Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
The word miracles is the word signs. They translated it miracles to emphasize the fact that whatever powerful work, whatever moving of God's Spirit, it was a physical sign to draw people to establish it being from God.
Acts 7:1 - Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Literally, the Greek text presents a legal court question. "Do any of these accusations hold these things?" Meaning, are any true? Answer for yourself!
Acts 7:38 - This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
The word church is the word assembly. It is the first word of church, other than the Lord in Matthew Chapter 16 saying, "Upon this rock I will build my church," that there were churches mentioned.
And it literally means an assembly or called out ones! The English word church in the bible is not the same word church that we use in English. It looks the same on paper but it's not. KURIDOMA is the word that we use as church, and it means the house or dome of the Lord, meaning the building. But the biblical church is called EKKLESIA, EK meaning out, and KALEO to call.
These are people who have been called out by the Lord. The church are His people. It's not a building. It's not a system. It's God's people!
So, this is interesting. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him on mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us. Again, he is making emphasis on that leadership that has come.
Acts 6:3 - Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
The literal translation here when it says, "of honest report," this is the word "testimony" and it is in a Present Participial form. Those who are carrying the testimony of two things: number one, being full of the Holy Spirit. And number two, being full of wisdom.
To be filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't have anything to do with the Holy Spirit "leaking out" and you have to go to a meeting or church and get filled up again. The Greek word for "filled" means to have your inner faculties filled and influenced by something.
We always have the Holy Spirit living inside of us no matter what we're doing. Even if we're not doing what He's doing, He's always in us and He's always active. But then there are times when God's Spirit would fill our inner human faculties and use us to either do something or say something.
Acts 6:5 - And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Wow! That's his reputation. By the way, these are all Jews with Greek names from the Hellenist community.
As a side note, Nicolas was a proselyte from Antioch. From the history of this man, he eventually left God's work somewhere down the line and he gathered his own following. Because his name is Nicolas, they were called the Nicolaitans. Beginning at Revelation 2:6, he told the church at Ephesus, "You hate the deeds and the doctrines of the Nicolaitans which I also hate."
They were followers of Nicolas, and the trail leads back, at least to the historians and the archaeologists, to this Nicolas of Antioch. Just a side note!
What would you have gained if you had gained the whole world, but lost your soul? [NOTHING] You will spend eternity in Hell fire and brimstone where the fire never quench. Tormented for all eternity
Jesus said I am the way, the truth, the life,
Jesus said I am the bread of life.
Jesus said I am the living water.
Jesus said I am the door of eternity of life.
Jesus said I AM the Son of God. Whosoever calls on Me shall have eternal life. That is a promise from our Lord and Savior.
Jesus said by Faith through Grace through the Righteousness Blood of Jesus Christ.
Neither is there any other name under Heaven whereby you can be saved. God's only begotten Son is the only way to get SAVE!
No church, no baptism, no work, no pay, no Religion, no Denomination, no goodness, no helping thy neighbor, no Preacher,
no Evangelist, no TV preacher/evangelist, no miracle worker on TV, Etc. Etc. Etc.
Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God can save you through His Righteous Blood can Save a lost Soul. NO OTHER WAY.
The clock of life is clicking off fast, Today, is the time to get saved, right now, before it is to late. After death, TO LATE!!!!
Q: "In what sense one should approach the Bible,- for knowledge or for understanding?"
A: Neither. Wisdom according to the world does it for self. Improve what without a standard is a wild goose chase. Wisdom from heaven sets the standard: Be ye holy for I am holy. Knowledge of the holy is understanding. As such skills that God a Spirit calls for is different.
The Bible is God breathed and its purpose is in instruction in righteousness. (2 Ti.3:16-17). So the Spirit has pressed human hands to shape the literal text in a manner it can be used at different levels. The Spirit is the author so doctrinally it cannot be bettered. God is perfect so his word is perfect "for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." In short furnishing a man perfect unto all good works is what insisted upon. If truth be told and obeyed what heresy can rear its head? The devil is in details by which scholarship of carnal minds have let these loose. These are the tares sown by the enemy while a child of God nodded.
The text is like the shirt front with seven buttons with accompanying eyes so the button has to go into the right button hole. The Spirit has set the buttons and also holes which when correctly placed it is called, wisdom from heaven. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God./ 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 Co.2:12-13) Without setting the everlasting covenant stated in the first chapter of Genesis and Ch.2:1-3 as set by Law of the Spirit, no one can be called to blessed in his Son. He has his volume in which all the blessings of seven days are equally distributed. No nation no man is exempt from the covenant. He has to be taught by the Spirit. Remember if one button is misplaced it affects the entire.
