The Acts transition (why overlap doesn't equal identity):
Acts 1-7: Kingdom offer to Israel from Jerusalem; temple presence, signs and wonders, water baptism, and the call to national repentance in view ( Acts 2-3). Peter locates it in prophecy ("since the world began," Acts 3:21).
Acts 9: Christ saves and commissions Paul uniquely ( Acts 9:15), previewing a Gentile-oriented mission with a heavenly message.
Acts 10-11: Cornelius event authenticates that Gentiles can be blessed without full proselyte conformity. It is a sign to Israel ( Acts 11:17-18), not a merger of commissions.
Acts 13-28: Paul's mission expands; Israel's leadership resists; finally Acts 28:28 declares that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles "and they will hear it."
Historical unfolding means we observe temporary overlap in practices, settings, and personnel-but the revelatory center of gravity shifts to Paul. That shift unveils the BoC ("one new man," Eph 2:15-16) formed by Spirit baptism ( 1 Cor 12:13) with a heavenly calling ( Phil 3:20). Overlap in history, therefore, is not proof of identical identity; it records God's orderly transition of administrations.
In my last reply, which you made a reply to all, I mentioned one verse that Paul taught about the kingdom of God. We also see in Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25, Acts 28:23, Romans 14:17, 1 Corinthians 4:20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:21, and Ephesians 5:5. I could list more.
As I mentioned earlier, I am not familiar with dispensationalism, a concept that didn't emerge until the 19th century. I also believe that the idea of the rapture of the Church isn't supported by Scripture. If you don't mind, what is the dispensationalist understanding of the kingdom of God? Is there no need for repentance and baptism? Will the Church be in heaven during the 1000 years?
I have not studied dispensationalism. I know a few things, but not the depth of it. I know they support the distinction between Israel and the Church. You have on several occasions said, "but from a dispensational perspective." To me, this is saying interpretation of Scripture must align with dispensationalism. Maybe I am wrong about what you are saying. It must be from the Holy Spirit.
What I have studied the Church began with the people of Israel in Acts 2:41-47. There is only one Church and one body of Christ that includes both Israelites and Gentiles. God's grace provides salvation for Gentiles as well as Israel by faith in Jesus, the same gospel.
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
We are fellow heirs of the kingdom of God, 2 Thessalonians 1:5. We will also reign with Christ here on earth, Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
These are the words of Paul, Acts 28:30-31 3 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Your question: Why was there a need for Paul at all? Jealousy, Romans 11:11.
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Acts 28:27 - For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
For the heart of this people is waxed gross (literally fat, insensitive), and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
In other words, they're going to hear it, but they are not going to understand because their hearts are hardened, therefore I will not allow them to understand.
This is all I have to share on the book of Acts. I will be going through Romans next as I continue on in this study from a biblical Greek perspective.
Acts 28:11 - And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
The Greek text does not say "Castor and Pollux." DIOSKOUROIS means twins. You might wonder where we get Castor and Pollux out of that. Well, it's actually a translation or interpretation.
The text actually says the twins were an ensign on the ship. And what they would do is they would put these ensigns at the front of the ship, and sometimes you see it in pictures where the front of the ship will extend out and there will be pictures on the side of various things that they would call good luck charms or gods.
But the twins that they are talking about, the King James tells us their names. Castor and Pollux are said to be twins of Zeus, the head god in Greek mythology, and that they are alongside to bring good luck to the sailors.
So that's why we have the names in our English text. And those two names are also part of the constellation Gemini, along with Greek mythology, and they work their way into that. That's where that comes from.
So, after three months, they took a ship of Alexandria. The sign on the ship shows us that they had the twins on there for sailing safety purposes, at least to watch over them as they sailed.
Acts 28:4 - And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
The word vengeance is HE DIKE, pronounced Hay-Dikay. It is the word for justice in Greek. It means the justice. HE DIKE is the name of the goddess of justice, the goddess of right and wrong.
So, what they're saying is HE DIKE is judging him, because the philosophy of the day, just like it is in our day unfortunately, is that bad things happen to bad people. You have to do something wrong to deserve such bad things. "A God of love would not allow you to suffer." And good things happen to good people!
Acts 28:7 - In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island. This is the governor of the island. His name is Publius. PUBLIUS means popular, and that is a title. I guess he named himself that. "Mr. popular!"
Acts 28:8 - And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
The phrase "bloody flux" is the word DUSENTERIA I the Greek and is where we get our word dysentery from.
Acts 28:2 - And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
So, it says in Verse 2, and the barbarous people, literally the barbarians, so all of a sudden you think of tribe people with spears. But the word barbarian is actually a word that is made up from the Greek language.
A barbarian to a Greek person is anybody that does not know Greek. Anybody that does not know Greek, they are barbarians because when they talk it sounds like they are saying "bar-bar."
In other words, nothing! So, to a Greek, a Hellenist, they would call non-Greek speaking people barbarians. That had nothing to do with their education or way of life. It was just a barbarous people.
Acts 28:3 - And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and basically what the Greek is saying is that he would go along and he would pick up all these sticks until it became a bundle, and he would put the bundle on the fire.
When Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat and fastened on his hand.
This viper is called ECHINDA, which means a small venomous snake. So, this viper came out of the heat. Some speculate that knowing what an ECHINDA looks like, that it looked like a stick.
With the cold weather going on, he was just "stiff," and Paul was picking up sticks. He can't see that well and he lays it in the fire. And of course, the heat woke it up. It would wake me up too!
Addendum: Demonic "miracles" and answered "prayers" and casting out demons
False signs and wonders are scriptural warnings for the last days; particularly in the Book of Revelation. Most who are of sound mind would cringe at the so called "Kundalini awakening" or other such phenomenon that invokes the coiled serpent within for all sorts of magical powers. What can be said is that as Christians we are promised all power over the evil one; and since that was won at the cross we have no reason to suspect that doesn't still exist as the authority given by Christ over demons according to the promises of ( Luke 10:19). Of course as with all scripture this passage must be taken in context; in Paul's case a snake fell off his arm and caused no harm; he didn't go out looking for some sensational footage; as clearly indicated in Acts 28:5-6. We also don't go out willy nilly after the evil one as the sons of Sceva did without bad results ( Acts 19:11-20). However as Spirit filled believers when we are exercising in His strength and with His authority we are fulfilling necessary service in casting out demons or commanding them not to continue to oppress people. This means; of course that we make sure a person WANTS to be freed; and willing to repent of any sins which give Satan legal foothold on their souls.
