The Importance of Acts 3:19-20

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charity

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'But those things,
which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets,
that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And He shall send Jesus Christ,
which before was preached unto you
:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.'
(A
cts 3:18-21)

Hello there,

Only recently have I realised how very important this word preached by Peter is, in establishing the purpose of this period covered by the Acts of the Apostles. These words spoken to the People of Israel, 'Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ ... ... ' is vital to our understanding of this book. Everything during this period depended on the obedience of Israel to this call to repent: and for forty years opportunity was given them to do so.

The ministry of the Twelve, was with this end in view: as they witnessed, confirmed what the Lord Jesus had began both to do and to say during His time with them (Heb.2:3). As was that of Paul during this period; and those who worked alongside him in ministering the word of God; for opportunity had to be given to Israel to repent.

Not until the closing chapter of the book of Acts, when both in the Land of Israel, and among the dispersion, those of the nation of Israel refused to repent, and rejected the words spoken to them concerning the Lord Jesus Christ; did the blindness prophesied (Isaiah 6:9-10), of which they were warned (Acts 13:38-41), fall upon them (Acts 28:23-31), and salvation was finally sent to the Gentiles.

This explains the many expressions of hope for Christ's imminent return expressed in the early epistles, written during this period, (1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2 & 3 John; James and Jude; 1& 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, Romans; and also in the book of Revelation): for Israel's repentance was expected, which would have resulted in the return of Christ.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

Jay Ross

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Only recently have I realised how very important this word preached by Peter is, in establishing the purpose of this period covered by the Acts of the Apostles. These words spoken to the People of Israel, 'Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ ... ... ' is vital to our understanding of this book. Everything during this period depended on the obedience of Israel to this call to repent: and for forty years opportunity was given them to do so.

I find that in considering the KJV translation that the original meaning of Greek text is lost. The NET Bible translation I feel is closer to the context of the original Greek Text: -

Acts__3:18-21: - 18 But the things God foretold long ago through all the prophets - that his Christ would suffer - he has fulfilled in this way. 19 Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he may send the Messiah appointed for you - that is, Jesus. 21 This one heaven must receive until the time all things are restored, which God declared from times long ago through his holy prophets.

Notice that the KJV uses the word "convert" whereas the NET uses the words "turn back" which is closer in meaning to the Greek word ἐπιστρέψατε.
We then have to consider to what Paul was suggesting that the people turn back to and whether or not his message was for all the souls that he was addressing as both Jews and Gentiles were present in the crowd or was he only addressing the Jews in verse 19 above.

The question in my mind is what was Peter asking the crowd to turn back to? How far back in the history of the world was Peter pointing to?

Was Peter referring to the fall in the garden where Adam and Eve had turned away from God just as the Jews in Peter's day had turned away from God and secretly worshipped idols which was against the second commandment of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:4-6) given at Mt Sinai?

Jesus had previously spoken about a wide gate along the road that leads to "hell" and the narrow gate along the pathway that lead to salvation and holiness.

One of the ways is easy while the one that takes you towards life everlasting is narrow and the way is much harder.

Do not the Jews/Israelites and the Gentiles have the same dilemma? Which way should they turn to in life? As Peter, said this was foretold long ago by the prophets and as Jesus remarked, the line of prophets started with Abel after the fall and the line of the prophets had continued right up and until His first advent.

How we understand the significance of what peter preached, is dependant on who we believe was in the crowd and particularly on our understanding as to whether or not Peter was offering the choice between the light or heavy yoke of the Lord that would rest on the crowd based on their choice as to whether or not they turn to enter by the narrow gate.

Shalom
 
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CNKW3

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'But those things,
which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets,
that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And He shall send Jesus Christ,
which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.'
(A
cts 3:18-21)

Hello there,

Only recently have I realised how very important this word preached by Peter is, in establishing the purpose of this period covered by the Acts of the Apostles. These words spoken to the People of Israel, 'Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ ... ... ' is vital to our understanding of this book. Everything during this period depended on the obedience of Israel to this call to repent: and for forty years opportunity was given them to do so.

