WELCOME TO SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE READER'S COMMUNITY. - Wishing you, 'Happy Reading', and may God, the Father, the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ, fills your heart, mind, thoughts, and grants you: The Holy Spirit, that is, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Counsel, Piety, Fortitude, and the fear of the Lord, and also His fruits of the Holy Spirit, that is, Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Trustfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control. Amen! God blessing be upon you!
"NOW YOU TOGETHER ARE CHRIST'S BODY; BUT EACH OF YOU IS A DIFFERENT PART OF IT. IN THE CHURCH, GOD HAS GIVEN THE FIRST PLACE TO APOSTLES, THE SECOND TO PROPHETS, THE THIRD TO TEACHERS; AFTER THEM, MIRACLES, AND AFTER THEM THE GIFT OF HEALING; HELPERS, GOOD LEADERS, THOSE WITH MANY LANGUAGES." - 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-28 -
HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST) TO THEOLOGIANS: DON'T DO THEOLOGY AWAY FROM PEOPLE. "A THEOLOGY THAT HELPS EVERY CHRISTIAN PROCLAIM THE SAVING FACE OF GOD IS NECESSARY."
FOR POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST), THE THEOLOGIAN ISN'T JUST A SIMPLE SCHOLAR OF GOD, BUT RATHER MUCH MORE. HE OR SHE IS A SCHOLAR AT THE SERVICE OF A PEOPLE, THE CHURCH, TO WHICH HE OR SHE BELONGS AND IS NURTURED BY. THERE'S NO ROOM FOR INDIVIDUALIST THEOLOGIANS WHO COMPETE AMONGST THEMSELVES TO SEE WHO KNOWS MORE.
BEFORE MEMBERS OF THE ITALIAN THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, THE POPE SAID THEOLOGY MUST BE USED TO HELP EVANGELIZE.
HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST),
"A THEOLOGY THAT HELPS EVERY CHRISTIAN PROCLAIM AND SHOW IS NECESSARY; ABOVE ALL, THE SAVING FACE OF GOD OF THE MERCIFUL GOD, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF SOME UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES THE HUMAN BEING FACES TODAY."
POPE FRANCIS MET WITH THE ORGANIZATION IN HONOR OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY. THE ASSOCIATION WAS CREATED WITH THE GOAL OF HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL. - ROMEREPORTS.COM DECEMBER 29, 2017 -
HENCE, I EARNESTLY AND PROFOUNDLY BELIEVED THAT AS FAR AS SPIRITUALITY IS CONCERN. IT CAN ONLY COME FROM GOD, THE AUTHOR. THUS, THERE IS NO SUCH THING, AS COPYRIGHT, OR IT IS PRODUCED OR WRITTEN BY ME OR IT IS MINE; THE WORD OF GOD, THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE.
"I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE." - JOHN 16:12-15 -
ALL WRITERS, PERTAINING TO SPIRITUALITY WERE DEFINITELY QUOTED OR TAKE FROM HERE AND THERE, WHICH MAY BE ON AND FROM SOME OTHER WRITERS ARTICLES, BOOKS, BLOGS, OR SITES, ESPECIALLY THE "WORD OF GOD" THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE. BUT IN REALITY, IT IS FIRST USED ALREADY, PERHAPS, LONG, LONG TIME AGO.
