fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397 
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Post by fearnot on Jan 9, 2019 13:54:29 GMT -5
Acts 6:8-15
Steven went from severing tables to doing miracles being full of grace and power...
so not surprising, came those to dispute with him, but they were no match for him. There is no way of knowing this side of Heaven, but one wonders if,
the as yet,
unconverted Paul (Saul) was one of those disputing with Steven?
In any case, since that did not work, so then, they tried another tactic, and cheated by bribing and/or coercing false witnesses ( like what had been tried with Jesus).
If you can't win with honor and a better argument based on facts and truth, then lie and cheat....sad.
So they bring Steven before the council.
The thing that always amazes and encourages me, is the calm ( that Jesus had) and trust that, Steven (etc.) had...so beautiful!! His calm was so great, they said, his face was like an angel ( not exactly sure how an angel's face is...but like I said...it must have been beautiful).
I wonder if perhaps it might have crossed Stephen's mind at some point, how similar the tactics were to how they treated our Lord and Savior, Jesus....and thus, that the outcome could very well be death for him as well? But even If he had some kind of inkling, it did not shake his faith in the least!
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Post by Cindy on Jan 10, 2019 13:13:45 GMT -5
Acts 6:1-7
There was a complaint because widows were being neglected ( maybe in part because the church was growing so rapidly).
In any case, the apostles said they needed to continue preaching the Word and prayer
( because that was what they were called to do, not because serving was a 'lower' service),
So the solution was to pick 7 believers men with good character.
Of the 7 chosen, was Phillip ( 1st missionary) and Stephen (1st martyr).
Then they were prayed over.
And the church continued to grow.
because they'd taken on some of the aspects of the Greek culture and so didn't live like the Jews in Israel. So the Grecian or Hellenistic Jews felt they weren't getting their fair share of food. This was a big deal and could have caused a huge rift in the new Church. While the Church was growing rapidly, it was more that those who had been saved weren't all "perfect Jews" and so those who prided themselves on following the law had their feathers ruffled. They felt they were being prejudiced against.
The fact that the Twelve gathered ALL the disciples to make the decision is also important as it shows one of the 3 ways the church should be governed according to the Bible.
This is the first example of what came to be called congregational polity (cf. Acts 6:3, Acts 6:5; Acts 15:22). This is one of three biblical ways the modern church organizes itself: (1) episcopal (i.e. one top leader); (2) presbyterian (i.e. a group of leaders); and (3) congregational (i.e. the whole body of believers). All are present in Acts 15. Luke the Historian
This passage is also important because it shows us how conflict was solved and unity preserved in the church. They acted promptly and didn't let people stew about it. They acted in love and without calling any names or saying anyone was wrong or bad. They simply stated that there was a problem and what it was and that there was obviously a need that had to be addressed and suggested choosing 7 men to do this job. Then they turned it over to ALL the believers to chose those men. We also see there was much prayer involved in the decision both before, during and after.
It also shows us how fast the Church was growing. Commentators, including MacArthur say that the number of believers at this time could have easily been over 20,000 men and women!!! All of that from just 12 people spreading the gospel! Amazingly too, many of the converts were priests! MacArthur suggests that the conversion of large numbers of priests may account for the vicious opposition that later arose against Stephen, since the remaining Jewish priests would have been very angry about others converting to Jesus.
Acts 6:8-15
Steven went from severing tables to doing miracles being full of grace and power...
so not surprising, came those to dispute with him, but they were no match for him. There is no way of knowing this side of Heaven, but one wonders if,
the as yet,
unconverted Paul (Saul) was one of those disputing with Steven?
In any case, since that did not work, so then, they tried another tactic, and cheated by bribing and/or coercing false witnesses ( like what had been tried with Jesus).
If you can't win with honor and a better argument based on facts and truth, then lie and cheat....sad.
So they bring Steven before the council.
The thing that always amazes and encourages me, is the calm ( that Jesus had) and trust that, Steven (etc.) had...so beautiful!! His calm was so great, they said, his face was like an angel ( not exactly sure how an angel's face is...but like I said...it must have been beautiful).
I wonder if perhaps it might have crossed Stephen's mind at some point, how similar the tactics were to how they treated our Lord and Savior, Jesus....and thus, that the outcome could very well be death for him as well? But even If he had some kind of inkling, it did not shake his faith in the least!
“but they could not stand up against his wisdom or the Spirit by whom he spoke.” (Acts 6:10) I see this as fulfilling what Jesus promised us in Matthew 10:19–20 which should be a great encouragement to us as well.
Let me share what's said about Stephen's face looking like that of an angel with you:
Stephen's faith–filled, grace–filled reaction to those who were hatefully killing him was possible only because Stephen believed in God’s sovereign control over his life and death. Stephen manifested another amazing response to his horribly unjust treatment: his enemies “saw his face like the face of an angel” which denoted a supernatural tranquility and joy that comes from being enveloped by the Lord’s glorious presence. Strength for today.
