My last two posts were a general look at accuracy of historical and more recent information as seen through the media and historical accounts. A realistic view of the Bible sees it set apart as having all things necessary for instruction; rebuke; etc as 2 Timothy 3:16 states. We often use other sources such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs to fill in the details; and most of us have the idea that all but one of the original Apostles was martyred. The scripture only mentions James the brother of John killed in Acts 12:2. We can assess from the writings of Paul that he knew his time of departure was at hand; but Acts 28 stops short of his martyrdom. From Christ's words to Peter in John 21:18 as to his fate of martyrdom as well. Whether John in Revelation was boiled in oil unsuccessfully before his Patmos exile is not as far as I know proven.
Often we CAN read into what is not said in scripture. Jesus was basically left out of anything but a bare bones description of his time before His minstry began after John the Baptist baptised Him. I would imagine he was perfect in being a carpenter and all that it entailed but we just need to understand that He fulfilled the law perfectly in His life and ultimately His death.
When we look at Christ's personal prayer life in particular; we see that He knew the importance of withdrawing before certain events and praying all night at times; as He did before picking the Disciples; as well as fasting and prayer which He likely did both practices before upbraiding those who didn't remain proactive in general to be spiritually strong at the casting out of the demon in Matthew 17:21. We don't see ANY indication that any of the Apostles or Disciples prayed before the Resurrection. It doesn't prove it didn't happen but certainly indicates it was probably very deficient.
The Bible clearly does NOT put people but God on display. Even mourning for Moses had to end ( Joshua 1:2).
The writer of James is introduced to us in Verse 1. The Greek word for James is the Hebrew name for Jacob. There are four prominent people in the New Testament by the name of James. The first one is James, who with his brother John, are known as the sons of Zebedee. They are presented to us in Mark 1:19.
This James was put to death by Herod Agrippa as recorded in Acts 12:2. So he is not the writer of this letter. Secondly, there is James the son of Alphaeus. He is presented to us in Mark 3:18 as one of the disciples. We don't have any more information about James the son of Alphaeus.
The third one is presented to us in Luke 6:16 where we are told about Judas the son of James. This Judas in not Judas Iscariot. Since this James is the father of one of the disciples mentioned in Luke 6:16, he would have been too old or even dead by the time James was written therefore he cannot be the author.
Fourthly, James that is given to us in the New Testament and by tradition as well as scripture itself, it is presented to us as the writer of this letter. The tradition from Jerome, Augustine, and other writers says James the writer of the Letter of James is the half-brother of Jesus.
In Mathew 13:55, it tells us that Mary and Joseph, after the birth of Jesus Christ, gave birth to other children. There are four brothers mentioned along with sisters. James is listed first so he must have been the oldest.
John 7:5 tells us that during Jesus' earthly ministry, His earthly brothers were taunting Him and did not believe in Him.
I Corinthians 15:5 tells us that after Jesus died and rose from the dead, He appeared to James His brother, as well as the other disciples and His family, and they became believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Messiah.
Ronald this "simple one" is not so simple if we look deeper into it.
( Acts 12:3-4) v3 Tells us "he proceeded further to take Peter also (Then were the days of unleavened bread).
A look at ( Leviticus 23:5-6) v5 "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover". v6 "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread".
The 14th day is passover, THEN the 15th day starts the feast of unleavened bread for 7 days.
( Acts 12:3) "Then were the days of unleavened bread" this would have been the day ((AFTER)) passover when the feast of unleavened bread begins.
( Acts 12:4) "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".
In this verse Easter is still to come, so it came AFTER the feast of unleavened bread at that time, he's keeping him till after Easter. Passover is the day BEFORE the feast of unleavened bread begins.
Do you see this is not a mistake in translation? There are no mistakes in the KJB!
( John 14:23) The word (words) is #3056; it means something said ((including the thought)), Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) doctrine. (If a man love me, ((he will keep my words)) and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him) If we keep His Words then the Holy Spirit will lead us into All truth.
(Including the thought) How did He do this? In ( 2 Pet 1:19-21)
( Rev 1:3) "and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things ((which are written therein))". IT IS WRITTEN!
( Rev 22:7) "blessed is he that keepeth the (sayings) of the prophecy ((of this book))". WRITTEN IN A BOOK!
The word (sayings) is the same meaning as the word (words) above. Which says (including the thought) of Christ.
I agree with you the KJV is the best translation into English, but from one language to another at best, there will be errors. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to show us the meaning of what we read and study.
A simple one, it is like in Acts 12:4 James was killed, and Peter was put in prison and was probably going to be killed after Passover, but they used the word Easter for the Greek word Passover, which means Passover.
In context, it is clear it should be Passover, even if they were thinking the Romans and Greeks probably celebrated Easter they would not end at the same time. This is a wrong translation, but it is clear the meaning whether it says Easter or Passover.
God has preserved His word for us today and the Holy Spirit is sent to help us understand it as it is the exact words God inspired the writer to write.
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
The Gospel of Mark was written for the Roman mind, Gentiles, but specifically in Rome. Mark's gospel was written from the testimony of Peter. He writes to present Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Matthew was the Savior Messiah, Mark the Suffering Servant. Mark ends with the ascension.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In Acts 12:12, we are introduced to Mark. He's in Jerusalem. In fact, we are told that his name is John Mark. Most people in the scriptures that we're close to, that are presented in detail, they have two names. One is a Jewish name, and one is a surname, or a Roman name. John is his Jewish name. It is Yochanan. And Marcus is his Roman name. His name is John Mark.
His mother's name was Mary. And she evidently was a rich widow because in Acts Chapter 12, when Peter was released from prison and they were having a prayer meeting, and remember when he knocked on the door, or the gate, and one of female servants came and looked out and said, "It's Peter!" She ran back in and said, "Hey, Peter is at the door." They said impossible because he is in prison, so let's pray for him. She said, no its Peter, come here, come here!