You have put the finger on the spot. Literal text is like the shirt front with seven buttons with accompanying eyes so the button has to go into the right button hole. The Spirit has set the buttons and also holes which when correctly placed it is called, wisdom from heaven. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God./ 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 Co.2:12-13) You notice how nations, churches are tying themselves into knots trying to justify Israel, and ludicrousness of it for example is in the manner one button is wrongly placed. It is straightforward and simple. Without setting the everlasting covenant stated in the first chapter of Genesis and Ch.2:1-3 as set by Law of the Spirit, no one can be called to blessed in his Son. He has his volume in which all the blessings of seven days are equally distributed. Eating the angel's food is according to each believer's capacity. No nation no man is exempt from the covenant. He has to be taught by the Spirit. Remember if one button is misplaced it affects the entire.
Thanks brother S. Spencer for the response, to which I agree. I was actually beginning to wonder whether I was misreading these various texts since some pictures given to us of the future or heavenly things can sometimes cause concern as to how we should be reading & interpreting them. Thanks again for the clarification. GBU.
You make an interesting point. You write,"Next why in Stephen's stoning Jesus is not sitting but standing? Because His child was going to be stoned and die. How would it appear to Stephen to see Jesus just sit comfortably on His throne at the same time that he wan stoned?" Human tendency is to read much into gestures as you mention. "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;/That ye may eat the flesh of kings,"(Re.19:17-18) Angel in the sun is about under the sun in the sense the preacher deals with it. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Thereafter the angel is inviting the fowls ' that fly in the midst of heaven'. Similarly "And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem."(1 Chr.21:16) We look at him sent from heaven rather than his standing. So it is his Will is the driver. We see the Lamb, "and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion," Do we look his standing on the mount or the decree of the Father, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Hermeneutics that foolish teacher follow skip the lead of the Spirit and divine Will.
Q:"In view of the fulness of God being in Jesus Christ what does right hand signify? "
A: We shall first look at it in terms of Jesus Christ as the visible image of the invisible God. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." And out of this we received grace for grace, as John's Gospel instructs us. This is set in an everlasting covenant and the Parable of the Nations tells us how we should approach the right hand. The nations designated under the sheep are grouped on his right hand. "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."(Matt.25:34) This blessing is what we have received in his Son. " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(v.40). What we have done in his name is counted as done on his behalf. For the righteous it is life eternal.(v.46)
Secondly we shall look at the position of the Son"when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." This brings naturally those who are blessed. So the throne of God and of the Lamb establishes the position of Zion and New Jerusalem in eternity. Ps.110:1 elaborates on the wrath of the Lamb is His own displeasure."Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure."(Ps.2:5) These are the heathen the left-behind church and the mingled people of the Jews and the Gentiles. "The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath."(110:5) The Father Son relationship, 'the Lord at thy right hand' a moot point. "I and my Father are one."
"And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me." This arm by the same token is dervied from this unity. (Is. 63:5) "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm."
My opinion about Jesus sitting on a throne next to God.
Firstly in grk we very rarely use the word "hand" when we talk about direction or position. We just say "to the/your right or left". Rarely we may say "to the right hand", more frequently we say "to the right side". Another thing in grk is that we mainly use the noun "to" in all cases where the Egl language uses nouns like on, at, in, to, ..., etc , apart from a few cases. So in grk "to" is a general noun who is often used instead of all those.
The other thing whether all those phrases are litteral or figurative, my opinion is that they are litteral, otherwise why Jesus is either sitting or standing next to God? The position on the right shows a honorable position and a position of authority that is given by the person who sits on the throne. .
Next why in Stephen's stoning Jesus is not sitting but standing? Because His child was going to be stoned and die. How would it appear to Stephen to see Jesus just sit comfortably on His throne at the same time that he wan stoned? Jesus/God participates in our persecutions, He has an agony (although He knows the outcome). God is not an apathetic observer of our lives who just sits comfortably on His throne when all those hard things come to our lives. So in that instance Jesus who was sitting next to God, got up off His throne. So Stephen saw His interest and anguish in him, which Jesus was really having for him.
Christians who consider that all those expressions in the scriptures that talk about God having ears, mouth, hands, legs, thrones, etc, are anthropomorhical expressions always interprete those phrases as being figurative. So for them God as sittiing on a throne can not be a real thing. Anyway, either this or that, Jesus is having authority and is always participating in everything that comes to our lives.
The right hand designates the Word become flesh. The right arm by the same token refers to the salvation aspect. "For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them." Ps.44:3 Three refers to the Son . Firstly Jesus Christ as the true Light secondly the everlasting covenant, the Law aspect. Thirdly the arm signifying salvation. "saving strength of his right hand"(Ps.20:6). "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me."(Is.63:5)
May I add to this, the quote "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,/And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."(Ac.7:55-56) The Holy Spirit sets Jesus on the right hand of God. The next verse is what he quotes Stephen."This is a validation of the decree of the Father, " Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."(Ps.110:1) compare with these in the same Psalm, "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek./The Lord at thy right hand" In v.5 The Lord "shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath." The right hand refers to his Son "after our image" or Jesus Christ 'after our likeness". In the Parable of Jesus, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory," the nations designates as the sheep on the right hand. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." In Jesus's name is whoever Jesus designates as blessed." Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." That is the right side in terms of the covenant under seven days.
