Snoopy Approaches Acts

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Disagreeing with @unsafe

You can certainly disagree that is definitely your right -----

But disagreeing won't change the Scripture ----God gave us His Word who is Jesus and if we don't want to follow His Way it that is OK ----God allows us to choose ----His way or Our way

Ministers are suppose to be OF GOD ----and have an obligation to God ---and they will be judges harder for what they teach when they pass from this world ---so they really should think about what teaching God's word really is about before they go into Teaching His Word ---and without the Holy Spirit indwelling in you -----You Cannot teach the Spiritual Message of the Scripture -----and that has been said time and time again in the Scriptures that paradox3 has been doing ---

So the teacher without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is teaching only from his intellectual self ---and will definitely misinterpret what the scripture is really saying Spiritually and therefore is misleading their Flock --- and we have seen that right here on this sight ----

AI Overview

The scripture you're looking for is in the book of James 3:1, which states, "Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly". This verse warns that teachers will be held to a higher standard and face greater accountability for what they say and teach.

Key points of James 3:1:

• Stricter Judgment:
  Teachers will be judged by a more severe standard due to the greater responsibility they hold.
  
  
• Accountability for Words:
  The verse emphasizes the difficulty of controlling one's tongue and the serious consequences of misusing it in teaching.
  
  
• Context of the Epistle:
  The book of James focuses on the importance of controlling one's speech as a demonstration of a genuine and living faith.
  

In summary: James is saying that teaching is a serious role with significant accountability. Those who teach must be mindful of their words and live a life consistent with the truth they are conveying.

 

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You do know that bar-Jesus means "son of Jesus"? What a curious name for this magician to have?

Ya ---apparently it was a common name in those days -----but this Bar-Jesus did not live up to the meaning of his name -----he was a son of the devil here -----

From Bible hub

Topical Encyclopedia
Bar-Jesus, also known as Elymas the sorcerer, is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Book of Acts. His account is found in Acts 13:6-12, where he is depicted as a Jewish false prophet and magician who resided in Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. The name "Bar-Jesus" means "son of Jesus" or "son of Joshua," which was a common name during that period.

 

[paradox3]

You do know that bar-Jesus means "son of Jesus"? What a curious name for this magician to have?

Very curious indeed. Was the magician a son (not a literal son) who went astray?

And what about the translation, Elymas?

When I read the text this morning, I wondered why the story even needed a magician. Any advisor to the proconsul could have opposed Barnabas and Saul.

 

[paradox3]

On the same page as @unsafe about one thing. When it comes to the great commandment, I think loving God and loving our neighbor are two separate concepts.

Over the years, many have argued here that they are one and the same. Intertwined? Yes. Identical? No.

And I will concede that my liberal United Church upbringing focused far more on social justice than anything else. CGIT and CGIT camp were formative for me.

 

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On the same page as @unsafe about one thing. When it comes to the great commandment, I think loving God and loving our neighbor are two separate concepts.

But the LOVE here is Agape -for both --not brotherly human love ---and we can only have Agape when we have the Indwelling of the Holy Spirit as it is a Gift from the Holy Spirit --

This Love is unconditional --sacrificial love ----and the Natural man cannot serve their neighbour with this love ---- they can serve them with brotherly Human love but it will fail as we are flawed human beings ----and when we do serve our neighbour by this human brotherly love we are credited -------not God ----as the Natural man ----is away from God---- according to Scripture Folks ---Not ME --

Remember Herod yesterday was struck with worms ---Why ----because he took the praise and applause that was suppose to be God's ----

So without the ---ist commandment --Agape God -----you can't Agape your neighbour the way the Scripture intends your service to be -----

 

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So Actually the second command depends on the 1st

Jesus changed the second Command to

John 13:34 NIV
​

34“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you

Jesus' Love here is Agape -----

 

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The Big Problem with people going into the Ministry today is ----the Joe Blow off the street who has the world's education can enter any Seminary School and say they want to become a minister ----Agape for God is not relevant ---the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is not relevant -being saved is not relevant ----they themselves say they want to be a minister ----

Most of the people gong into Ministry today may know OF GOD ___BUT a lot of them don't Know God ------by having a personal relationship with God -----

Far cry from what we read in the Scriptures from Acts on -----all who are Disciples have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit ----and have Received Jesus as their Lord and Saviour --they are all saved -----

Greta Vosper an Atheist got into Seminary School ---how ???? that is the Question ????