The ministry of the Twelve, was with this end in view: as they witnessed, confirmed what the Lord Jesus had began both to do and to say during His time with them (Heb.2:3). As was that of Paul during this period; and those who worked alongside him in ministering the word of God; for opportunity had to be given to Israel to repent.

Not until the closing chapter of the book of Acts, when both in the Land of Israel, and among the dispersion, those of the nation of Israel refused to repent, and rejected the words spoken to them concerning the Lord Jesus Christ; did the blindness prophesied (Isaiah 6:9-10), of which they were warned (Acts 13:38-41), fall upon them (Acts 28:23-31), and salvation was finally sent to the Gentiles.

This explains the many expressions of hope for Christ's imminent return expressed in the early epistles, written during this period, (1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2 & 3 John; James and Jude; 1& 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, Romans; and also in the book of Revelation): for Israel's repentance was expected, which would have resulted in the return of Christ.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
In chapter 3 Peter is preaching the same message as in chapter 2. So, to get a full understanding of what Peter is actually saying you need to first study acts 2. Let’s compare..
Acts 2..............................................................acts 3
Preached suffered, killed, was raised..............Same thing
Repent.......................................................same
Be baptized................................................be converted or turn to God
For remission of sins....................................sins may be blotted out

It’s the exact same message spoken in a slightly different way. Both audiences were to hear the message about Christ, believe that message, repent of their sins, turn to God in obedience through being baptized, why? So their sins could be removed. This is the way God has chosen to forgive sins under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38, 22:16, Rom 6:3,4,17,18; Col 2:11-13
You can’t fully understand chapter 3 without chapter 2.

The phrase “be converted” is also translated “turn to God”.
The church in Antioch...
Acts 11:20-21 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Did these people receive and obey a different message? No.
These were people that Peter had preached to and are now scattered preaching elsewhere. They are preaching the same message. Repent and be baptized or turn to God so your sins can be removed.
Same for gentiles...acts 15:19
The same message Paul preached acts 26:18-20. Believe, repent and “turn to God” in obedience through baptism. It’s what Paul preached and practiced.
Lydia...heard word...baptized
Jailor...heard word....baptized
Corinthians....heard word...baptized
Ephesians....heard word....baptized a second time.
They all “turned to God”. Lydia said.....”if you have found me faithful”

If you are going to study chapter 3 then you need to start at chapter 2. The Bible and it’s message is in complete harmony from beginning to end.
 

101G

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The ministry of the Twelve, was with this end in view: as they witnessed, confirmed what the Lord Jesus had began both to do and to say during His time with them (Heb.2:3). As was that of Paul during this period; and those who worked alongside him in ministering the word of God; for opportunity had to be given to Israel to repent.
GINOLJC, to all. first good post, and second, all Israel and all nations had the chance to repent on the day of pentecost. for, Acts 2:5 "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven". that word, devout men, means having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment was from every nation. so this was not just a Jewish thing. but from Jerusalem was the place that the word of god went forth. Isaiah 2:3 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem".

understand what we're saying. just because the bible is recorded by Jews, don't mean God dealt with Jews only. Just as with Revelations in the book of Revelation. just because a Revelation was given in heaven don't nesseary means it took place in heaven. likewise, just because history is written by Jews don't mean it's only Jewish.

PICJAG.
 

charity

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@Jay Ross
@CNKW3
@101G

Thank you for participating. Though I stand by the content of my OP, I appreciate your input. It is not my desire to enter into dispute. I simply make an observation.

Your sister in Christ
Chris
 

charity

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I find that in considering the KJV translation that the original meaning of Greek text is lost. The NET Bible translation I feel is closer to the context of the original Greek Text: -

Acts__3:18-21: - 18 But the things God foretold long ago through all the prophets - that his Christ would suffer - he has fulfilled in this way. 19 Therefore repent and turn back so that your sins may be wiped out, 20 so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and so that he may send the Messiah appointed for you - that is, Jesus. 21 This one heaven must receive until the time all things are restored, which God declared from times long ago through his holy prophets.