There are also demonic incantations or "prayers to Satan" of which I had the dubious distinction of hearing spoken against me a few years back. We need to factor in spiritual hinderances to our prayer as it is scriptural as we see in the book of Daniel and apparently with some missionary efforts Paul had. This doesn't guarantee our prayers are answered but such hinderences certainly make a breakthrough unlikely if we haven't dealt with strongholds in our own lives of entrenched sin as well as in others as well who we hope to see delivered.
The last point for now is that we must be open for others to pray for our needs as well. We need each other.
May we be faithful in our belief in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, and carry out GOD'S desire to reach lost souls.
Praying for the peace in Jerusalem, and for the people to receive the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Let us as believers put on the armor of GOD and go forth into the spiritual battle raging around us.
Let us pray for our leadership, on all levels, to have the mind and heart of the LORD.
May we be blessed and a blessing unto all who the LORD guides to us.
The LORD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto them, if they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose
from the dead.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto you, that after the way they (the church) call HERESY, so worship I the God of my fathers; believing ALL THINGS written in the LAW and the PROPHETS.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, they came many unto him in his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the KINGDOM of GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses,and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Most don't believe ALL THINGS written in MOSES and the PROPHETS.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this honoru hath all his saints.
Isaiah 26:9 ... for when thy judgements (administered by the saints) are in the earth (second resurrection), the world WILL LEARN righteousness.
Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world SHALL REMEMBER (when they are resurrected and judged by the saints) AND TURN (repent) unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Isaiah 66:24 And they (the saints) shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me, for their (the saints) WORM shall not die; neither shall their (the saints') FIRE be quenched, and they (the saints) shall be and abhorring to all flesh.
Job 25:6 And much less man, that is a worm?and the son or man WHICH IS A WORM.
Psalms 22:6 .... But I am a worm .....
Mark 9:46 Where their WORM dieth not, nor is the FIRE quenched.
Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Matthew 13:34 ... and without a parable he spake he not unto them......
The whole word of God is Christ speaking.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a PARABLE: I will open my DARK SAYINGS of the harps (his people)
Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14Jeremiah 3:22Hosea 6:1,2
Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40Acts 28:27
Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children
He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,
Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.
There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.
The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.
God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out
& why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.
thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1
Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11
Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"
one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.
your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God
Sorry but you are taking this verse out of context Jordyn. This verse doesn't say one could come into the Kingdom by what was written in Moses and the prophets.
( Acts 28:23)
It says Paul testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, (which is the Torah the first five books of the Bible), and out of the prophets, this is all the prophets who have books written in the Old Testament, or in the Hebrew manuscripts.
The word (testified) is #1263; it means to attest or protest earnestly, charge, witness, to be a witness, testify, give (evidence) bear record, be well reported of.
Paul was pretty much preaching the kingdom of God convincing them concerning Jesus.
The word (persuading) is #3982; it means to convince (by argument, true or false) to assent (to evidence or authority) to rely (by inward certainty) assure, believe, confidence, trust.
Can one take ONLY Mosses and the Prophets and come to TRUTH about the Kingdom of God?
Acts 28:23 And when he had appoint them a day, there came many unto his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Mosses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
There was no KJB or New testament; YET, one could come into the Kingdom by what was written in Mosses and the Prophets.
I study only the KJB; BUT,
1 John 2:27 The anointing which you have received of him ABIDETH IN YOU ...... the same anointing WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS ........ after all: HE IS THE WORD ............
Philemon is on the end of Paul's writings. Philemon is part of a four-book set. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are a set of books known as the prison epistles, or prison letters, because they were written by Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome.
And Philemon is separated from them and on the end because the arrangement of Paul's letters put the letters to the churches first, and then letters to individuals last. So, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon have their letters at the end. But Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians all traveled together by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Philemon is the name of a man that lives in Colossae.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Paul and Timothy. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
Philemon was written to a Christian businessman by the name of Philemon who was living in the city of Colossae. And Paul wrote to Philemon concerning his run-away slave Onesimus.
Philemon was written at the same time as Colossians.
Both Philemon and Colossians are two of four epistles or letters known as the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Both were written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years ( Acts 28:16-31).
Timothy, Aristarchus, Archippus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, Onesimus, and Demas all appear in both letters demonstrating Colossians and Philemon were written by the same author at the same time.
And so, Timothy was considered Jewish. And in case some of the Hebrew and Jewish people would hear that he's Jewish as he's traveling and wanted to corner him and pin him down as to whether he's been circumcised, and whether he's been through the synagogue ceremonies, Paul had him circumcised so that he would be free to preach the gospel in the synagogues.
Timothy was ordained by Paul and the Presbytery ( I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6).
He accompanies Paul on his third missionary trip ( Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; II Corinthians 1:1, 19).
Timothy ministered in at least five churches as Paul's representative. He sent Timothy to:
1) Thessalonica ( I Thessalonians 3:2, 6).
2) Corinth ( I Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; II Corinthians 1:19).
3) Philippi ( Philippians 2:19-23).
4) Berea ( Acts 17:14).
5) Ephesus ( I Timothy 1:3).
Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release ( Philippians 2:19-23).
After Paul's release from his first imprisonment ( Acts 28:30), he revisited several cities leaving Timothy at Ephesus.
Paul went on to Macedonia from where he wrote Timothy this letter ( I Timothy 3:14-15).
Timothy was around 35-years of age when Paul wrote I Timothy.
Paul was arrested in Troas and taken to Rome and imprisoned for the second and last time.
Timothy also suffered imprisonment ( Hebrews 13:23).
Timothy ministered in at least 5 churches as Paul's representative:
1) Thessalonica ( I Thessalonians 3:2, 6)
2) Corinth ( I Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; II Corinthians 1:19)
3) Philippi ( Philippians 2:19-23)
4) Berea ( Acts 17:14)
5) Ephesus ( I Timothy 1:3)
So, here's somebody who spent 15-20 years with Paul all the time. He knew his teaching. He was able to live with him and watch his walk with the Lord, and he was sent out as Paul's representative to these different churches.
Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release ( Philippians 2:19-23). After Paul's release from his first imprisonment ( Acts 28:30), he revisited several cities leaving Timothy at Ephesus.
Paul went to Macedonia where he wrote Timothy this letter ( I Timothy 3:14-15). Timothy was around 35-years old when Paul wrote I Timothy. Timothy also suffered imprisonment ( Hebrews 13:23).
