Friendly Bible Study - participants must agree to Nicene Creed.

[Carl Emerson]

"God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son,"

Historical Context: The author of Hebrews contrasts the ways God communicated in the past—primarily through the prophets—with how He communicates in the present, through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Progressive Revelation: The phrase "in these last days" refers to the time of fulfillment and culmination of God's redemptive plan through Christ. This period is considered the "last days" in biblical theology, beginning with the incarnation of Jesus Christ and extending through His resurrection and ascension.



Supremacy of Christ: The statement emphasizes the unique and authoritative role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate revelation of God to humanity. Unlike the prophets who served as intermediaries, Jesus is portrayed as the direct and perfect expression of God's will and nature.


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1:1 "God, after He spoke" "God" is not first (fronted) in the Greek sentence; therefore, this text is not emphasizing the doctrine of revelation, but the manner of revelation in the past (aorist active participle).

"in the prophets" The Jews believed that prophets wrote Scripture. This is why Moses was considered a prophet (cf. Deut. 18:15) and why the Jews labeled the historical books of Joshua through Kings as the "former prophets." Therefore, this phrase does not refer to the OT prophets only, but to all the OT writers.

The phrase "in (en) the prophets" (v.1) is parallel to "in (en) His son" (v.2). There is an obvious contrast between the two means of revelation. One was a servant and one is a family member. The first was only partial but the second is full and complete (cf. Col. 1:15-17).

NASB"in many portions and in many ways"
NKJV"at various times and in different ways"
NRSV"in many and various ways"
TEV"many times and in many ways"
NJB"at many moments in the past and by many means"

The OT revelation was piece-meal in form and content. This phrase is placed first (fronted) in the Greek text of Heb. 1:1 to show the author's emphasis. Each OT writer had an important, but partial, message.

God revealed Himself:

1. to Moses in a burning bush

2. to the High Priest by the Urim and Thummim

3. to Elijah in a still, small voice

4. to Ezekiel in a vision

5. to Hosea through a bad marriage

6. to Jonah through a fish



1:2 "in these last days" This period of time goes by several names.

1. end of the days, Num. 24:14; Deut. 8:16; Dan. 2:28; 10:14

2. in the last days, Jer. 23:20; 30:24; 49:39; Ezek. 38:8,16; Hos. 3:5; Joel 2:28 (Acts 2:17); John 6:39,40,44,54; 11:24; 12:48; 2 Tim. 3:1; James 5:3

3. in the Last Time, 1 Pet. 1:5

4. at the end of the times, 1 Pet. 1:20

5. during the last of the days, 2 Pet. 3:3

6. the last hour, 1 John 2:18

At the end of the last days is the "day of the Lord" (i.e., "the consummation," Matt. 13:39,40; 24:3; 28:20; Heb. 9:26).

The Jews of the interbiblical period saw two ages: the current evil age of rebellion and sin (starting at Genesis 3) and the coming age of righteousness inaugurated by the coming of the Messiah in the power of the Spirit. The OT emphasizes the coming of the Messiah in judgment and power to establish the new age. However, it failed to see clearly the first coming of Jesus as (1) the "Suffering Servant" in Isaiah 53; (2) the humble One riding the colt of a donkey in Zech. 9:9; and (3) the pierced One of Zech. 12:10. From NT progressive revelation we know that God planned two comings of the Messiah. The period between the Incarnation (the first coming) and the second coming involves the overlapping of the two Jewish ages. This is designated in the NT by the phrase "last days." We have been in this period for over 2000 years.
Utley.

Johann,

Welcome aboard our Friendly Bible Study.

We have created a safe space and have two conditions for participants.

First to agree with the Nicene Creed and second to refrain from debating the trinity.

We have also shared our testimonies so I encourage you to do this.

We want to make sure that all are heard with respect.

We are working through the first 5 chapters of Acts and I will introduce each study.

The idea is to glean from the inspiration of others and not 'push' a theology.

