Discuss Acts 20 Page 6

Kim Burrow, Comments concerning the 7th day, Law, and Grace.

Concerning the Sabbath:

The Hebrew definition of the word "week," or "weeks," simply means "sevened."

The Greek definition is clear, as the word "week" is defined as "Sabbath," i.e. the 7th day (of a seven day period); the day of rest.

The 7th day was established for ALL of mankind back on the 7th Day of Creation ( Genesis 2:2, 3) and was never abolished.

( Mark 2:27-28) "And he said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."

If we believe in the Father and His only begotten Son, then we have Christ in us every day, not just one day per week.

This new understanding is an enhancement of the 7th day, not the abolishment of it. It was made to last forever. This is a day that God BLESSES and SANCTIFIED! Christ always honored the Sabbath. The Apostles kept the Sabbath; look at Acts 13:14, 27, 42, 44, Acts 16:13, etc.

Pentecost is a holy SABBATH day; i.e. a day of rest.

The "first day of the week" spoken of in Acts 20:7, concerns the first Sabbath in reckoning the seven Sabbaths until Pentecost. (i.e. the first day of the Sabbath. Week = Sabbath.

In Acts 17:2 and Acts 18:4, Paul is continually feeding the people Scripture on the SABBATH. Christ never abolished the Sabbath; neither did Paul. God never said anything concerning that fact, and if He wanted that day changed He would have made it abundantly clear.

To pluck a few verses out of Scripture and declare a law of God to be null and void (especially with so much Scripture speaking contrary to what you are proposing) is playing fast and loose with His words.

*Look at the book of Enoch; specifically chapter 72 and 82 (column 27) concerning the ancient Enoch Solar priestly Calendar. A 364 day calendar (52 x 7)

Christians have never worshipped on the seventh day. Christians have worshipped on the first day of the week since the church was born on the first day of the week at Pentecost and Peter preached the first sermon on a Sunday. After that first Sunday, those same Christians continued to meet and worship regularly on the first day of the week ( Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 16:2). Sunday worship can be historically traced in unbroken succession all the way back to the first century to Jesus' disciples in Jerusalem meeting on the first day of the week. For two thousand years, Christians have faithfully followed the New Testament pattern given by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and practiced by the apostles, the first Christians, and the early church.

Some believe that Constantine and the Roman Catholic Church changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday, but the church had been worshipping on the first day of the week hundreds of years before Constantine was born and before the Church of Rome ever existed. Constantine only declared officially in the fourth century what the church had been doing since the first century. There was no change in the day of worship for Christians because Christians had never worshipped on the seventh day. Christians had worshipped on the first day of the week since Pentecost in Acts chapter 2.

Believers are not under the Law. The requirements of the Law were met in Christ ( Matt. 5:17). Believers are released from the Law, believers are dead to the Law, and believers are redeemed from the Law ( Rom. 6:14; 7:6, 9; Gal. 3:13):

You are not under law but under grace ( Rom. 6:14 NASB).

But now we have been released from the Law, having died to that by which we were bound ( Rom. 7:6 NASB).

For apart from the Law sin is dead. I was once alive apart from the Law; but when the commandment came, sin became alive and I died; and this commandment, which was to result in life, proved to result in death for me ( Rom. 7:8b-10 NASB).

1st reply

Terry, I can't offer any one Scripture to answer your question but the two that come close to that, would be Romans 13:1-5 (speaks of our subjection to our governments & their laws) and Acts 5:29 (when apostle Peter retorted to the High Priest that they would obey God rather than man). So we should be obedient to the government, yet if its laws contradict God's Laws, then our obedience is to the Lord first & foremost. And those occasions would be, when the government forbids the preaching of the Gospel, our attending Church or other laws that work against Christians for the working of their faith. And this evil will ultimately be manifested at the appearing of the Anti-Christ.

Some countries are already facing some persecution now as non-Christian governments oppose the work of Christians. And of course, we see much of this now in the laws from our Western governments as they pass anti-Christian legislation & laws which go against the teachings from the Word. We are grieved by what we see & feel helpless to make a change (even our Christian politicians don't seem to be proactive in this), therefore we are cast upon Him for Strength, Grace & the knowledge that He will bring all sin to light, with many of our government heads facing the greater judgement for their wickedness. The Bible also speaks about those who have the rule over our souls (i.e. Church leaders) as they too will be held accountable for the quality of their leadership & care ( Acts 20:28 & Heb 13:17). So each of us will be accountable, but more so to those who have been placed in power & authority over us.

