Snoopy Approaches Acts

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Acts 11:1-18
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Bible Gateway passage: Acts 11:1-18 - New English Translation

Peter Defends His Actions to the Jerusalem Church - Now the apostles and the brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles too had accepted the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers took issue with him, saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and...
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Peter returns to Jerusalem and the circumcised believers take issue with him. What was he doing eating with the uncircumcised???

Peter recounts his vision in Joppa, the appearance of the three men and his journey to Caesarea.

God gave the Gentiles the gift of the Holy Spirit after they believed in Jesus Christ. "So who was I to hinder God?" asks Peter.

The believers in Jerusalem cease their objections. God grants the repentance that leads to life even to the Gentiles!
 
The story gains momentum today.

What will happen tomorrow? I have a general idea of the narrative but I don't know this book of the bible very well.
 
So what we are seeing in the first part of this Chapter is is confusion and offense taken by the circumcised Jews in Jerusalem ---who have no Spiritual understanding of what God is trying to do -----

Peter was a faithful Jew and now he is eating and socializing with Gentiles ---this makes no sense to the circumcised Jews ----and they let Peter know it ----they were more focused on what Peter had done then they were with what God was doing ------

Peter had taken some believers with him to Joppa and that was maybe a wise decision as he had backup to verify the truth of what he was saying

Peter then has to tell them about his sheet incident ---and also about Cornelius"s incident --to try and clear things up with his Jewish believers ----


This change that is happening now with the Gentiles being grafted in is sending a clear message to the Jewish Nation that one doesn't have to be circumcised or be under the Law or give animal sacrifices to cover sin --like there use to be -- to come to God -----

This is a big Change for the Believing Jewish Nation to accept I would think --------they are now to Accept the Gentiles as their believing Brothers and Sisters ---this Nation that was regarded as unclean before are now Clean in God's eyes

Verses 15 and 16 --AMP --as Peter is telling them about the Holy Spirit falling on the believing Gentiles ----he remembers what God had said through John the Baptise -----

15 When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as He did on us at the beginning [at Pentecost].

16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’‘

Peter says to the circumcised Jews ----who was I to interfere with what God wants ----

Then these circumcised Jews settled down and were Glorifying and praising God ----that the Gentiles were Granted Repentance that leads to eternal Life ----

I say ----this is a Powerful witnessing here for us to Note ----

The believing Jews now have excepted their Rival Nation ----this shows how these Jews allowed God to correct them and how their heart was changed to put their preconceived negative attitude, feelings, and opinion aside to receive the Gentiles who they once would not associate with into their midst -----

This is so much needed in this world today ---a heard change ------there is a lot of preconceived negative attitudes feelings, and opinions floating around in this world today to do with just about everything and everybody ------in my view -----

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Sad Missing You GIF by FROSTYS
 
unsafe said:
So what we are seeing in the first part of this Chapter is is confusion and offense taken by the circumcised Jews in Jerusalem ---who have no Spiritual understanding of what God is trying to do -----

Peter was a faithful Jew and now he is eating and socializing with Gentiles ---this makes no sense to the circumcised Jews ----and they let Peter know it ----they were more focused on what Peter had done then they were with what God was doing ------

Peter had taken some believers with him to Joppa and that was maybe a wise decision as he had backup to verify the truth of what he was saying

Peter then has to tell them about his sheet incident ---and also about Cornelius"s incident --to try and clear things up with his Jewish believers ----


This change that is happening now with the Gentiles being grafted in is sending a clear message to the Jewish Nation that one doesn't have to be circumcised or be under the Law or give animal sacrifices to cover sin --like there use to be -- to come to God -----

This is a big Change for the Believing Jewish Nation to accept I would think --------they are now to Accept the Gentiles as their believing Brothers and Sisters ---this Nation that was regarded as unclean before are now Clean in God's eyes

Verses 15 and 16 --AMP --as Peter is telling them about the Holy Spirit falling on the believing Gentiles ----he remembers what God had said through John the Baptise -----

15 When I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them just as He did on us at the beginning [at Pentecost].

16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’‘

Peter says to the circumcised Jews ----who was I to interfere with what God wants ----

Then these circumcised Jews settled down and were Glorifying and praising God ----that the Gentiles were Granted Repentance that leads to eternal Life ----

I say ----this is a Powerful witnessing here for us to Note ----

The believing Jews now have excepted their Rival Nation ----this shows how these Jews allowed God to correct them and how their heart was changed to put their preconceived negative attitude, feelings, and opinion aside to receive the Gentiles who they once would not associate with into their midst -----

This is so much needed in this world today ---a heard change ------there is a lot of preconceived negative attitudes feelings, and opinions floating around in this world today to do with just about everything and everybody ------in my view -----

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Sad Missing You GIF by FROSTYS
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So did God change his mind?
 
