresh fire of love towards him and neighbors. It is a call to action. It is a call to return to the habits of grace. It is a command to keep ourselves in the love of God ( Jude 21).

Chell,

That is a great question. I would also like to know the answer to that because I am not sure what the answer is. I know what baptism is and what it represents, but as far as who can do the actual baptism, I hope someone can give an answer to that.

I do know that baptism has been around long before the church came into existence. There are several different rules today on how to conduct baptisms. But in the old days, before the church was in existence, the person being baptized was the only one who went into the water.

The other person performing the baptism did not go into the water. That person was just there as a witness to make sure the person being baptized was fully submerged in the water. Even if a single hair was sticking up out of the water, they would have to do it all over again.

Hopefully, someone can give a little more clarification on whether or not a woman can be a witness!

Is it biblically proper for a child to be baptized by their mother? Is it biblical to be baptized by a woman?

To add to your point even more, you'll notice those who are celebrating Easter, are actually the ones killing the Christians

Acts 12:4

1"Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church."

2"And he killed James the brother of John with the sword."

3"And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.)"

4"And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people."

Good point Richard. And I would encourage all Christians to take it one step further, and not celebrate it at all; as we don't want to put stumbling blocks in front of witches (we don't want them to see Christianity as just another form of paganism); I think the same principle of meats offered to idols would apply:

1 Corinthians 10

28"But if any man say unto you, This is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that shewed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof:"

29"Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience?"

...

32"Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:"

33"Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved."

1 Corinthians 10:14

"Wherefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry."

We also don't want to wound other Christians who would see us participate in such a thing;

1 Corinthians 8

"10For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;

11And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

12But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.

13Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

What is so sad the world has such a grip; people do not even take the time to read, much less study the Bible. They put their souls in the hands of man and walk blind and deaf. Many live in a routine, listen to feel good sermons taking the word of a wolf in sheep's clothing.

They called it the resurrection day which now is called Easter. It was on the Feast of First Fruits one of the three Feasts they were required to have in Jerusalem. It was the first day after the Sabbath following Passover, it was in the middle of the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Now it has no relation to that day.

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

May the scriptures with the guidance of the Holy Spirit lead our way. Ron

"The goodness of God leads to repentance" Romans 2:4

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" Matthew 1:21

4 parts total of these Grace of God verse inspirations by some of my brethren.

Good note Jesse. As it is sad to hear. We must be vigilant to spot false prophets/teachers.

Just as I would like to elaborate on the word Easter. As you may know. The word "Easter" is only used one time in the Bible in Acts 12:4. From the same Greek word that denotes "passover" 28 times in the NT. The word Easter actually comes from a pagan goddess named "Eostre". Inserted by the Chaldean/RC church.

Learning this I myself don't use the word "Easter" anymore.

Hopefully this information may help spread the truth.

God Bless.

Amen Chris,

With teachings like that, I just pray that those under his ministry will see the error!

"For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgement and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses: of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengenance belongeth to me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" Hebrews 10:26-31

"We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive the grace of God in vain" 2 Corinthians 6:1

"I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth" Genesis 6:7

"But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord" Genesis 6:8

"Thou shall not Kill" Exodus 20:13

"Thou shall not commit adultery" Genesis 20:14

"An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever" Deuteronomy 23:3

"and Ruth the Moabitess.." Ruth 1:22

"Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy" Romans 9:18

"..ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ" Jude 1:4

"Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Romans 6:1-2

"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey: whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" Romans 6:16

"the soul that sinneth , it shall die" Ezekiel 18:14

That was very sad to read, Jesse. And this type of belief & twisting of God's Word is becoming increasingly prevalent as supposed men of God weaken the "offence of the Cross" making it 'more palatable' to their congregants & the world. They have more regard to their own position & acceptability than to the destiny of Christ-less souls.

"This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears" Luke 4:21

"Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To day, after so long a time; as it is said, To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts" Hebrew 4:7

"Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation" 2 Corinthians 6:2

"How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation." Hebrews 2:3

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you" 2 Corinthians 9:8

"The goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance" Romans 2:4

"Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" Ephesians 2:19-20

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that these ye might be partakers of the divine nature" 2Peter 1:4

"For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" Titus 2:11-14

"the spirit of grace and supplications" Zechariah 12:10

"For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing" Romans 7:18

"But by the grace of God I am what I am" 1 Corinthians 15:10

"This is the true grace of God wherein ye stand" 1Peter 5:12

"Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" Revelation 2:10

"He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" Matthew 24:13

"See that ye abound in this grace" 2 Corinthians 8:7

"Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" 2Peter 3:18

"For God resisteth the proud and giveth grace to the humble." 1 Peter 5:5

"for in the day thou eatest thereof thereof thou shall surely die" Genesis 2:16-17

