And it could be that Theophilus, being in the Roman government (a Roman guard maybe), but in the Roman government. But it could be that he was putting together something for Paul because Paul was waiting to have his appeal to Caesar brought about, and he needed an official document of his life, and what he is charged with, and what his response is, even before he sees Caesar.
Many scholars believe that Theophilus was putting this together for Paul, and that Luke was doing it because Theophilus knew Luke, and he knew Luke had been with Paul, and Theophilus was now saved, so the three of them knew each other.
So, when Theophilus comes to Paul and says we got to put some documents together, Paul says, you know, Dr. Luke used to travel with me. Theophilus says "No way, I know him. He is a brother. Yes, contact him. We need something written up." And so many people believe that these two documents actually traveled to Rome originally as court documents, documenting the life and ministry of Christ and Paul.
Now I find this very humorous. I had to mention that first because you might not get it just by reading it. But there are two things by way of characteristics of the gospel that support the trial document view. It is because the way Luke wrote about all the uprisings, all the riots, and that all the trouble was caused by the Jewish leaders. They did it all!
But the second thing he did in his gospel, the centurion soldiers were the good guys. So that makes it look pretty good. So, you are appealing to somebody who is not Jewish when you do this. Interesting note!
The gospel of Luke has the highest level of Greek in the New Testament. Not only that, but many scholars hold that Luke is the highest quality of Greek in all ancient literature. That is pretty high! There are 312 Greek words in Luke that are not in the rest of the New Testament. There are 478 Greek words in Acts that are not in the rest of the New Testament.
So that is 790 words that are only found in Luke's writings. Remember, he is a physician, and he is very educated. You can see why, not only because of his medical skills, but also to be a historian for us.
Now in Luke, there are 20 miracles. Six of the 20 miracles are not found in any other gospel. In Luke, there are 23 parables. Of the 23 parables, 18 are not found in any other gospel. That is a lot of new material.
NOW HERE'S AN INTERESTING NOTE:
Sir William Ramsay was a nonbeliever that set out to disprove the scriptures. And he chose the gospel of Luke because it was recommended to him as being the best writing in the New Testament. After investigating Luke, he said that every historical account was correct and that there was not one inaccuracy in it. This is from a nonbeliever. And because of Luke's gospel, he was converted. So, we had a nonbeliever who could research, with a high education, he could search out all of Luke's presentation and find out there was not one inaccuracy in the whole gospel!
Some think that Luke and Acts are trial documents. This is what I meant about the reason why they would travel together as Volumes 1 and 2. If you appealed to Caesar, you had to send explanatory documents of your appeal to Caesar before you get there.
Luke is written specifically to Theophilus, but in general to all Gentiles. Theophilus means "lover of God," THEOS for God, PHILEO for love. It's either a name or title. It was a common name at the time. Many parents named their children Theophilus hoping their kids would love God. It was also used as a title and may have been used in order to hide his identity.
In Luke, he's not just called Theophilus, but "most excellent Theophilus" which means that he was either in the Roman military or Roman government, and he's getting the gospel about Jesus Christ. So, Theophilus could be a title or a code name for someone so that their real identity is not revealed.
His title "Most excellent" is one Greek word. It's found to be a title of an officer in the Roman military and also found as a title for an official in the Roman government. Both are called "most excellent" or "most honorable." The title is used three times in Acts. In Acts 23:26, we see "most excellent governor Felix."
These are all governors of Rome. Acts 24:3, "most noble Felix," and Acts 26:25 "most noble Festus," same word. They held these titles in the Roman military and in the Roman government. He was either a government official or in the military. Tradition says he was from Antioch of Syria. Apparently, Luke and Theophilus knew each other.
Acts was written to Theophilus. Acts 1:1 says, the former treaties (that would be the gospel of Luke), the former treaties that I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. So, the book of Acts would be to the same person. And what he's saying is that Luke (the first Volume I gave you), was what Jesus began to do and teach. Now here's what He continues to do and teach, and that would be the book of Acts.
It's also interesting that Acts 1:1-11 is a summary statement of Luke Chapter 24. So, they overlap. He goes back and summarizes Luke 24 in Acts Chapter 1:1-11.
I also would like to point out that what I was suggesting about reaching out to those in aberrant sects that are caught up in false teachings is exactly what Paul and the disciples did and they also encouraged others to do so as well. Jesus' commission to the disciples to go out into all the world and teach all nations, preach the gospel, disciple the new believers, baptizing each int eh name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit in Matt 28:18-20. That is what I am referring to in my post. By reaching out of our own comfort level to reach those who are unsaved or who are caught up in sects that teach wrongly about Jesus and salvation, we are obeying what Jesus wanted those who are His disciples (which we all are if we are born again) to do in order to bring the true gospel to those who need it. This means that we may need to do as Jesus did by eating with tax collectors and sinners when He went to Matthew's home to eat a meal. The Pharisees chastised Him for doing so, but Jesus did this in order to bring them to belief in Him. Or how about Peter on the rooftop in Acts 10 who was told by God not to call unclean what He has made clean (referring to the Gentiles) and Peter obeyed and went to Cornelius' home, which devout Jews avoided doing. Peter brought the Gospel to this household and all came to believe, were baptized and received the Holy Spirit.
