(Lesson 2775)(07-30-19) Acts 16:16-34
“And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain damsel possessed with a spirit of divination met us, which brought her masters much gain by soothsaying: The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and drew them into the marketplace unto the rulers, And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city, And teach customs, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, being Romans. And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken: and immediately all the doors were opened, and every one's bands were loosed. And the keeper of the prison awaking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he drew out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, Do thyself no harm: for we are all here. Then he called for a light, and sprang in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas, And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.”
Today’s quote contains one of the clearest determinations as to how a lost soul is to gain eternal salvation that is to be found in the New Testament. When the magistrate of the prison asked Paul and Silas, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Paul answered with explicit instructions and said, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou SHALT be saved, and thy house.” Make note that to be saved required NOTHING but belief in Jesus Christ.
The quote further states that the magistrate was baptized (immersed) AFTER he had heard the words preached by Paul. Again, I believe that the baptism the magistrate experienced was the baptism of the Holy Ghost.~
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Monday, July 29, 2019
Lesson 2774
(Lesson 2774)(07-29-19) Acts 16:6-15
“ Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”
Today’s quote relates that Paul, because of a vision, traveled to Macedonia where he encountered a woman named Lydia. A seemingly devout woman who worshiped God.
The text says that she and her house she were baptized. It behooves us to make note that her baptism occurred AFTER she had “attended unto the thins which were spoken of Paul”
I believe that the baptism that Lydia and her family experienced, after she had believed Paul’s message, was the same baptism of the Holy Ghost which was promised when John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water UNTO (toward) repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matther 3:11)~
“ Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us. And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.”
Today’s quote relates that Paul, because of a vision, traveled to Macedonia where he encountered a woman named Lydia. A seemingly devout woman who worshiped God.
The text says that she and her house she were baptized. It behooves us to make note that her baptism occurred AFTER she had “attended unto the thins which were spoken of Paul”
I believe that the baptism that Lydia and her family experienced, after she had believed Paul’s message, was the same baptism of the Holy Ghost which was promised when John the Baptist said, “I indeed baptize you with water UNTO (toward) repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire” (Matther 3:11)~
Sunday, July 28, 2019
Lesson 2773
(Lesson 2773)(07-28-19) Acts 16:1-5
“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”
In today’s quote, Paul chose Timothy to accompany him as he preached throughout the region. Knowing that Timothy’s mother was a Jew, Paul had him circumsized as per the tradition of the Jews.
For those bible literalists, today’s quote seems to put to rest the largely accepted “universal” church idea, seeing that Paul referred to the “churches” (Denoting more than one church.) that had been established by the work of the early evangelists, including himself.
This lesson also established that those early churches bagan to teach some elements of the Law of Moses as requisite to eternal salvation, as was demanded by James and the others Jews in the church at Jerusalem. There is, however, no evidence, that I have found, that establishes that Paul himself ever added those requirements to his message. ~
“Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem. And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.”
In today’s quote, Paul chose Timothy to accompany him as he preached throughout the region. Knowing that Timothy’s mother was a Jew, Paul had him circumsized as per the tradition of the Jews.
For those bible literalists, today’s quote seems to put to rest the largely accepted “universal” church idea, seeing that Paul referred to the “churches” (Denoting more than one church.) that had been established by the work of the early evangelists, including himself.
This lesson also established that those early churches bagan to teach some elements of the Law of Moses as requisite to eternal salvation, as was demanded by James and the others Jews in the church at Jerusalem. There is, however, no evidence, that I have found, that establishes that Paul himself ever added those requirements to his message. ~
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Lesson 2772
(Lesson 2772)(07-27-19) Acts 15:36-41
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.”
Today’s quote exposes the rift that had developed between Paul, Barnabus and Mark. That rift eventually caused Paul and Barnabus to go their separate ways.
The New Testament does not clarify what occurred that caused the falling out; However, since Paul had just come to terms with James and the Jews back in Jerusalem, I am convinced that the rift had something to do with the way Paul was intent on simply preaching the gospel as he had accepted it from the directions of Jesus Himself.~
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do. And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.”
Today’s quote exposes the rift that had developed between Paul, Barnabus and Mark. That rift eventually caused Paul and Barnabus to go their separate ways.
The New Testament does not clarify what occurred that caused the falling out; However, since Paul had just come to terms with James and the Jews back in Jerusalem, I am convinced that the rift had something to do with the way Paul was intent on simply preaching the gospel as he had accepted it from the directions of Jesus Himself.~
Friday, July 26, 2019
Lesson 2771
(Lesson 2771)(07-26-19) Acts 15:30-35
“So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”
Today’s quote relates that Paul and the others delivered the letter that James had written concerning what was to be preached to the Gentiles as the gospel of Jesus Christ.