Notice that the KJV uses the word "convert" whereas the NET uses the words "turn back" which is closer in meaning to the Greek word ἐπιστρέψατε.
We then have to consider to what Peter was suggesting that the people turn back to and whether or not his message was for all the souls that he was addressing as both Jews and Gentiles were present in the crowd or was he only addressing the Jews in verse 19 above.
Hello @Jay Ross,

Thank you for responding.

* At the feast of Pentecost, there would have been only Jews present, for it was a feast of the Jews: and Peter's words were directly addressed to them, in Acts 2:14, he says, 'Yea men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem' and in Acts 3:11, 'Ye men of Israel', and refers them to 'the Fathers', that they all shared in common as brethren, to whom the promises were given.
The question in my mind is what was Peter asking the crowd to turn back to? How far back in the history of the world was Peter pointing to?
Was Peter referring to the fall in the garden where Adam and Eve had turned away from God just as the Jews in Peter's day had turned away from God and secretly worshipped idols which was against the second commandment of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:4-6) given at Mt Sinai?
* The nation of Israel needed to repent and 'turn back' to God (Deuteronomy 30:10).
Jesus had previously spoken about a wide gate along the road that leads to "hell" and the narrow gate along the pathway that lead to salvation.
One of the ways is easy while the one that takes you towards life everlasting is narrow and the way is much harder.

Do not the Jews/Israelites and the Gentiles have the same dilemma? Which way should they turn to in life? As Peter, said this was foretold long ago by the prophets and as Jesus remarked, the line of prophets started with Abel after the fall and the line of the prophets had continued right up and until His first advent.

How we understand the significance of what peter preached, is dependant on who we believe was in the crowd and particularly on our understanding as to whether or not Peter was offering the choice between the light or heavy yoke of the Lord that would rest on the crowd based on their choice as to whether or not they turn to enter by the narrow gate.
* I believe that the words of Peter, when he addressed the company gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, are clear and unequivocally addressed to 'men of Israel': because there were no Gentiles present, except maybe proselytes. They were from many different nations, and spoke many different tongues, but they had their heritage in common, they were Jews.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

charity

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In chapter 3 Peter is preaching the same message as in chapter 2. So, to get a full understanding of what Peter is actually saying you need to first study acts 2. Let’s compare..
Acts 2..............................................................acts 3
Preached suffered, killed, was raised..............Same thing
Repent.......................................................same
Be baptized................................................be converted or turn to God
For remission of sins....................................sins may be blotted out

It’s the exact same message spoken in a slightly different way. Both audiences were to hear the message about Christ, believe that message, repent of their sins, turn to God in obedience through being baptized, why? So their sins could be removed. This is the way God has chosen to forgive sins under the new covenant of Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38, 22:16, Rom 6:3,4,17,18; Col 2:11-13
You can’t fully understand chapter 3 without chapter 2.

The phrase “be converted” is also translated “turn to God”.
The church in Antioch...
Acts 11:20-21 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
Did these people receive and obey a different message? No.
These were people that Peter had preached to and are now scattered preaching elsewhere. They are preaching the same message. Repent and be baptized or turn to God so your sins can be removed.
Same for gentiles...acts 15:19
The same message Paul preached acts 26:18-20. Believe, repent and “turn to God” in obedience through baptism. It’s what Paul preached and practiced.
Lydia...heard word...baptized
Jailor...heard word....baptized
Corinthians....heard word...baptized
Ephesians....heard word....baptized a second time.
They all “turned to God”. Lydia said.....”if you have found me faithful”

If you are going to study chapter 3 then you need to start at chapter 2. The Bible and it’s message is in complete harmony from beginning to end.
Hello @CNKW3,

I agree that the words of the Holy Spirit through Peter, in both chapters 1 & 2 should be read: however Acts 3:19-20 was a climax point, which is pivotal to the understanding of the purpose of the forty years covered by the Acts of the Apostles. This is the point I wished to make in the OP.