So, I was speaking of in my last paragraph of witnessing to those who are still in darkness when the Spirit opens up the opportunity to do so. I don't think that this is erroneous at all, as you say. But I do understand what you are saying about being unequally yoked with unbelievers in marriage and other relationships that involve a contract or oath. This is wise.
In 1 Jn 1:6, John is not talking about walking with unbelievers. He is talking about claiming to be in Christ (in the light) but continuing walking in the sinful ways of one who is in darkness (controlled by the sinful nature).
Luke is a Greek name, not Jewish. Many believe that he was a Gentile. In fact, we can be pretty certain that he was. Luke was the only Gentile to be used to write a book of the bible. The best evidence of him being a Gentile is in Colossians 4:11-14. This is where Paul is listing the groups of people, and in Verse 11, he lists those of the circumcision. And so those would be the Jews. But when it gets down to Verse 14, he mentions the Gentiles, and Luke is mentioned in amongst the Gentiles. So that is pretty good proof that Luke was a Gentile.
In Luke's writings, all the way through the gospel of Luke, and all the way up through Acts Chapter 16 Verse 9, he uses the Third Person Plural "they" in his writings. But starting at Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10, he then changes it to "we" (First Person Plural). So, at Acts 16:10, he joins up with Paul at that point and becomes a constant companion with Paul.
Luke joined Paul at Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul, and he becomes Paul's personal physician. What is interesting is that in Acts Chapter 27, in that famous shipwreck that we read about and study and hear about, Luke also was on board that ship.
And it is interesting because you can't have guests accompany you, especially when you're a prisoner on your way to Rome. So, it is believed that Luke went along as a slave. You can have your slave, but you can't have your friends. But Luke was with him all the way. He joined up with him in Troas, doctored him, and was with him during a lot of the things that happened in Paul's ministry and life.
Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. They originally traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And Luke goes as far back as you can go in the beginning of the Lord's life and ministry. And he'll take us all the way up to, or right at the death of Paul. That is a lot of space. Luke is our historian. Luke was a very educated man, and he likes to deal in detail because he wants the Gentile world, that is you and I, to have the facts of the details about the life and ministry of Christ.
Luke, along with Acts, was written to the Gentiles. It was written to present Jesus as the Son of Man and ends with the promise of the Holy Spirit. And you will notice that both with Luke and John, they end off with the event that introduces their sequel that comes secondly. For Luke it will be the book of Acts. He ends Luke with the promise of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts starts out with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I. AUTHOR
Luke is the author. Luke is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. None of his letters contain his name. Luke wrote both Luke and Acts. And as mentioned before, Luke and Acts traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And I will share with you in a moment some pretty good evidence as to why it happened that way.
Colossians 4:14 says that Luke was a physician. Paul called him a physician, a doctor. He was a doctor from Antioch of Syria. We know from historical records that Luke was schooled in Alexandria, Egypt. He became very proficient in the Greek language, as the Greek language was spoken there.
This is the same city where they made the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). Luke became an expert in Greek. God chose an educated man to do a very, very detailed investigation. Keep in mind that Luke is an investigator, not an eyewitness.
In my post I was talking about fellowshipping with those who are born again. Even those who remain in the Catholic church situation for now. We cannot call them unclean or of the darkness as you imply. We cannot go around judging whether or not others are truly saved simply by which church they currently attend. We will know by their profession of faith in Jesus and by their fruits. We also may understand that they may be very young in the way of the Lord and need to be helped in their study of the Scriptures. That was what I was saying in my post. We are to be ready on any occasion to give an answer to those who ask us the reason for the hope that is within us (Jesus) ( 1 Peter 3:15).
Ladybug, you have made judgement on my post but say you did not read the whole post. You can check what I have said to Scripture. Until you do that, I think that you should hold your judgment of me and my ideas I presented.
I wish you well and hope to converse with you more over time.
I agree, every true believer is one who has been born again, reborn, regenerated (as I stated) these terms all mean the same thing as to the work of the Holy Spirit to make humans that were dead in their sins, alive in their spirits to have right fellowship with God.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible interpretation that the God lays down:
Christ is the author of the Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
...the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
As we approach the end of the world, and Christ's return, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end. This is spoken of as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
Daniel 12:9-10 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation is not found in the Bible. It seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the whole Bible is written for us today.
The word Mystery in the Greek is used a little different than the way we use the word.
