I think that the gentiles in this verse are people from all over the World who will are called by the name of God "YHWH", they must be worldwide known by this name
The whore of Babylon is the Catholic Church. Her daughters are the churches that left the Catholic Church but kept many of its pagan rituals it adopted. Sunday worship Easter, Christmas to name the most recognized. The bible proves the real day Jesus died, the month he was born, and day he rose. It isn't Good Friday, Sunday or December. And nowhere in the Bible is Sunday hallowed and commanded to be kept holy and rested on. These are the traditions of man and Jesus warns us about them in Mark 7:6-9 and 13. And the fourth commandment is the commandment he says is forsaken. Even Martin Luther who was taught as a catholic but called them the whore of Babylon. He even recognized the true Sabbath but didn't want to go through the hassle of changing the status quo. Not surprising seeing as the Catholics were killing Christians that kept the true Sabbath. They did this for 1260 years. This period is known as the dark ages. For anyone that wants to see the proof, there are articles with biblical scripture backed with secular history and archeological proofs. Jesus and Paul warned of the false teachers and christs. The Bereans read the Old Testament scriptures to prove what Paul was teaching in the synagogues on the Sabbath. Because there was no New Testament then. The Bible says that He was "without sin" ( Hebrews 4:15). And "sin IS the transgression of the law" ( 1 John 3:4, KJV). So we know that Jesus never transgressed God's law-including the fourth commandment about keeping the Sabbath holy. If Jesus had broken the Sabbath, He would have earned the wages of sin-death ( Romans 6:23), and could not have become our Savior. It is clear, then, that Jesus never broke even the least of God's commandments, nor taught men to do so. On the contrary, He said, "I have KEPT My Father's commandments" ( John 15:10). Furthermore, at the very beginning of His ministry, Jesus set the standard for what would be His lifelong example: "So He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His CUSTOM was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read" ( Luke 4:16). Again, in Luke 13:10, we read, "Now He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath." The Law of Moses to this day is read in the synagogues. So don't fall for the deception it was nailed to the cross. The reason Jesus called the Pharisees sons of Satan they had added over 60 laws to the Sabbath day not ordered by God. These laws were nailed to the cross along with ceremonial laws like circumcision mentioned in acts.. That is the leaven Jesus tells us not to listen to. Acts 15:20, We should instead write a letter, instructing them to abstain from four things: first, things associated with idol worship; second, sexual immorality; third, food killed by strangling; and fourth, blood. Verse 21, My reason for these four exceptions is that in every city there are Jewish communities where, for generations, the laws of Moses have been proclaimed; and on every Sabbath, Moses is read in synagogues everywhere. Again the Sabbath is expected to be kept by the gentiles to hear the laws of Moses. So the apostles don't think the law was nailed to the cross.
This is a great scripture about "Saving Faith", something I learned at Sunday service. Through the Holy Ghost that was sent as our comforter, for those who are saved! Thank God for opening my eyes to the truth! Have mercy on their souls who don't know or believe yet! Thank you Father, continue to keep your hand on me!
Tips about reading book of Mark:
1. The writer (Mark) portrays Jesus as a servant;
2. No servant ever has a genealogy;
3. When reading the gospels, anything before the cross is still officially under the law;
4. This is the same John Mark that retreated earlier on Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 13:13);
5. Paul and Barnabas spilt up over John Mark in Acts 15:36-41 6, then Paul ask for John Mark, for he now is profitable unto Paul in II Timothy 4:11.
What is the lesson we can learn from this!
@Hob,
Seems should be understood as ‘’appeared, came to our understanding’’, and all that was done under the guidance of the holy spirit which lead them to that perception and understanding.
So far and liked in the entire book, God is always in charge.
God bless you.
The phrasing "it seemed ..." (or "it is seen") is not Divinely definitive assurance that God (the Holy Spirit; Holy Ghost) really decided the matter about the part of His (Mosaic) Law being reported on by Luke, and here abandoned by "and...us" (Mortal "elders, apostles and brethren"; "the multitude"; or, "the whole church") in their Decree, which is needed to set aside His command to Abraham and his Seed "in their generations" (Moses' testimony in Genesis 17).
I’m sorry to ask a simple but powerfull question. Is not a Ghost realy another name for a demon? Think about it, people tell ghost story around a camp fire, right? So when people say Holy Ghost, is it not realy saying Holy Demon? That doesn’t make no sence, right? If it’s real lifeform, what is his personal name?