During the whole of the Acts period of approx. 40 years duration, the door to national repentance for Israel was open, and the prospect of the return of Christ an expectation. All that was necessary was Israel's repentance. The door to the gentile was opened at Acts 10 for one reason and one reason only, and that to make Israel jealous, and seek to emulate them. That they may take up their Divinely appointed role as Priests unto God among the nations, that the promises of God regarding the nations may fulfilled.

Not until Acts 28:28 was salvation sent to the gentiles independent of Israel as a nation. Not until then were Jew and Gentile believers able to come together as an equality, as a joint-body, united in Christ Jesus their Lord. For until then salvation was of the Jew, and they had prior place: gentiles were grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel, and enjoyed the foretaste of Millennial blessings as part of the New Covenant operating during this period. When Israel both in the land, and in the dispersion finally rejected the ministry of 'Those that heard Him' (Heb. 2:3-4) , and were dispersed, Jerusalem destroyed and the temple utterly cast down: then the revelation of the Mystery was given to Paul, and administered by Him, concerning the Church which is His Body, the Fullness of Him that' filleth all in all'.

Israel as a nation, the new covenant, the priestly role appointed them, and Abrahamic blessings, are now in abeyance, awaiting a yet future fulfilment.

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

Jay Ross

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Hello @Jay Ross,

Thank you for responding.

* At the feast of Pentecost, there would have been only Jews present, for it was a feast of the Jews: and Peter's words were directly addressed to them, in Acts 2:14, he says, 'Yea men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell in Jerusalem' and in Acts 3:11, 'Ye men of Israel', and refers them to 'the Fathers', that they all shared in common as brethren, to whom the promises were given.

* The nation of Israel needed to repent and 'turn back' to God (Deuteronomy 30:10).
* I believe that the words of Peter, when he addressed the company gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, are clear and unequivocally addressed to 'men of Israel': because there were no Gentiles present, except maybe proselytes. They were from many different nations, and spoke many different tongues, but they had their heritage in common, they were Jews.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris

Yes, the Jews were given 490 years to repent, and yes Jesus offered them a light yoke if they repented of their idolatrous practices. The 490 years of Daniel_9:24 allowed for them to repent ended, to the best of my knowledge/understanding, with the birth of Christ, and the consequences of Ex_20:4-6 kicked in then. In the Ex_20:4-6 prophetic passage there was no mention of their need to acknowledge Christ, what was mentioned was their need to not enter into continual idolatrous practices.

The Jews witness during the time of being once more a Kingdom of Priests, a Holy Nation and God's Possession among the Nations, will be even greater because even though their fathers orchestrated the crucifixion of Christ, God is still able to forgive the nation of Israel, in our near future, for all their sins and use them as His priests scattered throughout the whole earth to minister to all of the people that will live around them. Their witness will be so powerful that the Gentiles will respond in droves to it.

I do agree with your second dot point but with respect to dot points 1 and 3 in your post, I find that I do not have a time machine to be able to go back to the time that Peter spoke as recorded in this passage to be able to take a poll on who or where the crowd came from. As such, I cannot argue emphatically as to the actual make up of the crowd on the day Peter healed the man on his way into the temple. How close to the day of Pentecost the Acts_3 event was, is not revealed to us, and the event could have occurred weeks after the chapter 2 Pentecost event.

As such we both may be "right", it really depends on the emphasis we are wanting to make.

Shalom
 

charity

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Yes, the Jews were given 490 years to repent, and yes Jesus offered them a light yoke if they repented of their idolatrous practices. The 490 years of Daniel_9:24 allowed for them to repent ended, to the best of my knowledge/understanding, with the birth of Christ, and the consequences of Ex_20:4-6 kicked in then. In the Ex_20:4-6 prophetic passage there was no mention of their need to acknowledge Christ, what was mentioned was their need to not enter into continual idolatrous practices.