Mystery in the Greek is "musterion" it means something divine that has been unknown up until now but is here now being divinely revealed. "Christ IN US" " The kingdom is at hand" And the kingdom is within you etc.
When God mentions Israel in the OT, he's talking about The Nation of Israel associated with the land.
Are the 12 tribes of Israel a idiom for the Church as well?
Who are those out of the Church is called the remnant of Israel?
When did God scatter them (The Church) among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries?
When God is talking about Israel, he us NEVER talking about the Church. In fact, he makes a great distinction between Israel and the Church. Those who are post cross "Jew and Gentiles make up the Church. However, that union was hid in the OT, Salvation to the Gentiles was mentioned but not as one body. Also, the Church never had geographic land! So how can you bring them back from all nations to the "land" of Israel. The land of Israel belongs to the 12 tribes of Israel. scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries:
Can Jeremiah 16:14-15 be applied to the Church?
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
But The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers."
Jeremiah 23:5 makes it clear along with many other verses.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
Seeing "no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth him"; and seeing the "revelation of the Son is in and by the Spirit" ( Matt. 11:27); therefore the testimony of the Spirit is that alone by which the true knowledge of God hath been, is, and can be only revealed; who as, by the moving of his own Spirit, he disposed the chaos of this world into that wonderful order wherein it was in the beginning, and created man a living soul, to rule and govern it, so, by the revelation of the same Spirit, he hath manifested himself all along unto the sons of men, both patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; which revelations of God by the Spirit, whether by outward voices and appearances, dreams, or inward objective manifestations in the heart, were of old the formal object of their faith, and remain yet so to be, since the object of the saints' faith is the same in all ages, though held forth under divers administrations. Moreover, these divine inward revelations, which we make absolutely necessary for the building up of true faith, neither do nor can ever contradict the outward testimony of the Scriptures, or right and sound reason. Yet from hence it will not follow, that the divine revelations are to be subjected to the test, either of the outward testimony of the Scriptures, or of the natural reason of man, as to a more noble or certain rule and touchstone; for this divine revelation and inward illumination, is that which is evident and clear of itself, forcing, by its own evidence and clearness, the well-disposed understanding to assent, irresistibly moving the same thereunto, even as the common principles of natural truths do move and incline the mind to a natural assent: as, that the whole is greater than its part, that two contradictories can neither be both true, nor both false.
Verse 1 , a lamentation for the princes of Israel . There's your clue to this chapter . Who were captives in Egypt ? Who were captured and taken to Babylon ? I'm sure you understand now :) .
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
When God uses the term "Israel" or "Judah" or "Jerusalem" He can be talking about the corporate body(National Israel or the New Testament Church) or ALL True Believers (the Elect of God). When talking about Salvation and the Gospel it is usually the latter; this is the case in Jeremiah as in many other parts of the Bible.
Furthermore, God is revealing truth in our Day that was hidden until we are near the end. Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
God did not write the Bible in a way that it can be read like any other book to understand truth. We must use the principles that God establishes in the Bible to interpret Scripture. And then it is only God Himself that opens our spiritual understanding as we compare Scripture with Scripture applying those principles.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
I ask for prayer to come closer to God and that God would bring my marriage together on one accord in the Lord. I ask a special prayer for my Son mental stability that God would continue to give him a mind to serve you. Bless him in his growth. I ask for a special prayer for my daughter also that she will return back to the Lord and her fiancee.
Just because there is evil created from it doesn't mean for us not to use it for the Grace to the good for our lives and saving of Souls that's how we can talk we pray stand on the word and ask the Lord to cover us in his blood and partake not in there evil in Jesus name but to answe your question it you ask Google the question what does the king James Bible say about the evil use of AI it'll give scriptures for an answer Revelation 13:14-18 kjb
You seem very passionate about what your saying but very wrong in order to win souls you speak the truth in Love that's what the Bible says Eph4:15 then you are also wrong when you tell a born again believer in Christ Jesus to fellowship with those in darkness to win them when the Bible says what fellowship does dark have with light 1John1:6 that's just to speak on a few things you wrote I'm not gonna lie to you and say I read it all because I didn't why because I see it as emotional not true People are gonna Die and end up in hell if they base there lives on what they feel is true versus studying the Bible and knowing the truth we should have no dealings with those who live in darkness because spirits are transferable. If we desire to have what they have an end up in hell then yes, we should fellowship with them but if we desire in heaven, then we must do what the word says, and that's preach the gospel to the laws, and be separated from among those that are not right which of those that are wicked, who have not receive Jesus in their heart, and that's the truth.