All the Sanhedrin—all 71 of them—looked intently at Stephen to see his response. They saw that his face was like that of an angel. Evidently his face glowed with glory (cf. Moses’ face, Ex. 34:29, 35). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
People recognized his witness because he was faithful when no one was watching. Connect the Testaments
face of an angel. Pure, calm, unruffled composure, reflecting the presence of God (cf. Ex 34:29–35). The MacArthur study Bible
Even great joy and exalted expressions on a man’s face would not make a body of men think they were seeing something “like an angel’s face.” We must recall the promise of Jesus given to the disciples that at their trials before tribunals the Holy Spirit would inspire them (Matt. 10:19, 20; Mark 13:11–13; Luke 12:11; 21:14, 15). This was Stephen’s supreme hour. That Spirit now filled him to such an extent that his countenance shone with supernatural radiance, light, and power, which were comparable only to those that appear on an angel’s countenance. The Sanhedrists gazed in astonishment. They were struck by this phenomenon—struck but not moved. The Interpretation of the Acts of the Apostles
Understated but not entirely missing is the note of irony found in the fact that Stephen’s face appears like that “of an angel,” for many of those sitting in the council were no doubt Sadducees who denied the existence of angels (see Acts 23:8). This change in countenance echoes other Jewish texts (Dan 3:92 LXX; Gen 33:10 and the Palestinian Targum on that passage; 1 Sam 29:9; Exod 34:29–35; cf. Jos. Asen. 14.9), and, as in the transfiguration of Jesus, emphasizes the divinely endowed authority of the speaker. Acts.
The part about changing customs etc in Acts 6:14 reminds me of Daniel 2:21 which speaks of God doing this and Daniel 7:25 where it speaks of the antichrist doing this. Since this just spoke of how Jesus changed the regulations & obligations, as He is Lord of the Sabbath, perhaps the antichirst will try to change the same kind of things that Jesus did....
I like what you said about Stephen thinking about how what was happening to him was just like what happened to Jesus, as the text makes the similarities very apparent. I think that if he thought about that it would have pleased him to think that he had been chosen to go through something similar as His Lord. Those who have been martyred, including Stephen, will have a special relationship with Jesus that others can't have and that's cause for joy.
Good!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jan 10, 2019 14:56:17 GMT -5
That was interesting about how Satan might try to change customs and laws sort of like Jesus....and even more so about the martyred having a special relationship with Jesus that others cannot have.
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Post by Cindy on Jan 11, 2019 12:26:06 GMT -5
It just hit me as I was studying that one day....
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jan 21, 2019 14:55:07 GMT -5
Acts 7:1-8
At first it may seem odd that Steven does not really respond in his own defense, but instead begins to tell the history of the Jews.
But he is being a witness (and an ambassador) to the Lord Jesus, and that is more important than protecting even his own life.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses....." Acts 1:8
"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ...."2 Corinthians 5:20
His history lesson was a way to pave the way to present the gospel.
So he starts with God's call to Abraham....who was not in Israel at that time( but in Mesopotamia), nor was he in the temple.
But also in this discourse, he actually does defend the charges against him like: blaspheming God, and blaspheming Moses etc.
(he does show the difference between total legalism and God's grace...as his history recap goes on).
Steven calls God the 'God of Glory'....not blasphemous words against God and God is not limited to geography or temples, nor are His blessings to people.
So starting with Abraham who was saved by faith, not by 'laws' circumcision, temple worship, being in Israel etc. is proof one for the gospel ( and as an aside, defends Stephen against the charges being brought against him.
Speaking of being in Israel or not in Israel...I read one commentary that said those who are obedient to God are not tied to one spot but are always ready to go where God calls ( like Abraham). Again Abraham did not leave obey some religious law or based on works, but because he believed God.
But what stands out to me, is Steven's calm state and service to the Lord. I think, I would have been thinking of any and every way to defend ME and Me alone.
Well....I would have also prayed ( but more that Jesus would save me from those evil men....instead....of defending the Lord
( God does not 'need' my defense).....
but I would need to do it in the manner of Steven. Because I am sure, even if I was released, I would felt so badly for letting Jesus down.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jan 22, 2019 12:33:50 GMT -5
Acts 7: 9-16
Jealousy rears its ugly head, as Stephen now turns to Joseph and his envious brothers.
I think jealously is deciding God has been unfair and played favorites. It like saying to God, you made a mistake making that person prettier, more talented, richer or whatever. It's all about self....I should have more!
God had set Joseph aside for blessings apart from his brothers, but that did not mean God did not love them or had not given them gifts.
Nevertheless, their envy turned to near hate and they rejected God's plan for Joseph ( and rejected Joseph) which is what the leaders of Israel did concerning Jesus.
But....
God was still with Joseph!!
So the brothers finally decide to sell Joseph to slave trader and he goes to Egypt ( also outside of Israel (like Abraham was).
Tho Joseph had many troubles and afflictions, ( starting with being sold by his brothers) God was with him in all of them,
and in time, saved him out of all of them.
This is a good reminder to me ( and anyone is a trial or tribulation) that God is with us in it.
Then came a severe famine, so much so that the brothers were sent to Egypt by Jacob in order to acquire food.
Apparently there are several of those aha got you supposed errors in Steven's sermon, I have read the explanations, but not wrote about them
But I thought I would do 2...just because, in every single one, there are answers. They often seem to me to be because people just do a quick read, and do not study or even look for an answer when they come upon seeming discrepancies.
so v. 16 has 2 supposed 'errors'
So I will just quote one of the many good answers I found:
" Stephen says:
"from there they were removed to Shechem" to be buried.