We know she was rich because the house had a gate and the house had servants. Only rich people had these things back then. So, this woman was rich, and her name is presented as Mary, the mother of John Mark. It is believed that all away from Acts Chapter 2 through Chapter 12, the Christians met in the home of Mary, John Mark's mother. Many even believe it was the upper room in her home where the disciples met when the Holy Spirit came. So, we are first introduced to him in Acts Chapter 12 Verse 12.
These are but a tiny sampling of what God declares about His WORD, the BIBLE.
Psalms 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the WORDS of my mouth.
Psalms 119:151,152 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are TRUTH. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away.
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my WORDS in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke 1:1,2 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the WORD;
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the WORD of God, and keep it.
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS of eternal life.
Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the WORD of God and prevailed.
Acts 12:24 But the WORD of God grew and multiplied.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God.
Hi T. Levis. If I remember correctly, the enquirer, Herbert, had asked this same question in another thread, to which I had responded. And it was actually Acts 12:2,17 that he was referring to, i.e. the difference between James, brother of John and James, the Lord's brother.
Hi Herbert. Acts 12:2 speaks about James the brother of John (the disciple & apostle). In Acts 12:17, the James here is Jesus' brother ( Galatians 1:19).
Prayer (continued) I have seen a couple times how the Lord was able to be glorified in difficult marriage situations. One case involved a client where I used to be employed who was going through a divorce apparently from a very abusive man who wasn't seeking it but because of the pressure from her estranged husbnad was going through the proceedings. She asked to pray with me about it and I asked for God's will to be done. Eventually within a couple years the man passed from this earth unexpectantly. This lady demonstrated unconditional love toward this man despite what had been a long history of threatenings and troubles. Admittedly she seemed to have some issues of her own; but nonetheless it seems the prayer was answered according to His will.
The second situation involved an alcoholic husband who last summer was back into rehab after a relapse. It appears that he wasn't violent toward his wife; but nonetheless she requested prayer at the time. He also died shortly after with the damage to his liver. Her joyful countenance throughout these struggles that also involved other family members and grandchildren was a great demonstration of faith in difficult circumstances.
Sadly there are cases where tragic events happen even for those who we pray for regularly. There is no doubt; however that prayer affects things; most notably in scripture when prayer was given all night for Peter in jail in Acts 12:5-17. Of course that worked for Paul and Silas during their midnight prayer and praise as well in Acts 16. My point is that we may or may not know the results of those who we don't know or aren't present with physically; but we are like minded with those who are suffering for His Name's sake.
Of course in order to give thanksgiving for all things we need to have a TRUST in God that He works out all things for the good for those who LOVE HIM. ( Romans 8:28). That holds true to our death in whatever form He chooses.
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
Ronnette Part 2 Galatians 1 Only God can explain this well.Glory to God! on Galatians 1:16 - 2 years ago
Galatians 1:19 Paul did not see any other apostles but James the brother of Jesus. Now read on and absorbed what God revealed to us. There is a reason why this verse is important. Other Scholars said that the Book of James was written by James the brother of Jesus. How could that be? The message in James was that faith without works is dead James 2:20 & James 2:26. How can you explained the opposition on Pauls messages Ephesians 2:8-9? It is because the author of James is James the brother of John the sons of Zebedee. That James was killed by King Herod Acts 12:2 about 44 AD or CE. He was not seen by Paul after Paul went to Arabia. That James had written the book of James before James died to tell the 12 tribes what is about to happened in the tribulation ( my opinion after the church age will be raptured) James 1:1. If this was written by James the brother of Jesus, he would have not contradicted what he heard from Paul because he saw Paul right after Paul went to Arabia Galatians 1:17-19. The second part of 2 Timothy 2:15 we are not ashamed to tell all that we must rightly divide the word of truth. Know the physical and spiritual messages of God. It is only revealed when you trust Jesus and not yourself. If you do not rightly divide you will be confuse of your salvation. We are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Amazing God we have. I glorify God by telling you this revelation. I please only God and not men. My life is a true testament of God's glory. Who has the mind of God Romans 11:33-36, 1 Corinthians 2:15-16. My brothers and sisters in Christ, if you are a leader in church, let the Spirit of God speaks to you..Take, I pray thee, my blessing that is brought to thee; because God hath dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough. And he urged him, and he took it. Genesis 33:11. But he said, As the LORD liveth, before whom I stand, I will receive none. And he urged him to take it; but he refused.
Does Satan have the authority to take away life? I believe that only God gives & takes away life. In Satan's domain (i.e. outside the Church to which a sinning believer might be sent), pain & destruction may well be the physical demise of the believer, to the end that his "spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
Re: "untimely death". I mean that a life was shortened because of God's action against sin. We see this in many instances in the OT & NT, & especially that we have already mentioned Ananias & Sapphira ( Acts 5); 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; Acts 12:21-23.
Re: Hebrews 10:26,27 & we can add, Hebrews 6:4-6 as well; these verses have been discussed previously by bro Jesse & myself & too long to deal with here.
Re: Acts 21:20. All I can see from this limited detail, is that the Church (the Jewish component), hadn't properly dealt with the separation of the Law & the liberty they ought to have enjoyed in Christ. Much like today, when those coming out of other religions or cults, might take a long time to understand & resolve matters that have been indoctrinated deep into their minds. The fact that the Jerusalem council seemed to understand & accept this matter didn't warrant them to address it. However, Paul always did & was taken to task for doing so.
I hope I've addressed the points you raised, brother. I know we will see these things differently, but I hope you can also see how I understand it: the Lord knows His children & they have been brought into His family by His indwelling Spirit. Does God make an error in doing so? Or, are His children secure in Him & when they err, His correction done in love, will always bring us back into fellowship. If it doesn't do so, then, speaking personally, I would have to question my salvation, that it was merely a mental or emotional assent given, without a true change in heart & spirit. And that's the only way I can understand some of these difficult, apparently contentious, Scriptures. Every blessing.