Maybe God fearing people should take closer look at this? Maybe looking up up the original Hebrew and Greek Bible language words for Holy Ghost will bring more clarity to these very important question?
Remember fellow Bible readers who is God’s number one enemy? Satan wants us to be a little lazy, he doesn’t want church goers to do their homework.
A good students usually don’t pass test without studing and doing home work.
How Many Are Sealed?
10 Jesus said to those in line for this sealing: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” ( Luke 12:32) Other scriptures, such as Revelation 6:11 and Romans 11:25, indicate that the number of this little flock is indeed limited and, in fact, predetermined. John’s next words confirm this: “And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Out of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand sealed; out of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand sealed.”— Revelation 7:4-8.
11 Could this not be a reference to literal, fleshly Israel? No, for Revelation 7:4-8 diverges from the usual tribal listing. ( Numbers 1:17, 47) Obviously, the listing here is not for the purpose of identifying fleshly Jews by their tribes but to show a similar organizational structure for spiritual Israel. This is balanced. There are to be exactly 144,000 members of this new nation—12,000 from each of 12 tribes. No tribe in this Israel of God is exclusively royal or priestly. The whole nation is to rule as kings, and the whole nation is to serve as priests.— Galatians 6:16; Revelation 20:4, 6.
12 Although the natural Jews and Jewish proselytes were given the first opportunity to be chosen for spiritual Israel, only a minority of that nation responded. Jehovah therefore extended the invitation to the Gentiles. ( John 1:10-13; Acts 2:4, 7-11; Romans 11:7) As in the case of the Ephesians, who previously had been “alienated from the state of Israel,” now non-Jews could be sealed with God’s spirit and become part of the congregation of anointed Christians. ( Ephesians 2:11-13; 3:5, 6; Acts 15:14) It is appropriate, then, for the 24 elders to sing before the Lamb: “With your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”— Revelation 5:9, 10.
13 The Christian congregation is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9) Replacing natural Israel as God’s nation, it becomes a new Israel that is “really ‘Israel.’” ( Romans 9:6-8; Matthew 21:43) For this reason, it was quite proper for Jesus’ half brother James to address his pastoral letter “to the twelve tribes that are scattered about,” that is, to the worldwide congregation of anointed Christians that in time would number 144,000.— James 1:1.
Paul's journeys brought him from persecuting the new Christian sect, even to the consenting to the stoning execution of Stephen, to preaching the Faith of Jesus Christ, even himself being stoned, but surviving, and in this chapter dissenting with the saints in Jeruselem over the Mosaic laws of circumsicion. Noone can deny that evil doers and covenant breakers shall be accursed and noone can deny that by the Faith of Jesus Christ are we saved. And this in the juncture wherby the Jews and the Christians parted philisophically. Even among Christians which have split into a myriad of sects, differences occur, rifts, dissentions. Is there salvation for the Jews? Muslims? Buddists?Taliban?Lutherans?Catholics?Ascetics?Zealous?Born-agains?Megachurches?TVPreachers?Me?You?Anybody?Whomsoever will have ears to hear?Is God divided? Does he answer prayers of the needy, afflicted, forlorn,desperate, famine inflicted?Children, have faith, believe the word and study the word to be approved.
Wonderful promise of our Lord. Laboring and being heavy laden indicates, the Yoke that the fathers were not able to bear ( Acts 15:10). The law of commandments; "He that doeth those things shall live by them" ( Rom. 10:5). No one was able. We still have people saying that being a christian is not easy, its hard, but Jesus says "My yoke is easy", and our souls can rest if we come His way. Trying hard to live our lives for Him, by will power may be missing the point. Heb. 4:10 says "He that is entered into His rest has also ceased from his own works". The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus, has made me free from the law of sin and death ( Rom. 8:2). Maybe we should labour to enter into the rest Jesus has completly provided for us and stop trying to fight the devil ourselves, which dosn't work. Let's believe His promises, receive and actively claim them. We can now tell the devil that we are under the blood and Jesus already defeated him, so he must leave now. Our soul can rest in peace like Jesus promised. It works for me.
It would be interesting to note how the person labeled "anonymous" deduced that from what was written in Acts 15.