Dear Douglas Russel Jr., Oh, how I hope since you've reached out here, that you have come to understand The Good News of Christ's Love and what it means to be saved by God's Amazing Grace :)

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 "...I declare unto you the GOSPEL...By which also ye are saved...How that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures. :)

*Because of what God says in His Word, the Bible, I believe*:



that man is saved from eternal punishment and is justified freely by grace through faith in the sacrificially shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary

( Romans 3:21-26, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

that Salvation is a completely undeserved free gift bestowed upon all who simply believe ( Romans 5:12-21, 4:5).

during this dispensation of grace, every person who believes the gospel of the grace of God ( Acts 20:24) is eternally saved from God's wrath.

All saved people during the dispensation of grace are eternally saved and complete in Christ ( Romans 5:1, Colossians 2:10).

Salvation is the work of God and not the work of man. Therefore, it is impossible for anyone who has trusted in Christ to ever be lost again. AND ...We are sealed by the Holy Spirit and are not our own -- we are bought with a price

( Colossians 3:1-4, Romans 8:29-39, Ephesians 1:13-14, 4:30, 1Corinthians 6:19-20).

Space here is running low. I hope to share more in another comment if allowed.

As the Apostle Paul repeatedly said:

" Grace unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ " ... Amen.

Thanks Carol for your comments; so I'll address them if I may. I'm in full agreement with what you correctly observe that God indeed blessed the Sabbath Day & He rested from all His Works. And also, that it was demonstrated right from Creation, & made law for the children of Israel. And then when Israel was later called Jews, the law was still very much in vogue. For this change, they were first called Hebrews (Abrahamic times); Jacob's name then changed to Israel; after Israel moved to Egypt because of famine in the land, they were called Israelites; after many years & under Roman rule in the area they called Judea, the Israelites became known as Judeans; it is then understood that the word Jews, came from the people living in Judea. So my reference to the Jewish Sabbath, was not to imply that the command came to the Jews, but that Jews, who had their roots right up to the Hebrew period, had the same unchanged commands.

Constantine (in 321 AD) did make Sunday worship 'official', the Nicea Council may also have had bearing on this, but was this when Sunday was adopted as the worship day for Christians? Again, I refer you to Acts 20:7 & Rev 1:10, which are clear, & to 1 Cor 16:2, which speaks of Paul's desire to collect from the Churches gifts that were to be given to the poor saints in Jerusalem. So on the first day of the week (Sunday), as the Corinthian Church gave of their gifts to the work there, they should also put aside extra (according to God's provision) for the poor saints. Whether they held onto these special gifts or put it into a common repository is unknown, but Paul wanted no 'mad dash' for collecting the gifts when he came to visit them.

Your further remarks on the Sabbath, I have dealt with, saying earlier, that "Jesus is now our Sabbath, our Spiritual Rest. Please be assured, that I'm not picking & choosing which commandments to obey, I follow biblical teaching within the bounds of law & grace: that CHRIST IS THE FULFILMENT OF GOD'S LAWS.

Carol, the early Christians started to meet together in homes on the first day of the week: Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 16:2. We believe that this was not just to be different to the Jewish Sabbath, but in remembrance of the Lord's Resurrection on the first day of the week. As well, apostle Paul & probably the other apostles, used to meet up with the Jews on the Sabbath in the synagogues to discuss with them matters of the Law (& Grace). And Jesus "came not to destroy the Law (which was given to Israel) but to fulfil it ( Mt 5:17). In other words, in Christ was found the full realization of the Law & the Prophets; which means, that through faith in Him, God's Laws & requirements for us are now written in our hearts by His Spirit & not by hand as in the commandments ( 2 Cor 3:3). Jesus is our 'Sabbath' = our Rest ( Heb 4:9-11): a spiritual rest & not a physical one as was first commanded for the needs of the body & sanctification of the day.