IV. DATE OF THE LETTER:
Written around 62 - 63 A.D. between Paul's first and second imprisonment. Paul wrote both 1 Timothy and Titus during this time. Paul was arrested again sometime after 64 A.D. and condemned to death. July, 64 A.D was when Rome was burned by Nero and blamed on the Christians. So, from 64 A.D. onward, Christianity was an illegal religion.
That's why there was persecution all the way from 64 A.D. to 313 A.D. Christians were persecuted and put to death because Christianity was an illegal religion until Constantine decided to bring Christianity from the underground and make it a legal religion.
Christianity joined Constantine's sun worship religion, which is why we have a lot of the traditions we have in the church today. It hasn't come from the bible. It hasn't come from the Christian church in the first 300 years. It came from Constantine's false religious system.
Paul wrote this letter during his second imprisonment; he also wrote II Timothy.
It was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years, as recorded in Acts 28:16-31. This is his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment was of course in the dungeon, and he was killed right after that time.
Philippians is one of four prison epistles or letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written by Paul during this time that he was under house arrest in Rome.
We went over Ephesians and now we are in Philippians. All of the books have the same outline. Paul always presented doctrine first, and what we would call application. But I don't like to use the word application because people say that you need to apply the scriptures to your life.
In other words, do them. That's not what the bible means. By application, it is God's Spirit, in light of what Christ has done. It's what God's Spirit wants to do in us. So, I would call them the doctrine and the details because it's the doctrine being presented in the everyday function of life.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
Epaphroditus on his return trip.
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-2: The Doctrine of Christian Fellowship.
Of course, our Christian fellowship has a lot of problems with it. That's because we have not looked to the book of Philippians that gives us the doctrine of fellowship and how to solve some of the problems.
CHAPTERS 3-4: The Details of Christian Fellowship.
That is how the doctrine is worked out and lived amongst the believers. Philippians is a fascinating study.
The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16. Two offerings! In fact, he said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.
In 62 A.D., Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31. When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor (or messenger), the one that gives the messages in Philippi.
So, this is their pastor. And you remember I told you about the mileage? They didn't have airplanes or cars. So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.
Of course, Epaphroditus, we'll find out later that something happened to him in Rome where he was near death. But God spared him, and Paul sent Epaphroditus back. And when he sent him back to Philippi, he sent the book of Philippians with him.
While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians. Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.
IV. THE THEME OF PHILIPPIANS:
Now you will find this to be different than what you will find in most commentaries about the book of Philippians. Most people say that the theme of Philippians is joy. But in reality, the theme of Philippians is fellowship. We saw that Ephesians was our position in Christ. Philippians is our participation in Christ. The focus is on the unity of fellowship.
It was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was in prison in Rome ( Acts 28:16-31). Paul was in house arrest for two years. This was his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment is when he was in the Mamertine prison. But this first time, he was under house arrest for about two years.
Ephesians is one of the prison letters. That is, one of the four written by Paul while he was imprisoned at this time. The others were Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. So, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are known as the prison epistles or prison letters because they were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
It was delivered by Tychicus. Ephesians 6:21-22 and Colossians 4:7-8 tell us that Tychicus brought both letters. So, it is believed that Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, because Philemon is a man that lived in Colosse, so his letter accompanied the letter to Colosse, and Tychicus took all three and delivered them.
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-3 - The Doctrine of the New Life in Christ.
CHAPTERS 4-6 - The Details of the New Life in Christ.
In other words, he takes the doctrine of the first three chapters, and he goes into detail and in depth of those doctrines, the function and performance of the church. He's going to present to us the armor of God all in those last three chapters.
That covers the introduction to Ephesians. Lord willing, I will share my introduction to Philippians soon.
The whole of God's word is about ONE thing, THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
You could eliminate the whole New Testament and still come to the truth about THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Paul and the other apostles can to the truth about the KINGDOM.
They had no New TESTAMENT, they came to TRUTH about the kingdom; from Moses and the PROPHETS, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, then they penned letters and gospels, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, that make up the New Testament.
All their writing are just second WITNESS of Moses and the Prophets, including Revelation.
Luke 16:31 ...if they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one was raised from the dead.
Acts 28:23 ....to whom he expounded and testified THE KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
The beast of Revelation is in the Prophets, search the scriptures, don't listen to the traditions of MAN.
1 John 2:27 The anointing which you have received of him abideth IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you; but as the anointing teacheth you ALL THINGS, and is truth, and no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Are the Prophecies in Revelation and the gospels any different than those in Mosses and the Prophets? Are, or they just a second witness?
There was no brick and mortar churches, no doctrines of those churches, until the apostles founded them.
How did the apostles and first men come to the truth of the KINGDOM OF GOD?
Luke 16:31 ....If they HEAR NOT Mosses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Acts 28:23 ....he (Paul) expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Mosses, and out of the Prophets, from morning till evening.
Galatians 1:17 Neither went I (Paul) up to Jerusalem to THEM which were apostles before me, but I went into Arabia (the wilderness) ......Where the Spirit taught him ......
Revelation 12:6 And the WOMAN (the bride of Christ, his church) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, and there should feed her a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
The disciples were feed by Christ for one thousand two hundred and threescore days, 42 months, 3 1/2 years, you and I are still being feed by that 3 1/2 year ministry, except NOW, Christ is WITHIN US, his second coming; but, we are still in the wilderness being feed.
Revelation 11:11 And after three days and a half (the great tribulation poured out on Christ) the Spirit of LIFE ( I am the Resurrection) from God entered into them ( those of OLD, the law and prophets, the old testament saints) --- Matthew 27:52-53 ---
Isaiah 26:19 ....with my dead body shall they arise .....
There are 2 deaths, 2 resurrections, 2 second comings and 2 judgements, one for the Firstfruits, feast of weeks, and one for the feast of the ingathering, AKA feast of tents, AKA feast of the tabernacles.
The woman, Christ bride, the church, rides the BEAST, and we are told TO COME OUT of here MY PEOPLE.
Hi Cindy. As far as Paul & Silas being imprisoned together, you can find this full account in Acts 16:16-40. I'm unsure if you're referring to healing that Paul administered by the Holy Spirit's Power, but there are accounts in Acts 14:8-10 and Acts 28:8,9 of this.
Or, if you want to read the many other verses pertaining to healing, then this Site has helps on this topic & others. At the top of this page, go to 'More', then to 'Bible Verses About Various Topics' (under Bible Study Help). Then go to 'H' and search for 'Healing, etc.'
Also, if I may share this. Philippians was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years, as recorded in Acts 28:16-31.
This is his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment was of course in the dungeon and he was killed right after that time.