Thanks brother S. Spencer for sharing on this. You wrote, "Christ standing visually expresses in a figurative way his established position of power and his sitting expresses with that authority the work of redemption is complete."
So, do you believe that these expressions of Jesus standing or sitting are simply figurative language of His position of power and completed redemption? That when Stephen spoke, or Paul, Peter, the Hebrews writer, or even the Lord Himself spoke, they didn't mean that they believed or saw Jesus assuming a sitting or standing position, rather the words (sitting & standing) are just metaphors of Who Jesus is in Heaven & of His Work fulfilled? I do understand the meaning that you & Jesse have shared & I agree to that completely, but I'm looking for some clue as to why these men who saw Jesus sitting or standing were not actually seeing Him doing that, but rather chose to speak of Him metaphorically. Sorry to belabor this matter, but it's one of those points in the Bible that I've never considered a mystery but seemed quite plain & straightforward. Thanks again & every blessing.
Q:The vision of Daniel sets the Law of the Spirit as the Ancient of days. "Judgement was set" in v.10 validates "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son."What is the significance?"
A: Firstly the fulness of Jesus Christ as stated in the Gospel is doctrinally correct. Jesus Christ shall judge on the basis of the Law. The phrase one "like the Son of man" refers to him. This explains the Law of Gradation which carry appropriate tags. In.v10 we have two sets of numbers. "And ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him." Against this number we have in the vision of St John"two hundred thousand thousand" the latter is retained to torment those who have sinned again 'heaven and thee'.(Re.9:16)
One example we have from the life of David. He is set as the man after the heart of God, after the likeness of his Son. "TheLordsaid unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."(Ps.110:1) The Law is spoken. But what did David do? "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." (" and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it"-1 Chr.21:1-2) and we read,"And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel."(21:7) So theLordsent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men." (v.14) 70x1000 explains David sinned against the Law of the Spirit. Multiples of seven. Similarly 144,000 explains the firstfruits and the Gospels sets them follow the Lamb and the are preserved according too his purpose (Re.14:1). All the martyrs in Matt.23:35 and in Re.15:2 are the 144,000 who have got victory over the beast. They were sealed in Re.ch.7.From David's example are we not created after 'our image and after our likeness?" Do we break the everlasting covenant by interpreting the word of God as we will to our convenience?
In other words, Christ standing visually expresses in a figurative way his established position of power and his sitting expresses with that authority the work of redemption is complete.
Here's what I find that may or may not be significant.
In Acts 7:56 the word for standing I believe is "histemi"
A prolonged form of a primary word stao (of the same meaning and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively) used in various applications (literally or figuratively): - abide appoint bring continue covenant establish hold up lay present set (up) stanch stand (by forth still up).
Mark 14:62 and Luke 22:69
Christ is "sitting" refers to the fact that His work of redemption is done.
Hebrews 10:12-13.
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
In Luke 22:69 Jesus states "Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God" and then they ask him "Art thou then the Son of God? ( They understood his claim to sit on the right hand of the power of God makes him God.)
And he said unto them, (I am.)
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
They accused him of Blasphemy!
God's right hand" refers to the Messiah, the LORD Jesus Christ, and He is of equal position, honor, power, and authority with God!
I may be wrong but I believe there is figurative emphasis on the standing and sitting.
John 6:28-29 reads "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Afterwards we benefit from Philippians 2:13
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Thanks brother, you did understand my query correctly. I have noted that 'hand' in certain verses (as given earlier) in the Greek, is not mentioned (hand = cheira); and 'cheira' is absent, unlike say, Mark 6:10 where the physical 'hand' is spoken of. So, I do see that 'at the right of God' speaks of Christ's "highest position of authority and power".
It was just the positional aspect of Christ's stance that I was querying, when the verses spoke of Jesus seated or standing at God's right... (whether being seated or standing wasn't actually the case, but was only connected to His Authority & Power). So, bringing both thoughts together, I understood these verses showing not only Jesus' Authority & Power but also the vision/understanding given to those who reported it that Jesus was seen there near the Father (both in His Glory & position in Heaven). So my query was essentially, if Jesus' Power & Authority is to be understood in such phrases, why should any mention be made of whether He was seated or standing, if this were not the case? Maybe, we might not know such details this side of Heaven. Blessings & thanks again.
Amen, it happens a lot! It's like hearing people tell you they are doing God's work for Him! My response to that would be to ask, "How's that working out for you?" If God is depending on us to do His work for Him, He's in trouble I would say. He may use us, which He often does, but it's His work and it is Him doing the work. It's designed that way so that we have nothing to boast of!
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I am not completely sure what you are asking, so this response might not mean anything. Anyway, from my understanding, the phrase "right hand of God" is speaking about both Christ's authority and His position. Christ seated at the right hand of God shows Him being in the highest position of authority and power. So, in this sense, I suppose we can say this is His position. I also know there are many verses that mention "right hand of God" or "right hand" in both the OT and NT. Again, the actual Greek text does not show the word hand.