The Jews witness during the time of being once more a Kingdom of Priests, a Holy Nation and God's Possession among the Nations, will be even greater because even though their fathers orchestrated the crucifixion of Christ, God is still able to forgive the nation of Israel, in our near future, for all their sins and use them as His priests scattered throughout the whole earth to minister to all of the people that will live around them. Their witness will be so powerful that the Gentiles will respond in droves to it.

I do agree with your second dot point but with respect to dot points 1 and 3 in your post, I find that I do not have a time machine to be able to go back to the time that Peter spoke as recorded in this passage to be able to take a poll on who or where the crowd came from. As such, I cannot argue emphatically as to the actual make up of the crowd on the day Peter healed the man on his way into the temple. How close to the day of Pentecost the Acts_3 event was, is not revealed to us, and the event could have occurred weeks after the chapter 2 Pentecost event.

As such we both may be "right", it really depends on the emphasis we are wanting to make.

Shalom
Hello @Jay Ross.

I quoted Deuteronomy 30:10, as an illustration of the fact that the 'turning back' that you referred to was the call to Israel which was always made. In regard to Acts 3:19-20 of course it had greater significance, of acknowledging the Lord Jesus Christ as their Messiah, but the call was the same, the turning was 'to return to God'.

Thanking you for your response, Jay.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

charity

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GINOLJC, to all. first good post, and second, all Israel and all nations had the chance to repent on the day of pentecost. for, Acts 2:5 "And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven". that word, devout men, means having or showing deep religious feeling or commitment was from every nation. so this was not just a Jewish thing. but from Jerusalem was the place that the word of god went forth. Isaiah 2:3 "And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem".

understand what we're saying. just because the bible is recorded by Jews, don't mean God dealt with Jews only. Just as with Revelations in the book of Revelation. just because a Revelation was given in heaven don't nesseary means it took place in heaven. likewise, just because history is written by Jews don't mean it's only Jewish.

PICJAG.
Hello @101G,

There can be no doubt that those 'devout' men, were Jews, for they had gathered for the feast of Pentecost, and though they had come from many lands, and spoke many different languages, they were Jews by birth: for apart from proselytes there would not have been a gentile there.

Isaiah 2:3, that you quote, has a yet future significance, when Israel will have taken up the Divinely appointed role of Priests, and will be used among the nations.

Only at Acts 9, did God open the door of the kingdom to gentiles, and then only to make Israel jealous. Salvation was not 'sent to the Gentiles' until Acts 28:28, for until Israel was laid aside (temporarily) in blindness and unbelief, believing gentiles were grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel, for as our Lord Himself said, 'salvation is of the Jews' (John 4:22).

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

101G

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GINILJC, to all.First thanks for the reply, second, you said,
There can be no doubt that those 'devout' men, were Jews, for they had gathered for the feast of Pentecost, and though they had come from many lands, and spoke many different languages, they were Jews by birth: for apart from proselytes there would not have been a gentile there.
Not saying that you're Right or wrong, but consider this.
well Gentiles was worshiping way before Jesus came in Spirit on the day of Penecost. follow us,
John 12:12 "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
John 12:13 "Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
John 12:14 "And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
John 12:15 "Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
John 12:16 "These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
John 12:17 "The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
John 12:18 "For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
John 12:19 "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
John 12:20 "And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
John 12:21 "The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
John 12:22 "Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