"THIS DISCIPLE IS THE ONE WHO VOUCHES FOR THESE THINGS AND HAS WRITTEN THEM DOWN, AND WE KNOW THAT HIS TESTIMONY IS TRUE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER THINGS THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DID; IF ALL WERE WRITTEN DOWN, THE WORLD ITSELF, I SUPPOSE, WOULD NOT HOLD ALL THE BOOKS THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE WRITTEN." - JOHN 21:24-25 -
JUST AS GOD ORIGINALLY INSPIRED THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE. GOD HAS USED THIS MEANS TO PRESERVE HIS 'WORD' FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. BUT BEHIND THE WRITING LAY PERIODS OF TIME WHEN THESE MESSAGES WERE CIRCULATED IN SPOKEN FORM. (ORAL TRADITION) THE STORIES OF THE PATRIARCHS WERE PASSED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION BY WORD OF MOUTH BEFORE THEY WERE WRITTEN. (WRITTEN TRADITION)
THE MESSAGES OF THE PROPHETS WERE DELIVERED ORALLY BEFORE THEY WERE FIXED IN WRITING. NARRATIVES OF THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF CHRIST JESUS WERE REPEATED ORALLY FOR TWO OR THREE DECADES BEFORE THEY WERE FIXED IN WRITING.
THEREFORE, SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE QUOTATION, THAT IS, HOW ANYONE AND I PUT WORD OF GOD INTO SENTENCES OR PUT WORDS INTO SENTENCES. REMEMBER ALWAYS! NO MATTER HOW THE "WORD OF GOD" AND WORDS PUT INTO SENTENCES, IN TRUTH, EVERYONE STARTED AND TOOK IT FROM THE MAIN SOURCE, THAT IS, FROM THE WITNESSES AND FROM THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE; "WORD OF GOD."
"IT IS TRUE, GOD SENT HIS WORD TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, AND IT WAS TO THEM THAT THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE WAS BROUGHT BY JESUS CHRIST - BUT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OF ALL MEN.
YOU MUST HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE RECENT HAPPENINGS IN JUDAEA; ABOUT JESUS OF NAZARETH AND HOW HE BEGAN IN GALILEE, AFTER JOHN THE BAPTIST HAD BEEN PREACHING BAPTISM. GOD HAD ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITH POWER, AND BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM, JESUS WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD AND CURING ALL WHO HAD FALLEN INTO THE POWER OF THE DEVIL.
NOW I, ( SIMON PETER / PETER ) AND THOSE WITH ME, CAN WITNESS TO EVERYTHING JESUS DID THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE OF JUDAEA AND IN JERUSALEM ITSELF; AND ALSO TO THE FACT THAT THEY KILLED HIM BY HANGING HIM ON A TREE, YET THREE DAYS AFTERWARDS GOD RAISED HIM TO LIFE AND ALLOWED HIM TO BE SEEN, NOT BY THE WHOLE PEOPLE BUT ONLY BY CERTAIN WITNESSES GOD HAD CHOSEN BEFOREHAND.
NOW WE ARE THOSE WITNESSES - WE HAVE EATEN AND DRUNK WITH HIM AFTER HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD - AND JESUS CHRIST HAS ORDERED US TO PROCLAIM THIS TO HIS PEOPLE AND TO TELL THEM THAT GOD HAS APPOINTED HIM TO JUDGE EVERYONE, ALIVE AND DEAD.
IT IS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST THAT ALL THE PROPHETS BEAR THIS WITNESS: THAT ALL WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS WILL HAVE THEIR SINS FORGIVEN THROUGH HIS NAME." - ACTS 10:36-43 -
Barnabas and Saul sent as deputies to Jerusalem
While they were there some prophets [ Like the O.T. prophets, Deut. 18:18+; 2 Peter 1:21; Matt. 5:12, those of the N.T. are charismatics, 1 Cor. 12:1+, who speak in God's name, being inspired by his Spirit. Under the New Covenant this charisma is bestowed even more generously. Acts 2:17-18, and at times it is enjoyed by the faithful at large. Acts 19:6; 1 Cor. 11:4-5; 14:26,29-33,37. But particular individuals are so specially endowed with the charisma that they are always referred to 'as prophets', Acts 11:27; 13:1; 15:32; 21:9-10.