Philippians is one of four prison epistles or letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written by Paul during this time that he was under house arrest in Rome.
After Paul wrote the letter, it was carried to Philippi by Epaphroditus on his return trip.
I'm not sure if that's a question or a statement but if it's a question, I would say that Philippians was written by Paul mainly. But he also signs Timothy on.
He has Timothy with him. He also has Luke with him. But he says Paul and Timothy are the authors of the letter. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. Philippi became the first European city to receive the gospel. The church at Philippi was founded during Paul's second missionary journey, recorded in Acts 16:8-12.
Epaphroditus was a messenger. He was also believed to be a pastor of the church in Philippi. Paul seems to have visited the church in Philippi twice. That is found in II Corinthians 1:16; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:1-3.
The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16.
In fact, Paul said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.
In 62 AD Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31.
When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor or messenger, the one that gives the messages in Philippi.
So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.
While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians.
Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.
Even if I say Giannis has explained it very well, if you not "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-1. I can only perceived by reading "Nats if Jesus is God" you are still searching if Jesus Christ is God. I would be happy to show you how to be saved and obtain the Holy Spirit. Only then the verses you have inquired about will make sense to you because the Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth.
In John 10:36 Jesus Christ himself said He is the Son of God. If you read the entire conversation between the unbelieving Jews and Jesus Christ they will not believe no matter how anybody explained it to them. It is already prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10, Isaiah 42:20; Jeremiah 5:21; Acts 28:27; Roman's 11.8
In John 14:28 the situation was that Jesus was about to fulfill another prophesy and that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world 1 John 2:2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 2:2-3. When Jesus was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, Jesus fulfilled what God the Father sent Jesus to do on earth. The mystery is that God the Father is greater than Jesus the Son of God. Remember Jesus came to Virgin Mary from God the Father. Then Jesus has to go unto the Father after Jesus rose the third day so the Comforter (i.e. Holy Spirit) will be fulfilled. John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. There is only one God. Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; James 2:19. Hope this helps and that you be saved soon. Good question.
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,
The word of God is about the KINGDOM OF GOD, not heaven or hell.
Acts 28:22 And when they had appointed him (PAUL, who penned a great deal of the New Testament) a day, there came many unto him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified THE KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them of Jesus, both out of the LAW OF MOSES, and out or the PROPHETS, morning till evening.
Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto them, If they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Luke 24:45 Then he opened their understanding, (the Holy Ghost is doing the same thing TODAY) that they might understand the SCRIPTURES (Mosses and the PROPHETS) the writings of the new testament DID NOT EXIST.
Christ came to FULFILL the LAW and THE PROPHETS, it's of great necessity to understand MOSSES and those PROPHETS, to understand the KINGDOM OF GOD.
ARE THERE PROPHECIES ABOUT CREATION BECOMING ONE WITH GOD
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him (Paul) a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of THE LAW OF MOSES, and out of THE PROPHETS, from morning till evening.
Acts 28:24 And some BELIEVED the things that were spoken and some BELIEVED NOT.
Prophecy spoken by Daniel.
Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, BROKEN TO PIECES together, and become like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors, and the wind carried them away, and no place was found for them: and THE STONE (CHRIST) that smote the IMAGE became a GREAT MOUNTAIN, AND FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.
Psalms 2:8 Ask of me and I will GIVE THEE the heathen for thy inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psalms 2:9 Thou shall BREAK THEM with a rod of iron, thou shall DASH THEM IN PIECES as a potter's vessel.
Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Psalms 22:29 .....and all they that go down to the dust shall bow before thee ....
The Acts transition (why overlap doesn't equal identity):
Acts 1-7: Kingdom offer to Israel from Jerusalem; temple presence, signs and wonders, water baptism, and the call to national repentance in view ( Acts 2-3). Peter locates it in prophecy ("since the world began," Acts 3:21).
Acts 9: Christ saves and commissions Paul uniquely ( Acts 9:15), previewing a Gentile-oriented mission with a heavenly message.
Acts 10-11: Cornelius event authenticates that Gentiles can be blessed without full proselyte conformity. It is a sign to Israel ( Acts 11:17-18), not a merger of commissions.
Acts 13-28: Paul's mission expands; Israel's leadership resists; finally Acts 28:28 declares that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles "and they will hear it."
Historical unfolding means we observe temporary overlap in practices, settings, and personnel-but the revelatory center of gravity shifts to Paul. That shift unveils the BoC ("one new man," Eph 2:15-16) formed by Spirit baptism ( 1 Cor 12:13) with a heavenly calling ( Phil 3:20). Overlap in history, therefore, is not proof of identical identity; it records God's orderly transition of administrations.
see section 4
In my last reply, which you made a reply to all, I mentioned one verse that Paul taught about the kingdom of God. We also see in Acts 19:8, Acts 20:25, Acts 28:23, Romans 14:17, 1 Corinthians 4:20, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:21, and Ephesians 5:5. I could list more.
As I mentioned earlier, I am not familiar with dispensationalism, a concept that didn't emerge until the 19th century. I also believe that the idea of the rapture of the Church isn't supported by Scripture. If you don't mind, what is the dispensationalist understanding of the kingdom of God? Is there no need for repentance and baptism? Will the Church be in heaven during the 1000 years?
I am only trying to understand.
God bless,
RLW
I have not studied dispensationalism. I know a few things, but not the depth of it. I know they support the distinction between Israel and the Church. You have on several occasions said, "but from a dispensational perspective." To me, this is saying interpretation of Scripture must align with dispensationalism. Maybe I am wrong about what you are saying. It must be from the Holy Spirit.
What I have studied the Church began with the people of Israel in Acts 2:41-47. There is only one Church and one body of Christ that includes both Israelites and Gentiles. God's grace provides salvation for Gentiles as well as Israel by faith in Jesus, the same gospel.
Ephesians 2:19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;
Ephesians 3:5-6 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; 6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
We are fellow heirs of the kingdom of God, 2 Thessalonians 1:5. We will also reign with Christ here on earth, Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
These are the words of Paul, Acts 28:30-31 3 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Your question: Why was there a need for Paul at all? Jealousy, Romans 11:11.
God bless,
RLW
Matthew 17:21: "Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting."
Matthew 18:11: "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost."
Matthew 23:14: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows' houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation."
Mark 7:16: "If any man have ears to hear, let him hear."
Mark 9:44: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 9:46: "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched."
Mark 11:26: "But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."
Mark 15:28: "And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors."
Luke 17:36: "Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left."
John 5:4: "For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had."
