ACTS 22 1-21

 Luke wrote “of the things fulfilled among us” paraphrased  [ ] ref  { } thots

For a summary of Paul’s travels thus far, scroll down.

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

22:1-21 — Paul addresses the crowd, which had been triggered by synagogue leaders visiting from Asia who had agitated them into a mob in the temple complex.. “And immediately the temple doors were shut.”) — 1 - “Brothers and fathers” {God prophesied to Eve the stronger would rule/bound to, in this imperfection/dog eat dog, so yes women were second class} “hear this defense I now make before you.” 2 And when they heard him addressing them in the Hebrew language, they became quiet.

     And he said, 3 “I’m a Hebrew (slang and “byword” Jew), born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city (Jerusalem). I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the” {society preserving} “law of our fathers”. {Which law alone doesn’t work over all the world, as even one nation couldn’t remain faithful to it.} “And I too am zealous for God as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this Way” (of believing in Messiah Jesus) “to very death, binding and delivering to prison both men and women, 5 as the high priest and the whole council of elders can bear witness to. From them I received letters to the brothers, and I journeyed to Damascus to take those of the Way in Damascus, and bring them in chains to Jerusalem.

     6 But as I was on my way and was approaching Damascus, it was about noon, a great light from heaven suddenly shone round about me, 7 and I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

     8 And I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And he said, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, the one you’re persecuting.’ 9 Now those who were with me saw the light but didn’t hear clearly the  voice of the one speaking. 10 And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And he said, ‘Get up and go into Damascus, for it’s there that you’ll be told all that’s appointed for you to do.’

     11 And since I couldn’t see due to the brightness of the light, I was led by those who were with me, and we went into Damascus.

     12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law - well spoken of by all the Jews/Hebrews/Judeans who live there, 13 came to me, and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And at that very hour I received my sight.

     14 And he told me, ‘The God of our fathers appointed you to know his will - to see the righteous one, and to hear his voice. {Literal aNd, per the usual, the metaphor/spiritual meaning, Truth.} 15 You will be a witness for him to all of what you have seen and heard {see and hear?} 16 And now why do you wait? Rise up and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” {A devout follower of “the law”.. had to wash away his sin/hamartia-missing the mark. “There’s none righteous, no not one” of the mass of humanity. Only Jesus, the Son, only straight out from God one, called “first/proto”. Father and Son being so close both administer God’s Spirit/Presence, same as will saturate and “seal” all creation and humanity.}

     17 “When I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the temple, and fell into a trance. 18 And I saw him saying to me, ‘Hurry and leave Jerusalem quickly, because they won’t accept your testimony about me.’ 19 And I said to him, ‘Lord, they all know that in synagogue after synagogue, I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20 And when the blood of Stephen your witness was being spilled, I myself was standing by, approving and watching over the garments of those who killed him!’ 21 And he said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles (the rest of the nations.’” [Gen-tiles - ethnos - race, nation, the nations as distinct from Israel.]

Next - 22:22 –> ? The next two weekly studies will be a summary of the rest of Acts. And the following week will be starting over at Acts 1.

• Paul’s travels thus far:

On the way to Damascus to arrest Christians he’s blinded by the radiance of Jesus.. He therefor converts, and after a while starts preaching Jesus’ message, and about his death and resurrection, mostly in synagogues. He and Barnabas are sent on a - spread the Good News journey - from Antioch, north of Jerusalem. (At Antioch is where the believers were first called Christians).

     They went up around the Mediterranean spending time in some towns north of it. Then after returning through each town the way they had come, they sailed back to Antioch, first “missionary journey” finished.

     Soon they went down to Jerusalem to counsel about non Hebrew believers, should they follow Torah/Old Testament Way as if Judean/Israeli? Jesus summed up the ten commandments as Love God. Love fellow person. And that pretty much became the agreed upon answer {imo} diet and days were not required. {Keeping the Sabbath and, or the original holy days of God, as in the Scripture can be a wonderful thing. They’re an outline, for one thing. But Romans 14:5 says - “Let each be persuaded in their own mind”. And to not throw stumblingblocks in front of each other (vs.13). All are saved by grace alone when God gives the faith, “each in their own order” 1Cor.15:22-28 w/ Mt.13:33, key word 3; three harvests, barley, wheat aNd grape.}

   Paul goes on a second journey, this time with Silas.. they go up around the Mediterranean and through the regions north of it, but going further this time, passing through Asia and then over water to Macedonia, north of Greece. Through those regions they are pursued and harassed, beaten/flogged and thrown in jail but while singing the chains break and doors opened.. resulting in believers.. They’re followed and persecuted as they go along, so Paul goes as far as Athens and teaches in Corinth for a year and a half.