The time frame of the book of Acts, appears to be many years. Starting right about the time of the Resurrection of Jesus CHRIST. Please note Acts 1, Acts 2, - Acts 4:34-35, shows time passage, because those events cannot be done in one day, but over time. Acts 7, young man Saul, Acts 8,
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Hello John. We are not specifically told where James was when he wrote this epistle, but we do know that he was a recognized leader in the Jerusalem Church ( Acts 12:17; Acts 15:13; Acts 21:18 are verses alluding to James' position there). So it can be assumed, without certainty of course, that James penned this letter from Jerusalem & directed his message to the "twelve tribes scattered abroad" ( James 1:1), since he was already in Jerusalem.
This prophetic psalm shows Judas Iscariot and all the evil to befall him and his descendants.
Note the first couple verses where prayer and a general attitude of love was shown (Christ until the end had him as a "trusted friend" ( Psalm 41:9). The curses on the wicked indeed can affect generations in the future (v. 10). Satan himself; in fact entered Judas after the sop was offered and at that point Jesus told him to do what he had planned quickly. When we look at verse 6; we are also reminded of the nation of Israel as a whole ( John 5:43). They will accept Antichrist with Satan at his "right hand" as Revelation states. Verse 18 speaks of another verse about Judas mentioned in Acts 1:18 and detailed in the Gospel of Matthew when he fell off the rope he hung himself with. We are also reminded of the situation of Acts 12:23 with Herod; and other verses where similar ailments took away the wicked.
From verse 20 on; we of course can apply similar logic with David's situation as the Son of David; namely Christ Himself. Verse 28 seems to refer to the Resurrection of the wicked (when they rise); as every knee shall bow; every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father in Philippians 2:10-11; but also in Isaiah and many other books of scripture as well.
We must look to Deuteronomy to understand that God still blesses the "thousands" that call on His name; despite generational banishment and curses for the disobedience and sin actions of ancestors ( Deut. 5:9-10). This chapter though shows how someone can be called AND chosen; albeit with the foreknowledge that they would be of the Devil from the beginning. This was of course to fulfill prophecy; but also God uses the enemy to buffet servants such as Job and Paul to accomplish His purposes. Let us not ascribe to such behavior ourselves! Surely we do not understand all His ways; nor forsee how all things for those who LOVE Him turn out for the good ( Romans 8:28).
The concept here appears to be doing things to be seen of men. The word "reward" can be taken as the consequences of our actions; heaped up ( Psalm 91:8). This is; according to that passage so bad that we will only see it from afar. We reap what we sow; whether to the flesh or the Spirit ( Galatians 6:7-9). What is considered honorable among me is an abomination to God ( Luke 16:15-16). Our prayers are to be in secret; so that we can be seen in Matthew 6:6 that our reward is from God Himself.
This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).
Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P
"When I was a child I understood as a child" - In Reply - 2 years ago
Easter, a name for the celebration of Ishtar, the Assyrian and Babylonian goddess of fertility and sex. After Constantine decided to Christianize the Empire, Easter was changed to represent Jesus. But at its roots, Easter (which is how you pronounce Ishtar) is all about celebrating fertility and sex.
Ishtar(ProperNoun) A goddess of fertility, love, sex and war. In the Babylonian pantheon, she was the divine personification of the planet Venus. Assyrian and Babylonian counterpart to the Sumerian Inanna and to the cognate northwest Semitic goddess Astarte. Pagan goddess
"Eostre".
But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. "Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and that's why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox."
Passover is the Christian equivalent to the pagan Holiday of Easter. The word "Easter" (or its equivalents) appear in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4. This passage refers to Herod killing John, the brother of James. Peter was to be next, so Peter was put in prison until after the pagan holiday of Easter (for Jews & Christians, the Passover). That's the night the Angel of the Lord broke Peter out of prison!
The holiday commonly known as Easter, in spite of obvious differences, derives from the Jewish festivity the Torah calls "Pesach", also known as "Passover", an eight days-long celebration of the ancient Israelites liberation from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent exodus.
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, a seven-day span that culminates the day before Easter Sunday.
Mishael: Google all these names. There's many cultures and religions vying for the same day. For Christians, we should observe Passover; as Jesus did. Explain it to the kids. Most just want a basket of candy. Make a pan of Kraft Fudge. Recipe back of jar.
The Apostle Paul ( Romans 1:1), who was originally named Saul ( Acts 7:58) of Tarsus ( Acts 22:3), but eventually became known as Paul ( Acts 13:9), dictated the letter to Tertius ( Romans 16:22). The account of most of what is known about his life story was written about by Luke in the Book of Acts. Acts 7:58-60, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 9:1-31, Acts 11:25-30, Acts 12:24-25, Acts 13 to Acts 28.
The Apostle Paul is recognized as the author of most of the Epistles (Apostolic letters) in the New Testament, which include Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Some also consider him the author of Hebrews, but the authorship of that book is not known for sure.
1. Yes I believe in some ways our faith may be considered more complicated because they being with Jesus " physically " John 3:12, John 14:11, yet scripture says : 2 Chronicles 20:20, we have so many accumulated testimonies, prophecy fulfilled, the written WORD of GOD from many generations past in many ways we have all that to help build upon our faith. Then we have personal experiences & witness of miraculous events in our present days & years. I believe it's powerful to see the biblical text, New & Old Tstm & imagine the future with the stacked testimonies & understanding time accumulates more information. When the days of tribulation come the stacked accounts with all scripture will be that much bigger. GOD is amazing. I realized the other day the wealth of faith building information at our reach. I told a young man, "Yes, these days are difficult but we have so much to draw from". & GOD in HIS infinite wisdom gives each generation what they need. Romans 10:17, John 20:29,
2. Luke 23:43, I guess it applies to today to yes prove "nothing is impossible with GOD" Luke 1:37, & possibly to encourage us that it's not too late to repent, in dying moment.
Next. (?) Interesting observation. Matthew 4:12, Matthew 23:37, GOD gives people many chances to do good. Mark 6:20, Mark 6:19-31, read though, Mark 6:32-46, did Jesus even take time to mourn? It seems HE went to take a moment, yet compassion moved HIM to minister.