Acts 8:37: "And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Acts 15:34: "Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still."
Acts 24:7: "But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,"
Acts 28:29: "And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves."
Romans 16:24: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."
I John 5:7: "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."
Acts 28:27 - For the heart of this people is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes have they closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
For the heart of this people is waxed gross (literally fat, insensitive), and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
In other words, they're going to hear it, but they are not going to understand because their hearts are hardened, therefore I will not allow them to understand.
This is all I have to share on the book of Acts. I will be going through Romans next as I continue on in this study from a biblical Greek perspective.
Blessings to you all in Christ Jesus!
(Acts Part 61):
Acts 28:11 - And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.
The Greek text does not say "Castor and Pollux." DIOSKOUROIS means twins. You might wonder where we get Castor and Pollux out of that. Well, it's actually a translation or interpretation.
The text actually says the twins were an ensign on the ship. And what they would do is they would put these ensigns at the front of the ship, and sometimes you see it in pictures where the front of the ship will extend out and there will be pictures on the side of various things that they would call good luck charms or gods.
But the twins that they are talking about, the King James tells us their names. Castor and Pollux are said to be twins of Zeus, the head god in Greek mythology, and that they are alongside to bring good luck to the sailors.
So that's why we have the names in our English text. And those two names are also part of the constellation Gemini, along with Greek mythology, and they work their way into that. That's where that comes from.
So, after three months, they took a ship of Alexandria. The sign on the ship shows us that they had the twins on there for sailing safety purposes, at least to watch over them as they sailed.
Acts 28:4 - And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
The word vengeance is HE DIKE, pronounced Hay-Dikay. It is the word for justice in Greek. It means the justice. HE DIKE is the name of the goddess of justice, the goddess of right and wrong.
So, what they're saying is HE DIKE is judging him, because the philosophy of the day, just like it is in our day unfortunately, is that bad things happen to bad people. You have to do something wrong to deserve such bad things. "A God of love would not allow you to suffer." And good things happen to good people!
Acts 28:7 - In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.
In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island. This is the governor of the island. His name is Publius. PUBLIUS means popular, and that is a title. I guess he named himself that. "Mr. popular!"
Acts 28:8 - And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.
The phrase "bloody flux" is the word DUSENTERIA I the Greek and is where we get our word dysentery from.
Acts 28:2 - And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
So, it says in Verse 2, and the barbarous people, literally the barbarians, so all of a sudden you think of tribe people with spears. But the word barbarian is actually a word that is made up from the Greek language.
A barbarian to a Greek person is anybody that does not know Greek. Anybody that does not know Greek, they are barbarians because when they talk it sounds like they are saying "bar-bar."
In other words, nothing! So, to a Greek, a Hellenist, they would call non-Greek speaking people barbarians. That had nothing to do with their education or way of life. It was just a barbarous people.
Acts 28:3 - And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.
And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and basically what the Greek is saying is that he would go along and he would pick up all these sticks until it became a bundle, and he would put the bundle on the fire.
When Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat and fastened on his hand.
This viper is called ECHINDA, which means a small venomous snake. So, this viper came out of the heat. Some speculate that knowing what an ECHINDA looks like, that it looked like a stick.
With the cold weather going on, he was just "stiff," and Paul was picking up sticks. He can't see that well and he lays it in the fire. And of course, the heat woke it up. It would wake me up too!
False signs and wonders are scriptural warnings for the last days; particularly in the Book of Revelation. Most who are of sound mind would cringe at the so called "Kundalini awakening" or other such phenomenon that invokes the coiled serpent within for all sorts of magical powers. What can be said is that as Christians we are promised all power over the evil one; and since that was won at the cross we have no reason to suspect that doesn't still exist as the authority given by Christ over demons according to the promises of ( Luke 10:19). Of course as with all scripture this passage must be taken in context; in Paul's case a snake fell off his arm and caused no harm; he didn't go out looking for some sensational footage; as clearly indicated in Acts 28:5-6. We also don't go out willy nilly after the evil one as the sons of Sceva did without bad results ( Acts 19:11-20). However as Spirit filled believers when we are exercising in His strength and with His authority we are fulfilling necessary service in casting out demons or commanding them not to continue to oppress people. This means; of course that we make sure a person WANTS to be freed; and willing to repent of any sins which give Satan legal foothold on their souls.
There are also demonic incantations or "prayers to Satan" of which I had the dubious distinction of hearing spoken against me a few years back. We need to factor in spiritual hinderances to our prayer as it is scriptural as we see in the book of Daniel and apparently with some missionary efforts Paul had. This doesn't guarantee our prayers are answered but such hinderences certainly make a breakthrough unlikely if we haven't dealt with strongholds in our own lives of entrenched sin as well as in others as well who we hope to see delivered.
The last point for now is that we must be open for others to pray for our needs as well. We need each other.
Praying for the peace in Jerusalem, and for the people to receive the gospel of JESUS CHRIST. Let us as believers put on the armor of GOD and go forth into the spiritual battle raging around us.
Let us pray for our leadership, on all levels, to have the mind and heart of the LORD.
May we be blessed and a blessing unto all who the LORD guides to us.
The LORD to shine HIS face on all who trust and believe in HIM.
January 7, 2024
Luke 16:31 And he said unto them, if they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose
from the dead.
Acts 24:14 But this I confess unto you, that after the way they (the church) call HERESY, so worship I the God of my fathers; believing ALL THINGS written in the LAW and the PROPHETS.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, they came many unto him in his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified the KINGDOM of GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses,and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Most don't believe ALL THINGS written in MOSES and the PROPHETS.
Psalms 149:9 To execute upon them the judgement written, this honoru hath all his saints.
Isaiah 26:9 ... for when thy judgements (administered by the saints) are in the earth (second resurrection), the world WILL LEARN righteousness.
Psalms 22:27 All the ends of the world SHALL REMEMBER (when they are resurrected and judged by the saints) AND TURN (repent) unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Isaiah 66:24 And they (the saints) shall go forth, and look upon the carcasses of the men that have transgressed against me, for their (the saints) WORM shall not die; neither shall their (the saints') FIRE be quenched, and they (the saints) shall be and abhorring to all flesh.
Job 25:6 And much less man, that is a worm?and the son or man WHICH IS A WORM.
Psalms 22:6 .... But I am a worm .....
Mark 9:46 Where their WORM dieth not, nor is the FIRE quenched.
Hebrews 12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Matthew 13:34 ... and without a parable he spake he not unto them......
The whole word of God is Christ speaking.