So there was Gentiles in Jerusalem worshiping already, and as the Pharisees said in verse 19 that the "WORLD", not just the Jews, but the world has gone after him. no one makes a ststement like that unless there was other nationalities seeking after Jesus. for even on the Day of Pentecost or just after, there was an eunuch from Ethiopia, heading home, reading the book of Isaiah but not understanding it, so not all was deviout. as said not saying that you're right or wrong, but considert this, and this. Acts 6:1 "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration". I'm sure they, these Grecians just didn't sprang up in the church overnight. some Jews and Gentiles have been getting along with each other all the time. I equate it here in america where some Blacks and whites got along in the time of Jim Crow, but only in an underground setting. see where we're coming from. not everything got recorded, there was many heroes of the early civil rights movement here in this country that did not get the recognition for what she or he did to advance civil right for all Americans. just as now so I believe back then in Jerusalem. People have alway gotten along, it's just when the devil stick his nose into it where it goes astray.

PICJAG.
 

charity

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GINILJC, to all.First thanks for the reply, second, you said,

Not saying that you're Right or wrong, but consider this.
well Gentiles was worshiping way before Jesus came in Spirit on the day of Penecost. follow us,
John 12:12 "On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,
John 12:13 "Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.
John 12:14 "And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written,
John 12:15 "Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt.
John 12:16 "These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
John 12:17 "The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
John 12:18 "For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle.
John 12:19 "The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.
John 12:20 "And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast:
John 12:21 "The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.
John 12:22 "Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.

So there was Gentiles in Jerusalem worshiping already, and as the Pharisees said in verse 19 that the "WORLD", not just the Jews, but the world has gone after him. no one makes a ststement like that unless there was other nationalities seeking after Jesus. for even on the Day of Pentecost or just after, there was an eunuch from Ethiopia, heading home, reading the book of Isaiah but not understanding it, so not all was deviout. as said not saying that you're right or wrong, but considert this, and this. Acts 6:1 "And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration". I'm sure they, these Grecians just didn't sprang up in the church overnight. some Jews and Gentiles have been getting along with each other all the time. I equate it here in america where some Blacks and whites got along in the time of Jim Crow, but only in an underground setting. see where we're coming from. not everything got recorded, there was many heroes of the early civil rights movement here in this country that did not get the recognition for what she or he did to advance civil right for all Americans. just as now so I believe back then in Jerusalem. People have alway gotten along, it's just when the devil stick his nose into it where it goes astray.

PICJAG.
Hello @101G

The Grecians, were Grecian Jews: there for the Jewish feast of Pentecost. The references you make are to people within the land of Israel, which were Jews. The Lord Jesus Christ came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He came to His own: but He died for the sins of the whole world.

Praise His Holy Name!

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
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101G

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Hello @101G

The Grecians, were Grecian Jews: there for the Jewish feast of Pentecost. The references you make are to people within the land of Israel, which were Jews. The Lord Jesus Christ came to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. He came to His own: but He died for the sins of the whole world.

Praise His Holy Name!

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
thanks for the reply, but we don't believe so.but no argument from me.
PICJAG.
 
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Hidden In Him

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'But those things,
which God before had shewed by the mouth of all His prophets,
that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled.
Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
that your sins may be blotted out,
when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And He shall send Jesus Christ,
which before was preached unto you:
Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things,
which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.'
(A
cts 3:18-21)

Hello there,

Only recently have I realised how very important this word preached by Peter is, in establishing the purpose of this period covered by the Acts of the Apostles. These words spoken to the People of Israel, 'Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; and He shall send Jesus Christ ... ... ' is vital to our understanding of this book. Everything during this period depended on the obedience of Israel to this call to repent: and for forty years opportunity was given them to do so.

The ministry of the Twelve, was with this end in view: as they witnessed, confirmed what the Lord Jesus had began both to do and to say during His time with them (Heb.2:3). As was that of Paul during this period; and those who worked alongside him in ministering the word of God; for opportunity had to be given to Israel to repent.

Not until the closing chapter of the book of Acts, when both in the Land of Israel, and among the dispersion, those of the nation of Israel refused to repent, and rejected the words spoken to them concerning the Lord Jesus Christ; did the blindness prophesied (Isaiah 6:9-10), of which they were warned (Acts 13:38-41), fall upon them (Acts 28:23-31), and salvation was finally sent to the Gentiles.