AI

While it's generally not an atheist's goal to preach in mainstream churches, some atheists have become pastors or preachers after losing their faith, sometimes continuing to preach while no longer believing their words. Some churches, like Unitarian Universalist congregations, actively welcome atheists, humanists, and freethinkers, providing a space for those who don't believe in a higher power. Other individuals, like the preacher James McAllister, have found ways to deliver sermons focused on social justice and tolerance without invoking God.

 

[paradox3]

Back to the question of Love. The resurrected Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him.

Peter replies in the affirmative three times. And Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep. (John 21: 15-17)

 

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Back to the question of Love. The resurrected Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him.

Peter replies in the affirmative three times. And Jesus tells Peter to feed his sheep. (John 21: 15-17)

Strong's Greek: 5368. φιλέω (phileó) -- To love, to have affection for, to be fond of

Peter’s Restoration and the Vocabulary of Love

In John 21 the risen Jesus asks Peter twice, “Do you love (agapaō) Me?”

Peter answers with phileō,
confessing deep affection but hesitating to claim self-sacrificial loyalty.

The third time Jesus meets Peter on his own ground: “Simon son of John, do you love (phileō) Me?”
(John 21:17). The shift underscores Christ’s grace;

He receives Peter’s honest affection and commissions him, illustrating that Jesus rebuilds failed disciples by meeting them where they are and leading them higher.

I say -----This underlined statement here is said because ----Jesus will take His Disciples to a higher status and a give them a higher form of Love --when He goes to be with the Father --and His Father sends the Holy Spirit to them ----

I say ------So we see here ----Jesus asked --do you --Agape me -----Peter answers with with phileō,
Jesus asks a third time --this time using ---(phileō)------and Peter responds with phileō,

Peter here is feeling pretty bad and maybe unworthy to be with the group as he denied Jesus 3 times and Jesus has come to reassure Peter that all will be OK ----so Jesus is asking 3 times if he loves him ----why 3 times -----it represents Divine completeness --- wholeness and Perfection

So Spiritual understanding is needed here as to why Peter is using Phileo here instead of Agape and why Jesus is meeting him at his level of love ----
Jesus hasn't gone to the Father yet and so Peter is not saved yet and therefore has not the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and so the only love Peter has at this time is Phileo to offer Jesus ----

Jesus understands this and accepts the human love that Peter has at this time ---and commissions him

Later when Peter and the others have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit He will receive the gift of Agape as it is one of the first fruits of the Spirit -----

 

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Acts 13-52

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 13:13-52 - New English Translation

Paul and Barnabas at Pisidian Antioch - Then Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia, but John left them and returned to Jerusalem. Moving on from Perga, they arrived at Pisidian Antioch, and on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down...

www.biblegateway.com

John Mark returns to Jerusalem but Paul and Barnabas continue the journey, preaching the good news about Jesus.

Many of the Jews and god-fearing proselytes receive the message but some of the Jews are jealous and oppose them. Paul and Barnabas turn their attention to the Gentiles.

The Jews stir up prosecution against Paul and Barnabas and throw them out of the region. So Paul and Barnabas shake the dust off their feet in protest against them and leave for Iconium.

The disciples are filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.

 

[paradox3]

A schism is occurring which could prove dangerous for Paul and Barnabas. But they remain committed to their missionary work.

Interesting that John Mark has already departed for Jerusalem.

 

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So today we see Paul and the tribe move on to Perga in Pamphylia;

John (Mark) leaves them and goes back home to Jerusalem ----It doesn't say why John leaves the Group === we can only Speculate why he left

AI----- gives ---maybe ---a few reasons why John (Mark) left -----

Possible Reasons for John Mark's Departure

Fear and Hardship:
John Mark may have been unready for the physical and spiritual hardships of the missionary journey, including the danger of bandits or the rigors of travel.

Homesickness:
He might have simply been homesick, returning to Jerusalem to his mother and friends.

Disagreement with Mission Direction:
The mission's focus on Gentiles, particularly after Sergius Paulus' conversion, might have caused friction with John Mark, who came from the Jewish Christian background of Jerusalem.

Shift in Leadership:
John Mark may have felt uncomfortable with Paul taking the primary leadership role from Barnabas, his cousin and former leader of the team.



I say --after they left Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia,on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down.------after the Prophets read the law and the Prophets they asked if anyone had words of encouragement ----

Paul stands up ----and gives a long Sermon ----My try at summarizing ----------basically giving an account of Israel's history ---Jesus as the promised Saviour ---John the Baptise as paving the way ----and the forgiveness of sins through Faith in Christ

My view here ------What Paul was giving to them was that God had a plan in place --this plan was redemption for all people to be included in --he was giving them Hope ---

The people who listened to the message received it well and wanted it said again on the next sabbath ----Paul and Barnabas were being urged to continue in the Grace of God ----

Here is where the rubber meets the road ------Discord --and Jealousy ----Creeps in for the Jews -----

verse 44 AMP ----

Paul Turns to the Gentiles​

44 On the next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the word of the Lord [about salvation through faith in Christ].