Now think about this for a moment.
First, Stephen says nothing about Jacob being buried in the cave facing Mamre in Hebron.
Second, there is also nothing said about Joseph's brothers.
But what Stephen does say is THEY were buried in Shechem.
So by deduction who is THEY?
Clearly, THEY would include Joseph (based on Josh 24:32) but by default must also include his 11 brothers who also died in Egypt
. In summary, Jacob is buried in Mamre in Hebron (the promised land) and Joseph and his 10 brothers are buried in Shechem.
and for the 2nd one in this verse
Gleason Archer explanation...
"In this entire discourse Stephen evidences a thorough knowledge of the Old Testament.
How could he have been ignorant of Joshua 24:32, which indicates that the coffin of Joseph was finally laid to rest in a plot of ground that “Jacob had bought from the sons of Hamor.”
At first glance it looks as if we have a clear contradiction between these two statements.
Yet there is a good possibility that what Jacob did when he made that purchase...
was to obtain once again for his family,
that which had originally been bought by Abraham".
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Post by Cindy on Jan 24, 2019 10:09:59 GMT -5
Wow, those are both really good! You did a great job on them!
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Post by Brother Mark on Jan 31, 2019 10:38:33 GMT -5
Good morning Ladies> I know for a fact that I have not been in this thread for years. I will not be here everyday, however, I would like to join the study. I read my Bible , everyday, nothing has changed in that department. I want to be more involved here at FH. Take care and God Bless. For the record, the Book of Acts is one of my favorite books of the Bible. Knowing that Paul is on my list of people I know I want to meet when I get to heaven.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Jan 31, 2019 11:30:38 GMT -5
Great to have you Mark!!
Two things, Cindy and I are not here in this study every day, either, because at the moment ( because I am thinking that in part, it has only been, Cindy and I doing Bible study for awhile...we've been doing a 'woman's) study....
But we do come back to this, while waiting on that other study.
It's interesting that Acts is one of your favorite books LOL
I laugh because, I got to choose which book we would study next, and I picked Acts because, it was one of the least favorite of mine.....
For some reason, in the past, It just did not resonate like John, or Romans, or Revelation etc.
So that is kind of cool, one who really loves and act and one who was so so about it.
Actually, this time around, I am getting a LOT more out of Acts.
So, if you wish to post the next portion of Ch 7....I will be sure to come read, comment etc.
Thank you so much for joining, I am excited to have you join us!!!
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 2, 2019 10:09:10 GMT -5
I am here to read and study . I will not interfere with what you and Cindy have going on. May God continue to work in our lives.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 5, 2019 11:30:17 GMT -5
Good morning Ladies> I know for a fact that I have not been in this thread for years. I will not be here everyday, however, I would like to join the study. I read my Bible , everyday, nothing has changed in that department. I want to be more involved here at FH. Take care and God Bless. For the record, the Book of Acts is one of my favorite books of the Bible. Knowing that Paul is on my list of people I know I want to meet when I get to heaven.  Great to have you Mark!!
Two things, Cindy and I are not here in this study every day, either, because at the moment ( because I am thinking that in part, it has only been, Cindy and I doing Bible study for awhile...we've been doing a 'woman's) study....
But we do come back to this, while waiting on that other study.
It's interesting that Acts is one of your favorite books LOL
I laugh because, I got to choose which book we would study next, and I picked Acts because, it was one of the least favorite of mine.....
For some reason, in the past, It just did not resonate like John, or Romans, or Revelation etc.
So that is kind of cool, one who really loves and act and one who was so so about it.
Actually, this time around, I am getting a LOT more out of Acts.
So, if you wish to post the next portion of Ch 7....I will be sure to come read, comment etc.
Thank you so much for joining, I am excited to have you join us!!!  (see Mark, told you so! LOLOL) (Barbara, I'm only teasing, at least partly, but would seriously think it would be great to have some fresh ideas posted by someone other than me!)I am here to read and study . I will not interfere with what you and Cindy have going on. May God continue to work in our lives. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 5, 2019 15:51:11 GMT -5
Acts 7:17-22
As Stephen begins to relate the history about Moses
delivering the Jews from Egypt,
it shows he is not guilty of the charge of blasphemy against Moses.
It is also clear that Stephen had memorized scripture.
God is never too early or too late as the saying goes, He has set times, for promises and so He keeps them.
The new pharaoh had his own solution to the 'Jewish problem'.
I read in one commentary that:
"The previous dynasty had been that of the Hyksos; the new king was Ahmes who drove out the Hyksos.” I didn't know that, but it explains...
in part,
why the former Hyksos dynasty's agreements etc. with the Jews, no longer held any worth.
This new Pharaoh tried to snuff out the Jewish race using infanticide etc. not unlike Hitler's "final solution" in Nazi Germany.
I could not but help think how our country is doing the same thing, only, to itself, rather than an enemy doing it.
We can see how God can operate even in the most difficult of situations. Moses was supposed to die in Nile, like the other Jewish baby boys, but instead Pharaoh daughter, sees him and declares him as her son.