You might read the studies so far to get a feel for where we are coming from.

 

[Johann]

Johann,

Welcome aboard our Friendly Bible Study.

We have created a safe space and have two conditions for participants.

First to agree with the Nicene Creed and second to refrain from debating the trinity.

We have also shared our testimonies so I encourage you to do this.

We want to make sure that all are heard with respect.

We are working through the first 5 chapters of Acts and I will introduce each study.

The idea is to glean from the inspiration of others and not 'push' a theology.

You might read the studies so far to get a feel for where we are coming from.

No worries--I'm out of here.

 

[Carl Emerson]

OK - next study - Acts 4.

Please have a read and a pray...

Please hold fire with responses until I introduce next week.

Thanks for your participation.

 

[Hillsage]

If you look at all of Joel 2 the context is very much greater than the idea of just the "body" of Israel during that period of Acts.

Before I decide which "body" is being spoken of in the "Joel 2 context", we ALL need to know that on these forums we have a common problem. The 'LENSES' we are all 'indoctrinated by man 'to see with, is a problem and I include myself.
I appear to be fairly alone IMO so far, based upon my reading of 'responses' not being addressed to me, but talking about my POV., I think? So I do thank you for your direct post atScottA. And if I'm reading 'between the lines' I feel we are maybe connected at a different POV than some/all others here.

You said it is talking about "Eden" and "Israel"????? And I agree. But those 'interpretations'

What is the significance of all this? IMO it is significantly confusing to those who are truly seeking to know THE TRUTH that only the Holy Spirit of the Triune God and the 'holy spirit of Christ Jesus' both know completely, and agree upon totally. Especially so when we are trying to apply an 'old age' (OT) word' with a 'present age' (NT) application.

It begins with "all the inhabitants of the land" and gives the context as beginning in "Eden." Even if one were not to make those connections, surely all who are born of the flesh were included within the loins of the one man Adam, while all who are born of the spirit of God are also included in the one man Christ Jesus. Indeed, there is a bigger picture not to be overlooked, and even elaborated upon in the scriptures in great detail.

And 'in' that "one man Christ Jesus" WE 'should be' the one temple, the one body, or the ONE CHURCH which Joel speaks of in this 'age of the Gentiles' context in Acts. A 'new age' which is celebrating the Pentecost of outpouring which is different than the creational age of "Eden" interpretation of Joel. As well as the Age of "the curse of the law." An 'age' which ended on the cross of Christ Jesus and not at Pentecost. And leaves us to NOW interpret JOEL through the spiritual eyes of the new age of the Gentiles which was ushered in the day Peter got a Holy Spirit interpretation of 'the day/age' they were celebrating in.

ACT 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

KJV HEB 1:1 God, who at sundry times (YLT AGES) and in divers manners spake in time past (YLT LAST DAYS) unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (AGES);

The EDEN and OT interpretations of Joel were over. And the new 'age of the Gentiles' was beginning (50 days earlier) while the law and the Jewish religion had been 'waxing old....to vanish'.

HEB 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.

Even so, and though it is unwise, men have a way of making little of the great things of God.

Don't know how to take this comment Scott. Are you thinking 'I am unwise' in my POV? Or I am "making little" of something that others here are more corporately right, and I am unwisely wrong? Just speak plainly and I will not be offended. But if, you want to elaborate to 'prove' how wrong I am, that might open a door for offense....just saying.

Hope this makes some sense, if not, sorry for your suffering through.....if you did.

 

[ScottA]

Before I decide which "body" is being spoken of in the "Joel 2 context", we ALL need to know that on these forums we have a common problem. The 'LENSES' we are all 'indoctrinated by man 'to see with, is a problem and I include myself.
I appear to be fairly alone IMO so far, based upon my reading of 'responses' not being addressed to me, but talking about my POV., I think? So I do thank you for your direct post atScottA. And if I'm reading 'between the lines' I feel we are maybe connected at a different POV than some/all others here.