These normally occupy the second place after the apostles in the order of charisma, 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11; but cf. 1 Vor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6; Luke 11:49; this is because they are the appointed witnesses of the Spirit, rev. 2:7, etc.., 1 Thess. 5:19-20, whose 'revelations' they communicate, 1 Cor. 14:6,26,30; Eph. 3:5; Rev. 1:1, just as the apostles are witnesses to the risen Christ, Rom. 1:1+; Acts 1:8+, and proclaim the kerygma, Acts 2:22+. They do not simply foretell the future, Acts 11:28; 2:11, or read hearts, 1 Cor. 14:24-25; cf. 1 Tim. 1:18. When they 'edify, exhort, console', 1 Cor. 14:3; cf. Acts 4:36; 11:23-24, they do so by a supernatural revelation; in this they resemble those who 'speak strange languages', Acts 2:4+; 19:6, but their gift is greater because their speech is intelligible, 1 Cor. 14.
Their chief work was evidently to explain the oracles of sacred scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, especially those of the O.T. prophets, 1 Peter 1:10-12, and thus expound the 'mystery' of the divine plan, 1 Cor. 13:2; Eph. 3:5; Rom. 16:25+. For this reason they are named with the apostles as the foundation of the Church, Eph. 2:20+. The Revelation of Saint John is a typical example of this New Testament 'prophecy', Rev.1:3; 10:11; 19:10; 22:7-10, 18-19. For all its dignity, the prophetic charisma communicates knowledge that is imperfect and provisional, being bound with faith, Rom. 12:6, which is itself destined to vanish in face of the beatific vision, 1 Cor. 13:8-12.] came down to Antioch from Jerusalem, [ Western Text adds 'and there was great rejoicing. While we were together, one of them...' If this reading is correct, this is the first of the 'We-sections', cf. 16:10.]
And one of them whose name was Agabus, seized by the Spirit, stood up and predicted that a famine would spread over the whole empire. This in fact happened before the reign of Claudius came to an end. [ In the reign of Claudius (41-54) famine swept through the empire (49-50) through Greece first, and later Rome. Josephus puts it in the time of Tiberius Alexander the procurator (46-48).]
The disciples decided to send relief, each to contribute what he could afford, to the brothers living in Judaea. They did this and delivered their contributions to the elders [ The apostles are not mentioned, unlike 15:2, etc.; they had perhaps left Jerusalem. According to Acts 9:26; 11:29f; 15:2, it would seem that Paul made three journeys to Jerusalem before his two visits to Galatia, 16:6; 18:23. Paul himself, however, in Gal. 1:18; 2:1f; cf. 4:13, mentions only two. The impression produced by Acts arises perhaps from Luke's method of combining his sources. It may be that the journey of 11:29 is the same as that of 15:2. The 'help' which is the purpose of the journey is probably to be distinguished from that which Paul supplied later, Acts 24:17, when the great collection, made at the appeal of the Jerusalem church, was completed, Gal. 2:10; cf. 1 Cor. 16:1+; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1,12,13; Rom. 15:31. ] in the care of Barnabas and Saul. - Acts 11:27-30 -
Peter's arrest and miraculous deliverance [ This episode which 11:30 and 12:25 seem to place at the same time as the visit of Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem, must in fact have preceded it, for Herod Agrippa 1 (called 'king' to distinguish him from his uncle Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of the Passion story, and awarded the royal title by Caligula in 37) was not actually king of Judaea and Samaria until 41; he died in 44. The events here described took place, therefore, between 41 and 44. the narrative has been rather clumsily fitted into its present literary context.]
It was about this time that king Herod started persecuting certain members of the Church. He beheaded James the brother of John, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews he decided to arrest Peter as well. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread, and he put Peter in prison, assigning four squads of four soldiers each to guard him in turns. Herod meant to try Peter in public after the end of Passover week. All the time Peter was under guard the Church prayed to God for him unremittingly.