There are several instances in the NT alone that mention Christ at the right of God, either sitting or standing. What is the significance of this? I'm not sure. Why would it say standing in one place and sitting in the next? These are questions I ask myself, but I believe the emphasis should be placed on His power and authority wherever I see this phrase.
Prayers for AaronS mental health. May God restore him and help Aaron feel that mustard seed of faith. May the Holy Spirit shine light into the markings he feels.may mom and dad feel Jesus Presence and ease their burdens. May you be blessed as you pray for intercessory for your family.may the blood of Jesus heal and guide your family unit in healing and those who have strayed return to Christ. In Jesus Mighty name
Q: Isnt the ecumenical movement in our times a call for the unity of the Spirit?
A: Here we have the mystery of the iniquity itself? Agabus prophesied the testimony of Christ and that spirit was warning for St Paul himself to know what he stood for when he would be bound by the Jews to be delivered unto the Gentiles. "both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem./Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."(Ac.21:12-13). Christ has shown us the way and also given us the wherewithal from his fulness. So what does it mean "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Re.19:10. How can anyone worship God in spirit and truth if he has made his belly his god and glory of this world his 'fulness'? In this age of wannabes the prosperity and nationalism driving churches to make slain in the spirit a circus, what spirit is driving the churches. They are like the 'seven sons of one Sceva' and the unclean spirit gave them same knowledge as the churches promoting ethnic division in our times do."Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" (Ac.19:14-16). In the early church such spirit has been working,- and venerable St Jerome himself had to overcome his passion for classicism in order to bring all unto subjection of the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. The insidious effect of the church of Rome building up their doctrine from pagan culture can be seen in the reinvention of the Ark of Noah as a symbol of unification of the Roman church with the Orthodox church under Pope Boniface VIII. The devil has never stopped since the manner the fulness of Christ has been hijacked by Constantine for his own personal ends.
Q: The Agabus episode in Ac.21:11 shows that the gifts of the Spirit vary for believers to profit withal. Agabus used the girdle of St Paul to prove the point. Am I correct?
A: Yes. A girdle does not serve the same purpose in our own times in the west as in the the east where the dust and heat on a traveller could be enervating. It is as personal as soul of man but also an outward symbol of man's social standing. The Spirit uses the girdle to prove the purpose of the indwelling Spirit and "he Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come," Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus Christ." So the glory of the Father in his Son is the intent."He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."( John 16:13-14). It is thus our volume is determined and "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."( John 1:16)
The blessings in his Son bring heaven and earth under a single standard as the golden girdle of Christ. Agabus, coming down from Judaea, " Agabus./ And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." 'Thus saith the Holy Spirit' stresses on the unity of the Spirit and instead what have we? Is it not heresies that have ruled the roost? "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."(2 The.2:7)
Correction, Hurricane Milton is proceeding from western Gulf of Mexico eastward to hit western Florida.
I remember Hurrican Katrina and the great Sunami in Indonesia near Malaysia in the first decade of this century. Such destruction and loss of lives was sobering. I pray that the southeast U.S.A. will be well prepared for the remainder of hurricane season. May God send relief workers in large numbers to this area to help in the evacuation of those who need help and in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have had very little natural disasters. I was in the "ash zone" of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 camping north of Cle Elum when it blew out the side of the summit our way. We quickly broke camp and headed into Ellensburg where we stayed (13 of us) in one friend's one bedroom apartment for a few days. My husband and I lived in Yakima at the time and we could not get there from Ellensburg because of the wind blowing ash around on the highway through the ridges between the two cities so much that visibility was nearly 0. Finally, after 4 days we could get back home. Yakima was covered in about 4 inches of ash. Then there are the wildfires. They can be pretty bad some years.
But these are nothing like the tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, torrential rains and flooding of the southern and midwest states that happen yearly in repeated waves. Lord have mercy.
Acts 6:8 - And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.
The word miracles is the word signs. They translated it miracles to emphasize the fact that whatever powerful work, whatever moving of God's Spirit, it was a physical sign to draw people to establish it being from God.
Acts 7:1 - Then said the high priest, Are these things so?
Literally, the Greek text presents a legal court question. "Do any of these accusations hold these things?" Meaning, are any true? Answer for yourself!
Acts 7:38 - This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him in the mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the lively oracles to give unto us:
The word church is the word assembly. It is the first word of church, other than the Lord in Matthew Chapter 16 saying, "Upon this rock I will build my church," that there were churches mentioned.
And it literally means an assembly or called out ones! The English word church in the bible is not the same word church that we use in English. It looks the same on paper but it's not. KURIDOMA is the word that we use as church, and it means the house or dome of the Lord, meaning the building. But the biblical church is called EKKLESIA, EK meaning out, and KALEO to call.
These are people who have been called out by the Lord. The church are His people. It's not a building. It's not a system. It's God's people!