"by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men" Romans 5:12

"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?..." 1 Corinthians 6:9

"But your iniquities have separated between you and you God" Isaiah 59:2

"the wages of sin is death" Romans 6:23

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die" Ezekiel 18:4

"shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death" Revelation 21:8

"And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire" Revelation 20:14-15

"For God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" John 3:16

"And all things are lf God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ...To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them" 2 Corinthians 5:18-19

"Grace and truth came by Jesus Christ" John 1:17

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" Ephesians 2:8

"But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ" Ephesians 2:13

"and washed us from our sins in his own blood" Revelation 1:5

"the veil of the temple was rent in twain from top to bottom" Matthew 27:51

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" Ephesians 1:7

"In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature" Colossians 1:14-15

"But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" Romans 5:8

"And of his fulness have all received, and grace for grace" John 1:16

"But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by washing of regeneration of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to eternal life" Titus 3:4-7

"In keeping of them is great reward" Psalms 19:11

"Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good" Romans 7:12

"the law is spiritual" Romans 7:14

"Sin is the transgression of the law" 1 John 3:4

"Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them" Galatians 3:10

"The soul that sinneth, it shall die" Ezekiel 18:14

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse" Galatians 3:10

"weak through the flesh" Romans 8:3

"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight" Romans 3:20

"having no hope, and without God in the world" Ephesians 2:12

"But we are all as an unclean thing, and all of our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away" Isaiah 64:6

"We have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; as it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one...There is no fear of God before there eyes...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" Romans 3:9-23

"the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness" Romans 1:18

"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off" Romans 11:22

I just read this earlier today. This was posted online by someone who calls themselves a Pastor. Here is the actual quote:

"The meaning of Easter is more transcendent than the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Whether you are Christian or not, through a commitment to helping others we are able to save ourselves."

Now, I see two parts to this statement and I disagree with both. First of all, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the reason why we celebrate. Secondly, no matter how much we commit ourselves to helping others, we cannot save ourselves, period. If we could save ourselves by good works, we would not need a Savior!

This pastor in my opinion, who also happens to be a member of congress, would be considered a false prophet!

Makes sense. Thanks.

I believe that Matthew Henry was indicating that of the various discourses/sermons that are recorded in Acts, each of those messages is attributed to a particular individual & the message given according to the "occasion" that the speaker found himself in.

For example, Acts 2:14-36: the Apostle Peter is the preacher & his message was given to those who had heard what had happened at Pentecost & who wondered how these men could speak in their languages. Peter used that opportunity with all the Jews & others coming together in amazement at this news, to share God's Word to them & the Gospel.

Another example: Acts 22:1-21: the Apostle Paul is speaking to the chief captain of the guard & the people who gathered at Paul's arrest. His message was his testimony of his salvation & his calling. And as you know, there are many such examples of particular named speakers, their messages & the occasion of their proclamation.

Early in his commentary on the Acts, Matthew Henry says, "A large portion of the Acts is occupied by the discourses or sermons of various persons, the language and manner of which differ, and all of which will be found according to the persons by whom they were delivered..."

Please explain what is meant by "all of which will be found according to the persons by whom they were delivered."

I think Fod is moving through everything and I thank God for making the person that made this app. It means so much U

We are all in God's classroom, learning from Him (by His Spirit) & living out in the world what we have learned. Many have learned much with a head full of knowledge but little has filtered down to the heart & life. Your studies & observations are commendable & no doubt you will continually increase in the knowledge of the Word & your Saviour. The Scripture that is ever before me as I study the Word, is in 2 Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

I'm always aware that I need to compare Scripture with Scripture, understanding the reason & background of the Book, & how it applies to us in context of the Church, the Body of Christ. It's so easy to pick & choose verses & make it apply to some situation, without understanding the other verses in that chapter/book/whole Bible that are relevant. By doing this, we begin to stray from the Truth, start believing in the error & going deeper into error, making it worse & even preaching it. Many have become like Hymenaeus and Philetus, whose ministry became like a canker (a disease, a gangerous sore), who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection (of the dead) is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.

So thank you Steve for your thoughts & observations. May the Lord continue to bless you in your walk & increase your wisdom & understanding of His Holy Word.