   After returning to Caesaria (second “missionary journey” completed) and then Jerusalem, he again, in a third journey, rounded north of the Mediterranean, through Asia to Ephesus, teaching for two years at the Hall of Tyrannus.. A two hour riot was inspired by the guild of Artemis idol makers, with many not knowing why, but yelling one thing and others another..

     Traveling on, wanting to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost. As they sailed past Ephesus, they stopped and met the Ephesian believers on shore.. There were prayers and tears, they were not going to see each other again. Paul had been there for three years.

     On to Jerusalem.. And trying to answer accusations against him that he was teaching kinsmen/Hebrews to disregard the {societal preservative} “Laws of Moses”. But a mob is incited, beats Paul and he’s arrested, but he is about to speak to the crowd, the Roman officer in charge having agreed.

04-23 - 1Tim-2,3 Mt-23

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased  [ ] references { } thots

 • 1 Timothy 2:5-3:16  Matthew 23:23-28 and ACTS 21:26-40 separately

            ☀️ 1 Timothy 2:5-3:16

5 - For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all. This is the testimony given at the proper time. {“Ransom for all” - if they added “things” to the word all - greek pas - here, it would sound a little goofy.} 7 For this I (Paul) was appointed a preacher and an apostle, and I’m telling the truth, I’m not lying, a teacher of the Gentiles (non Judean/Hebrew people) in faith and truth.

     8 I desire then that in every place there should be prayer, the lifting of holy hands without anger or quarreling {and division}. 9 And women should adorn theirselves in modesty and self-control, not with fancy hair and gold or pearls and costly attire, 10 but with what is good for professing godliness—with kindness. 11 If a woman needs to learn, let it be quietly with respect. 12 I don’t think a woman should teach or exercise authority over a man, but rather remain quiet. {I think Paul had a poor opinion and impression of women of his day. He seemed the change his mind later?} 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. {First human to stray.. first murderer was a man. Js.} 15 Yet woman will be saved through childbearing. {It’ll all come out in the wash! Nurturing children will give a balance to having been the first (human) one to pluck the fruit off of the ‘option to stray’ tree}

     If she continues in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

    3:1 - This saying is trustworthy - If anyone aspires to the office of an overseer, they desire a noble thing. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity, and his children being well behaved, 5 for if someone doesn’t know how to manage their own household, how will they care for God's church? 6 They mustn’t be a recent convert, or they may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the adversary. 7 Moreover, they should be well thought of by outsiders, so they may not fall into the disgrace, and snare of the devil.

     8 Deacons [diakonos - servant, attendant, administrator] likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tempered {by life and faith} first. Then let them serve as deacons if they prove theirselves able. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers [diabolos - devil, accuser, slanderer] but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for theirselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

     14 I hope to come to you soon, but I’m writing these things to you so 15 if I’m delayed, you will know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness! — He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, and was taken up in glory!

            🌙 Matthew 23:23-28

(Jesus continues.) 23 - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders! For you tithe mint, dill and cumin, but neglect the weightier matters of the law, justice, mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to do, without neglecting the others. 24 You blind guides, straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel!

     25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but inside they’re full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind Pharisee! Clean the inside of the cup and plate, then the outside will be clean as well.

     27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, pretenders! For you’re like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead men’s bones and all defilement [akatharsía - from A - not, and katharós, unmixed]. 28 So also you, you appear outwardly righteous to others, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.

           

Tomorrows verses, 04/24

1 Timothy 4:1-8  Matthew 23:29-39

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

Jesus said he “will draw all” Jn.12:32.