On the night before Herod was to try him, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, fastened with double chains, [ Each one to a soldier on either side.] while guards kept watch at the main entrance to the prison. Then suddenly the angel of the Lord stood there, and the cell was filled light. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him. 'Get up!' he said 'Hurry!' - and the chains fell from his hands. The angel then said, 'Put on your belt and sandals'. After he had done this, the angel next said, 'Wrap your cloak round you and follow me'. Peter followed him, but had no idea that what the angel did was all happening in reality; he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed through two guard posts one after the other, and reached the iron gate leading to the city. This opened of its own accord; they went through it [ Add. 'went down the seven steps'.] and had walked the whole length of one street when suddenly the angel left him. It was only then that Peter came to himself. 'Now I know it is all true' he said. 'The Lord really did sent his angel and has saved me from Herod and from all that the Jewish people were so certain would happen to me.' - Acts 12:1-11 -
As soon as he realised this he went straight to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, [ John Mark is mentioned again in 12:25; 13:5,13; 15:37,39; he was cousin to Barnabas, Col. 4:10. During Paul's first Rome captivity John Mark was with him, Col. 4:10, Philemon 24, and shortly before he died Paul asked for Mark's assistance, 2 Tim. 4:11. John Mark was also a disciple of Peter, 1 Peter 5:13, and tradition names him as author of the second gospel.] where a number of people had assembled and were praying. He knocked at the outside door and a servant called Rhoda came to answer it. She recognised Peter's voice and was so overcome with joy that, instead of opening the door, she ran inside with the news that Peter was standing at the main entrance.
They said to her, 'You are out of your mind', but she insisted that it was true. Then they said, 'It must be his angel!' [ It was popularly believed that guardian angels were a kind of spiritual 'double' of their charges.] Peter, meanwhile, was still knocking, so they opened the door and were amazed to see that it really was Peter himself. With gesture of his hand he stopped them talking, and described to them how the Lord had led him out of prison. he added, 'Tell James [ 'James' without qualification means the 'brother of the Lord'. At the time of Paul's first visit to Jerusalem, Gal. 1:19 (that is, in 38-39, cf. Acts 9:1+) and afterwards, James was leader of the 'Hebrew' section of the Jerusalem Christians. After Peter's departure he was in charge of the mother church. See also Acts 15:13; 21:18; 1 Cor. 15:7. The Letter of James appears under his name.] and the brothers'. Then he left and went to another place.
When daylight came there was a great commotion among the soldiers, who could not imagine what had become of Peter. Herod put out an unsuccessful search for him; he had the guards questioned, and before leaving Judaea to take up residence in Caesarea he gave orders for their execution. [ Soldiers were liable to the punishment intended for their escaped prisoners, cf. 16:27; 27:42.] - Acts 12:12-19 -
The death of the persecutor
Now Herod was on bad terms with the Tyrians and Sidonians. However, they sent a joint deputation which managed to enlist the support of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, and through him negotiated a treaty, since their country depended for its food supply on king Herod's territory. A day was fixed, and Herod, wearing his robes of state and enthroned on a dais, made a speech to them. The people acclaimed him with, 'It is a god speaking, not a man!', and at that moment the angel of the Lord struck him down, because he had not given the glory to God. He was eaten away with worms and died. [ Var. 'When he had come down from the tribune he became food for worms even while he still lived; and so he died'.]
Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch
The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers. Barnabas and Saul completed their task and came back from Jerusalem, [ Var. 'to Jerusalem', but cf. 11:29.] bringing John Mark with them. - Acts 12:20-25 -
III. THE MISSION OF BARNABAS AND PAUL
THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM
Page 47
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
"NOW YOU TOGETHER ARE CHRIST'S BODY; BUT EACH OF YOU IS A DIFFERENT PART OF IT. IN THE CHURCH, GOD HAS GIVEN THE FIRST PLACE TO APOSTLES, THE SECOND TO PROPHETS, THE THIRD TO TEACHERS; AFTER THEM, MIRACLES, AND AFTER THEM THE GIFT OF HEALING; HELPERS, GOOD LEADERS, THOSE WITH MANY LANGUAGES." - 1 CORINTHIANS 12:27-28 -
HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST) TO THEOLOGIANS: DON'T DO THEOLOGY AWAY FROM PEOPLE. "A THEOLOGY THAT HELPS EVERY CHRISTIAN PROCLAIM THE SAVING FACE OF GOD IS NECESSARY."