At 1st read I had thought you asked about Peter & Paul comparison of Peter released & Paul was not, also same "(charges) Acts 12:5-17, Acts 21:30-40, - Acts 22, - Acts 23, - Acts 24, - Acts 25, - Acts 26, - Acts 27,-, Acts 28,
My emotion would want to say "all chains are evil" however Mark 5:3-20, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4,
GOD uses all for good , Psalms 105:17-25, Romans 8:28-30, while Paul was in prison he wrote letters that became an important part of our HOLY Bible today.
Recently, I was pondering in my mind with the LORD about this account & I knew there would be a discussion about this. For some of us it's easier to fight, much more difficult to submit to circumstances beyond our control; especially when it's unjust. I relate with Peter. I was thinking how Peter had come to the realization the Jesus was the CHRIST, MESSIAH. Jesus had just said : Luke 22:27-30.
Is there much more knowledge we're supposed to get from this?
Luke 22:36, Luke 22:38, 2 swords enough? Do you think Jesus was being literal or testing them? Do you feel the act of aggregation saved the Disciples? John 18:8-9, ( I've thought that) but look at: John 18:10. "Then._." it seems to be after Jesus had already set their pardon.
Luke 22:40,42, Luke 22:43-46, Matthew 26:36-44, Mark 14:33-39, Zechariah 13:7, ( Mark 14:27 , Matthew 26:56 )
Matthew 16:15-27,
* Mark 14:27, offended? Matthew 26:33-35,
Mark 14:42-50, Luke 22:47-51, John 18:10-11, Matthew 26:50-52, Were they offended because Jesus didn't fight, nor let them? after He had said to get swords? Would we be offended if Jesus healed our enemy, we thought we were defending Him from? Then rebuke them/Peter or us openly? John 18:6, Matthew 26:53,
Luke 22:54, John 18:15, Why did Peter follow? Luke 22:33, Where is our strength? In our flesh & resolve, or GOD & HIS will?
Mark 14:29-31,
Luke 22:55-62,
Matthew 10:17-22, Matthew 10:28-34,
Acts 12:1-12,
Romans 8:34-39,
Ephesians 6:10-18,
Do you think it was much easier to fight? Matthew 26:41, Luke 22:32,
Hello Helen. If I may first give you a little bit of this particular king's history so you can understand it better.
There are two King Agrippas seen in the Bible, both part of the Herod family, however, six Herods are revealed to us in the New Testament; the Herods were Idumeans/Edomites.
King Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great; he ruled over Judea and Samaria. Agrippa I is the "King Herod" who killed James and imprisoned Peter ( Acts 12:1-3).
The son of Agrippa I was King Herod Agrippa II, & was also known as Julius Marcus Agrippa; he was the brother of Bernice and Drusilla and heard Paul's defence of the gospel in Acts 26. Agrippa II had quite a lot of power in Jewish religious affairs, for he had been given custodianship of the temple and the authority to appoint the high priest. So, the Agrippa you read of in Acts chapter 26, is King Agrippa II. Hope that answers your question.
Acts 12:1-4 says that King Herod killed James and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he had Peter arrested. Acts 12:3 says that Herod took Peter DURING the DAYS OF UNLEAVENED BREAD intending to bring him forth to the people AFTER Easter.
According to the Old Testament, the DAY OF PASSOVER started the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread." ( Leviticus 23:5,6) The Day Of Passover began in the evening on the 14th day of the first month, and the Feast Of Unleavened Bread began on the 15th day of the same month.
Scripture is clear: the days of unleavened bread follow the Passover. "And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten." Numbers 28:16-17
Acts 12:3 says that Peter was arrested and imprisoned DURING the "days of unleavened bread", which means that the day of Passover had ALREADY occurred.
"Easter" could not have been Passover, because Passover always occurs BEFORE the days of unleavened bread. The Scripture says that the Passover had come and gone. Acts 12:4 says that Herod was "intending after Easter to bring him [Peter] forth to the people." According to Acts 12:1-4, Passover had occurred, but Easter had not yet occurred. Herod was waiting until after Easter had occurred to bring Peter forth to people.
Acts 12:1-4 clearly says that Herod had arrested and killed James during the Feast Of Unleavened Bread, which meant that the Passover had occurred. We know that James was taken and killed by Herod during the days of unleavened bread, and that Herod was planning to kill Peter after Easter, which had not come yet. Bottom line: the KJV translators got it right. Easter's correct, Passover's a mistranslation in ALL modern Bible versions.
Jesse, The crux of my argument is that the translating of the Scripture has been done by the 47 translators of the King James Bible. God's written word is preserved in the KJV. I also contend that today's Greek and Hebrew scholars do not possess the knowledge that the 47 KJV translators possessed when they translated the Greek and Hebrew words into English. Your "scholarship" in the Greek doesn't measure up to the scholarship possessed by any one of the 47 translators. In their time they were the best of the best. I seriously doubt that you would be considered among the best of the best, even by today's standards, in our time. You ask how looking up words in the Greek and Hebrews causes confusion when you have an example right in front of your face. We both gave definitions for sanctification; mine came from looking at the Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language and the English definition; yours came from looking at the Greek word HAGIOS and its definition in Greek. The definition I gave for the sanctification, you're not going to find in the Greek. But your definition, set apart, was the second definition in Webster's. I chose because because Scripture teaches that God does the sanctifying in believers. Another better example of the confusion created by consulting the Greek is the word "Easter" in Acts 12:4 in the KJV. The ignorant argue that it's a mistranslation of the Greek word "pascha" and should it be translated as "passover." The Greek word "pascha" is used for both passover and Easter, so consulting the Greek offers no solution to question: Was Herod was referring to Easter in Acts 12:4 ort the Jewish passover? The answer is revealed in the Scripture. BTW, the KJV translators were right to translate pascha as Easter, and not as passover. Another problem for the smarter-by-half Greek geeks is the word love. The most common words for love in Greek are agape, eros, philia and storge, and philia and agape are the words that appear (cont)
My last two posts were a general look at accuracy of historical and more recent information as seen through the media and historical accounts. A realistic view of the Bible sees it set apart as having all things necessary for instruction; rebuke; etc as 2 Timothy 3:16 states. We often use other sources such as Foxe's Book of Martyrs to fill in the details; and most of us have the idea that all but one of the original Apostles was martyred. The scripture only mentions James the brother of John killed in Acts 12:2. We can assess from the writings of Paul that he knew his time of departure was at hand; but Acts 28 stops short of his martyrdom. From Christ's words to Peter in John 21:18 as to his fate of martyrdom as well. Whether John in Revelation was boiled in oil unsuccessfully before his Patmos exile is not as far as I know proven.