This explains the many expressions of hope for Christ's imminent return expressed in the early epistles, written during this period, (1 & 2 Peter; 1, 2 & 3 John; James and Jude; 1& 2 Thessalonians, Galatians, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Hebrews, Romans; and also in the book of Revelation): for Israel's repentance was expected, which would have resulted in the return of Christ.

Thank you
In Christ Jesus
Chris
Hello @CNKW3,

I agree that the words of the Holy Spirit through Peter, in both chapters 1 & 2 should be read: however Acts 3:19-20 was a climax point, which is pivotal to the understanding of the purpose of the forty years covered by the Acts of the Apostles. This is the point I wished to make in the OP.

During the whole of the Acts period of approx. 40 years duration, the door to national repentance for Israel was open, and the prospect of the return of Christ an expectation. All that was necessary was Israel's repentance. The door to the gentile was opened at Acts 10 for one reason and one reason only, and that to make Israel jealous, and seek to emulate them. That they may take up their Divinely appointed role as Priests unto God among the nations, that the promises of God regarding the nations may fulfilled.

Not until Acts 28:28 was salvation sent to the gentiles independent of Israel as a nation. Not until then were Jew and Gentile believers able to come together as an equality, as a joint-body, united in Christ Jesus their Lord. For until then salvation was of the Jew, and they had prior place: gentiles were grafted into the Olive Tree of Israel, and enjoyed the foretaste of Millennial blessings as part of the New Covenant operating during this period. When Israel both in the land, and in the dispersion finally rejected the ministry of 'Those that heard Him' (Heb. 2:3-4) , and were dispersed, Jerusalem destroyed and the temple utterly cast down: then the revelation of the Mystery was given to Paul, and administered by Him, concerning the Church which is His Body, the Fullness of Him that' filleth all in all'.

Israel as a nation, the new covenant, the priestly role appointed them, and Abrahamic blessings, are now in abeyance, awaiting a yet future fulfilment.

Thank you.
In Christ Jesus
Chris

This is a very interesting argument, and worthy of serious discussion. It actually falls almost entirely in line with the Parable of the Wedding Feast I posted awhile back. It was only after the city was destroyed that the Lord then told the servants to go out into the highways and byways and invite as many as they could find, for the original guests (the Jews) were not found worthy.
1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen." (Luke 22:1-14)

Jesus here predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem after the Jewish leadership would murder the apostles (verses 1-6). Then He predicted the gospel being preached even to the Gentiles thereafter, since most of the Jews would be found unworthy (verses 8-10). Verses 11-14 describe Christ's return (before the actual supper of the Lamb) when He will come to "see the guests" and pass judgement on who is worthy to attend and who is not. Those not clothed in the Holy Spirit will not have on the proper garments on, for all must "put on Christ" in order to attend.

I think your claim that "The door to the Gentiles was opened at Acts 10 for one reason and one reason only, and that to make Israel jealous, and seek to emulate them" is a little too strict. I think it was also setting the stage for what the Lord prophesied would eventually take place; Israel would reject their Messiah and He would turn wholeheartedly to the Gentiles instead.

There is also the statement made by Paul in 1st Thessalonians that "judgment has come upon them to the uttermost." This was written in 54 A.D., meaning he was already aware that their destruction was imminent, and Jesus likewise prophesied that the temple would be torn down with not one stone left upon another, so they obviously knew Israel was NOT going to repent. But the thesis is sound in that they were at least trying to get Israel to repent before it was too late.

It's as if they were duty bound to try and reach Israel regardless, until the verdict finally came from God that it was time to turn to the Gentiles wholeheartedly instead.
 

charity

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@Jay Ross: - The question in my mind is what was Peter asking the crowd to turn back to?