I wanted to know from the Body of Christ, do you know of any scripture that specifically or closely speaks against the AI technology that is going on right now in our country and other western nations currently? I do not like it at all, because of the obvious problems it brings with it, in coming against us as human beings in altering things, and doing things that definitely goes against the Holy Bible and the Lord himself, such as having an image of a person saying or doing something, and it not really be the actual person! THATS HORRIBLE AND DANGEROUS! Or doing things to those in the music industry, using their voice likeness to a song or songs they never did or do not approve of, that is not of them, especially for those already deceased. In the hands of those who are evil and have evil motives to do wickedness in the earth against the Lord, in harming innocent people, this is a dangerous tool, but i know the Lord knows all, and is aware of all evil persons who would try to use technology to harm innocent people in the earth. I just don't see any reason to use it, and i think it's invasive and not good AT ALL! I want nothing to do with it, I don't see how it serves any good purpose, for us human beings, i think this is another way that fallen wicked man, that invents technology like this, is trying to play "god" with the lives of those who are unsaved and do not know the Lord, and who have access to computers in the earth and to say we can do anything to anyone and destroy anything innocent and clean they would do in their lives, (e.g. patents trademarks etc.). It's a very evil slippery slope to me. I love computers and the good it does and the ability to spread the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to do good things and research clean, good, normal, everyday topics and stories and other things in life, but I honestly don't see it with the AI, ChaptGT technology, I'm EXTREMELY uncomfortable with it all and don't like it at ALL.
He's going to restore them right here on earth and fulfil the promises to Abraham.
Jeremiah 23:5-6.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice IN THE EARTH.
In his days JUDAH SHALL BE SAVED, AND ISRAEL SHALL DWELL SAFELY: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
And God wants the world to see it!!
Jeremiah 31:10.
Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
He does this for his name sake!
Ezekiel 36:22-27.
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.
And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land... ( This will be done on earth! There's no heathens in heaven! )
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
or the community of believers they are intimately involved with in close Christian fellowship. We are to guard our faith by taking every thought captive to the word of God, whether our own thoughts or that of others. We need to test all things that are concerned with doctrine and moral practices. We are to be willing to spend time with those who are involved in the Catholic church or other churches that teach false and dangerous doctrines so that we can help them see how their church is failing the Lord and His mission for it and hopefully have a change of heart that leads them to repent of their affiliation with such churches and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit as to the fellowship they are to seek out to be properly fed and nurtured in the one true faith passed down by the apostles, which is contained in the New Testament books.
I have met people from most aberrant sects that claim to teach the truth about Jesus and salvation. Some have been receptive to hear from one who is outside of their sect and study for themselves if what we say is true about Jesus, salvation, and the grave errors of the sect they are involved with. We are certainly to pray for these people we know. It is one thing to point out these errors and rightfully criticize these teachings, and another thing to work at reaching out to people who are in these groups and are deceived, manipulated, brainwashed, and made to be fearful of those who are not one of them or who speak in opposition to the teachings of these sects.
In love, we should hope to be given the opportunity to be used to help these people and extend ourselves warmly to them for their sake.
Like Shaun said, there is so much corruption that has been done by members of the Vatican council of cardinals, popes, Jesuits, and local bishops, Archbishops, and priests. Martin Luther saw the corruption when he went to Rome to speak with the pope and so did Augustine. Both were appalled.
This current pope is now friend of Catholics let alone Protestants. He is selling out the moral teachings of the Catholic church to the woke special interest groups, fraternizing with both Judaism and Islam's religious leaders, both Judaism and Islam reject Jesus as the Messiah and Saviour, teach lies about Him, and speak of Him in vulgar terms. This does not mean that all who practice Judaism or Islam believe the same as their leaders and past Rabbis and Imans. Many may be quite indifferent towards Jesus, but this is still opposition to Him and those who follow Him. Judaism and Islam both are antithetical to the Christian. faith. As it stands today, there can be no meeting of the minds between true believers and those who adhere vigilantly to wither false religion. The pope likes to rub elbows with them and is pushing for a sort of melding of all three into one system under the control of Catholicism. Woe to him!
There are many in the Catholic church who are true believers. They were born into this church and have remained despite their regeneration and faith in Jesus. We need to see these folks as brethren and be willing to expound the Scriptures to them concerning the most important matters of salvation in Christ alone, by faith alone. The reliance on Scriptures only for teaching in doctrines and practice. The authority of Jesus over all believers with no one believer having more authority over others than any single person does over themselves. True, we do need to submit to our husbands, our pastors, our teachers, as is proper to the Lord, but their authority ends when they transgress against us, the church, ......cont.
You have some interesting thoughts. Nevertheless, I agree with GiGi and Adam in the fact the Bible truly states God is not a man and that He is Spirit.
It also states that Spirit gives birth to spirit and flesh to flesh; which actually leaves me wondering - how is it possible then that God Who is Spirit which in the New Testament is truly stated as Spirit being INcapable of producing flesh, while in the Genesis account thousands of years earlier a clear impression of God creating bodies, i.e. flesh and bones, is portrayed.