FOR POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST), THE THEOLOGIAN ISN'T JUST A SIMPLE SCHOLAR OF GOD, BUT RATHER MUCH MORE. HE OR SHE IS A SCHOLAR AT THE SERVICE OF A PEOPLE, THE CHURCH, TO WHICH HE OR SHE BELONGS AND IS NURTURED BY. THERE'S NO ROOM FOR INDIVIDUALIST THEOLOGIANS WHO COMPETE AMONGST THEMSELVES TO SEE WHO KNOWS MORE.
HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS (VICAR OF CHRIST),
"A THEOLOGY THAT HELPS EVERY CHRISTIAN PROCLAIM AND SHOW IS NECESSARY; ABOVE ALL, THE SAVING FACE OF GOD OF THE MERCIFUL GOD, ESPECIALLY IN LIGHT OF SOME UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES THE HUMAN BEING FACES TODAY."
POPE FRANCIS MET WITH THE ORGANIZATION IN HONOR OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY. THE ASSOCIATION WAS CREATED WITH THE GOAL OF HELPING PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL. - ROMEREPORTS.COM DECEMBER 29, 2017 -
HENCE, I EARNESTLY AND PROFOUNDLY BELIEVED THAT AS FAR AS SPIRITUALITY IS CONCERN. IT CAN ONLY COME FROM GOD, THE AUTHOR. THUS, THERE IS NO SUCH THING, AS COPYRIGHT, OR IT IS PRODUCED OR WRITTEN BY ME OR IT IS MINE; THE WORD OF GOD, THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE.
"I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE." - JOHN 16:12-15 -
"THIS DISCIPLE IS THE ONE WHO VOUCHES FOR THESE THINGS AND HAS WRITTEN THEM DOWN, AND WE KNOW THAT HIS TESTIMONY IS TRUE. THERE ARE MANY OTHER THINGS THAT THE LORD JESUS CHRIST DID; IF ALL WERE WRITTEN DOWN, THE WORLD ITSELF, I SUPPOSE, WOULD NOT HOLD ALL THE BOOKS THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE WRITTEN." - JOHN 21:24-25 -
JUST AS GOD ORIGINALLY INSPIRED THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE. GOD HAS USED THIS MEANS TO PRESERVE HIS 'WORD' FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS. BUT BEHIND THE WRITING LAY PERIODS OF TIME WHEN THESE MESSAGES WERE CIRCULATED IN SPOKEN FORM. (ORAL TRADITION) THE STORIES OF THE PATRIARCHS WERE PASSED FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION BY WORD OF MOUTH BEFORE THEY WERE WRITTEN. (WRITTEN TRADITION)
THE MESSAGES OF THE PROPHETS WERE DELIVERED ORALLY BEFORE THEY WERE FIXED IN WRITING. NARRATIVES OF THE LIFE AND MINISTRY OF CHRIST JESUS WERE REPEATED ORALLY FOR TWO OR THREE DECADES BEFORE THEY WERE FIXED IN WRITING.
THEREFORE, SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE QUOTATION, THAT IS, HOW ANYONE AND I PUT WORD OF GOD INTO SENTENCES OR PUT WORDS INTO SENTENCES. REMEMBER ALWAYS! NO MATTER HOW THE "WORD OF GOD" AND WORDS PUT INTO SENTENCES, IN TRUTH, EVERYONE STARTED AND TOOK IT FROM THE MAIN SOURCE, THAT IS, FROM THE WITNESSES AND FROM THE SACRED SCRIPTURE/HOLY BIBLE; "WORD OF GOD."
