ArchivedThe Quran - Is pre-ordained sin mans responsibility?Hello Alexei I can understand why you would come to that conclusion from reading those verses as you have. But please may I show you another way to read them? As I said in an earlier post, it's so important that when you read the Bible you don't just look at a verse, see what it says and then respond to it based on that little portion you read. The Bible was never written like that or intended to be read like that. Let's look at the outline of the book of Acts so you can see how and why the conclusion you came to in reading those verses, though logical if read alone, if read in context show a completely different story. To understand the book of Acts you need to first understand Acts 1:8, which is the scene setter for the entire book. I'll do that now and then return to your post in the next post which will follow this one immediately Jesus immediately prior to His return to Heaven said to His disciples You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you and you will be my witnesses in JERUSALEM, AND IN ALL JUDEA AND SAMARIA AND TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." The chapters in Acts are set out in such a way to reflect this expansion into the world. 1. Acts 1:6- Acts 6:7 discusses the establishment of the church in Jerusalem 2. Acts 6:8- Acts 9:31 discusses the expansion of the church into Judea, Galilee and Samaria 3. Acts 9:32- Acts 12:24 discusses the inclusion of the Gentiles 4. Acts 12:25-Acts 16:5 discusses spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles 5. Acts 16:6- Acts 19:20 discusses the establishment of the Gentile Church 6. Acts 19:21- Acts 28:31 discusses the years of Paul's imprisonment for his faith The story of the expansion of the church is discussed through the ministry of two men, Peter and Paul, but the major theme is the expansion of the church. Each surge is examined in detail in the verses I have given you and there is a summary of the events of each section in these verses Acts 6:3, Acts 9:31, Acts 12:24, Acts 16:3, and Acts 19:20 Now, having explained that, please look again at the verses you have mentioned, their context, and the reasons for the actions of Paul in each situation, and the results of those actions. In Acts 15 an important issue is raised at this crucial moment of the expansion of the church. The Jewish believers held view similar to many of the Muslims who have written to this forum thread and said that Jesus came only to the Jews. The church through Peters message in Acts 10, and his understanding that God had called the gentiles as well as the Jews to faith in God through Christ, had accepted Gentile believers, but now came another major issue.. Did the Gentiles need to surrender their culture in order to become Christians? Specifically, did they need to be circumcised, follow the Mosaic Law and therefore impose Judaism on Gentile believers. The Council of Jerusalem discussed this issue in depth as discussed in Acts 15. Through the intervention of Paul and Peter, both of whom were sent as church representatives to this council, the following verdicts were reached 1. The events of the expansion of the church to the Jews and Gentiles as described in chapters 1-14 of the Book of Acts showed that the Holy Spirit was given to both Jews and Gentiles who became Christians. Acts 15:6-11 asks what right the Jewish church has to impose Mosaic law on the Gentile believers when " it was a yoke neither we nor our fathers have been able to bear." 2. Paul and Barnabus showed reports of the miracles that authenticated the movement amongst the gentiles as a work of God. 3. James, the son of Mary and Joseph, speaks as the Leader of the church in Jerusalem. He declares " Brothers, Peter has described to us how God first showed His concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for Himself, the words of the prophet are in agreement with this" and quotes from Amos 9:11-12 After this, I will return and rebuild David's fallen tent. It's ruins I will rebuild and I will restore it, that the remnant of men may seek the Lord and ALL THE GENTILES WHO BEAR MY NAME says the Lord who does these things that have been known for ages." He declares then that it is my judgement that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.." Acts 15:19 Okay.. please read all of this whilst I work on the next post that directly answers your question here. Peace to you Alexei Carol |
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