Often we CAN read into what is not said in scripture. Jesus was basically left out of anything but a bare bones description of his time before His minstry began after John the Baptist baptised Him. I would imagine he was perfect in being a carpenter and all that it entailed but we just need to understand that He fulfilled the law perfectly in His life and ultimately His death.
When we look at Christ's personal prayer life in particular; we see that He knew the importance of withdrawing before certain events and praying all night at times; as He did before picking the Disciples; as well as fasting and prayer which He likely did both practices before upbraiding those who didn't remain proactive in general to be spiritually strong at the casting out of the demon in Matthew 17:21. We don't see ANY indication that any of the Apostles or Disciples prayed before the Resurrection. It doesn't prove it didn't happen but certainly indicates it was probably very deficient.
The Bible clearly does NOT put people but God on display. Even mourning for Moses had to end ( Joshua 1:2).
However, we can be assured that our SAVIOR KING will make things right in HIS god time.
May we continue to praise and glorify HIM in all we do; as we continue to read HIS word and do it in obedience and complete trust in HIM.
Merry Christmas everyone and may the LORD GOD shine HIS face on all of HIS saints.
December 23, 2023
VI. THE AUTHOR:
The writer of James is introduced to us in Verse 1. The Greek word for James is the Hebrew name for Jacob. There are four prominent people in the New Testament by the name of James. The first one is James, who with his brother John, are known as the sons of Zebedee. They are presented to us in Mark 1:19.
This James was put to death by Herod Agrippa as recorded in Acts 12:2. So he is not the writer of this letter. Secondly, there is James the son of Alphaeus. He is presented to us in Mark 3:18 as one of the disciples. We don't have any more information about James the son of Alphaeus.
The third one is presented to us in Luke 6:16 where we are told about Judas the son of James. This Judas in not Judas Iscariot. Since this James is the father of one of the disciples mentioned in Luke 6:16, he would have been too old or even dead by the time James was written therefore he cannot be the author.
Fourthly, James that is given to us in the New Testament and by tradition as well as scripture itself, it is presented to us as the writer of this letter. The tradition from Jerome, Augustine, and other writers says James the writer of the Letter of James is the half-brother of Jesus.
In Mathew 13:55, it tells us that Mary and Joseph, after the birth of Jesus Christ, gave birth to other children. There are four brothers mentioned along with sisters. James is listed first so he must have been the oldest.
John 7:5 tells us that during Jesus' earthly ministry, His earthly brothers were taunting Him and did not believe in Him.
I Corinthians 15:5 tells us that after Jesus died and rose from the dead, He appeared to James His brother, as well as the other disciples and His family, and they became believers in Jesus Christ as the Savior and Messiah.
Ronald this "simple one" is not so simple if we look deeper into it.
( Acts 12:3-4) v3 Tells us "he proceeded further to take Peter also (Then were the days of unleavened bread).
A look at ( Leviticus 23:5-6) v5 "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD'S passover". v6 "And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread".
The 14th day is passover, THEN the 15th day starts the feast of unleavened bread for 7 days.
( Acts 12:3) "Then were the days of unleavened bread" this would have been the day ((AFTER)) passover when the feast of unleavened bread begins.
( Acts 12:4) "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".
In this verse Easter is still to come, so it came AFTER the feast of unleavened bread at that time, he's keeping him till after Easter. Passover is the day BEFORE the feast of unleavened bread begins.
Do you see this is not a mistake in translation? There are no mistakes in the KJB!
( John 14:23) The word (words) is #3056; it means something said ((including the thought)), Divine Expression (i.e. Christ) doctrine. (If a man love me, ((he will keep my words)) and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him) If we keep His Words then the Holy Spirit will lead us into All truth.
(Including the thought) How did He do this? In ( 2 Pet 1:19-21)
( Rev 1:3) "and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things ((which are written therein))". IT IS WRITTEN!
( Rev 22:7) "blessed is he that keepeth the (sayings) of the prophecy ((of this book))". WRITTEN IN A BOOK!
The word (sayings) is the same meaning as the word (words) above. Which says (including the thought) of Christ.
The KJB is the True Word of God.
Thank you for your reply Ronald.
God Bless you.
I agree with you the KJV is the best translation into English, but from one language to another at best, there will be errors. We must rely on the Holy Spirit to show us the meaning of what we read and study.
A simple one, it is like in Acts 12:4 James was killed, and Peter was put in prison and was probably going to be killed after Passover, but they used the word Easter for the Greek word Passover, which means Passover.
In context, it is clear it should be Passover, even if they were thinking the Romans and Greeks probably celebrated Easter they would not end at the same time. This is a wrong translation, but it is clear the meaning whether it says Easter or Passover.
God has preserved His word for us today and the Holy Spirit is sent to help us understand it as it is the exact words God inspired the writer to write.
God bless,
RLW
II. KEY RELATIONSHIP:
John Mark was a cousin of Barnabas, and that's given to us in Colossians 4:10. And I'm giving you these scripture texts and this piece of information now because of the travels and interaction with the different believers later, knowing that John Mark is related to Barnabas.
We travel with him now from Jerusalem to Antioch. John Mark has been in Jerusalem all this time. Paul and Barnabas have come to Jerusalem, and they've done some ministry work, and they are about ready to leave to go back up to Antioch. This is Antioch of Syria.
After the persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, many of the apostles stayed in Jerusalem. But many leaders in the church went up to Antioch of Syria right up on the coast. And that's where all the missionary journeys came from. And that's where the Gentiles were hearing the gospel and were being saved. And people were being sent out from Antioch.