So, this is interesting. This is he, that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel which spake to him on mount Sina, and with our fathers: who received the living oracles to give to us. Again, he is making emphasis on that leadership that has come.
Acts 6:3 - Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.
The literal translation here when it says, "of honest report," this is the word "testimony" and it is in a Present Participial form. Those who are carrying the testimony of two things: number one, being full of the Holy Spirit. And number two, being full of wisdom.
To be filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't have anything to do with the Holy Spirit "leaking out" and you have to go to a meeting or church and get filled up again. The Greek word for "filled" means to have your inner faculties filled and influenced by something.
We always have the Holy Spirit living inside of us no matter what we're doing. Even if we're not doing what He's doing, He's always in us and He's always active. But then there are times when God's Spirit would fill our inner human faculties and use us to either do something or say something.
Acts 6:5 - And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:
And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. Wow! That's his reputation. By the way, these are all Jews with Greek names from the Hellenist community.
As a side note, Nicolas was a proselyte from Antioch. From the history of this man, he eventually left God's work somewhere down the line and he gathered his own following. Because his name is Nicolas, they were called the Nicolaitans. Beginning at Revelation 2:6, he told the church at Ephesus, "You hate the deeds and the doctrines of the Nicolaitans which I also hate."
They were followers of Nicolas, and the trail leads back, at least to the historians and the archaeologists, to this Nicolas of Antioch. Just a side note!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. The emphasis is on Jesus' position of authority and power, which you have shown.
Amen!
I do not mind at all, my brother. And thank you so much for sharing your understanding. Blessings to you also in Christ!
Jesus said I am the way, the truth, the life,
Jesus said I am the bread of life.
Jesus said I am the living water.
Jesus said I am the door of eternity of life.
Jesus said I AM the Son of God. Whosoever calls on Me shall have eternal life. That is a promise from our Lord and Savior.
Jesus said by Faith through Grace through the Righteousness Blood of Jesus Christ.
Neither is there any other name under Heaven whereby you can be saved. God's only begotten Son is the only way to get SAVE!
No church, no baptism, no work, no pay, no Religion, no Denomination, no goodness, no helping thy neighbor, no Preacher,
no Evangelist, no TV preacher/evangelist, no miracle worker on TV, Etc. Etc. Etc.
Jesus Christ the only begotten Son of God can save you through His Righteous Blood can Save a lost Soul. NO OTHER WAY.
The clock of life is clicking off fast, Today, is the time to get saved, right now, before it is to late. After death, TO LATE!!!!
COME LORD JESUS
Q: "In what sense one should approach the Bible,- for knowledge or for understanding?"
A: Neither. Wisdom according to the world does it for self. Improve what without a standard is a wild goose chase. Wisdom from heaven sets the standard: Be ye holy for I am holy. Knowledge of the holy is understanding. As such skills that God a Spirit calls for is different.
The Bible is God breathed and its purpose is in instruction in righteousness. (2 Ti.3:16-17). So the Spirit has pressed human hands to shape the literal text in a manner it can be used at different levels. The Spirit is the author so doctrinally it cannot be bettered. God is perfect so his word is perfect "for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." In short furnishing a man perfect unto all good works is what insisted upon. If truth be told and obeyed what heresy can rear its head? The devil is in details by which scholarship of carnal minds have let these loose. These are the tares sown by the enemy while a child of God nodded.
The text is like the shirt front with seven buttons with accompanying eyes so the button has to go into the right button hole. The Spirit has set the buttons and also holes which when correctly placed it is called, wisdom from heaven. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God./ 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 Co.2:12-13) Without setting the everlasting covenant stated in the first chapter of Genesis and Ch.2:1-3 as set by Law of the Spirit, no one can be called to blessed in his Son. He has his volume in which all the blessings of seven days are equally distributed. No nation no man is exempt from the covenant. He has to be taught by the Spirit. Remember if one button is misplaced it affects the entire.
You have put the finger on the spot. Literal text is like the shirt front with seven buttons with accompanying eyes so the button has to go into the right button hole. The Spirit has set the buttons and also holes which when correctly placed it is called, wisdom from heaven. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God./ 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 Co.2:12-13) You notice how nations, churches are tying themselves into knots trying to justify Israel, and ludicrousness of it for example is in the manner one button is wrongly placed. It is straightforward and simple. Without setting the everlasting covenant stated in the first chapter of Genesis and Ch.2:1-3 as set by Law of the Spirit, no one can be called to blessed in his Son. He has his volume in which all the blessings of seven days are equally distributed. Eating the angel's food is according to each believer's capacity. No nation no man is exempt from the covenant. He has to be taught by the Spirit. Remember if one button is misplaced it affects the entire.
With God being a spirit how do we sketch that?
Do we draw two beings or one?
What does the right of a spirit looks like? Or the right hand of power?
God bless.
I may have slightly taken it off subject a bit.
I was putting emphasis on what may be the reason sometimes Christ is sitting and sometimes standing.