"IT IS TRUE, GOD SENT HIS WORD TO THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL, AND IT WAS TO THEM THAT THE GOOD NEWS OF PEACE WAS BROUGHT BY JESUS CHRIST - BUT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD OF ALL MEN.
YOU MUST HAVE HEARD ABOUT THE RECENT HAPPENINGS IN JUDAEA; ABOUT JESUS OF NAZARETH AND HOW HE BEGAN IN GALILEE, AFTER JOHN THE BAPTIST HAD BEEN PREACHING BAPTISM. GOD HAD ANOINTED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT AND WITH POWER, AND BECAUSE GOD WAS WITH HIM, JESUS WENT ABOUT DOING GOOD AND CURING ALL WHO HAD FALLEN INTO THE POWER OF THE DEVIL.
NOW I, ( SIMON PETER / PETER ) AND THOSE WITH ME, CAN WITNESS TO EVERYTHING JESUS DID THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRYSIDE OF JUDAEA AND IN JERUSALEM ITSELF; AND ALSO TO THE FACT THAT THEY KILLED HIM BY HANGING HIM ON A TREE, YET THREE DAYS AFTERWARDS GOD RAISED HIM TO LIFE AND ALLOWED HIM TO BE SEEN, NOT BY THE WHOLE PEOPLE BUT ONLY BY CERTAIN WITNESSES GOD HAD CHOSEN BEFOREHAND.
NOW WE ARE THOSE WITNESSES - WE HAVE EATEN AND DRUNK WITH HIM AFTER HIS RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD - AND JESUS CHRIST HAS ORDERED US TO PROCLAIM THIS TO HIS PEOPLE AND TO TELL THEM THAT GOD HAS APPOINTED HIM TO JUDGE EVERYONE, ALIVE AND DEAD.
IT IS TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST THAT ALL THE PROPHETS BEAR THIS WITNESS: THAT ALL WHO BELIEVE IN JESUS WILL HAVE THEIR SINS FORGIVEN THROUGH HIS NAME." - ACTS 10:36-43 -
Barnabas and Saul sent as deputies to Jerusalem
While they were there some prophets [ Like the O.T. prophets, Deut. 18:18+; 2 Peter 1:21; Matt. 5:12, those of the N.T. are charismatics, 1 Cor. 12:1+, who speak in God's name, being inspired by his Spirit. Under the New Covenant this charisma is bestowed even more generously. Acts 2:17-18, and at times it is enjoyed by the faithful at large. Acts 19:6; 1 Cor. 11:4-5; 14:26,29-33,37. But particular individuals are so specially endowed with the charisma that they are always referred to 'as prophets', Acts 11:27; 13:1; 15:32; 21:9-10.
These normally occupy the second place after the apostles in the order of charisma, 1 Cor. 12:28-29; Eph. 4:11; but cf. 1 Vor. 12:10; Rom. 12:6; Luke 11:49; this is because they are the appointed witnesses of the Spirit, rev. 2:7, etc.., 1 Thess. 5:19-20, whose 'revelations' they communicate, 1 Cor. 14:6,26,30; Eph. 3:5; Rev. 1:1, just as the apostles are witnesses to the risen Christ, Rom. 1:1+; Acts 1:8+, and proclaim the kerygma, Acts 2:22+. They do not simply foretell the future, Acts 11:28; 2:11, or read hearts, 1 Cor. 14:24-25; cf. 1 Tim. 1:18. When they 'edify, exhort, console', 1 Cor. 14:3; cf. Acts 4:36; 11:23-24, they do so by a supernatural revelation; in this they resemble those who 'speak strange languages', Acts 2:4+; 19:6, but their gift is greater because their speech is intelligible, 1 Cor. 14.