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

03-04 - Ro-15 Mt-17

N.Testament & Prophecy Advanced CU Study, verses paraphrased [ ] references { } thots

 • Romans 15:22-33  Matthew 17:14-27

            ☀️ Romans 15:22-33

22 - This is the reason why I (Paul) have so often been hindered from coming to see you. [Because of finishing the work “from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum” (a region of the Roman Empire) and to Greece.] 23 But now, since I no longer have opportunity for work in these regions, and since I’ve longed - for many years - to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be helped on my journey there by you, after I’ve enjoyed your company for a while! {He has not met the Roman believers.}

     25 At present, however, I’m going to Jerusalem to bring some aid there for the saints/believers/followers. (There had been a severe drought.) 26 For Macedonia and Achaia volunteered to make a contribution for the poor among the brothers and sisters at Jerusalem. 27 They were happy to do it, and why not? It seems right, for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, why not be of service to them in material blessings in a time of need?

     28 When I’ve delivered to them what’s been collected, I’ll leave for Spain by way of Rome. 29 I know when I come to you I’ll come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 30 I ask you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord and Messiah Jesus, and by the love of the Spirit to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that this service will be seen as good to them at Jerusalem {in the same spirit as given} and that I may be kept safe from the unbelieving leaders in Judea. 32 So that by God's will I may joyfully come to you at last and be refreshed in your company as we together, seek his rest. 33 May the God of peace be with you all!

            🌙 Matthew 17:14-27

14 - As Jesus and his disciples were coming to a crowd, a man came up and kneeling before Jesus, 15 said, “Lord, have mercy on my son! For he has seizures and suffers terribly! He often falls into the fire, and into water. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they couldn’t heal him.”

     17 Jesus said, “Oh you poor faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you? How long will I have to bear with you? Bring him to me.” [Twisted - diastréphō - from diá - through, thoroughly, which intensifies stréphō - turn – (so) turn thoroughly, thoroughly turned into a new shape – i.e. not the shape (form) it should be. Jesus is called “the First/Proto” and “we shall be like him”.] {Jesus is the prototype.} 18 So Jesus rebuked the demon, and it came out of him, and the boy was instantly healed.

     19 Later the disciples came to Jesus and asked him, “Why couldn’t we cast it out?” 20 He said, “Because your faith is too little. But truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a small grain of mustard seed, you’ll say to this mountain (beautiful Mt. Hermon) ‘move from here to there,’ and it’ll move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” {Can you imagine a world where imperfect beings had such abilities? It would be like “the Titans” etc. And more Titans than Hercules’.}

     22 And while still in (upper) Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man will be delivered into the hands of man, 23 and they’ll kill him, and he’ll be raised on the third day.” And so they were greatly distressed.

     24 When they came to Capernaum, the collectors of the two-drachma tax came up to Peter and said, “Does your teacher not pay the tax?” 25 He said, “Yes of course.”

     And when he came into the house, Jesus said to him, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of Earth take a toll/tax? From their own sons or from others?”

     26 Peter said, “From others”. And Jesus said, “Then the sons are free! 27 However, not to give offense to the collectors, go to the sea and cast in a hook and the first fish that comes up, in its mouth you’ll find a shekel. Take it and give it to them, for me and for you.”

           

Tomorrows verses, 03/05

Romans 16:1-12  Matthew 18:1-11

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

02-14 - Ro-9 Mt-13

🗝️s New Testament & Bible prophecy study, verses paraphrased [ ] references { } thots

 • Romans 9:19-26  Matthew 13:18-30

           ☀️ Romans 9:19-26

19 - You might say to me (Paul) “Why does God then find fault? For who can resist his will!?” {Concerning those he doesn’t yeT call.} 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will the clay say to the potter, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right to his clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel as sacred and another as common (for daily use)? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath [orge - passion] {cause and effect/truth like gravity, isn’t made to be broken} and to make known his power, has endured with much patience, vessels of wrath going to ruin [apóleia - ruin, loss, destruction] 23 in order to make clearly known the riches of his glory! The glory to be seen upon vessels of mercy, which he makes ready for revelation and the revealing of that glory {state}. 24 The glory to which he has called us, both Hebrews/Jews, and Gentiles. 25 As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and she [nations] who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’”

     26 “Yes in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons and daughters of the living God.’”