I noted that God has not changed but fulfilled the law of Moses(circumcision) with that of being baptized. He has put no distinction between Jew nor Gentiles; but rather, have made all one by the infilling of the Holy Ghost.
The Jehovah's Witnesses are right on target with this one. They are the only ones who regularly and openly acknowledge His name is Jehovah. How can anyone else claim to be a people for His name?
In response to Maigyn I would like to offer the following: Have you read Acts 15:14 where it states that God turned to the nations to take a people for his name. Thus it is important to know God's name in order to identify God's people. As well Revelation 22:18&19 states that anyone who adds to the Bible or takes away from the Bible will be receive God's judgement for doing so. How important then to leave the Bible intact, including not removing the name Jehovah.
Truth reiterated, "we shall never be all of one mind till we come to heaven". No one, in this world, is exempt from common human emotions, be it good or bad. This hits the core of the (my)soul that we (me) who call ourselves Christians should not give way to contention. And when we do, we really need to kick ourselves in the butt, get back to what is right (GOD's WORD), ask, forgiveness, forgive, dust ourselves off, say THANK YOU FATHER/JESUS, and MOVE ON with a clear heart and mind. W/love to all. GOD is good all the time and all the time GOD is good.
1. The writer (Mark) portrays Jesus as a servant;
2. No servant ever has a genealogy;
3. When reading the gospels, anything before the cross is still officially under the law;
4. This is the same John Mark that retreated earlier on Paul's first missionary journey ( Acts 13:13);
5. Paul and Barnabas spilt up over John Mark in Acts 15:36-41 6, then Paul ask for John Mark, for he now is profitable unto Paul in II Timothy 4:11.
What is the lesson we can learn from this!
Seems should be understood as ‘’appeared, came to our understanding’’, and all that was done under the guidance of the holy spirit which lead them to that perception and understanding.
So far and liked in the entire book, God is always in charge.
God bless you.
Maybe God fearing people should take closer look at this? Maybe looking up up the original Hebrew and Greek Bible language words for Holy Ghost will bring more clarity to these very important question?
Remember fellow Bible readers who is God’s number one enemy? Satan wants us to be a little lazy, he doesn’t want church goers to do their homework.
A good students usually don’t pass test without studing and doing home work.
10 Jesus said to those in line for this sealing: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” ( Luke 12:32) Other scriptures, such as Revelation 6:11 and Romans 11:25, indicate that the number of this little flock is indeed limited and, in fact, predetermined. John’s next words confirm this: “And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel: Out of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand sealed; out of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand; out of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand sealed.”— Revelation 7:4-8.
11 Could this not be a reference to literal, fleshly Israel? No, for Revelation 7:4-8 diverges from the usual tribal listing. ( Numbers 1:17, 47) Obviously, the listing here is not for the purpose of identifying fleshly Jews by their tribes but to show a similar organizational structure for spiritual Israel. This is balanced. There are to be exactly 144,000 members of this new nation—12,000 from each of 12 tribes. No tribe in this Israel of God is exclusively royal or priestly. The whole nation is to rule as kings, and the whole nation is to serve as priests.— Galatians 6:16; Revelation 20:4, 6.
12 Although the natural Jews and Jewish proselytes were given the first opportunity to be chosen for spiritual Israel, only a minority of that nation responded. Jehovah therefore extended the invitation to the Gentiles. ( John 1:10-13; Acts 2:4, 7-11; Romans 11:7) As in the case of the Ephesians, who previously had been “alienated from the state of Israel,” now non-Jews could be sealed with God’s spirit and become part of the congregation of anointed Christians. ( Ephesians 2:11-13; 3:5, 6; Acts 15:14) It is appropriate, then, for the 24 elders to sing before the Lamb: “With your blood you bought persons for God out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and you made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.”— Revelation 5:9, 10.
13 The Christian congregation is “a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9) Replacing natural Israel as God’s nation, it becomes a new Israel that is “really ‘Israel.’” ( Romans 9:6-8; Matthew 21:43) For this reason, it was quite proper for Jesus’ half brother James to address his pastoral letter “to the twelve tribes that are scattered about,” that is, to the worldwide congregation of anointed Christians that in time would number 144,000.— James 1:1.
I noted that God has not changed but fulfilled the law of Moses(circumcision) with that of being baptized. He has put no distinction between Jew nor Gentiles; but rather, have made all one by the infilling of the Holy Ghost.