I believe Jesus was standing when it says standing and sitting when it says so.
I believe these visual descriptions of Christ
standing and sitting "also" strongly expresses a position or act.
Standing. Perhaps an expression of power!
Sitting. Perhaps completion of work and ready to pass Judgment.
Thanks for furthering the study!
God bless.
You make an interesting point. You write,"Next why in Stephen's stoning Jesus is not sitting but standing? Because His child was going to be stoned and die. How would it appear to Stephen to see Jesus just sit comfortably on His throne at the same time that he wan stoned?" Human tendency is to read much into gestures as you mention. "And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;/That ye may eat the flesh of kings,"(Re.19:17-18) Angel in the sun is about under the sun in the sense the preacher deals with it. "To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Thereafter the angel is inviting the fowls ' that fly in the midst of heaven'. Similarly "And David lifted up his eyes, and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem."(1 Chr.21:16) We look at him sent from heaven rather than his standing. So it is his Will is the driver. We see the Lamb, "and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion," Do we look his standing on the mount or the decree of the Father, "The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool." Hermeneutics that foolish teacher follow skip the lead of the Spirit and divine Will.
Eyes to see and ears to hear , yet.......
Q:"In view of the fulness of God being in Jesus Christ what does right hand signify? "
A: We shall first look at it in terms of Jesus Christ as the visible image of the invisible God. " For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell." And out of this we received grace for grace, as John's Gospel instructs us. This is set in an everlasting covenant and the Parable of the Nations tells us how we should approach the right hand. The nations designated under the sheep are grouped on his right hand. "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world."(Matt.25:34) This blessing is what we have received in his Son. " Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."(v.40). What we have done in his name is counted as done on his behalf. For the righteous it is life eternal.(v.46)
Secondly we shall look at the position of the Son"when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high." This brings naturally those who are blessed. So the throne of God and of the Lamb establishes the position of Zion and New Jerusalem in eternity. Ps.110:1 elaborates on the wrath of the Lamb is His own displeasure."Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure."(Ps.2:5) These are the heathen the left-behind church and the mingled people of the Jews and the Gentiles. "The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath."(110:5) The Father Son relationship, 'the Lord at thy right hand' a moot point. "I and my Father are one."
"And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me." This arm by the same token is dervied from this unity. (Is. 63:5) "Thus saith the Lord; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm."
My opinion about Jesus sitting on a throne next to God.
Firstly in grk we very rarely use the word "hand" when we talk about direction or position. We just say "to the/your right or left". Rarely we may say "to the right hand", more frequently we say "to the right side". Another thing in grk is that we mainly use the noun "to" in all cases where the Egl language uses nouns like on, at, in, to, ..., etc , apart from a few cases. So in grk "to" is a general noun who is often used instead of all those.
The other thing whether all those phrases are litteral or figurative, my opinion is that they are litteral, otherwise why Jesus is either sitting or standing next to God? The position on the right shows a honorable position and a position of authority that is given by the person who sits on the throne. .
Next why in Stephen's stoning Jesus is not sitting but standing? Because His child was going to be stoned and die. How would it appear to Stephen to see Jesus just sit comfortably on His throne at the same time that he wan stoned? Jesus/God participates in our persecutions, He has an agony (although He knows the outcome). God is not an apathetic observer of our lives who just sits comfortably on His throne when all those hard things come to our lives. So in that instance Jesus who was sitting next to God, got up off His throne. So Stephen saw His interest and anguish in him, which Jesus was really having for him.
Christians who consider that all those expressions in the scriptures that talk about God having ears, mouth, hands, legs, thrones, etc, are anthropomorhical expressions always interprete those phrases as being figurative. So for them God as sittiing on a throne can not be a real thing. Anyway, either this or that, Jesus is having authority and is always participating in everything that comes to our lives.
The right hand designates the Word become flesh. The right arm by the same token refers to the salvation aspect. "For they got not the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them: but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them." Ps.44:3 Three refers to the Son . Firstly Jesus Christ as the true Light secondly the everlasting covenant, the Law aspect. Thirdly the arm signifying salvation. "saving strength of his right hand"(Ps.20:6). "And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me."(Is.63:5)
Cursed is the man who make flesh his arm.
May I add to this, the quote "But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,/And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God."(Ac.7:55-56) The Holy Spirit sets Jesus on the right hand of God. The next verse is what he quotes Stephen."This is a validation of the decree of the Father, " Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."(Ps.110:1) compare with these in the same Psalm, "The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek./The Lord at thy right hand" In v.5 The Lord "shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath." The right hand refers to his Son "after our image" or Jesus Christ 'after our likeness". In the Parable of Jesus, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory," the nations designates as the sheep on the right hand. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." In Jesus's name is whoever Jesus designates as blessed." Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world." That is the right side in terms of the covenant under seven days.