Thus, I think I perceive your line of thinking in that it must be if God created man in His Own image, and while realizing man appears to be made of flesh and bones, God must be man.
It is very possible I'm misunderstanding you, and apologize ahead of time.
The reason I find your comments interesting is because I would agree with you ( I think) and the New Testament that man produces man and Spirit creates Spirit. Yet I believe a more logical option would be that if God is Spirit, and gives birth to spirit, then our reality is Spirit, not bodies.
How could a perfect God create an imperfect body, being destructible and thus not of His Kingdom? The body is a symbol of what we think we are. It is clearly a separation device. God is One and incapable of division and separation.
Sorry , meant to say that Zedekiah was Jeremiah's grandson and therefore Zedekiah's children were Jeremiah's great grandchildren , sorry for confusion .
And it could be that Theophilus, being in the Roman government (a Roman guard maybe), but in the Roman government. But it could be that he was putting together something for Paul because Paul was waiting to have his appeal to Caesar brought about, and he needed an official document of his life, and what he is charged with, and what his response is, even before he sees Caesar.
Many scholars believe that Theophilus was putting this together for Paul, and that Luke was doing it because Theophilus knew Luke, and he knew Luke had been with Paul, and Theophilus was now saved, so the three of them knew each other.
So, when Theophilus comes to Paul and says we got to put some documents together, Paul says, you know, Dr. Luke used to travel with me. Theophilus says "No way, I know him. He is a brother. Yes, contact him. We need something written up." And so many people believe that these two documents actually traveled to Rome originally as court documents, documenting the life and ministry of Christ and Paul.
Now I find this very humorous. I had to mention that first because you might not get it just by reading it. But there are two things by way of characteristics of the gospel that support the trial document view. It is because the way Luke wrote about all the uprisings, all the riots, and that all the trouble was caused by the Jewish leaders. They did it all!
But the second thing he did in his gospel, the centurion soldiers were the good guys. So that makes it look pretty good. So, you are appealing to somebody who is not Jewish when you do this. Interesting note!
III. ABOUT THE GOSPEL:
The gospel of Luke has the highest level of Greek in the New Testament. Not only that, but many scholars hold that Luke is the highest quality of Greek in all ancient literature. That is pretty high! There are 312 Greek words in Luke that are not in the rest of the New Testament. There are 478 Greek words in Acts that are not in the rest of the New Testament.
So that is 790 words that are only found in Luke's writings. Remember, he is a physician, and he is very educated. You can see why, not only because of his medical skills, but also to be a historian for us.
Now in Luke, there are 20 miracles. Six of the 20 miracles are not found in any other gospel. In Luke, there are 23 parables. Of the 23 parables, 18 are not found in any other gospel. That is a lot of new material.
NOW HERE'S AN INTERESTING NOTE:
Sir William Ramsay was a nonbeliever that set out to disprove the scriptures. And he chose the gospel of Luke because it was recommended to him as being the best writing in the New Testament. After investigating Luke, he said that every historical account was correct and that there was not one inaccuracy in it. This is from a nonbeliever. And because of Luke's gospel, he was converted. So, we had a nonbeliever who could research, with a high education, he could search out all of Luke's presentation and find out there was not one inaccuracy in the whole gospel!
Some think that Luke and Acts are trial documents. This is what I meant about the reason why they would travel together as Volumes 1 and 2. If you appealed to Caesar, you had to send explanatory documents of your appeal to Caesar before you get there.
II. ABOUT THE RECIPIENT:
Luke is written specifically to Theophilus, but in general to all Gentiles. Theophilus means "lover of God," THEOS for God, PHILEO for love. It's either a name or title. It was a common name at the time. Many parents named their children Theophilus hoping their kids would love God. It was also used as a title and may have been used in order to hide his identity.
In Luke, he's not just called Theophilus, but "most excellent Theophilus" which means that he was either in the Roman military or Roman government, and he's getting the gospel about Jesus Christ. So, Theophilus could be a title or a code name for someone so that their real identity is not revealed.
His title "Most excellent" is one Greek word. It's found to be a title of an officer in the Roman military and also found as a title for an official in the Roman government. Both are called "most excellent" or "most honorable." The title is used three times in Acts. In Acts 23:26, we see "most excellent governor Felix."
These are all governors of Rome. Acts 24:3, "most noble Felix," and Acts 26:25 "most noble Festus," same word. They held these titles in the Roman military and in the Roman government. He was either a government official or in the military. Tradition says he was from Antioch of Syria. Apparently, Luke and Theophilus knew each other.
Acts was written to Theophilus. Acts 1:1 says, the former treaties (that would be the gospel of Luke), the former treaties that I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach. So, the book of Acts would be to the same person. And what he's saying is that Luke (the first Volume I gave you), was what Jesus began to do and teach. Now here's what He continues to do and teach, and that would be the book of Acts.