This phrase in acts 7:22 struck me, (because, later on doesn't Moses use the excuse he can't talk well, to avoid doing God's will)....but it says in this verse, Moses was:
"was mighty in words" hummmmm? LOL
Which another commentary pointed out, that Stephen using those words of Moses, were the exact same ones used for Jesus in Luke 24:19
I think some of the Jewish listeners might have been getting the idea where Stephen was going with all that history.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 6, 2019 11:56:56 GMT -5
Acts 7:17-22
As Stephen begins to relate the history about Moses
delivering the Jews from Egypt,
it shows he is not guilty of the charge of blasphemy against Moses.
It is also clear that Stephen had memorized scripture.
God is never too early or too late as the saying goes, He has set times, for promises and so He keeps them.
The new pharaoh had his own solution to the 'Jewish problem'.
I read in one commentary that:
"The previous dynasty had been that of the Hyksos; the new king was Ahmes who drove out the Hyksos.” I didn't know that, but it explains...
in part,
why the former Hyksos dynasty's agreements etc. with the Jews, no longer held any worth.
This new Pharaoh tried to snuff out the Jewish race using infanticide etc. not unlike Hitler's "final solution" in Nazi Germany.
I could not but help think how our country is doing the same thing, only, to itself, rather than an enemy doing it.
We can see how God can operate even in the most difficult of situations. Moses was supposed to die in Nile, like the other Jewish baby boys, but instead Pharaoh daughter, sees him and declares him as her son.
This phrase in acts 7:22 struck me, (because, later on doesn't Moses use the excuse he can't talk well, to avoid doing God's will)....but it says in this verse, Moses was:
"was mighty in words" hummmmm? LOL
Which another commentary pointed out, that Stephen using those words of Moses, were the exact same ones used for Jesus in Luke 24:19
I think some of the Jewish listeners might have been getting the idea where Stephen was going with all that history.
Verse 22 says Moses was powerful in speech but in Genesis Moses says he can't speak well. Most commentators say that the acts verse is speaking of how Moses learned to be powerful in speech by relying on the Lord. What you said about it is interesting too though as Moses is a type of Jesus.
Since he was speaking to the Sanhedrin, all the listeners were Jewish, lol.
Here's something from MacArthur you might like about this section:
In the OT, we are given many commandments for the people of Israel to obey. Moses recorded most of these in his writings in Exodus, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy. Since we also know Moses “was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22), we must determine whether the accuracy of Scripture was from God or the Egyptians. The Ebers Papyrus is the Egyptian medical textbook written about 1522 B.C. It records many treatments for diseases and health conditions, using such items as animal parts, “sacred” oils, dung, and so on. The death rate of those who subjected themselves to these treatments was very great, which is not surprising when we consider that the cures (e.g., dung) often contained bacteria that caused diseases. In contrast, at the same time, Moses recorded that God commanded eating regulations, sanitation, and sterilization. Some of the techniques implemented by God have been “discovered” by the scientific community only in the past 150 years. For example, God directed the people of Israel to wash themselves before eating and when dealing with diseases or dealing with the dead. Even as recently as the 1840s, Dr Semmelweis was ridiculed for training hospital staff to wash their hands before dealing with patients. Today, hand-washing is a standard practice because it helps to avoid the spread of disease. In this case, the Bible was not only scientifically accurate, but predated scientific understanding by a few thousand years. Totally sufficient
here's some different views of the time of Moses: (remember, I've just been studying this LOL)
Rameses II., the son of Seti I., is probably the Pharaoh of the Oppression. During his 40 years’ residence at the court of Egypt, Moses must have known this ruler well. During his sojourn in Midian, however, Rameses died, after a reign of 67 years, and his body embalmed and laid in the royal sepulchre in the Valley of the Tombs of Kings beside that of his father. Both on his father’s and his mother’s side it has been pretty clearly shown that Rameses had Chaldean or Mesopotamian blood in his veins to such a degree that he might be called an Assyrian. This fact is thought to throw light on Isa. 52:4. The Pharaoh of the Exodus was probably Menephtah I., the 14th and eldest surviving son of Rameses II. He resided at Zoan, where he had the various interviews with Moses and Aaron recorded in the book of Exodus. It's still a question, however, whether Seti II. or his father Menephtah was the Pharaoh of the Exodus. The “Harris papyrus,” found at Medinet-Abou in Upper Egypt in 1856, a state document written by Rameses III., the 2nd king of the 20th Dynasty, gives at length an account of a great exodus from Egypt, followed by wide-spread confusion and anarchy. This, there is great reason to believe, was the Hebrew exodus, with which the 19th Dynasty of the Pharaohs came to an end. This period of anarchy was brought to a close by Setnekht, the founder of the 20th Dynasty. Easton’s Bible dictionary.
(Sesostris III also spelled Senusret and Senwosret)
Senusret III - Ancient History Encyclopedia. Senusret III (c. 1878-1860 BCE, also known as Senwosret III, Sesostris III) was the 5th king of the 12th Dynasty of the Middle Kingdom of Egypt (2040-1782 BCE). www.ancient.eu/Senusret_III/
The Instruction of Amenemhet I for His son Sesostris I is characterized by a strong ethic of caution & mistrust, even for one’s closest friend or family members. The Lexham Bible Dictionary
The glorious era of Egyptian history was under the nineteenth dynasty, when Sethi I, b.c. 1322, and his grandson, Rameses the Great, b.c. 1311, both of whom represent the Sesostris of the Greek historians, carried their arms over the whole of western Asia and southward into Soudân, and amassed vast treasures, which were expended on public works.
The Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The common chronology places the date of this event at b.c. 1491. Smith's Bible Dictionary.
Scripture also dates the entry of Jacob and his extended family into Egypt (ca. 1875 B.C.) as being 430 years before the Exodus (12:40), thus placing Joseph in what archeologists have designated as the 12th Dynasty, the Middle Kingdom period of Egyptian history, and placing Moses and Israel’s final years of residence and slavery in what archeologists have designated as the 18th Dynasty, or New Kingdom period. Further, Joseph’s stint as vizier over all of Egypt (Ge 45:8) rules out his having served under the Hyksos (ca. 1730–1570 B.C.), the foreign invaders who ruled during a period of confusion in Egypt and who never controlled all of the country. They were a mixed Semitic race who introduced the horse and chariot as well as the composite bow. These implements of war made possible their expulsion from Egypt.
Eighteenth Dynasty Egypt, the setting for Israel’s dramatic departure, was a politically and economically important period of Egyptian history. Thutmose III, for example, the Pharaoh of the Oppression, has been called the “Napoleon of Ancient Egypt,” the ruler who expanded the boundaries of Egyptian influence far beyond natural borders. This was the dynasty that over a century before, under the leadership of Amose I, had expelled the Hyksos kings from the country and redirected the country’s economic, military, and diplomatic growth. At the time of the Exodus, Egypt was strong. Moses, born in 1525 B.C. (80 years old in 1445 B.C.), became “learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians” (Acts 7:22) while growing up in the courts of Pharaohs Thutmose I and II and Queen Hatshepsut for his first forty years (Acts 7:23). He was in self-imposed Midianite exile during the reign of Thutmose III for another forty years (Acts 7:30), and returned at God’s direction to be Israel’s leader early in the reign of Amenhotep II, the pharaoh of the Exodus. God used both the educational system of Egypt and his exile in Midian to prepare Moses to represent his people before a powerful pharaoh and to guide his people through the wilderness of the Sinai peninsula during his final 40 years (Acts 7:36). The MacArthur Bible handbook
“Then a new king, who did not know about Joseph, came to power in Egypt.” (Exodus 1:8)
This king is either to be identified as one of the Hyksos kings during a period of political disintegration, or as Pharaoh Amose I, founder of what archeologists have designated as the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period in Egyptian history. It is probably best to take this new king, who did not know Joseph, as a Hyksos ruler. Furthermore, the term “arose” signifies “rose against,” which accords well with a foreign seizure of the Egyptian throne. The Hyksos (ca. 1730–1570 B.C.) came from outside Egypt (cf. Ac 7:18). The MacArthur study Bible
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 6, 2019 13:48:44 GMT -5
I found your post super interesting. My computer's keyboard no longer works so I am using the virtual keyboard Leonard found for me. It is like the one on kindle. So I am getting used to using it. I keep trying to do it the old way tho. What I like is that it puts up a whole bunch of potential words you might be trying type and thus I don't have to type out the whole word so it has its advantages
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 6, 2019 15:57:30 GMT -5
At age 40 Moses has a thought to visit his Jewish brethern, but things don't go as planned and he killed an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew slave.
Furthermore, the Jews didn't understand that he was to be God's deliverer. They rejected him and suffered increasingly greater things for the next 40 years.
Not only that but the next day, when 2 Israelites were fighting, he was rejected yet again!
It reminds us of the rejection of Joseph and in some respects even Jesus.
They did not see his actions as bringing peace.
So Moses fled to Midian (for 40 years)and he had 2 sons.
Acts 7:23-29
sorry I am still figuring out the virtual keyboard and Devon is not feeling well and may have to go to the clinic
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 6, 2019 23:26:59 GMT -5
At age 40 Moses has a thought to visit his Jewish brethern, but things don't go as planned and he killed an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew slave.
Furthermore, the Jews didn't understand that he was to be God's deliverer. They rejected him and suffered increasingly greater things for the next 40 years.
Not only that but the next day, when 2 Israelites were fighting, he was rejected yet again!
It reminds us of the rejection of Joseph and in some respects even Jesus.
They did not see his actions as bringing peace.
So Moses fled to Midian (for 40 years)and he had 2 sons.
Acts 7:23-29
sorry I am still figuring out the virtual keyboard and Devon is not feeling well and may have to go to the clinic
Can you blame the Israelites for their concerns? I never knew that Moses killed an Egyptian . I think back to Exodus 4:18-19, 18 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” Question : is this related to our discussion in Acts? |
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Post by Cindy on Feb 7, 2019 11:00:31 GMT -5
I found your post super interesting. My computer's keyboard no longer works so I am using the virtual keyboard Leonard found for me. It is like the one on kindle. So I am getting used to using it. I keep trying to do it the old way tho. What I like is that it puts up a whole bunch of potential words you might be trying type and thus I don't have to type out the whole word so it has its advantages
At age 40 Moses has a thought to visit his Jewish brethern, but things don't go as planned and he killed an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew slave.