BetteTheRed said:
And why did Christians largely circumcise male infants until recently?
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Maybe tradition ---maybe health reasons ?

AI

AI Overview

Christians circumcise their babies due to a combination of cultural, traditional, and family reasons, as well as adherence to practices in certain Oriental Christian denominations.

Cultural and Traditional Reasons:

  • Family and Community Practices:
    In some regions, particularly in the United States and some African nations, circumcision is a long-standing cultural practice, and families may choose it for their children regardless of specific denominational requirements.
    Medical Reasons:
 
In Canada Health Care doesn't cover circumcisions ---it will cosy you to have it done in Canada

AI
circumcision costs money in Canada as it is not covered by public health plans for non-medical reasons and is paid for directly by the parents or patient. The exact cost varies by province, age of the patient, and clinic, with prices for infant circumcisions ranging from roughly $350 to over $1,800, and adult circumcisions generally costing more, potentially several thousand dollars.

I say -----I would imagine the Jewish community who still practice the law would still be doing it ----as they are living under the Old Testament rules and regulations ----
 
Acts 11:19-26
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Bible Gateway passage: Acts 11:19-26 - New English Translation

Activity in the Church at Antioch - Now those who had been scattered because of the persecution that took place over Stephen went as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message to no one but Jews. But there were some men from Cyprus and Cyrene among them who came to Antioch and...
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The believers were scattered after the persecution of Stephen. They have been speaking the message to no one but Jews.

But some among them begin to preach to the Greeks, too. A great many turn to the Lord. The Jerusalem church hears of this and sends Barnabas to Antioch.

He rejoices and encourages the people. More are brought to the Lord. Barnabas, (we are told again) is a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith.

Barnabas departs for Tarsus to look for Saul. The two of them return to Antioch. They spend a year meeting with the church and teaching a significant number of people.

The disciples are first called Christians at Antioch.
 
It's a time of significant growth for the early church. Barnabas and Paul are emerging as strong leaders.

The disciples are first called Christians. Is this a pivotal moment in the movement becoming more organized?

The mission continues to extend beyond the Jews and it now has a new name.
 
So we see that the Gospel had been spreading because the Followers of the Way were being persecuted and so they Scattered and traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch,

They preached the Gospel Of Jesus Christ to only the Jews ----so the Gentiles were left out here ---until some of these followers who were, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch staring Preaching to the Greeks as well as to the Jews ----

So some of the true Followers of the Way were now getting the message that the Gentiles were to be included in hearing the Good News ----and they started to include them in their Preaching --

And we see that the power of God was with them and many were coming to the Lord ----so the Church is expanding greatly ----

The news of this expansion reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

Remember Barnabas was known for his encouraging nature and he travelled with Paul to spread the Gospel ---

When Barnabas got to Antioch he could see God's Grace was bestowed upon them and he was rejoicing and began to encourage to these New Followers of the Way with an unwavering heart to stay true and devoted to Jesus -----

This is important here because as Babes in Christ they can be distracted from remaining true and devoted to Christ's faith as there is an enemy loose who wants to snatch up that Faith and bring in doubt and unbelief -----

Remember the Parable of the Soils ----their Faith is not yet rooted in the VINE ----and Satan comes and snatches it away ---he is forever after New born Babes in Christ ----

verse 24 -AMP -gives the Character of Barnabas

24 For Barnabas was a good man [privately and publicly—his godly character benefited both himself and others] and he was full of the Holy Spirit and full of faith [in Jesus the Messiah, through whom believers have everlasting life].

A great number of People were being saved ------and Barnabas leaves and goes to Tarsus to search for Saul

AI=== gives us a reason why Barnabas went to get Paul

AI Overview

Barnabas traveled from Antioch to Tarsus to find Paul in Acts 11 because there was a large influx of Gentiles in Antioch, a growing church that needed more skilled teachers to instruct them in the faith. Barnabas, seeing the need and recognizing Paul's unique apostleship to the Gentiles, went to find him to provide his vast knowledge and teaching ability to the flourishing congregation in Antioch.
He also believed this was a divinely-inspired move, possibly to help mentor Paul and support the church's growth.

So we see that Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch for a year and met with other true believers and instructed and Preached to large numbers ----

So we see here that the true Followers of the WAY ----adopted the Human made name Christian -----so this word Christian was fist used in Antioch ----

Now NOTE here Folks -----this Christ--ian was first given to True Followers Of the Way ---

we see Christ in this ---and the---- ian -------comes from the Latin language

AI

The term "ian" is not a standalone Latin word but a Latin suffix, -ianus, used to form adjectives and nouns meaning "of the group or party of -----

For example, it's used in words like electrician (a person related to electricity) and Bostonian (a person from Boston)


I say --------This is important to known for many try to use this Name out of it's original context ------
This word Christ--ian was meant for those who are true Followers of the Way -----meaning they belong to Christ -------not to a Religion -------

Today this word is abused and misused by almost everyone ------that is my opinion ----unbelievers who are away from Christ use it daily -----which to my mind is Mocking it's true meaning ----again just my view -----
 
Another interpretation of being Christian is being "like Christ".