Psalms 78:2 I will open my mouth in a PARABLE: I will open my DARK SAYINGS of the harps (his people)
God Bless you
Lev 26:15-21 God is speaking to His people, the history of the children of Israel full of this. 2 Chronicles 7:14 Jeremiah 3:22 Hosea 6:1,2
Christ brings this into the NT John 12:40 Acts 28:27
Hebrews 12:5-11 speaking of His children
He does this in His merciful lovingkindness to us, we being so blinded by the deceitfulness of sin, it must be scourge out, define as "to flog" lit or fig, God as a father chastising and training men as children by affliction,
Chastisement; Education or training; by implication, disciplinary correction, chastening, instruction, nurture.
There's two kinds of fear, & many manifestations of each, all grounded in one of the two, godly fear which foundation is grounded in obedient reverential love for God.
The other, Satan counter part, grounded in disobedience which brings torment, where condemnation & guilt in one's own heart follows them wherever they go, for they have offended the Holy God; they having continue in disobedience to the Grace of God which appears in their hearts.
God's love in chastising correction, cast this fear & torment out
& why? John 14:21, which defines love, which makes way for John 14:23 one's habitation becomes a dwelling place for Perfect Love in the work of Sanctification of the Spirit unto obedience & sprinkling of the Blood/Life of Jesus.
thus "for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.
Hebrews 12:11 exercising the Grace of God, the Word of Righteousness in discerning between Good & evil,, there's suffering in the Cross to learn righteousness. 1Pet 4:1
Then we have Job, who God said is perfect, Job 2:3; which trials, suffering & afflictions is of a much higher concept than punishment for disobedience, James 5:11
Hebrews 11:33 for this purpose "obtain a better resurrection"
one eighty, you would do well to live out your call name.
your in darkness, deceived; dwelling, speaking & judging falsely against God
Ephesians 5:13, therefore, Ephesians 5:14
In Love & Truth
Sorry but you are taking this verse out of context Jordyn. This verse doesn't say one could come into the Kingdom by what was written in Moses and the prophets.
( Acts 28:23)
It says Paul testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, (which is the Torah the first five books of the Bible), and out of the prophets, this is all the prophets who have books written in the Old Testament, or in the Hebrew manuscripts.
The word (testified) is #1263; it means to attest or protest earnestly, charge, witness, to be a witness, testify, give (evidence) bear record, be well reported of.
Paul was pretty much preaching the kingdom of God convincing them concerning Jesus.
The word (persuading) is #3982; it means to convince (by argument, true or false) to assent (to evidence or authority) to rely (by inward certainty) assure, believe, confidence, trust.
Blessings to you Jordyn.
Can one take ONLY Mosses and the Prophets and come to TRUTH about the Kingdom of God?
Acts 28:23 And when he had appoint them a day, there came many unto his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the Kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Mosses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
There was no KJB or New testament; YET, one could come into the Kingdom by what was written in Mosses and the Prophets.
I study only the KJB; BUT,
1 John 2:27 The anointing which you have received of him ABIDETH IN YOU ...... the same anointing WILL TEACH YOU ALL THINGS ........ after all: HE IS THE WORD ............
God Bless YOU!
Philemon is on the end of Paul's writings. Philemon is part of a four-book set. Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon are a set of books known as the prison epistles, or prison letters, because they were written by Paul during his first imprisonment in Rome.
And Philemon is separated from them and on the end because the arrangement of Paul's letters put the letters to the churches first, and then letters to individuals last. So, Timothy, Titus, and Philemon have their letters at the end. But Philemon, Colossians, and Ephesians all traveled together by Tychicus and Onesimus.
Philemon is the name of a man that lives in Colossae.
I. ABOUT THE AUTHORS:
Paul and Timothy. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
II. TO WHOM IT WAS WRITTEN:
Philemon was written to a Christian businessman by the name of Philemon who was living in the city of Colossae. And Paul wrote to Philemon concerning his run-away slave Onesimus.
Philemon was written at the same time as Colossians.
Both Philemon and Colossians are two of four epistles or letters known as the Prison Epistles: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon. Both were written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years ( Acts 28:16-31).
Timothy, Aristarchus, Archippus, Mark, Epaphras, Luke, Onesimus, and Demas all appear in both letters demonstrating Colossians and Philemon were written by the same author at the same time.
And so, Timothy was considered Jewish. And in case some of the Hebrew and Jewish people would hear that he's Jewish as he's traveling and wanted to corner him and pin him down as to whether he's been circumcised, and whether he's been through the synagogue ceremonies, Paul had him circumcised so that he would be free to preach the gospel in the synagogues.
Timothy was ordained by Paul and the Presbytery ( I Timothy 4:14; II Timothy 1:6).
He accompanies Paul on his third missionary trip ( Acts 19:22; Acts 20:4; II Corinthians 1:1, 19).
Timothy ministered in at least five churches as Paul's representative. He sent Timothy to:
1) Thessalonica ( I Thessalonians 3:2, 6).
2) Corinth ( I Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; II Corinthians 1:19).
3) Philippi ( Philippians 2:19-23).
4) Berea ( Acts 17:14).
5) Ephesus ( I Timothy 1:3).
Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release ( Philippians 2:19-23).
After Paul's release from his first imprisonment ( Acts 28:30), he revisited several cities leaving Timothy at Ephesus.
Paul went on to Macedonia from where he wrote Timothy this letter ( I Timothy 3:14-15).
Timothy was around 35-years of age when Paul wrote I Timothy.
Paul was arrested in Troas and taken to Rome and imprisoned for the second and last time.
Timothy also suffered imprisonment ( Hebrews 13:23).
Timothy ministered in at least 5 churches as Paul's representative:
1) Thessalonica ( I Thessalonians 3:2, 6)
2) Corinth ( I Corinthians 4:17; 16:10; II Corinthians 1:19)
3) Philippi ( Philippians 2:19-23)
4) Berea ( Acts 17:14)
5) Ephesus ( I Timothy 1:3)
So, here's somebody who spent 15-20 years with Paul all the time. He knew his teaching. He was able to live with him and watch his walk with the Lord, and he was sent out as Paul's representative to these different churches.
Timothy was with Paul during Paul's first imprisonment ( Philippians 1:1; Colossians 1:1; Philemon 1:1) and went to Philippi after Paul's release ( Philippians 2:19-23). After Paul's release from his first imprisonment ( Acts 28:30), he revisited several cities leaving Timothy at Ephesus.