You said it is talking about "Eden" and "Israel"????? And I agree. But those 'interpretations'

What is the significance of all this? IMO it is significantly confusing to those who are truly seeking to know THE TRUTH that only the Holy Spirit of the Triune God and the 'holy spirit of Christ Jesus' both know completely, and agree upon totally. Especially so when we are trying to apply an 'old age' (OT) word' with a 'present age' (NT) application.


And 'in' that "one man Christ Jesus" WE 'should be' the one temple, the one body, or the ONE CHURCH which Joel speaks of in this 'age of the Gentiles' context in Acts. A 'new age' which is celebrating the Pentecost of outpouring which is different than the creational age of "Eden" interpretation of Joel. As well as the Age of "the curse of the law." An 'age' which ended on the cross of Christ Jesus and not at Pentecost. And leaves us to NOW interpret JOEL through the spiritual eyes of the new age of the Gentiles which was ushered in the day Peter got a Holy Spirit interpretation of 'the day/age' they were celebrating in.

ACT 2:16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:

KJV HEB 1:1 God, who at sundry times (YLT AGES) and in divers manners spake in time past (YLT LAST DAYS) unto the fathers by the prophets, 2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds (AGES);

The EDEN and OT interpretations of Joel were over. And the new 'age of the Gentiles' was beginning (50 days earlier) while the law and the Jewish religion had been 'waxing old....to vanish'.

HEB 8:13 In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.


Don't know how to take this comment Scott. Are you thinking 'I am unwise' in my POV? Or I am "making little" of something that others here are more corporately right, and I am unwisely wrong? Just speak plainly and I will not be offended. But if, you want to elaborate to 'prove' how wrong I am, that might open a door for offense....just saying.

Hope this makes some sense, if not, sorry for your suffering through.....if you did.

Whether it was you or others or Rick Joyner in his book, I was referring to the tenancy that many have of looking only at the immediate or local occurrence (Act) or context of events relayed by God who did indeed speak into their lives historically, but has also spoke into the lives of all, for the words are eternal.

Thus, the day of Pentecost has its Act known to the apostles and those looking on of that time, but indeed has its origins with the prophets revealed to all and for all. My point was that its origins went back even to the beginning. Which is to say, much as Christ both ascended and descended to include all the dead as well as the living in His local and immediate Act of salvation, Pentecost is to be understood in that greater context also, for salvation comes by the spirit of God.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Sorry folks I got you to read Acts 4 but somehow skipped Acts 3.

Let's read Acts 3 and Acts 4 as they pretty much go together.

Here we see the Good News being boldly proclaimed along with the Holy Spirit confirming the Truth with the miraculous.

This is the great commission in action as it should be - Love, Truth and Power manifesting together, heralding His message and reign.

The object of the Great Commission was to call the unsaved to repentance. Not a popular message today, but then again most Church leaders focus on building a congregation so the call to repentance is not seen as the appropriate 'welcome message'.

Now the Spiritual leaders of the day were faced with the impossible task of closing the newborn Church down to save face and take back control of all things 'spiritual'.

So their first move was to apprehend the preachers and have them imprisoned. Those who heard the message and became believers numbered about 5000 in a few days, so they had a problem on their hands. What disturbed them the most was preaching that death no longer reigns.

Under public pressure disciples were released under the demand that they ceased to preach in the Name of Jesus, however this was never going to happen.

Returning to the fellowship, they prayed this beautiful prayer...

23 And being let go, they went to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said unto them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is: 25 who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ. 27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, 28 for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word, 30 by stretching forth thine hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of thy holy child Jesus.

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

This is one of my most favourite Scriptures - three things combine - Truth, Love and Power.

Truth - Death is defeated, the resurrection is preached.

Love - Community formed and even the least were cared for.

Power - His hand extends to confirm the Word preached in public.

There is a fourth component - Unity...