So, Paul and Barnabas were finished with their work in Jerusalem, and they were going to go back up to Antioch, a couple hundred miles north, up the coast from Jerusalem. And what is interesting is that Acts 12:25 tells us that when Paul and Barnabas left Jerusalem, Mark left with them. Now you see the connection because he is related to Barnabas, and it was probably some connection there saying, come on son, you can be part of the ministry.
III. THE FIRST MISSIONARY JOURNEY:
This is given to us in Acts 13:1-3. Remember Paul is there, Barnabas is there, and Mark was there. The Holy Spirit tells the church that God has called out Paul and Barnabas to make the first missionary journey. And so, when they go to leave, they take John Mark with them. Again, probably because the connection with Barnabas. They go straight west and they go across the island of Cyprus.
The Gospel of Mark was written for the Roman mind, Gentiles, but specifically in Rome. Mark's gospel was written from the testimony of Peter. He writes to present Jesus as the Suffering Servant. Matthew was the Savior Messiah, Mark the Suffering Servant. Mark ends with the ascension.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In Acts 12:12, we are introduced to Mark. He's in Jerusalem. In fact, we are told that his name is John Mark. Most people in the scriptures that we're close to, that are presented in detail, they have two names. One is a Jewish name, and one is a surname, or a Roman name. John is his Jewish name. It is Yochanan. And Marcus is his Roman name. His name is John Mark.
His mother's name was Mary. And she evidently was a rich widow because in Acts Chapter 12, when Peter was released from prison and they were having a prayer meeting, and remember when he knocked on the door, or the gate, and one of female servants came and looked out and said, "It's Peter!" She ran back in and said, "Hey, Peter is at the door." They said impossible because he is in prison, so let's pray for him. She said, no its Peter, come here, come here!
We know she was rich because the house had a gate and the house had servants. Only rich people had these things back then. So, this woman was rich, and her name is presented as Mary, the mother of John Mark. It is believed that all away from Acts Chapter 2 through Chapter 12, the Christians met in the home of Mary, John Mark's mother. Many even believe it was the upper room in her home where the disciples met when the Holy Spirit came. So, we are first introduced to him in Acts Chapter 12 Verse 12.
These are but a tiny sampling of what God declares about His WORD, the BIBLE.
Psalms 78:1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the WORDS of my mouth.
Psalms 119:151,152 Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are TRUTH. Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.
John 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT, and they are LIFE.
Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every WORD that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my WORDS shall not pass away.
Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my WORDS in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Luke 1:1,2 Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the WORD;
Luke 11:28 But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the WORD of God, and keep it.
John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the WORDS of eternal life.
Acts 19:20 So mightily grew the WORD of God and prevailed.
Acts 12:24 But the WORD of God grew and multiplied.
Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the WORD of God.
Prayer (continued) I have seen a couple times how the Lord was able to be glorified in difficult marriage situations. One case involved a client where I used to be employed who was going through a divorce apparently from a very abusive man who wasn't seeking it but because of the pressure from her estranged husbnad was going through the proceedings. She asked to pray with me about it and I asked for God's will to be done. Eventually within a couple years the man passed from this earth unexpectantly. This lady demonstrated unconditional love toward this man despite what had been a long history of threatenings and troubles. Admittedly she seemed to have some issues of her own; but nonetheless it seems the prayer was answered according to His will.
The second situation involved an alcoholic husband who last summer was back into rehab after a relapse. It appears that he wasn't violent toward his wife; but nonetheless she requested prayer at the time. He also died shortly after with the damage to his liver. Her joyful countenance throughout these struggles that also involved other family members and grandchildren was a great demonstration of faith in difficult circumstances.
Sadly there are cases where tragic events happen even for those who we pray for regularly. There is no doubt; however that prayer affects things; most notably in scripture when prayer was given all night for Peter in jail in Acts 12:5-17. Of course that worked for Paul and Silas during their midnight prayer and praise as well in Acts 16. My point is that we may or may not know the results of those who we don't know or aren't present with physically; but we are like minded with those who are suffering for His Name's sake.
Of course in order to give thanksgiving for all things we need to have a TRUST in God that He works out all things for the good for those who LOVE HIM. ( Romans 8:28). That holds true to our death in whatever form He chooses.
Agape
Romans 15:30-31
"Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;"
Ephesians 6:19-20
"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,
For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."
Colossians 4:2-3
"Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds"
1 Thessalonians 5:25
"Brethren, pray for us (Paul says)."
Acts 12:5
"Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him."
And many many more. If Perer and Paul needed prayers from others how necessary it is for us to pray for each other?
James 5:16
"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
GBU
Galatians 1:4-5 Amen. Galatians 1:3.
Does Satan have the authority to take away life? I believe that only God gives & takes away life. In Satan's domain (i.e. outside the Church to which a sinning believer might be sent), pain & destruction may well be the physical demise of the believer, to the end that his "spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus".
Re: "untimely death". I mean that a life was shortened because of God's action against sin. We see this in many instances in the OT & NT, & especially that we have already mentioned Ananias & Sapphira ( Acts 5); 1 Corinthians 11:27-30; Acts 12:21-23.
Re: Hebrews 10:26,27 & we can add, Hebrews 6:4-6 as well; these verses have been discussed previously by bro Jesse & myself & too long to deal with here.
Re: Acts 21:20. All I can see from this limited detail, is that the Church (the Jewish component), hadn't properly dealt with the separation of the Law & the liberty they ought to have enjoyed in Christ. Much like today, when those coming out of other religions or cults, might take a long time to understand & resolve matters that have been indoctrinated deep into their minds. The fact that the Jerusalem council seemed to understand & accept this matter didn't warrant them to address it. However, Paul always did & was taken to task for doing so.