So, do you believe that these expressions of Jesus standing or sitting are simply figurative language of His position of power and completed redemption? That when Stephen spoke, or Paul, Peter, the Hebrews writer, or even the Lord Himself spoke, they didn't mean that they believed or saw Jesus assuming a sitting or standing position, rather the words (sitting & standing) are just metaphors of Who Jesus is in Heaven & of His Work fulfilled? I do understand the meaning that you & Jesse have shared & I agree to that completely, but I'm looking for some clue as to why these men who saw Jesus sitting or standing were not actually seeing Him doing that, but rather chose to speak of Him metaphorically. Sorry to belabor this matter, but it's one of those points in the Bible that I've never considered a mystery but seemed quite plain & straightforward. Thanks again & every blessing.
Q:The vision of Daniel sets the Law of the Spirit as the Ancient of days. "Judgement was set" in v.10 validates "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son."What is the significance?"
A: Firstly the fulness of Jesus Christ as stated in the Gospel is doctrinally correct. Jesus Christ shall judge on the basis of the Law. The phrase one "like the Son of man" refers to him. This explains the Law of Gradation which carry appropriate tags. In.v10 we have two sets of numbers. "And ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him." Against this number we have in the vision of St John"two hundred thousand thousand" the latter is retained to torment those who have sinned again 'heaven and thee'.(Re.9:16)
One example we have from the life of David. He is set as the man after the heart of God, after the likeness of his Son. "TheLordsaid unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool."(Ps.110:1) The Law is spoken. But what did David do? "And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel." (" and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it"-1 Chr.21:1-2) and we read,"And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel."(21:7) So theLordsent pestilence upon Israel: and there fell of Israel seventy thousand men." (v.14) 70x1000 explains David sinned against the Law of the Spirit. Multiples of seven. Similarly 144,000 explains the firstfruits and the Gospels sets them follow the Lamb and the are preserved according too his purpose (Re.14:1). All the martyrs in Matt.23:35 and in Re.15:2 are the 144,000 who have got victory over the beast. They were sealed in Re.ch.7.From David's example are we not created after 'our image and after our likeness?" Do we break the everlasting covenant by interpreting the word of God as we will to our convenience?
In other words, Christ standing visually expresses in a figurative way his established position of power and his sitting expresses with that authority the work of redemption is complete.
God bless.
Here's what I find that may or may not be significant.
In Acts 7:56 the word for standing I believe is "histemi"
A prolonged form of a primary word stao (of the same meaning and used for it in certain tenses); to stand (transitively or intransitively) used in various applications (literally or figuratively): - abide appoint bring continue covenant establish hold up lay present set (up) stanch stand (by forth still up).
Mark 14:62 and Luke 22:69
Christ is "sitting" refers to the fact that His work of redemption is done.
Hebrews 10:12-13.
"But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool.
In Luke 22:69 Jesus states "Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God" and then they ask him "Art thou then the Son of God? ( They understood his claim to sit on the right hand of the power of God makes him God.)
And he said unto them, (I am.)
And they said, What need we any further witness? for we ourselves have heard of his own mouth.
They accused him of Blasphemy!
God's right hand" refers to the Messiah, the LORD Jesus Christ, and He is of equal position, honor, power, and authority with God!
I may be wrong but I believe there is figurative emphasis on the standing and sitting.
God bless.
John 6:28-29 reads "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
Afterwards we benefit from Philippians 2:13
"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
God bless.
Brother, what you do is appreciated, you inspire study. I hope you do not mind this is my understanding, you say Jesus is not sitting on the right of God on His throne, that is an idiom, this means it is saying this is the person that has authority and power, and I agree but was given authority and power, but not with we will not see Jesus, Revelation 21:22. If we also read Ephesians 1:17-23 along with Acts 5:31 it says God exalted Jesus, exalted, the Greek word hupsoo means to lift or raise up, to exalt, raise high.
Ephesians 1:20-21, God raised Jesus and set Him; the Greek word kathizo means make to sit; I set, appoint a physical position of the power of the throne, that is God's divine power and authority over all of creation. After Jesus was raised from the dead, Psalm 8:6 Philippians 2:9-10. This will be until all enemies are under His feet, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28. The throne can also mean sharing in honor and glory by overcoming as we see in Revelation 3:21.
Jesus has been given this position, we know God placed Jesus above all in heaven and earth and under the earth Ephesians 1:19-21. Jesus was raised in a glorified body, and we will be raised in a body as His, Philippians 3:21. Jesus ascended and is in heaven in that glorified body, Acts 1:10 and when He returns it will be in that same glorified body, Revelation 19.
The other words that throw light on this are Matthew 28:18 and John 13:3, given the Greek word didomi which means to give, to give something to someone, to bestow a gift, to appoint to an office, to supply, furnish necessary things. Something given to you that you did not have before it was given like salvation and eternal life is given, godliness, 2 Peter 1:3-8.
We also have Matthew 11:27 "All things are delivered unto me of my Father" delivered the Greek word paradidomi a close word to didomi properly to give, hand over, to deliver over with a sense of close personal involvement.