It's also interesting that Acts 1:1-11 is a summary statement of Luke Chapter 24. So, they overlap. He goes back and summarizes Luke 24 in Acts Chapter 1:1-11.
I also would like to point out that what I was suggesting about reaching out to those in aberrant sects that are caught up in false teachings is exactly what Paul and the disciples did and they also encouraged others to do so as well. Jesus' commission to the disciples to go out into all the world and teach all nations, preach the gospel, disciple the new believers, baptizing each int eh name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit in Matt 28:18-20. That is what I am referring to in my post. By reaching out of our own comfort level to reach those who are unsaved or who are caught up in sects that teach wrongly about Jesus and salvation, we are obeying what Jesus wanted those who are His disciples (which we all are if we are born again) to do in order to bring the true gospel to those who need it. This means that we may need to do as Jesus did by eating with tax collectors and sinners when He went to Matthew's home to eat a meal. The Pharisees chastised Him for doing so, but Jesus did this in order to bring them to belief in Him. Or how about Peter on the rooftop in Acts 10 who was told by God not to call unclean what He has made clean (referring to the Gentiles) and Peter obeyed and went to Cornelius' home, which devout Jews avoided doing. Peter brought the Gospel to this household and all came to believe, were baptized and received the Holy Spirit.
So, I was speaking of in my last paragraph of witnessing to those who are still in darkness when the Spirit opens up the opportunity to do so. I don't think that this is erroneous at all, as you say. But I do understand what you are saying about being unequally yoked with unbelievers in marriage and other relationships that involve a contract or oath. This is wise.
In 1 Jn 1:6, John is not talking about walking with unbelievers. He is talking about claiming to be in Christ (in the light) but continuing walking in the sinful ways of one who is in darkness (controlled by the sinful nature).
Luke is a Greek name, not Jewish. Many believe that he was a Gentile. In fact, we can be pretty certain that he was. Luke was the only Gentile to be used to write a book of the bible. The best evidence of him being a Gentile is in Colossians 4:11-14. This is where Paul is listing the groups of people, and in Verse 11, he lists those of the circumcision. And so those would be the Jews. But when it gets down to Verse 14, he mentions the Gentiles, and Luke is mentioned in amongst the Gentiles. So that is pretty good proof that Luke was a Gentile.
In Luke's writings, all the way through the gospel of Luke, and all the way up through Acts Chapter 16 Verse 9, he uses the Third Person Plural "they" in his writings. But starting at Acts Chapter 16 Verse 10, he then changes it to "we" (First Person Plural). So, at Acts 16:10, he joins up with Paul at that point and becomes a constant companion with Paul.
Luke joined Paul at Troas. He was probably converted in Troas by Paul, and he becomes Paul's personal physician. What is interesting is that in Acts Chapter 27, in that famous shipwreck that we read about and study and hear about, Luke also was on board that ship.
And it is interesting because you can't have guests accompany you, especially when you're a prisoner on your way to Rome. So, it is believed that Luke went along as a slave. You can have your slave, but you can't have your friends. But Luke was with him all the way. He joined up with him in Troas, doctored him, and was with him during a lot of the things that happened in Paul's ministry and life.
Luke wrote both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts. They originally traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And Luke goes as far back as you can go in the beginning of the Lord's life and ministry. And he'll take us all the way up to, or right at the death of Paul. That is a lot of space. Luke is our historian. Luke was a very educated man, and he likes to deal in detail because he wants the Gentile world, that is you and I, to have the facts of the details about the life and ministry of Christ.
Luke, along with Acts, was written to the Gentiles. It was written to present Jesus as the Son of Man and ends with the promise of the Holy Spirit. And you will notice that both with Luke and John, they end off with the event that introduces their sequel that comes secondly. For Luke it will be the book of Acts. He ends Luke with the promise of the Holy Spirit. The book of Acts starts out with the coming of the Holy Spirit.
I. AUTHOR
Luke is the author. Luke is only mentioned three times in the New Testament. None of his letters contain his name. Luke wrote both Luke and Acts. And as mentioned before, Luke and Acts traveled together as Volume 1 and Volume 2. And I will share with you in a moment some pretty good evidence as to why it happened that way.
Colossians 4:14 says that Luke was a physician. Paul called him a physician, a doctor. He was a doctor from Antioch of Syria. We know from historical records that Luke was schooled in Alexandria, Egypt. He became very proficient in the Greek language, as the Greek language was spoken there.
This is the same city where they made the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament). Luke became an expert in Greek. God chose an educated man to do a very, very detailed investigation. Keep in mind that Luke is an investigator, not an eyewitness.