I hope I've addressed the points you raised, brother. I know we will see these things differently, but I hope you can also see how I understand it: the Lord knows His children & they have been brought into His family by His indwelling Spirit. Does God make an error in doing so? Or, are His children secure in Him & when they err, His correction done in love, will always bring us back into fellowship. If it doesn't do so, then, speaking personally, I would have to question my salvation, that it was merely a mental or emotional assent given, without a true change in heart & spirit. And that's the only way I can understand some of these difficult, apparently contentious, Scriptures. Every blessing.
Acts 12 again shows process of time, note Acts 12:25, Acts 14:21-28, again Acts 15, note Acts 15:33,36, Acts 27, Acts 28:11,
Acts 18:11,18, Acts 19:10,22, Acts 20:3, Acts 24:27, Acts 28:30
Hopefully these are helpful
Acts 3, Peter & John continues into Acts 4,
The Apostles: Acts 5, Acts 6, specifically says the 12 , including the newly appointed. From Acts 1:26, Acts 9:27, Acts 11,
Philip: Acts 8,
Peter: Acts 9:32-42, Acts 10:5-48, Acts 11, Acts 12:3-7, Acts 12,
Barnabas: Acts 11:22-30,
James: Acts 12:1-2,
Mark, John, Barnabas, Acts 12:25,
That is just some of what the Apostles did after Pentecost. Please read through the Book of Acts, & rest of New Testament books for even more.
Hopefully these are all helpful
2Chronicles 7:14, 1Peter 3:12, humble ourselves, turn from evil, 1Timothy 2:8, James 5:10-12,
Even when things look impossible keep praying: Isaiah 38:1-9, Matthew 9:29, Matthew 17:14-21, Matthew 7:7-8, Luke 11:9-13, Acts 12:5-18, James 5:13-20
Never give up
Psalms 37, 1Thessalonians 5:17, James 5:16,
Note the first couple verses where prayer and a general attitude of love was shown (Christ until the end had him as a "trusted friend" ( Psalm 41:9). The curses on the wicked indeed can affect generations in the future (v. 10). Satan himself; in fact entered Judas after the sop was offered and at that point Jesus told him to do what he had planned quickly. When we look at verse 6; we are also reminded of the nation of Israel as a whole ( John 5:43). They will accept Antichrist with Satan at his "right hand" as Revelation states. Verse 18 speaks of another verse about Judas mentioned in Acts 1:18 and detailed in the Gospel of Matthew when he fell off the rope he hung himself with. We are also reminded of the situation of Acts 12:23 with Herod; and other verses where similar ailments took away the wicked.
From verse 20 on; we of course can apply similar logic with David's situation as the Son of David; namely Christ Himself. Verse 28 seems to refer to the Resurrection of the wicked (when they rise); as every knee shall bow; every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of the Father in Philippians 2:10-11; but also in Isaiah and many other books of scripture as well.
We must look to Deuteronomy to understand that God still blesses the "thousands" that call on His name; despite generational banishment and curses for the disobedience and sin actions of ancestors ( Deut. 5:9-10). This chapter though shows how someone can be called AND chosen; albeit with the foreknowledge that they would be of the Devil from the beginning. This was of course to fulfill prophecy; but also God uses the enemy to buffet servants such as Job and Paul to accomplish His purposes. Let us not ascribe to such behavior ourselves! Surely we do not understand all His ways; nor forsee how all things for those who LOVE Him turn out for the good ( Romans 8:28).
This brings up the issue of just when prayer should be corporate and when it should be private. This fits in; of course with the "good deeds" that we do to help others (let not your left hand know what your right hand doeth) Matthew 6:3-4. The whole concept here is not to draw attention to how "righteous" we are through an outer display. That gets into another verse where it states in Matthew 5:34 as well as in the book of James that we are to swear by no name; but simply say yes or no. Clearly; this needs to be taken in context; as covenants such as marriage still are in effect and other such vows. Again; the focus is to be on not being hypocrites who wish to be praised but to glorify God. Verses that indicate we are to bear one another's burdens; confess sins to one another and that in Acts where Peter was being prayed for and the prison cell opened ( Acts 12:5) surely shows how appropriate prayers are given in corporate settings. Many testimonies; however indicate how some old lady was praying for a person when in open rebellion for many years and how they changed. "The effectual prayers of a righteous man availeth much" ( James 5:16-18).
Clearly; it isn't worth seeking praise of men during this short life; which is as a vapor; when eternity awaits. Christ Himself saw the "reward" for His sufferings in bringing "many sons to glory" ( Heb. 2:10; Eph. 1:18). In the end; sin doesn't pay; and all glory goes to God. Agape-RIch P
Ishtar(ProperNoun) A goddess of fertility, love, sex and war. In the Babylonian pantheon, she was the divine personification of the planet Venus. Assyrian and Babylonian counterpart to the Sumerian Inanna and to the cognate northwest Semitic goddess Astarte. Pagan goddess
"Eostre".
But in English-speaking countries, and in Germany, Easter takes its name from a pagan goddess from Anglo-Saxon England who was described in a book by the eighth-century English monk Bede. "Eostre was a goddess of spring or renewal and that's why her feast is attached to the vernal equinox."
Passover is the Christian equivalent to the pagan Holiday of Easter. The word "Easter" (or its equivalents) appear in the Bible only once in Acts 12:4. This passage refers to Herod killing John, the brother of James. Peter was to be next, so Peter was put in prison until after the pagan holiday of Easter (for Jews & Christians, the Passover). That's the night the Angel of the Lord broke Peter out of prison!
The holiday commonly known as Easter, in spite of obvious differences, derives from the Jewish festivity the Torah calls "Pesach", also known as "Passover", an eight days-long celebration of the ancient Israelites liberation from Egyptian bondage and their subsequent exodus.
Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week, a seven-day span that culminates the day before Easter Sunday.
Mishael: Google all these names. There's many cultures and religions vying for the same day. For Christians, we should observe Passover; as Jesus did. Explain it to the kids. Most just want a basket of candy. Make a pan of Kraft Fudge. Recipe back of jar.