Furthermore, the Jews didn't understand that he was to be God's deliverer. They rejected him and suffered increasingly greater things for the next 40 years.
Not only that but the next day, when 2 Israelites were fighting, he was rejected yet again!
It reminds us of the rejection of Joseph and in some respects even Jesus.
They did not see his actions as bringing peace.
So Moses fled to Midian (for 40 years)and he had 2 sons.
Acts 7:23-29
sorry I am still figuring out the virtual keyboard and Devon is not feeling well and may have to go to the clinic
“One day, after Moses had grown up, he went out to where his own people were and watched them at their hard labor. He saw an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, one of his own people. Glancing this way and that and seeing no one, he killed the Egyptian and hid him in the sand.” (Exodus 2:11–12) “The next day he went out and saw two Hebrews fighting. He asked the one in the wrong, “Why are you hitting your fellow Hebrew?” The man said, “Who made you ruler and judge over us? Are you thinking of killing me as you killed the Egyptian?” Then Moses was afraid and thought, “What I did must have become known.”” (Exodus 2:13–14)
“When Pharaoh heard of this, he tried to kill Moses, but Moses fled from Pharaoh and went to live in Midian, where he sat down by a well.” (Exodus 2:15)
There is a new study posted now, whenever you want to do it. No hurry.
At age 40 Moses has a thought to visit his Jewish brethern, but things don't go as planned and he killed an Egyptian who was abusing a Hebrew slave.
Furthermore, the Jews didn't understand that he was to be God's deliverer. They rejected him and suffered increasingly greater things for the next 40 years.
Not only that but the next day, when 2 Israelites were fighting, he was rejected yet again!
It reminds us of the rejection of Joseph and in some respects even Jesus.
They did not see his actions as bringing peace.
So Moses fled to Midian (for 40 years)and he had 2 sons.
Acts 7:23-29
sorry I am still figuring out the virtual keyboard and Devon is not feeling well and may have to go to the clinic
Can you blame the Israelites for their concerns? I never knew that Moses killed an Egyptian . I think back to Exodus 4:18-19, 18 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” Question : is this related to our discussion in Acts?
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fearnot
Living With Pain
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Post by fearnot on Feb 7, 2019 14:08:41 GMT -5
oh wait
I think I know why or what you are asking Mark.
In ACTS 7
Stephen has been brought up to the high priest and the 70 others religious leaders, predominantly Sadducees
He is giving the history of the Jews as part of his defense,
so that is why we are talking about Moses LOL
Sorry I should have clued you in
So in verses 30-34 Stephen talks to these judges about Moses after the 40 years he spent in Midian
This is when an angel (Christophany) in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush there came the voice of the Lord and said: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.
For me the cool thing is that Moses is now 80. I think many Christians are tempted to think God cannot use them at this late stage.
But God has been preparing Moses and intends to use him mightily
This Is just speculation, but maybe it took 40 years for God to smooth the arrogance and impatience etc of Moses
One commentary pointed out how some might think to themselves how amazing it would be if God would speak out of a burning bush today
But in a sense God does, it's called our Bible.
Which points out to these judges that Holy ground is not just the temple. A person not have to be in the Temple of Jerusalem to be holy, you are Holy because of God
Then God tells Moses: I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
The message of this history lesson I think is pointing out the need for a savior, and that God sends them
So called good works won't work (like these men pride themselves on)
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 7, 2019 17:54:58 GMT -5
I had a thought that maybe is way off. I think it got started by some commentary about the Lord saying take off your shoes this is holy ground.
But that bit of sand was not the issue rather God.
However we are now the temple of God and the dirty shoes we need to remove could be our sins?
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Post by Brother Mark on Feb 7, 2019 21:59:52 GMT -5
Thank you for answering my question. I have read the Book of Acts at least a dozen or two times and for the life of me , I feel I learn something new every time I read it. It's a beautiful thing.
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 8, 2019 11:06:41 GMT -5
I know what you mean Mark, the same thing happens to me.
I will work today on the other study and come back to this one tomorrow.
We Think That the Other study will be coming to an end soon.
Until it does, I will probably alternate them, unless Cindy says that is not a good idea.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 8, 2019 12:00:18 GMT -5
oh wait
I think I know why or what you are asking Mark.
In ACTS 7
Stephen has been brought up to the high priest and the 70 others religious leaders, predominantly Sadducees
He is giving the history of the Jews as part of his defense,
so that is why we are talking about Moses LOL
Sorry I should have clued you in
So in verses 30-34 Stephen talks to these judges about Moses after the 40 years he spent in Midian
This is when an angel (Christophany) in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush there came the voice of the Lord and said: ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.
For me the cool thing is that Moses is now 80. I think many Christians are tempted to think God cannot use them at this late stage.
But God has been preparing Moses and intends to use him mightily
This Is just speculation, but maybe it took 40 years for God to smooth the arrogance and impatience etc of Moses
One commentary pointed out how some might think to themselves how amazing it would be if God would speak out of a burning bush today
But in a sense God does, it's called our Bible.
Which points out to these judges that Holy ground is not just the temple. A person not have to be in the Temple of Jerusalem to be holy, you are Holy because of God
Then God tells Moses: I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send thee into Egypt.