In my post I was talking about fellowshipping with those who are born again. Even those who remain in the Catholic church situation for now. We cannot call them unclean or of the darkness as you imply. We cannot go around judging whether or not others are truly saved simply by which church they currently attend. We will know by their profession of faith in Jesus and by their fruits. We also may understand that they may be very young in the way of the Lord and need to be helped in their study of the Scriptures. That was what I was saying in my post. We are to be ready on any occasion to give an answer to those who ask us the reason for the hope that is within us (Jesus) ( 1 Peter 3:15).
Ladybug, you have made judgement on my post but say you did not read the whole post. You can check what I have said to Scripture. Until you do that, I think that you should hold your judgment of me and my ideas I presented.
I wish you well and hope to converse with you more over time.
I agree, every true believer is one who has been born again, reborn, regenerated (as I stated) these terms all mean the same thing as to the work of the Holy Spirit to make humans that were dead in their sins, alive in their spirits to have right fellowship with God.
The following are the fundamental rules of Bible interpretation that the God lays down:
Christ is the author of the Bible. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we behold his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John 1:1,14
...the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit 2 Peter 1:21
Christ spoke in parables (earthly stories with a spiritual meaning). But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples. Mark 4:34
We compare spiritual with spiritual. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:13
As we approach the end of the world, and Christ's return, God is unsealing truths that have been kept sealed until the time of the end. This is spoken of as a vision that will speak at the end and not lie.
Daniel 12:9-10 And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
Habakkuk 2:2-3 And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie:though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
The historical-grammatical method of interpretation is not found in the Bible. It seeks to discover the writer's intended meaning, customs of the times, and the writer's intended audience and thus fails to recognize that God is the author and that the whole Bible is written for us today.
Ephesians 3:3-4.
The word Mystery in the Greek is used a little different than the way we use the word.
Mystery in the Greek is "musterion" it means something divine that has been unknown up until now but is here now being divinely revealed. "Christ IN US" " The kingdom is at hand" And the kingdom is within you etc.
When God mentions Israel in the OT, he's talking about The Nation of Israel associated with the land.
Are the 12 tribes of Israel a idiom for the Church as well?
Who are those out of the Church is called the remnant of Israel?
When did God scatter them (The Church) among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries?
When God is talking about Israel, he us NEVER talking about the Church. In fact, he makes a great distinction between Israel and the Church. Those who are post cross "Jew and Gentiles make up the Church. However, that union was hid in the OT, Salvation to the Gentiles was mentioned but not as one body. Also, the Church never had geographic land! So how can you bring them back from all nations to the "land" of Israel. The land of Israel belongs to the 12 tribes of Israel. scattered them among the heathen, and they were dispersed through the countries:
Can Jeremiah 16:14-15 be applied to the Church?
"Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that it shall no more be said, The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.
But The LORD liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers."
Jeremiah 23:5 makes it clear along with many other verses.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.
God bless.
Proposition 2;
Seeing "no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth him"; and seeing the "revelation of the Son is in and by the Spirit" ( Matt. 11:27); therefore the testimony of the Spirit is that alone by which the true knowledge of God hath been, is, and can be only revealed; who as, by the moving of his own Spirit, he disposed the chaos of this world into that wonderful order wherein it was in the beginning, and created man a living soul, to rule and govern it, so, by the revelation of the same Spirit, he hath manifested himself all along unto the sons of men, both patriarchs, prophets, and apostles; which revelations of God by the Spirit, whether by outward voices and appearances, dreams, or inward objective manifestations in the heart, were of old the formal object of their faith, and remain yet so to be, since the object of the saints' faith is the same in all ages, though held forth under divers administrations. Moreover, these divine inward revelations, which we make absolutely necessary for the building up of true faith, neither do nor can ever contradict the outward testimony of the Scriptures, or right and sound reason. Yet from hence it will not follow, that the divine revelations are to be subjected to the test, either of the outward testimony of the Scriptures, or of the natural reason of man, as to a more noble or certain rule and touchstone; for this divine revelation and inward illumination, is that which is evident and clear of itself, forcing, by its own evidence and clearness, the well-disposed understanding to assent, irresistibly moving the same thereunto, even as the common principles of natural truths do move and incline the mind to a natural assent: as, that the whole is greater than its part, that two contradictories can neither be both true, nor both false.
Robert Barclay 1678
If you feel inspired and have time, would you mind expounding on parables and Mark 4:10-12?
More specifically:
What is perception according to you and or scripture?
What is the purpose or meaning of "not understand" in verse 12?
Will you provide an example/s of a principle/s that God established to interpret scripture?
Peace
Mark 4:10-12 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them.
When God uses the term "Israel" or "Judah" or "Jerusalem" He can be talking about the corporate body(National Israel or the New Testament Church) or ALL True Believers (the Elect of God). When talking about Salvation and the Gospel it is usually the latter; this is the case in Jeremiah as in many other parts of the Bible.
Furthermore, God is revealing truth in our Day that was hidden until we are near the end. Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.