Anyone here think this is the correct or preferred definition?
 
unsafe said:
What does being ---Like Christ --really and Truly mean ?
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Good question.

For starters, we might look to Stephen. Some of us were calling him Christ-like earlier on this thread.

He was the first of seven men to be selected as Deacon. (Acts 6) He was described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit.

The task for the group was to feed the widows so we can probably conclude Stephen was willing to serve others.

He had grace and power and could perform miraculous signs. When pushed into an argument, he was persuasive & filled with wisdom.

He was well grounded in the Hebrew Scriptures. He accepted his fate when he was stoned to death and didn't waver in his faith.

And he asked God to forgive those responsible for his execution. He used similar words to those uttered by Jesus on the cross.
 
paradox3 said:
Good question.
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and your response is a Good Answer ----- :angel:

So we see Stephen was
(Acts 6) He was described as full of faith and the Holy Spirit.

I say -------So this person we see here was Displaying what the True meaning of being a Christian is ---it is being with Christ -----

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit ---gives you the power and ability to be --Like Christ----in your actions and Character ----


So one calling themselves a Christian ---without Christ in them ---in the Biblical sense -is not a True Christ--ian ---they are using the name out of its original Biblical context ---

This word Christian was used by the unbelieving Gentiles to Mock the true Followers of the Way -----it was used in an indignant way ---making fun of -----


www.gotquestions.org

What is the meaning of the term Christian? | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of the term Christian? What is the origin of the word Christian? Was “Christian” originally a derogatory name?
www.gotquestions.org

At the time that believers got the appellation Christians, it was common for the Greeks to give satirical nicknames to particular groups.

So those loyal to the Roman General Pompey were dubbed “Pompeians,” and the followers of General Sulla were called “Sullanians.” Those who publicly and enthusiastically praised the emperor Nero Augustus received the name Augustinians, meaning “of the party of Augustus.”

To the Greeks, it was all a fun word game and a verbally dismissive gesture.

Then a new group cropped up in Antioch; since they were characterized by behavior and speech centered on Christ, the Greeks called them “Christians,” or “those of the party of Christ.”

Both the Bible and history suggest that the term Christian was probably meant as a mocking insult when it was first coined.

Peter actually tells his readers not to be “ashamed” if they are called by that term (1 Peter 4:16).

Likewise, when Herod Agrippa rejects Paul’s appeal to be saved, he says,
“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” and he was probably playing off of the negative reputation of that term (Acts 26:28).

Why would he, a king, submit to the indignity of being called a “Christian”?


Just posting this----

like Christ---------- dictionary meaning

The dictionary meaning of "like Christ" is defined by the word "Christlike," which means
to resemble or show the spirit, character, and teachings of Jesus Christ
 
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unsafe said:
Both the Bible and history suggest that the term Christian was probably meant as a mocking insult when it was first coined.

Peter actually tells his readers not to be “ashamed” if they are called by that term
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Rather like how some groups today have taken ownership of words formerly used to mock or insult them. Gay men who adopt "f*ggot" as a self-identity for instance (which is not all gay men, but definitely happens).

To my mind, "Christian" is more denoting being a "follower of Christ" and being "like Christ" is a desirable trait or goal of being such a follower. One could be "like Christ" and not be a literal "follower of Christ". Being a follower is certainly what the earlier derogatory use had in mind.

My ambiguous relationship with the word "Christian" comes out of that understanding. I don't see myself as following Christ any more in spite of having been raised Christian. The Gospels and later works like Paul's letters are a clear influence on my spiritual path, but only one among many (as discussed in another thread recently). And my agnosticism plays into that, too, since I don't hold with much of the beliefs and faith statements that defines a "Christian" for many.
 
Mendalla said:
One could be "like Christ" and not be a literal "follower of Christ".
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I disagree with this statement ---we are flawed human being and so one cannot be ----like Christ ---in out flawed state --we can try as we may ----to be---- like Christ ---but we will fail in our Corrupt Nature state ---We can only try to mimic Christ like behaviours -like compassion -and kindness etc these actions will lack true commitment as we cannot be consistent in keeping up these traits they will Fluctuate with our moods and emotional states -----

Without Christ in us we humans do not have the stamina to execute ---Christ likeness --which is constantly the same no matter what comes against the person ------

AI
  • Superficial vs. Deep Commitment:
    People may present themselves as Christlike outwardly, but this does not equate to being a follower of Christ.
  • True Christlikeness is marked by a desire to become more like Him and a commitment to His teachings, which requires allowing Christ to control one's life.
 
I think you and I have a different understanding of what "like Christ" actually means and how Jesus Christ actually fits into historical context so will leave it there. :giggle:
 
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