This is a rare occurrence - the least are heard, the various parts of the Body of Christ combine to great effect. Jesus reigns over the fleshly demands of man. The will of the Father is manifest among them.

The question that burns from this passage is this.

Was this meant to be a one off occurrence?

Can we again return to First Love.

We see in Revelation a call to return to this First Love, indicating that this wonderful state of being the expresson of the Body of Christ was lost as the Church 'developed'.

Prejudice and division crept in.

The light of Jesus dimmed.

In the light of this passage the attempts to fabricate this First Love are evident in modern Christianity through the Chrurch Growth Movement but the place of community in the mix is noticeably absent - numbers increase, the budget is high, but where is Jesus who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey - where is Peter and John who had no silver or gold.

The poor are humiliated by the carpark before they reach the door.

Professional Christians take the stage - and Jesus weeps.

Nothing less than the reviving Breath of God can change our course and bring us back to His Love.

We tasted this in the 70's a house was sold and given to a poor couple, a 'Noname' in the church knocks on the Pastor's door in the early hours and washes his feet and the eldership come to repentance. The Love and Authority of God was manifest in our midst. Community formed, folks would cook for more, not knowing who Jesus would bring for dinner.

Yes we can return to this first Love, but there is a cost and for most the price is too high.

Breathe again Spirit of God and bring us back to your Father heart.

 

[Carl Emerson]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina

Hello Friends,

Last post #486 was my intro to Acts 3 and 4 combined.

As I got no feedback I wonder if folks got notification about it.

Please feedback I really need this to stay on the right track.

Acts 3 and 4 are very important and I welcome your participation.

 

[Brakelite]

2 answers. Prayer. Jesus.
"If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then from heaven will I hear, forgive them of their sin, and heal their land".
When His people reflect His character, He will come back. But there is a limit to His forbearance. There is a set time for the wicked to continue in their evil, the earth is becoming overburdened with sin. So overburdened, in time it will threaten the existence even of God's people. When we pray and repent fully and allow Jesus to reign in our hearts and lives, the later rain will come, and be greater even than the former which is described in Acts.
Sadly, Christians are too busy fighting against the canal flesh of unbelievers, trying to establish God's kingdom on earth through government, forgetting that judgement begins in the house of God, and God's kingdom is not without, but within.

 

[Johann]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina

Hello Friends,

Last post #486 was my intro to Acts 3 and 4 combined.

As I got no feedback I wonder if folks got notification about it.

Please feedback I really need this to stay on the right track.

Acts 3 and 4 are very important and I welcome your participation.

This scenario would be ideal for platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Instagram, where people consume bite-sized pieces of content on the go. However, it doesn't fit here. Too many wandering stars.

Just my 2 cents.
J.

 

[Carl Emerson]

This scenario would be ideal for platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, or Instagram, where people consume bite-sized pieces of content on the go. However, it doesn't fit here. Too many wandering stars.

Just my 2 cents.
J.

Interesting comment - what do others think...

 

[Carl Emerson]

2 answers. Prayer. Jesus.
"If My people, who are called by My name, humble themselves and pray, seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then from heaven will I hear, forgive them of their sin, and heal their land".
When His people reflect His character, He will come back. But there is a limit to His forbearance. There is a set time for the wicked to continue in their evil, the earth is becoming overburdened with sin. So overburdened, in time it will threaten the existence even of God's people. When we pray and repent fully and allow Jesus to reign in our hearts and lives, the later rain will come, and be greater even than the former which is described in Acts.
Sadly, Christians are too busy fighting against the canal flesh of unbelievers, trying to establish God's kingdom on earth through government, forgetting that judgement begins in the house of God, and God's kingdom is not without, but within.

What questions are you responding to ???

 

[Johann]

What questions are you responding to ???

See what I mean brother @Carl Emerson?