     {Prophecy is fulfilled from partial scope to FuLL scope! From Israel -> to the wheat -> to (during GWT ‘Day’) the still tares - “Yes in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons and daughters of the living God” — Outline EIGHT millennia - the Week plus 1 - and the outline within that one -> the Spring and Fall holy days of Leviticus 23 as 1st so brief advent (Spring) and long 2nd advent (Autumn) a fuller version of his 1st?}

            🌙 Matthew 13:18-30

18 - Jesus continued, “Hear then the meaning of the parable of the sower, 19 When someone hears the good news of the kingdom and doesn’t understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in their heart. This is the seed that was sown along the pathway. 20 As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is when someone hears the message and receives it with joy. 21 Yet they have no root within theirself, and so they endure only a while, and when trouble or persecution arises on account of it” {the Kingdom versus man’s world; God’s creation versus mankind’s creation upon it} “they soon fall away.

     22 As for what was sown among thorns, this is when someone hears, but the cares of the world and the lure of worldly things and riches choke the message, and it becomes unfruitful.

     23 But the seed that falls on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. And they indeed bear fruit, and yield, sometimes a hundredfold, sometimes sixty, and sometimes thirtyfold.”

     24 Then he told them another parable, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man sowing good seed in his field. 25 But! While his men were sleeping, an enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and then stole back away. 26 And later, when the wheat came up and was bearing grain, the weeds were there too. 27 And the servants of the master/mister of the house came and said, ‘Master! Wasn’t it good seed you sowed in your field! Why are there all these many weeds?’ 28 He answered, ‘An enemy has done this!’

     So the servants said, ‘Do you want us to go and gather out the weeds?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, for in taking out the weeds, you might also pull up some of the wheat. 30 Let them grow together until harvest. Then at harvest time, I’ll say to the reapers ‘Gather, first, the weeds in bundles’ {armies rev.16:14-15-16} ‘to be burned.’” {In a bonfire, we don’t burn garden weeds in a forever subterranean fiery pit. At this point is the first mention of a lake of fire.} “‘But gather the wheat into my barn.’” {Through the door of the ten bridesmaids parable, Mt.25:1-13. To serve called reigning during long second advent, full scope version of his first so brief one?}

           

Tomorrows verses, 02/15

Romans 9:27-33  Matthew 13:31-43

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150)

have a great day! ☀️🕊️

ACTS 13 43-52

🗝️’s to riddles, my own N.T. in a yr study, verses paraphrased [ ] references { } thots

     Book of the Acts of the First Believers

43 - After Sabbath meeting at the synagogue (in Antioch near Persia/Turkey) broke up, many Hebrews/Jews and converts to Judaism followed after Paul and Barnabas to hear more. So they spoke some more with them, and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

     44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city (of Antioch of Pisidia) gathered to hear the message of the LORD. 45 But when the leaders saw the crowds, they were filled with envy. So they began to contradict whatever was spoken by Paul, and they were throwing out insults and accusations. 46 But Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. But since you leaders sneer at it and thrust it aside, judging yourselves as unworthy of enduring life, behold, we’re turning to the Gentiles! [The other nations.] 47 For so has the LORD commanded us. For HE said of the Son, ‘I have made you a light for the nations, that you may bring salvation to the ends of earth.’”

     48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying in the message of the LORD, and those appointed [tassó - drawn up in order, arranged, appointed] {assigned the (early) role of} enduring life, believed.

     49 The message of the LORD was spreading throughout the whole region. 50 But the leaders - incited - the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the (non-Jewish) city. And stirred up a persecution [diógmos - literally - the hunt to bring someone down, trying to suppress and punish their convictions; hostility] against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district. 51 So they shook the dust of that city from off their feet and went on to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God).

Next - 14:1-28

JOHN 12 20-36

 a paraphrased ‘enter the story’

 🍃🕊️reading & study 🕊️🍃

     05/06 - GospeL Verses 

20 - Now, there were among those who went up to worship at the feast, some Greeks (gentiles/not Hebrew) 21 who came to Philip, he being from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew, and then they went and told Jesus. 23 And Jesus said, “The hour” (marked by gentiles seeking him) “has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 For truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the earth and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it will bear much fruit. 25 Whoever loves their life loses it, and whoever hates [miseó - hates, loves less] their life of this world, will keep it for enduring life. 26 If anyone serves me, they will follow me. And where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor them.