The Apostle Paul ( Romans 1:1), who was originally named Saul ( Acts 7:58) of Tarsus ( Acts 22:3), but eventually became known as Paul ( Acts 13:9), dictated the letter to Tertius ( Romans 16:22). The account of most of what is known about his life story was written about by Luke in the Book of Acts. Acts 7:58-60, Acts 8:1-4, Acts 9:1-31, Acts 11:25-30, Acts 12:24-25, Acts 13 to Acts 28.
The Apostle Paul is recognized as the author of most of the Epistles (Apostolic letters) in the New Testament, which include Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians. Ephesians. Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus and Philemon. Some also consider him the author of Hebrews, but the authorship of that book is not known for sure.
Peter also speaks about Paul in 2 Peter 3:15-16.
1. Yes I believe in some ways our faith may be considered more complicated because they being with Jesus " physically " John 3:12, John 14:11, yet scripture says : 2 Chronicles 20:20, we have so many accumulated testimonies, prophecy fulfilled, the written WORD of GOD from many generations past in many ways we have all that to help build upon our faith. Then we have personal experiences & witness of miraculous events in our present days & years. I believe it's powerful to see the biblical text, New & Old Tstm & imagine the future with the stacked testimonies & understanding time accumulates more information. When the days of tribulation come the stacked accounts with all scripture will be that much bigger. GOD is amazing. I realized the other day the wealth of faith building information at our reach. I told a young man, "Yes, these days are difficult but we have so much to draw from". & GOD in HIS infinite wisdom gives each generation what they need. Romans 10:17, John 20:29,
2. Luke 23:43, I guess it applies to today to yes prove "nothing is impossible with GOD" Luke 1:37, & possibly to encourage us that it's not too late to repent, in dying moment.
Next. (?) Interesting observation. Matthew 4:12, Matthew 23:37, GOD gives people many chances to do good. Mark 6:20, Mark 6:19-31, read though, Mark 6:32-46, did Jesus even take time to mourn? It seems HE went to take a moment, yet compassion moved HIM to minister.
At 1st read I had thought you asked about Peter & Paul comparison of Peter released & Paul was not, also same "(charges) Acts 12:5-17, Acts 21:30-40, - Acts 22, - Acts 23, - Acts 24, - Acts 25, - Acts 26, - Acts 27,-, Acts 28,
My emotion would want to say "all chains are evil" however Mark 5:3-20, Jude 1:6, 2 Peter 2:4,
GOD uses all for good , Psalms 105:17-25, Romans 8:28-30, while Paul was in prison he wrote letters that became an important part of our HOLY Bible today.
3. James 1:5-8,
Hope this helps
Is there much more knowledge we're supposed to get from this?
Luke 22:36, Luke 22:38, 2 swords enough? Do you think Jesus was being literal or testing them? Do you feel the act of aggregation saved the Disciples? John 18:8-9, ( I've thought that) but look at: John 18:10. "Then._." it seems to be after Jesus had already set their pardon.
Luke 22:40,42, Luke 22:43-46, Matthew 26:36-44, Mark 14:33-39, Zechariah 13:7, ( Mark 14:27 , Matthew 26:56 )
Matthew 16:15-27,
* Mark 14:27, offended? Matthew 26:33-35,
Mark 14:42-50, Luke 22:47-51, John 18:10-11, Matthew 26:50-52, Were they offended because Jesus didn't fight, nor let them? after He had said to get swords? Would we be offended if Jesus healed our enemy, we thought we were defending Him from? Then rebuke them/Peter or us openly? John 18:6, Matthew 26:53,
Luke 22:54, John 18:15, Why did Peter follow? Luke 22:33, Where is our strength? In our flesh & resolve, or GOD & HIS will?
Mark 14:29-31,
Luke 22:55-62,
Matthew 10:17-22, Matthew 10:28-34,
Acts 12:1-12,
Romans 8:34-39,
Ephesians 6:10-18,
Do you think it was much easier to fight? Matthew 26:41, Luke 22:32,
Isaiah 55:8-9,
There are two King Agrippas seen in the Bible, both part of the Herod family, however, six Herods are revealed to us in the New Testament; the Herods were Idumeans/Edomites.
King Herod Agrippa I was a grandson of Herod the Great; he ruled over Judea and Samaria. Agrippa I is the "King Herod" who killed James and imprisoned Peter ( Acts 12:1-3).
The son of Agrippa I was King Herod Agrippa II, & was also known as Julius Marcus Agrippa; he was the brother of Bernice and Drusilla and heard Paul's defence of the gospel in Acts 26. Agrippa II had quite a lot of power in Jewish religious affairs, for he had been given custodianship of the temple and the authority to appoint the high priest. So, the Agrippa you read of in Acts chapter 26, is King Agrippa II. Hope that answers your question.
According to the Old Testament, the DAY OF PASSOVER started the FEAST OF UNLEAVENED BREAD. "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the LORD's passover. And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread unto the LORD: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread." ( Leviticus 23:5,6) The Day Of Passover began in the evening on the 14th day of the first month, and the Feast Of Unleavened Bread began on the 15th day of the same month.
Scripture is clear: the days of unleavened bread follow the Passover. "And in the fourteenth day of the first month is the passover of the LORD. And in the fifteenth day of this month is the feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten." Numbers 28:16-17
Acts 12:3 says that Peter was arrested and imprisoned DURING the "days of unleavened bread", which means that the day of Passover had ALREADY occurred.
"Easter" could not have been Passover, because Passover always occurs BEFORE the days of unleavened bread. The Scripture says that the Passover had come and gone. Acts 12:4 says that Herod was "intending after Easter to bring him [Peter] forth to the people." According to Acts 12:1-4, Passover had occurred, but Easter had not yet occurred. Herod was waiting until after Easter had occurred to bring Peter forth to people.
Acts 12:1-4 clearly says that Herod had arrested and killed James during the Feast Of Unleavened Bread, which meant that the Passover had occurred. We know that James was taken and killed by Herod during the days of unleavened bread, and that Herod was planning to kill Peter after Easter, which had not come yet. Bottom line: the KJV translators got it right. Easter's correct, Passover's a mistranslation in ALL modern Bible versions.