There was a time in my life that i excepted what was told me , as the Gospel truth,, until i read the scripture for myself and realized i had the wright to ask questions that would cause me to be settled in my own mind, not only for the sake of my own conscience but for the edification of the church as a whole.... and all of a sudden it seemed as if someone had opened my eyes to a strange spirit... but as time went by i realized it was only strange because i didnt know that i was actually hearing the truth for the first time.

There are many places in the scripture that must be seen through the eyes of the Spirit of God..

for instance

I suddenly realized the Gospel is more than just believing in a Name Its understanding What that name means.

its more than John three sixteen, its the whole of the Old and the New covenant , we must STUDY TO SHOW OURSELVES APPROVED OF GOD,, WE MUST BE RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF OUR MINDS, WE MUST PUT OFF THE OLD MAN AND TAKE ON THE NEW, ITS CHRIST IN US THE HOPE OF GLORY.

We must Mortify the deeds of the body,, and except we are born again of

Water and of the spirit we cannot see the kingdom of God.

God allowed me to see that the Baptisms are separate and unique from each other ,, Water, Holy Ghost , and Fire each one has a purpose. They bring us into a personal relationship with Jesus and his Father. And above all we must understand the meaning of Charity . How it effects us and others in bringing the church into a pure and holy BRIDE OF CHRIST. This is just a summary of what i have considered ... all i know is i want to know the truth , for the scripture tells us the the truth shall MAKE US FREE,, FREE FROM WHAT , The lust of the flesh the lust of the eye and the pride of life. EVEN JESUS HAD TO LEARN OBIDIANCE BY THE THINGS HE SUFFERED... WHY SHOULD WE BE SO DIFFERENT . We are saved by grace THRUGH FAITH, and James tells us that faith without works is dead. there is so much more.

Very well said. I have great caution and fear of offending God with my own declarations to consider myself wise to know such things. But I love God and his mercy is beyond my own worthiness of his favor upon my life. I made peace with my lack of understanding with my blind faith in the laws given by Moses. So i don't debate the world but i will comfort the few who truly seek out the truth. My understanding is from my own experience and personal relationship with my God. The living God, my heart and soul is his gift .

I keep seeing the Great Awakening, but it keeps referring to Pleiadian Orion King. Who or what is this?

O, what great Scriptures you've shared: John 17:5, Isaiah 9:6, Revelation 1:8.

What does one have to do to those portions to make it mean anything different than expressed so clearly here? How can Jesus dare say that He enjoyed God's Glory in Himself even before His Incarnation & indeed, before the creation of the worlds?

I think, many just have to make Him out to be a liar, as any normal reading of those Scriptures, shed great Light on a wonderful, glorious Truth. The fact that our salvation is real & secure is dependent on God coming in the flesh, by His Word - any other sacrifice would not cut it - we would still be in our sins, we would still need a yearly offering, & we would be in a desperate mental & spiritual state not knowing if we'll make it to Heaven. The fact that God has done it & given of Himself, gives us great joy & peace, & confidence in the Lord. It's all of Him - nothing of us. Praise be to Him alone.

John 17:5 And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

When he was returned to his Glory he addresses his self the way he did in the old testament.

Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, (((THE MIGHTY GOD, THE EVERLASTING FATHER, THE PRINCE OF PEACE ))).

Can someone tell me why is the SON called the everlasting FATHER in Isaiah 9:6??

Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, ((THE ALMIGHTY!!))

Here is how Almighty is defined in Revelation:

Greek:

Transliteration: pantokratr

Pronunciation: pan-tok-rat'-ore

Definition: From G3956 and G2904; the all ruling that is God (as absolute and universal sovereign): - Almighty Omnipotent.

KJV Usage: Almighty(9x), omnipotent(1x).

Occurs: 10

In verses: 10

"" ME AND MY FATHER ARE ONE""

I agree with Adam that 1John 5:7 is truth and indisputable, in my view the Holy Ghost speaks to our conscience, that guilty feeling we get when we've done wrong, and as Christians he guides and convicts us to return back to the narrow road to the cross. In John 16 you'll notice that when Jesus talks of the Holy Ghost (Spirit of truth) he calls him, "he", and not it, because he is a separate being as in trinity (triune). In John 16:13 Jesus says that he will not speak of himself. The best description I've heard on the trinity was on one of Billy Graham's sermons, he described as in water, you have liquid, ice, and vapor, all three are different and separate forms but all are the same as in H2O. John chapters 14, 15, and 16 are good reads on the Comforter, (Holy Ghost)

I hope this helps

Ephesians Chapter 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.

John 14:26 "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."

John 16:13 "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come." 14 "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."