The message of this history lesson I think is pointing out the need for a savior, and that God sends them
So called good works won't work (like these men pride themselves on)
You said: "This is when an angel (Christophany) in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush..." I'm curious which commentator said it was a Christophany? The reason I ask is that most would call it a theophany. I say, "most", only because I'm assuming you read someone who said the other, as everything I looked up, called it a theophany. I'm honestly not trying to nit pick. For those who don't know, a theophany is a manifestation of God in the Bible that is tangible to the human senses. It's a visible appearance of God in the Old Testament, often, but not always, in human form. The term Christophany can be used if the manifestation is considered to be the preincarnate Christ. That term is generally used when the theophany is called "the Angel of the Lord". But here, there is no visible form and therefore it's called a theophany and thought to be a manifestation of the Father.
I love how you pointed out the age of Moses and how it shows us that God still uses us old folks LOL. Interestingly, MacArthur pointed out that: Moses’ life may be divided into three 40 year periods. The first 40 years encompassed his birth and life in Pharaoh’s court; the second his exile in Midian (Acts 7:29-30); and the third revolved around the events of the Exodus and the years of Israel’s wilderness wandering (Acts 7:36).
I love what you said about God speaking today from the Bible. What amazes me is how people today so desperately want to "hear from God" and yet won't open their Bibles and read them! Instead what they really want is some kind of "experience" that will give them a feeling of awe, like what they think Moses experienced. What they don't get is that God is so "big" for lack of a better word; so amazing, so very powerful, that one spoken word could kill us. When we read the experience of the people themselves on the mountain when Moses prepared them to hear God speak, we discover that they were absolutely terrified by the experience! (as was Moses too!) But the people were so terrified, that they begged to have God just speak to Moses and let Moses then tell them. They didn't want to hear from God Himself anymore, that was just too scary! People today would probably have heart attacks if God were to speak verbally to them like He did to the people then. In fact, I'd bet that those folks would have had heart attacks as well, but the Lord probably prevented that from happening. People today though, they want something they can gossip about and share of facebook - not to make God look amazing, but rather to make themselves look amazing. Sad. Especially when God has said all He's going to say in His Word, until we're with Him.
““This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush.” (Acts 7:35) We need to notice too that Moses wasn't accepted by the people (the Jews) until he came to them the second time. The same was also true of Jacob. His brothers rejected him until they saw him the second time in Egypt. That's important to know because both are types of Jesus and Jesus also wasn't accepted by the Jews when He came the first time. But He will be when He returns the second time, just like Moses and Jacob. (Matthew 23:39, Zech 12:10; Rev 1:7)
I had a thought that maybe is way off. I think it got started by some commentary about the Lord saying take off your shoes this is holy ground.
But that bit of sand was not the issue rather God.
However we are now the temple of God and the dirty shoes we need to remove could be our sins?
As far as taking off his sandals goes, in those days, in the desert, removing your footwear was a sign of respect and humility. One commentary notes that Priests officiated barefoot in the sanctuary; and to this day they remove their footwear before pronouncing the priestly benediction in the synagogue service. As you said, now we are the temple of God, and therefore we should remove everything from ourselves that isn't holy, in other words our sins, and also anything that might show or be seen as possibly dishonoring God, for we are set apart for God.
Oh yeah, one other thing I wanted to mention from your post before was in reference to, “Then he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.”... (Exodus 3:6) Now, whenever I see that, wherever it is, I remember what Jesus said about it, which blew me away when I realized what He meant! That sentence is always in the present tense, showing that these people, who we think of as dead, are very much alive! God is not just reminding them of how long they've known about Him and how long ago He made is covenant with them, He's also telling all with the ears to hear, that these people are very much alive and well, and living with Him!
“‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”” (Matthew 22:32) I like the way Wiersbe says this: He did not say, “I was the God of Abraham,” for that would mean that Abraham was no more. By saying “I am,” the Lord made it clear that these three men of faith were at that time alive. And by repeating “the God of,” the Lord was saying that He knew them and loved them personally and individually.
Thank you for answering my question. I have read the Book of Acts at least a dozen or two times and for the life of me , I feel I learn something new every time I read it. It's a beautiful thing.
This is so neat for me as I've just read the Exodus account and am now seeing it through the eyes of Stephan and others who wrote about it in the NT!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 8, 2019 13:43:45 GMT -5
I checked and could not tell which commentator it was, they use a bunch.
But it did say that idea( my words not theirs) was from the KJV version
"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush".
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 9, 2019 15:15:24 GMT -5
ACTS 7:35-39
Stephen is making the point that just like the Jews before had rejected deliverers in the past, (like Moses)which was also a rejection of God
And thus, they were not rescued, until he came again
So it's like with Jesus.
By quoting this scripture:
Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you".
They understood his point.
His Jewish listeners and professed to honor and follow Moses, however By refusing to believe Moses' prophecy as fulfilled in Jesus, the Sanhedrin "blasphemed" Moses.
He points out their father's disobedience,
and
that they wanted to turn back to Egypt,
the men listening to Stephen wanted the bondage under the Law
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Post by Cindy on Feb 11, 2019 12:18:25 GMT -5
I checked and could not tell which commentator it was, they use a bunch.