Then again, if you consider believers in Muslim countries, they generally worship on a Friday, as Muslims do; they do so not to align with them, but probably because this is also their day off (& usually the only day off during the week), so that they could then come together as a Church. However, there are still Church services held on Sunday in some of these countries to cater for those who can make it to a Sunday service. As well, apostle Paul also speaks of this aspect, in relation to judging others for their particular inclinations, e.g. with food, drink, holy days, sabbaths ( Col 2:16); we are just simply to respect another's worship style or days observed & not judge them for such trivial matters, rather, be concerned when God's Word is not carefully brought out, false teaching coming into the Church or 'Christians' leading licentious lives. By all means worship the Lord on a Saturday, but understand why others follow the NT Church pattern.

Jeff, I had for the longest time fully believed that a believer could lose his salvation, whether by choice, or being found no longer worthy of this high calling. When I then first understood my security in Christ, that which God cannot un-seal me from & my changed life being filled with & led of His Holy Spirit, I knew that there was absolutely nothing that could separate me from Him. It has been suggested that a believer can still choose to depart. But my question, would a believer ever want to or give it any consideration? Wouldn't a believer NOT deny the One Who purchased him, even willing to go to his death (as so many before us did, happily marching onward to the burning stake). If a believer is not prepared to lay down his life for the Lord, then some self-examination is in order, to see whether the Faith of Christ is his blessd possession. How many would be like Peter ( Mt 26:75) facing death.

So after what is said above, I refer to 1 Cor 9:27. I know that this verse is sometimes used to show Paul's fear of losing his salvation if he didn't persevere with all diligence in the faith, but is that the meaning of the Scripture? He speaks of bringing his body (with any remnants of its affections & lusts) into subjection (making it a slave instead of vice versa). And if he failed to do so, then after speaking of the victory that his hearers can have in Christ, he himself should be a castaway (Gk. adokimos = not standing the test & being rejected). Now, if 'rejected' means 'loss of salvation' to you, so be it. But I see in Paul's application, that he is actually speaking of him becoming a hypocrite & one unworthy of the high office of an apostle. And this is the thing he feared: that he would displease his Lord & shame Him in his ministry. I almost see a connection with Acts 20:28, when Paul sent for & spoke to the Ephesian elders, "to take heed unto yourselves (lead circumspect lives) & to all the flock over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers...".

Randall, I have always accepted Sunday as the day of worship in line with apostolic & early Church practice. This was not originally a papal edict when he gave this instruction to the RC church, but an apostolic & Church practice that distanced itself from Jewish & other practices. We know that the Lord Jesus rose from the grave on the third day, which was a Sunday ( Mk 16:2,9), the apostles recognized that day also ( Acts 20:7, Jn 20:19), and the early Christians also met on that day ( 1 Cor 16:2: alluding to the Corinthian believers putting aside money so that the poor believers in Jerusalem could receive these gifts, in due course). However, as Rich indicated ( Rom 14:5) that this Day cannot become a dividing issue, or else for example, believers in Islamic countries who can only meet on a Friday, then become reprobate & deserving of damnation! Then again, if we met on the 7th day, are we also prepared to not work, get take away, have folk over for lunch, or fill up with gas! Difficult!

How do i use Acts 20:24 and Psalm 119:6 to pray for my husband' spiritual displine?

Thanks

2 Corinthians Chapter 2: 15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:
16 To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?
17 For we are not as many, which CORRUPT corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Matthew 7:15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

On asking about taking Holy Communion every day. Try reading Acts 2:42-46, Acts 20:7, along with 1st Corinthians 10:16. 1st Corinthians 11:17-34 is about the Lord's supper, but it doesn't mention exactly how often is proper. Read in the Spirit and the Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth. I hope this helps.

The Scriptures below will be helpful for those who are unaware that the early Church in Acts met every day of the week not just on Saturday Acts 2:41-47 God also tells us in Romans15:5-6 that the day we choose to fellowship is acceptable to Him. As we see confirmed Paul Preached on the Sunday; Acts 20:7 And upon the first day of the week when the Disciples came Together to break bread and Paul Preached unto them....

Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists whereby we know that it is the last time. Who is a liar but he that denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denied the Father and the Son. And every spirit that confesses not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come and even now already is it in the world. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Giving is more of a blessing than receiving

Dear Rod, it was in the book of Acts. Paul was warned multiple times notto go back to Jerusalem, but instead to go to Rome, but he disobeyed. Acts 20:22-23, again in Acts 21:10-12. Paul ended up losing two years of his ministry because of this, as shown in Acts 24:27, when he could have been out preaching, he was locked up. But the Lord still got Paul to Rome anyway, in the end, Acts 27:23-24.

Apostle Paul commitment and dedication and love is demonstrated in the teaching of Acts 20.Although he may have to face uncertainties and leave his friends and associates he continue to walk in the Divine will of God.

It s a whosoever will gospel. John 3:16. John 14:6 Jesus smith I am the way the truth and the life no man cometh unto the Father but by me. Mathew 7:14 to your point DD. Acts 20:21 repent turn from your sin, sinner! believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Once saved the Spirit of God dwells in you and now you have the power to overcome sin if you walk in the Spirit not in the flesh. Rom8 2Cornth5:17

Let's STOP this CONFUSION ( I Cor. 14:33; James 3:1-16 ). Eze. 2:1-3:27; 13:1-23; Isa. 3:12; 9:16; 56:9-12; Jer.5:20-31; 23:1-40; Zech. 5:1-11; Isa. 30:1-3; Eze. 28:14-19; I Cor. 11:1-15; Isa. 2:6-22; Numbers 16:1-50; Amos 9:10; Mal. 2:17; Isa. 33:14; Amos 5:21-23; Psalm 5:5; Matt. 7:21-23, 26-27; Acts 20:27; 24:14; I Tim. 2:1-15; I Cor. 14:34-37; Rev. 2:20-24; Matt. 15:7-14; Rom. 16:17-18; Amen!

Who is this man called Jesus that they want to crucify
What crime has he committed that they've sentenced him to die
I heard his sermon on the mount and I am at a loss
To find a valid reason why they'd nail him to a cross
what harm is there in healing or to make a blind man see
Or driving out some demons from a madman such as me
Tis they that should be called mad for they know not what they

MrMon. Dan.6:10"Daniel kneeled toward Jerusalem and prayed" Acts 20:36;kneeled down,Kings20:2 turned his face to the wall. Mark 14:35"fell on the ground and prayed"Many verse has only the word"prayed",without mention of what position.I don't see an explicit way in scripture because obviously some people are unable to kneel,stand,sit,fall on the ground,etc. The physical ability would dictate how.

Matt. 7:15, 10:16; Acts 20:29; Ezek. 22:27; 2 Tim. 4:3; Jude 3,4,8,10,16,18.

Julie, Acts 20:29-30, grievous Wolf's and religious perverts are to split up the flock, as Paul states. Inevitable, considering sinful man. 1 Timothy 4:4, forbidding to eat certain meats and forbidding to marry. We all should understand these things, having watched religious goings in. GBU

Vs. 20-21 Preaching is a christian requirement. This should not just be left to those deemed as pastors or religious leaders. We all have a heart and mind that can be used to assist our neighbors. Paul said that he did not withhold anything profitable from those he met and preached to. Neither should we.

Amen! A generous heart.

We worship like David. We're 'embarrassing' to the world. we also KNOW God STILL heals bodies and minds. My 46 yr. old son had a wreck, his heart stopped for how long they don't know, we were worried about his life and mind; God gave me this scripture last night before we saw him at the hosp. today - Acts 20:10 - ".....for his life is in him". THEN, before we saw him I knew he'd be alright.

Comment*nothing is impossible for God.

Acts chapter 2 is a continuation of John the Baptist's baptism see Mk 1:4. That's why they had to be re baptized in Acts 19 because they had his baptism Acts 19:4. Acts transitions from the law to grace. You don't receive the Holy Ghost like that today, you receive the Spirit through faith see Gal 3:14. After the Jews rejected Christ in Acts 7 Paul is saved and God goes to the Gentiles Acts 20:28.

Diadema, just says first day of the week.

JR, Acts 20:16"For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost."
Scripture says he was converted before Pentecost. Believe God's word.

I am very blessed with this verse and I have learnt something.Giving is a source of blessings