Their chief work was evidently to explain the oracles of sacred scripture under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, especially those of the O.T. prophets, 1 Peter 1:10-12, and thus expound the 'mystery' of the divine plan, 1 Cor. 13:2; Eph. 3:5; Rom. 16:25+. For this reason they are named with the apostles as the foundation of the Church, Eph. 2:20+. The Revelation of Saint John is a typical example of this New Testament 'prophecy', Rev.1:3; 10:11; 19:10; 22:7-10, 18-19. For all its dignity, the prophetic charisma communicates knowledge that is imperfect and provisional, being bound with faith, Rom. 12:6, which is itself destined to vanish in face of the beatific vision, 1 Cor. 13:8-12.] came down to Antioch from Jerusalem, [ Western Text adds 'and there was great rejoicing. While we were together, one of them...' If this reading is correct, this is the first of the 'We-sections', cf. 16:10.]
And one of them whose name was Agabus, seized by the Spirit, stood up and predicted that a famine would spread over the whole empire. This in fact happened before the reign of Claudius came to an end. [ In the reign of Claudius (41-54) famine swept through the empire (49-50) through Greece first, and later Rome. Josephus puts it in the time of Tiberius Alexander the procurator (46-48).]
The disciples decided to send relief, each to contribute what he could afford, to the brothers living in Judaea. They did this and delivered their contributions to the elders [ The apostles are not mentioned, unlike 15:2, etc.; they had perhaps left Jerusalem. According to Acts 9:26; 11:29f; 15:2, it would seem that Paul made three journeys to Jerusalem before his two visits to Galatia, 16:6; 18:23. Paul himself, however, in Gal. 1:18; 2:1f; cf. 4:13, mentions only two. The impression produced by Acts arises perhaps from Luke's method of combining his sources. It may be that the journey of 11:29 is the same as that of 15:2. The 'help' which is the purpose of the journey is probably to be distinguished from that which Paul supplied later, Acts 24:17, when the great collection, made at the appeal of the Jerusalem church, was completed, Gal. 2:10; cf. 1 Cor. 16:1+; 2 Cor. 8:4; 9:1,12,13; Rom. 15:31. ] in the care of Barnabas and Saul. - Acts 11:27-30 -
Peter's arrest and miraculous deliverance [ This episode which 11:30 and 12:25 seem to place at the same time as the visit of Barnabas and Saul to Jerusalem, must in fact have preceded it, for Herod Agrippa 1 (called 'king' to distinguish him from his uncle Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of the Passion story, and awarded the royal title by Caligula in 37) was not actually king of Judaea and Samaria until 41; he died in 44. The events here described took place, therefore, between 41 and 44. the narrative has been rather clumsily fitted into its present literary context.]
It was about this time that king Herod started persecuting certain members of the Church. He beheaded James the brother of John, and when he saw that this pleased the Jews he decided to arrest Peter as well. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread, and he put Peter in prison, assigning four squads of four soldiers each to guard him in turns. Herod meant to try Peter in public after the end of Passover week. All the time Peter was under guard the Church prayed to God for him unremittingly.
On the night before Herod was to try him, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, fastened with double chains, [ Each one to a soldier on either side.] while guards kept watch at the main entrance to the prison. Then suddenly the angel of the Lord stood there, and the cell was filled light. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him. 'Get up!' he said 'Hurry!' - and the chains fell from his hands. The angel then said, 'Put on your belt and sandals'. After he had done this, the angel next said, 'Wrap your cloak round you and follow me'. Peter followed him, but had no idea that what the angel did was all happening in reality; he thought he was seeing a vision.
They passed through two guard posts one after the other, and reached the iron gate leading to the city. This opened of its own accord; they went through it [ Add. 'went down the seven steps'.] and had walked the whole length of one street when suddenly the angel left him. It was only then that Peter came to himself. 'Now I know it is all true' he said. 'The Lord really did sent his angel and has saved me from Herod and from all that the Jewish people were so certain would happen to me.' - Acts 12:1-11 -
As soon as he realised this he went straight to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, [ John Mark is mentioned again in 12:25; 13:5,13; 15:37,39; he was cousin to Barnabas, Col. 4:10. During Paul's first Rome captivity John Mark was with him, Col. 4:10, Philemon 24, and shortly before he died Paul asked for Mark's assistance, 2 Tim. 4:11. John Mark was also a disciple of Peter, 1 Peter 5:13, and tradition names him as author of the second gospel.] where a number of people had assembled and were praying. He knocked at the outside door and a servant called Rhoda came to answer it. She recognised Peter's voice and was so overcome with joy that, instead of opening the door, she ran inside with the news that Peter was standing at the main entrance.