Hello Jay,

I read the following verses this morning and thought of the question (above) that you posed in #2:-

'We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;
.. Remembering without ceasing
.... - your work of faith,
...... - and labour of love,
........ - and patience of hope
in our Lord Jesus Christ,
.......... in the sight of God and our Father;
Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
.. For our gospel came not unto you in word only,
.... but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance;
...... as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord,
.. having received the word in much affliction,
.... with joy of the Holy Ghost:
So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.
.. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia,
.... but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad;
...... so that we need not to speak any thing.
For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you,
.. and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;
.... And to wait for His Son from heaven,
...... whom He raised from the dead,
........ even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.'

(1Thessalonians 1:2-10)

* This, as you will know, is Paul's first recorded epistle, written during the Acts period.

* The response of the Thessalonians to Paul's preaching and teaching was a declaration to all who witnessed it, of what he had preached, wasn't it, as these verses show. So what did he preach? Was it not that they should turn to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and wait for His Son from heaven (His return) whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered them from the wrath to come. (which would follow His return). So, here you can see that the expectation was for the imminent return of Christ, and the judgement that would come with Him, that would bring the wrath of God to bear upon the ungodly.

* Here also we see the answer to your question. For the Thessalonians 'turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God'.

Praise God!


Thank you Jay, for the blessing your entry has brought in it's wake.
In Christ Jesus
Chris
 

charity

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This is a very interesting argument, and worthy of serious discussion. It actually falls almost entirely in line with the Parable of the Wedding Feast I posted awhile back. It was only after the city was destroyed that the Lord then told the servants to go out into the highways and byways and invite as many as they could find, for the original guests (the Jews) were not found worthy.


I think your claim that "The door to the Gentiles was opened at Acts 10 for one reason and one reason only, and that to make Israel jealous, and seek to emulate them" is a little too strict. I think it was also setting the stage for what the Lord prophesied would eventually take place; Israel would reject their Messiah and He would turn wholeheartedly to the Gentiles instead.

There is also the statement made by Paul in 1st Thessalonians that "judgment has come upon them to the uttermost." This was written in 54 A.D., meaning he was already aware that their destruction was imminent, and Jesus likewise prophesied that the temple would be torn down with not one stone left upon another, so they obviously knew Israel was NOT going to repent. But the thesis is sound in that they were at least trying to get Israel to repent before it was too late.

It's as if they were duty bound to try and reach Israel regardless, until the verdict finally came from God that it was time to turn to the Gentiles wholeheartedly instead.

Thank you, @Hidden In Him, for your thoughtful response.

* I agree with your use of 'The Parable of The Marriage Feast' to explain the purpose of this period covered by 'The Acts of the Apostles'.
* I agree also with your use of 1 Thessalonians 2:16, for which I thank you.

'For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God
.. which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus:
for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen,
.. even as they have of the Jews:
.... Who both killed the Lord Jesus,
...... and their own prophets,
........ and have persecuted us;
.......... and they please not God,
............ and are contrary to all men:
Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved,
.. to fill up their sins alway:
.... for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.'


* Yes, the knowledge of Israel's failure to repent was known of our Lord, for God, with His foreknowledge knows all things: but opportunity had to be given to them to do so; so no intimation was given of the possibility that they would not. The expectation therefore was for the imminent return of Christ, which would follow their repentance, as promised by God, through Peter in Acts 3:19-20:-

'But those things, which God before had shewed
by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ should suffer, He hath so fulfilled.
.. Repent ye therefore, and be converted,
.... that your sins may be blotted out,
...... when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
And He shall send Jesus Christ,
.. Which before was preached unto you:
.... Whom the heaven must receive
...... until the times of restitution of all things,
........ which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets
.......... since the world began.
For Moses truly said unto the fathers,
.. "A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me;
.... Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.
...... And it shall come to pass,
........ that every soul, which will not hear That Prophet,
.......... shall be destroyed from among the people. ... "'

(Acts 3:18-23)

^ Thank you very much for your post, Hidden In Him.

In Christ Jesus
Chris
 
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