With an in depth study of the last two lessons, in context, it becomes vividly clear how many of the early “Christians” attempted to alter and distort the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. Those alterations and distortions continued with the rise of the Roman Catholic church and with the remaining influence of the orthodox Jews.
Sadly, such rituals as water baptism have wrongfully become, by some, a pre-requisite to gaining eternal. Further, and again sadly, many of today’s so-called Christians demand that in order to gain everlasting life, a lost soul must adhere to many of the elements of the old Law.
It is wise to remember that Jesus fulfilled the old Law in order for us to have remission and all sin and to have FREE access to eternal salvation simply through faith in Him. ~
“So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch: and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the epistle: Which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation. And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brethren with many words, and confirmed them. And after they had tarried there a space, they were let go in peace from the brethren unto the apostles. Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.”
Today’s quote relates that Paul and the others delivered the letter that James had written concerning what was to be preached to the Gentiles as the gospel of Jesus Christ.
With an in depth study of the last two lessons, in context, it becomes vividly clear how many of the early “Christians” attempted to alter and distort the pure gospel of Jesus Christ. Those alterations and distortions continued with the rise of the Roman Catholic church and with the remaining influence of the orthodox Jews.
Sadly, such rituals as water baptism have wrongfully become, by some, a pre-requisite to gaining eternal. Further, and again sadly, many of today’s so-called Christians demand that in order to gain everlasting life, a lost soul must adhere to many of the elements of the old Law.
It is wise to remember that Jesus fulfilled the old Law in order for us to have remission and all sin and to have FREE access to eternal salvation simply through faith in Him. ~
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Lesson 2770
(Lesson 2770)(07-25-19) Acts 15:12-29
“Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”
In today’s quote, James, on behalf of the church leadership in Jerusalem, finally made the ruling that all Gentile proselytes should NOT be forced to circumcision, but WOULD be required to observe some other portions of the Law of Moses. The Gentiles would be required to do; “these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication”.
Because the rules that James imposed on the Gentiles were taken directly from the Law and were never a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul reluctantly agreed but never put the rules into practice as a part of his teaching.
As time passed, and as history reflects, there were more and more ritualistic requirements erroneously placed, by some, upon those who sought eternal salvation through God’s amazing grace.
It is my opinion that the gospel of Jesus Christ, as it was taught by Jesus Himself, NEVER required ANYTHING other that faith as a requisite for eternal life. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) ~
“Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. And after they had held their peace, James answered, saying, Men and brethren, hearken unto me: Simeon hath declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, saith the Lord, who doeth all these things. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world. Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God: But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. For Moses of old time hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath day. Then pleased it the apostles and elders with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas and Silas, chief men among the brethren: And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: It seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.”
In today’s quote, James, on behalf of the church leadership in Jerusalem, finally made the ruling that all Gentile proselytes should NOT be forced to circumcision, but WOULD be required to observe some other portions of the Law of Moses. The Gentiles would be required to do; “these necessary things; That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication”.
Because the rules that James imposed on the Gentiles were taken directly from the Law and were never a part of the gospel of Jesus Christ, Paul reluctantly agreed but never put the rules into practice as a part of his teaching.
As time passed, and as history reflects, there were more and more ritualistic requirements erroneously placed, by some, upon those who sought eternal salvation through God’s amazing grace.
It is my opinion that the gospel of Jesus Christ, as it was taught by Jesus Himself, NEVER required ANYTHING other that faith as a requisite for eternal life. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9) ~
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Lesson 2769
(Lesson 2769)(07-24-19) Acts 15:2-11
“When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
Today’s quote relates the bitter discussion between members of the church as to how salvation was to be preached to the Gentiles. The argument was partially settled when Peter explained how salvation had been, and was to be, also been freely given to the Gentiles. Peter said, “Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WE SHALL BE SAVED, EVEN AS THEY.”
Make note that their is NO mention of water baptism mentioned herein.~
“When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question. And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren. And when they were come to Jerusalem, they were received of the church, and of the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. But there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses. And the apostles and elders came together for to consider of this matter. And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.”
Today’s quote relates the bitter discussion between members of the church as to how salvation was to be preached to the Gentiles. The argument was partially settled when Peter explained how salvation had been, and was to be, also been freely given to the Gentiles. Peter said, “Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe. And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, PURIFYING THEIR HEARTS BY FAITH. Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that THROUGH THE GRACE OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST WE SHALL BE SAVED, EVEN AS THEY.”
Make note that their is NO mention of water baptism mentioned herein.~
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