Paul went to Macedonia where he wrote Timothy this letter ( I Timothy 3:14-15). Timothy was around 35-years old when Paul wrote I Timothy. Timothy also suffered imprisonment ( Hebrews 13:23).
IV. DATE OF THE LETTER:
Written around 62 - 63 A.D. between Paul's first and second imprisonment. Paul wrote both 1 Timothy and Titus during this time. Paul was arrested again sometime after 64 A.D. and condemned to death. July, 64 A.D was when Rome was burned by Nero and blamed on the Christians. So, from 64 A.D. onward, Christianity was an illegal religion.
That's why there was persecution all the way from 64 A.D. to 313 A.D. Christians were persecuted and put to death because Christianity was an illegal religion until Constantine decided to bring Christianity from the underground and make it a legal religion.
Christianity joined Constantine's sun worship religion, which is why we have a lot of the traditions we have in the church today. It hasn't come from the bible. It hasn't come from the Christian church in the first 300 years. It came from Constantine's false religious system.
Paul wrote this letter during his second imprisonment; he also wrote II Timothy.
IV. THE THEME OF COLOSSIANS:
The Believer's Perfection in Christ. The focus of the book is the completeness of a person who is in Christ.
Colossians was written to combat the many heresies of Jewish Gnosticism.
GNOSTICISM BELIEVED:
God is good.
Physical matter is evil.
Jesus Christ is less than God because He was one of many emanations coming out from God.
A certain secret knowledge beyond Scripture was necessary for enlightenment and salvation.
In the worship of angels.
THE JEWISH LEGALISTS BELIEVED:
The necessity of circumcision for salvation.
Jews and Gentiles must observe the dietary laws of the Old Testament as well as festivals and the Sabbath.
V. DATE/BACKGROUND:
Written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years ( Acts 28:16-31).
One of four prison epistles or letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
Colossians was delivered with Ephesians and Philemon by Tychicus who was accompanied by Onesimus ( Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8).
Epaphras remained behind in Rome ( Philemon 23).
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-2: The Doctrine of Completeness in Christ
CHAPTERS 3-4: The Duty of Those Complete in Christ
I will share my introduction to 1 Thessalonians soon.
God Bless!!!
V. DATE/BACKGROUND:
It was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was under house arrest in Rome for two years, as recorded in Acts 28:16-31. This is his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment was of course in the dungeon, and he was killed right after that time.
Philippians is one of four prison epistles or letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written by Paul during this time that he was under house arrest in Rome.
We went over Ephesians and now we are in Philippians. All of the books have the same outline. Paul always presented doctrine first, and what we would call application. But I don't like to use the word application because people say that you need to apply the scriptures to your life.
In other words, do them. That's not what the bible means. By application, it is God's Spirit, in light of what Christ has done. It's what God's Spirit wants to do in us. So, I would call them the doctrine and the details because it's the doctrine being presented in the everyday function of life.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
Epaphroditus on his return trip.
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-2: The Doctrine of Christian Fellowship.
Of course, our Christian fellowship has a lot of problems with it. That's because we have not looked to the book of Philippians that gives us the doctrine of fellowship and how to solve some of the problems.
CHAPTERS 3-4: The Details of Christian Fellowship.
That is how the doctrine is worked out and lived amongst the believers. Philippians is a fascinating study.
I will share the introduction to Colossians next.
The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16. Two offerings! In fact, he said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.
In 62 A.D., Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31. When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor (or messenger), the one that gives the messages in Philippi.
So, this is their pastor. And you remember I told you about the mileage? They didn't have airplanes or cars. So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.
Of course, Epaphroditus, we'll find out later that something happened to him in Rome where he was near death. But God spared him, and Paul sent Epaphroditus back. And when he sent him back to Philippi, he sent the book of Philippians with him.
While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians. Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.
IV. THE THEME OF PHILIPPIANS:
Now you will find this to be different than what you will find in most commentaries about the book of Philippians. Most people say that the theme of Philippians is joy. But in reality, the theme of Philippians is fellowship. We saw that Ephesians was our position in Christ. Philippians is our participation in Christ. The focus is on the unity of fellowship.
V. DATE / BACKGROUND:
It was written around 63 A.D. while Paul was in prison in Rome ( Acts 28:16-31). Paul was in house arrest for two years. This was his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment is when he was in the Mamertine prison. But this first time, he was under house arrest for about two years.
Ephesians is one of the prison letters. That is, one of the four written by Paul while he was imprisoned at this time. The others were Philippians, Colossians and Philemon. So, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians and Philemon are known as the prison epistles or prison letters because they were written by Paul while he was under house arrest in Rome.
VI. DELIVERED BY:
It was delivered by Tychicus. Ephesians 6:21-22 and Colossians 4:7-8 tell us that Tychicus brought both letters. So, it is believed that Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon, because Philemon is a man that lived in Colosse, so his letter accompanied the letter to Colosse, and Tychicus took all three and delivered them.
VII. SECTION OUTLINE OF THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS:
CHAPTERS 1-3 - The Doctrine of the New Life in Christ.
CHAPTERS 4-6 - The Details of the New Life in Christ.
In other words, he takes the doctrine of the first three chapters, and he goes into detail and in depth of those doctrines, the function and performance of the church. He's going to present to us the armor of God all in those last three chapters.
That covers the introduction to Ephesians. Lord willing, I will share my introduction to Philippians soon.
God Bless!!!
The whole of God's word is about ONE thing, THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
You could eliminate the whole New Testament and still come to the truth about THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
Paul and the other apostles can to the truth about the KINGDOM.
They had no New TESTAMENT, they came to TRUTH about the kingdom; from Moses and the PROPHETS, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, then they penned letters and gospels, under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, that make up the New Testament.
All their writing are just second WITNESS of Moses and the Prophets, including Revelation.
Luke 16:31 ...if they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one was raised from the dead.
Acts 28:23 ....to whom he expounded and testified THE KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and the Prophets, from morning till evening.
The beast of Revelation is in the Prophets, search the scriptures, don't listen to the traditions of MAN.
1 John 2:27 The anointing which you have received of him abideth IN YOU, and you need not that any man teach you; but as the anointing teacheth you ALL THINGS, and is truth, and no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
God Bless YOU!
Are the Prophecies in Revelation and the gospels any different than those in Mosses and the Prophets? Are, or they just a second witness?
There was no brick and mortar churches, no doctrines of those churches, until the apostles founded them.
How did the apostles and first men come to the truth of the KINGDOM OF GOD?
Luke 16:31 ....If they HEAR NOT Mosses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Acts 28:23 ....he (Paul) expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Mosses, and out of the Prophets, from morning till evening.