Thank you and God bless,
RLW
It was just the positional aspect of Christ's stance that I was querying, when the verses spoke of Jesus seated or standing at God's right... (whether being seated or standing wasn't actually the case, but was only connected to His Authority & Power). So, bringing both thoughts together, I understood these verses showing not only Jesus' Authority & Power but also the vision/understanding given to those who reported it that Jesus was seen there near the Father (both in His Glory & position in Heaven). So my query was essentially, if Jesus' Power & Authority is to be understood in such phrases, why should any mention be made of whether He was seated or standing, if this were not the case? Maybe, we might not know such details this side of Heaven. Blessings & thanks again.
Amen, it happens a lot! It's like hearing people tell you they are doing God's work for Him! My response to that would be to ask, "How's that working out for you?" If God is depending on us to do His work for Him, He's in trouble I would say. He may use us, which He often does, but it's His work and it is Him doing the work. It's designed that way so that we have nothing to boast of!
Blessings to you!!!
Please excuse my ignorance here, but I am not completely sure what you are asking, so this response might not mean anything. Anyway, from my understanding, the phrase "right hand of God" is speaking about both Christ's authority and His position. Christ seated at the right hand of God shows Him being in the highest position of authority and power. So, in this sense, I suppose we can say this is His position. I also know there are many verses that mention "right hand of God" or "right hand" in both the OT and NT. Again, the actual Greek text does not show the word hand.
There are several instances in the NT alone that mention Christ at the right of God, either sitting or standing. What is the significance of this? I'm not sure. Why would it say standing in one place and sitting in the next? These are questions I ask myself, but I believe the emphasis should be placed on His power and authority wherever I see this phrase.
God Bless!!!
Q: Isnt the ecumenical movement in our times a call for the unity of the Spirit?
A: Here we have the mystery of the iniquity itself? Agabus prophesied the testimony of Christ and that spirit was warning for St Paul himself to know what he stood for when he would be bound by the Jews to be delivered unto the Gentiles. "both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem./Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."(Ac.21:12-13). Christ has shown us the way and also given us the wherewithal from his fulness. So what does it mean "For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." (Re.19:10. How can anyone worship God in spirit and truth if he has made his belly his god and glory of this world his 'fulness'? In this age of wannabes the prosperity and nationalism driving churches to make slain in the spirit a circus, what spirit is driving the churches. They are like the 'seven sons of one Sceva' and the unclean spirit gave them same knowledge as the churches promoting ethnic division in our times do."Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?" (Ac.19:14-16). In the early church such spirit has been working,- and venerable St Jerome himself had to overcome his passion for classicism in order to bring all unto subjection of the excellence of the knowledge of Christ. The insidious effect of the church of Rome building up their doctrine from pagan culture can be seen in the reinvention of the Ark of Noah as a symbol of unification of the Roman church with the Orthodox church under Pope Boniface VIII. The devil has never stopped since the manner the fulness of Christ has been hijacked by Constantine for his own personal ends.
Q: The Agabus episode in Ac.21:11 shows that the gifts of the Spirit vary for believers to profit withal. Agabus used the girdle of St Paul to prove the point. Am I correct?
A: Yes. A girdle does not serve the same purpose in our own times in the west as in the the east where the dust and heat on a traveller could be enervating. It is as personal as soul of man but also an outward symbol of man's social standing. The Spirit uses the girdle to prove the purpose of the indwelling Spirit and "he Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come," Spirit of prophesy is the testimony of Jesus Christ." So the glory of the Father in his Son is the intent."He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you."( John 16:13-14). It is thus our volume is determined and "And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace."( John 1:16)
The blessings in his Son bring heaven and earth under a single standard as the golden girdle of Christ. Agabus, coming down from Judaea, " Agabus./ And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles." 'Thus saith the Holy Spirit' stresses on the unity of the Spirit and instead what have we? Is it not heresies that have ruled the roost? "For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way."(2 The.2:7)
I remember Hurrican Katrina and the great Sunami in Indonesia near Malaysia in the first decade of this century. Such destruction and loss of lives was sobering. I pray that the southeast U.S.A. will be well prepared for the remainder of hurricane season. May God send relief workers in large numbers to this area to help in the evacuation of those who need help and in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we have had very little natural disasters. I was in the "ash zone" of the eruption of Mt. St. Helens in 1980 camping north of Cle Elum when it blew out the side of the summit our way. We quickly broke camp and headed into Ellensburg where we stayed (13 of us) in one friend's one bedroom apartment for a few days. My husband and I lived in Yakima at the time and we could not get there from Ellensburg because of the wind blowing ash around on the highway through the ridges between the two cities so much that visibility was nearly 0. Finally, after 4 days we could get back home. Yakima was covered in about 4 inches of ash. Then there are the wildfires. They can be pretty bad some years.
But these are nothing like the tornadoes, hurricanes, heat waves, torrential rains and flooding of the southern and midwest states that happen yearly in repeated waves. Lord have mercy.