But it did say that idea( my words not theirs) was from the KJV version
"And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush". . But if you look carefully at the passages in Exodus, you can see it wasn't a Christophany, but was instead the Father. Let me show you it this way from a commentary:
“an angel” In the OT text this angel is really YHWH. See full note at 5:19. Notice how this angel is characterized.
1. Exod. 3:2, “the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire”
2. Exod. 3:4, “when the LORD (i.e. YHWH) saw that he turned aside to look”
3. Exod. 3:4, “God (i.e. Elohim) called to him from the midst of the bush”
However, in another way, since God is One, I guess it can't hurt to say it was Christ. And since I wasn't there, who am I to say? lolACTS 7:35-39
Stephen is making the point that just like the Jews before had rejected deliverers in the past, (like Moses)which was also a rejection of God
And thus, they were not rescued, until he came again
So it's like with Jesus.
By quoting this scripture:
Moses said, ‘THE LORD GOD WILL RAISE UP FOR YOU A PROPHET LIKE ME FROM YOUR BRETHREN; TO HIM YOU SHALL GIVE HEED to everything He says to you".
They understood his point.
His Jewish listeners and professed to honor and follow Moses, however By refusing to believe Moses' prophecy as fulfilled in Jesus, the Sanhedrin "blasphemed" Moses.
He points out their father's disobedience,
and
that they wanted to turn back to Egypt,
the men listening to Stephen wanted the bondage under the Law
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 12, 2019 13:30:06 GMT -5
ACTS 7:40-
one could be so dishearten at how much influence the world, human sin, and the devil has ( I know that nothing can ever stop God's plans)
But this next part is just one of billions of man's rebellion
"Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us"
God had done all manner of miracles and was leading them with the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night
yet they wanted dead idols made by human hands.
So they sinned and made a calf idol and rejoiced in their sin.
I think some idols are demonic and knowingly or not people are worshiping demons.
It reminds me of today and how millions rejoice in being 'FREE' and take the title rebel as a badge of honor.
However, either sooner or later ( if people don't repent) God will act,and in this case,
He:
" turned away and delivered them up",
that is a very very sad thing.
Moloch
Sadly they also worshiped the stars, Moloch, etc.
I can't help but think Moloch worship is basically in our country, with human sacrifices of millions of unborn babies.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 13, 2019 10:24:34 GMT -5
ACTS 7:40-
one could be so dishearten at how much influence the world, human sin, and the devil has ( I know that nothing can ever stop God's plans)
But this next part is just one of billions of man's rebellion
"Saying unto Aaron, Make us gods to go before us"
God had done all manner of miracles and was leading them with the pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night
yet they wanted dead idols made by human hands.
So they sinned and made a calf idol and rejoiced in their sin.
I think some idols are demonic and knowingly or not people are worshiping demons.
It reminds me of today and how millions rejoice in being 'FREE' and take the title rebel as a badge of honor.
However, either sooner or later ( if people don't repent) God will act,and in this case,
He:
" turned away and delivered them up",
that is a very very sad thing.
Moloch
Sadly they also worshiped the stars, Moloch, etc.
I can't help but think Moloch worship is basically in our country, with human sacrifices of millions of unborn babies.
“They sacrificed to demons, which are not God— gods they had not known, gods that recently appeared, gods your fathers did not fear.” (Deuteronomy 32:17)
“No, but the sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20)
“You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:21)
And I would say, like you did, that this verse shows what people who have abortions are doing:
“They sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons.” (Psalm 106:37) Although I'm not sure I'd call it Moloch worship, instead I'd say they worship self, which is inspired by demons, and so sacrifice their children to the demons and Satan. Oh, wow, I just looked this up and look what it says:
MOLOCH—king, the name of the national god of the Ammonites, to whom children were sacrificed by fire. He was the consuming and destroying and also at the same time the purifying fire. In Amos 5:26, “your Moloch” of the Authorized Version is “your king” in the Revised Version (comp. Acts 7:43). Solomon (1 Kings 11:7) erected a high place for this idol on the Mount of Olives, and from that time till the days of Josiah his worship continued (2 Kings 23:10, 13). In the days of Jehoahaz it was partially restored, but after the Captivity wholly disappeared. He is also called Molech (Lev. 18:21; 20:2–5, etc.), Milcom (1 Kings 11:5, 33, etc.), and Malcham (Zeph. 1:5). This god became Chemosh among the Moabites. Easton’s Bible dictionary.
And for someone who worships themselves, they are their own King!
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 13, 2019 11:19:09 GMT -5
"Thanks again for your faithful and great work in the Lord!
If you wonder about my shorter replies it is because I am using the virtual keyboard and although it has some good points, it also is basically harder for me to use for very long.
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Post by Cindy on Feb 15, 2019 11:15:40 GMT -5
"Thanks again for your faithful and great work in the Lord!
If you wonder about my shorter replies it is because I am using the virtual keyboard and although it has some good points, it also is basically harder for me to use for very long. |
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fearnot
Living With Pain
Posts: 8,397
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Post by fearnot on Feb 17, 2019 13:29:10 GMT -5
we may get a 'new',
to us,
(refurbished)
Chromebook next month.😊
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(see Mark, told you so! LOLOL) (Barbara, I'm only teasing, at least partly, but would seriously think it would be great to have some fresh ideas posted by someone other than me!)