They said to her, 'You are out of your mind', but she insisted that it was true. Then they said, 'It must be his angel!' [ It was popularly believed that guardian angels were a kind of spiritual 'double' of their charges.] Peter, meanwhile, was still knocking, so they opened the door and were amazed to see that it really was Peter himself. With gesture of his hand he stopped them talking, and described to them how the Lord had led him out of prison. he added, 'Tell James [ 'James' without qualification means the 'brother of the Lord'. At the time of Paul's first visit to Jerusalem, Gal. 1:19 (that is, in 38-39, cf. Acts 9:1+) and afterwards, James was leader of the 'Hebrew' section of the Jerusalem Christians. After Peter's departure he was in charge of the mother church. See also Acts 15:13; 21:18; 1 Cor. 15:7. The Letter of James appears under his name.] and the brothers'. Then he left and went to another place.
When daylight came there was a great commotion among the soldiers, who could not imagine what had become of Peter. Herod put out an unsuccessful search for him; he had the guards questioned, and before leaving Judaea to take up residence in Caesarea he gave orders for their execution. [ Soldiers were liable to the punishment intended for their escaped prisoners, cf. 16:27; 27:42.] - Acts 12:12-19 -
The death of the persecutor
Now Herod was on bad terms with the Tyrians and Sidonians. However, they sent a joint deputation which managed to enlist the support of Blastus, the king's chamberlain, and through him negotiated a treaty, since their country depended for its food supply on king Herod's territory. A day was fixed, and Herod, wearing his robes of state and enthroned on a dais, made a speech to them. The people acclaimed him with, 'It is a god speaking, not a man!', and at that moment the angel of the Lord struck him down, because he had not given the glory to God. He was eaten away with worms and died. [ Var. 'When he had come down from the tribune he became food for worms even while he still lived; and so he died'.]
Barnabas and Saul return to Antioch
The word of God continued to spread and to gain followers. Barnabas and Saul completed their task and came back from Jerusalem, [ Var. 'to Jerusalem', but cf. 11:29.] bringing John Mark with them. - Acts 12:20-25 -
III. THE MISSION OF BARNABAS AND PAUL
THE COUNCIL OF JERUSALEM
Page 47
Faith . Hope . Love - Welcome donation. Thank You. God bless.
By bank transfer/cheque deposit:
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Name: Alex Chan Kok Wah
Bank: Public Bank Berhad account no: 4076577113
Country: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
I have through years of reading, pondering, reflecting and contemplating, the 3 things that last; FAITH . HOPE . LOVE and I would like to made available my sharing from the many thinkers, authors, scholars and theologians whose ideas and thoughts I have borrowed. God be with them always. Amen!
I STILL HAVE MANY THINGS TO SAY TO YOU BUT THEY WOULD BE TOO MUCH FOR YOU NOW. BUT WHEN THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH COMES, HE WILL LEAD YOU TO THE COMPLETE TRUTH, SINCE HE WILL NOT BE SPEAKING AS FROM HIMSELF, BUT WILL SAY ONLY WHAT HE HAS LEARNT; AND HE WILL TELL YOU OF THE THINGS TO COME.
HE WILL GLORIFY ME, SINCE ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. EVERYTHING THE FATHER HAS IS MINE; THAT IS WHY I SAID: ALL HE TELLS YOU WILL BE TAKEN FROM WHAT IS MINE. - JOHN 16:12-15 -
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