God did not write the Bible in a way that it can be read like any other book to understand truth. We must use the principles that God establishes in the Bible to interpret Scripture. And then it is only God Himself that opens our spiritual understanding as we compare Scripture with Scripture applying those principles.
Habakkuk 2:3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.
Thank you
Blessings
I concur with Brother Chris.
God is going to give Israel a heart of flesh.
He's going to restore them right here on earth and fulfil the promises to Abraham.
Jeremiah 23:5-6.
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice IN THE EARTH.
In his days JUDAH SHALL BE SAVED, AND ISRAEL SHALL DWELL SAFELY: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
And God wants the world to see it!!
Jeremiah 31:10.
Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
He does this for his name sake!
Ezekiel 36:22-27.
Therefore say unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name's sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went.
And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen, which ye have profaned in the midst of them; and the heathen shall know that I am the LORD, saith the Lord GOD, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.
For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land... ( This will be done on earth! There's no heathens in heaven! )
Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.
And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
God bless.
Thanks and God bless.
to continue...
or the community of believers they are intimately involved with in close Christian fellowship. We are to guard our faith by taking every thought captive to the word of God, whether our own thoughts or that of others. We need to test all things that are concerned with doctrine and moral practices. We are to be willing to spend time with those who are involved in the Catholic church or other churches that teach false and dangerous doctrines so that we can help them see how their church is failing the Lord and His mission for it and hopefully have a change of heart that leads them to repent of their affiliation with such churches and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit as to the fellowship they are to seek out to be properly fed and nurtured in the one true faith passed down by the apostles, which is contained in the New Testament books.
I have met people from most aberrant sects that claim to teach the truth about Jesus and salvation. Some have been receptive to hear from one who is outside of their sect and study for themselves if what we say is true about Jesus, salvation, and the grave errors of the sect they are involved with. We are certainly to pray for these people we know. It is one thing to point out these errors and rightfully criticize these teachings, and another thing to work at reaching out to people who are in these groups and are deceived, manipulated, brainwashed, and made to be fearful of those who are not one of them or who speak in opposition to the teachings of these sects.
In love, we should hope to be given the opportunity to be used to help these people and extend ourselves warmly to them for their sake.
Like Shaun said, there is so much corruption that has been done by members of the Vatican council of cardinals, popes, Jesuits, and local bishops, Archbishops, and priests. Martin Luther saw the corruption when he went to Rome to speak with the pope and so did Augustine. Both were appalled.
This current pope is now friend of Catholics let alone Protestants. He is selling out the moral teachings of the Catholic church to the woke special interest groups, fraternizing with both Judaism and Islam's religious leaders, both Judaism and Islam reject Jesus as the Messiah and Saviour, teach lies about Him, and speak of Him in vulgar terms. This does not mean that all who practice Judaism or Islam believe the same as their leaders and past Rabbis and Imans. Many may be quite indifferent towards Jesus, but this is still opposition to Him and those who follow Him. Judaism and Islam both are antithetical to the Christian. faith. As it stands today, there can be no meeting of the minds between true believers and those who adhere vigilantly to wither false religion. The pope likes to rub elbows with them and is pushing for a sort of melding of all three into one system under the control of Catholicism. Woe to him!
There are many in the Catholic church who are true believers. They were born into this church and have remained despite their regeneration and faith in Jesus. We need to see these folks as brethren and be willing to expound the Scriptures to them concerning the most important matters of salvation in Christ alone, by faith alone. The reliance on Scriptures only for teaching in doctrines and practice. The authority of Jesus over all believers with no one believer having more authority over others than any single person does over themselves. True, we do need to submit to our husbands, our pastors, our teachers, as is proper to the Lord, but their authority ends when they transgress against us, the church, ......cont.
You have some interesting thoughts. Nevertheless, I agree with GiGi and Adam in the fact the Bible truly states God is not a man and that He is Spirit.
It also states that Spirit gives birth to spirit and flesh to flesh; which actually leaves me wondering - how is it possible then that God Who is Spirit which in the New Testament is truly stated as Spirit being INcapable of producing flesh, while in the Genesis account thousands of years earlier a clear impression of God creating bodies, i.e. flesh and bones, is portrayed.
Thus, I think I perceive your line of thinking in that it must be if God created man in His Own image, and while realizing man appears to be made of flesh and bones, God must be man.
It is very possible I'm misunderstanding you, and apologize ahead of time.
The reason I find your comments interesting is because I would agree with you ( I think) and the New Testament that man produces man and Spirit creates Spirit. Yet I believe a more logical option would be that if God is Spirit, and gives birth to spirit, then our reality is Spirit, not bodies.
How could a perfect God create an imperfect body, being destructible and thus not of His Kingdom? The body is a symbol of what we think we are. It is clearly a separation device. God is One and incapable of division and separation.
Out of time.
God Is
Peace