 

[Pearl]

@Brakelite @amadeus @Azim @Pearl @Rita @Ritajanice @APAK @MA2444 @faithfulness @GTW27 @Berean @rockytopva @quietthinker @ScottA @marks @grace @Oneoff @Hillsage @VictoryinJesus @Angelina

Hello Friends,

Last post #486 was my intro to Acts 3 and 4 combined.

As I got no feedback I wonder if folks got notification about it.

Please feedback I really need this to stay on the right track.

Acts 3 and 4 are very important and I welcome your participation.

Hi Carl, I've not been following for a while. I don't spend much time online and find when I do come to the forum I've missed too much to keep up. So I'm sorry about that.

 

[Brakelite]

What questions are you responding to ???

Was this meant to be a one off occurrence?

No. For a repeat the church needs prayer, and Jesus.

 

[amadeus]

"Yes we can return to this first Love, but there is a cost and for most the cost is too high."
@Carl Emerson

First consider what Love is...

1co 13:4

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

1co 13:5

does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

1co 13:6

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

1co 13:7

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Then again what is even the minimal cost?

Ro 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Is anyone going beyond "reasonable service"?
Could it be this?

Mt 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.4

Mt 19:21

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Who is able to do this seemingly impossible thing?

Mr 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

And then...

Col 1:27

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

 

[Carl Emerson]

See what I mean brother @Carl Emerson?

Yes I do, but we are approaching bible study here as a joint effort and give room for 'the least' to be heard.

There are several members among us who have mined the Word and have really good Truths to bring.

This is a matter of sharing around the Word rather than adopting the 'lecture format'.

By fostering family among us the members gifted in teaching will shine and the usual 'mind slamming' competitive dialogue among members strongly pushing second hand opinions so common on forums is avoided.

 

[Carl Emerson]

No. For a repeat the church needs prayer, and Jesus.

OK got it - of course this is correct - right on the button.

 

[Carl Emerson]

"Yes we can return to this first Love, but there is a cost and for most the cost is too high."
@Carl Emerson

First consider what Love is...

1co 13:4

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

1co 13:5

does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;

1co 13:6

does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

1co 13:7

bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Then again what is even the minimal cost?

Ro 12:1

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

Is anyone going beyond "reasonable service"?
Could it be this?

Mt 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.4

Mt 19:21

Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Who is able to do this seemingly impossible thing?

Mr 10:27

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.

And then...

Col 1:27

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

Yes - right there we touch on the nub of the issue.

There is a whole dimension of life missed by failing to be as a little child - approaching life and service in simple trust, following the voice of Jesus within and knowing that the father will watch over your journey and keep you from falling.

Thank you.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Hi Carl, I've not been following for a while. I don't spend much time online and find when I do come to the forum I've missed too much to keep up. So I'm sorry about that.

No problem - my life has been pretty full on and it looks like I will do a study about every two weeks.

Just enjoy what you can, your participation is appreciated at what level you can manage.

 

[Rita]

I don‘t always feel that my words are relevant in the study , not when it’s just a few people responding and those who do respond often say things that go way over my head.
Anyway as I read acts 3-4 this morning a phrase came to mind ‘ Honeymoon period ‘ as that’s what these chapters relay, they are all together doing the right thing ect
I find it interesting that they are still conforming to the time frames at the temple, was that prompting by the Spirit or just something they still did and God chose to use the moment.
We know that things change, and Jesus had foretold them that it would.
On a human level I wonder if they remembered that in the midst of these early events. On a human level, do we ?
From their prospective it must have seemed as if nothing bad came from them being imprisoned , victory and positives. They must have felt they were on that spiritual mountain ( as opposed to the valley experience ) ………
Peoples reactions and focus ( whether that be the religious leaders or from some within the group ) would influence the direction and experience of the group.

I Wonder what our reactions and focus are as we live out our lives and I wonder if we ever consider the contributing factor we have on others and the overall direction that Gods people go in, within this story there are two groups of Gods people- both coming under the influence of the Holy Spirit ( with speaking and hearing )