Galatians 1:17 Neither went I (Paul) up to Jerusalem to THEM which were apostles before me, but I went into Arabia (the wilderness) ......Where the Spirit taught him ......
Revelation 12:6 And the WOMAN (the bride of Christ, his church) fled into the wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, and there should feed her a thousand two hundred and threescore days.
The disciples were feed by Christ for one thousand two hundred and threescore days, 42 months, 3 1/2 years, you and I are still being feed by that 3 1/2 year ministry, except NOW, Christ is WITHIN US, his second coming; but, we are still in the wilderness being feed.
Revelation 11:11 And after three days and a half (the great tribulation poured out on Christ) the Spirit of LIFE ( I am the Resurrection) from God entered into them ( those of OLD, the law and prophets, the old testament saints) --- Matthew 27:52-53 ---
Isaiah 26:19 ....with my dead body shall they arise .....
There are 2 deaths, 2 resurrections, 2 second comings and 2 judgements, one for the Firstfruits, feast of weeks, and one for the feast of the ingathering, AKA feast of tents, AKA feast of the tabernacles.
The woman, Christ bride, the church, rides the BEAST, and we are told TO COME OUT of here MY PEOPLE.
God Bless You!
Or, if you want to read the many other verses pertaining to healing, then this Site has helps on this topic & others. At the top of this page, go to 'More', then to 'Bible Verses About Various Topics' (under Bible Study Help). Then go to 'H' and search for 'Healing, etc.'
This is his first imprisonment. His second imprisonment was of course in the dungeon and he was killed right after that time.
Philippians is one of four prison epistles or letters: Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon were written by Paul during this time that he was under house arrest in Rome.
After Paul wrote the letter, it was carried to Philippi by Epaphroditus on his return trip.
I'm not sure if that's a question or a statement but if it's a question, I would say that Philippians was written by Paul mainly. But he also signs Timothy on.
He has Timothy with him. He also has Luke with him. But he says Paul and Timothy are the authors of the letter. Paul's inscription is on all thirteen of his letters.
Paul wrote to the church in Philippi. Philippi became the first European city to receive the gospel. The church at Philippi was founded during Paul's second missionary journey, recorded in Acts 16:8-12.
Epaphroditus was a messenger. He was also believed to be a pastor of the church in Philippi. Paul seems to have visited the church in Philippi twice. That is found in II Corinthians 1:16; Acts 19:21; Acts 20:1-3.
The church in Philippi sent Paul two love offerings for his missionary endeavors in Thessalonica, found in Philippians 4:15-16.
In fact, Paul said nobody else sent for support except for the Christians in Philippi, not once he said, but twice to support the missionary effort.
In 62 AD Paul finds himself as a prisoner in Rome. That is in Acts 28:30-31.
When the church heard of Paul's imprisonment in Rome, they again sent a love offering to him by way of Epaphroditus. Paul describes him as the pastor or messenger, the one that gives the messages in Philippi.
So Epaphroditus is sent 700 miles with this love offering to help Paul while he was imprisoned in Rome, and to minister to Paul there.
While in Rome, Epaphroditus became very sick and nearly died. At this time, some 10 years after his original visit to Philippi, Paul wrote the epistle of Philippians.
Paul writes to the Philippians both to thank them for their gift and also to report the good news of Epaphroditus' recovery.
Even if I say Giannis has explained it very well, if you not "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-1. I can only perceived by reading "Nats if Jesus is God" you are still searching if Jesus Christ is God. I would be happy to show you how to be saved and obtain the Holy Spirit. Only then the verses you have inquired about will make sense to you because the Holy Spirit will guide you to the truth.
In John 10:36 Jesus Christ himself said He is the Son of God. If you read the entire conversation between the unbelieving Jews and Jesus Christ they will not believe no matter how anybody explained it to them. It is already prophesied in Isaiah 6:9-10, Isaiah 42:20; Jeremiah 5:21; Acts 28:27; Roman's 11.8
In John 14:28 the situation was that Jesus was about to fulfill another prophesy and that was to die on the cross for the sins of the world 1 John 2:2. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4; Colossians 2:2-3. When Jesus was buried and rose again the third day according to the scriptures, Jesus fulfilled what God the Father sent Jesus to do on earth. The mystery is that God the Father is greater than Jesus the Son of God. Remember Jesus came to Virgin Mary from God the Father. Then Jesus has to go unto the Father after Jesus rose the third day so the Comforter (i.e. Holy Spirit) will be fulfilled. John 14:16; John 14:26; John 15:26; John 16:7. There is only one God. Romans 3:30; 1 Corinthians 8:6; Ephesians 4:6; 1 Timothy 2:5; James 2:19. Hope this helps and that you be saved soon. Good question.
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
The word of God is about the KINGDOM OF GOD, not heaven or hell.
Acts 28:22 And when they had appointed him (PAUL, who penned a great deal of the New Testament) a day, there came many unto him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified THE KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them of Jesus, both out of the LAW OF MOSES, and out or the PROPHETS, morning till evening.
Acts 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto them, If they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Luke 24:45 Then he opened their understanding, (the Holy Ghost is doing the same thing TODAY) that they might understand the SCRIPTURES (Mosses and the PROPHETS) the writings of the new testament DID NOT EXIST.
Christ came to FULFILL the LAW and THE PROPHETS, it's of great necessity to understand MOSSES and those PROPHETS, to understand the KINGDOM OF GOD.
God Bless YOU.
Luke 16:31 And he said unto him, If they hear not MOSES and the PROPHETS, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him (Paul) a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the KINGDOM OF GOD, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of THE LAW OF MOSES, and out of THE PROPHETS, from morning till evening.
Acts 28:24 And some BELIEVED the things that were spoken and some BELIEVED NOT.
Prophecy spoken by Daniel.
Daniel 2:35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, BROKEN TO PIECES together, and become like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors, and the wind carried them away, and no place was found for them: and THE STONE (CHRIST) that smote the IMAGE became a GREAT MOUNTAIN, AND FILLED THE WHOLE EARTH.
Psalms 2:8 Ask of me and I will GIVE THEE the heathen for thy inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psalms 2:9 Thou shall BREAK THEM with a rod of iron, thou shall DASH THEM IN PIECES as a potter's vessel.
Psalms 22:27 ALL the ends of the earth shall remember and turn unto the LORD: and all the kindreds of the nations shall worship before thee.
Psalms 22:29 .....and all they that go down to the dust shall bow before thee ....
God Bless You this PASSOVER.