45 But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things said by Paul, and were slandering him.

I say ----The Jewish Prophets were seeing how popular Paul and Barnabas were because of the message they gave became they became jealous and envious of their popularity --- and were trying to quash it ---- and taint their credibility -----

We can see this still happening in our denominational Churches today ---

People will say ---I don't follow that denominational Church ----they think this and that and it is wrong -----fostering Religious Skepticism------- my denominational Church says it better than that one -----etc

But we see in verse 46 ----Paul speaks out loudly and boldly ---and confidently ----he is not intimidated by the Jewish leaders who are trying to discredit them and God's message -----

Why ---because God is With Them Folks -----they are filled with the Holy Spirit ----

They were to bring God'd message of Salvation to the Jews first and the Jewish leaders rebuke it and Paul says this ------and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, now we turn to the Gentiles.

verse 47 For that is what the Lord has commanded us ---

Verse 48 speaks for itself ===AMP

48 When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying [praising and giving thanks for] the word of the Lord; and all those who had been appointed (designated, ordained) to eternal life [by God] believed [in Jesus as the Christ and their Savior].

The Jewish leaders went after prominent men and women of the city and instigated persecution against Paul and Barnabas and forced them out of the city -----

So the Jewish Leaders remain Spirituality Blinded and have no control over their emotions -----their Pride and Ego remain in charge -----

Bur guess what -----that doesn't stop Paul and Barnabas -----they do what Jesus did when He was kicked out of a place ------they shook its dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.-------they are carrying on with God's mission for them -----which is to preach the Gospel of Salvation to the Gentiles -----

Verse 52 Folks -----what God commissions no one will stop ------

52 And the disciples were continually filled [throughout their hearts and souls] with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

 

[paradox3]

Acts 14:1-7

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 14:1-7 - New English Translation

Paul and Barnabas at Iconium - The same thing happened in Iconium when Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a large group of both Jews and Greeks believed. But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the...

www.biblegateway.com

Paul and Barnabas have the same experience in Iconium. They speak in the synagogues and a large number of Jews and Greeks believe.

But some Jews refuse to believe and they get the Gentiles stirred up.

Paul and Barnabas stay in Iconium for a considerable time and continue to speak courageously for the Lord. Miraculous signs and wonders are performed through their hands, testifying to God's grace.

The city remains divided and a group of Jews and Gentiles plot to mistreat and stone Paul and Barnabas. Learning of this, the two depart and proclaim the good news elsewhere.

 

[paradox3]

Yesterday's and today's readings remind me of Jesus sending out the seventy in Luke's gospel.

Jesus told the disciples to stay a while in the cities where they were well received. But otherwise to shake the dust from their feet and move on. (Luke 10)

 

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OH Boy -----today we see Acceptance and Rejection of the Gospel and the Persons Preaching it ----

No different today ---Folks -----Some accept --Some reject ------

Paul and Barnabas have great success in winning over both Jews and Gentiles to accepting Jesus as their Lord and Saviour in Iconium----

Hear again we see that both speak with ----AMP -with such power and boldness
Verse 1
14 Now in Iconium Paul and Barnabas went into the Jewish synagogue together and spoke in such a way [with such power and boldness] ----

I say-------Where does this Power and Boldness come from ------the indwelling and infilling of the Holy Spirit -----

In verse 2 ---we see--- Who rejects the people preaching and What they are preaching --
---
2 but the unbelieving Jews [who rejected Jesus as Messiah] stirred up and embittered the minds of the Gentiles against the believers.

I say ---------So we see that the unbelieving Jews not only stirred Up but embittered the minds ---of who -the Gentiles--- against the believers

Well how does Satan work --Folks ----he poisons our Minds ---and can snatch away what was sown in our heart -----

The Parable of the Sower comes to mind here ------Jesus explaining it ---here

Matthew 13 AMP
18 “Listen then to the [meaning of the] parable of the sower:

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom [regarding salvation] and does not understand and grasp it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart.