     27 “Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name.” Then a voice came from heaven, saying, “I have glorified it. And I will glorify it again.”

     29 The crowd that was standing there and heard it said, “It thundered.” Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.” 30 Jesus said, “This voice has come for your sake, not mine. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now will the ruler of this world be cast out.” (By this.) 32 “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all to me.” 33 He said this to show by what kind of death he was going to die.

     34 So the crowd answered him, “We have heard from the Law that the Christ remains forever. How can you say the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Jesus answered, “The light is among you for a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come upon you. The one who walks in darkness doesn’t know where they are going. 36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light.”

When Jesus had said these things, he left the temple and withdrew himself from the people. (His public teaching, during this first brief advent, is over.)

                   ~ * ~

🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, usually from biblehub dot com - peering through translator partial unbelief; cross references, etc.

      {  } - thots

Tomorrows verses - Matthew 26:1-13

My own studies, had to paraphrase to post..

Start the day with a Psalm (jan 1-20, feb-20’s, mar-30’s, apr-40’s, etc. dec-120-150).

WeekLy BooK oF Acts 11 1-30

 A paraphrased study

1 - The apostles and brothers who were throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcision party (Hebrew believers) criticized him, saying, 3 “You went to the uncircumcised and ate with them!” [Israel was strictly separated from others, in order to birth Messiah, the “savior of the world” into a comparatively prepared nation.] 4 But Peter began to explain to them what had happened, 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance [ekstasis - a displacement of the mind, state of ecstasy] and I saw a vision. There was something like a great sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners. It came down to me 6 and looking at it closely, I saw animals and beasts of prey, reptiles and birds of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter, kill and eat.’ 8 But I said, ‘By no means, Lord! For nothing common or unclean has ever entered my mouth!’ 9 But the voice answered a second time from above saying, ‘What God has made clean, do not call common.’ 10 And this happened three times. And then “all” [hápas - from háma - all together, and pás - each, every – thus each and every one as a comprehensive unit] was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And look! At that very moment three men arrived at the house, who were sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them. And to ask no questions and make no distinction. These six brothers as well, accompanied me, and we entered the man's house. 13 And he told us how he had seen the angel coming into his house and the angel said, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will declare to you a message by which you will be saved, you and all your household.’ [This was now the “good news for all” beginning to earnestly go out to the nations, called gentiles/non-hebrew.] 15 And even as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit(/Presence of God) fell upon them. Just as it had upon us at the beginning [Acts 2]. 16 And I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 So then, if God gave the same gift to them, as he gave to us - when we believed in the Lord Jesus - who was I that I should stand in God's way?!” [An answer to the I.O./Israel only doctrine.] 18 When the brothers heard these things they fell silent, and they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also, God has granted repentance that leads to Life.”

     19 Now in those days, those who were scattered because of the persecution that had risen after Stephen’s stoning, had traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the message to no one except to Jews/Hebrews. 20 But there were some, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who upon coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists (Greeks) also, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, so they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

     23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he was happy, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose. 24 For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord. 25 So Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul/Paul. 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church (the believers) and taught a great many people. And it was in Antioch that the followers [mathétés - learners, disciples, pupils] were first called Christians.

     27 It was at about this time, that prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the civilized world (and the famine took place in the days of Claudius). 29 So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the believers living in Judea. 30 And they did so, sending it to the elders there by the hand of Barnabas and Saul.

 🗝️ [  ] - word/language insights, facts, cross references, etc.

      (  ) - thots

List of Rules or "The Way is Easy"

The Jerusalem Council "and the Holy Ghost" decided gentiles/non-Hebrews did not need to follow all the Law/s of Moses in order to be accepted and acceptable - the moral laws.. of course! But there were also civil laws and dietary laws included in the laws given for Israel in order to prepare a place for Messiah -- it says in the New Testament, God knew man cannot follow the standards of perfection, not now. And trying to, ties one up in knots.. sooner or later. (These days meats are given lots of antibiotics so not everyone needs to choose to have dietary rules. Others do, but both are clearly told not to judge each other concerning such things.)
- Romans 14, Hebrews, Colossians 2:16,17 and Hebrews 4:1