I say -----So Paul and Barnabas stay a long time --Preaching boldly and confidently the Word of Grace while doing signs and wonders as well ---in the throws of the hostility -----
As
they had Babes in Christ there and they stayed to try and ground them with some support and to help them stand against the opposition ----as they may not just backslide but move away from the faith altogether with the unbelieving Jews poisoning their minds ----

Verse 4 ----there is now division amongst the people ---some siding with the Jews and some with the Apostles ----

Sound familiar ----there is so much division in the Church today it runs rampant and no does anything to stop it -----

Paul says in Romans 16:17----for the true Church to stay away from people who cause division ----and who are trying to stop the true Gospel from being preached while they preach contrary to the truth -----

OH My ---and this Division and conflict goes on so much today with all the different Denominations and their own gospel and traditions and beliefs -----people are so divided and confused today when it comes to scripture ----we twist scripture to say what we want ---not what God wants ----

So in the last verses here --Paul and Barnabas get wind that the Jews and Gentiles along with the rules were going to have them stoned ----they vacated and went to Lystra and Derbe and there continued to preached the Gospel of Salvation ------

We see still a lot of the Jewish people's hearts remain seared like an iron towards Jesus and His Gospel being Preached -----and the leaders are so Prideful and Egotistical driven that they can't help themselves emotionally to refrain from getting rid of anyone who dare come preaching against their rules --traditions and their laws ----which has now been made obsolete by God Himself ----

Their minds are so Blinded by the god of this world ------they have put the light under the table and prefer the dark ------

Darkness is just the absent of light ------Folks

AI Overview

Yes, darkness is fundamentally the absence of light. Light is a form of energy, while darkness is not a substance or entity but rather the lack of photons that our eyes need to sense to see objects. You can't add darkness to a room; rather, you can only block or remove the light to create the condition of darkness.

Understanding Darkness vs. Light

• Light is an energy:
  Light is a physical phenomenon, a form of energy that can be emitted or reflected by objects.
  
  
• Darkness is a state:
  Darkness is not a thing itself, but a state of being or a condition that exists when there is no light present.
  
  • Perception of darkness:
    We perceive darkness when our eyes are not receiving enough photons to register an image.
    

How Light and Darkness Interact

• • Light illuminates: A ray of light can move into a dark area and illuminate it.
    
  • Blocking light creates darkness: An object that blocks light creates a shadow, which is essentially an area of darkness where the light cannot reach.
    
  • Measuring darkness: To measure how dark a space is, you would measure the amount of light present, as darkness itself cannot be measured directly.

 

[paradox3]

Always interesting when we can see parallels between the Apostolic age and our churches today.

It really intrigues me that Jesus did not expect the 70 he sent out in pairs to meet with complete success.

But they returned happy with their mission. "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name!" (Luke 10: 17)

 

[unsafe]

It really intrigues me that Jesus did not expect the 70 he sent out in pairs to meet with complete success.

we see a number mentioned ---70 seems here to have a 2 fold meaning ----

interesting to know --what the numbers in Scripture mean ----

Meaning of the Number 70 in the Bible

How is the number 70 connected to Jesus' death? What are the seventy parables Jesus taught?

www.biblestudy.org

Meaning of Numbers: The Number 70​

Seventy has a sacred meaning in Scripture that is made up of the factors of two perfect numbers, seven (representing perfection) and ten (representing completeness and God's law). As such, it symbolizes perfect spiritual order carried out with all power.

It can also represent a period of judgment.

 

[paradox3]

Yes it's fascinating to see certain numbers popping up.

I have read that some early manuscripts of Luke say 70 and others say 72.

 

[paradox3]

Acts 14:8-20

Bible Gateway passage: Acts 14:8-20 - New English Translation

Paul and Barnabas at Lystra - In Lystra sat a man who could not use his feet, lame from birth, who had never walked. This man was listening to Paul as he was speaking. When Paul stared intently at him and saw he had faith to be healed, he said with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And...

www.biblegateway.com

Paul heals a man in Lystra who has never been able to walk. The crowds see this and declare that the gods have come down in human form.

They begin calling Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes. Even the priest at the temple of Zeus wants to offer sacrifices to them.

Paul and Barnabas protest that they are human, proclaiming the good news. They scarcely persuade the crowds not to offer sacrifices.

Jews come from Antioch and Iconium and win over the crowds. They stone Paul and drag him out of the city, presuming him to be dead.

Surrounded by the disciples, Paul is able to get up and go back into the city. The next day he leaves for Derbe with Barnabas.

 

[paradox3]

Wow, I see many echoes from the gospels in this story. Do you?

We often say that John's Gospel promotes anti-Semitism. Seems to me the same could be said of Acts.

Maybe Christians simply spend less time reading Acts?